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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of protected niacin and yeast rich in chromium on the productive and metabolic performance of dairy cows under thermal stress. 46 lactating Holstein cows were divided into four treatments: protected niacin (GN), yeast rich in chromium (GCr), niacin+chromium (GNCr) and control (GC). Were measured: milk production, SCC, MUN, NEFA, BHB, glucose, cholesterol, insulin, cortisol, T4 and T3. There was an 8% increase in milk production in the GNCr. The use of these elements is an alternative for producers who need to maintain production during periods of thermal stress.

Background: An omphalocele is a rare congenital malformation characterized by the protrusion of the abdominal contents through the base of the umbilical cord. A defect in the midline of the abdomen results in the abdominal contents being covered by a membranous sac near the umbilical cord, which ultimately results in the failure of the abdominal organs to return to the abdominal cavity in the early gestational stages and the development of an omphalocele. This study aimed to address the diagnosis, medical-surgical management, and treatment for an omphalocele in a newborn calf.Case:A 2-day-old male Red Angus calf, weighing 35 kg, was referred to the HVU-UFSM. According to the owner, the animal was born via normal delivery, had ingested milk, was alert, and had an enlarged pendulous abdomen at the umbilicus. Physical examination did not show any changes in vital functions; however, intestinal stasis was observed. An in-depth examination revealed the presence of a round mass of tissue approximately 15 cm in diameter that was filling the remnant of the umbilical cord. This structure was covered by a thin, slightly dried membrane that isolated the contents from the external environment. On palpation, the mass was firm and non-reducible, and an omphalocele was suspected. Given the severity of the condition, the animal immediately underwent an emergency surgical procedure to correct the congenital defect. The surgery involved placing the intestinal loops that were present inside the sac in the abdominal cavity. At the end of the procedure, the animal was placed in a quadrupedal position to better assess omphalocele reduction. Postoperatively, the following medications were administered: a single dose of an analgesic along with a dipyrone and hyoscine-based antispasmodic (25 mg/kg, IM), an enrofloxacin-based antibiotic (2.5 mg/kg, IM) once a day for 7 days, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg, IM), for 3 days; in addition, the surgical wound was cleaned with a 2% povidone-iodine solution. The animal defecated shortly after the surgery. It received the first postoperative treatment and subsequently recommended therapy on the farm. Wound healing was observed after 10 days, and the stitches were removed by a local veterinarian.Discussion: Birth defects, which are not uncommon in the offspring of a herd, are anomalies in the structure and/or function of a certain system of the organism or part of it. An omphalocele is one of these anomalies and has been reported in foals, cats, dogs, pigs, buffalos, calves, goats, dolphins, and sheep. However, its cause is remains unknown. Although it is speculated that the condition is caused by a recessive genetic trait, it has not been confirmed as a hereditary anomaly. In humans, omphalocele is often associated with other anomalies and, in addition to the intestine, other organs of the abdomen may be involved, which significantly increases mortality. The animal in this study presented with intestinal stasis solely due to the entrapment of portions of the small intestine, and no other organic alteration was found to be associated with the omphalocele. Other abnormalities associated with this congenital defect have not been reported in literature either. The case described herein demonstrates how the clinical approach, early diagnosis, surgical intervention, and therapeutic management achieved the objective of correcting an omphalocele in a neonate calf. Keywords: congenital defect, omphalocele, malformation.Título: Onfalocele em bezerro neonatoDescritores: defeito congênito, onfalopatia, malformação.

The aim of this study was to compare the economic revenue related to the use of low- or high-efficacy anthelmintic drugs within suppressive or strategic schemes of treatment in growing heifers. Heifers raised in a semi-intensive grazing system in southern Brazil were used. Levamisole and ivermectin were selected as the high- and the low-efficacy drugs, respectively, based on a previous efficacy test. Subsequently, these drugs were used within strategic (Strat; four times per year) or suppressive (Supp; once a month) treatment regimens in the heifers, and their liveweight and eggs per gram of feces counts were monthly evaluated during a 13-month period. The total costs of the treatments and their cost-benefit ratio in regard to liveweight gain were calculated. Final mean liveweight gains (kg) observed were 126.7 (Strat-Low), 133.6 (Supp-Low), 141.3 (Strat-High), 142.9 (Supp-High), and 125.8 (Control). Treatments with a high-efficacy drug resulted in monetary gains of US$ 19.56 (Strat-High) and US$ 14.98 (Supp-High), but Supp-Low and Strat-Low treatments caused economic losses. Total cost of the efficacy test (US$ 374.79) could be paid by the additional liveweight gain of 20 heifers from the Strat-High group. These results showed that it would be preferable not to treat the heifers against GIN if compared with treating them with a low-efficacy drug. In addition, we showed that the use of four treatments per year with a high-efficacy drug-selected by efficacy test-resulted in a profitable management to control GIN in growing heifers raised in a semi-intensive gazing system in southern Brazil.

We aimed to determine whether the use of injectable vitamins and minerals improves growth performance and immune and antioxidant responses in dairy calves during pre- and post-weaning period in summer. Twenty dairy calves (45 days of age) were randomized to two groups (10 each): control group (CON) and treated group [TREAT; injection providing 0.20, 0.80, 0.20, 0.10, 35 and 1 mg/kg of copper, zinc, manganese selenium, and vitamins A and E, during two periods (15 days pre- and 15 days post-weaning)]. The animals were weighed and blood samples were collected on days 1, 15, 30 and 45 of the study. Levels of serum copper, selenium, zinc, and manganese were measured on day 1; and the results showed that calves were not deficient in these minerals. The TREAT group had greater BW gain during the final third of the experiment. There was an increase in total leukocyte numbers as a result of elevation in neutrophil counts (day 45) and monocytes (days 30 and 45) in the TREAT group. This group also had lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) content (days 15, 30 and 45) and lipid peroxidation (LPO; days 15 and 45). Furthermore, the TREAT group had greater antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP; days 15 and 30), activities of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx; days 15, 30 and 45) and superoxide dismutase (SOD; day 15), concentrations of total serum proteins (day 30), serum globulin (days 15 and 30), ceruloplasmin (day 15), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1, (IL-1; days 30 and 45) and interferon gamma (IFNγ; day 45), compared to CON group. High respiratory rates during hot times of the day in all study calves was suggestive of heat stress. Taken together, the data suggest that mineral and vitamins injections increased the growth performance and boosted the antioxidant and immunological systems of dairy calves during the diet transition period in summer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of a mineral complex improves the performance and health of suckling piglets in the maternity phase. Three groups were formatted as follows: control group T1, administration of parenteral minerals on day of birth T2 (0.1 mL of piglet), and 3 days after birth T3 (0.1 mL of piglet). The body weight and blood samples were analyzed at birth and at days 7, 14, and 21 of age. No significant difference in weight gain (p > 0.05). Plasma superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as the antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radical levels, were superior (p

Our study aimed to evaluate whether zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese subcutaneous mineral application (trace elements) reduced mortality, improved performance, and modulated oxidant and antioxidant balance in lamb meat, thereby improving its quality. We divided the 110 newborn Lacaune lambs into two groups: non-treated (control), and treated (application of minerals) with three doses of 0.33 mL/kg of body weight mineral complex on days of life 1, 30, and 60. All animals were weighed on day of life 1, 30, 60, 90, and 150. At the end of the experiment, 12 animals were slaughtered for physical and chemical analysis of meat, oxidant, and antioxidant status, and for allometric analysis. Mineral-application animals had greater live-weight (P

The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic profile, the activity of blood neutrophils, and the immunoglobulin G levels of primiparous and multiparous sheep (Lacaune breed) during the first 30 days after lambing. Fifteen primiparous ewes (GPR) and 15 multiparous ewes (GPM) were used. Evaluations were performed on the days of lambing and at three, seven, fifteen and thirty days post-lambing. In general, the basal and bactericidal activity of neutrophils were lower in GPR than in GPM. Phagocytosis was greater in the primiparous sheep in the initial moments after lambing. Non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were highest for GPM, indicating a negative energy balance in this group. The results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that primiparous sheep have higher neutrophil phagocytosis, while this cell type has higher bactericidal activity in multiparous sheep. Multiparous ewes presented with higher lipomobilization due to maintenance needs and higher milk production.

The objective was to evaluate the influence of clinical (HC) and subclinical (HSC) hypocalcemia on the energetic metabolism and innate immune response of cows. The samples were divided into groups: Group 1: 74 samples (control), Group 2: 142 samples (HSC) and Group 3: 6 samples (HC). There was no difference in BHB and immune response. In G2 higher values of AGNE were detected on the day of delivery. In G3 higher levels of AGNE were observed on the 15th day postpartum in relation to the 30th day. Higher values of glucose were detected in G3 compared to G1 and G2. Thus, hypocalcemia did not cause alterations in the immune response but altered the energetic metabolism during the transition period.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the metaphylactic effect of minerals on immunological and antioxidant responses, as well as performance and prevention of coccidiosis in newborn lambs. We divided 110 newborn lambs into two groups (55/group): control (untreated) and treated with two doses of 0.33 mL/kg of a mineral complex (zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese) on day of life (DOL) 1 and 30. Total blood was collected at DOL 1, 15, 30 and 45 to measure antioxidant enzymes, biochemical and immunology analyses, and haemogram. Treated animals were heavier (P .05) than untreated lambs on DOL 15 and 45, but not on DOL 30 due to a coccidiosis outbreak. Catalase activity did not differ between groups, while superoxide dismutase and xanthine oxidase activities were higher (P .05) in treated lambs compared with control animals. Serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher (P .05) in treated animals (DOL 15, 30 and 45). A significant increased on the number of lymphocytes (DOL 45), as well as on seric levels of immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG) was observed in treated animals (DOL 15 and 30). Serum Ig levels remained constant throughout the experiment in the treated group, but fluctuated in the control group. Serum glucose levels were greater in treated animals (DOL 15 and 30). It is possible to conclude that subcutaneous administration of minerals has beneficial effects on lambs by increasing antioxidant and immunological defenses, reflected by greater weight gain, which could mitigate the impact of coccidiosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether injectable zinc and copper affect host immune responses and antioxidant status of newborn calves. For this study, 19 newborn calves were divided into two groups. The control group consisted of 10 animals; and the treated group consisted of nine animals that received copper edetate (Cu-ed) and zinc edetate (Zn-ed) subcutaneously at the first day of life at doses of 0.3 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg respectively. Blood and faecal samples were collected for laboratory analyses (seric biochemistry, proteinogram, antioxidant enzymes and parasitological examination) on days 10, 20 and 30 after birth. On day 10, treated animals showed increased levels of total proteins, as well as increased globulin levels compared to the control group, a finding probably related to the increase in ceruloplasmin and IgG heavy chain. Thirty days after mineral metaphylactic administration, IgG light chain and acid glycoprotein levels significantly increased in treated animals (p < .05). There were no significant differences between groups regarding the biochemical analyses (triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose and urea). On the other hand, the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased on day 10 after treatment. In the control group, eight animals showed severe diarrhoea and one died 8 days after birth. Two animals from this group showed mild diarrhoea. Only three treated animals had severe diarrhoea, and six showed signs of mild diarrhoea. All animals that showed severe diarrhoea (control = 8; treated = 3) had hyperthermia (over 39.5°C), and therefore, antibiotic therapy was administered (sulfadiazine and trimethoprim) for five consecutive days. In summary, Zn-ed and Cu-ed decreased the frequency and intensity of diarrhoea, modulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes and also heightened the immune responsiveness of newborn calves, suggesting a new approach to improve cattle performance and minimize the occurrence of diarrhoea.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of mineral traces (Copper, Zinc, Selenium, and Manganese), as well as vitamins A and E in injectable forms on the production and composition of Dutch cow milk at the end of the transitional period, until after 60 days of lactation. 31 females were divided into two experimental groups: the treated grou p (n= 15) that received mineral supplements (10 mg of Copper, 40 mg of Zinc, 5 mg of Selenium, and 10 mg of Manganese) and vitamins (175 mg of vitamin A and 250 mg of vitamin E) and injections (5 mL minerals trace solution and 5 mL vitamin solution subcutaneously). After 225 gestation days, 255 pregnancy days and the estimated day of delivery, the control group (n = 16) that received injections of the sterilizing solution (5 mL dosage from a subcutaneous via) on the same days as the treated group. Milk samples were collected on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after birth, which were used to evaluate the production, the quality (colostrum), and composition (fat, lactose, protein, nonfat dry extract, total solids, urea, and somatic cell count (SCC)). The initial and minimum values estimated by the model indicated that there was not a difference in milk production and SCC levels between the groups. Among the remaining milk components, only the urea showed significant differences between treated and untreated groups (p= 0.002). Also, there were no significant differences observed in the quality of the colostrum. This leads us to believe that the use of injectable solutions containing Cu, Zn, Se, Mn and vitamins A and E have no effect on the composition of urea in the milk, and also showed no effect on SCC and other milk components, as well as in production. However, more studies should be performed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of copper edetate on biochemical parameters, oxidative profile, cholinesterase's activities, as well as its capacity to control gastrointestinal parasites in infected sheep. Thus, Lacaune sheep (n = 18) infected by Haemonchus contortus were used and divided into three groups of six animal each: the group A was composed of untreated animals (the control group), the group B was formed by animals treated with 0.3 mg/kg of copper edetate, and the group C was composed of animals treated with 0.5 mg/kg of copper edetate. Blood collection was performed on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 after mineral supplementation and different variables were measured. Cholinergic system was evaluated to determine the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in total blood and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in serum. Eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were evaluated. There were no significant differences (P 0.05) between groups regarding total protein, albumin, globulin and urea levels, GGT activity, as well as the hematocrit, and EPG. ALT activity decreased (P 0.05) on groups B and C on day 30 compared to the control group (the group A). AChE activity decreased (P 0.05) in the group C on days 10 and 30 compared to the control group, such decrease (P 0.05) was also observed for BChE activity in the group C on day 10. ROS levels increased in the group C compared to groups A and B on day 10, while the SOD activity increased in the group C on days 20 and 30 compared to the control group (P 0.05). CAT activity did not differ between groups (P 0.05). In summary, the copper edetate was not efficient to control gastrointestinal parasites, but efficiently activated SOD, an important antioxidant enzyme. In addition, copper edetate was able to partially inhibit cholinesterase's activities when supplementated at its highest dose.

The aims of this study were to investigate whether treatments with zinc edetate (Zn) and diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) enhance performance, immune responses, protein metabolism, and oxidant/antioxidant status in calf serum and muscle. Animals were divided into four groups (n=6 each): control (without supplementation), and groups supplemented on days 50 and 70 of life with (PhSe)2, Zn, and a combination of (PhSe)2 and Zn. Animals treated with (PhSe)2 gained more weight by experimental day 220 than did the control group, but there was no difference by the end of the experiment (day 300). The absolute number of leukocytes and lymphocytes increased in groups Zn and (PhSe)2+Zn on day 20 of experiment, but decreased on day 40 in groups (PhSe)2, and (PhSe)2+Zn. The number of monocytes decreased in all groups compared with control. One of the principal findings was that (PhSe)2+Zn together had beneficial effects on protein metabolism, represented by increases total protein and globulin levels, compared with the control group. The combination of (PhSe)2 and Zn led to low levels of TBARS and ROS in serum and muscle, and stimulated antioxidant enzyme activities. Thus, supplementation with (PhSe)2+Zn may be a compelling approach to augmenting the calf antioxidant system during weaning.

The aim of this study was to assess the metaphylactic effect of subcutaneous doses of trace minerals (copper, zinc, selenium, and manganese) and vitamins A and E on biochemical (NEFA, BHBA, fructosamine, urea, triglycerides, HDL, and calcium) and hormonal parameters (cortisol, insulin, and IGF-1) of Holstein cows in the transition period. Sixty animals kept in a semi-confinement system, with an average production of 22 liters of milk per day (Farm 1) and 24 liters of milk per day (Farm 2) and a diet according to NRC (2001) with a low metabolic challenge, were divided into two groups: a treatment group, supplemented with trace minerals and vitamins (MTVG) (n=30), and a control group (CG) (n=30). The collection of blood samples was performed at the moments M1 (21 days prepartum), M2 (14 days prepartum), M3 (7 days prepartum), M4 (parturition day), M5 (7 days postpartum), M6 (14 days postpartum), and M7 (21 days postpartum). The experimental design was a randomized block design and the data were submitted to analysis of variance with repeated measures in time within the random variable cow. Differences were considered significant at 5% significance level and trend at 10% level. No difference was observed between treatment and the interaction treatment × day in the assessed parameters. However, some variables showed a significant difference of day. NEFA levels (P < 0.0001) were higher on the parturition day. BHBA concentrations were higher after parturition (P=0.0031), with a peak at the third week of lactation. Fructosamine showed increasing values until the parturition day (P=0.0373), in which higher concentrations were observed. Average values of HDL were higher at 21 days postpartum (P < 0.0001). Triglycerides levels remained high during the prepartum period but showed a sudden drop on the parturition day (P < 0.0001), with lower values postpartum. Regarding serum calcium and IGF-1, lower values were observed on the parturition day (P < 0.001) for both parameters. Cortisol presented a difference regarding day, with higher values on the parturition day (P=0.0151). Thus, the use of trace minerals and vitamins A and E in animals with an adequate body score and low metabolic challenge presents a low response to biochemical and hormonal parameters.

The high mortality rates of calves has encouraged research of the physiological mechanisms that control birth and adaptation of newborns to extrauterine life, to allow early identification of the presence of disease characteristics during the neonatal period. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anemia in Holstein calves in the first month after birth and address the lack of information on the subject in neonates raised under national conditions. In total, 385 animals, 199 from refrigerated type A raw milk producing and 186 from refrigerated raw milk producing dairy farms, were surveyed. Anemia was observed in 14.3 % of the heifers (55/385), with a higher frequency in the farms producing type A milk (18.6 %, 37/199). It was concluded that the frequency of anemia is significant in neonates of the studied breed, particularly in those with more technified properties (type A milk), with this condition being, in most cases, a possible etiology of iron-deficiency. As altas taxas de mortalidade de bezerros têm incentivado pesquisas para o estudo dos mecanismos fisiológicos que controlam o nascimento e a adaptação desses neonatos à vida extrauterina, de modo a permitir a identificação precoce da higidez ou presença de enfermidades características do período neonatal. Este estudo para o estabelecimento da ocorrência de anemia em bezerras da raça Holandesa no primeiro mês de vida considerou 385 animais, sendo 199 provenientes de granjas leiteiras (produtoras de leite cru refrigerado do tipo A) e 186 de estábulos leiteiros (produtores de leite cru refrigerado), e permitiu o levantamento motivado pela ausência de informações sobre o tema em neonatos criados em condições nacionais. A anemia foi observada em 14,3% das bezerras (55/385), tendo frequência maior nas granjas produtoras de leite tipo A (18,6%; 37/199). Concluiu-se que a frequência de anemia é significativa em bezerros neonatos da raça estudada, particularmente nas propriedades mais tecnificadas (leite A), tendo essa condição, na maioria dos casos, uma possível etiologia ferropriva.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the iron metabolism in serum, as well as antioxidant enzymes, in addition to the Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activity in the liver of rats experimentally infected by Fasciola hepatica. Thirty male adult rats (Wistar) specific pathogen free were divided into four groups: two uninfected group (CTRL 1 and CTRL 2) with five animals each and two infected groups (INF 1 and INF 2) with 10 animals each. Infection was performed orally with 20 metacercariae at day 1. On day 15 (CTRL 1 and INF 1 groups) and 87 PI (CTRL 2 and INF 2 groups) blood and bone marrow were collected and the animals were subsequently euthanized for liver sampling. Blood was allocated in tubes without anticoagulant for serum acquisition to measure iron, transferrin and unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC). δ-ALA-D, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in the liver. A decrease in iron, transferrin and UIBC levels was observed in all infected animals compared to control groups (P

The aims of this study were to investigate Trypanosoma evansi venereal transmission in ewes and its presence in ram’s semen and hematological and biochemical alterations. Three adult rams and six ewes were used as follows: one uninfected ram was used as control (R1), and two rams (R2 and R3) were intravenously infected by T. evansi trypomastigotes. Semen samples were collected weekly for PCR analyses that have detected the presence of T. evansi. Blood samples were collected, and it was observed that the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration were reduced in infected rams on day 14 post-infection (PI) to T. evansi when compared to uninfected ram. Likewise, the number of total leukocytes increased in infected rams, due to the increase of lymphocytes and monocytes. The values of total protein and globulin increased from day 14 PI in animals infected by T. evansi, but albumin levels were reduced for these animals on the same period. Testosterone levels on days 21, 28, and 35 PI were lower in rams infected by T. evansi. All rams served two ewes each 17 days PI. All ewes had synchronized estrus and 45 days after service gestational diagnosis was performed by ultrasound, confirming that all the ewes were pregnant. Blood samples from all ewes were collected every 30 days for 5 months for serological assays and PCR. All results from ewes were negative. T. evansi was detected in semen samples; there was no parasitic venereal transmission to ewes and no fertility impairment.

Our aims were to describe a case of clinical helminthosis caused by parasite resistance to macrocyclic lactones (MLs) after the long-term frequent use of these drugs in a cattle herd, and to evaluate the production losses prevented by the use of an effective anthelmintic treatment to control these resistant gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). A case of clinical helminthosis culminating in the death of steers was investigated, the history of the antiparasitic treatments used during an 11-year period in the herd was assessed, and an efficacy test involving seven different drugs was performed. Thereafter, two groups of heifers naturally infected by ML-resistant GINs were formed and strategically treated with either a highly effective (levamisole) or less effective drug (doramectin) over a 9-month period. The heifers were evaluated monthly based on eggs per gram of feces (EPG) counts and liveweights. An evaluation of the history of parasite control in the farm revealed that MLs were used in 96.5% of the treatments aimed at controlling GINs, ticks, and myiasis in the herd. The efficacy test showed the presence of GINs resistance to all the MLs tested. However, levamisole and albendazole sulphoxide were highly effective against these parasites. Heifers treated with levamisole gained 12.1 kg more liveweight on average, compared to those treated with doramectin. Thus, we conclude that indiscriminate and long-term use of MLs in the studied herd led to the failure of GINs control, a critical situation resulting in significant production losses, and a surge of clinical helminthosis in young cattle. In addition, we showed increase in liveweight gain due to using a highly effective drug, in comparison to an ML, during a 9-month period, in heifers naturally infected by ML-resistant GINs.

To evaluate the effect of supplementation of iron dextran on blood variables and iron metabolism in lambs experimentally infected by Haemonchus contortus, four experimental groups were used: uninfected and non-supplemented animals (GI); infected animals supplemented with iron (GII); uninfected animals supplemented with iron (GIII); and infected non-supplemented animals (GIV). Groups II and IV received 10,000 larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus, and groups II and III received three doses of iron dextran (20mg/kg) intramuscularly with seven days of interval. Blood and faeces samples were collected on days 10 (D10), 17 (D17), 24 (D24), and 31 (D31), in order to determine red blood cell counts, iron metabolism, and EPG. Infected animals developed anemia from D24 and anemia was more severe on D31. Animals from GII had higher hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration compared to animals of GIV on D31. Iron stores in the bone marrow were higher in GII and GIII compared to GI and GIV. The GIV showed lower seric levels of iron on D24 compared to the other groups. The iron supplementation reduces the severity of the anemia caused by infection with Haemonchus contortus in lambs, improving erythropoietic response after blood loss. RESUMO: Para avaliar o efeito da suplementação de ferro dextrano sobre variáveis sanguíneas e metabolismo do ferro em cordeiros experimentalmente infectados por Haemonchus contortus, foram utilizados quatro grupos experimentais: animais não infectados e não suplementados (GI); animais infectados e suplementados com ferro (GII); animais não infectados e suplementados com ferro (GIII); e animais não suplementados infectados (GIV). Os grupos II e IV receberam 10.000 larvas (L3) de Haemonchus contortus, e os grupos II e III receberam três doses de ferro dextrano (20mg/kg) por via intramuscular com sete dias de intervalo. As amostras de sangue e fezes foram coletadas nos dias 10 (D10), 17 (D17), 24 (D24) e 31 (D31), para determinar o eritrograma, o metabolismo do ferro e a quantidade de ovos por gramas de fezes (OPG). Os cordeiros infectados desenvolveram anemia no D24, sendo esta mais severa no dia 31. Os cordeiros do GII apresentaram maior hematócrito e concentração de hemoglobina em comparação com animais dd GIV no D31. Os estoques de ferro na medula óssea foram maiores no GII e GIII em comparação com o GI e GIV. O GIV mostrou menores níveis séricos de ferro no D24 em comparação com os outros grupos. A suplementação de ferro reduz a gravidade da anemia causada por infecção por Haemonchus contortus em cordeiros, melhorando a resposta eritropoietica após a perda de sangue.

a b s t r a c t Haemonchus contortus parasite causes high mortality rates and drastic productivity reduc- tion besides enhancing treatment costs. It has also been demonstrating great resistance against most of the drugs currently in use. Thus, the utilization of elements that can boost the host immune response to cope with the infection has been widely studied. Some researchers have shown that the use of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) as nutritional supple- ments can help controlling the parasites. The present study evaluated the immune response of lambs experimentally infected with H. contortus and treated with Zn and Cu. Twenty-one (21) lambs were divided into three groups: CG (non-infected control group), IG (infected group - infection performed with 15,000 larvae of H. contortus/animal) and ITG (group infected and treated subcutaneously with 1.5 mg/kg of Zn and 0.45 mg/kg of Cu on days 10 and 45 post-infection (PI)). Blood samples were drawn on days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 PI in order to determine the serum concentrations of interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and immunoglobulins (Igs) IgA, IgE, IgG and IgM. The parasitic infection was monitored by the counting of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) in the same intervals of blood sampling. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanatized and the parasite load was quantified. In addition, the concentrations of Zn and Cu in liver were assessed. A significant increase in EPG was observed only on day 14 PI for IG and ITG (P < 0.05). Between days 14 and 42 there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) of cytokine and immunoglobulin levels in IG and ITG, when compared with the animals of CG. After day 56, the IG animals showed serum level of interleukins and immunoglobulins lower than ITG animals (P < 0.001). Regarding the liver

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil oxidativo e o leucometria de ovelhas de corte com mastite cronica, para isso foi utilizado 30 animais em lactacao os quais foram divididos em dois grupos de 15 animais: grupo positivo - animais que exibiram sinais clinicos de mastite e grupo negativo - ovelhas sem sinais de alteracao na glândula mamaria e/ou no leite. Para realizacao do California Mastitis Test (CMT) e exame microbiologico foram coletadas amostras de leite e para determinar o total de leucocitos, o indice de estresse oxidativo (OSI) e o oxido nitrico foram coletadas amostras de sangue. Sessenta por cento das ovelhas com mastite apresentaram CMT positivo. Nao houve diferenca entre os grupos nos valores de leucocitos, de OSI e no oxido nitrico. Em decorrencia da reducao do processo inflamatorio, ovelhas com mastite cronica nao apresentam alteracoes no perfil oxidativo e no total de leucocitos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nitric oxide (NO) levels, and oxidative and antioxidant markers of lambs experimentally and naturally infected by Haemonchus contortus , and its relation to lesions in the abomasum. For experimental study, a total of 14 healthy lambs were divided into two groups with seven animals each. Group A represented the uninfected animals (control), and Group B was formed by infected animals with 15,000 larvae of H. contortus . Blood was collected on days 15, 45, and 75 post-infection (PI) to obtain serum for biochemical analysis: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitrite/nitrate (NO x ), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Parasitological stool examination (eggs per gram of feces – EPG) was performed on days 15, 45, and 75 PI to verify the evolution of the infection. On day 15 PI EPG was negative, but on days 45 and 75 PI the EPG was positive for animals from Group B. In the three periods evaluated it was observed an increase of LDH levels in serum of lambs infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, but on the other hand NO x levels were reduced on the same periods in infected animals. The AOPP and FRAP levels did not differ between groups on days 15 and 45 PI, but increased significantly on day 75 PI in infected lambs. The same variables were studied in 10 lambs naturally infected with helminths, where more than 97% corresponded to H. contortus (hematocrit and EPG values were 18.8 ± 2.5% and 7120 ± 2940, respectively). Similar to the experimental study, the levels of NO x reduced, and the levels of LDH, FRAP, and AOPP increased in serum of this animal associated inflammatory infiltrate in the mucosa of the abomasum. Therefore, during the infection by H. contortus it was observed alterations in oxidative markers, indicators of cell lesion confirmed by histological examination of the abomasum, and consequently there were changes in antioxidant levels, with the purpose of cell protection. We also conclude that helminth infection interferes with the nitric oxide metabolism.

The aim of this study was to analyze the classic iron markers associated to the storage process in hamsters experimentally infected by Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. Four groups with six hamsters each were used; two were negative controls (C7 and C14) and two were composed by infected animals (T7 and T14). Blood samples were collected on the seventh (C7 and T7) and fourteenth days (C14 and T14) post-inoculation. Iron availability was determined in sera samples through the assessment of iron, ferritin, transferrin, and iron binding capacity, whereas the bone marrow was also evaluated for the presence of iron by Pearl's reaction. Additionally, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) were assessed, along with hepcidin and IL-6 levels. Based on the results, it was possible to observe the onset of an anemic profile, predominantly hemolytic and regenerative. Also, The other parameters showed an increase in seric iron (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in lymphocytes of lambs experimentally infected by Haemonchus contortus. A total of 14 healthy lambs were used, divided into two groups of seven animals each. Group A (negative control) represented the uninfected animals, and Group B (positive control) was formed by animals infected with 15,000 larvae of H. contortus. Blood was drawn on the days 15, 45 and 75 post-infection (PI) in order to perform the white blood cells (WBC) count, as well as the evaluation of AChE activity in lymphocytes. Parasitological stool exam (eggs per gram of feces - EPG) was performed on the same days to follow up the evolution of the infection. On day 15 PI it was verified negative EPG; however, on days 45 and 75 PI it was observed positive EPG only in the animals of group B. In the three evaluated periods was observed a lower number of leukocytes, associated with decreased lymphocytes and neutrophils in lambs infected by this gastrointestinal nematodes. Lambs infected with H. contortus showed significant (P0.01) lower AChE activity in lymphocytes compared uninfected. Statistically, there was a positive correlation (P0.05) between AChE activity in lymphocytes and number of lymphocytes (r=0.69). The lymphocytes are cells with direct participation in the cholinergic system; therefore, based on these results, it can be concluded that the experimental infection with H. contortus influences the number of lymphocytes, and consequently the AChE activity in these cells.

Two experiments were performed to determine whether oral administration of copper oxide capsules controlled helminthic infections in Lacaune sheep without acute collateral effects on animal health. In experiment 1, 48 multiparous lactating sheep (60.1 ± 8.5 kg) were stratified according to initial number of eggs (Haemonchus contortus) per gram of feces (EPG) and were assigned randomly to 1 of two treatments (24 sheep/treatment): no oral administration (control) or oral administration of two copper capsules (treated; approximately 58 mg copper/kg body weight). Blood and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 15 and 45. Animals treated with copper capsules showed lower of EPG, eosinophils, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in whole blood, and lower butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in serum. Treated sheep had higher erythrocyte numbers, hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit, and lymphocyte numbers. In experiment 2, 12 male lambs negative for helminths and coccidia were assigned randomly to one of two treatments (six lambs/treatment): control or treated (one copper capsule; approximately 58 mg copper/kg body weight); the experiment was designed to determine whether the results of experiment 1 were due to treatment or parasitism. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 5, 10 and 15 and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 15. Treated animals showed greater concentrations of lymphocytes; however, treatment had no effect on other hemogram variables, AChE and BChE activities, or levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, urea, albumin, total protein, and reactive oxygen species. These data suggest that copper capsules in dairy sheep efficiently controlled H. contortus infections. Treatment was not harmful to lambs during the first 15 days, i.e. there were no signs of acute toxicity.

The aims of this study were to evaluate if the use of copper oxide wire particles, isolated or in association with closantel, in lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus enhances the anthelmintic efficacy of closantel, as well as to evaluate the effects of treatment in hepatic energy metabolism, inflammatory markers and hematological and biochemical tests. The lambs were randomly divided into five groups (6 animals each), as follows: uninfected animals (Control); animals infected with H. contortus (HC); infected and treated with closantel (HC + CL); infected and treated with copper oxide wire particles (HC + Cu); and infected and treated with closantel plus copper oxide wire particles (HC + CL + Cu). The animals of infected groups were infected orally with H. contortus (5,000 L3 -larvae) and on day 14 post infection (p.i) the treatments were initiated. The egg per gram of feces (EPG), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), myeloperoxidase (MPO), adenylate kinase (AK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities and hematological and biochemical tests were evaluated. Treatments with copper oxide (isolated and associated) were able to reduce the EPG count on days 28, 35, 42 and 49 p.i when compared to HC group, while closantel was able to reduce EPG only from day 35 p.i. Moreover, treatment with closantel (isolated or associated) was able to prevent the inhibition of hepatic AK and PK activities caused by H. contortus infection, which may contribute to efficient intracellular energetic communication in order to maintain the balance between cellular ATP consumption and production. Butyrylcholinesterase and MPO activities were higher in infected lambs compared to uninfected, while treated groups showed lower enzymatic activity compared to the group HC. The use of all therapeutic protocols was able to reduce the EPG count. Based on these evidences, the use of copper oxide plus closantel may be considered an alternative to treat lambs infected by H. contortus.

Diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) is a organoselenium compound with potent antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether subcutaneous supplementation of (PhSe)2 in dairy sheep has positive effects on milk composition, as well as on the prevention of oxidative stress and exacerbated inflammatory response. For this, 16 primiparous recently calved sheep were divided into the following two groups, with eight animals in each: Group A, the control group; and Group B, the group subcutaneously supplemented with five doses of (PhSe)2 of 3.0µmol/kg each every 7 days. Blood samples from supplemented animals showed increased concentration of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase), and reduced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, which prevented oxidative damage in the lactation period, as well as increased seric interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In the sera, supplemented animals showed increased total antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing ability of plasma compared with the control group. As a consequence, supplemented animals showed increased antioxidant variables, as well as reduced protein oxidation in milk samples. Moreover, milk from supplemented sheep showed a higher fat content, and lower total protein and lactose contents in some periods in the study, than did not-supplemented ewes. Seric concentrations of interleukin-1 were lower on Days 30 and 45 in supplemented animals, as well as the concentrations of tumour necrosis factor α in all periods, than were those in the control group, whereas the interleukin-10 concentrations were higher. Thus, dairy sheep supplementation of (PhSe)2 activated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, and increased milk fat content. Moreover, this protocol increased the antioxidant and, consequently, reduced the oxidant concentration in milk, which is desirable for product quality.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of zinc edetate on the oxidative stress of lambs infected by Haemonchus contortus. Twenty-four lambs were allocated into four groups: Group I--uninfected animals; Group II--uninfected animals treated subcutaneously with zinc edetate; Group III--animals infected by H. contortus and Group IV--animals infected and treated. The oxidative stress index (OSI) and the eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were assessed after 10, 17, 24, 31 and 38 days post-infection. Based on the EPG and the quantity of adult H. contortus, the infection did not differ between groups III and IV. Zinc edetate reduced the OSI in Group IV in relation to Group I after 24 days post-infection, and in relation to group III after 31 days post-infection. Treatment with zinc edetate could help reduce the oxidative stress induced by H. contortus in lambs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecto-adenosine deaminase (E-ADA) activity in erythrocytes of lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus, correlating it with the degrees of anemia of the experimental animals. A total of 14 healthy lambs, with negative fecal exam for parasites, were to carry out the present study. They were divided into two groups, composed by seven animals: Group A represented the healthy animals (uninfected), while in Group B the animals were infected with 15,000 larvae of H. contortus. Blood was drawn on the days 15, 45 and 75 post-infection (PI) in order to perform the hematological analysis, as well as the mensuration of E-ADA activity in erythrocytes. Parasitological stool exam were performed on the same days mentioned above to follow up the evolution of the infection, as well to determine the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). On day 15PI, the animals presented negative EPG and there was not significant (P>0.05) difference between groups in relation to E-ADA activity and hematologic parameters. Animals in Group B had positive EPG for helminths on days 45 and 75 PI, accompanied by varying degrees of anemia, when compared to Group A. At the same periods E-ADA activity was significantly (P

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the metabolism of organic chromium and its effect on digestibility and intake of lambs. Four 4-month-old male lambs, each weighing 28 kg, were used. The animals were kept in metabolic cages for a period of 20 days (15 days of adaptation and 5 days of experimentation), in two experimental phases, with inverted treatments. Organic chromium was administered by intraruminal infusion of 1 mg of chromium-rich yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) throughout the adaptive and experimental period. The dry material rates of the diet and feces of the animals were evaluated to estimate consumption, digestibility, and fecal production. During the experimental period, blood, feces, and urine were collected every 24 h to determine chromium levels. There was no significant difference in the excretion of chromium in the urine, and no mineral remnants were detected in the blood. Excretion was generally fecal. There was greater excretion of chromium in the feces of lambs in the treated group on day 0 and day 3, compared with the control group. The use of organic chromium promoted an increase in the consumption of dry material in the treated animals only at day 0 (P < 0.05). The production of fecal dry matter was greater among the treated lambs than among the animals of the control group on day 1, day 2, day 3, and day 4 (P < 0.05). The results obtained showed that organic chromium associated with live yeasts is not absorbed by the body and do not affect the intake time in the dose used.

This work aimed to study the possible relationships among the magnitude of abomasal worm burden and the proliferation of globular leucocytes and mucosal mast cells in the abomasal mucosa, and the white blood cell count. Eighteen Suffolk×Greyface lambs were infected with Haemonchus contortus, and 12 were kept free of nematodes. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, and 57 post-infection (p.i.) for leucogram determination. At day 62, all animals were euthanized to count the total number of nematodes recovered in the abomasum and to count the number of mucosal mast cells and globular leucocytes. On day 57, higher levels of parasitism corresponded to lower leucocyte counts. The infected groups had lower lymphocyte counts throughout the experimental period. Animals with higher numbers of parasites had lower neutrophil and eosinophil counts on day 57. The lower the worm burden, the greater the number of mucosal mast cells (r=−0.85; p