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Amblyomma sculptum is a tick that has medical and veterinary importance as, in Brazil, it is the main vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, a disease affecting humans. The presence of ticks was observed outside a residence in a peri-urban area of the Atlantic Forest region in Brazil, as well as on two dogs that lived there. Eighteen A. sculptum adults were seen walking on a cemented pillar at the porch of the house and sheltering inside the pillar's crevices; meanwhile on the dogs, only Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks were found. It is hypothesized that as the dogs circulated in the forest regions, they might have carried A. sculptum to the residence. This situation highlights the role of dogs as possible carriers of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) tick vectors into human habitation. Strategies for the prevention and control of BSF should consider the hypothesis that ticks infected with R. rickettsii can be harbored in human dwellings in peri-urban areas.

Weanlings undergo rapid body development in the first year of life and, in this period, are more susceptible to helminth infection that can impair their growth. The objective of this study was to compare the apparent digestibility of nutrients, blood parameters, and body development of deworming and not deworming weanlings. Fourteen Mangalarga Marchador weanling colts, on a farm in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, were divided into two groups: dewormed (D) and not dewormed (ND) groups. The weanlings were kept separately for 3 months in two pastures of Cynodon nlemfuensis cv. African Star Grass. They also were supplemented with Cynodon dactylon cv. Tifton 85 predried hay ad libitum and 1.5 kg.100 kg−1 of body weight (BW) of corn-based concentrate. Eggs per gram of feces (EPG) of the weanlings were measured monthly. Group D was dewormed (200 mcg.kg−1 BW ivermectin + 2.5 mg.kg−1 BW praziquantel) whenever EPG was ≥500. Group ND weanlings were not treated. The weanlings were subjected to an apparent digestibility assay (total fecal collection procedure). Every month, the weanlings were weighed, evaluated for body condition score, and had withers height, croup height, body length, and thoracic circumference measured. Group ND was infected mainly by small strongyles. There was no difference between groups (P > .05) for morphometric measurements, dry matter intake, and digestibility coefficients, except for apparent digestibility of calcium, which was higher (P

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:28:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-12-02 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG) In vitro embryo production and embryo transfer (ET) in buffaloes has been developed for decades. However, most studies are focused on the donor or laboratory improvements, and there is a lack of reports regarding the recipients. Therefore, our aim was to investigate factors associated to pregnancy (P/ET), pregnancy loss (PL), and calving rates in buffalo recipients. The studied factors were season, recipient parity, the synchronization protocol, the CL diameter, asynchrony between the embryo and the recipient, the day of the recipient estrous cycle, the embryo (fresh vs. vitrified), the day of embryo development, and the embryo stage. These retrospective data, from a program of in vitro produced embryos, were analyzed by logistic regression, and the odds ratio was also estimated. Two factors were related to P/ET and the calving rate: (1) progesterone associated to estradiol plus eCG protocol for fixed time ET tended to affect positively P/ET on day 30 (41.9 vs. 36.1%, respectively; P = 0.07; AOR = 1.28) and P/ET on day 60 (37.8 vs. 36.1%, respectively; P = 0.09; AOR = 1.08) compared to the Ovsynch protocol; and (2) the CL diameter (>= 14.5 mm) at transfer increased P/ET on day 30 (47.4 vs. 32.5%; P < 0.01; AOR = 1.87) and on day 60 (45.3 vs. 27.7%; P < 0.01; AOR = 2.16), and also the calving rate (37.9 vs. 21.7%; P < 0.01; AOR = 2.20). PL was greater when ET was done in the nonbreeding season compared to the breeding season (PL 30-60: 12.8 vs. 0.0%, P = 0.01; AOR > 999.99; PL 60-calving: 26.8 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.03; AOR = 9.90; and PL 30-calving: 36.2 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.01; AOR = 15.30). In conclusion, the data of our study indicated that the synchronization protocol, the CL diameter, and ET during the breeding season impacted the reproductive efficiency of buffalo recipients. Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Patol Reprod & Saude Unica, Jaboticabal, Brazil Cenatte Embrioes Soc Ltd, Pedro Leopoldo, Brazil Univ Napoli Federico II, Dipartimento Med Vet & Prod Anim, Naples, Italy Univ Illinois, Dept Anim Sci, 328 Mumford Hall, Urbana, IL 61801 USA Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Reprod Anim, Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Fed Juiz de Fora, Dept Med Vet, Juiz De Fora, Brazil Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Dept Med Vet Prevent, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Patol Reprod & Saude Unica, Jaboticabal, Brazil FAPEMIG: APQ-0591-5.04/08

Haemonchus placei (Nematoda:Trichostrongyloidea:Haemonchidae) is a parasite of cattle and other ruminants that reduces the weight gain and increases mortality causing significant economic losses to livestock worldwide. Here we sequenced and annotated its complete mitochondrion (mt) genome, obtaining a circular molecule of 13,664 bp long and 78.8% A + T content (KT955899). Besides, all 10 mt genomes publicly available for the Trichostrongyloidea superfamily were downloaded from GenBank database. In the comparison between the complete mt genome sequences of the 3 species from the Haemonchidae family, an AT-rich region of variable size was observed. A primer pair that amplifies this region was proposed to allow the molecular diagnostic and differentiation between H . placei and H . contortus infections. Furthermore, the evolutionary relationship between H . placei and other members of Trichostrongyloidea was inferred based on a phylogenomics approach. All mitochondrial gene sequences were aligned and then concatenated into a supermatrix dataset. A maximum likelihood tree was produced and confirmed the monophyly of Haemonchidae family. The superfamily Trichostrongyloidae was also recovered as a monophyletic clade. The complete mt genome sequence reported here may be used to develop new genetic markers and investigate phylogenetic and geographic relationships between isolates as well as to assess population diversity and allow health control programs monitoring.

The trade in live animals between India and Brazil dates from the late nineteenth century when European travellers traded animals of Indian origin for display in zoos. Considering the origin of coffee and sugar cane, as well as the expertise related to mineral evaluation, we need to consider that India was involved in important economic cycles of Brazil, even indirectly. This virtuous flow of trade has been maintained and intensified throughout modern history, especially after these two nations gained political independence from their colonisers, thereby becoming independent in mercantile affairs. This paper addresses the main points related to the use of animals of Indian origin in Brazil. We revisit some of the historical aspects of the process of colonisation of Brazil, as well as the importation of animals from India. The restrictions imposed on this process due to the occurrence of diseases in cattle and buffalo in India will be examined. At the end of the text, emphasis will be given to the risks of introducing exotic diseases into Brazil.

Standard diagnostic methods currently in use for the identification of helminth infections in ruminants are based on the morphological analysis of immature and adult stages of parasites. This paper describes a method for the semiquantitative identification of nematodes, mainly Trichostrongyloidea, at species-level resolution. The method is based on amplification and fragment analysis followed by minisequencing of the ITS-2 region (internal transcribed spacer 2) of the ribosomal DNA of parasite eggs or larvae. This method allows for the identification of seven genera (Chabertia, Cooperia, Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum, Ostertagia, Teladorsagia, and Trichostrongylus) and 12 species (Chabertia ovina, Cooperia curticei, Cooperia punctata, Cooperia oncophora/Cooperia surnabada, Haemonchus contortus, Haemonchus placei, Haemonchus longistipes, Oesophagostomum asperum, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis) of infectious nematodes of domestic ruminants. The concordance between the morphological and molecular analyses in the detection of genera ranged from 0.84 to 0.99, suggesting the proposed detection method is specific, semiquantitative, less laborious, and highly cost-efficient.

The aim of this study was to compare two fecal egg count (FEC) techniques; McMaster (McM) and Mini-FLOTAC (mF), for the detection of cattle and horse gastrointestinal nematode eggs, in different locations. Experiment 1: feces were collected from 16 cattle and FEC was performed individually, using mF with the sensitivity of 5 eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and McM with a sensitivity of 50 EPG at Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuaria de Minas Gerais - EPAMIG and the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases of the University of Parana - LDP/UFPR. Experiment 2: Fecal samples from 30 horses were analyzed with mF (sensitivity of 5 EPG) and McM (sensitivity of 25 EPG) at the University of Mato Grosso do Sul - UFMS and LPD/UFPR. Experiment 3: feces were collected from 14 foals and FEC was performed using mF (sensitivity of 5 EPG); and McM (sensitivity of 25 EPG) only at the LPD/UFPR. For cattle, the average FEC of mF was 962 at LPD; and 1248 at EPAMIG; for McM it was 1393 at LPD and 1563 at EPAMIG. For horses, the FEC average using the mF was 650 at LPD and 469 at UFMS; and for McM it was 677 at LPD and 554 at UFMS. For foals, the average FEC for mF was 404 and 436 for McM. In all experiments, the standard deviation and the coefficient of variation values were significantly lower for mF. Therefore, it is recommended the use of the Mini-FLOTAC technique, which is a method with less variability and higher accuracy, particularly for animals with low FEC.

The aim of this paper is to report the study of hepatogenous photosensitization in buffaloes during two outbreaks provoked by ingestion of Brachiaria decumbens in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Ten young buffaloes in outbreak 1 and seven buffaloes in outbreak 2 were intoxicated by B. decumbens. Nine clinically healthy buffaloes raised under the same conditions as the sick animals served as the control group. All animals were subjected to clinical examination, and serum was collected to measure gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin (DB), indirect bilirubin (IB) and total bilirubin (TB) as indicators of liver function and urea and creatinine as indicators of renal function. Histopathology of liver fragments from five different animals was carried out. During the outbreaks and every two months for one year, samples of grass from paddocks where the animals got sick were collected for quantitative evaluation of the saponin protodioscin, combined with observations of pasture characteristics and daily rainfall. Clinical signs included apathy, weight loss, restlessness, scar retraction of the ears and intense itching at the skin lesions, mainly on the rump, the tail head, neck and hindlimbs, similar to the signs observed in other ruminants. Only the GGT enzyme presented significantly different (P

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:49:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-10-01 Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca Background: The availability of the bovine genome sequence and SNP panels has improved various genomic analyses, from exploring genetic diversity to aiding genetic selection. However, few of the SNP on the bovine chips are polymorphic in buffalo, therefore a panel of single nucleotide DNA markers exclusive for buffalo was necessary for molecular genetic analyses and to develop genomic selection approaches for water buffalo. The creation of a 90K SNP panel for river buffalo and testing in a genome wide association study for milk production is described here. Methods: The genomes of 73 buffaloes of 4 different breeds were sequenced and aligned against the bovine genome, which facilitated the identification of 22 million of sequence variants among the buffalo genomes. Based on frequencies of variants within and among buffalo breeds, and their distribution across the genome, inferred from the bovine genome sequence, 90,000 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected to create an Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping Array 90K. Results: This 90K “SNP-Chip” was tested in several river buffalo populations and found to have *70% high quality and polymorphic SNPs. Of the 90K SNPs about 24K were also found to be polymorphic in swamp buffalo. The SNP chip was used to investigate the structure of buffalo populations, and could distinguish buffalo from different farms. A Genome Wide Association Study identified genomic regions on 5 chromosomes putatively involved in milk production. Conclusion: The 90K buffalo SNP chip described here is suitable for the analysis of the genomes of river buffalo breeds, and could be used for genetic diversity studies and potentially as a starting point for genome-assisted selection programmes. This SNP Chip could also be used to analyse swamp buffalo, but many loci are not informative and creation of a revised SNP set specific for swamp buffalo would be advised. AIA-LGS Associazione Italiana Allevatori–Laboratorio Genetica e Servizi Fondazione Parco Tecnologico Padano Bioinformatics core Parco Tecnologico Padano Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory BARC USDA-ARS Department of Animal Science Iowa State University Institute of Zootechnics Università Cattolica del S. Cuore ANASB-Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Specie Bufalina Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Câmpus de Araçatuba COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Dipartimento di Scienze Zootecniche ed Ispezione degli Alimenti Facoltà di Agraria Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais (UFMG) Affymetrix UK Ltd Davies Research Centre School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences University of Adelaide Department of Animal Science University of Arkansas Recombinetics Inc. Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, 4201 Northview Dr. One Town Centre Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Câmpus de Araçatuba

The gastrointestinal parasitoses of domestic animals have a great impact on the hematological status but nonethelessresearch on this subject concerning buffaloes is rare. Thus, the blood profile of buffalo calves naturally infected by parasitesfrom the seventh to the 300th day of life. Animals were distributed in three experimental groups treated with ivermectin,fenbendazole, and placebo, respectively. Changes of hematological parameters were related to the presence of adultgastrointestinal nematodes, which were diagnosed and identified by the presence of eggs in the feces of wormed animals ascompared to those medicated.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de um programa de controle estratégico de Amblyomma cajennense sobre a população de Anocentor nitens em eqüinos. Os tratamentos carrapaticidas foram realizados a cada sete dias e divididos em dois módulos, o primeiro com início em abril de 2004 (oito tratamentos) e o segundo com início em julho do mesmo ano (cinco tratamentos), utilizando-se a base química piretróide - cipermetrina na concentração de 0,015%. Avaliou-se mensalmente a carga parasitária de A. nitens no pavilhão auricular e divertículo nasal dos eqüinos antes (outubro de 2003 a março de 2004) e depois (outubro de 2004 a março de 2005) do controle estratégico com banhos carrapaticidas. Utilizaram-se escores de 0 a 3 para classificar os níveis de infestação. Entretanto, não houve redução significativa da carga parasitária de A. nitens no pavilhão auricular e no divertículo nasal dos eqüinos, possivelmente, devido a não aplicação sistemática de carrapaticida no divertículo nasal, pois, esta estrutura anatômica é um importante sítio de infestação por A. nitens em eqüinos.

Objetivou-se verificar a eficiência de um programa de controle estratégico de Amblyomma cajennense em eqüinos sob condições de campo. Os tratamentos carrapaticidas foram realizados a cada sete dias e divididos em dois módulos: o primeiro com início em abril e término em maio de 2004 (oito banhos) e o segundo com início e término em julho de 2004 (cinco banhos), visando atingir as larvas e ninfas do carrapato. Empregou-se a base química piretróide - cipermetrina 0,015%, para banhar os eqüinos. Após o programa de controle houve uma redução de 44,85% da carga parasitária de adultos do carrapato no período de outubro de 2004 a março 2005, e de 59,74%, em fevereiro e março de 2005. Os resultados demonstraram a efetividade do controle estratégico. No entanto, consideram-se importantes fatores operacionais e de gerenciamento que podem interferir na aplicação prática desta tecnologia.

The Laboratory of Genetics of the Veterinary School and the Buffalo Study Group of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) are developing analysis techniques from buffalo DNA to verify the purity of products derived from buffalo meat. Samples of 30 buffalos (Murrah) and 30 bovines (B. indicus and B. taurus) were collected at slaughter and DNA samples were extracted. The primers used amplify the cytochrome b regions, specific of mammals of the artiodactyles order. By using restriction enzymes, the following fragments were obtained: with TAQ1 (buffalos=108 and 163bp and bovines=271bp) and, with HINF1 (buffalos=271bp and bovines=101 and 170bp).The analysis of the PCR product by means of DNA tests confers 99% of security and proposes the emission of a certificate for products derived from buffalo meat on the consumer market in order to evince their quality. This study aims to assist in the creation of an identity for these products, to introduce buffalo meat and its by-products into the Brazilians ´diet and to valorize the buffalo considering that the offer of buffalo meat on the consumer market has been growing considerably.

An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulting in death of 5 buffaloes in the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the beginning of the signals and the another one was euthanized in extremus, after similar signals. Histopathological examination showed lesions suggestive to MCF in buffaloes such as epicarditis and multifocal miocarditis with infiltrates of mononuclear lymphocytes and macrophages besides lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. PCR revealed 98% homology between an amplified fragment obtained from the CNS of the buffaloes and specific sequences of OHV-2. Diagnosis of MCF was firmed in epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and in results of a semi-nested PCR.

Anthelmintic resistance is an increasing problem that threatens livestock production worldwide. Understanding of the genetic basis of benzimidazole resistance recently allowed the development of promising molecular diagnostic tools. In this study, isolates of Haemonchus contortus obtained from goats, sheep and buffaloes raised in Brazil were screened for presence of the polymorphism Phe200Tyr in the β-tubulin 1 gene, which confers resistance to benzimidazole. The allelic frequency of the mutation conferring resistance ranged from 7% to 43%, and indicated that resistance to benzimidazole could be found in nematodes isolated from all the ruminant species surveyed. Although significant variation in the frequency of the F200Y mutation was observed between different herds or host species, no significant variation could be found in populations isolated from animals within the same herd. These findings suggest that screening of samples from a few animals has the potential to provide information about the benzimidazole resistance status of the entire herd, which would enable a considerable reduction in the costs of diagnosis for the producer. Molecular diagnosis has practical advantages, since it can guide the choice of anthelmintic drug that will be used, before its application in the herd, thus reducing the economic losses driven by anthelmintic resistance. A resistência aos anti-helmínticos é um problema crescente que ameaça a produção pecuária em todo o mundo. A compreensão da base genética da resistência ao benzimidazol permitiu, recentemente, o desenvolvimento de métodos diagnósticos moleculares promissores. Neste estudo, isolados deHaemonchus contortus obtidos a partir de rebanhos de caprinos, ovinos e bubalinos criados no Brasil foram avaliados quanto à presença do polimorfismo F200Y no gene da β-tubulina1, o qual confere resistência ao benzimidazol. A frequência alélica da mutação variou de 7% a 43%, indicando que a resistência ao benzimidazol pode ser encontrada em nematoides isolados a partir de todas as espécies de ruminantes pesquisadas. Embora tenha sido observada variação significativa das frequências de mutação F200Y entre rebanhos/espécies hospedeiros distintos, não foi encontrada variação significativa entre populações isoladas de animais dentro de um mesmo rebanho. Estes achados sugerem que a avaliação de amostras de alguns poucos animais tem o potencial de fornecer informações sobre o nível de resistência ao benzimidazol de todo o rebanho, possibilitando uma redução considerável dos custos de diagnóstico para o produtor. O diagnóstico molecular apresenta vantagens práticas, uma vez que pode guiar a escolha da base anti-helmíntica a ser utilizada antes da sua aplicação no rebanho, reduzindo, portanto, as perdas ocasionadas pela resistência aos fármacos anti-helmínticos.

Parasitic nematodes of the genus Haemonchus infect a range of ruminant hosts and are of major veterinary and economic importance. In this study, the genetic variability of seven isolates of Haemonchus placei and Haemonchus contortus was evaluated using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I and the nuclear gene β-tubulin isotype 1. A total of 156 specimens were obtained from cattle, sheep, goat and buffalo herds raised on commercial properties from the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil and identified to the species level by sequencing of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2. Thirty-four percent of the specimens were identified as H. placei and 66% as H. contortus. Cattle were the preferred hosts for H. placei, whereas H. contortus was most frequent in the other three ruminant species. Analysis of genetic differentiation between isolates revealed that high rates of gene flow are operating among populations of both nematode species, including among those from different ruminant host species. Populations of H. placei were less polymorphic and presented a lower frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with benzimidazole resistance compared with H. contortus. In line with the low amount of genetic structure observed among isolates, alleles of β-tubulin1 associated with benzimidazole resistance were present at relatively high frequencies of 5–20% in isolates of H. contortus from farms that never used this class of anthelmintic. The results presented here are consistent with the hypothesis of multiple origins of alleles associated with benzimidazole resistance, with the trade of animals among properties acting as the main factor promoting the spread of anthelmintic resistance.

Foram testados três métodos de extração de DNA em amostras de queijo, com o objetivo de identificar uma técnica eficiente para extração de DNA em amostras com várias limitações, como alto teor de gordura, alto grau de degradação do DNA e grande concentração de impurezas. A técnica que faz uso do tiocianato de guanidina mostrou-se mais adequada para identificação de adição intencional não declarada de leite bovino em queijos bubalinos, podendo ser empregada para certificação de produto específico (selo de Identidade de Espécie). Three methods of DNA extraction were tested in cheese samples. The objective of this study was to identify an efficient technique for DNA extraction in different samples with several limitations, such as high fat tenor, high degree of DNA degradation and great sludge concentration. The technique using Guanidine thiocyanate was more appropriate for identification of intentional undeclared addition of bovine milk in buffalo cheeses. This technique can be used for certification of a specific product (stamp of Identity of Species).

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of urea on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The experiment was divided into two stages. In Stage I, Brachiaria brizantha was placed into 30 pots, each with an area of 18 cm(2).These were divided into three groups of ten pots each: G1 non-treated control group, G2 treated with 15 g of urea per pot and G3 treated with 15 g of urea+10% of ammonium sulphate. Three engorged female ticks were placed in each pot and then 1.8l of water were added. In the second stage, a control group was maintained without the addition of urea and another group was treated with urea, each group comprising ten Mombaça grass (Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) beds. On day zero, 12 engorged females were placed in each grass bed where were then fertilized with 60 g of urea per bed, only in the grass beds of the treated group. On the 27th day, the grass was cut in beds 1-5 in both groups and beds 1-5 in the treated group were fertilized a second time. On the 40th day, pieces of white flannel measuring 1.60 m × 1.00 m were spread over the grass to check for larvae presence. In stage I, observations conducted 24h after contact with urea showed a 100% death rate among the engorged females in G2; in group 3, only one engorged female still remained alive. In stage II, the counting of larvae reported 85.97% (P0.0001) fewer parasites in the treated group compared to the control group.

An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulted in death of five female buffaloes and one domestic cow from the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the appearance of clinical signs, while the fifth was euthanized in extremis, after similar clinical signs. Histopathological lesions included multifocal histiolymphocytic epicarditis, myocarditis and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, which are commonly seen in cases of MCF in buffaloes. Furthermore, lymphocytic vasculitis centered in the adventitia, with occasional fibrinoid necrosis in the muscular layer, was found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and brain. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA fragments from the central nervous system amplified by PCR revealed 98% similarity with known OHV-2 sequences from Genbank. Additionally, PCR analysis also revealed the presence of OHV-2 DNA in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells of two clinically healthy buffaloes. The diagnosis of MCFwas based on epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and on the results of a semi-nested PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing. É relatado um surto de febre catarral maligna (FCM) em Minas Gerais, que resultou na morte de 5 búfalas e uma vaca de uma mesma propriedade. Quatro búfalas morreram com 10-15 dias após o início dos sinais clínicos e uma búfala foi sacrificada in extremis, após manifestar sinais clínicos semelhantes. O exame histopatológico revelou lesões comumente observadas em búfalos com FCM como epicardite e miocardite histiolinfocítica multifocal e pneumonia linfocítica intersticial. Além disso, vasculite linfocítica, principalmente na camada adventícia, com necrose fibrinóide da camada muscular, foi observada no rim, fígado, baço, linfonodos e cérebro. A seqüência de nucleotídeos amplificada pela técnica de PCR revelou 98% de homologia entre o fragmento de DNA amplificado da amostra do sistema nervoso central (SNC) da búfala com seqüências de OHV-2 previamente depositadas no Genbank. Adicionalmente, a técnica de PCR revelou a presença do DNA viral no sangue total de 2 búfalas, clinicamente sadias. O diagnóstico de FCM foi baseado em dados epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos, histopatológicos e semi-nested PCR.

In this study the evolution of Eimeriosis in naturally infected calves was analyzed during 23 days starting at birth. The specie E. bareillyi was first identified in feces culture. Later other species of Eimeria already described in water buffalo were identified. The animals which died were submitted to necropsy, revealing macroscopic lesions in the ileum region. Histological analyses of the ileum region showed acute necrotic enteritis and the presence of Eimeria sp. in different developmental stages. Early infection by this parasite could be responsible for a secondary bacterial infection trough the intestinal lesions. The utilization of prophylactic medication and the therapeutic treatment of clinical Coccidiosis in water buffalo calves are necessary to their satisfactory development and surveillance.

This trial evaluated control practices of Anocentor nitens on equines, using spraying devices and application of acaricide paste formulation in the auricular pavilion and nasal diverticulum. The study was carried out from October 2003 to March of 2008 and the evaluations had been divided in the following stages: Phase 1--out/03 mar/04 and Phases 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, correspondents to the month's periods until março/08. It was used score of 0 to 3 to classify infestation levels. From abr/04 to mar/06 was implanted a schedule of acaricide sprayings every seven days and divided in two series. The first one beginning in April 2004 and the second beginning in July, both using six sprayings treatments with pyrethroid chemical base--cypermethrin 0,015%, plus topical treatments applied monthly in the auricular pavilions (powder acaricide). From abril/06 to março/08 was carried out similar schedule treatments, each two months, using an experimental acaricide paste in the auricular pavilion and nasal diverticulum. Phases 2 and 3 did not showed reduction of the parasitic loads of A. nitens compared to the control period. Whereas in Phases 4 and 5 registered significant reduction compared control period and also with the results of Phases 2 and 3, characterizing the effectiveness of the treatment with the acaricide paste formulation. Results demonstrated of A. nitens populations present in the nasal diverticulum are important in the maintenance of the infestations on equines, and necessary attention to this anatomical structure when controlling ticks.

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of the urea fertilization in pasture on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus population in free living stage. Two groups had been made, a control group and a urea treatment group, each group with 10 lots of Mombaça grass (Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça). In day zero had been placed 12 engorged tick females in each lot and made fertilization with urea in the dosage of 60 g in the lots of the treat group. In 27th day the grass was cutted out in 1 to 5 lots of both groups and fertilized with urea in the lots of 1 to 5 in the treat group. In 40th day was released a white flannel 1.60 x 1.00 m length on each lot to verify the presence of larvae. The results presented a difference of 85.97% (P0.0001) between the treat group and the control group.

The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of a strategic control program of Amblyomma cajennense in horses under field conditions. Acaricide treatments were applied at seven days intervals and divided in two series, the first one beginning in April 2004 (eight treatments), and the second one beginning in July 2004 (five treatments), aiming to control larvae and nymphs of the tick. A pyrethroid chemical base cypermethrin 0.015% was used for spraying the horses. There was a reduction of 44.85% in the adults infestation of the tick in the period of October 2004 to March 2005, and 59.74%, in February and March 2005. Results showed the effectiveness of the strategic control. Important administrative and operational procedures can interfere with the practical application of this technology, and should be considered.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Amblyomma cajennense strategic control program on the Anocentor nitens population. The acaricide treatments were carried out every seven days and divided in two series, the first one beginning in April 2004 (eight treatments) and the second beginning in July of the same year (five treatments), using pyrethroid chemical base - cypermethrin in the concentration of 0,015%. Monthly it was evaluated the infestation of A. nitens in the ear and nasal diverticulum of the equines before (October 2003 to March 2004) and after (October of 2004 to March of 2005) the strategic program of acaricide treatments. It was used score of 0 to 3 to classify the infestation levels. It did not have any significant reduction of the parasitic load of A. nitens in the ear and nasal diverticulum of the equines. Possibly, due to absence of acaricide in the nasal diverticulum. Therefore, this anatomical structure it is an important place of infestation by A. nitens in equines.

Foi pesquisado o curso das helmintoses em bezerros bufalinos durante 11 meses a partir do nascimento do primeiro animal no ano de 2003. Foram estudados três grupos experimentais: o primeiro grupo foi tratado com ivermectina, o segundo com fenbendazole e o terceiro grupo serviu como testemunha. Verificaram-se o desenvolvimento ponderal e a influência das parasitoses no perfil hematológico dos animais. No final do experimento, à necropsia de um animal, foram encontradas as seguintes espécies de helmintos: Toxocara vitulorum, Strongyloides papillosus, Cooperia punctata, Haemonchus similis, Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Ostertagia trifurcata e Paracooperia nodulosa. Verificou-se a evolução do número de ovos por grama de fezes (O.P.G.) durante o período experimental. Diferenças estatisticamente significativas foram encontradas, entre os tratamentos e propriedades, em relação a alguns dos parâmetros hematológicos, desenvolvimento ponderal e na evolução do numero de O.P.G., durante o período de avaliação. The course of helminthosis in bubaline calves was researched for 11 months as of the birth of the first animal in 2003. Three experimental groups were studied: the first group was treated with irvermectin , the second with phenbendazole and the third group was used as the control group. The ponderal development and the influence of parasitoses were verified in the hematological profile of the animals. At the end of the experiment, at the time of the necropsy of one of the animals, the following species of helminth species were found: Toxocana vitulorum, Strongyloides papillosus, Cooperia punctata, Haemonchus similes, Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostornnum radiatum, Ostertagia trifurcata and Paracooperia nodulosa. The evolution of the number of eggs per gram of feces ( O.P.G.) was verified during the experimental period. Significant statistical differences were found, among the treatment and properties with regard to some of the hematological parameters, ponderal development and the evolution of the number of O.P.G. during the period of evaluation.

A escassez de pesquisas relacionadas ao controle de helmintos em equinos no Brasil e a necessidade de conhecer a prevalência dos helmintos que acometem os potros da raça Mangalarga Marchador criados extensivamente e a influência das helmintoses no desempenho dos potros durante o período de seu maior crescimento corporal motivaram a realização desse trabalho. Esta tese foi dividida em capítulos, sendo o primeiro uma revisão de literatura sobre o tema e os três capítulos posteriores estão apresentados no formato de artigo com os seguintes objetivos: Primeiro artigo (Capítulo II) foi verificar os efeitos da vermifugação de éguas no último mês de gestação, criadas extensivamente em Montes Claros – MG, sobre a infecção por helmintos e desenvolvimento do potro lactente. Foram utilizadas 18 éguas Mangalarga Marchador no 11º mês de gestação com 8,71 ± 3,77 anos de idade, divididas em dois grupos, V e NV. As éguas do grupo V receberam anti-helmíntico (200 mcg/kg do peso vivo –PV- de ivermectina + 2,5 mg/kg PV de praziquantel) 15-20 dias antes da data prevista do parto. Aos 1, 10, 20 e 30 dias de idade, os potros foram pesados e foram coletadas amostras de fezes para realização de OPG. Tambem foram mensurados quanto a altura na cernelha (Altcer), altura na garupa (Altgar), comprimento corporal (CC), perímetro torácico (PT) e avaliados quanto ao escore da condição corporal (ECC), cor, consistência (CONSIST) e pH das fezes. Embora haja diferenças numéricas, não houve diferença estatística (p>0,05) entre os grupos, somente entre os dias de avaliação. O objetivo do segundo artigo (Capítulo III) foi identificar os gêneros e espécies de helmintos que afetam potros do nascimento aos 180 dias de idade e determinar o período de reinfecção após a vermifugação. OPGs foram realizados nos dias 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 120, 150 e 180 de vida dos potros. Mensalmente, foram feitas anotações do peso, ECC, cor, CONSIST e pH das fezes. Os potros receberam o mesmo anti-helmíntico utilizado no artigo I (capítulo II) sempre que o resultado de OPG foi ≥500. O tempo médio entre duas vermifugações consecutivas (REINFECT) foi calculado em um valor de corte de ≥500 OPG. Foram encontrados ovos de Strongyloides westeri de 30 a 120 dias de idade; pequenos estrôngilos após 90 dias e Parascaris equorum aos 180 dias. REINFECT foi de 63 dias. O objetivo do terceiro artigo (Capítulo IV) foi avaliar os efeitos da vermifugação de potros desmamados sobre o desenvolvimento corporal, parâmetros sanguíneos e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes da dieta. Foram utilizados 14 potros Mangalarga Marchador, desmamados aos seis meses de idade e divididos nos grupos: V e NV. OPGs foram realizados na desmama e mensalmente até os nove meses de idade, e o grupo V foi vermifugado com o mesmo anti-helmíntico sempre que o OPG foi ≥500. Os grupos foram mantidos separados em dois piquetes de Cynodon nlemfuensis cv. Estrela africana branca, suplementados com pré-secado de Cynodon dactylon cv. Tifton 85 à vontade e 1,5% PV em concentrado. Dois meses após, os potros foram confinados em baias individuais e submetidos a um ensaio de digestibilidade aparente. Foram também pesados, avaliados quanto ao ECC e mensurados quanto à Altcer, Altgar, CC e PT e tiveram amostras sanguíneas coletadas para realização de hemograma. O grupo NV foi parasitado principalmente por ciatostomíneos (6000 OPG). Houve diferença entre os grupos (p>0,05) apenas para digestibilidade do cálcio, que foi maior (p0.05) between the groups, only between the evaluation days. The objective of the second article (Chapter III) was to identify the genus and species of helminths that affect foals from birth to 180 days of age and to determine the period of reinfection after vermifugation. EPGs were performed on days 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 120, 150 and 180. Monthly, weight, BCS, color, CONSIST and fecal pH were recorded. The foals received the same anthelmintic used in Article I (Chapter II) whenever the EPG result was ≥500. The average time between two consecutive dewormngs (REINFECT) was calculated using a cutoff value of ≥500 EPG. Eggs of Strongyloides westeri from 30 to 120 days old were found; small strongyles after 90 days and Parascaris equorum at 180 days. REINFECT was 63 days. The objective of the third article (Chapter IV) was to evaluate the effects of deworming of weanlings on body development, blood parameters and apparent digestibility of dietary nutrients. Fourteen Mangalarga Marchador foals were weaned at six months of age and divided into two groups: V and NV. EPGs were performed at weaning and monthly, up to nine months of age, and group V was dewormed using the same anthelmintic, whenever the OPG was ≥500. The groups were kept separated in two pastures of Cynodon nlemfuensis cv. White African Star grass, supplemented with pre-dried Cynodon dactylon cv. Tifton 85 ad libtum and 1.5% BW in concentrate. Two months later, the foals were confined in individual stalls and subjected to an apparent digestibility assay. They were also weighed, evaluated for BCS and measured for WH, HC, BL and TP, and blood samples were collected for hemogram. The NV group was infected mainly by cyathostomins (6000 EPG). There was a difference between groups (p>0.05) only for calcium digestibility, which was higher (p

A exploração da bubalinocultura tem crescido constantemente nos últimos anos. Neste contexto, o uso de biotécnicas da reprodução como a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), aspiração folicular (OPU) e produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE), têm se mostrado factíveis em bubalinos, embora ainda com uma eficiência reduzida e com pouca aplicação comercial comparado a outras espécies animais. Isto se deve a características particulares da espécie, como dificuldade de identificação do estro e à complicação em condicionar touros para a coleta de sêmen com a vagina artificial, principalmente animais adultos. Somados a isto, mesmos os animais após o condicionamento e coleta de sêmen, não mantém uma constância na produção de ejaculados com qualidade, chegando mesmo a interromper a produção de sêmen sem um motivo aparente. Em parte, esses problemas foram solucionados com a elaboração de protocolos que permitam o uso da IA sem a necessidade de detecção do estro, ou seja, em tempo fixo (IATF). Já o conhecimento da dinâmica folicular nessa espécie possibilitou o desenvolvimento de protocolos para controlar as fases folicular e luteínica do ciclo estral e, por fim, a ovulação. A combinação destes tratamentos de sincronização da ovulação permite o uso da inseminação artificial durante todo o ano, possibilitando o ganho genético e a distribuição da concepção e dos partos conforme a demanda do mercado. No entanto, a inseminação artificial em bubalinos, que tem como base o uso do sêmen congelado, apresenta alguns gargalos como: a falta de sêmen no mercado nacional; touros com genética superior, mas que não resistem ao processo de congelamento; injúrias causadas aos espermatozoides durante o processo de congelamento, que pode causar um decréscimo de até 60% na viabilidade da população espermática em bubalinos e a existência de deficiências básicas de manejo nas propriedades. Face ao exposto, esse estudo tem o objetivo de testar a eficácia do sêmen refrigerado e congelado na IATF nos períodos reprodutivos favorável e desfavorável, assim como na fertilização in vitro para melhorar as taxas de fertilidade, estudar a expressão dos comportamentos sexuais de touros bubalinos e, a aplicação de técnicas de manejo racional durante o período de coleta de sêmen com a vagina artificial, visando facilitar o condicionamento e coleta de sêmen, bem como desenvolver novos extensores para o sêmen de búfalos. Os resultados obtidos com as inseminações artificiais durante o período reprodutivo favorável e desfavorável mostraram taxa de prenhez superior para o sêmen refrigerado. Resultado este que também foi obtido com a PIVE. Quanto ao comportamento dos touros, verificou-se que estes animais são passíveis de condicionamento para a coleta de sêmen com vagina artificial á campo. Após diversos testes foi verificado que o diluidor TRIS com 10% de LDL, acrescido de 0,5% de lecitina de soja e com a adição de 10 mM do antioxidante acetilcisteína apresentou os melhores resultados de longevidade e fertilidade in vitro. Bubalinoculture exploitation has been growing steadily in recent years. In this context, the use of reproductive biotechniques such as fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), follicular aspiration (OPU) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) have been shown to be feasible in buffaloes, although still with reduced efficiency and with little commercial application compared to other animal species. This is due to particular characteristics of the species, such as difficulty in identifying the estrus and the complication in conditioning bulls for the collection of semen with the artificial vagina, mainly adult animals. Added to this, even the animals after the conditioning and collection of semen, does not maintain a constancy in the production of ejaculates with quality, even interrupting the production of semen without an apparent reason. In part, these problems have been solved with the elaboration of protocols that allow the use of AI without the need of detection of estrus, that is, in fixed time (FTAI). Already the knowledge of the follicular dynamics in this species allowed the development of protocols to control the follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle and, finally, ovulation. The combination of these ovulation synchronization treatments allows the use of artificial insemination throughout the year, allowing the genetic gain and distribution of conception and delivery according to market demand. However, artificial insemination in buffaloes, which is based on the use of frozen semen, presents some bottlenecks such as: the lack of semen in the national market; bulls with superior genetics, but that do not resist the freezing process; injuries caused to the spermatozoa during the freezing process, which can cause up to 60% decrease in the viability of the sperm population in buffaloes and the existence of basic management deficiencies in the properties. In the light of the above, this study aims to test the efficacy of refrigerated and frozen semen on FTAI in favorable and unfavorable reproductive periods, as well as in vitro fertilization to improve fertility rates, to study the expression of sexual behavior of buffalo bulls and, the application of rational management techniques during the period of collection of semen with the artificial vagina, aiming to facilitate the conditioning and collection of semen, as well as to develop new extensors for buffaloes semen. The results obtained with the artificial inseminations during the favorable and unfavorable reproductive period showed superior pregnancy rate for the refrigerated semen. This result was also obtained with IVP. Regarding the behavior of the bulls, it was verified that these animals can be conditioned for the collection of semen with artificial vagina in the field. After several tests it was verified that the TRIS diluent with 10% LDL plus 0.5% soy lecithin and with the addition of 10 mM of the antioxidant acetylcysteine showed the best longevity and fertility results invitro.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi a padronização do painel de microssatélites para testes de identificação genética e de paternidade bubalina, bem como o uso do mesmo em estudo de caracterização genética, por meio das análises de variabilidade e distância entre as quatro raças bubalinas reconhecidas pela Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Búfalos (Carabao, Jafarabadi, Mediterrânea e Murrah) e de mestiços de búfalos criados no Brasil. Foram avaliados 590 búfalos por meio de 20 marcadores microssatélites recomendados pela ISAG/2010 (International Society Animal Genetics). O painel principal padronizado com 13 marcadores microssatélites apresentou elevado PIC (0,6). Os dados confirmam a confiabilidade e a eficiência dos marcadores analisados tanto para testes de identificação genética quanto para o de genealogias. Para a caracterização genética de bubalinos foram utilizados os 20 marcadores. Foi observado pequeno déficit de heterozigosidade (Fis=0,077), porém as populações apresentaram estrutura genética intermediária (Fst=0,163). Houve desvio de HW em 15 dos 20 marcadores microssatélites. Estes dados podem ser devido ao reduzido número de propriedades, à seleção de touros, ao elevado índice de endogamia e ao cruzamento entre búfalos de Rio e de Pântano, quando foram introduzidos no Brasil. O resultado do estudo da caracterização genética da estrutura populacional determinou a formação de dois clusters, ou seja, total separação entre as duas variedades bubalinas, búfalos de Rio (Bubalus bubalis var. bubalis) e de Pântano (B. bubalis var. kerebau). Estas informações sobre a caracterização genética são necessárias para programas de conservação genética e para um adequado programa de melhoramento genético bubalino. The aim of this study was to standardize a microsatellites panel for buffalo genetic identification test as well as the study of genetic characterization by means of analyzes of variability and distance amog the four buffalo breeds recognized by the Brazilian Association of Builders Buffaloes (Carabao, Jaffarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah) and crossbred buffaloes raised in Brazil. Were evaluated 590 buffaloes using 20 microsatellite markers recommended by ISAG/2010 (International Society for Animal Genetics). The panel of 13 microsatellite markers developed exhibited high PIC (0.6). The data confirm the reliability and efficiency of the markers analyzed for genetic identification tests as to the genealogy. To evaluate the genetic characterization were observed a low heterozygosity deficit (Fis = 0.077), but the populations had intermediate genetic structure (Fst = 0.163) . There was deviation from HW in 15 of 20 microsatellite markers. These data may be due to the small number of properties, the selection of bulls, the high level of inbreeding , the possibility of sharing the same common ancestor and the Buffaloes cross between Rio and Marsh , when introduced in Brazil . The population structure determined k = 2 , featuring full separation between the two varieties of buffaloes, Bubalus bubalis var bubalis and B. bubalis var. kerebau, River and Wamp buffaloes, respectively. This information on the genetic characterization are necessary for the development of genetic identification and paternity testing for complementation of genetic conservation programs and an appropriate program of buffalo breeding .