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This research constitutes the first overview of the organic milk production chain in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main objective is to identify the profile of the producers, as well as their motivations and difficulties of remaining in the sector, plus to characterize the production units. Data were obtained through interviews with producers by a semi-structured questionnaire, from April to December of 2019. Data analysis was performed in a descriptive and exploratory manner, with a quantitative and qualitative approach. The average size of properties was about 149.5 hectares. The daily average of milk production was 194.3 L/day. As for properties, 86% used mechanized milking and adopted forage and concentrate supplementation for lactating cows. It was found that obtaining organic inputs for animal feed is the most challenging difficulty for producers. Nevertheless, there was a low utilization of some areas on the properties, which could be used for the production of these organic inputs (voluminous and concentrated), and contribute to their self-sufficiency. This research constitutes the first overview of the organic milk production chain in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main objective is to identify the profile of the producers, as well as their motivations and difficulties of remaining in the sector, plus to characterize the production units. Data were obtained through interviews with producers by a semi-structured questionnaire, from April to December of 2019. Data analysis was performed in a descriptive and exploratory manner, with a quantitative and qualitative approach. The average size of properties was about 149.5 hectares. The daily average of milk production was 194.3 L/day. As for properties, 86% used mechanized milking and adopted forage and concentrate supplementation for lactating cows. It was found that obtaining organic inputs for animal feed is the most challenging difficulty for producers. Nevertheless, there was a low utilization of some areas on the properties, which could be used for the production of these organic inputs (voluminous and concentrated), and contribute to their self-sufficiency.

This study proposes to examine the economic viability of implementing the necessary infrastructure for the recycling of bedding sand from a free-stall facility in a milk production system in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. In specific terms, the total production cost (TC), total operating cost (TOC) and effective operating cost (EOC) of a cubic meter of recycled sand were estimated in order to estimate the total sand consumption for the free-stall system and per bed year-1 as well as the equilibrium point of the amount of recycled sand, in cubic meters. The experiment was carried out on a farm located in the south of Minas Gerais from January 2016 to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed by the tree-point estimation method (MOP - most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Utilization of 85%, 95% and 75% of the recycled sand was considered for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In all of them, the value charged per cubic meter of sand by a supplier close to the farm was considered. Monte Carlo simulation was also carried out with hurdle rates (HR) of up to 90%. Under the studied conditions, sand recycling showed to be economically viable in all scenarios, with positive net present values (NPV), internal rates of return above the HR, simple and discounted payback below the 10-year horizon, and satisfactory cost benefit-1 ratios (greater than 1). The EOC of one cubic meter of recycled sand was estimated at R$5.04, R$4.51 and R$5.72 for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively, whereas the average TC, considering all scenarios, was R$6.84 (+0.81), which is less than the acquisition price of R$28.57 at the sand extraction site. The TC was R$37,219.51 and R$34,637.74 for the scenarios with HR of 8.50 and 6.99%, respectively, whereas TOC was R$22,572.08 in all analyzed scenarios. The estimated total annual sand consumption by the free-stall system was 526.44 m³, with an estimated average of 1.23 m³ (+0.28) bed-1 year-1. All Monte Carlo simulation models showed positive NPV as well as HR of up to 90%, which reflect a high probability of positive NPV. Objetivou-se analisar a viabilidade econômica da implantação da infraestrutura necessária para a recuperação da areia da cama de uma instalação free stall, em um sistema de produção de leite no Sul de Minas Gerais. Especificamente, pretendeu-se estimar o custo total de produção (CT), custo operacional total (COT) e custo operacional efetivo (COE) de um metro cúbico de areia recuperada, estimar o consumo total de areia para o sistema free stall, e por cama ano-1 e estimar o ponto de equilíbrio da quantidade de areia recuperada, em metros cúbicos. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma propriedade localizada no Sul de Minas Gerais; no período de janeiro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017. Realizou-se a análise de cenários MOP: mais provável (cenário 1); otimista (cenário 2); e pessimista (cenário 3). Considerou-se o aproveitamento de 85%, 95% e 75% da areia recuperada para os cenários 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. Em todos eles, foi considerado o valor praticado por metro cúbico da areia em um fornecedor próximo à propriedade. Realizou-se, ainda, simulação de Monte Carlo com taxas mínimas de atratividade de até 90%. A recuperação de areia, nas condições estudadas, apresentou viabilidade econômica em todos os cenários, apresentando valor presente líquido (VLP) positivos, taxas internas de retorno (TIR) acima da taxa mínima de atratividade, payback simples e descontados abaixo do horizonte de 10 anos e relações benefício custo-1 (RBC) satisfatórias (maior que 1). O COE de um metro cúbico de areia recuperada foi estimado em R$5,04; R$4,51 e R$5,72 para os cenários 1; 2 e 3, respectivamente, enquanto que o CT médio, considerando todos os cenários, foi de R$6,84 (+0,81), abaixo dos valores de aquisição no areal, que seria de R$28,57. Os CT foram de R$37.219,51 e R$34.637,74 para os cenários com taxa mínima de atratividade de 8,50 e 6,99%, respectivamente, enquanto que COT foi de R$22.572,08 em todos os cenários analisados. O consumo total de areia anual estimado foi de 526,44m³ e um consumo médio estimado de 1,23m³ (+0,28) cama-1 ano-1. Todos os modelos de simulação de Monte Carlo apresentaram VPL positivos, assim como taxas mínimas de atratividade de até 90%, que refletem alta probabilidade de VPL positivo.

There are several factors affecting global milk production leading to severe economic losses. Mastitis and leukosis are highly prevalent diseases especially in Brazilian cattle herds. The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between mastitis and the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in naturally infected cows belonging to dairy herds in Minas Gerais State. Additionally, the prevalence of both diseases, pathogens causing mastitis, and their association with BLV infection and persistent lymphocytosis were evaluated. The prevalence of BLV was determined using the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) in 1,392 lactating cows from ten dairy herds. From the AGID results, 240 cows were selected and divided into two experimental groups: A case group composed of 160 BLV-positive cows (BLV-P) and the control group of 80 BLV-negative cows (BLV-N). Based on serological and leucocytic evaluations, the animals were classified into three subgroups: BLV-N, BLV-P without persistent lymphocytosis (BLV-PWPL), and BLV-positive with persistent lymphocytosis (BLV-PPL). The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was performed on days 0 (D0) and 60 (D60) in the subgroups and the milk from CMT-positive glands were analyzed. BLV infection was present in 100% of herds, with an overall prevalence of 80.9% in cows older than 24 months. Among BLV-P animals, 74% were classified as BLV-PWPL and 26% as BLV-PPL. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (73.30%), Corynebacterium spp. (12.04%), Streptococcus agalactiae (8.90%), and Staphylococcus aureus (5.76%) were predominant (61.41%). There were no statistical differences among the scores of clinical or subclinical mastitis with the pathogen type (contagious or environmental) in the BLV-PWPL or BLV-PPL subgroups. However, BLV-P animals showed higher CMT scores than BLV-N animals, suggesting a higher predisposition to subclinical mastitis in cows affected by leukosis. Tendo em vista a relevância econômica e social da produção de leite e a ampla ocorrência da leucose e mastite em rebanhos brasileiros, foi proposto o presente estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a correlação entre a mastite e a infecção pelo vírus da leucose bovina em vacas leiteiras naturalmente infectadas de 10 rebanhos leiteiros da região sul do estado de Minas Gerais. Além disso, foi avaliada a prevalência de ambas as doenças e dos patógenos causadores de mastite e sua associação com infecção por BLV e linfocitose persistente. A prevalência do VLB foi avaliada pelo teste de imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA) em 1.392 vacas em lactação nos rebanhos estudados. De acordo com os resultados do IDGA, 240 vacas foram selecionadas para compor dois grupos experimentais: 1-caso: composto por 160 vacas BLV positivas (BLV-P) e 2-controle: composto por 80 vacas BLV negativas (BLV-N). De acordo com as avaliações sorológicas e leucocitárias, os animais foram classificados em três subgrupos: BLV-N; BLV-P sem linfocitose persistente (BLV-PWPL) e BLV positivos com linfocitose persistente (BLV-PPL). O California Mastitis Test (CMT) e a cultura do leite das glândulas CMT positivas foram realizados nos dias 0 (D0) e 60 (D60). A leucose foi detectada em 100% dos rebanhos com prevalência média de 80,9%. Entre os animais BLV-P, 74% foram classificados como BLV-PWPL e 26% como BLV-PPL. Staphylococcus coagulase negativos (73,30%), seguido por Corynebacterium spp. (12,04%), Streptococcus agalactiae (8,90%) e Staphylococcus aureus (5,76%) foram os agentes predominantes. Não houve diferença estatística entre os escores de mastite clínica ou subclínica e nem entre o tipo de patógeno (contagioso ou ambiental) nos subgrupos de animais BLV-PWPL ou BLV-PPL relacionados ao BLV-N. No entanto, animais BLV-P apresentaram escores mais elevados no CMT em relação aos animais BLV-N, sugerindo maior predisposição à mastite subclínica em vacas com leucose.

Canine otitis externa is a disease that affects the external acoustic meatus of about 20% of dogs at some point in life, without predilection for race, age, or sex. It is a multifactorial disease whose etiology involves several microorganisms, detaching Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobials are the basis for treating this illness; however, due to the increase in antimicrobial resistance, conventional drugs have become ineffective, requiring the search for alternative therapies. In this context, essential oils (EOs) have great therapeutic potential due to their broad antimicrobial action. This study aimed to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in order to measure the MIC50 and MIC90 of gentamicin and EOs of Eugenia caryophyllata, Thymus vulgaris, Cymbopogon winterianus, Cymbopogon citratus, and Cinnamomum cassia against 62 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from the external acoustic meatus of dogs. All EOs showed antibacterial action against the studied microorganisms, and their MIC50 and MIC90 were as follows: Eugenia caryophyllata, 2.42 mg mL-1 and 7.25 mg mL-1; Thymus vulgaris, 9.51 mg mL-1 and 22.94 mg mL-1; Cymbopogon winterianus, 26.78 mg mL-1 and 157.79 mg mL-1; Cinnamomum cassia and Cymbopogon citratus, lower than 16.48 and 27.81 mg mL-1, with the same MIC for all isolates. The MIC50 and MIC90 found for gentamicin were 1ug mL-1and 8 ug mL-1. The MIC range found to antibiotic in this assay was 0.5 ug mL-1to 128 ug mL-1, and the isolates were classified as susceptible [48 strains (77.41%) - MIC range of 0.5-4.0 ug mL-1], intermediate [eight strains (12.90%) - (MIC = 8.0 ug mL-1], or resistant [six strains (9.68%) - MIC bigger, smaller 16 ug mL-1]. The results, according to the in vitro assays, showed that resistance to gentamicin, one of the antimicrobials most commonly used to treat canine otitis, is present in the Staphylococcus aureus population evaluated. Additionally, the tested EOs have great potential for therapeutic use, however future studies should be carried out to evaluate their in vivo efficacy. A otite canina externa é uma doença que afeta o meato acústico externo de até 20% dos cães em algum período de suas vidas, sem predileção por raça, idade ou sexo. Trata-se de uma doença multifatorial que tem Staphylococcus aureus como um dos principais agentes etiológicos. Antimicrobianos constituem a base para o tratamento desta enfermidade, entretanto, devido ao incremento da resistência antimicrobiana, os fármacos convencionais tem se tornado pouco eficazes, o que requer a busca por terapias alternativas. Neste contexto, os óleos essenciais (OE) apresentam grande potencial terapêutico devido a sua ampla ação antimicrobiana. Este trabalho visou detectar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), a partir da qual foram obtidos os índices de MIC50 e MIC90 para a gentamicina e para os OE de Eugenia caryophyllata, Thymus vulgaris, Cymbopogon winterianus, Cymbopogon citratus e Cinnamomum cassia contra 62 Staphylococcus aureus isolados do meato acústico externo de cães otopatas. Todos os OE mostraram ação antibacteriana contra os microrganismos estudados e foram detectadas as seguintes CIM50 e CIM90: Eugenia caryophyllata, 2,42 mg mL-1e 7,45 mg mL-1; Thymus vulgaris, 9,51 mg mL-1 e 22,94 mg mL-1; Cymbopogon winterianus, 26,78 mg mL-1 e 157,79 mg mL-1; Cinnamomum cassia e Cymbopogon citratus CM menores que 16,48 e 27,81 mg mL-1, respectivamente já que estes apresentaram CIM única para todos os isolados testados. Para a gentamicina, foram obtidas CIM50 e CIM90 1ug mL-1 e 8 ug/m, respectivamente. Ademais, a faixa de CIM encontrada para o antibiótico variou de 0,5 a 128 ug mL-1, e os isolados foram classificados em susceptíveis [48 isolados (77,41%) - CIM na faixa de 0,5-4 ug mL-1], intermediários [8 isolados (12,90%) - (CIM = 8ug mL-1] e resistentes [6 isolados (9,68%) - CIM maior, menor 16]. Os resultados encontrados mostraram que os isolados de micro-organismos testados tem potencial para desenvolver resistência antimicrobiana a terapêutica tradicional e que os OE, de acordo com os resultados in vitro, apresentam potencial de uso terapêutico, entretanto futuros estudos devem ser realizados para avaliar a eficácia dos OE in vivo.

Condensed tannins were quantified in the barks of selected tree species, and the antibacterial activity of these substances against clinical and subclinical isolates of bovine mastitis were evaluated. Tree barks from Mimosa tenuiflora, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, Anacardium occidentale, and Stryphnodendron adstringens were used, as well as commercial tannin from Acacia mearnsii. The tannins were extracted using a mixture of ethyl alcohol and acetone. The moisture content (MC), Stiasny index (SI), total solids content (TSC), and condensed tannins (CT) were measured. The evaluation of antimicrobial activity was determined by applying the disk diffusion test. The species that showed the highest CT were M. tenuiflora and A. occidentale, with 37.3% and 37.3%, respectively. The highest SI were obtained by the species A. occidentale and M. caesalpiniifolia, with values above 90%. The bacterium with the lowest resistance to the use of tannins was Streptococcus uberis. A. mearnsii was the only one capable of inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli, with a mean inhibition halo of 9 mm. All species under study showed high values of condensed tannins in their barks. In addition to showing good performance as antimicrobial agents, these tannins indicated potential applications in the development of natural medicines for the treatment of bovine mastitis.

Bovine mastitis is the most important disease of dairy herds worldwide. Its main etiologic agents are bacteria, including Streptococcus agalactiae. The importance of this agent in bovine mastitis is because it is highly contagious and has a high impact on the occurrence of clinical mastitis cases and in the increase of the bulk milk somatic cell counts. The dry cow therapy and the treatment of the clinical mastitis cases stand out among the measures to control intramammary infections in cows. However, these strategies require knowledge about the antimicrobial susceptibility of the causal microorganisms. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of 89 S. agalactiae strains isolated from bovine mastitis between the years 2004 and 2008 in dairy herds from Campo das Vertentes region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The disc diffusion technique was used and the antimicrobials currently used in mastitis therapy were tested. The isolates tested showed 100% susceptibility to chloramphenicol, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, and cefquinome. High frequencies of susceptibility (>95%) were also observed for the beta-lactams (penicillin G, ampicillin, and oxacillin), cephalosporins (cephalotin, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, cefoperazone, and cefquinome), florfenicol, gentamicin, lincomycin, nitrofurantoin, and sulfamethoprim. The strains showed high frequencies of resistance to neomycin (15.74%), and tetracycline (21.35%). Multidrug resistance was detected in 2.25% of the tested isolates. The results pointed to variations in the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the studied strains and the importance of the use of the susceptibility tests to determine the correct antimicrobial to be applied in the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by S. agalactiae. The high frequencies of resistance observed to some antimicrobials, such as neomycin and tetracycline, commonly used in the treatment of mastitis and other pathologies, highlighted the need for more judicious use of antimicrobials on dairy farms.

High bulk milk somatic cell counts (BMSCC) are indicative of failures related to the control of mastitis in the herd, which compromises the quality of the milk and generates great losses for the producers and for the industry. A case-control study was carried out in dairy herds in the Campos das Vertentes region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in order to contribute to the knowledge of the risk factors involved with elevated BMSCC. The study involved 46 dairy herds, of which 30 were considered cases (BMSCC ≥700,000 cells/mL of milk) and 16 control farms (BMSCC ≤200,000 cells/mL of milk). Sixteen qualitative variables and four quantitative variables were analyzed. The results showed that the risk factors for BMSCC ≥700,000 cells/mL were the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae pathogens in bulk milk, non-use of pre and post-dipping, non-use of disposable paper towel for drying of mammary glands, non-monitoring of mastitis in the herd by means of California Mastitis Test (CMT) or individual somatic cell counts (SCC), non-implementation of the milking line and therapy of dry cows and failures in hygiene of teats and udders before milking. Moderate correlations were also observed between the elevation of BMSCC and counts of S. aureus and BMSCC and counts S. agalactiae in bulk milk, and a moderate correlation between S. aureus and S. agalactiae counts in bulk milk. Failures with regard to the maintenance and use of milking equipment, including manual pressure application in milking assemblies, unregulated milking vacuum pressure, and vacuum loss during milking, and maintenance failures of the milking machine and bulk milk tank were also pointed out as important risk factors of BMSCC elevation. The results of this study provided subsidies for the elaboration of more effective programs for mastitis control and improvement of raw milk quality, reducing the losses caused by the disease to producers and industry.

The aim of this study was to analyze 100 dairy farms under family farming regime from the mesoregion of the Acre Valley in the Western Amazon, regarding the sanitary and milk quality aspects, considering different levels of milk yield. The data were collected from March to June 2016, from a semi-structured form, containing 301 questions, through on-site observation, as well as the answers obtained with the owners; and recorded in SPSS® spreadsheets. The descriptive statistics was adopted and, with the aid of the cluster analysis methodology, the cowmen were divided into two clusters with different characteristics in terms of productivity (higher and lower). Some relevant differences among the properties were identified: those belonging to the higher productivity cluster had higher family income and showed greater use of technologies, such as expansion tank and milking machine. In addition, they showed higher vaccination rates against clostridial diseases and rabies. Regarding milk quality, there was higher pre-dipping indices. Milk analyses (somatic cell count, total bacteria count, temperature, protein, fat, bacterial inhibitors, reductase and milk solids-not-fat) were performed on any property. It was concluded that actions are needed to improve productivity and aspects related to milk quality.

Staphylococcus aureus is the pathogen most often isolated from human skin infections, the leading cause of nosocomial infections, and one of the main causative agents of bovine mastitis worldwide. The pathogenicity of S. aureus infection is attributed to a wide array of virulence determinants rather than to any single one. In addition, different mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance also play an important role in the colonization of the host by this pathogen. The possibility of antimicrobial resistance genes exchange among different bacteria is of serious concern in livestock husbandry, as well as in the treatment of human staphylococci infections. Thus, the aims of this review were to summarize the literature on the role of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes of S. aureus from bovine mastitis, focusing on the association between these characteristics and its implications in public and animal health.

Bovine mastitis is the most frequent disease in dairy herds worldwide. This disease causes great economic losses to producers, industry and consumers, since there are direct implications in public health due to the zoonotic potential of some agents involved in its etiology and the presence of antimicrobial residues in milk. Considering the multifactorial aspect of the disease and the importance of milk production in family farming, knowledge of the agents involved in its etiology and the susceptibility profiles to antimicrobials is of paramount importance. In this study, the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae in herds of family farms in the Campo das Vertentes region of Minas Gerais State, and the resistance of these pathogens to the antibiotics most commonly used in the treatment of mastitis in livestock dairy farmers were evaluated. The study involved 200 properties, covering an area of approximately 12,564 km2. The prevalences of pathogens were carried out through microbiological analyzes of milk samples from the bulk milk tank. The modified Baird-Parker Agar medium was used for the detection of S. aureus, and the modified Edwards Agar medium, enriched with 5% desfibrinated sheep blood was used for the detection of S. agalactiae. Disc diffusion technique was used to evaluate resistance to antibiotics. The results showed high prevalence of S. aureus pathogens (71.0%) and S. agalactiae (68.0%) in the farms studied with high levels of resistance and multidrug resistance. The results demonstrate that there are control failures measures to contagious mastitis in studied herds, pointing to the need for more effective control these pathogens and the more judicious use of antibiotics aiming to minimize the problem of resistance to them.

The objective was to analyse, comparatively, the profitability of compost barn and free stall milk-production systems. Data collected from four farms from January to December 2016 were analysed. The cost of milk production was estimated according to the operating cost methodology. Additionally, gross and net margins were estimated as indicators of profitability. The results showed that the average gross and net margins were not influenced by the type of facility; they were positive in both of the production systems. Among the components of the effective operating cost, the proportion of the “medications” item was lower in the compost barn, while the cost of bedding for the cows was lower in the free stall farms. Depreciation and total operating cost were similar in the two systems. Milk sales made up a higher percentage of the revenue in the free stall farms, while the expectations of revenues from wastes were similar in the two production systems. Given that there were no significant economic differences between the types of facilities, it is concluded that ease in management, productivity, reproductive performance, animal health, environmental issues, and availability of water and bedding material should be the motivators for choosing one system over the other.

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) and bovine genital trichomonosis (BGT) are globally widespread, predominantly sexually transmitted diseases that mainly affect herds in which natural mating takes place. Bulls serve as good epidemiological indicators for studying the causative agents of these diseases in cattle herds. The objective of the present work was to determine the prevalence of BGC and BGT among bulls sent to slaughterhouses in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Samples of preputial smegma from 200 sexually mature, non-castrated bulls of several ancestries were collected in 2013 from four regional slaughterhouses. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Tritrichomonas foetus, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, and C. fetus subsp. venerealis. Isolation also was used aiming to diagnosis of BGT. All smegma samples were negative in culture for T. foetus. Molecular tests revealed 8% (16/200) of animals to be positive for T. foetus, 17.5% (35/200) for Campylobacter. fetus subsp. fetus, and 13.5% (27/200) for C. fetus subsp. venerealis. The results of the present study indicate that T. foetus, C. fetus subsp. venerealis, and C. fetus subsp. fetus are present among bulls slaughtered in southern Minas Gerais, and that BGC and BGT occur in this region. These diseases therefore need to be considered during differential diagnosis of reproductive diseases affecting cattle herds in which natural mating is employed. A Campilobacteriose Genital Bovina (CGB) e a Tricomonose Genital Bovina (TGB) são doenças de transmissão predominantemente venérea, de ampla disseminação mundial, acometendo principalmente rebanhos submetidos à monta natural. Touros constituem bons indicadores epidemiológicos para a pesquisa destes agentes nos rebanhos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência da CGB e da TGB em touros encaminhados a abatedouros da região sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Amostras de esmegma prepucial de 200 touros (machos não castrados em idade compatível com a monta) de diversas genealogias foram coletadas em quatro abatedouros da região, no ano de 2013. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi utilizada para detecção dos patógenos Tritrichomonas foetus, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus e Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. O isolamento também foi utilizado para o diagnóstico da TGB. Todas as amostras analisadas apresentaram resultado negativo na cultura para isolamento de T. foetus. Por meio dos testes moleculares, verificaram-se prevalências de 8% (16/200) de animais positivos para T. foetus; 17,5% (35/200) para C. fetus subsp. fetus e de 13,5% (27/200) para C. fetus subsp. venerealis. Os dados do presente estudo apontaram a presença de T. foetus, C. fetus subsp. venerealis e C. fetus subsp. fetus em touros abatidos na região sul de Minas Gerais, evidenciando a ocorrência da TGB e da CGB nesta região e a necessidade de inclusão destas enfermidades no diagnóstico diferencial das doenças da reprodução em rebanhos bovinos submetidos à monta natural.

A mastite bovina é a doença mais relevante em bovinos leiteiros em todo o mundo, ocasionando expressivos prejuízos aos produtores, à indústria láctea e consumidores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto econômico da mastite bovina sobre a produção e economia em condições de explorações brasileiras. Para tal, foram estimadas as perdas de produção de leite e os prejuízos econômicos em relação às contagens de células somáticas no leite do tanque (CCSt) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT), em rebanhos da região de Campos das Vertentes, uma importante bacia leiteira do Estado de Minas Gerais. Para se calcular as perdas de produção, utilizaram-se as médias de três CCSt, de 306 propriedades, obtidas em intervalos de 15 dias entre as coletas, sendo estimadas as perdas por meio da equação de regressão linear y= - 4,7908 + 0,0226x, na qual a variável “x” representa a contagem de células somáticas do tanque (CCSt) e “y”a perda em % de produção de leite. As médias de CCSt e de CBT entre as propriedades amostradas foram de 482.650 cels/mL e 43.710 UFC/mL de leite, respectivamente, verificando-se que 35,6% dos estabelecimentos se encontravam acima dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação vigente para a CCSt e 7,84% para CBT. Os resultados demonstraram que a média de produção diária nas propriedades foi de 488,43 litros de leite e que estimativas de perdas médias diárias na produção devido à mastite foram de 6,80%. Não se observaram diferenças significativas quanto às perdas percentuais de produção em função da produção diária das propriedades. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam a necessidade de um controle mais efetivo da mastite, visando minimizar as perdas de produção leiteira e melhorar os índices econômicos, assim como elevar a sanidade do rebanho e a qualidade da matéria-prima ofertada.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:34:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-10-01 A strain of an achlorophyllic alga, named PR24T, was isolated from cow milk samples from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Based on 18S rDNA, 28S rRNA, D1/D2 region of the LSU rDNA and SSU rRNA gene sequence similarities, this strain was found to be a member of the genus Prototheca and closely related to Prototheca blaschkeae SAG2064T. However, the novel strain could easily be distinguished from recognized Prototheca species by internal transcribed spacer, species-specific PCR, single-strand conformation polymorphism-PCR analysis and phenotypic characteristics. The inability to grow in Sabouraud broth at pH 4.0 and the different cellular fatty acid composition clearly distinguished PR24T from the reference strain of P. blaschkeae. The combination of genotypic and phenotypic data indicates that strain PR24T represents a subspecies of P. blaschkeae, for which the name Prototheca blaschkeae subsp. brasiliensis subsp. nov. is proposed. The respective type strain is PR24T (=DSM 103592T=IHEM 26958T). Institute of Sciences of Food Production Italian National Research Council (CNR ISPA), Via Celoria 2 Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology Italian National Research Council (CNR IBBA), Via Einstein Council for Agricultural Research and Economics – Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture (CREA-ZA), Via Lombardo 11 Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Department of Veterinary Medicine Federal University of Lavras Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Via Einstein Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

he objective of this study was to identify and quantify the most representative factor affecting the economic impact of mastitis in dairy cattle herds in order to establish those that should receive greater attention from farmers and technicians to reduce the economic impact of this important disease. A simulation study was conducted with the CU$TO MASTITE program, considering 324 different herds and using combinations of the following factors: somatic cell count (250,000; 500,000; 750,000 and 1,000,000 somatic cells/mL milk); production scale (50; 100 and 150 lactating cows); productivity per animal (10; 20 and 30 L/cow/day); average annual incidence of clinical mastitis (1%; 7% and 15%), and involuntary culling rate due to mastitis (2%; 4% and 6%). Preventive measures included expenses with monitoring [culture and antibiogram, bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC), and individual somatic cell counts], pre- and post-dipping, vaccination, treatment of dry cows, and maintenance of the milking machine. Only treatments of clinical cases were considered as curative measures. The impact of mastitis was estimated as total losses plus expenses with prevention and treatment of clinical cases. The mean incidence of clinical mastitis (MIM) and BTSCC were significant (P

Bovine mastitis is the most frequent disease worldwide in dairy herds, causing high economic losses to producers and industry, as well as having implications for public health due to the zoonotic potential of some agents involved in its etiology and the increased risk of antimicrobial residues in milk and its derivatives. Considering the multifactorial aspect of this disease, knowledge of the agents involved in its etiology and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles is very important. This study was conducted with 306 dairy herds from the Campo das Vertentes region, located in the south of Minas Gerais state, whose owners were milk suppliers to a dairy in the same region. The study involved approximately 34,000 dairy cows and covered an area of approximately 12,564 km2. In these herds, prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae and their relationship with bulk milk somatic cell counts (BMSCC), total bacterial counts (TBC), and daily production were evaluated. In addition, analyses of resistance of these pathogens to the antimicrobials most commonly used in the treatment of mastitis in dairy herds were performed. Microbiological analyses of milk samples from collect from bulk milk tanks were performed aiming to evaluate the prevalence of S. aureus and S. agalactiae. For these proposes, the modified Baird-Parker Agar medium was used for detection of S. aureus and the modified Edwards Agar medium, enriched with 5% defibrinated sheep blood, was used for detection of S. agalactiae. The disc diffusion technique was applied to evaluate antimicrobial resistance. Results show high prevalence rates of S. aureus (70.3%) and S. agalactiae (67.0%) in the dairy farms studied, with 47.71% of the herds showing both pathogens. Associations between BMSCC and the presence of pathogens S. aureus and S. agalactiae and between TBC and the presence of S. agalactiae were observed, demonstrating the influence of these pathogens in milk quality. No variation was observed in the distribution of S. aureus and S. agalactiae in the different strata of daily production. High levels of resistance and multi-resistance were observed among the pathogens S. aureus and S. agalactiae. The results indicate the need for more effective control measures for mastitis caused by S. aureus and S. agalactiae in the dairy herds of the region studied and more judicious use of antimicrobials in order to reduce the problem of resistance to them. RESUMO: A mastite bovina é a doença de maior frequência em rebanhos leiteiros em nível mundial, acarretando grandes prejuízos econômicos aos produtores e à indústria. Além disso, esta enfermidade tem implicações na saúde pública, devido ao potencial zoonótico de alguns agentes envolvidos em sua etiologia e por aumentar os riscos de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite e derivados. Considerando o aspecto multifatorial da mastite bovina, o conhecimento dos agentes envolvidos em sua etiologia e os perfis de suscetibilidade aos antibióticos é de suma importância. O estudo envolveu 306 fazendas de leite da região de Campo das Vertentes, localizada no sul de Minas Gerais, cujos proprietários eram fornecedores de leite para um laticínio da região, totalizando aproximadamente 34.000 animais e abrangendo uma área aproximada 12.564 km2. Nestes rebanhos, avaliaram-se a prevalência de Staphylococcus aureus e Streptococcus agalactiae e a relação destes agentes com os índices de contagem de células somáticas do leite do tanque de expansão (CCSt), contagem bacteriana total (CBT) e produção diária. Analisou-se também a resistência destes patógenos aos antimicrobianos mais comumente utilizados no tratamento da mastite em rebanhos leiteiros. Análises microbiológicas de amostras de leite dos tanques de expansão foram realizadas para se determinar as prevalências dos patógenos S. aureus e S. agalactiae. Para a detecção de S. aureus, utilizou-se o meio seletivo Ágar Baird-Parker modificado e para a detecção de S. agalactiae, o meio seletivo Ágar Edwards modificado, enriquecido com 5% de sangue ovino desfibrinado. Foi utilizada a técnica de difusão em discos para a avaliação de resistência aos antimicrobianos. Os resultados apontaram altas prevalências de S. aureus (70,3%) e de S. agalactiae (67,0%), com 47,71% dos rebanhos examinados apresentando ambos os agentes. Verificaram-se associações entre a CCSt e a presença dos patógenos S. aureus e S. agalactiae, e também entre a CBT e a presença de S. agalactiae, demonstrando a interferência negativa destes patógenos nestes quesitos de qualidade. Não se observaram variações nas distribuições dos patógenos S. aureus e nem S. agalactiae em função da produção diária das propriedades estudadas. Níveis elevados de resistência e de multirresistência foram observados para ambos os agentes. Os resultados apontam a necessidade de medidas mais efetivas de controle para S. aureus e S. agalactiae nos rebanhos da região estudada e do uso mais criterioso dos antimicrobianos, visando minimizar o problema da resistência aos mesmos.

The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the socioeconomic and technical assistance profiles of dairy farmers from six districts in the south of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, and to identify the possible risk factors associated with total milk bacteria count (TBC) above 43,000 CFU mL-1 and bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) above 595,000 cells mL-1. Most of the producers were between 41 and 60 years of age (48.9%), 74.2% did not reach high school, and 72.3% of the respondents were satisfied with their profession, although 63% would not recommend dairy farming to their children. Only 34.7% used periodic technical assistance, but 59.1% consulted it in cases of doubt. The risk factors found in the final multivariable regression models were: TBC (Did not consult technical assistance in case of doubt, OR 3.97, P=0.030; Retirement, OR 9.32, P=0.041) and BMSCC (Producer does not reside on farm, OR 4.06, P=0.046; Presence of technical assistance OR 3.29, P=0.041). It can be concluded that the search for emergency technical assistance, as reported by farmers, was effective against the TBC problems; however, it was ineffective for controlling mastitis in the herd and reducing BMSCC levels. The 10 step mastitis control program from the National Mastitis Council needs to be included on the surveyed farms, especially the permanent advisory technical assistance from veterinarians, aiming towards the establishment of goals for udder health status, reviews and records. RESUMO - O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o perfil socioeconômico e de assistência técnica de produtores de leite provenientes de seis cidades no sul do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, e identificar os possíveis fatores de risco associados com a contagem bacteriana total (CBT) do leite acima de 43.000 UFC mL-1 e contagem de células somáticas do leite do tanque (CCST) acima 595.000 células mL-1. A maioria dos produtores possuía entre 41 e 60 anos de idade (48,9%), 74,2% não alcançaram o ensino médio e, 72,3% dos entrevistados estavam satisfeitos com a sua profissão, embora 63% não recomendaria a pecuária leiteira para os seus filhos. Apenas 34,7% utilizaram assistência técnica periodicamente, mas 59,1% a consultava em caso de dúvidas. Os fatores de risco encontrados nos modelos finais de regressão multivariada foram: CBT (Não consulta a assistência técnica em caso de dúvidas, OR 3,97 e P=0,030; Aposentadoria, OR 9,32 e P=0,041) e CCST (Produtor não reside na fazenda, OR 4,06 e P=0,046; Presença de assistência técnica OR 3,29 e P=0,041). Pode-se concluir que a busca por assistência técnica de forma emergencial, conforme relatado pelos agricultores, foi eficaz contra os problemas de CBT; no entanto, ineficaz para o controle de mastite no rebanho e na redução dos níveis de CCST. O programa de controle de mastite de 10 pontos do National Mastitis Council precisa ser incluído nas fazendas pesquisadas, especialmente em relação à assessoria técnica permanente por veterinários, visando o estabelecimento de metas para o status de saúde do úbere, revisões e registros.

Objetivou-se desenvolver um sistema computacional para auxiliar os tecnicos e produtores a estimarem o impacto economico da mamite em rebanhos leiteiros, desenvolver uma ferramenta que possibilite ao tecnico e ou produtor efetuar simulacoes envolvendo diversos indices e parâmetros zootecnicos em um sistema de producao de leite e apresentar o sistema computacional CU$TO MAMITE. Tal sistema foi desenvolvido utilizando planilha eletronica, o Microsoft Excel. As rotinas foram desenvolvidas de forma conversacional, com acesso as diversas planilhas por meio de botoes auto-explicativos. O CU$TO MAMITE e uma importante ferramenta que auxilia o tecnico e o pecuarista na estimativa do impacto da mamite, fornecendo informacoes importantes para a tomada de decisoes pelos pecuaristas; e permite ao usuario diversas simulacoes englobando diversos parâmetros e indices envolvidos em um sistema de producao de leite.

The objectives of this study were to analyze and quantify the effect of daily productivity per animal on the economic impact of mastitis in dairy cattle herds. A simulation study was conducted using the CU$TO MASTITE computational program. Dairy herds with an average production of 10, 20 and 30 liters of milk/day were considered. As preventive measures, expenses with mastitis incidence monitoring (culture and antibiogram, somatic cell count in the tank and somatic cells count per animal), pre and post dipping , vaccination, and treatment of dry cows were computed. Treatments of clinical cases, which corresponded to 7% of all lactating cows, were considered as curative measures. The impact of mastitis was estimated as total losses (reduction in production and milk disposal during treatment and antibiotic withdrawal period) plus expenses with prevention and treatment of clinical cases. An increase in daily productivity per animal reduced the economic impact of mastitis. Higher productivity was associated with lower economic impact values, per liter of commercialized milk, due to optimization of the products and materials used per animal, reducing operating expenses. The expenses with preventive treatment corresponded to a maximum of 13.5% of economic impact. This percentage was lower than the economic impact of expenses with curative treatment. These results demonstrate the advantages of investing in preventive treatment, which will contribute to reduce the economic impact of mastitis.

Objetivou-se analisar alguns aspectos socioeconômicos e comportamentais, local de trabalho e direitos trabalhistas de 37 ordenhadores considerados contratados provenientes de 28 propriedades leiteiras localizadas em seis municípios da região sul de Minas Gerais, por meio da aplicação de formulário semiestruturado durante os horários de ordenha. Verificou-se a relação de frequência entre os aspectos verificados e as médias das análises de contagem bacteriana total (CBT) (superiores a 100.000 UFC/mL) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS) (superiores a 600.000 células/mL) do leite dos tanques. Constatou-se que a maioria das propriedades leiteiras estudadas utilizavam sistema de produção do tipo semi-intensivo, com duas ordenhas diárias, realizadas em ordenhadeiras do tipo balde ao pé e sistema de refrigeração em tanques de expansão; produção superior a 151 litros de leite/dia e no máximo 20 litros de leite/vaca/dia. No total, 89% e 57% das propriedades apresentaram médias inferiores aos limites da legislação para CBT e CCS, respectivamente. As questões relacionadas com a tecnificação das propriedades estudadas (tanto alto, quanto baixo) e, algumas questões referentes às características do local de trabalho, comportamentais e direitos trabalhistas dos ordenhadores contratados e substitutos (“folguistas”), apresentaram uma relação com a qualidade higiênico-sanitária do leite produzido, pois, em geral, nas propriedades em que tais questões não condiziam com o preconizado, as médias de CBT e CCS apresentaram-se com maiores frequências superiores aos limites estabelecidos. This study had the objective of analyzing some socioeconomic and behavioral aspects, workplace and labor rights of 37 contracted milkers from 28 dairy farms located in six counties of the southern region of Minas Gerais State, through application of a checklist during the milking routine. The frequency ratio between the evaluated aspects and the means for total bacterial count (TBC) (greater than 100,000 CFU/mL) and somatic cell count (SCC) (greater than 600,000 cells/mL) analyses of bulk tank milk were then correlated. We identified that the majority of farms had a semi-intensive production system, with two daily milkings (carried out in automatic milking buckets) and bulk tanks were the predominant milk cooling system; a daily milk production greater than 151 liters of milk/day with a maximum production of 20 liter/per cow/day were also identified. Respectively 89% and 57% of farms had TBC and SCC means below the legislation limits. Aspects related to technification parameters within farms (both high and low), and some aspects associated with the characteristics of the workplace, labor rights, and behavior of milkers and substitute milkers (weekend labor) had a relationship with the quality of milk produced. Generally, in farms where these aspects were not in agreement with the recommendations, we identified a greater incidence of bulk tank milk TBC and SCC means above the legislation limits.

Streptococcus agalactiae e agente causador de enfermidades em seres humanos e animais, sendo uma das principais causas de mastite bovina e perdas economicas para os produtores leiteiros. Ademais, este patogeno tem apresentado resistencia a antimicrobianos que sao amplamente utilizados nos diferentes setores de producao animal. Diante disto, metodos alternativos de tratamento tem sido investigados visando o combate desta bacteria, dentre estes fitoterapicos e fungos. Dois agentes terapeuticos: Lentinula edodes e Euphorbia tirucalli tem demonstrado bons resultados como antimicrobianos e imunoestimulantes contra outros patogenos. Entretanto, nao ha estudos que comprovem a eficacia destes agentes frente S. agalatiae. Portanto o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a acao antimicrobiana de extrato de Lentinula edodes e Solucao aquosa de Euphorbia tirucalli obtidos destes agentes contra S. agalactiae. Foram utilizadas 25 bacterias pertencentes ao banco de cultura do Laboratorio de Microbiologia da UFLA, isoladas de mastite bovina e uma amostra ATCC BAA – 611como controle positivo dos testes. O metodo de concentracao inibitoria minima (CIM) foi realizado para avaliar a eficiencia dos extratos contra S. agalactiae utilizando uma faixa de concentracao de 1000 μg/mL a 15,65 μg/mL, de cada um dos extratos. Nao foi observada inibicao de crescimento em nenhuma das amostras avaliadas, portanto as concentracoes estudadas dos agentes nao foram eficazes contra S. agalactiae. Palavras-chave: mastite bovina. Fungo shiitake, coroa de cristo, GBS, Concentracao inibitoria minima.

Streptococcus agalactiae is one of the most common pathogens leading to mastitis in dairy herds worldwide; consequently, the pathogen causes major economic losses for affected farmers. In this study, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), genotypic capsular typing by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and virulence gene detection were performed to address the molecular epidemiology of 59 bovine (mastitis) S. agalactiae isolates from 36 dairy farms located in the largest milk-producing mesoregions in Brazil (Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, and Pernambuco). We screened for the virulence genes bac, bca, bibA, cfb, hylB, fbsA, fbsB, PI-1, PI-2a, and PI-2b, which are associated with adhesion, invasion, tissue damage, and/or immune evasion. Furthermore, five capsular types were identified (Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV), and a few isolates were classified as non-typeable (NT). MLST revealed the following eight sequence types (STs): ST-61, ST-67, ST-103, ST-146, ST-226, ST-314, and ST-570, which were clustered in five clonal complexes (CC64, CC67, CC103, CC17, and CC314), and one singleton, ST-91. Among the virulence genes screened in this study, PI-2b, fbsB, cfb, and hylB appear to be the most important during mastitis development in cattle. Collectively, these results establish the molecular epidemiology of S. agalactiae isolated from cows in Brazilian herds. We believe that the data presented here provide a foundation for future research aimed at developing and implementing new preventative and treatment options for mastitis caused by S. agalactiae.