Rice straw and oil palm empty fruit bunch were treated with urea
and commercial effective microorganisms to study their ability to breakdown fibres, improved in protein and energy values. In rice straw, the crude protein and crude fibre treated with urea and urea + effective microorganisms showed significant differences from the untreated control. The neutral detergent fibre and nitrogen free
extract values in the rice straw treatment did not show significant differences. Metabolizable energy values decreased with the treatment groups compared to the control. The results of keeping the treated rice straw in anaerobic plastic bags up to 30 days showed no significant breakdown of fibre components in the control and urea
treated groups. But there is a significant dropped in the neutral detergent fibre in urea + effective microorganisms treatment.
In oil palm empty fruit bunch, there were no significant differences seen in the crude protein, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, nitrogen free extract and metabolisable energy values. Storage showed decreased in energy values in all treated groups. The addition of urea and microbes showed improved protein level and in the reduction of the fibre components in rice straw only. Keywords: rice straw, oil palm empty fruit bunch, urea, effective microorganisms, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, neutral
detergent fibre, metabolisable energy.

This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of equine
lameness and metabolic disorders in endurance horses during an endurance race. Out of 67 horses that participated in the race, 19 horses completed the race successfully without any derangement while 48 horses were eliminated from the race for various disorders. Fifty-three (53.73%) percent of these horses had metabolic disorders and
17.91% were eliminated due to lameness. The study showed that the highest number of endurance horses that were eliminated were due to metabolic disorders followed by lameness. These findings may assist veterinarians in designing laudable measures in the management and
conditioning protocols of endurance horses during training and further prevent the morbidity and mortality during endurance races.

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of prolong
submaximal exercise on heart rate reflecting the performance of endurance horses after covering distances of 40 and 80 km races. This study was conducted in Malaysia to determine the post-race
heart rates of endurance horses based on distances for the eliminated horses and those that completed the races with good
performance. Heart rates of competing endurance horses were examined at pre and post-race. Thirty-four endurance horses were sampled; N = 9 (40 km) and N = 9 (80 km) were the good performance horses while, N = 3 (40 km) and N = 13 (80 km) were the poor performance horses
eliminated from the race. The mean heart rate of the good performance horses in the 40 km category was 53 ± 8 bpm and that of
the 80 km in the good performance category was 56 ± 7 bpm, while the eliminated horses of the 40 km group had 74 ± 17 bpm and those in the 80 km group had 78 ± 7 bpm. The study showed that eliminated
horses in the 40 and 80 km categories both exhibited high heart rates compared to the good performance horses that were in the same racing category. Thus, the heart rates of horses during training may be used to predict performance based on distances covered in endurance races.

The emergence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in 2004 draws attention to the safety of rearing edible bird nest swiftlets within the vicinity of human dwellings in urban areas. There is also concern on the safety of the product itself. Convenient sampling of edible bird nest swiftlets (A. fuciphagus and A. maximus) was conducted by the Department of Veterinary Services and Animal Industry from September 2004 until June 2011. A total of 137 samples
were collected from four premises and two natural caves in four locations, namely Tawau, Kunak, Sandakan and Penampang. The samples were collected for Egg Innoculation Tests for H5N1 and Newcastle Disease (ND). All samples yielded negative results for both diseases.

<span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>The objective was to test the hypothesis that there is variation of some protein components, biochemical and glucose from the blood of goats in the postpartum period. ElevenBôer goats were used to evaluate the serum following variables: total protein (TP), albumin, α-globulin, β-globulin, γ-globulin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), aspartate (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine, urea and glucose. These components were determined in moments zero (immediately after delivery), two, seven, 15, 30 and 75 days postpartum. The β-globulin, IgG, creatinine and urea from the goats did not show significant variations, the blood glucose at time zero was greater than the baseline values due to physiological stimulation of glycogenesis determined by the increase of cortisol in delivery. The blood constituents of goats showed variations in the period to 75 days postpartum as a result physiological causes related to delivery and postpartum.</p></span></span> | <span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>Objetivou-se testar a hipótese de que ocorre variação de alguns componentes proteicos, bioquímicos e glicêmicos do sangue de cabras no período pós-parto. Utilizaram-se 11 cabras para avaliar as seguintes variáveis séricas: proteína total (PT), albumina, α-globulina, β-globulina, γ-globulina, imunoglobulina G (IgG), aspartatoaminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA), gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), creatinina,ureia e glicemia. Esses componentes foram determinados nos momentos zero (imediatamente após o parto), dois, sete, 15, 30 e 75 dias pós-parto. A β-globulina, IgG, creatinina e uréia das cabras não apresentaram variações significativas; a glicemia no momento zero foi maior que os valores basais fisiológicos devido ao estímulo da glicogênese determinado pelo aumento de cortisol no parto. Os constituintes sanguíneos das cabras evidenciaram variações no período até 75 dias pós-parto em consequência de causas fisiológicas ligadas ao parto e puerpério.</p></span></span>

<span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>Estrous cycle of eight Nelore heifers were evaluated during different seasons of the year (autumn n=11; winter n=8; spring n=9 and summer n=9) with daily count and measurement of follicles ≥3mm, blood was collected every 12h for LH and progesterone (P4), and after estrous every 3h for LH peak. Five ovariectomized heifers were injected with 17β-estradiol (2μg/kg) every season and blood samples collected every 3h (for 30h) thereafter for LH quantification. The monthly percent body weight difference (Δ%) did not vary among seasons. P4 concentration was higher (p&lt;0.01) and follicle number lower during autumn and summer compared to winter and spring. During winter there were more estrous cycles with three and during summer only cycles with two follicular waves (p&lt;0.01). As LH secretion did not vary despite P4 concentration and as there was negative correlation between higher P4 values and daily percentile variation of photoperiod (Δ%, p&lt;0.01; r= -0.45) it is possible to suppose that there is seasonal variation on luteal cell sensitivity to LH. In the ovariectomized Nelore heifers, the LH basal concentration (without estradiol stimulus, p=0.02) and the LH response to estradiol (p&lt;0.01) were lower during summer, leading to the hypothesis that there is seasonal variation of hypothalamic sensitivity to estradiol. According to the present experiment there are suggestions of seasonal reproduction in Nelore heifers.</p></span></span> | <span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>Ciclos estrais em oito novilhas Nelore foram acompanhados durante diferentes estações (outono n=11; inverno n=8; primavera n=9; verão n=9) com contagem e diâmetro de folículos ≥ 3 mm diariamente, com colheitas de sangue a cada 12 h para LH e P4, e a cada 3 h para o pico de LH. Cinco novilhas ovariectomizadas receberam 17β estradiol (2μg/kg) em cada estação, com colheitas de sangue a cada 3 h para quantificar LH. A diferença percentual (Δ%) do peso entre os meses não variou entre as estações. Durante o ciclo estral, a concentração de P4 (média e máxima) foi maior (p&lt;0,01), e o número de folículos menor (p&lt;0,01), no outono e verão, se comparados ao inverno e primavera. No inverno houve mais ciclos com três ondas e no verão somente ciclos com duas ondas foliculares (p&lt;0,01). Como as características da secreção de LH não foram diferentes apesar da variação na concentração de P4, e como houve correlação negativa entre os valores máximos de P4 e a variação percentual (Δ%) diária no fotoperíodo (p&lt;0,01; r= -0,45), supõe-se que haja variação sazonal na sensibilidade das células luteínicas ao LH. Nas novilhas ovariectomizadas, a concentração basal (sem estradiol) circanual de LH foi menor no verão (p=0,02), assim como a sua secreção em resposta ao estradiol (p&lt;0,01), o que permite supor que também haja uma variação sazonal na sensibilidade hipotalâmica ao estradiol. De acordo com o presente experimento, há indícios de sazonalidade reprodutiva em novilhas Nelore.</p></span></span>

<span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><p>We used 72 piglets at 21 days old and the aim was to determine the effect of probiotics on performance of piglets challenged with E. coli. The design was a randomized block design with 2x2 factorial arrangement. The four treatments were: with probiotic and challenge, with probiotic without challenge, without probiotic with challenge, without probiotic and challenge. The probiotic was administered via Protexin ™ diet, from 21 to 63 days old and 35 days, the animals in treatments 1 and 3 were challenged. The variables were: average weight at 35, 49 and 63 days old, daily weight gain from 35 to 49 days, 49 to 63 days, from 35 to 63 days and fecal score. The variables average weight, daily weight gain and diarrhea score were subjected to analysis of variance by PROC GLM. In terms of weight and weight gain was found beneficial effect of probiotic when these characteristics were associated with the occurrence of diarrhea post-challenge and the reduction of E. coli. It was concluded that the probiotic used in the experimental model showed clear effect on the reductions of E. coli and diarrhea, are relatively influenced in the performance of piglets.</p></span></span> | Foram utilizados 72 animais aos 21 dias de idade para averiguar o efeito do probiótico no desempenho de leitões desafiados com E. coli. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados, com arranjo fatorial 2x2. Os quatro tratamentos foram: probiótico com desafio; probiótico sem desafio; sem probiótico com desafio; sem probiótico e sem desafio. O probiótico Protexin™ foi administrado via ração, dos 21 aos 63 dias de idade e aos 35 dias, os animais dos tratamentos 1 e 3 foram desafiados. As variáveis analisadas foram: peso médio aos 35, 49 e 63 dias de idade; ganho diário de peso dos 35 aos 49 dias; dos 49 aos 63 dias; dos 35 aos 63 dias e escore fecal. As variáveis ganho diário de peso, peso médio e escore fecal foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo PROC GLM. Em relação ao peso e ganho de peso verificou-se ação benéfica do probiótico quando se associaram estas características com a ocorrência de diarréia pós-desafio e a redução da E. coli. Concluiu-se que o probiótico no modelo experimental aplicado apresentou efeito notório nas reduções de E. coli e da diarréia, podendo exercer influência no desempenho dos leitões.

<p>This study aimed at assessing the occurrence of antibodies against the caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV), <em>Toxoplasma gondii </em>and <em>Neospora caninum, </em>as well as the associations between the presence of antibodies and the occurrence of reproductive failures in goats. Serum samples were collected from 923 goats of both sexes, over 3 months of age, from 17 dairy farms located in different municipalities of São Paulo State, Brazil. Infections by <em>T. gondii</em>, <em>N. caninum </em>and CAEV were evaluated by indirect methods of diagnosis based on indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), <em>Neospora </em>agglutination test (NAT), and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), respectively. A survey was conducted on the farms to obtain information about reproduction dates (abortions, stillbirths and births of weak and premature kids) and zoosanitary management. Antibodies against CAEV, <em>T. gondii </em>and <em>N. caninum </em>was found in 37.81%, 23.62% and 17.23% respectively. There was no significant association between the presence of anti-CAEV antibodies and CAEV/<em>T. gondii </em>or CAEV/<em>N. caninum </em>co-infection<em>, </em>suggesting that CAEV does not predispose goats to infection by these agents. However, when CAEV/<em>T. gondii </em>(p&lt;0.01) or CAEV/<em>N. caninum </em>(p&lt;0.001) co-infection was present, the occurrence of reproductive failures was significantly higher what could indicate that CAEV-induced immunosuppression may predispose goats to develop the clinical symptoms of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis increasing the risks of the reproductive failures.</p> | <p><em><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: MinionPro-Regular; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></em>O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de anticorpos para o vírus da atrite-encefalite caprina (CAEV), <em>Toxoplasma gondii </em>e <em>Neospora caninum </em>e de possíveis associações entre a presença de anticorpos e a ocorrência de problemas reprodutivos em caprinos. Para tanto, foram colhidas amostras sangüíneas de 923 caprinos de ambos os sexos, acima de três meses de idade e oriundos de 17 propriedades leiteiras, de diferentes municípios do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os diagnósticos para <em>T. gondii, N. caninum </em>e CAEV foram baseados, respectivamente, na reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), teste de aglutinação para <em>Neospora </em>(NAT) e a imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA). Um inquérito epidemiológico foi aplicado nas propriedades para obtenção de informações sobre dados reprodutivos (abortamentos, natimortalidade e nascimentos de filhotes fracos e prematuros) e de manejo zoossanitário. As ocorrências de anticorpos foram de 37,81% para CAEV, de 23,62% para <em>T. gondii </em>e de 17,23% para <em>N. caninum</em>. Não houve associação significativa entre a presença de anticorpos anti-CAEV e co-infecção com <em>T. gondii </em>ou <em>N. caninum</em>, sugerindo que o CAEV não predispõe os caprinos à infecção por estes agentes. Entretanto, quando havia, nas fazendas, animais com co-infecção pelo CAEV e <em>T. gondii </em>(p&lt;0,01) ou CAEV e <em>N. caninum </em>(p&lt;0,001) as ocorrências de falhas reprodutivas foram significativamente maiores, sugerindo que a imunossupressão causada pelo CAEV pode predispor os caprinos ao desenvolvimento de sintomas clínicos da toxoplasmose e neosporose, potencializando os riscos da ocorrência de problemas reprodutivos causados por estas enfermidades.</p>

Widespread Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) infection leads to persistent lymphocytosis (PL) or lymphosarcoma, mainly in dairy herds. Nevertheless, neither the sequence of events that conducts to these symptoms, nor the effect of infection on function of different leukocyte populations, is well known. We evaluated the effect of BLV infection on immune response of cows through the analysis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) intracellular production of circulating leukocytes after in vitro stimuli with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS), or Staphylococcus aureus H2O2 was measured by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate dependent fluorescence. Results showed that BLV infection does not alter the percentage of H2O2-producing circulating leukocytes (H2O2-PCL), with or without previous stimuli. However, the average of H2O2 intracellular production, with or without previous stimuli, in leukocytes obtained from cows with PL was smaller than those from cells obtained from BLV-negative cows and from BLV-infected, non-lymphocytotic cows. Moreover, stimuli increased H2O2 intracellular production and the percentage of H2O2-PCL obtained from BLVnegative cows and from BLV-infected, non-lymphocytotic cows. Conversely, neither phagocytosis of S. aureus and stimulus with LPS increases H2O2 intracellular production, nor phagocytosis increases the percentage of H2O2 -PCL, when leukocytes were obtained from cows with PL. Thus, results show that BLV-infected cattle, with PL, have an impaired H2O2 intracellular production, demonstrating functional vulnerability reflected by immunosuppression. Cells were obtained from five BLV-non infected cows, five BLV-infected, non-lymphocytotic cows, and five BLV-infected cows with PL, and analyzed by flow cytometry. Intracellular production of H2O2 intracellular production, demonstrating functional vulnerability reflected by immunosuppression. | JA infecção pelo vírus da leucemia bovina (VLB) leva ao desenvolvimento de linfocitose persistente (LP) ou linfossarcomas, principalmente em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros. Entretanto, os eventos que induzem tais manifestações ou o efeito da infecção na função das diferentes populações de leucócitos são pouco conhecidos. Avaliou-se o efeito da infecção pelo VLB na produção intracelular de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) em leucócitos circulantes, mensurada pela fluorescência produzida pela diclorodihidrofluoresceína, utilizando-se de citometria de fluxo. As células foram obtidas de cinco vacas soronegativas; cinco vacas infectadas pelo VLB, alinfocitóticas; e cinco vacas infectadas, manifestando LP. Verificou-se que a infecção pelo VLB não altera a porcentagem de leucócitos circulantes produzindo H2O2 , com ou sem prévio estímulo por adição in vitro: de 12-miristato 13-acetato de forbol (PMA); de lipopolissacarídeos de Escherichia coli (LPS); ou Staphylococcus aureus. Todavia, a produção de H2O2 em leucócitos de animais apresentando LP, com ou sem estímulo, foi menor que aquela verificada em leucócitos de animais soronegativos e de animais soropositivos alinfocitóticos. Os estímulos aumentaram a porcentagem de leucócitos produzindo H2O2 e a produção intracelular média em animais soronegativos ou naqueles infectados alinfocitóticos. Contudo, em leucócitos de vacas soropositivas manifestando LP, a fagocitose de S. aureus não elevou a porcentagem de leucócitos produzindo H2O2 . Também, apenas a adição de PMA elevou a produção intracelular de H2O2 em leucócitos de fêmeas soropositivas manifestando LP.Concluiu-se que bovinos infectados pelo VLB, manifestando LP, apresentam menor produção intracelular de H2O2, demonstrando vulnerabilidade funcional refletida por imunossupressão.