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We investigated the biochemical profile of greater rheas (Rhea americana) in captivity and correlated these values according to the birds’ sex. A total of 69 serum samples were collected from a breeding site in Mossoró, northeastern Brazil, and analyzed to quantify serum biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, urea, creatinine, ALP, AST, and CK). The birds had levels of urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, calcium, and phosphorus similar to the values reported for ratite and ostrich species. By sex, females showed higher values (p < 0.05) of calcium (3.5 mmol/L), total cholesterol (7.5 mmol/L), and uric acid (435.3 μmol/L) than males, which had 3.1 mmol/L, 3.8 mmol/L, and 390.7 μmol/L, respectively. This can be attributed to the difference in diet, the productive phase of females, or stress at the time of sampling. The data present a wide spectrum of biochemical results regarding the health of greater rheas, contributing to the veterinary clinical practice of this species.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da suplementação parenteral com uma formulação a base de aminoácidos (Roboforte) sobre o desempenho e o perfil metabólico de bovinos mantidos sob confinamento. Foram utilizados 40 garrotes Nelores distribuídos em função do peso em quatro grupos experimentais: Controle (sem suplementação), Rob1 (uma aplicação de Roboforte no início do estudo), Rob2 (duas aplicações, no início e após 28 dias) e Rob7 (aplicações semanais até o dia 42, totalizando sete). O estudo teve duração total de 65 dias sendo 16 dias para adaptação a dieta do confinamento e 49 dias (7 semanas) em confinamento. Os animais foram avaliados semanalmente para obtenção do peso e coleta de sangue para avaliações hematológicas e bioquímicas. A análise estatística considerou os efeitos do tempo, tratamento e da interação. Foram observadas diferenças significativas (P

Blood loss in sheep can have different causes and may result in anemia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations and the oxidative stress generated by acute blood loss. Eighteen healthy sheep underwent phlebotomy to remove 40% of the blood volume and were evaluated clinically and by laboratory tests for clinical, biochemical, and blood gas variables and to assess oxidative stress before induction (T0), 30 min (T30 min), and 6 (T6 h), 12 (T12 h), and 24 h (T24 h) after blood loss. The sheep showed tachycardia from T30 min until T24 h, reduction in the hematocrit, number of erythrocytes, and hemoglobin concentration, with lower values at T24 h and increase in the number of leukocytes from T12 h on. There was a reduction in blood pH and oxygen pressure at T30 min, increased lactate concentration and reduced blood bicarbonate at this time. There was an increase in urea concentration from T6 h until the end of the study, with no change in creatinine levels. The animals did not show changes in the concentration of malonaldehyde, and in the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, but there was a reduction in the concentration of reduced glutathione at T24 h. The acute loss of 40% of blood volume is capable of promoting relevant clinical, hematological, blood gas, and biochemical alterations, and contributed to the appearance of oxidative stress with reduced glutathione concentration, suggesting that this process generated free radicals in sufficient quantity to diminish the action of antioxidants.

Background The end of pregnancy is the period with the highest risk of occurrences of ketosis and pregnancy toxemia due to fat mobilization and increasing non-esterified fatty acids in the liver which are converted in ketone bodies, mainly β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHB). This ketone body may also become elevated in the bloodstream. The present study validates the use of a handheld meter for determining the blood concentration of BHB and ascertaining the predictive value and accuracy of BHB measurements in diagnosing hyperketonaemia in ewes. Methods A total of 19, non-pregnant, crossbred ewes were subjected to 2 h of intravenous infusion of a saturated BHB solution. Over 6 h of evaluation, 247 blood samples were obtained in 13 sampling moments. The BHB concentration was measured by an enzymatic colorimetric method in an automated biochemical analyzer (gold-standard) and by a handheld meter using an electrochemical enzyme technique. Results There was a high correlation between both methods (r = 0.98; P < 0.001). Considering the blood BHB concentrations range 0.8–1.6 mmol/L for moderate ketosis the handheld meter presented sensitivity and specificity of 0.98 and 0.81, respectively. For severe ketosis (BHB ≥ 1.6 mmol/L) sensitivity and specificity were 0.99 and 0.75, respectively. Thus, the handheld device can be useful for diagnoses of cases of mild or severe pregnancy toxemia at field conditions.

This study aimed to characterize oligofructose-induced laminitis in zebu cattle and comparatively evaluate four different diagnostic methods for laminitis. A total of 29 rumen-cannulated Nelore heifers, weighing 474.5 ± 58.5 kg were used. Laminitis was experimentally induced by intraruminal administration of 0.765 g/kg oligofructose twice daily for three consecutive days, followed by a single dose of 10.71 g/kg oligofructose on the fourth day. The animals were evaluated before administration of the highest dose of oligofructose (basal) and every six hours for up to 24 hours (6, 12, 18, 24 hours) and thereafter, every 12 hours for up to 72 hours (36, 48, 60, 72 hours) post-induction. The following diagnostic methods were used: hoof pain sensitivity test (hoof-testing), locomotion scoring, hoof infrared thermography, and force platform. Diagnosis of laminitis was confirmed after two positive responses to hoof pressure testing. Using a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, we defined the appropriate cut-off for infrared thermography and force plate as 30 °C and < 24%, respectively. From the 29 heifers, 27 developed laminitis (93.1%) which occurred between 24 h to 72 h in the digits from two limbs, with more frequent sensitivity in the lateral digits. Locomotion analysis detected twenty-eight heifers with laminitis and showed that a greater (P = 0.006) number of animals had lameness in two limbs (n = 13; 56%). Using hoof-testing as gold standard for the diagnosis of laminitis the locomotion score displayed 100% sensitivity, 97% specificity and 98% accuracy; infrared thermography showed 96% sensitivity, 63% specificity, and 75% accuracy whilst force plate had 76% sensitivity, 82% specificity and 79% accuracy. This suggests that, for the diagnosis of laminitis in cattle, pain evaluation is more efficient. Considering the difficult to evaluate pain sensitivity in Nelore animals, filmed locomotion score, infrared thermography and force plate methods can be indicated for non-invasive lameness detection in beef farms.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two additives (probiotic and monensin) over clinical parameters of sheep submitted to acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA). Eighteen sheeps were divided into three groups of six animals each as follows: probiotic group, supplemented with 4×109 CFU/animal/day of Saccharomyces cerevisiae; monensin group, supplemented with 33 mg of monensin sodium per kg of diet; and control group, without any supplementation. After 30 days of diet (75% of Coast-cross hay and 25% concentrate with 14% of crude protein) and additive intake, ARLA was induced in the all animals by intraruminal administration of 15g of sucrose per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Complete physical examinations to assess the vital signs of the animals were conducted at the following times: baseline (T0), six (T6h), 12 (T12h), 18 (T18h), 24 (T24h), 36 (T36h), and 48 (T48h) hours after ARLA induction. At those times, blood samples were obtained to determine the plasma volume deficit (PVD) and ruminal content for pH measurement. All animals experienced clinical signs of ARLA with ruminal pH lower than 4.9 at T24h. The heart rate and PVD were lower (P < 0.05) in the probiotic group at T36h. Compared to the control and monensin groups, the probiotic group experienced milder ARLA characterized by lower degrees of dehydration and fewer clinical symptoms.

The response to blood loss is directly related to the degree of hemorrhage, but for the caprine species some aspects still need to be investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the clinical and hemodynamic effects of acute blood loss in goats. Eight healthy, adult male crossbred goats were subjected to external jugular puncture to remove 30% of the total blood volume. A physical examination and blood gas, biochemical, and hematologic analyses were performed at baseline, before blood loss (T0), and after one (T1h), six (T6h), 12 (T12h), 24 (T24h) and 72 (T72h) hours, and eight (T8d), 16 (T16d), 24 (T24d) and 32 (T32d) days after the acute blood loss event. The goats presented with tachycardia, tachypnea, and hyperthermia one hour after blood loss with a return to normal physiological values at T6h. Packed cell volume was decreased at T1h and red cell counts at T12h, both returning to baseline at T24d. There was a reduction in total protein and albumin levels at T1h, both remained below baseline levels until T16d and T8d, respectively. The serum calcium concentration decreased over the period T1h to T24h and glucose increased over the period T1h to T6h. The values of pH, TCO2, bicarbonate, and base excess were lower at T1h, while lactate increased markedly at this time. The pCO2 value only was reduced at T24h. Systolic (PS), diastolic (PD), and mean (PM) pressures were decreased at T1h. Acute loss of 30% of blood volume in goats caused changes in clinical, blood gas, and biochemical parameters, which were restored over a six-hour period, while hematologic changes were more persistent, with baseline values restored only after 24 days.

Abstract Background Acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA) is a major nutritional and metabolic disorder usually characterized by excessive or non-adapted intake of diets rich in nonstructural carbohydrates. Feed additives that regulate the ruminal environment have been used to prevent ARLA, such as ionophores and, more recently, yeast culture. Thus, we aimed to compare the efficacy of a yeast-based culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with that of monensin sodium in the prevention of ARLA in sheep. Eighteen male, crossbred, rumen-cannulated sheep were randomly distributed into three groups of six animals: control, yeast culture and monensin. Thirty days after the start of supplementation with yeast culture (4 × 109 cfu/animal/day of S. cerevisiae) and monensin (33 mg/kg of total dry matter intake), 15 g/kg BW of sucrose was administered directly into the rumen of the animals to induce ARLA. Samples of blood and ruminal fluid were collected at the following time points: at baseline (T0 h) immediately before the induction of ARLA; 6 h (T6 h); 12 h (T12 h); 18 h (T18 h); 24 h (T24 h); 36 h (T36 h); and 48 h (T48 h) after ARLA induction. Results Ruminal pH was higher in monensin group at T12 h and in yeast culture group at T36 h when compared to control group. Lower values of L-Lactate were found at yeast culture group at T24 h and T36 h. Monensin showed prophylactic effect by decreasing the rate of ruminal pH decline and occasionally reducing ruminal acidosis, whereas probiotics resulted in less accumulation of lactic acid in the rumen and a lower degree of systemic acidosis. Conclusion The use of yeast culture can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of ARLA in sheep, because it can effectively reduce the accumulation of lactic acid, and thereby increase ruminal pH and reduce ruminal osmolarity. On the other hand, monensin showed prophylactic effect by decreasing the rate of ruminal pH decline and occasionally reducing ruminal acidosis, however, it did not directly prevent these conditions.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito metafilático de doses subcutâneas de minerais traços (cobre, zinco, selênio e manganês) e vitaminas A e E, sobre parâmetros bioquímicos (teores de AGNES, BHBA, frutosamina, ureia, triglicerídos, HDL e cálcio) e hormonais (cortisol, insulina e IGF-1) de vacas holandesas no período de transição. Sessenta animais, provenientes de duas propriedades com sistema de semi-confinamento, com médias de produção de 22 litros de leite por dia (propriedade 1) e 24 litros de leite por dia (propriedade 2), recebendo dieta de acordo a recomendação do NRC (2001), ou seja, em baixo desafio metabólico, foram divididos em dois grupos: animais que receberam doses de minerais traços e vitaminas (GMTV) (n=30) e Controle (GC) (n=30). As coletas das amostras de sangue foram realizadas nos seguintes momentos: M1 (21 dias pré-parto), M2 (14 dias pré-parto), M3 (sete dias pré-parto), M4 (dia do parto), M5 (sete dias após o parto), M6 (14 dias após o parto) e M7 (21 dias após o parto). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, sendo os dados submetidos à análise de variância, com medidas repetidas no tempo dentro da variável aleatória vaca. Foram consideradas significativas as diferenças ao nível de 5% de significância e tendência ao nível de 10%. Não houve diferença entre tratamento e interação tratamento x dia nos parâmetros avaliados. No entanto, para algumas variáveis houve diferença significativa de dia. Os teores de AGNES (P < 0,0001) foram maiores no dia do parto. As concentrações de BHBA (P=0,0031) alcançaram os valores mais elevados na terceira semana de lactação. A frutosamina exibiu valores crescentes até o dia do parto (P=0,0373), onde se observaram maiores concentrações. Os valores médios de HDL foram mais elevados 21 dias após o parto (P < 0,0001), e os teores de triglicerídeos mantiveram-se com valores altos no período pré-parto, porém apresentaram queda brusca no dia do parto (P < 0,0001), mantendo valores mais baixos após o parto. Quanto ao cálcio sérico e ao IGF-1 observaram-se menores valores no dia do parto (P < 0,001). O cortisol apresentou diferença de dia com valores mais elevados no dia do parto (P=0,0151). Pode-se observar nesse estudo, que o uso de minerais traços e vitaminas A e E em animais com adequado escore corporal e com pouco desafio metabólico, apresenta pouca resposta aos parâmetros bioquímicos e hormonais.

Hemotherapy using whole blood and its components is being increasingly used in veterinary therapy. Since it is important to store animal blood while maintaining acceptable hematological, blood gas, and biochemical characteristics, increasing our knowledge of available technologies for strategic blood storage is imperative. Thus, we aimed to assess the hematological, blood gas, and biochemical changes in donkey whole blood using blood bags with two different types of storage agents. Eight adult healthy male donkeys were used; 900 mL of blood was collected from each, with 450 mL stored in citrate-phosphate-dextrose and adenine bags (CPDA-1) and 450 mL stored in bags containing citrate-phosphate-dextrose, adenine, mannitol, and sodium chloride (CPD/SAG-M). Both bags were kept refrigerated between 1 and 6 °C for 42 days. Blood samples were removed from the bags eight times (T): T0 (immediately after blood collection), T1, T3, T7, T14, T21, T35, and T42 (1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 35 and 42 days after storage). Hematological, blood gas, biochemical, and microbiological parameters were assessed. The CPDA-1 bags had a higher packed cell volume when compared to CPD/ SAG-M. The red blood cell count reduced by around 19% in both the bags due to hemolysis, which was confirmed by an increase in plasma hemoglobin. The white blood cell count; pH; concentrations of glucose, sodium, bicarbonate, and 2,3 diphosphoglycerate were reduced in both bags. Meanwhile, pO2, pCO2, lactate dehydrogenase, and levels of potassium increased in the CPDA-1 and CPD/SAG-M bags. Blood bags were efficient for the storage of donkey blood for up to 42 days.

Seasonality effects on the mineral profile of goats were evaluated. Fifty males were divided into two groups, one with mineral supplementation and one control. Seasonal evaluation was conducted during four periods: beginning, middle, and end of the dry period and middle of the rainy period. Rib and liver biopsies were performed, and blood was collected at each period to evaluate mineral accumulation. Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mo, Zn, and Co concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after acid digestion. Normal Ca, P, and Mo; low Cu, Zn, and Co; and high Fe levels were observed in the diet. The young animals analyzed showed normal serum and bone Ca and P concentrations, suggesting no need for supplementation throughout the entire year under the conditions of this study. Iron showed high values throughout the year, being potentially dangerous especially owing to its antagonistic relationship with other elements. Cu and Zn deficiency in the diet was observed under the conditions of this study, requiring supplementation with values higher than those contained in the mineral supplement used in the middle and end of the dry period. The supply of specific mineral supplement formulated for animals farmed in the semiarid region is suggested and would reduce costs.

Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of varying amounts of melon with high sugar content offered to sheep without prior melon experience and that were not adapted to consuming it. We used 12 eight-month-old, rumen-cannulated crossbred sheep weighing 25 kg each. The animals received a base diet of roughage, and then half were randomly selected to have 25% of their diet replaced with melon (G25%) and the other half had 75% of their diet replaced with melon (75%). Ruminal fluid was collected before administration of melon and at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after the administration of the fruit. Sheep from the G25% group presented volatile fatty acid ruminal acidosis (sub-acute) between 3 and 6 h after consumption. This acidosis was characterized by a rumen pH slightly lower than 5.6, increased discrete L-lactic acid content, and increased redox potential (RP) and methylene blue redox (MBR) time of the ruminal fluid. The G75% group presented lactic ruminal acidosis at T6h, characterized by a rumen pH lower than 5.0, high lactate-L content, increased RP and MBR time, and increased ruminal fluid osmolarity. Therefore, offering large amounts of melon (75% of dry matter (DM)) is not recommended but 25% of DM of this fruit can be used safely.

Leukoreduction (LR) is a technique that consists of reducing the number of leukocytes in whole blood or blood components that can contribute to decreasing storage lesions and the occurrence of post-transfusion complications. We propose that using a blood bag with pre-storage leukocyte filtration is sufficient for blood conservation under field conditions. Ten healthy Nelore cows were used. Whole blood was sampled from each animal and stored at 2 to 6 °C in CPD/SAG-M (citrate phosphate dextrose bag with a saline, adenine, glucose, mannitol satellite bag) triple bags (Control) and in CPD/SAG-M quadruple bags with a leukocyte filter (Filter). At baseline and after 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days (D0, D7, D14, D21, D28, D35, and D42, respectively), complete hematological, blood gas, and biochemical evaluations were determined. The filtered bag removed 99.3% of white blood cells from cattle blood, and the entire filtration process was performed in the field. There was a reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in both groups from D14 onward, with a decrease of 19.7% and 17.1% at D42 for the Control and Filter bags, respectively. The hemoglobin (Hb) concentration had variation in both groups. Potassium, pO2, pCO2, and sO2 increased, and sodium, bicarbonate, and pH decreased during storage. The filtered bag was efficient in removing white cells from cattle whole blood and could be used under field conditions. Blood stored after LR showed differences (p < 0.05) in blood gas analysis towards a better quality of stored blood (e.g., higher pH, lower pCO2, higher sO2). Further experimental studies are required to prove that blood without white cells results in a decrease in transfusion reactions in cattle.

We evaluated the clinical aspects and feeding behavior of cattle with subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) caused by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Ten healthy Nelore heifers were subjected to an adjusted SARA induction protocol using citrus pulp (CP). Clinical examinations were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h intervals after induction, with ruminal fluid, blood, and feces sampling. The animals’ feeding behavior was evaluated on, before, and for 3 days after SARA by observing the animals every 5 min for 24 h. The dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily. The ruminal pH during SARA was always lower than baseline, with an acidotic duration of 547 ± 215 min, a minimum pH of 5.38 ± 0.16, and an average pH of 5.62 ± 0.1. SARA was mainly caused by SCFAs (maximum 118.4 ± 9.3 mmol/L), with the production of l-lactic acids (7.17 mmol/L) and d-lactic acids (0.56 mmol/L) 6 h after the experiment began. The DMI was reduced by 66% and 48% on days 1 and 2, respectively, and returned to normal levels on day 3. SARA caused a reduction in feed intake and rumination time, as well as an increase in the time spent in decubitus on days 1 and 2. These results were influenced by the ruminal pH, ruminal movement, and osmolarity. Furthermore, SARA caused different degrees of depression, which became more pronounced with higher ruminal lactic acid concentrations.

The effects of feeding, fasting, and re-feeding on the metabolic profile of growing cattle were studied. Blood and urine samples were obtained from 12 crossbred steers weighing approximately 300 kg during the following periods: 11 h of normal feeding (postprandial period), 48 consecutive hours of fasting, followed by 48 h of re-feeding. Compared with the postprandial period, fasting caused the following modifications: moderate hypoglycemia accompanied by remarkable lipolysis detected by the increase in plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFAs); absence of hepatic lipidosis, as there were no changes in aspartate aminotransferase activity or serum cholesterol levels; mild ketogenesis, confirmed by the slight increase of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB); increased amino acid burn for energy production, verified by the increase in serum urea contents. There were strong positive correlations between the plasma levels of FFAs and βHB (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), fasting duration and FFA concentration (r = 0.92; p < 0.00001), and fasting duration and serum urea (r = 0.52; p < 0.001); there was a negative correlation between fasting duration and blood glucose (r = −0.52; p < 0.0001). During this same period, mild hypovolemia characterized by an increase in intravascular volume deficit was observed. The metabolic condition observed during fasting was completely reversed during re-feeding, except for the temporarily higher proteolysis.

The objective of this study was to characterize oligofructose-induced acute rumen lactic acidosis and its consequences in zebu cattle. We used 29 Nellore heifers which were submitted to experimental induction of laminitis by oligofructose excess. During the induction period, the animals underwent clinical examination, including laminitis diagnosis (hoof pressure testing and locomotion score) and blood and ruminal fluid sampling every six hours (over the initial 24 h) and every 12 h (up to 72 h), after the highest dose. Almost half of the animals (48.1%) required treatment with bicarbonate and saline to correct metabolic acidosis and dehydration. Due to this treatment, the animals were analyzed in treated (n = 13) and non-treated (n = 14) groups. The induction model promoted marked reduction in rumen pH, rumen anaerobiosis, carbon dioxide pressure, and increase in rumen lactate, blood osmolarity, and cortisol concentration. The animals treated had lower values of rumen pH and marked dehydration, evidenced by the increase in globular volume and serum urea. The clinical condition caused by excess oligofructose is severe, with the differential of the appearance of ephemeral fever and respiratory compensation against systemic acidosis, in addition to the frequent appearance of laminitis.

This study evaluated the clinical effects of two different amounts of melon, with a high sugar content, suddenly offered to unadapted sheep. Twelve rumem cannulated crossbred 8-months-old sheep , weighing 25 kg each, were used. These sheep had never been fed with food concentrated with sugar or fruits. The animals were kept in collective pens with a basal diet of roughage and then randomly divided into two equal groups. The sheep in the two groups received 25% and 75% of dry matter (DM) of the diet the crushed melon, administered by the rumen cannula. Physical examination and measurement of rumen fluid pH was performed at the following times: 0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h. The animals of G25% did not present clinical signs despite subacute acidosis expected after administration of the melon. However, in the G75%, sheep developed clinical manifestation indicative of lactic acidosis with rumen fluid pH lower than 5.0 from T6h, but did not present with dehydration. In sheep from G75 %, tachycardia was observed at 3 h and continued until the end of the study; tachypnea was also observed at 3 h, which was caused by increased abdominal circumference. Based on the results obtained, the supplementation of high amounts of melon (75% DM) in the diet is not recommended for sheep, although the use of 25% DM is safe. However, greater amounts of this fruit could be used in the diet of sheep with gradual adaptation to the substrate.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação de monensina sódica sobre os parâmetros produtivos de bovinos em regime de semi-confinamento. Foram utilizados 30 garrotes cruzados, inteiros e com um ano de idade, pesados e divididos em dois lotes homogêneos: controle e suplementado com monensina sódica na dose de 200 mg por animal/dia. Os grupos foram mantidos em pastagem e receberam dieta concentrada calculada em 0,6% do peso corporal. O estudo teve duração de 60 dias e foram realizadas pesagens dos animais zero, e 60. Amostras de forragem foram obtidas nos dias zero e 30 do estudo para determinação do teor de proteína bruta. Os resultados do ganho de peso, teor de proteína nos capins foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste T de Student para comparação entre os grupos. Não existiram diferenças significativas entre os teores médios de proteína bruta na forragem dos piquetes dos grupos no decorrer do experimento. O ganho de peso total e diário foram superiores nos bovinos suplementados com monensina (p

The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiorespiratory and anesthetic-sparing effects of a highdose CRI of lidocaine (200 ?g/kg/min) administered with a propofol/fentanyl regimen to sheep. Twelve adult, castrated male sheep (BW= 32.1 ± 4.9 kg), were used in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. All animals were premedicated with xylazine (0.05 mg/kg, i.m.). Animals in the GPF group were induced with propofol (3 mg/kg) and fentanyl (2.5 ?g/kg) intravenously, and anesthesia was maintained with a CRI of propofol (500 ?g/kg/min) and fentanyl (0.15 ?g/kg/min). In the GPFL group, animals were induced with propofol (3 mg/kg), fentanyl (2.5 ?g/kg) and lidocaine (2.5 mg/kg) intravenously, and anesthesia was maintained with a CRI of propofol (500 ?g/kg/min), fentanyl (0.15 ?g/kg/min) and lidocaine (200 ?g/kg/min); after ten minutes of anesthesia, the propofol dose was reduced by 25% (from 500 ?g/kg/min to 375 ?g/kg/min). Cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded from 15 minutes after preanesthetic medication administration (T0) to the end of the anesthetic procedure (T7). The time points were as follows: T0 – 15 minutes after preanesthetic medication administration; T1 – after anesthesia induction and orotracheal intubation; T2 – 15 minutes of anesthesia; T3 – during traction on the liver; T4 – during bowel clamping; T5 – during muscle suture; T6 – at the end of skin suture; and T7 – 15 minutes after the end of anesthesia. Apnea was present in all animals during anesthesia induction and required mechanical ventilation. There was no statistical difference in HR and MAP between any time points compared to the baseline value (p > 0.05); MAP was lower in the GPF group (p < 0.05) at time T6. In conclusion, this dose of lidocaine was sufficient to reduce the propofol requirement by 25%. A high-dose CRI of lidocaine in combination with a propofol/fentanyl regmine did not promote significant cardiovascular changes and was effective in reducing the propofol dose by 25%. O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar os efeitos cardiorrespiratórios e a redução na dose de propofol, mediante a infusão contínua de altas doses de lidocaína (200 ?g/kg/min) em associação ao propofol/ fentanil. Para tanto, foram utilizados 12 ovinos machos castrados (peso médio de 32,1 ± 4,9 kg), distribuídos em dois grupos de seis animais, designados como grupo GPF e GPFL em estudo clínico, prospectivo e aleatório. Todos os animais foram pré-medicados com xilazina (0,05 mg/kg, i.m.). A indução anestésica do grupo GPF constou de propofol (3 mg/kg) e fentanil (2,5 ?g/kg) adminitrados por via intravenosa e a anestesia foi mantida com a infusão contínua de propofol (500 ?g/kg/min) e fentanil (0,15 ?g/kg/min). No grupo GPFL foram induzidos a anestesia com propofol (3 mg/kg), fentanil (2,5 ?g/kg) e lidocaína (2,5 mg/kg), i.v.; após 10 minutos de manutenção anestésica, neste grupo a dose de propofol foi reduzida em 25% (500 ?g/kg/min para 375 ?g/kg/min). Os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios foram coletados 15 minutos após a medicação pré-anestésica (T0) até o término do procedimento cirúrgico (T7). Os tempos correspondentes foram: T0 – 15 minutos após a administração da medicação pré-anestésica; T1 – imediatamente após a indução anestésica e entubação orotraqueal; T2 – 15 minutos de anestesia; T3 – durante a tração do fígado; T4 – durante o pinçamento do intestino; T5 – sutura da musculatura; T6 – final da sutura de pele e T7 – 15 minutos do término da anestesia. Em todos os animais foi observado apnéia após a indução necessitando de ventilação mecânica. Em relação a frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial média, não houve diferença estatística em nenhum dos grupos comparativamente ao valor basal (p > 0,05); os valores médios da pressão arterial foram superiores no grupo GPF no momento T6 (p < 0,05). A infusão contínua de altas doses de lidocaína em associação ao propofol/fentanil foi suficiente para reduzir a dose do propofol em 25%, sem alterar de maneira significativa os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios.

Six goats randomly divided into three groups were used in a 4 X 3 Youden Square design, using four distinct diets [control (C), citric pulp (CP), wheat meal (WM) and rice meal (RM)] in order to evaluate which diet will predispose the formation of uroliths. Serum calcium and phosphorous were determined, as well as urinary pH, density, calcium and phosphorous. The goats fed RM had the highest serum and urinary phosphorous values (5.34±1.71 and 156.9±85.5 mmol/L, respectively), while the animals that received CP had the lowest values for blood and urine phosphorous (2.29±0.36 and 2.02±1.24 mmol/L, respectively). The results of urine pH showed that CP diet caused alkaline urine (8.44±0.33), with higher values than WM and RM (6.27±0.29 and 6.37±0.54, respectively). The urine from one animal that received WM diet and from another that received RM diet presented triple phosphate crystals, while the urine from the goats receiving CP did not present any of these crystals. A determinant factor for crystal formation is the high phosphorous concentration in the urine. Acidic urine pH does not prevent the formation of crystals if urinary phosphorous concentrations are high.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood gas profile of experimentally copper-poisoned sheep (in the pre-hemolytic, hemolytic and post-hemolytic phases) that have been treated or not treated with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. Ten lambs of the Santa Ines breed were divided into two groups: control and ATTM (treated (ammonium tetrathiomolibydate). The animals were submitted to increasing doses of copper sulfate until macroscopic hemoglobinuria was detected.All of the control animals from died within four days of hemolytic crisis, and one sheep from ATTM died during the treatment. There was no difference in blood gas parameters between experimental groups. Higher values of pCO2 were observed during the hemolytic crisis (HC) in both groups. The control group had higher mean values of hCO3 in the times HC and 2 days after hemolytic crisis (dA) when compared with the time 15 before hemolytic crises (dB). The sheep that were treated with ATTM presented lower values of hCO3 at 7dB and higher levels at the HC. The control and ATTM groups exhibited higher values of BE during the HC. Poisoning resulted in disorder in the acid-base equilibrium, characterized by metabolic alkalosis and respiratory acidosis. Treatment with ATTM was able to reverse the changes in acid-base balance in copper poisoning sheep. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o perfil de gases sanguineos em ovinos experimentalmente intoxicados com cobre (fases: pré-hemoltica, hemolitica e pós-hemolitica) tratados ou não com tetratiomolibidato de amônio (ATTM). Dez cordeiros da raça Santa Inês foram divididos em dois grupos:controle (tratados com solução fisiologica a 0,9%) e ATTM (tratados com 3,4 mg/kg de tetratiomolibidato de amonio). Os animais foram submetidos a doses crescentes de sulfato de cobre até a observação de hemoglobinúria macroscópica. Todos os animais do grupo controle morreram dentro de quatro dias após observação da hemoglobinúria, e um cordeiro do grupo ATTM morreu durante o tratamento. Não houve diferença nas varíaveis hemogasometricas entre os grupos durante o período experimental. Maiores valores da pCO2 foram observados nos dois grupos experimentais dutante a crise hemolitica (HC). O grupo controle exibiu valores mais elevados do hCO3 na HC e dois dias após a crise hemolitica em relação ao tempo 15 dias após a crise hemolitica. Os animais do grupo tratado com ATTM apresentaram, respectivamente, amenores e maiores valores do hCO3 sete dias antes da crise hemolitica e durante a crise hemolitica. Os dois grupos exibiram maiores valores da BE na crise hemolitica. A intoxicação por cobre gerou desordem no equilibrio ácido-base, caracterizada por alcalose metabolica e acidose respiratória. O tratamento com ATTM foi capaz de reverter as alterações hemogasometricas em ovinos intoxicados por cobre.

Twelve male sheep were intoxicated with copper and four served as controls. When hemoglobinuria was first diagnosed, the poisoned sheep were randomly distributed into two groups: 4 untreated and 8 tetratiomolybdate-treated. Blood samples and clinical evaluation were performed daily, from the onset of poisoning until the 30th day. Analysis of packed cell volume, plasma free hemoglobin, and blood gas were made. Elevated heart rates and rectal temperature, and reduced respiratory and ruminal movement rates were recorded in the intoxicated group. The poisoned sheep developed mild alkalosis caused by bicarbonate retention, while a short-periodic increase of pCO2 occurred to compensate the ongoing alkalosis. Elevated degree of anemia was directly proportional to heart rate, while high degree of alkalosis was inversely proportional to respiratory rate. Further, there was an elevated positive relationship between plasma free hemoglobin and rectal temperature, and an increase in rectal temperature accompanied a reduced ruminal movement.Foram utilizados 16 cordeiros, sendo 12 submetidos à intoxicação cúprica e quatro animais controle. Quando foi verificada a presença de hemoglobinúria, os animais intoxicados foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em dois grupos, quatro animais não tratados e oito animais tratados com tetratiomolybidato de amônia. Foi realizado exame clínico e coleta de sangue diariamente desde o início da intoxicação até 30 dias após. Foram analisados o volume globular, concentração de hemoglobina plasmática e avaliação hemogasométrica. Nos animais intoxicados, foi observado elevação da freqüência cardíaca e da temperatura retal e redução da freqüência respiratória e dos movimentos ruminais. Os ovinos intoxicados desenvolveram alcalose moderada causada por retenção de bicarbonato seguido de um aumento pontual da pCO2 para compensar a alcalose em curso. Quanto maior o grau de anemia foi maior a freqüência cardíaca, enquanto que quanto maior o grau de alcalose menor a freqüência respiratória. Houve uma relação positiva entre a elevação da hemoglobina plasmática livre e a temperatura retal, e quanto maior a temperatura retal menor a freqüência de movimentos ruminais.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether zinc (Zn) supplementation protects against hepatic copper (Cu) accumulation in copper-loaded sheep. Forty cross-bred lambs were assigned to five experimental groups. These included the control group (C) and four treatment groups that received Cu and/or Zn supplementation (dry matter (DM) basis) over 14 weeks, as follows: Cu (450 mg Cu/kg); Zn-35 (450 mg Cu + 35 mg Zn/kg); Zn-150 (450 mg Cu + 150 mg Zn/kg); and Zn-300 (450 mg Cu + 300 mg Zn/kg). Blood, liver, and bile samples were obtained for mineral determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES). The hepatic metallothionein (MT) concentrations were also determined. At the end of the experiment, hepatic Cu concentrations were higher in all Cu-supplemented groups than in C. Hepatic Cu accumulation was lower in the groups receiving the Zn supplementation than in the Cu group, although the difference was only statistically significant (66%) in the Zn-300 group. The MT concentrations tended to be higher (almost two-fold) in the Zn groups (but were not dose related) than in the C and Cu groups, and they were related to hepatic Zn concentrations. Zn supplementation at 300 mg/kg DM is useful for preventing excessive hepatic Cu accumulation in sheep exposed to high dietary concentrations of Cu.

Para testar a eficiência de vários tratamentos de intoxicação por amônia em bovinos, foram utilizados 25 garrotes que receberam cloreto de amônio por infusão intravenosa (iv) até o surgimento de quadro convulsivo. Em seguida, os animais foram alocados em um dos cinco grupos experimentais e tratados da seguinte forma: 1) controle: infusão (iv) de 300mL de solução salina isotônica (SSI), no decorrer de 4h; 2) infusão (iv) de 30mL kg-1 PV de SSI no decorrer de 4h e administração de 4L de água intraruminal por meio de sonda esofágica (ASE); 3) mesmo tratamento do grupo 2 e dose única (iv) de furosemida (2mg kg-1 PV) (F); 4) injeção (iv) de 5mL kg-1 PV de solução salina hipertônica (SSH) 7,2% nos primeiros 30min, seguida de 20mL kg-1 PV de SSI e 4L de ASE; 5) mesmo tratamento do grupo 4 e dose única de F. No decorrer de 4h após a convulsão, foram determinados os teores plasmáticos de amônia e glicose, ureia, creatinina, potássio e sódio séricos, volume e gravidade específica da urina, e excreção urinária de amônio e ureia. No momento da convulsão, os teores de amônia plasmáticos foram muito altos e idênticos em todos os tratamentos, mas no 120°min, nos grupos tratados com associação de SSH+SSI+ASE (grupos 4 e 5), houve diminuição desse metabólito. O uso de furosemida (grupos 3 e 5) não aumentou a excreção total de urina. A terapia com associação de SSH+SSI+ASE aumentou ainda o volume urinário e a excreção percentual urinária de ureia e amônia durante o período crítico da 1ª hora de tratamento, mas o uso de SSI+ASE (grupos 2 e 3) teve resultados intermediários. A eficiência do tratamento com SSH+SSI+ASE ou SSI+ASE foi superior ao grupo controle. Embora com efeito menor que o observado com SSH+SSI+ASE, a SSI+ASE promoveu melhora no quadro clínico geral e, ao término do experimento, promoveu também uma adequada desintoxicação da amônia.To test the efficiency of some treatments for ammonia poisoning in cattle, 25 steers were used. Ammonium chloride solution was infused intravenously (iv) in each steer until the onset of convulsive episode. Thereafter, the animals were distributed in one of the five different groups, as follows: 1) control: infusion (iv) of 300mL isotonic saline solution (ISS) throughout the following 4h; 2) infusion (iv) of ISS 30mL kg-1 BW throughout the following 4h and administration of 4L water (W) through stomach tube; 3) the same as group 2, plus a single dose (iv) 2g furosemide kg-1 BW (F); 4) injection of 5mL kg-1 BW hypertonic saline solution (HSS) (7.2%) (iv) throughout the first 30min, followed by 20mL kg-1 BW of ISS and 4L W.; 5) the same as group 4 and a single dose of F. For the next 4h after the convulsion, plasma concentration of ammonia and glucose, serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium, urine total volume and specific gravity, and urinary excretion of ammonium and urea were followed. At the convulsion, the ammonia blood levels were high and similar among the groups, but at the 120th min the animals treated with HSS+ISS+W (groups 4 and 5) had lower values than the control. Furosemide (groups 3 and 5) did not prevent an increase in the total excretion of urine. The therapy with HSS+ISS+W still increased the urinary volume and the total urinary excretion of urea and ammonium during the critical 1st h of treatment, while the use of ISS+W had intermediate results. The efficiency of the treatment with HSS+ISS+W or ISS+W was better than the control group. Although with lower efficiency as seen in the treatment with HSS+ISS+W, the ISS+W caused an improvement in the clinical picture and at the end of the experiment generated an adequate ammonia detoxification.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and hematological alterations, and the hepatic concentration of Cu in buffaloes with chronic copper poisoning (CCP). Ten buffalo yearling steers were randomly distributed into two groups: one copper supplemented (BUFCu; n = 6) and another control group (BUF; n = 4). The group BUFCu received, by ruminal fistula, 2 mg Cu/kgBW (as CuSO4.5H2O) daily during one week; after which 2 mg Cu/kgBW was added during each additional week, until the end of the experiment (105th day). Three liver biopsies were realized during the experiment (day zero, 45th, and 105th day) to determine the degree of copper accumulation. Alterations in body weight, clinical examination, and hematological values were monitored every 15 days. Two buffaloes supplemented with copper demonstrated clinical manifestations consistent with CCP, and died. Two distinct clinical manifestations were observed, one classical (n = 1) and another atypical (n = 1), characterized by remarkable high levels of liver copper, progressive hyporexia followed by anorexia, dehydration, severe apathy, decreased rumen movements, oliguria, and death. Some animals were resistant to CCP although high copper intake. In buffalos with clinical picture similar to the one described as atypical, CCP should be considered as a possible diagnostic even without presence of macroscopic hemoglobinuria.O presente trabalho objetivou analisar o quadro clínico, variáveis metabólicas e a concentração de cobre nos tecidos de bufalinos submetidos à intoxicação cúprica acumulativa (ICA). Foram utilizados 10 bufalinos jovens, da raça Murrah, aleatoriamente distribuídos em seis animais no grupo suplementado com cobre (BUFCu) e quatro no grupo controle (BUF). O grupo BUFCu recebeu suplementação progressiva de cobre através de administração diária de solução aquosa deste microelemento, por meio da fistula ruminal. A dose diária inicial era de 2 mg de Cu/kgPV (CuSO4.5H2O), durante 7 dias, sendo esta dose de cobre aumentada em 2 mg/kgPV a cada semana, até o término do experimento (105 dias). Foram realizadas três biópsias hepáticas (dias 0 – 45 – 105) nos animais para determinação da concentração de Cu e de Zn. Quinzenalmente, foi realizado exame clínico, pesagem e coleta de sangue. Dois búfalos do grupo BUFCu manifestaram quadro clínico fatal sugestivo de ICA. Destaca-se a presença de dois quadros clínicos diferentes, o clássico (n = 1) e um atípico (n = 1), caracterizado pelo acúmulo destacado de cobre hepático, hiporexia progressiva seguida de anorexia, desidratação, oligúria, apatia acentuada e morte, mas sem apresentar hemoglobinúria. Quatro búfalos foram resistentes à ICA a despeito da administração de altas quantidades de cobre. Em búfalos que apresentem quadros clínicos similares ao quadro descrito como atípico, a ICA pode ser considerada como um possível diagnóstico mesmo sem a observação macroscópica de hemoglobinúria.

A técnica de biópsia hepática em ruminantes tem importante valor no diagnóstico clínico de doenças tóxicas e metabólicas, em especial nos desequilíbrios minerais. As técnicas mais comumente utilizadas restringem análises devido ao limitado volume de tecido obtido. No presente trabalho, avaliou-se o uso de uma técnica de biópsia hepática por laparotomia paracostal em bovinos e búfalos. Foram utilizados 10 bovinos e 10 búfalos hígidos. Os animais foram mantidos em estação, sedados com xilazina e infiltrados localmente com lidocaína e epinefrina. O acesso à cavidade abdominal foi realizado por meio de uma incisão dorso-ventral de 15cm no flanco direito, iniciada ventralmente (cerca de 4-5cm) ao processo transverso da 2a ou 3a vértebra lombar e situada caudalmente (cerca de 4cm) e paralelamente à 13a costela, obtendo-se visualização do fígado. Foi então realizado pinçamento do bordo caudal do órgão com pinça Doyen para remoção de fragmento hepático (2 a 4g). Procedeu-se o fechamento da cavidade abdominal como de rotina. Foram analisados os parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos antes do procedimento (tempo zero) e após 24 horas, 48 horas, 5 dias e 10 dias após a biópsia. Todas as variáveis bioquímicas estudadas retornaram aos valores basais 5 e 10 dias após o procedimento nos bovinos e búfalos, respectivamente. O tempo médio de cirurgia por animal foi de 25 minutos. A biópsia hepática por laparotomia paracostal demonstrou ser uma técnica eficaz e de baixo risco à saúde dos animais, permitindo a coleta de suficiente quantidade de tecido hepática para realização de múltiplas análises.Liver biopsy in ruminants is an important technique for clinical diagnosis of toxic and metabolic diseases, especially mineral disorders. The most frequent procedures used so far results in an small amount of liver and not enough for multiple tests. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of paracostal laparotomy liver biopsy technique in cattle and buffalo and to follow possible changes on biochemical and hematological profiles caused by the surgery. Ten cattle and ten buffalo were used in this study. The animals were kept on their normal position and sedated with xilazin and locally infiltrated with lidocain and epinefrin. The access to abdominal cavity was carried through a right paracoastal laparotomy, ventrally to the transverse process of 2nd or 3rd lombar vertebra. A small portion of the hepatic caudal lobe (2 to 4g) was clinched by a Doyen clamp and removed. The abdominal cavity was closed as normally routine. Blood samples were taken to biochemical tests and hemogram before the procedure, and 24h, 48h, 5 and 10 days later. The technique was practical and easy to be performed (took approximately 25 minutes). The technique described here was efficient and offers low risk to animal health and provided enough amount of liver tissue for multiple tests.

Com o objetivo de avaliar um protocolo de diarréia osmótica induzida, foram utilizados 18 bezerros hígidos, com idade entre oito e 30 dias de vida, e peso variando de 37 a 50kg. A diarréia e a desidratação foram induzidas por meio da administração de leite integral (16,5mL kg-1), sacarose (4g kg-1), espirolactona e hidroclorotiazida (2mg kg-1), a cada oito horas, durante dois dias. O exame físico e as coletas de sangue para determinações de componentes do hemograma, hemogasometria e de constituintes bioquímicos foram realizados em T0 (0h), T1 (24hi) e T2 (48hi). O protocolo de indução da diarréia obteve 100% de eficiência, produzindo diarréia aquosa e desidratação intensa (13% do peso corpóreo) acompanhadas de azotemia pré-renal, aumento nos valores do hematócrito, hemoglobina e proteína total, hipercalemia, hiperlactemia, hiperfosfatemia, acidose metabólica e diminuição do défict de volume plasmático e da pressão venosa central.Eighteen health Holstein calves between 18 and 30 days old and 37 weighting 50kg (body weight - BW) were used to develop a model for inducing osmotic diarrhea in order to cause a status of dehydration. Thus, sucrose (4g kg BW-1) and spirolactone and hydrochlorothiazide (2mg g BW-1) were added to the whole milk (16.5mL kg-1) each 8h for two days. Physical examination and blood samples for hemogram, acid:base status and biochemical analysis were obtained at 0 (T0), 24h (T1) and 48h (T2). Watery diarrhea and severe dehydration (13% of the BW) were seen in all calves, followed by pre-renal azotemia, high values of hematocrit, hemoglobin and total protein levels, hiperkalemia, hyperlactemia, and hyperphosphatemia, metabolic acidosis and decreased plasma volume and central venous pressure.

Este trabalho foi realizado em duas etapas. A primeira avaliou a influência de crescentes quantidades de enxofre (S) dietético sobre a concentração de sulfato inorgânico sérico (SIS), utilizando-se 14 garrotes para tal. Na posterior, foram estudados os teores deenxofre e proteína bruta (PB) nos capins do gênero Brachiaria sp., em 12 fazendas de diferentes áreas do Estado de São Paulo, nas estações seca e chuvosa, e de SIS em 20 bovinos de cada propriedade que não fossem suplementados com nenhuma fonte dietética de enxofre. Tanto na primeira quanto na segunda etapa, foram encontrados alto (r = 0,958) emédio (r = 0,478) coeficientes de correlação entre os teores de enxofre nos capins (EC) e de SIS. Na segunda etapa, também existiu alta correlação positiva (r = 0,806) entre o EC e PB; os teores de enxofre e PB nos capins e de SIS nos bovinos foram maiores no períodochuvoso que no seco. Tomando por base o requerimento dietético de enxofre para bovinos (0,20% MS), foi calculado, de acordo com a regressão obtida no primeiro experimento, o valor correspondente de SIS (0,91 mMol L-1). Levando-se em conta esses dois valores, 75%dos capins (0,12 ± 0,03) e 83,3% de SIS (0,53 ± 0,20) encontravam-se abaixo dos níveis recomendados, o que demonstra a existência de carência de enxofre nos rebanhos paulistas não-suplementados com este macroelemento. A concentração sérica de sulfato inorgânicopode ser utilizada para predizer o “status” de enxofre em bovinos.This study had two phases. The first studied the influence of increasing dietary levels of sulfur on inorganic sulfate serum (ISS) in 14 healthy steers. The next survey was carried out in 12 farms in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, that did not supplement the herd with any source of sulfur. Levels of crude protein (CP) and sulfur (S) in the grass (Brachiaria sp.) and ISS in 20 cattle for each herd were determined during the dry and rainy seasons. A high and mediumcoefficient of correlation were seen between the level of sulfur in the grasses and ISS in the first (r = 0.958) and second study (r = 0.478), respectively. There was also a high coefficient of correlation (r = 0.806) between CP and S in the grasses; higher levels of CP and S were determined in grasses during the rainy season. Considering 0.20% as the dietary sulfur requirement, it was calculated, using the linear regression equation, the cutoff value fornormal ISS (0.91 mMol L-1). Comparing these cutoff values with the figures recorded in the field survey, it was concluded that 75% of the grasses (0.12±0.03) and 83.3% of the ISS samples (0.53 ± 0.20) were below the requirements for cattle, indicating sulfur deficiency in the studied herd. The concentration of ISS can be utilized to predict the sulfur status in cattle.

The purpose of the present study was to establish a practical, fast, precise and low-cost procedure to estimate the degree of metabolic acidosis in cattle with acute rumen lactic acidosis for further treatment. The rumen acidosis was induced experimentally in 40 crossbreed rumen-cannulated 1.5-year-old steers. The induction caused the development of the most characteristic clinical signs of acute rumen lactic acidosis, severe rumen acidosis and a moderate metabolic acidosis, which was evidenced by low blood pH, and blood bicarbonate concentration and base excess (BE). A highly positive correlation (r=0.80) between urinary pH and BE concentration, and between urinary pH and blood pH (r=0.75) was observed. The BE concentration estimated by urinary pH was similar to that determined by venous blood gas analysis (P>0.99). Furthermore, the results presented by the predictive formula were very significant. In conclusion, urinary pH is a good tool to predict the quantity of buffers needed to treat metabolic acidosis in cattle with acute rumen lactic acidosis.O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um procedimento de baixo custo, preciso, rápido e prático para estimar o grau de acidose metabólica, para tratar bovinos com quadros de acidose láctica ruminal. A acidose ruminal foi induzida experimentalmente em 40 novilhos mestiços de 1,5 anos de idade, implantados com cânula ruminal. Essa indução causou o surgimento de sinais clínicos muito típicos da enfermidade aguda, com o aparecimento de pronunciada acidose ruminal e acidose metabólica de grau moderado, caracterizado por baixo pH sangüíneo e diminutos teores de bicarbonato e excesso de base (BE) no sangue. Verificou-se uma alta correlação positiva (r = 0,80) entre o pH urinário e o BE e entre o pH urinário e o pH sangüíneo (r = 0,75). A concentração de BE estimado pelo pH urinário foi similar à obtida pela análise do hemogasômetro (P = 0,99). Além disso, os resultados apresentados pela fórmula de predição foram muito significativos. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a mensuração do pH urinário é uma boa alternativa para estimar a quantidade necessária de tampão para tratar o quadro de acidose metabólica em bovinos com acidose láctica ruminal aguda.

Com o objetivo de identificar as principais falhas no sistema de produção que limitam a pecuária em Santarém, Pará, foram entrevistados, ao acaso, 21 pecuaristas (90,5% de corte - cria, recria e engorda; 9,5% de leite), proprietários de 10% da população de bovinos do município. 71,4% das propriedades tinham currais para manejo do gado, entretanto apenas 38,1% possuíam balança e 23,8% tronco de contenção. A Brachiaria brizantha estava presente em todas as fazendas, sendo usada exclusivamente em 42,9% das propriedades. A disseminação de plantas invasoras (61,9%) foi considerada a principal dificuldade no manejo das pastagens. Constatou-se que 76,2% dos pecuaristas utilizam misturas minerais com macro e micro-elementos, geralmente de formulações comerciais, enquanto que 19% utilizam apenas sal comum, enriquecido com micro-elementos. A concentração de fósforo (P) na mistura mineral estava abaixo do recomendado para bovinos de corte em 76,9% das propriedades e apenas 19% das propriedades possuía cochos para suplementação mineral adequada.With the objective of identifying the main problems of cattle nutrition in the production systems of Santarém, Pará, Brazil, ranchers in different regions of the municipality and who owned 10% of the municipality's animals were interviewed at random. The ranchers raised mostly beef cattle; only 9.5% had dairy cattle. The infrastructure conditions are inappropriate; only 23.8% of the ranches have adequate facilities for beef cattle management and 61.9% of the ranchers do not consider weight control. Weed invasion was considered the main problem of the pastures (61.9%). The most common forage was Brachiaria brizantha, used exclusively in 42.9% of the ranches. 76.2% of the ranchers used a complete mineral supplement, with macro and micro elements, while 19% used only salt (NaCl) with micro elements; the other 5% did not use mineral supplements at all. The phosphorus concentration in the mineral supplement at 76.9% of the ranches was less than the minimum level suggested for beef cattle and only 19% of the ranches had appropriate mineral feeders.

Dezesseis bovinos hígidos foram utilizados para estudar o efeito de diferentes doses de furosemida sobre a função renal, com destaque na excreção urinária de água e de alguns eletrólitos. Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos iguais e submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: Controle (10mL de salina isotônica); 1; 2 e 3mg de furosemida kg-1 PV aplicados por via intravenosa. Nas quatro horas seguintes, foram coletados todo o volume urinário e amostras de sangue a cada hora, para a determinação de vários índices urinários. A furosemida aumentou o volume urinário em média mais de quatro vezes, nas doses de 2 e 3mg kg-1, comparadas à de 1mg kg-1, principalmente nas primeiras duas horas de ação. Não existiu diferença na taxa de filtração glomerular, mas uma marcante diminuição na reabsorção tubular de água e sódio e, em menor grau, de potássio, explicando a diurese. A osmolaridade decresceu cerca de 28% em todas as doses de furosemida. Os dados indicam que a melhor dose para promover efeitos diuréticos da furosemida em ruminantes deve ser a de 2mg kg-1 PV.To study the effects of different doses of furosemide on the urinary excretion of water and electrolytes 16 healthy steers were used. The animals were randomly divided into four groups and treated, intravenously, as follow: control (10mL of isotonic saline); 1; 2 and 3mg kg-1 BW of furosemide. For the next 4h, the urinary volume was measured and blood samples were taken to calculate the urinary excretion ratio. Furosemide increased the urinary volume by four fold, with higher effect with 2 and 3mg than 1mg, mainly in the 1st and 2nd hour of treatment. Furosemide did not change the glomerular filtration rate, but decreased significantly the tubular reabsortion of water, sodium, and at lower level of potassium, causing the diuresis. The osmolality was decreased about 28% in either doses of furosemide. For practical use 2mg kg-1 BW of furosemide should be adopted for diuretic effect in cattle.

Nos anos de 2001 e 2002, 46 cabritos (CAB) e 35 cordeiros (COR) de uma propriedade do agreste do Estado de Pernambuco foram acometidos por ataxia enzoótica (AE) de forma tardia. Houve aumento da incidência do 1o ano (46,3% - CAB; 24,2% COR) para o ano subseqüente (100% - CAB e COR). Somente no ano de 2001, houve maior incidência em CAB (P

Doze novilhos foram utilizados para comparar os resultados hemogasométricos de sangue arterial e venoso. Esses animais foram divididos em três grupos idênticos, recebendo: 1- dieta balanceada, proporcionando ganho de peso de 600g/d; 2- dieta de mantença em proteína e energia e 3- dieta com teores 20% abaixo da mantença. Amostras de sangue arterial (artéria auricular caudal) e venoso (veia jugular) foram colhidas por 11 quinzenas consecutivas, num total de 132 amostras. Ao término do experimento, os animais dos grupos 2 e principalmente 3 apresentaram acidose metabólica moderada. Maiores valores de pH e de pO2 foram constatados no sangue arterial enquanto os teores de bicarbonato, TCO2, BE e pCO2 foram superiores no sangue venoso. Existiram altas correlações entre os valores do sangue arterial e venoso para o pH (r = 0,81), bicarbonato e TCO2 (r = 0,94), sendo esta correlação média, mas significativa, no caso da pCO2 (r = 0,56) e inexistente na pO2 (r= -0,06). Quanto maiores foram os valores de pCO2 maiores foram os teores de bicarbonato (r = 0,54) e TCO2 (r =0,56). Apesar das discrepâncias de pH, das concentrações de bicarbonato, TCO2, e mesmo de pCO2 obtidos no sangue venoso e arterial, é possível estimar, adequadamente, a partir do primeiro esses valores nas amostras arteriais em novilhos normais e com moderado grau de acidose metabólica. Nos casos de alterações respiratórias, amostras de sangue arterial devem ser colhidas para determinação de pO2. A colheita de sangue venoso foi mais facilmente realizada que do sangue arterial.

Foi estudado um surto de morte súbita em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Nos animais necropsiados não foram observadas lesões macroscópicas ou microscópicas significativas. Para testar se as mortes súbitas teriam sido causadas por plantas tóxicas, 13 espécies de plantas foram coletadas e administradas a coelhos num total de 440 a 600 g/ kg de peso vivo num período de 7 dias. Os resultados foram negativos. Os teores de cobre no fígado dos bovinos foram muito baixos (3,6±1,6 ppm-base seca) sugerindo que as mortes foram causadas por deficiência de cobre. Cinco amostras de pasto, coletadas no local do surto, apresentaram teores normais de Cu (8,4±0,8 ppm-bs) e S (0,2%±0,03%-bs), mas altos teores de Fe (522±122 ppm-bs). Um grupo de 10 novilhas foi suplementado com Cu subcutâneo. Este grupo e um grupo controle foram mantidos em área similar à da ocorrência do surto. Teores séricos de Cu, S, Fe, Mo e ceruloplasmina foram determinados bimensalmente durante um ano de experimento. Os teores médios de Cu (1,76±1,06 a 10,34±3,1 µmol/l no grupo controle e 3,86±1,53 a 10,61±1,34 µmol/l para o grupo suplementado) e ceruloplamina (6,59±3,93 a 18,61±4,14 mg/l para o grupo controle e 10,35±5,48 a 32,49±6,05 mg/l para o grupo suplementado) foram significativamente maiores no grupo suplementado (P=0,0046 para o Cu e P=0,0001 para a ceruloplasmina), mas a maioria das amostras tiveram teores abaixo do normal em ambos os grupos. Houve uma correlação entre os teores de Cu e os de ceruloplasmina (r=0,67, P=0,05). Em ambos os grupos os teores séricos de Fe (40,09±5,22 a 78,48±28,23 µmol/l) estiveram acima dos teores normais. Amostras de forragens foram coletadas bimensalmente em sete pontos do campo onde ocorreu o surto para determinação de Cu, Mo, S, Fe e proteína. Os teores de Cu (1,36±0,56 a 4,76±1,15 ppm-bs) estiveram abaixo dos requerimentos. Os teores de Mo (0,17±0,06 a 0,96±0,47 ppm-bs) estiveram dentro da normalidade. Valores de S (0,21±0,04% a 0,5±0,17%) e Fe (172,92±62,64 a 437,24±205,44 ppm-bs) alcançaram, ocasionalmente, níveis tóxicos. Teores de proteína variaram de 7,77±2,6% a 13,16±3,02%. Seis amostras de água e 6 amostras de pasto submerso foram coletadas no fim do experimento quando o campo estava inundado. Altos teores de Fe (169, 23±83,49 ppm) e S (0,06±0,03%) foram encontrados na água. Os teores de Fe e S no pasto submerso foram de 469,5±218,28 ppm e 0,19±0,05%, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as mortes súbitas foram causadas por deficiência de Cu. Três fatores parecem ser responsáveis pela deficiência de Cu: 1) altos teores de Fe na pastagem e na água; 2) ocasionalmente baixos teores de Cu na pastagem; e 3) ingestão de S acima dos requerimentos, devido aos teores ocasionalmente altos na pastagem e na água. O surto descrito é similar a outros surtos de morte súbita em bovinos descritos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul durante o inverno, que foram, também, associados a baixos teores de cobre no fígado. As regiões onde ocorre a enfermidade são caracterizadas por solos arenosos e ácidos com inundações freqüentes durante o inverno. Em solos ácidos periodicamente inundáveis o ferro é solubilizado e absorvido pelas plantas, diminuindo o conteúdo de Cu na forragem e aumentando os teores de Fe. Esta parece ser a maior razão para a deficiência de cobre na região.An outbreak of sudden death was observed in cattle in southern Brazil. No significant gross or microscopic lesions were found in 10 cattle at post-mortem examination. To test if the sudden deaths were caused by a toxic plant, 13 weeds were collected and given to rabbits at a total of 440 to 600 g per kg body weight within 7 days. Results were negative. Mean copper levels of the liver in 10 cattle were very low (3.6±1.6 ppm-dry matter) suggesting Cu deficiency as the cause of the disease. Five samples of pasture collected during the outbreak had normal levels of Cu (8.4±0.8 ppm-d.m.) and S (0.2%±0.03-d.m.), but high levels of Fe (522±122 ppm-d.m.). One group of 10 heifers was supplemented with Cu subcutaneously. This group and a similar control group were maintained in the same area where the outbreak occurred. Serum levels of Cu, S, Fe, Mo and ceruloplasmin were determined bimonthly in both groups during one year. Mean serum levels of Cu (1.76±1.06 to 10.34±3.1 µmol/l for the control group and 3.86±1.53 to 10.61±1.34 µmol/l for the treated group) and ceruloplasmin (6.59±3.93 to 18.61±4.14 mg/l for the control group and 10.31±5.48 to 32.49±6.05 mg/l for the treated group) were significantly higher in the supplemented group (P=0.0046 for Cu and P=0.0001 for ceruloplasmin), but they were below normal levels in most samples of both groups. Serum levels of Cu and ceruloplasmin were correlated (r=0.67; P=00.5). In both groups serum levels of Fe (40.09±5.25 to 78.48±28.23 µmol/l) were higher than normal levels. Samples of forage were collected bimonthly for determination of Cu, Mo, S, Fe and protein in 7 points of the paddock where the outbreak occurred. Levels of Cu (1.36±0.56 to 4.76±1.15 ppm-d.m.) were below the normal ranges. The concentration of Mo (0.17±0.06 to 0.96±0.47 ppm-d.m.) was within normal ranges. Levels of S (0.21±0.04% to 0.5±0.17%) and Fe (172.92±62.64 to 437.24±205.44 ppm-d.m.) were occasionally within toxic level. Levels of protein varied from 7.77±2.6% to 13.16±3.02%. Six samples of water and six of submersed pastures were collected at the end of the experiment when the paddock was flooded. High levels of iron (169.23±83.49 ppm-d.m. ) and S (0.06±0.03%) were found in the water. Levels of Fe and S in the submerse pasture were of 469.3±218.28 ppm and 0.19±0.05%, respectively. The results obtained suggest that the sudden deaths are due to Cu deficiency. Three factors seem to be responsible for the Cu deficiency: 1) high levels of iron in pastures and water; 2) occasionally low levels of copper in the pastures; and 3) the ingestion of S above the requirements due to the levels occasionally high in pastures and high in water. The outbreak reported is similar to other outbreaks of sudden deaths associated with low liver copper previously reported during winter in the same region of southern Brazil. This area is characterized by acid sandy soils with frequent flooding during this season. In periodically flooded acid soils iron is solubilized and absorbed by the plants, decreasing the Cu content and increasing the Fe content of forage. This seems to be the main reason for Cu deficiency in the region.

Quatro garrotes Jersey (J) (Bos taurus) e quatro Gir (G) (Bos indicus) foram utilizados para comparar a susceptibilidade de zebuínos e taurinos à acidose láctica ruminal (ALR). Neste trabalho, acompanhou-se o grau da acidose metabólica (AM) e a metabolização do lactato-L. A ALR foi induzida com a administração de sacarose intraruminal. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas nos seguintes momentos: zero, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 e 24 horas. Foram determinadas as concentrações de lactato total, de seus isômeros L e D e o perfil hemogasométrico. Nos momentos mais críticos observados (14ªh a 18ªh), a AM foi severa em ambas as raças, porém, ao término do experimento, esta passou a grau moderado nos garrotes G, mantendo-se severa nos J. Os animais J absorveram, do rúmen, maiores quantidades de lactato-D, o qual apresentou correlação negativa com o pH sangüíneo (r = - 0,78). Por outro lado, o lactato-L foi mais absorvido e utilizado nos bovinos G, contribuindo para a restauração parcial do equilíbrio ácido-básico e gerando alterações nas pCO2 e pO2. Os garrotes zebuínos da raça Gir apresentaram menor susceptibilidade à AM que os taurinos da raça Jersey.In order to compare the susceptibility to acute rumen lactic acidosis (RLA), four Jersey (J) (Bos taurus) and four Gir (G) (Bos indicus) steers were used to evaluate the degree of metabolic acidosis (MA) and the metabolism of L-lactate during the RLA. The RLA was induced by the administration of sucrose into the rumen. Blood samples were collected at following times: zero, 14th,16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd and 24th h. Total lactic acid and its isomers, and blood gas determination were measured. At the most critical moments (14th to 18th h) the MA was severe in both breeds, but the MA became moderate in the G steers and remained severe in the J steers at the end of the trial. Higher amounts of D-lactate was absorbed from the rumen to the blood of the J steers; the higher the D-lactate plasma level, the lower the blood pH in this breed (r = - 0.78). Conversely, L-lactate was more absorbed and metabolised in the G steers promoting a partial recovery of the acid-basic homeostasis, as measured by the pO2 and pCO2 changes. The Bos indicus steers were less susceptible to metabolic acidosis than the Bos taurus steers.

Quatro garrotes Jersey (J) (Bos taurus) e quatro Gir (G) (Bos indicus), providos de cânula ruminal, foram utilizados para comparar a susceptibilidade à acidose láctica ruminal (ALR) aguda. Para a uniformização da microbiota ruminal, os animais receberam uma alimentação padronizada por dois meses antes da indução da ALR. Esta foi realizada com o uso de sacarose administrada diretamente no rúmen, de acordo com peso metabólico corrigido. Amostras de suco ruminal e fezes foram colhidas no decorrer de 24 horas após a indução. Em ambas as amostras, foram determinados o pH e as concentrações de ácido láctico total e dos seus isômeros D e L. Ambas as raças apresentaram marcante e idêntica acidose ruminal, não ocorrendo diferenças no pH e nas concentrações de ácido láctico total, L e D no suco ruminal e nas fezes. Quanto maior foi a concentração de ácido láctico total nas fezes menores foram os valores de pH fecal (r = - 0,65). Devido à grande queda no pH fecal, sugere-se que esse pode ser utilizado para se firmar o diagnóstico de ALR.To compare the susceptibility to acute rumen lactic acidosis (RLA) four Jersey (J) (Bos taurus) and four Gir (G) (Bos indicus) rumen-cannulated steers were used. In order to standardise the rumen microbiota, the steers were fed a standard diet of hay and concentrates, for two months before the beginning of the induction. The RLA was induced with sucrose administered intraruminally, on a basis of the corrected metabolic weight. Rumen fluid and faecal samples were collected throughout 24h after the induction. The pH and the concentration of total lactic acid and its L and D isomers were determined in all samples. Both breeds developed intense rumen acidosis; similar pH and concentration of total lactic acid and its isomers were found in the rumen fluid and faecal samples. The higher the total lactic acid concentration in the faeces, the lower the faecal pH (r = - 0.65). The faecal pH can be used as a tool to diagnosis RLA.

Oito ovinos adultos da raça Santa Inês receberam dieta controle (C) (80 % de feno de coast-cross e 20 % de ração comercial) e em seguida foram submetidos a quadrado latino com dietas contendo 30% desse feno e 70% dos concentrados: polpa cítrica peletizada (PCP); polpa cítrica farelada (PCF); fubá de milho (FM) e farelo de trigo (FT). Após 21 d de adaptação às dietas foi realizada monitoração visual por 24 h. No dia subseqüente à observação, na 3ª hora após a alimentação foram coletadas amostras de conteúdo ruminal, urina e sangue. No conteúdo ruminal foram determinados o pH, nas amostras de urina foram feitas análises de pH, uréia, fósforo, creatinina e exame de sedimento, enquanto que no sangue foram feitas análises hemogasométricas, e determinações séricas de uréia, fósforo e creatinina e calculado o índice de excreção urinária [IEUP] e a taxa de excreção fracional [TEFP] do fósforo. Os dados foram avaliados por análise de variância e Teste Tukey ou Mann-Whitney. Tanto a PCP como a PCF estimularam significativamente a ruminação, semelhante ao grupo controle, e com maior tempo que o FM. Maiores concentrações de P sérico, IEUP e TEFP foram encontrados na dieta FT. Quanto maiores os teores de P sérico maior a excreção de P na urina (R2 = 0,61). Quanto maior o tempo devotado à ruminação menor foi o fósforo sanguíneo (R2 = 0,39; P < 0,001). A maior ruminação diminuiu os teores de P sérico e sua excreção urinária, diminuindo a predisposição à urolitíase em ovinos.

Studies in relation to blood conservation and responses to transfusion are scarce for ruminants. We evaluated the clinical manifestations of sheep that received a single homologous transfusion of whole blood, focusing on transfusion reactions. Eighteen adult sheep were subjected to a single phlebotomy to withdraw 40% of the total blood volume, which was placed into CPDA-1 bags and then divided into G0, animals that received fresh blood, and G15 and G35, animals that received blood stored for 15 or 35 days, respectively. Clinical observations were recorded throughout the transfusion, whereas heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were assessed at the following times: 24 hours after phlebotomy and before transfusion; 30 minutes, six, twelve, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours and eight and 16 days after transfusion. All groups presented transfusion reactions, among which hyperthermia was the most frequent (50% of animals). Tachycardia occurred most frequently in the G35 animals (50% of them). During transfusion G35 animals presented more clinical manifestation (P

Fourteen healthy yearling Holstein steers were used to study the influence of the levels of hemolysis and serum storage at different temperatures (4º C, -10ºC and at room temperature) on serum inorganic sulphate concentrations. The correlation of inorganic sulphate concentration between plasma and serum was also compared. Three different levels of hemolysis were obtained by adding distilled water to the blood. Precision studies were undertaken to determine the viability of the turbidimetric technique used to measure the inorganic sulphate concentration. No difference in the inorganic sulphate concentration was found between serum and plasma (p>0.91), between serum kept at different temperatures (p>0.87) and between hemolysed and normal serum (p>0.85). Increasing levels of hemolysis did not influence the serum inorganic sulphate concentration. The turbidimetric technique was suitable and accurate for routine analysis of serum inorganic sulphate. It was concluded that serum kept at room temperature can be used for practical routine surveys to assess the sulphur status in cattle.

The clinical picture of sulphur (S) deficiency is described by the first time in Brazilian dairy calves. Twelve crossbred six-month-old weaned dairy calves, reared on pasture of S-deficient Brachiaria decumbens, were used. The calves were randomly assigned in two groups of six calves each to verify the influence of S supplementation on some clinical and serum biochemical variables. All animals were fed a basal-supplement mix containing macro and microlements, urea and ground corn grain added (41gS/kg) or not of S (elemental S; 1g S/kg), for six months. At the end of the experiment, the S-supplemented calves had higher mean body weight (p < 0.01), body condition score (p < 0.016), serum inorganic sulphate concentration (p < 0.001) and serum albumin concentration (p < 0.01) than the S-deficient calves. The unsupplemented dairy calves exhibited loss of body condition, retarded growth, weight loss and slight apathy.São descritos, pela primeira vez no Brasil, os sinais clínicos de bezerros leiteiros com deficiência de enxofre (S). Doze bezerros mestiços, recém-desmamados e com seis meses de idade, foram distribuídos, ao acaso, em dois grupos iguais. Todos os animais pastejaram em piquetes de Brachiaria decumbens e receberam, por seis meses, um suplemento básico contendo macro e microelementos, uréia e fubá, contendo 1gS/kg. No segundo grupo, essa mistura era suplementada com S-elementar para conter 41gS/kg. Ao término do experimento, o grupo suplementado com S apresentou um maior ganho de peso (p < 0,01), melhor condicão corporal (p < 0,016), e maiores concentrações séricas de sulfato inorgânico (p < 0,001) e de albumina ( p < 0,01) que os bezerros não suplementados. Os animais deficientes em S apresentaram perda de condição corporal, retardo de crescimento, perda de peso e discreta apatia.

No presente trabalho, mediram-se o crescimento e o desgaste do casco dos quatro dígitos laterais, em duas posições (dorsal e lateral), em quatro garrotes da raça Jersey e quatro da raça Gir, mantidos em "tie-stall", sobre piso de cimento recoberto por alta camada de maravalha. O trabalho transcorreu no período de novembro de 1997 a abril de 1998. As medidas de crescimento e desgaste do casco foram obtidas empregando-se a técnica clássica descrita por Hahn et al. (1986). Não ocorreram diferenças significativas no crescimento e no desgaste dos cascos entre as raças estudadas, assim como entre as unhas dos cascos dos membros anteriores e posteriores. Em ambas as raças, foram constatados maiores desgaste e crescimento da região lateral (lado abaxial) do casco, em relação à região dorsal, indicando que grande parte do contato e sustentação do corpo ocorre na área lateral do casco. A apara funcional acelera o crescimento do casco, porém não altera a taxa de desgaste.Rates of hoof growth and wear, on both dorsal and lateral surfaces of front and rear outside claws, were measured in four Jersey and four Gir yearling steers kept on a tie-stall system on a concrete ground covered by deep layer of sawdust. Measurements were taken from November 1997 to April 1998 according to the classical technique described by HAHN et al. (1986). No significant differences in the growth and wear of the claws were found between the two breeds. There was no significant difference of growth and wear rates between front and rear claws. Horn of the lateral walls grew and wore faster in taurine and zebuine cattle, indicating that most of the weight-bearing and contact to the soil is given through this region. Functional trimming increases claw horn growth but does not interfere with wear rates.

Thirty crossbred two-year-old steers, kept on pasture of Braquiaria decumbens, were used in two different experiments of 90 days each. In the first experiment, the steers were randomly assigned in five groups of six steers each to verify the influence of different percentages of sodium chloride (SC) in mineral mix (MM) containing essential macro and microelements (A - 100% SC; B - 80% SC/20% MM; C - 60% SC/40% MM; D - 40% SC/ 60 MM and E - 20% SCl/80 MM) on the consumption of the mineral supplement and the weight gain. In the second experiment, the same steers were reassigned to three groups of 10 animals each to study the effect of mineral salt (40% SC/60% MM) offered loose, partially blocked or as a hard block on the mineral consumption and weight gain. Steers fed supplement D had the highest intake followed by groups B and C; lowest intake was verified in group E. All mineral supplements but E were fed adequately to meet the Na requirement (6.3g/head/d) for a 350kg growing steer. Higher average daily gain was verified in steers of groups D and C than those of group E. The highest mineral intake was observed in steers fed loose mineral (60g/head/d) followed by partially block (45g/d); the lowest consumption occurred in the steers fed hard block mineral (27g/d). The coefficient of variation of supplement intake increased as mineral hardness increased. The higher the mineral intake, in the second experiment, the greater the average daily gain. Grazing steers should be offered mineral supplements with 40% and 60% of NaCl changed weekly in order to avoid the hardening of its contents.Trinta garrotes cruzados, com dois anos de idade, mantidos em pastos de capim Braquiria decumbens, foram utilizados em dois experimentos, com duração de 90 dias cada. No primeiro deles, os garrotes foram distribuídos, ao acaso, em cinco grupos de seis animais cada, para avaliar a influência de diferentes porcentagens de cloreto de sódio (CS) na mistura mineral (MM), contendo os principais macro e microelementos essenciais, (A - 100% CS; B - 80% CS/20% MM; C - 60% CS/40% MM; D - 40% CS/ 60% MM; E - 20% CS/80% MM) sobre o consumo de suplemento mineral e o ganho de peso, no período. No segundo experimento, os mesmos garrotes foram redistribuídos, ao acaso, em três grupos de 10 animais cada, para verificar a influência da oferta de suplemento mineral na forma solta, parcialmente empedrado ou totalmente empedrado, sobre o consumo deste alimento e sobre o ganho de peso, no período. No primeiro experimento, maior ingestão de suplemento foi detectada no grupo recebendo a fórmula D, seguida pelas fórmulas B e C; menor ingestão ocorreu nos garrotes que receberam o suplemento E. Com exceção deste último grupo, o suplemento mineral dos demais foi ingerido adequadamente para suprir o requerimento diário de sódio (6,3g/cabeça) de um garrote de 350kg. Maior ganho de peso médio diário foi constatado em garrotes dos grupos D e C, comparados com os do grupo E. No segundo experimento, maior ingestão de suplemento ocorreu em garrotes que receberam mineral solto (60g/cabeça/dia), seguido pelos que ingeriram sal mineral parcialmente empedrado (45g/dia); o menor consumo foi constatado nos garrotes para os quais foram ofertados suplemento empedrado (27g/dia). O coeficiente de variação da ingestão do suplemento mineral, pelos garrotes, aumentou quanto maior foi o grau de empedramento do sal oferecido. Quanto maior foi a ingestão de suplemento mineral, ofertada aos garrotes no segundo experimento, maior foi o ganho de peso constatado. Os dados obtidos permitem concluir que garrotes em pastoreio devem receber suplementos minerais contendo 40% a 60% de cloreto de sódio nas suas fórmulas, e que os mesmos devem ser reabastecidos semanalmente, nos cochos, a fim de evitar o empedramento de seus conteúdos.

Fifteen lambs were fed diet with normal (0.11%) or deficient levels of sodium ( 0.035%), respectively, for five weeks on each diet. At the end of each period saliva was collected by three different methods: swabbing with a 5 x 5 x 1.25cm synthetic sponge, aspiration with a 15cm long plastic tube connected to a 20ml syringe and sucking with a 4mm x 45cm long plastic tube through a water-jet aspirator pump or an eletric motor pump. The volume of saliva collected/min and the salivary sodium: potassium ratio were analysed. Larger volume of saliva was obtained with the developed sucking apparatus than with the sponge or the syringe. There was no influence of the method of saliva collection on the values of salivary Na:K ratio in both periods. Nevertheless, the lower the sodium dietary level was, the smaller the salivary Na:K ratio. Five weeks of low sodium diet intake resulted in a decrease in the salivary Na:K ratio values by half. However, the lambs did not exhibit any clinical sign of sodium deficiency. The advantages of the developed method to collect saliva are discussed.Neste experimento foram utilizados 15 cordeiros os quais receberam dietas com níveis adequados de sódio (0,11%) ou deficientes deste elemento (0,035%), respectivamente, por dois períodos de cinco semanas cada. Ao término de cada período, foram colhidas amostras de saliva, de todos animais, por três diferentes métodos: absorção com o uso de uma esponja sintética com as seguintes medidas 5 x 5 x 1,25cm; aspiração com um tubo plástico de 15cm de comprimento conectado a uma seringa de 20ml; e através de sucção por tubo plástico, com 4mm x 45cm de comprimento, ligado a uma trompa de vácuo conectada a uma torneira ou a uma bomba motora elétrica geradora de vácuo. Foram avaliados o volume de saliva colhida por minuto e a razão das concentrações de sódio:potásio salivar. Quantidades muito maiores de saliva (p < 0,001) foram colhidas através do método utilizando trompa ou bomba motora de vácuo que com o auxílio de esponja ou de seringa. Não existiu diferença entre a razão das concentrações Na:K salivar nas amostras colhidas pelos três diferentes métodos, nos períodos experimentais. A ingestão de uma dieta pobre em sódio, pelos ovinos, provocou uma queda, de cerca de 50%, nos valores da razão Na:K salivar, comparado com os valores encontrados na dieta normosódica. Porém, os animais submetidos a dieta carente em sódio não apresentaram quaisquer sinais clínicos sugestivos de deficiência deste elemento. As vantagens do método desenvolvido para colheita de saliva são apresentadas e discutidas.

Doze ovelhas hígidas, não prenhes e não lactentes foram submetidas a um protocolo de indução experimental de cetose nervosa para a avaliação de sintomatologia nos quadros de cetose e Toxemia da Prenhez. Neste protocolo, oito animais foram submetidos a infusão de 150 mL de solução de isopropanol a 35% na veia jugular, constituindo o grupo Tratado (GT), e quatro ovinos foram tratados identicamente com solução salina isotônica (NaCl 0,9%), constituindo o grupo Controle (GC) no decorrer de 40 minutos. Os animais do GT apresentaram aumento da frequência cardíaca (FC) aos 40 minutos de infusão e redução no movimento ruminal a partir dos 10 minutos de infusão com isopropanol, o qual permaneceu diminuído ate 10 minutos do termino da infusão. A atonia ruminal ocorreu em três animais, que manifestaram em seguida leve meteorismo gasoso. A infusão de isopropanol provocou o surgimento de sintomas nervosos como, depressão e sonolência, cambaleios, adução de membros posteriores, pressão da cabeça em obstáculo, ranger de dentes e cegueira quase sempre acompanhada de diminuição do reflexo pupilar e nistagmo. Todos os animais exalaram forte odor cetótico com poucos minutos do inicio da indução, fato que ajudou a eliminação do isopropanol do organismo. Os presentes resultados sugerem que parte dos sintomas nervosos verificados na Toxemia da Prenhez possa ser oriunda da ação do isopropanol. Estes resultados abrem novas perspectivas para o melhor entendimento da patogenia da Toxemia da Prenhez em ovinos.

Foi realizado o estudo retrospectivo das afecções do sistema locomotor de ruminantes atendidos no Serviço de Clínica de Bovinos e Pequenos Ruminantes da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (FMVZ-USP), no período de 2000 a 2012. Nesse período, foram atendidos 209 casos de animais com problemas locomotores, dos quais 62,7% localizados na região distal dos membros e 37,3% na região proximal. Na espécie bovina, com 121 (57,9%) casos atendidos, o comprometimento da região distal dos membros foi observado em 86 (71,07%) e da região proximal em 35 (28,93%) dos casos, respectivamente. A afecção mais frequente observada em bovinos foi a hiperplasia interdigital com 26,74% (23) dos casos atendidos. Entre as afecções na região proximal, houve maior ocorrência de fraturas, com 48,6% (17) dos casos. Foram atendidos 88 (42,1%) pequenos ruminantes, apresentando lesões na região distal em 51,1% (45) dos casos e 48,9% (43) com lesões na região proximal. Nessas espécies, as lesões de maior ocorrência nas regiões distais e proximais foram, respectivamente, o foot-rot (60%) e as fraturas (77,4%). As afecções do sistema locomotor dos ruminantes foram pouco frequentes entre os animais atendidos no período estudado. Quanto ao prognóstico, foi bom nos animais acometidos com doenças podais, diferentemente das afecções proximais dos bovinos, principalmente fraturas, que apresentaram prognóstico mau.

An outbreak of enzootic ataxia among sheep raised in the northeastern region of Brazil is described. Copper (Cu) deficiency was diagnosed in a herd of 56 sheep, among which five presented characteristic clinical symptoms of enzootic ataxia. The symptoms began 30 days after birth, with a clinical condition that included locomotion difficulty, limb ataxia, tremors, and continual falls. Liver biopsies were performed and blood was collected to determine hepatic and plasmatic Cu, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentration, respectively. The laboratory results showed that the animals presented low copper concentrations in the plasma and liver, without difference between the clinically healthy animals and those affected by enzootic ataxia. Even after supplementation with adequate Cu levels had been recommended, it was found on a new visit to the farm four months later that one animal still presented a clinical condition and that the hepatic Cu levels of the herd had not risen. Despite the low copper content of the diet, the high hepatic Fe levels found suggest that antagonism due to this element may have been an important factor in triggering copper deficiency in these animals, and thus, additional copper supplementation may be necessary for these animals.

A infusão de solução salina hipertônica (SSH) é um importante tratamento em animais com choque hipovolêmico. Bovinos com acidose láctica ruminal aguda (ALRA) frequentemente apresentam quadros de desidratação. Este trabalho avaliou a eficiência do tratamento da ALRA com SSH. Foram empregados 12 bovinos machos, mestiços com um ano de idade. Após implantação de cânula ruminal e período de adaptação alimentar os animais foram submetidos à indução de ALRA por meio de administração de sacarose no rúmen. Após 20 horas da indução, os animais foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos. Um deles (SSH) foi tratado na 20ª h com 5 mL/kg P.V. de uma solução de SSH (7,5 % NaCl), dentro de 15 min, e em seguida 20 mL/kg/P.V. de solução salina isotônica (SSI), no decorrer dos próximos 165 minutos. O outro grupo (SSI) foi medicado da mesma forma, com exceção da SSH que foi substituído por 5 mL/kg PV de SSI. Cinco litros de conteúdo ruminal foram retirados, sendo repostos com cinco litros de água em ambos os grupos. Variáveis foram mensuradas no momento 0 (MO), na 20ª h (M20h) e no decorrer dos tratamentos (M30', M60', M120' e M180'). O uso de SSH provocou, nos primeiros 30 minutos, uma ligeira acidemia, acompanhada de discreta hipercapnia, contudo sem provocar efeitos colaterais. A infusão de SSH provocou uma queda no volume globular, confirmando a migração de fluidos do rúmen para a circulação, corrigindo parcialmente a desidratação. Assim, o uso de SSH é uma possibilidade de tratamento adicional da desidratação provocada pela ALRA.