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Summary The production of in vitro embryos has sped up the dissemination of superior genetic material. However, the variation among the cattle response to oocyte and embryo production is a challenging factor. This variation is even higher in the Wagyu cattle as the breed has a small effective population size. The identification of an effective marker related to reproductive efficiency would allow the selection of more responsive females to reproductive protocols. The objective of this study was to evaluate the blood levels of anti-Müllerian hormone and associate it with oocyte recovery and blastocyst rate of embryos produced in vitro in Wagyu cows, as well as observe the hormone circulating levels in males. Serum samples from 29 females with seven follicular aspirations and four bulls were used. AMH measurements were performed using the bovine AMH ELISA kit. A positive correlation was identified between oocyte production and blastocyst rate (r = 0.84, P = 9 × 10−9), and AMH levels with oocyte (r = 0.49, P = 0.006) and embryo (r = 0.39, P = 0.03) production. The mean levels of AMH were different between animals with low (11.06 ± 3.01) and high (20.75 ± 4.46) oocyte production (P = 0.01). Males showed high serological levels of AMH (3829 ± 2328 pg/ml) compared with other breeds. It is possible to use the serological measurement of AMH as a method to select Wagyu females with greater capacity for oocyte and embryo production. Further studies correlating AMH serological levels with Sertoli cell function in bulls are needed.

Introduction: Cryptorchidism is a hereditary anomaly characterized by the incomplete descent of one or both testicles to the scrotum. One of the challenges of this anomaly is that the retained testicle maintains its endocrine function. As a consequence, cryptorchid animals produce hormone-tainted meat in comparison to castrated animals and are likely to be more aggressive. Cryptorchidism can lead to reduced animal welfare outcomes and cause economic losses. Identifying genetic markers for cryptorchidism is an essential step toward mitigating these negative outcomes and may facilitate genome manipulation to reduce the occurrence of cryptorchidism. Attempts to identify such markers have used genome-wide association studies. Using whole-exome sequencing, we aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding regions of cryptorchid pigs and to characterize functional pathways concerning these SNPs. Methods: DNA was extracted and sequenced from 5 healthy and 5 cryptorchid animals from the Landrace breed, using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Data were pre-processed using the SeqyClean tool and further mapped against the swine reference genome (Sus scrofa 11.1) using BWA software. GATK was used to identify polymorphisms (SNPs and InDels), which were annotated using the VEP tool. Network prediction and gene ontology enrichment analysis were conducted using the Cytoscape platform, and STRING software was used for visualization. Results: A total of 63 SNPs were identified across the genes PIGB, CCPG1, COMMD9, LDLRAD3, TRIM44, MYLPF, SEPTIN, ZNF48, TIA1, FAIM2, KRT18, FBP1, FBP2, CTSL, DAPK1, DHX8, GPR179, DEPDC1B, ENSSSCG00000049573, ENSSSCG00000016384, ENSSSCG00000022657, ENSSSCG00000038825, and ENSSSCG00000001229. Using pathway enrichment analyses and network prospection, we have identified the following significant adjusted p value threshold of 0.001 involved with the biological function pathways of estrogen signaling, cytoskeleton organization, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Conclusion: Our data suggest the involvement of new SNPs and genes in developing cryptorchidism in pigs. However, further studies are needed to validate our results in a larger cohort population. Variations in the GPR179 gene, with implications at the protein level, may be associated with the appearance of this anomaly in the swine. Finally, we are showing that the estrogen signaling pathway may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of this congenital anomaly as previously reported in GWAS.

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of IgG antibodies against A. marginale, the occurrence of this bacterium by qPCR, and the effect of bovine anaplasmosis as a risk factor for clinical cases of retained placenta, mastitis, and abomasal displacement in dairy cattle. For that 179 Holstein cows out of three dairy herds, in the municipality of Sertão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. These cows were on farms that were vulnerable to risk factors that are crucial to susceptibility among these animals to this intracellular hemoparasite. The mean seropositivity for A. marginale from the periods evaluated was 54% on farm A, 69.4% on farm B, and 27.3% on farm C. Molecular diagnosis was performed with qPCR and the mean positivity for A. marginale among the cows on farms A, B, and C in December 2017 was 34.6% (67/179). Infected animals showed clinical cases of retained placenta (6.1%), mastitis (6.1%), and abomasal displacement (0.5%). The association between positivity for anaplasmosis and these clinical cases was assessed through the odds ratio. Our results show that females with a positive qPCR assay for A. marginale had 52.48 times increased probability (OR) to develop clinical cases of retained placenta and mastitis (P 0.001). These clinical cases negatively impact the productivity of positive females. Thus, implementing preventive and prophylactic control measures to ensure the sanitary quality of the herds is needed to avoid losses due to morbidity and mortality and diminish the economic losses suffered by farmers.

Bovine paratuberculosis causes chronic, incurable diarrhea and weight loss, resulting in decreased cattle production. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), an obligate intracellular mycobactin-dependent mycobacterium that replicates slowly in the host and has heightened environmental resistance. In countries where the disease is found and the damage has been quantified, direct and indirect economic losses are extremely high. Local epidemiological data is of paramount importance for the implementation of control programs. Our objective was to verify whether paratuberculosis is present in commercial dairy herds in different mesoregions of RS. Therefore, a prospective, cross-sectional and observational study was performed on dairy cattle from five mesoregions of the RS state, Brazil. Milk samples taken from individual cows on commercial farms were tested using indirect ELISA tests and classified as negative, suspicious, or positive. In herds containing at least one positive cow, we conducted convenience sampling of feces directly from the rectal ampulla to identify MAP through PCR. Of the 362 cows tested, 20 were seroreactive for paratuberculosis from two mesoregions. The PCR tests were all positive; cows with a negative ELISA and positive PCR results probably indicate that the MAP was ingested and eliminated without causing infection. We found that paratuberculosis is likely endemic in the northwest and northeast mesoregions. RESUMO: A paratuberculose bovina causa diarreia crônica e incurável, perda de peso e resulta em diminuição da produção. A doença é causada pelo Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), micobactéria intracelular obrigatória, dependente de micobactina, que se replica lentamente no hospedeiro e possui elevada resistência ambiental. Nos países onde a doença é encontrada e os danos foram quantificados, as perdas econômicas diretas e indiretas são extremamente altas. Os dados epidemiológicos locais são de suma importância para a implementação de programas de controle. Nosso objetivo foi verificar se a paratuberculose está presente em rebanhos leiteiros comerciais em diferentes mesorregiões do RS. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, transversal e observacional em bovinos leiteiros de cinco mesorregiões do estado do RS, Brasil. Amostras de leite individuais, provenientes de vacas leiteiras de fazendas comerciais foram testadas com ELISA indireto e classificadas como negativas, suspeitas ou positivas. Em rebanhos contendo pelo menos uma vaca positiva, realizamos amostragem por conveniência, em que foram coletadas fezes diretamente da ampola retal, para identificar MAP por meio da PCR. Das 362 vacas testadas, 20 foram sororreativas para paratuberculose, oriundas de duas mesorregiões. Os testes de PCR foram todos positivos. Vacas com resultado negativo no teste ELISA e PCR positivo provavelmente indicam que o MAP foi ingerido e eliminado sem causar infecção. Sugere-se que a paratuberculose é provavelmente endêmica nas mesorregiões noroeste e nordeste.

The cryopreservation of jaguar semen must be improved to produce high-quality biobanking doses. Until now, the rare studies of semen freezing in the species have only evaluated glycerol, always with a significant reduction in sperm quality in thawed semen. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of three cryoprotectants, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol (GLY), and methanol (MET), in the cryopreservation of jaguar semen in an LDL-based extender, as well as the effect of thawing temperature on dosage quality. Five mature males with a history of reproduction were used. On the males, an infrared thermal image (IRT) was captured, the spicules and testes were analyzed, and the CASA system was used to evaluate the quality of fresh and thawed sperm. The superficial IRT was 4.6 ± 1.2 °C cooler than the anal sphincter, and the semen measured between 27.3 and 28.7 °C shortly after exiting the urethra. The total motility of fresh sperm was 55.3 ± 22.6%, and progressive motility was 36.3 ± 18%. The total motility of thawed sperm was 5.28 ± 2.51%, 4.49 ± %2.49, and 0.51 ± 0.62% for DMSO, GLY, and MET, respectively. DMSO and GLY performed better than MET, and there was no difference in thawing temperature (37°C 30 s vs. 50°C 12 s). All animals exhibit a considerable level of morphological changes in sperm. Low amounts of total and progressive motility were found in the thawed sperm. Males with a high level of sperm morphological changes were found to be fertile, but the lone male with normospermia was infertile. Thus, we contest the applicability of the commonly used morphological classification for bovines to felid species.

The increase in litter resulted in increased demand for milk in farrowing rooms to improve piglet survival. This study tested a protocol for induction of artificial lactation (AL) in non-pregnant gilts as a mean to supply milk to newborn piglets. In Experiment I, five gilts received 10 mg estradiol cypionate (EC) on the last day of estrus expression (D0), 10 mg EC and 300 mg long-acting progesterone (P4) on D26, and two doses of a prostaglandin F2α analogue (PGF) I.M. on D36 (0.53 mg each, 12 h apart). Blood was collected on D12, D19, D26 and D33. Milk secretion occurred in all treated gilts 24 h after the PGF administration, lasting at least 8 d. Milk samples were collected from D37 to D45. The circulatory P4 concentration was lower on D12 than subsequently (P 0.05). The milk produced during the AL was generally richer in protein and poorer in fat than the milk produced during the lactation of a control sow, but both concentrations were only altered near to the 3rd d of the AL. In Experiment II, the same protocol for induction of AL was administered to two gilts. After milk secretion started, each gilt received four 5-d old piglets fostered from other litters. The piglets were nursed for 22 d and weaned weighing approximately 5 kg. Considering both experiments, AL was induced in all treated gilts and the milk produced was capable to nurture fostered piglets.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar fenotipicamente 55 suínos provenientes de comunidades tradicionais, chamadas de Faxinal. Em cada suíno foram mensuradas 24 variáveis: 8 morfológicas qualitativas, 16 quantitativa / zoométrica e determinado 5 índices zoométricos. De acordo com as tabelas de frequência das variáveis qualitativas, observou-se que a maioria dos suínos apresentaram semelhanças aos padrões morfológicos observados nas raças brasileiras Moura, Piau e Canastra. Para os dados das variáveis zoométricas e os índices zoométricos foram aplicados a análise estatística descritiva e a de variância. Verificou-se grande variabilidade morfológica dos suínos crioulos estudados, sendo os maiores valores dos coeficientes de variação observados para comprimento e largura da garupa, peso vivo e comprimento de focinho. Através das médias obtidas os suínos foram classificados como elipométricos, mesocefálicos, longilíneos, concavilíneos. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre Faxinal para largura de garupa, comprimento do corpo, focinho e garupa, altura da garupa e distância interorbital, e dos índices cefálico, facial e pélvico. As diferenças significativas entre sexo foram observadas para altura da cernelha, comprimento do focinho, perímetro da canela e distância interorbital. Verificou-se interação significativa de Faxinal*sexo para algumas variáveis zoométricas. Para as medidas corporais as correlações foram altas e significativas, sendo o perímetro torácico, o perímetro abdominal e o comprimento do corpo as que melhor se correlacionaram com o peso vivo. Já as medidas cranianas (comprimento do focinho, orelha e cabeça e a distância interorbital) foram de moderadas a baixas. Para inferir a estrutura populacional foi aplicado um modelo estatístico baseado em uma abordagem bayesiana de acordo com o software Structure Harvester. Foi possível identificar três agrupamentos fenotípicos, corroborando com os resultados das variáveis qualitativas. Estudos de caracterização genética deverão ser realizados nestas populações para que sirvam de base na definição de ações estratégicas para programas de conservação e uso sustentável desses recursos genéticos.

Leite e derivados são alimentos muito susceptíveis a ataques de micro-organismos. Sua fiscalização no Brasil está a cargo das Inspeções Municipais, Estaduais ou Federais, sendo a verificação da qualidade higiênico-sanitária dos alimentos uma atividade de extrema importância. Este estudo utilizou a análise metagenômica para investigar sequencias genéticas microbianas em 12 marcas de queijo tipo colonial produzidos sob diferentes regimes de fiscalização pública, e comercializados no estado do Rio Grande do Sul em dois municípios distintos. Foi identificado DNA de micro-organismos pertencentes a quatro filos microbianos: Acinetobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes e Proteobacteria. Dentre os resultados mais relevantes, sequências genéticas de micro-organismos patogênicos ou prejudiciais à tecnologia do leite foram evidenciados, com os gêneros Acinetobacter, Bacillus e Pseudomonas ocorrrendo em 100% das amostras avaliadas. Outras bactérias de importância em Saúde pública, como as pertencentes à Família Enterobacteriaceae e o gênero Staphylococcus foram detectados e são discutidos. À comparação das medianas de detecção nos 3 níveis de fiscalização, quando da avaliação por pares, evidenciou-se diferença estatística entre as esferas municipal e federal (PT= 0,03), com maior mediana registrada em nível municipal. À avaliação entre os municípios, não foi evidenciada diferença significativa (PMW= 0,81). Sugere-se melhor qualidade microbiológica do queijo, e/ou leite utilizado como matéria-prima, pertencentes à produção submetida à Inspeção Federal em relação à Municipal.

Cattle population history, breeding systems, and geographic subdivision may be reflected in runs of homozygosity (ROH), effective population size (Ne), and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns. Thus, the assessment of this information has become essential to the implementation of genomic selection on purebred and crossbred cattle breeding programs. In this way, we assessed the genotype of 19 cattle breeds raised in Brazil belonging to taurine, indicine, synthetic crossbreds, and Iberian-derived locally adapted ancestries to evaluate the overall LD decay patterns, Ne, ROH, and breed composition. We were able to obtain a general overview of the genomic architecture of cattle breeds currently raised in Brazil and other tropical countries. We found that, among the evaluated breeds, different marker densities should be used to improve the genomic prediction accuracy and power of genome-wide association studies. Breeds showing low Ne values indicate a recent inbreeding, also reflected by the occurrence of longer ROH, which demand special attention in the matting schemes to avoid extensive inbreeding. Candidate genes (e.g., ABCA7, PENK, SPP1, IFNAR1, IFNAR2, SPEF2, PRLR, LRRTM1, and LRRTM4) located in the identified ROH islands were evaluated, highlighting biological processes involved with milk production, behavior, rusticity, and fertility. Furthermore, we were successful in obtaining the breed composition regarding the taurine and indicine composition using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Our results were able to observe in detail the genomic backgrounds that are present in each breed and allowed to better understand the various contributions of ancestor breeds to the modern breed composition to the Brazilian cattle.

BackgroundThe proximal femoral head separation (FHS) or epiphysiolysis is a prevalent disorder affecting the chicken femur epiphysis, being considered a risk factor to infection which can cause bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis in broilers. To identify the genetic mechanisms involved in epiphysiolysis, differentially expressed (DE) genes in the femur of normal and FHS-affected broilers were identified using RNA-Seq technology. Femoral growth plate (GP) samples from 35-day-old commercial male broilers were collected from 4 healthy and 4 FHS-affected broilers. Sequencing was performed using an Illumina paired-end protocol. Differentially expressed genes were obtained using the edgeR package based on the False Discovery Rate (FDR ResultsApproximately 16 million reads/sample were generated with 2 × 100 bp paired-end reads. After data quality control, approximately 12 million reads/sample were mapped to the reference chicken genome (Galgal5). A total of 12,645 genes were expressed in the femur GP. Out of those, 314 were DE between groups, being 154 upregulated and 160 downregulated in FHS-affected broilers. In the functional analyses, several biological processes (BP) were overrepresented. Among them, those related to cell adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM), bone development, blood circulation and lipid metabolism, which are more related to chicken growth, are possibly involved with the onset of FHS. On the other hand, BP associated to apoptosis or cell death and immune response, which were also found in our study, could be related to the consequence of the FHS.ConclusionsGenes with potential role in the epiphysiolysis were identified through the femur head transcriptome analysis, providing a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate bone development in fast-growing chickens. In this study, we highlighted the importance of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix related genes in triggering FHS. Furthermore, we have shown new insights on the involvement of lipidemia and immune response/inflammation with FHS in broilers. Understanding the changes in the GP transcriptome might support breeding strategies to address poultry robustness and to obtain more resilient broilers.

O sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA é uma abordagem de grande eficiência para a identificação de microrganismos presentes em uma determinada amostra. Através da sua utilização, tornou-se possível caracterizar diferentes microbiomas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar a microbiota do trato respiratório inferior das espécies Sapajus apella e Sapajus nigritus (macaco-prego), em um total de 5 animais mantidos sob cuidados humanos em mantenedor conservacionista, sendo 2 fêmeas e 3 machos, a partir de lavados broncoalveolares, utilizando a análise metagenômica. Para coleta do aspirado foi utilizada técnica de broncoscopia com sonda uretral estéril. Foram sequenciados 104.719 reads e identificados 181 gêneros bacterianos, compreendendo 396 OTUs. Os gêneros bacterianos mais abundantes encontrados nos animais foram Neisseria (31,49%), Gemella (8,55%), Abiotrophia (6,51%), unclassified gender of Pasteurellaceae (5,33%), Capnocytophaga (3,91%), Aggregatibacter (3,51%), Paenibacillus (2,94%), Actinobacillus (2,92%), Streptobacillus (2,66%) e Leptotrichia (2,63%). Foi observada ampla variação individual, bem como uma grande diversidade de microrganismos dentro da mesma amostra. Não foi verificado associação espécie-específico e/ou sexo-específico dos microrganismos identificados nos animais. Os resultados obtidos apresentam similaridade com investigações realizadas em humanos e outros animais. Este trabalho corresponde a primeira caracterização da microbiota aérea inferior de macacos-prego através do sequenciamento da região V3-V4 do gene bacteriano 16S rRNA.

Introdução: Os bovinos Wagyu são originários do Japão e foram selecionados para características de qualidade da carne em decorrência da grande deposição de gordura entremeada as fibras musculares denominada de marmoreio, atualmente ela é conhecida por produzir a melhor carne do mundo. No Brasil a raça chegou a aproximadamente 30 anos onde é criada desde então em sistemas intensivos, com uma dieta nutricionalmente balanceada. No entanto busca-se alternativas de diferentes sistemas de pastejo na criação de animais desta raça.Objetivo:Para tanto o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar diferentes cultivares de pastejo na composição de carcaça e desempenho zootécnico de bovinos da raça Wagyu Kuroge (Black Wagyu).Material e métodos:Foram utilizadas pastagens de três cultivares de trigo de duplo propósito (BRS Tarumã, BRS Tarumaxi e BRS Pastoreio) plantadas em linha de 17cm de espaçamento com densidade de 74 sementes/m, a área foi subdividida em 9 piquetes (3 de cada cultivar) tendo cada piquete uma área de 1,5mil m². Os animais touros de 12 meses de idade foram separados aleatoriamente em grupos de carga aproximada à 800Kg/PV/ha. Os animais eram oriundos do mesmo grupo contemporâneo. Três aplicações de adubação nitrogenada foram realizadas a cada 30 dias na dosagem de 100kg/ha (46kg N/ha). Pesagens dos animais foram conduzidas quinzenalmente e ao final do experimento foi realizada ultrassonografia de carcaça para avaliar a espessura de gordura (EGS), marmoreio (IMF), área do olho de lombo (AOL), gordura de picanha (EGP) e conversão alimentar (GPD).Resultados:Foi verificado uma associação entre peso dos animais e AOL r=0,76, P

The swine mulefoot (SM) is a rare condition characterized by a non-cloven hoof due to the partial or total fusion of the phalanges. No comprehensive study has been conducted to identify associated markers with this phenotype until now. We aimed to characterize the association between SNP and the mulefoot phenotype using a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). An experimental population was produced using a half-sib mating where the male had the mulefoot phenotype and the females (n = 6) had cloven hoofs. The cross resulted in 27 (47%) animals with the mulefoot characteristic and 30 (53%) normal animals, indicating the possible dominant gene action. Animals were further genotyped using the Illumina PorcineSNP50k BeadChip, and SNPs were tested for associations. Twenty-nine SNPs located on the SSC15, SSC4, and SSCX were associated with the mulefoot phenotype (p-value5 × 10

The corpus luteum (CL) is a temporary endocrine gland that plays a decisive role in the reproductive physiology of gilts. Recently, it has been suggested that exogenous factors may compromise the normal functioning of the CL. In the present study, we aimed to understand to what extent an acute and systemic challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the day of estrus could compromise gene expression of gilts’ CLs housed in different welfare conditions. For this, we housed 42 gilts in three different housing systems: crates, indoor group pens, and outdoor housing. Then, we challenged six females from each group with LPS and eight with saline (SAL) on the day of estrus. After slaughtering the gilts on the fifth day after the challenge, ovaries were collected for gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR. Housing system and LPS challenge did not have a significant interaction for any genes evaluated; thus, their effects were studied separately. We identified significant (p < 0.05) downregulation of the angiogenic genes VEGF and FTL1 among LPS-challenged animals. Meanwhile, we also observed upregulation of HSD3B1 gene among LPS-challenged animals. We found that STAR and LHCGR genes were differentially expressed depending on the housing system, which indicates that the environment may affect adaptation capabilities. Our results indicate that an acute health challenge on the estrus day alters CL gene expression; however, the role of the housing system remains uncertain.

Background Umbilical Hernia (UH) is characterized by the passage of part of the intestine through the umbilical canal forming the herniary sac. There are several potential causes that can lead to the umbilical hernia such as bacterial infections, management conditions and genetic factors. Since the genetic components involved with UH are poorly understood, this study aimed to identify polymorphisms and genes associated with the manifestation of umbilical hernia in pigs using exome and transcriptome sequencing in a case and control design. Results In the exome sequencing, 119 variants located in 58 genes were identified differing between normal and UH-affected pigs, and in the umbilical ring transcriptome, 46 variants were identified, located in 27 genes. Comparing the two methodologies, we obtained 34 concordant variants between the exome and transcriptome analyses, which were located in 17 genes, distributed in 64 biological processes (BP). Among the BP involved with UH it is possible to highlight cell adhesion, cell junction regulation, embryonic morphogenesis, ion transport, muscle contraction, within others. Conclusions We have generated the first exome sequencing related to normal and umbilical hernia-affected pigs, which allowed us to identify several variants possibly involved with this disorder. Many of those variants present in the DNA were confirmed with the RNA-Seq results. The combination of both exome and transcriptome sequencing approaches allowed us to better understand the complex molecular mechanisms underlying UH in pigs and possibly in other mammals, including humans. Some variants found in genes and other regulatory regions are highlighted as strong candidates to the development of UH in pigs and should be further investigated.

Cattle tick fever (CTF) causes significant economic losses in the livestock sector. The pathogenic action of the hemoparasites is associated with anemia, weight loss, abortion and reduced productivity, which result with animal death. Programs to prevent CTF involve several procedures, including immunization, chemoprophylaxis and use of ectoparasiticides, together with the vector control in the environment. The objective of this study was to report an acute outbreak of CTF in a group of 157 Hereford cattle from a farm without presence of the vector, that were moved to a farm in the same state with a high tick infestation (Rhipicephalus microplus). On the day before the transportation, the animals received a chemoprophylaxis with imidocarb dipropionate (3 mg/kg, SC), which was repeated 21 days after the first application. After 42 days, some animals showed signs compatible with CTF, which was confirmed through clinical examination, necropsy, histopathological and hemoparasitological analyses. The morbidity rate was 37.6% and the mortality rate was 24.8%. Calves that were recently weaned were the group most affected with the tick fever, morbidity (100% and mortality (73%). Chemoprophylaxis in association with use of ectoparasiticides was not sufficient to control the outbreak of the disease. Resumo A “tristeza parasitária bovina” (TPB) gera importantes perdas econômicas na bovinocultura mundial. A ação patogênica dos hemoparasitas resulta em anemia, perda de peso, abortos e diminuição da produtividade, culminando, muitas vezes, em óbito dos animais. Um programa de prevenção para TPB necessita de medidas integradas, como a imunização, quimioprofilaxia e utilização de ectoparasiticidas, em conjunto com ações que visem ao controle ambiental dos vetores. Este artigo tem em vista o relato de um surto de TPB em uma fazenda de produção de bovinos de corte e com alta infestação do carrapato (Rhipicephalus microplus). A fazenda adquiriu 157 animais puros de origem, da raça Hereford, proveniente de uma fazenda sem presença do vetor. No dia anterior ao transporte, os animais receberam quimioprofilaxia com dipropionato de imidocarb (3mg/Kg/SC), repetindo-se 21 dias após a primeira aplicação. Aos 42 dias, alguns bezerros manifestaram sinais clínicos compatíveis com TPB, sendo confirmado pelo exame clínico, necropsia, análises histopatológicas e hemoparasitológicas. A morbidade foi de 37,6% (59/157), e a letalidade de 24,8% (39/157). A categoria de bezerros recém desmamados foi a mais acometida, com morbidade de 100% (52/52) e letalidade de 73% (38/52). A quimioprofilaxia associada à utilização de ectoparasiticidas foram insuficientes para evitar a ocorrência do surto da enfermidade.

The Japanese black cattle breed (Wagyu) has an improved metabolism, which allows them to have a higher marbling score when compared with other cattle breeds. However, this may affect other aspects of the animal’s physiology, including hormone secretion and their reproductive success, such as their response to synchronization protocols and embryo production. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to test a superovulation protocol (SOV) developed with low doses of FSH and to evaluate the outcome and economic viability of embryo production using the SOV and in vitro fertilization (IVF) approaches in the Wagyu cattle breed. For that, ten Wagyu cows were submitted to five SOVs over a period of 15 months using a standard protocol: CIDR + 3 mg estradiol benzoate (D0), 35 mg FSH (Folltropin®) a.m. and p.m. (D4), 35 mg Folltropin® a.m. and 20 mg p.m. (D5), 20 mg Folltropin® a.m. and 10 mg p.m. (D6), 10 mg Folltropin® and 0.5 mg cloprostenol, both a.m. and p.m., + CIDR removal (D7), 0.05 mg GnRH + insemination 12 and 24 h after (D8) and embryo collection + 0.5 mg of cloprostenol (D16). Thirty days after each SOV, a follicular aspiration was conducted to produce IVF embryos without any pre-synchronization using standard semen in the same group of animals. The average number of embryos produced was 7.63 ± 5.61 (SOV) and 4.52 ± 2.44 (IVF) (p = 0.303). There was no significant correlation between the number of embryos produced by the different techniques (SOV and IVF), indicating that cows that respond well to SOV did not respond well to IVF and vice versa (r = 0.379, p = 0.529). The total cost of each embryo produced by SOV was R$215.00 and R$410.00 for IVF. Therefore, cows that produce less than five embryos by SOV are not economically viable due their lack of response to FSH, and the use of IVF in those animals may be more effective.

Aims: To perform the isolation, characterization and sequencing of the bacteriophages. To demonstrate that the bacteriophages can be used for biocontrol of different Salmonella enterica serovars. Study Design: This study was an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory in the Veterinary Hospital at the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine of the University of Passo Fundo (FAMV/UPF), Biotechnology Center (CBiotec) of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Center for Microscopy and Microanalysis at the Faculty of Veterinary of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), between January – September 2016. Methodology: Twelve Salmonella enterica serovars (S. Anatum, S. Agona, S. Brandenburg, S. Bredeney, S. Infantis, S. Lexington, S. Panama, S. Rissen, S. Schwarzengrund, S. Tennessee, S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 and S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028) were selected to be the hosts. We isolate, purify, produce and determine the bacteriophage titers to verify the potential for lysis of these phages against the hosts. Having determined the action of the phages against the hosts, we performed the sequencing of the bacteriophages on the Illumina Mi-Seq platform and the morphology was performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: We isolated, characterized and sequenced the genome of two new bacteriophages, Salmonella phage UPF_BP1, belonging to the family Podoviridae and Salmonella phage UPF_BP2, family Myoviridae. UPF_BP1 has lytic action against seven tested Salmonella enterica serovars, while UPF_BP2 has action against the twelve tested serovars. Conclusion: The two new bacteriophages have a lytic action against different Salmonella enterica serovars, feeding our expectations for the development of alternatives for the use of antimicrobials, being possible candidates for use as a biocontrol of Salmonella enterica in food, animals and the environment.

Housekeeping genes (HKG) are genes necessary for the maintenance of basal cellular functions, regardless of the specific roles within a tissue. It, therefore, is expected that these genes will maintain a relatively constant expression profile when there are varying physiological conditions. The identification of tissue specific reference genes is highly important for the normalization of gene expression profiles among different tissues. In this sow study, the objective was to identify stable reference genes in the uterine tissue and corpus luteum (CL), 6 days post-artificial insemination. The stability of ubiquitin (UBB), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), DNA topoisomerase 2-beta (TOP2B), histone H3 (H3F3A) and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1) abundances of mRNA were evaluated using the Bestkeeper technique. Briefly, total RNA was extracted for each tissue from 20 gilts (n = 20), processed by RT-qPCR and submitted to analysis using the Bestkeeper technique, which allowed for the evaluation of the consistency in abundance of mRNA for the reference genes. For all evaluated genes, the abundance of mRNA was relatively consistent in the uterine tissue, with the greatest abundance being for the GAPDH and TOP2B genes. The analysis of these genes in the CL, however, indicated there was a relatively greater variation of mRNA abundance for the various reference genes. Data suggest that UBB was the reference gene with the most consistent relative abundance of mRNA and that this gene could be used as a reference for corpora lutea analyses of mRNA.

The characterization of vaginal microbiota will help to understand some of the reproductive problems and mechanisms to improve cattle reproduction. The objective of this study was to characterize the vaginal microbiota of cyclical Holstein cows with different parturition orders using 16S rDNA sequencing. Animals were submitted to an estrus synchronization protocol with the use of intravaginal progesterone (P4) implants and were treated or not with ceftiofur hydrochloride. DNA samples were extracted from vaginal swabs on day 0 and 10 of the synchronization, and sequenced with the Illumina MiSeq platform with an average coverage rate of 10.000 reads per samples using a Single-End library for fragments of 300 bp. The main bacterial phyla found in the vaginal tract of Holstein cows, were Firmicutes (37.61%), Tenericutes (29.45%), Proteobacteria (17.47%) and Bacteriodetes (13.73%), followed by Actinobacteria (0.82%) and Spirochaetae (0.45%). The use of intravaginal P4 devices has increased the relative abundance of the genera Family XIII AD3011 and Family XIII unclassified (p .049). We have also observed an effect of the number of calving on the vaginal microbiota composition, showing that multiparous cows have a greater bacterial diversity than primiparous animals (p .05). The use of ceftiofur hydrochloride was effective to reduce the vaginal bacteria proliferation. This study describes for the first time the vaginal microbiota of cows synchronized with intravaginal progesterone devices, different from the traditional methods such as microbiological culture and biochemical tests. We have identified a large number of microorganisms commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of cows, colonizing the vaginal microbiota.

Objetivo: Expor as atividades realizadas a partir da reflexão da interprofissionalidade e dos novos paradigmas do cuidado em saúde, evidenciando assim, a qualificação acadêmico-profissional que acontece com iniciativas como essa. Relato de experiência: O presente trabalho relata as experiências vivenciadas entre os anos de 2019 e 2021 por um grupo de bolsistas do Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde (PET-Saúde), grupo este composto por acadêmicos de diferentes áreas da saúde, que ao longo de dois anos atuaram em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) realizando atividades interprofissionais que proporcionavam uma ligação entre ensino-serviço-comunidade. Dentre essas atividades estavam: acompanhamento de consultas, visitas domiciliares, participação em grupos de apoio, entre outras. Considerações finais: O programa PET-Saúde proporcionou aos participantes uma série de aprendizados e experiências que envolveram o trabalho interprofissional e aproximaram o estudante da realidade da sua comunidade e do sistema de saúde brasileiro. Contribuindo com a formação destes futuros profissionais, que saíram do programa mais preparados para o trabalho em equipe e para realizar um cuidado em saúde integral.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do uso de pomada de copaíba 20% na recuperação de lesões traumáticas causadas por procedimentos minimamente invasivos na epiderme de suínos. Métodos: cinco fêmeas suínas com 60 dias de idade receberam aplicação tópica da pomada de Cobaíba na dose de 2mg por aplicação no lado cervical esquerdo por 14 dias consecutivos, após dermoabrasão. No lado cervical direito foi realizado também a dermoabrasão, porém não foi aplicado nada. No 14° dia foi realizado a biópsia por punch de 5 mm, e foi aplicado por mais sete dias a pomada de Copaíba seguido de um novo punch no dia 21°. Durante os 21 dias, foi verificado a enduração e hiperemia tecidual e, após a coleta, as amostras foram enviadas para avaliação histomorfológica. Diferenças foram identificadas se P

The intensification of the use of artificial insemination in the swine industry has increased the interest to develop proper conditions to store semen better for longer periods of time without affecting its fertility. Trolox is a vitamin E analog with antioxidant property to prevent oxidative stress. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the Trolox antioxidant capacity on boar semen during storage period (86 h) at 15°C. For that, semen samples from 5 different boars were collected and diluted with a Long-Term (LT) extender with and without the addition of Trolox in a concentration of 50 µM. The sperm motility, oxidative stress and antioxidant protection were measured in those samples during an 84 h storage time. Our results indicated that Trolox was able to minimize the loss of sperm motility after 24 h of storage. The storage time was positively correlated with TBARS production. However in the presence of Trolox, after 12 h, TBARS content were significantly lower than those of sperm cells stored with LT diluent only. The concentrations of Non-Protein SH groups (NPSH), after 36 h of storage, were lower in sperm cells stored only with LT diluent when compared to the group supplemented with Trolox. Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase activities were decreased after 48 h storage at 15°C in both groups (with or without Trolox). Spontaneous spermatozoa ROS formation was high in viable swine sperm during the LT storage period in samples without Trolox. In conclusion, LT diluent with the addition of antioxidant as Trolox can reduce the oxidative stress in sperm cells, which could be used to protect spermatozoa against oxidative damage, preventing motility losses in swine semen.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile and prophylactic measures for influenza in the academic community of the University of Passo Fundo (UPF). Methods: In this epidemiological study using data collected from 458 individuals, including academics, staff and professors of the UPF, through a virtual questionnaire on the Google Forms® platform in 2018. The responses of the interviewees were analyzed using the statistical program SPSS/Windows, with descriptive analysis of all variables using Pearson's chi-square statistical test (p