Stress in dogs during grooming in a pet shop

The objective was to study the stress level in dogs during grooming services in a pet shop. A total of 55 grooming services carried out in a pet shop in the city of Janaúba, MG, were evaluated and divided into four categories according to sex and body weight. The flowchart of the grooming process contained six steps that began with the transportation of dogs to the pet shop and finished with their return to the place of origin. Behavioral, physiological, and blood component evaluations were performed at different steps of the process. Changes in dog behavior and physiological parameters were observed primarily upon arrival at the pet shop and during drying. Employee characteristics also influenced dogs' behaviors. However, dogs were able to thermoregulate and maintain the homeostasis of leukocytes, glucose and cortisol in the blood.(AU)

Avaliações genéticas para altura de cernelha e funcionalidade da marcha em equinos da raça Campolina / Genetic evaluations for withers height and gait functionality in Campolina horses

As avaliações genéticas permitem compreender a evolução da raça e a importância dos componentes genéticos sobre a variação fenotípica das características de interesse de produção em animais. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, estimar a tendência genética, a herdabilidade e a correlação genética para altura de cernelha e funcionalidade da marcha em equinos brasileiros da raça Campolina. A Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Cavalo Campolina disponibilizou 107.630 dados de animais registrados desde 1951 até julho de 2016. As avaliações genéticas foram obtidas por modelo animal uni-característico, para altura de cernelha, com dados de 11.765 indivíduos, e bi-característico, para os atributos de qualidade de marcha, que são: comodidade, desenvolvimento, dissociação, estilo e regularidade, pertencentes a 2.148, 2.148, 2.145, 2.125 e 2.148 equinos, respectivamente. Incremento genético de 3,88cm foi observado para altura de cernelha ao longo dos anos, sugerindo a eficiência de seleção para porte elevado no Campolina. Não foi verificada evolução genética nos atributos de marcha, podendo indicar necessidade de melhoria nos processos de avaliação e seleção dos animais para maior comodidade e desenvoltura desse andamento. Verificou-se herdabilidade igual a 0,37 para altura de cernelha e 0,77 para dissociação, além de herdabilidades de comodidade, desenvolvimento, estilo e regularidade iguais a 0,15, 0,23, 0,22 e 0,28. Os resultados indicam que essas características podem ser utilizadas como critério de seleção para melhor qualidade de marcha. As correlações genéticas verificadas entre a medida linear e todos os atributos de marcha foram de baixa magnitude, variando entre -0,01 e 0,05. Desta forma, é sugerido que a seleção para altura na cernelha exerce baixa influência sobre os ganhos genéticos em atributos de marcha.

Genetic evaluations allow to describe the genetic evolution of a breed and to understand the importance of the genetic variability on the phenotypic variance of a production interesting trait. This study aimed to estimate genetic tendency, heritability and genetic correlation for withers height and gait functionality traits in Brazilian Campolina horses. The Brazilian Association of Campolina Horse Breeders provided 107,630 records from registered animals born from 1951 until July 2016. Genetic evaluations were obtained by uni-trait animal model, for withers height using data from 11,765 individuals, and bi-trait models for attributes of gait quality: comfort, reach, dissociation, style and regularity, belonging to 2,148, 2,148, 2,145, 2,125 and 2,148 horses, respectively. A genetic increase of 3.88cm was observed for withers height over the years, suggesting the efficiency of selection for high height in Campolina. There was no genetic evolution in the gait attributes, which may indicate the need for improvement in the evaluation and selection processes of the animals for greater comfort and range of their gait. Heritability equal to 0.37 and 0.77 was observed for withers height and dissociation. Comfort, reach, style and regularity showed heritabilities of 0.15; 0.23; 0.22 and 0.28, respectively. The results indicate that these characteristics can be used as selection criteria for better gait quality. The genetic correlations observed between the linear measurement and all gait attributes were low varying between -0.01 and 0.05. Therefore, the selection for withers height would have little influence on the genetic gains in gait attributes.

Fisiologia e fatores interferentes na reprodução de éguas / Physiology and interfering factors in mare reproduction

A reprodução é necessária para produção de descendentes e permite continuidade das espécies. Nos equinos a estação reprodutiva ocorre em épocas de maior luminosidade, pois são caracterizados como poliéstricos estacionais, ou seja, as éguas possuem atividade ovulatória em determinados períodos do ano. Desta forma, fatores interferentes na reprodução devem ser evitados, além de ser necessário o estudo da fisiologia e particularidades da espécie, a fim de aumentar a viabilidade reprodutiva dos equinos. Diante disso, objetivou-se com esta revisão compilar aspectos relacionados à fisiologia do ciclo estral, gestação e parto, assim como, explanar alguns dos principais fatores interferentes no contexto da involução uterina e ciclicidade pós-parto em éguas. No intuito de reduzir ou eliminar os problemas reprodutivos nas éguas.(AU)

Reproduction is necessary for the production of offspring and allows for the continuity of species. In equines the reproductive season occurs in times of greater luminosity, since they are characterized as seasonal polyester, that is, mares have ovulatory activity at certain periods of the year. In this way, interfering factors in the reproduction should be avoided, in addition to the study of the physiology and particularities of the species, in order to increase the reproductive viability of the horses. The objective of this review was to compile aspects related to the physiology of the estrous cycle, gestation and delivery, as well as to explain some of the main interfering factors in the context of uterine involution and postpartum cyclicity in mares. In order to reduce or eliminate reproductive problems in mares.(AU)

Blood parameters and hepatic histopathology of broilers fed rations supplemented with essential oils

This study aimed to evaluate the hematological profile, hepatic function, and histopathology of mixed-sex broilers fed rations supplemented with microencapsulated essential oils from Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemon grass) and Lippia rotundifolia (chá-de-pedestre). One hundred and fifty Cobb chicks were housed in cages from 1 to 42 days of age in a completely randomized design, with six replicates with five chickens in each of five treatments (150 total chicks): basal diet without antibiotic growth promoter (negative control), diet with enramicina and salinomycin (positive control), diet with lemon grass essential oil, diet with L. rotundifolia essential oil, and diet with a mixture of lemon grass and L. rotundifolia essential oils. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were significantly lower in untreated broilers (negative control group). Gender was not associated with erythrogram values, but aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) was higher in females. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was higher in chicks in the group that received rations with lemon grass oil. Broilers that received L. rotundifolia oil developed more hepatic lesions, although no effect of sex was observed related to the lesion score. Biliary hyperplasia and fibroplasias were observed in all groups, with higher histopathology scores in broilers that received diets containing L. rotundifolia oil. Mixed-sex broilers fed rations supplemented with lemon grass and L. rotundifolia essential oils have normal complete blood counts and unspecific hepatic lesions and are characterized by lipidosis, hyperplasia of the bile ducts, and fibroplasia.(AU)

Fisiologia e fatores interferentes na reprodução de éguas / Physiology and interfering factors in mare reproduction

A reprodução é necessária para produção de descendentes e permite continuidade das espécies. Nos equinos a estação reprodutiva ocorre em épocas de maior luminosidade, pois são caracterizados como poliéstricos estacionais, ou seja, as éguas possuem atividade ovulatória em determinados períodos do ano. Desta forma, fatores interferentes na reprodução devem ser evitados, além de ser necessário o estudo da fisiologia e particularidades da espécie, a fim de aumentar a viabilidade reprodutiva dos equinos. Diante disso, objetivou-se com esta revisão compilar aspectos relacionados à fisiologia do ciclo estral, gestação e parto, assim como, explanar alguns dos principais fatores interferentes no contexto da involução uterina e ciclicidade pós-parto em éguas. No intuito de reduzir ou eliminar os problemas reprodutivos nas éguas.

Reproduction is necessary for the production of offspring and allows for the continuity of species. In equines the reproductive season occurs in times of greater luminosity, since they are characterized as seasonal polyester, that is, mares have ovulatory activity at certain periods of the year. In this way, interfering factors in the reproduction should be avoided, in addition to the study of the physiology and particularities of the species, in order to increase the reproductive viability of the horses. The objective of this review was to compile aspects related to the physiology of the estrous cycle, gestation and delivery, as well as to explain some of the main interfering factors in the context of uterine involution and postpartum cyclicity in mares. In order to reduce or eliminate reproductive problems in mares.

Control of Haemonchus contortus in sheep using basidiocarps of Agaricus blazei Murril.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects in vitro and in vivo of Agaricus blazei against Haemonchus contortus in sheep. METHODS: The in vitro efficacy of aqueous extract on egg hatching inhibition (EHI) was investigated and after 72 h incubation with varying concentrations the effects on, blastomeres, embryonated eggs, and first stage larvae (L1) were evaluated. Larval development inhibition (LDI) for dry powder and the aqueous extract were evaluated in fecal cultures of sheep infected with H. contortus. In vivo efficacy was determined by reduction in fecal egg count (FEC). Lambs were treated with powder A. blazei (11.4 g/kg pc) or trichlorfon, or were untreated and the possible toxicity of this fungus was monitored by plasmatic enzyme analysis. RESULTS: Concentrations equal to and higher than 3.62 mg/mL and of aqueous extract were 100% effective in the EHI test. In the LDI test, LC90 was estimated for 5.66 and 106.0 mg/g fecal culture for aqueous extract and powder, respectively. The mean FEC in lambs 14 days post-treatment with A. blazei powder was significantly lower than observed for the negative control, and the serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were normal. CONCLUSION: The fungi supplementation promotes, respectively, high and moderate anthelmintic efficacy with in vitro and in vivo tests, respectively, suggesting it as an alternative or complementary treatment for haemonchosis in sheep.

Blood parameters of sheep with high infection of Haemonchus contortus and treated with mushroom of the sun (Agaricus blazei) / Parâmetros sanguíneos de ovinos com alta infecção por Haemonchus contortus e tratados com cogumelo do sol (Agaricus blazei)

Blood and parasitological parameters of sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and treated with “mushroom of the sun” (Agaricus blazei) were assessed. Lambs infected with the nematode were divided into three groups: treated with basidiocarp powder from the fungus, wormed with trichlorfon, and a control group that did not receive anthelmintic. Split-plot design analysis was performed where the treatments were defined as plots and four periods of collection were defined as subplots. Interaction between the treatments and the collection periods for the fecal egg counts per gram of feces (FEC) was observed. Treatment with “mushroom of the sun” showed anthelmintic efficacies ranging from 28.6 to 54.2%. Similar performances to weight gain were observed among the groups. A significant interaction between treatments and evaluation periods was observed for erythrocyte counts, hematocrit value, and serum concentrations of albumin and urea. The values of the mean corpuscular volume, erythrocyte distribution width, and leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts, as well as the mean platelet volume, varied among the collection days. The administration of “mushroom of the sun” significantly reduced the FEC, did not influence on the erythrocyte count and hematocrit value, which remained within normal limits. However it increased the serum concentrations of albumin.(AU)

Avaliou-se os parâmetros sanguíneos e parasitológicos de ovinos infectados experimentalmente com Haemonchus contortus e tratados com “cogumelo do sol” (Agaricus blazei). Cordeiros infectados com o nematódeo foram distribuídos em três grupos: tratados com pó do basidiocarpo do fungo, vermifugados com triclorfon e grupo controle, que não recebeu anti-helmíntico. Utilizou-se delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, sendo os tratamentos as parcelas e quatro períodos de coletas, as subparcelas. Verificou-se interação dos tratamentos e dos períodos de coleta para o número de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG). O tratamento com “cogumelo do sol” apresentou eficácia anti-helmíntica variando de 28,6% a 54,2%, entretanto o desempenho foi semelhante entre os grupos. Verificou-se interação significativa dos tratamentos e os períodos avaliados para as contagens de eritrócitos, o valor do hematócrito e as concentrações séricas de albumina e ureia. Os valores do volume corpuscular médio, da amplitude de distribuição de eritrócitos, as contagens de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e eosinófilos, bem como o volume plaquetário médio variaram entre os dias de coleta. A administração do “cogumelo do sol” reduziu o OPG, não influenciou a contagem de eritrócitos e o valor do hematócrito, que estiveram dentro dos limites da normalidade, e aumentou significativamente as concentrações séricas de albumina.(AU)

Serum hepatic biochemistry and electrophoretic protein profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with extracts of Agaricus blazei Murill / Bioquímica hepática sérica e perfil proteico eletroforético de camundongos saudáveis ou portadores do tumor de Ehrlich tratados com frações de extratos de Agaricus blazei Murril

Compounds isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill represent a group of promising natural immunomodulators for use in the treatment of neoplasms. We have evaluated the serum biochemical profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with different extracts of A. blazei. Total, supernatant, and polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei were obtained from suspensions (at acidic or neutral pH) kept in a water bath at 60 °C or in an ultrasonic bath at 37 °C. After oral administering the extracts to mice for 21 days, blood samples were collected for determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), urea, total protein, albumin, globulins, and alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin fractions. The presence of the tumor led to a significant increase in serum CK and AST activities and in the concentrations of total globulin and the gamma-globulin fraction, and to a decrease in the albumin and alpha2-globulin levels. The polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei reduced the serum AST and ALT activities, probably due to a hepatoprotective effect. In addition, polysaccharide and supernatant extracts inhibited the tumor-induced increase in gamma-globulin levels. Thus, the supernatant and polysaccharide fractions of the extract of A. blazei have potential for use in complementary antineoplastic treatments.(AU)

Biocompostos de Agaricus blazei Murril representam imunomoduladores naturais promissores para uso no tratamento de neoplasias. Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil bioquímico hepático sérico camundongos saudáveis ou portadores do tumor de Ehrlich tratados com diferentes extratos de A. blazei. Em pH ácido ou neutro e sob temperatura de extração de 60 ºC em banho-maria ou 37 ºC em banho ultrassônico foram obtidos extratos totais, de sobrenadante e de polissacarídeos de A. blazei. Após administração oral dos tratamentos para camundongos por 21 dias foram realizadas coletas de sangue e determinadas as atividades de aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), creatina quinase (CK) e as concentrações de ureia, proteína total, albumina, globulinas e frações alfa, beta e gama-globulina. A presença do tumor de Ehrlich foi responsável por aumento significativo nas atividades séricas de AST e CK e das concentrações de globulinas totais e da fração gama-globulina, além de redução dos níveis de albumina e das alfa2-globulinas. Os extratos de polissacarídeos de A. blazei reduziram as atividades séricas de AST e ALT, provavelmente devido a um efeito hepatoprotetor. Além disto, extratos de polissacarídeos e sobrenadante inibiram o aumento das gama-globulinas induzido pelo tumor. Assim, as frações de polissacarídeos e sobrenadante do extrato de A. blazei apresentam bom potencial para uso complementar ao tratamento antineoplásico.(AU)

Effects of aqueous extracts of Caryocar brasiliense in mice / Efeitos de extratos aquosos de Caryocar brasiliense em camundongos

Background: Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (Caryocaraceae) is an arboreal plant native of Brasilian Cerrado and its fruit is an important source of food and income for the human population of this region. In addition to using as food, different parts of this tree have great medicinal potential as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihelmintic. However, the active metabolites those are likely to confer these pharmacological properties healing may also be toxic dependent upon the dose and route of administration. In this quest, the aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of aqueous extracts of fruit peels and leaves of C. brasiliense in mice of both genders. Materials, Methods & Results: The aqueous extracts were obtained by decoction, diluted in water and filtered through membrane. The toxicity of extract of fruit peels (62.5 at 500 mg/kg of body weight (BW) and leaf extract (18.75 mg/kg bw) were evaluated in males and females mice (Mus musculus) Swiss by intraperitoneal route. For 2 control groups were administered injection water. The clinical signs and deaths were recorded up to 14 days after administration. The lethal doses for 10 (LD10) or 50 (LD50) % of population were estimated with Probit regression analysis. The Chi-square test was used to analyze differences of mortality frequencies between males and females. The groups treated with the [...]

Effects of aqueous extracts of Caryocar brasiliense in mice / Efeitos de extratos aquosos de Caryocar brasiliense em camundongos

Background: Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (Caryocaraceae) is an arboreal plant native of Brasilian Cerrado and its fruit is an important source of food and income for the human population of this region. In addition to using as food, different parts of this tree have great medicinal potential as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihelmintic. However, the active metabolites those are likely to confer these pharmacological properties healing may also be toxic dependent upon the dose and route of administration. In this quest, the aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of aqueous extracts of fruit peels and leaves of C. brasiliense in mice of both genders. Materials, Methods & Results: The aqueous extracts were obtained by decoction, diluted in water and filtered through membrane. The toxicity of extract of fruit peels (62.5 at 500 mg/kg of body weight (BW) and leaf extract (18.75 mg/kg bw) were evaluated in males and females mice (Mus musculus) Swiss by intraperitoneal route. For 2 control groups were administered injection water. The clinical signs and deaths were recorded up to 14 days after administration. The lethal doses for 10 (LD10) or 50 (LD50) % of population were estimated with Probit regression analysis. The Chi-square test was used to analyze differences of mortality frequencies between males and females. The groups treated with the [...](AU)

Physico-chemical and microbiological characterization of ruminal fluid from gastrointestinal contents of Holstein calves in artificial fed milk conventional or fractionated / Caracterização físico-química e microbiológica do fluido ruminal e do conteúdo gastrointestinal de bezerros holandeses em aleitamento artificial convencional ou fracionado

The fractional artificial feeding has allowed provide an adequate amount of milk to calves in the first weeks of life and restrict at weaning, stimulating growth and favoring better adaptation to diets with forage and concentrates. The aim was to evaluate the ruminal characteristics and gastrointestinal microbiota of dairy calves in different feeding systems. Holstein calves were evaluated in randomly assigned to feed milk conventional that consisted of four liters of milk daily for 60 days or fractionated systems, six liters of 6º to 25º, four liters of 26º to 45º and two liters of 46º to 60º days old. At an end of the experimental period, the animals were euthanized, and approximately 15 mL of rumen, abomasum and intestine contents were collected for physicochemical and microbiological analysis to detection of fungi, protozoa and Enterobacteriaceae. Feeding systems did not influence characteristics of color, odor and viscosity of rumen fluid. The analysis of pH and quantification of Enterobacteriaceae, mycelial fungi and yeast showed no significant difference between treatments at the different sites. The Escherichia and Proteus genus were the most frequent for the gastrointestinal tract for both feed system. However, E. coli was significantly more frequent among isolates from the rumen fluid of calves in conventional feeding, which could suggest an imbalance in this ecosystem. Thus the artificial fed milk systems influenced the genus profile of Enterobacteriacea in the rumen and small intestine of calves.(AU)

O aleitamento artificial fracionado tem permitido fornecer quantidade adequada de leite aos bezerros nas primeiras semanas de vida e restringir na desmama, estimulando o melhor crescimento e adaptação a dietas com volumosos e concentrados. Objetivou-se avaliar as características ruminais e a microbiota gastrointestinal de bezerros leiteiros em diferentes sistemas de aleitamento. Foram utilizados 12 bezerros Holandeses, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos. No aleitamento convencional, foram fornecidos quatro litros de leite diários; no fracionado, seis litros do 6º ao 25º dia, quatro litros do 26 ao 45 e dois litros por dia do 46 ao 60 dia. Ao final do período experimental, os animais foram eutanasiados e aproximadamente 15 mL dos conteúdos do rúmen, abomaso e intestino foram coletados para análises físicas, químicas e microbiológicas para detecção de Enterobacteriaceae, fungos e protozoários. Os sistemas de aleitamento não influenciaram nas características de cor, odor e viscosidade do líquido ruminal. O pH e a quantificação de protozoários, Enterobacteriaceae, fungos micelianos e leveduriformes não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, nos diferentes sítios avaliados. Os gêneros Escherichia e Proteus foram os mais frequentes entre as amostras dos conteúdos avaliados, para ambos os sistemas de aleitamento. Entretanto, E. coli foisignificativamente mais frequente entre os isolados provenientes do fluido ruminal de bezerros em aleitamentoconvencional, o que poderia sugerir um desequilíbrio nesse ecossistema. Dessa forma constatou-se que os sistemas de aleitamentos influenciaram o perfil de gêneros de Enterobacteriaceae no rúmen e intestinos dos bezerros.(AU)

Physico-chemical and microbiological characterization of ruminal fluid from gastrointestinal contents of Holstein calves in artificial fed milk conventional or fractionated / Caracterização físico-química e microbiológica do fluido ruminal e do conteúdo gastrointestinal de bezerros holandeses em aleitamento artificial convencional ou fracionado

The fractional artificial feeding has allowed provide an adequate amount of milk to calves in the first weeks of life and restrict at weaning, stimulating growth and favoring better adaptation to diets with forage and concentrates. The aim was to evaluate the ruminal characteristics and gastrointestinal microbiota of dairy calves in different feeding systems. Holstein calves were evaluated in randomly assigned to feed milk conventional that consisted of four liters of milk daily for 60 days or fractionated systems, six liters of 6º to 25º, four liters of 26º to 45º and two liters of 46º to 60º days old. At an end of the experimental period, the animals were euthanized, and approximately 15 mL of rumen, abomasum and intestine contents were collected for physicochemical and microbiological analysis to detection of fungi, protozoa and Enterobacteriaceae. Feeding systems did not influence characteristics of color, odor and viscosity of rumen fluid. The analysis of pH and quantification of Enterobacteriaceae, mycelial fungi and yeast showed no significant difference between treatments at the different sites. The Escherichia and Proteus genus were the most frequent for the gastrointestinal tract for both feed system. However, E. coli was significantly more frequent among isolates from the rumen fluid of calves in conventional feeding, which could suggest an imbalance in this ecosystem. Thus the artificial fed milk systems influenced the genus profile of Enterobacteriacea in the rumen and small intestine of calves.

O aleitamento artificial fracionado tem permitido fornecer quantidade adequada de leite aos bezerros nas primeiras semanas de vida e restringir na desmama, estimulando o melhor crescimento e adaptação a dietas com volumosos e concentrados. Objetivou-se avaliar as características ruminais e a microbiota gastrointestinal de bezerros leiteiros em diferentes sistemas de aleitamento. Foram utilizados 12 bezerros Holandeses, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos. No aleitamento convencional, foram fornecidos quatro litros de leite diários; no fracionado, seis litros do 6º ao 25º dia, quatro litros do 26 ao 45 e dois litros por dia do 46 ao 60 dia. Ao final do período experimental, os animais foram eutanasiados e aproximadamente 15 mL dos conteúdos do rúmen, abomaso e intestino foram coletados para análises físicas, químicas e microbiológicas para detecção de Enterobacteriaceae, fungos e protozoários. Os sistemas de aleitamento não influenciaram nas características de cor, odor e viscosidade do líquido ruminal. O pH e a quantificação de protozoários, Enterobacteriaceae, fungos micelianos e leveduriformes não apresentaram diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, nos diferentes sítios avaliados. Os gêneros Escherichia e Proteus foram os mais frequentes entre as amostras dos conteúdos avaliados, para ambos os sistemas de aleitamento. Entretanto, E. coli foisignificativamente mais frequente entre os isolados provenientes do fluido ruminal de bezerros em aleitamentoconvencional, o que poderia sugerir um desequilíbrio nesse ecossistema. Dessa forma constatou-se que os sistemas de aleitamentos influenciaram o perfil de gêneros de Enterobacteriaceae no rúmen e intestinos dos bezerros.

Serum hepatic biochemistry and electrophoretic protein profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with extracts of Agaricus blazei Murill / Bioquímica hepática sérica e perfil proteico eletroforético de camundongos saudáveis ou portadores do tumor de Ehrlich tratados com frações de extratos de Agaricus blazei Murril

Compounds isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill represent a group of promising natural immunomodulators for use in the treatment of neoplasms. We have evaluated the serum biochemical profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with different extracts of A. blazei. Total, supernatant, and polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei were obtained from suspensions (at acidic or neutral pH) kept in a water bath at 60 °C or in an ultrasonic bath at 37 °C. After oral administering the extracts to mice for 21 days, blood samples were collected for determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), urea, total protein, albumin, globulins, and alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin fractions. The presence of the tumor led to a significant increase in serum CK and AST activities and in the concentrations of total globulin and the gamma-globulin fraction, and to a decrease in the albumin and alpha2-globulin levels. The polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei reduced the serum AST and ALT activities, probably due to a hepatoprotective effect. In addition, polysaccharide and supernatant extracts inhibited the tumor-induced increase in gamma-globulin levels. Thus, the supernatant and polysaccharide fractions of the extract of A. blazei have potential for use in complementary antineoplastic treatments.

Biocompostos de Agaricus blazei Murril representam imunomoduladores naturais promissores para uso no tratamento de neoplasias. Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil bioquímico hepático sérico camundongos saudáveis ou portadores do tumor de Ehrlich tratados com diferentes extratos de A. blazei. Em pH ácido ou neutro e sob temperatura de extração de 60 ºC em banho-maria ou 37 ºC em banho ultrassônico foram obtidos extratos totais, de sobrenadante e de polissacarídeos de A. blazei. Após administração oral dos tratamentos para camundongos por 21 dias foram realizadas coletas de sangue e determinadas as atividades de aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), creatina quinase (CK) e as concentrações de ureia, proteína total, albumina, globulinas e frações alfa, beta e gama-globulina. A presença do tumor de Ehrlich foi responsável por aumento significativo nas atividades séricas de AST e CK e das concentrações de globulinas totais e da fração gama-globulina, além de redução dos níveis de albumina e das alfa2-globulinas. Os extratos de polissacarídeos de A. blazei reduziram as atividades séricas de AST e ALT, provavelmente devido a um efeito hepatoprotetor. Além disto, extratos de polissacarídeos e sobrenadante inibiram o aumento das gama-globulinas induzido pelo tumor. Assim, as frações de polissacarídeos e sobrenadante do extrato de A. blazei apresentam bom potencial para uso complementar ao tratamento antineoplásico.

Blood parameters of sheep with high infection of Haemonchus contortus and treated with mushroom of the sun (Agaricus blazei) / Parâmetros sanguíneos de ovinos com alta infecção por Haemonchus contortus e tratados com cogumelo do sol (Agaricus blazei)

Blood and parasitological parameters of sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and treated with “mushroom of the sun” (Agaricus blazei) were assessed. Lambs infected with the nematode were divided into three groups: treated with basidiocarp powder from the fungus, wormed with trichlorfon, and a control group that did not receive anthelmintic. Split-plot design analysis was performed where the treatments were defined as plots and four periods of collection were defined as subplots. Interaction between the treatments and the collection periods for the fecal egg counts per gram of feces (FEC) was observed. Treatment with “mushroom of the sun” showed anthelmintic efficacies ranging from 28.6 to 54.2%. Similar performances to weight gain were observed among the groups. A significant interaction between treatments and evaluation periods was observed for erythrocyte counts, hematocrit value, and serum concentrations of albumin and urea. The values of the mean corpuscular volume, erythrocyte distribution width, and leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts, as well as the mean platelet volume, varied among the collection days. The administration of “mushroom of the sun” significantly reduced the FEC, did not influence on the erythrocyte count and hematocrit value, which remained within normal limits. However it increased the serum concentrations of albumin.

Avaliou-se os parâmetros sanguíneos e parasitológicos de ovinos infectados experimentalmente com Haemonchus contortus e tratados com “cogumelo do sol” (Agaricus blazei). Cordeiros infectados com o nematódeo foram distribuídos em três grupos: tratados com pó do basidiocarpo do fungo, vermifugados com triclorfon e grupo controle, que não recebeu anti-helmíntico. Utilizou-se delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, sendo os tratamentos as parcelas e quatro períodos de coletas, as subparcelas. Verificou-se interação dos tratamentos e dos períodos de coleta para o número de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG). O tratamento com “cogumelo do sol” apresentou eficácia anti-helmíntica variando de 28,6% a 54,2%, entretanto o desempenho foi semelhante entre os grupos. Verificou-se interação significativa dos tratamentos e os períodos avaliados para as contagens de eritrócitos, o valor do hematócrito e as concentrações séricas de albumina e ureia. Os valores do volume corpuscular médio, da amplitude de distribuição de eritrócitos, as contagens de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e eosinófilos, bem como o volume plaquetário médio variaram entre os dias de coleta. A administração do “cogumelo do sol” reduziu o OPG, não influenciou a contagem de eritrócitos e o valor do hematócrito, que estiveram dentro dos limites da normalidade, e aumentou significativamente as concentrações séricas de albumina.

Diagnosis of the control and efficacy of acaricides to bovine tick in the semiarid of North of Minas Gerais / Diagnóstico do controle e eficácia de acaricidas para o carrapato bovino no Semiárido do Norte de Minas Gerais

Background: Among the major ectoparasites of farm animals, Rhipicephalus microplus is the largest negative impact onthe economy of dairy farms. The spread of this mite is higher in tropical countries such as Brazil, and in cattle with predominance of taurine. The use of acaricides is most effectively used in their control, however, inadequate management hascontributed to the selection of resistant populations to products available in the market. Little is known about the controland resistance to these products for cattle in semi-arid conditions. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the management practicesused to control in dairy herds in semiarid region of northern Minas Gerais, checking the sensitivity of R. microplus todifferent acaricides.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 62 properties located in nine municipalities in northern Minas Gerais were visited. Bocaiúva, Francisco Drumont, Francisco Sá, Icaraí de Minas, Juramento, Montes Claros, Pedras de Maria da Cruz,São Francisco and Varzelândia. The sensitivity of the ticks from cattle herds with high infestations was evaluated usingthe technique of biocarrapaticidograma. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to characterize breeding systems,racial composition of the flock, season of greatest infestation, active ingredients used in tick control, forms of applicationof acaricides and the general management of the farm. The predominant type of exploitation was the dairy cattle representing 67.7% of the farms. The extensive system was predominant (58.06%) and crossbred...(AU)

Diagnosis of the control and efficacy of acaricides to bovine tick in the semiarid of North of Minas Gerais / Diagnóstico do controle e eficácia de acaricidas para o carrapato bovino no Semiárido do Norte de Minas Gerais

Background: Among the major ectoparasites of farm animals, Rhipicephalus microplus is the largest negative impact onthe economy of dairy farms. The spread of this mite is higher in tropical countries such as Brazil, and in cattle with predominance of taurine. The use of acaricides is most effectively used in their control, however, inadequate management hascontributed to the selection of resistant populations to products available in the market. Little is known about the controland resistance to these products for cattle in semi-arid conditions. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the management practicesused to control in dairy herds in semiarid region of northern Minas Gerais, checking the sensitivity of R. microplus todifferent acaricides.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 62 properties located in nine municipalities in northern Minas Gerais were visited. Bocaiúva, Francisco Drumont, Francisco Sá, Icaraí de Minas, Juramento, Montes Claros, Pedras de Maria da Cruz,São Francisco and Varzelândia. The sensitivity of the ticks from cattle herds with high infestations was evaluated usingthe technique of biocarrapaticidograma. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to characterize breeding systems,racial composition of the flock, season of greatest infestation, active ingredients used in tick control, forms of applicationof acaricides and the general management of the farm. The predominant type of exploitation was the dairy cattle representing 67.7% of the farms. The extensive system was predominant (58.06%) and crossbred...

Comportamento de Andropogon gayanus cv. ‘planaltina’ e Panicum maximum cv. ‘tanzânia’ sob sombreamento / Performance of Andropogon gayanus and Panicum maximum cv. ‘Tanzania’ in the shading

A utilização de forrageiras tolerantes ao sombreamento é fundamental para a sustentabilidade da integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta. Estudou-se o comportamento do Panicum maximum cv. 'Tanzânia' e do Andropogon gayanus cv. 'Planaltina' sob diferentes níveis de sombreamentos e épocas de entrada sob a sombra. Utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial com dois tipos de sombreamento: 30% e 50%; três épocas de entrada na sombra após transplante (07, 14 e 21 dias); e uma testemunha, mantida a pleno sol. Mudas com 8 a 12cm de altura das duas espécies, pré-cultivadas em bandejas de isopor, foram transplantadas para vasos e mantidas nos respectivos ambientes sombreados ou a pleno sol por 90 dias, em livre crescimento. A época de entrada na sombra não interferiu na produtividade e nos teores de clorofila foliar das cultivares, assim como na composição bromatológica. As massas seca e fresca das cultivares 'Tanzânia' e 'Planaltina' foram superiores em ambientes sombreados, quando comparadas ao pleno sol. As duas forrageiras, quando sombreadas, incrementaram os teores de clorofila a, porém não se observou alteração para clorofila b. A adaptação positiva em ambientes sombreados das cultivares torna-se promissora em sistemas de integração silvipastoris.

The use of grasses tolerant to shade is essential to the sustainability of the Farming-Livestock-Forest Integration System. The performance of Panicum maximum cv. 'Tanzania' and Andropogon gayanus cv. 'Planaltina' under different levels of shading and times of entry under the shade were studied. We used designs in randomized blocks with four replications in a factorial scheme with two types of shading: 30% and 50%; three times of entry into the shade after transplantation (07, 14 and 21 days) and a witness, kept in full sun. Seedlings 8 to 12cm high of both species, pre-cultivated in styrofoam trays were transplanted to pots and maintained in their respective environments under the shade or full sun for 90 days in normal growth. The time of entry into the shade does not interfere with productivity and leaf chlorophyll content of cultivars, as well as in the bromatological composition. The fresh and dry matter of the cultivars of both 'Planaltina' and 'Tanzania' were higher in shaded environments rather than those in full sun. The two forage grasses when shaded increase the chlorophyll a content, but no change of chlorophyll b was thereof observed. The positive adaptation of cultivars in the shaded environments becomes promising in systems of integration of pastures with trees.

Effect of aqueous extracts of Baccharis trimera on development and hatching of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acaridae) eggs.

This study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC (Asteraceae), colloquially known as carqueja, on egg production, and hatching rate of larvae of Rhipicephalus microplus. Plant samples were collected in Montes Claros, north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Adult female ticks were distributed into 24 homogeneous groups of 10. The in vitro test was performed by immersing each group in 10 ml solutions of aqueous extracts at 50, 100, 150, or 200mg of fresh leaves ml(-1). These concentrations were compared with distilled water as negative control and a commercial product as positive control and the tests were repeated four times. The carqueja extract at concentrations of 150 and 200mg of fresh leaves ml(-1) showed 100% efficacy in inhibiting egg hatching and therefore could have potential as an acaricide.

Concomitant zearalenone ingestion and porcine circovirus-2 infection

Background: Researches have suggested that mycotoxins could corroborate the pathogenesis of porcine viral diseases. Zearalenone (ZEA), one of the most import mycotoxicosis in pigs result significant reproductive disorders. The circovirosis syndromes in pigs have been associated with multifactorial or predisposing conditions. No previous data have correlated ZEA with viral syndromes in Sus scrofa. In this report are described anamnesis, clinical and histological findings with zearalenone ingestion and PCV-2 infection in a Brazilian livestock. Case: Feeding ration was mixed and produced at the farm with low quality corn that was stored in barn with cement floor. During ten months, 28 farrowing occurred. Fifteen of them were normal and produced 145 animals, mean of 9.66 piglets per litter. Thirteen sows presented reproductive disorders, and one died. Eight of them had the delayed farrowing and three aborted. These animals produced 57 mummified fetuses (10-16cm crown-rump length), 23 aborted fetuses (60-72 days of gestation), four stillborn, two teratogenic fetuses and only 16 normal piglets. Skin pustules, hemorrhagic spots and petechiae, as well as coughing were observed in 88% of the animals and four piglets died. Diarrhea outbreaks frequently occurred in this period. Twenty five of 34 gilts (75%) showed longer estrous cycle, estrus returning, vulvae volume and mammary glands enlargement. Necropsies showed enlarged lymphatic nodes and kidneys. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis indicated the presence of Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) in analyzed tissues. Toxicological tests demonstrated the presence of zearalenone (ZEA) in stomach contents with average of 8.75 µg/g and pesticides and aflatoxins were not detected. Discussion: The history, the clinical signs, the necropsy and histological findings suggested a mix of zearalenone mycotoxicosis and PVC-2 syndrome that was confirmed by PVC-2 tissue detection in immunohistochemical assay, and by food toxicological analysis. The ZEA average founded in stomach contents (8.75 µg/g could produce the reproductive disorders and could has exacerbated the circovirosis. The most frequent reproductive alteration observed in the farrowing was mummified fetuses that corresponded 66.7% of its products. The several reproductive disorders as abortion, stillborn, mummified fetuses, estrus returning, vulvae volume and mammary glands enlargement in gilts are frequently related to zearalenone mycotoxicosis. Appetite loss, apathy, wasting, cough and diarrhea and increased mortality and withdrawal rate in growth and post-weaning phases observed in this study are liked as the several descriptions in the Post-Weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome. The hemorrhagic skin spots and increased kidneys, with multifocal glomerulonephritis, lymphohistiocytic interstitial nephritis to remember the several alterations in Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome. Both syndromes by PCV-2 could be simultaneity occurring in this herd and could have a co-participation of the ZEA ingestion as aggravated factor. After contaminated corn to sorghum free of ZEA exchange at ration, the reproduction returned to normal level and no PCV-2 lesions were observed, suggesting the ZEA ingestion as one initial or aggravating factor for the PCV-2 syndromes. For the first time, this report describes historical, anamnesis, clinical and histological findings possibly associated with zearalenone contamination and PCV-2 infection in pigs.

Perfil hematológico de bovinos experimentalmente inoculados com veneno de Bothrops alternatus / mentally inoculatede experimentally inoculated / with Bothrops alternatus venom

Apesar de ser alto o número de acidentes ofídicos em bovinos, as alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas séricas sãopouco estudadas, especialmente nas três primeiras semanas após o envenenamento. Diante deste contexto, objetivou-senesta pesquisa caracterizar o perfil hematológico e bioquímico sérico de bovinos após a inoculação experimental do venenode Bothrops alternatus. Cinco novilhas mestiças de peso corporal entre 188 e 278kg e idade de 12 a 18 meses receberamna altura média da face cranial do membro anterior direito, entre as articulações umerorradioulnar e do carpo, por viaintramuscular superficial, 0,15mg/kg de veneno de Bothrops alternatus diluído em salina. Coletou-se sangue de todos osanimais antes (tempo zero) e as 3, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, 240, 405 e 576 horas após inoculação do veneno para avaliaçãodo hemograma, coagulograma e dosagem de proteína total, albumina, globulinas, ureia, creatinina, creatina fosfotransferase,aspartato aminotransferase e gama glutamiltransferase. O veneno de B. alternatus causou intoxicação grave nos bovinos,e foi letal para dois animais às 53 horas e 78 horas. As alterações hematológicas observadas foram: anemia normocíticanormocrômica, leucocitose com neutrofilia com desvio para esquerda regenerativo, linfocitose, aumentos dos tempos decoagulação, de protrombina e de tromboplastina parcial ativada, trombocitopenia e elevação da ureia e das enzimas CPT eAST.(AU)

Despite the high number of Bothrops envenomation in cattle, the hematological and biochemical changes are poorly known mainly in the first few weeks after the poisoning. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bovine blood profile after B. alternatus envenomation. Five crossbred heifers were inoculated with B. alternatus venom (0.15mg/kg) diluted in saline solution, by intramuscular injection, in the mean height of the cranial side of right forelimb, between the joints umerradio-ulnar and carpus. The blood was collected before the beginning of the experiment (zero time) and at 3, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, 240, 405 e 576 hours after inoculation, in order to evaluate the hemogram, coagulogram, total protein, albumine, globulins, urea, creatinine, creatinine phosphokinase (CPT) and aspartate aminotransferase. The B. alternatus venon caused a serious envenomation in catlle and was lethal for two animals at 53 and 78 hours. The blood profile alteratons were normocitic and normocromic anaemia, leucocitosis with neutrophilia, linfocitosis, coagulation time increased, trombocytopenia and elevation in the urea, CPT and AST enzymes.(AU)