O presente estudo avaliou a suplementação dietária com óleo essencial de Lippia alba sobre os parâmetros hemato-imunológicos em tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) submetidas à inflamação aguda induzida por carragenina na bexiga natatória. Pelo período de 45 dias, 96 peixes foram divididos em quarto tratamentos em triplicata: a) peixes suplementados com óleo esencial de L. alba (4 mL kg-1 de ração) injetados com carragenina; b) peixes suplementados com álcool de cereais injetados com carragenina; peixes não suplementados com óleo essencial injetados com carragenina; c) peixes não suplementados não injetados. Os níveis de cortisol, eritrograma, leucograma e o infiltrado inflamatório foram analisados seis horas após o estímulo inflamatório. Peixes injetados com carragenina apresentaram reação inflamatória aguda na bexiga natatória caracterizada por maior infiltrado de neutrófilos e monócitos. O número de neutrófilos circulantes foi significativamente maior nos peixes suplementados com L. alba quando comparado aos outros tratamentos. Não houve diferença nos níveis de cortisol. Para a dose, o tempo e a forma de administração testada, a suplementação com óleo essencil de L. alba não apresentou atividade anti-inflamatória. Por outro lado, foi constatada influência da suplementação dietária no número de neutrófilos após a aerocistite enfatizando a sua característica imunomoduladora. | The present study evaluated the dietary supplementation with essential oil of Lippia alba on the hemato-immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) submitted to acute inflammation induced by carrageenin injection in the swim bladder. For a period of 45 days, 96 fish were divided in four treatments in triplicate, as follows: fish fed supplemented diet with essential oil of L. alba (4 mL kg-1 dry ration) injected with carrageenin; fish fed supplemented diet with cereal alcohol injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet with essential oil injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet and noninjected. Cortisol levels, erythrogram, leukogram and the inflammatory infiltrate were analyzed 6 h after inflammatory stimulus. Carrageenin-injected fish showed acute inflammatory reaction in the swim bladder characterized by higher infiltrate of neutrophils and monocytes. The circulating neutrophils number was significantly higher in fish fed L. alba when compared to other treatments. No difference in cortisol levels was found. For dose, time and administration form tested, supplementation with essential oil of L. alba did not present anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, influence of dietary supplementation was observed on the neutrophils number after induced aerocystitis highlighting its immunomodulatory characteristic.

The present study evaluated the dietary supplementation with essential oil of Lippia alba on the hemato-immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) submitted to acute inflammation induced by carrageenin injection in the swim bladder. For a period of 45 days, 96 fish were divided in four treatments in triplicate, as follows: fish fed supplemented diet with essential oil of L. alba (4 mL kg-1 dry ration) injected with carrageenin; fish fed supplemented diet with cereal alcohol injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet with essential oil injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet and noninjected. Cortisol levels, erythrogram, leukogram and the inflammatory infiltrate were analyzed 6 h after inflammatory stimulus. Carrageenin-injected fish showed acute inflammatory reaction in the swim bladder characterized by higher infiltrate of neutrophils and monocytes. The circulating neutrophils number was significantly higher in fish fed L. alba when compared to other treatments. No difference in cortisol levels was found. For dose, time and administration form tested, supplementation with essential oil of L. alba did not present anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, influence of dietary supplementation was observed on the neutrophils number after induced aerocystitis highlighting its immunomodulatory characteristic.

Helmintos e protozoários são exemplos de endoparasitas que, durante seus ciclos biológicos, podem alternar fases de vida livre e de vida parasitária no ambiente. Animais de companhia, como cães e gatos, possuem convívio direto com o homem e desempenham importante papel na sociedade, porém estes animais podem possuir muitos parasitas próprios que, além da patogenicidade direta ao hospedeiro, representam riscos à saúde humana, no caso das zoonoses parasitárias. A utilização de áreas públicas como parques, jardins, praças e praias por estes animais, pode oferecer riscos aos seus frequentadores humanos, uma vez que pode ocorrer a deposição de fezes nesses ambientes por cães parasitados. O presente estudo investigou  a ocorrência de ovos de helmintos e/ou cistos ou oocistos de protozoários em amostras de fezes coletadas nas faixas de areia das praias da Armação do Pântano do Sul, Campeche e Morro das Pedras, no sul da ilha de Florianópolis, Estado de Santa Cararina-SC, Brasil, durante o período de verão. As coletas de amostras de fezes de animais domésticos foram realizadas na temporada de verão 2016/2017, a partir de dezembro de 2016 até fevereiro de 2017. No Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal (CCA-UFSC), as amostras de fezes foram processadas pela técnica de flutuação de Willis-Mollay e pela técnica de sedimentação de Hoffman. Amostras colhidas nas três praias analisadas mostraram-se positivas para a presença de parasitos. Material fecal foi observado ao longo de toda orla, locais em que as pessoas caminham livremente e sem calçados. De um total de 104 amostras de fezes coletadas nas praias, 45 (43,27%) estavam positivas a um ou mais parasitas. A praia do Campeche foi a que apresentou maior prevalência, com 72,22% de amostras positivas. Os ancilostomídeos, responsáveis pela larva migrans cutânea em humanos, foram os mais prevalentes. Outros parasitas como Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp. e Giardia spp. também foram detectados nas análises coproparasitológicas. Com base nos resultados obtidos, concluímos que a contaminação das praias na Ilha de Florianópolis, SC, constitui um problema de saúde pública, devido à possibilidade de transmissão de zoonoses. Estes resultados reforçam a importância da implantação de programas sanitários de controle de parasitas e programas de educação, esclarecendo os riscos de transmissão destas zoonoses à população, a fim de reduzir os riscos de contaminação ambiental nas praias de balneários. | Helminths and protozoa are examples of endoparasites that, during their biological cycles, can alternate between free-life stages and parasitic stages in the environment. Pets, such as dogs and cats, live together with men and play an important role in the society; however, these animals may carry a large number of parasites which, besides showing direct pathogenicity to the host, represent risks to the human health, as is the case of parasitic zoonoses. Public areas like parks, gardens, squares and beaches may offer risks to human users since these environments may contain feces deposited by parasitized dogs. The present study  verified the occurrence of helminth eggs and/or protozoan cysts or oocysts in fecal samples collected from sand strips at the beaches Armação do Pântano do Sul, Campeche and Morro das Pedras, in the south of Florianópolis Island, Santa Catarina State (SC), during the summer period. Pet feces were collected in the 2016/2017 summer season, from December 2016 to February 2017. In the Laboratory of Animal Parasitology (CCA-UFSC), fecal samples were processed based on Willis-Mollay flotation technique and Hoffman sedimentation technique. Samples from all three analyzed beaches were positive for the presence of parasites and fecal material was found along the seashore, sites where people walk freely and barefoot. Of 104 fecal samples collected, 45 (43.27%) were positive for one or more parasites. The greatest prevalence was found in Campeche Beach, which had 72.22% positive samples. Ancylostomids were most prevalent, indicating that cutaneous larva migrans is likely to occur in humans. Other parasites such as Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp. and Giardia spp. were also detected in coproparasitological analyses. Based on the results, it was concluded that contamination of the beaches in Florianópolis Island, SC, constitutes a public health problem due to the possibility of zoonosis transmission. These results reinforce the importance of establishing health programs for parasite control and educational programs for elucidating the risks of transmission of these zoonoses to the population, as an attempt to reduce environmental contamination risks at beaches of seaside resorts.

Helminths and protozoa are examples of endoparasites that, during their biological cycles, can alternate between free-life stages and parasitic stages in the environment. Pets, such as dogs and cats, live together with men and play an important role in the society; however, these animals may carry a large number of parasites which, besides showing direct pathogenicity to the host, represent risks to the human health, as is the case of parasitic zoonoses. Public areas like parks, gardens, squares and beaches may offer risks to human users since these environments may contain feces deposited by parasitized dogs. The present study  verified the occurrence of helminth eggs and/or protozoan cysts or oocysts in fecal samples collected from sand strips at the beaches Armação do Pântano do Sul, Campeche and Morro das Pedras, in the south of Florianópolis Island, Santa Catarina State (SC), during the summer period. Pet feces were collected in the 2016/2017 summer season, from December 2016 to February 2017. In the Laboratory of Animal Parasitology (CCA-UFSC), fecal samples were processed based on Willis-Mollay flotation technique and Hoffman sedimentation technique. Samples from all three analyzed beaches were positive for the presence of parasites and fecal material was found along the seashore, sites where people walk freely and barefoot. Of 104 fecal samples collected, 45 (43.27%) were positive for one or more parasites. The greatest prevalence was found in Campeche Beach, which had 72.22% positive samples. Ancylostomids were most prevalent, indicating that cutaneous larva migrans is likely to occur in humans. Other parasites such as Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp. and Giardia spp. were also detected in coproparasitological analyses. Based on the results, it was concluded that contamination of the beaches in Florianópolis Island, SC, constitutes a public health problem due to the possibility of zoonosis transmission. These results reinforce the importance of establishing health programs for parasite control and educational programs for elucidating the risks of transmission of these zoonoses to the population, as an attempt to reduce environmental contamination risks at beaches of seaside resorts.

Na Patagônia Norte, os ovinos têm sua estação de acasalamento iniciada em 15 de março, portanto, ficam sujeitos às temperaturas do verão. A exposição de carneiros a estresse térmico aumenta a prevalência de danos microscópicos e anomalias morfológicas nos espermatozoides, que implica uma redução na fertilidade. Este trabalho avaliou a capacidade adaptativa de carneiros Merino Australiano com lã (N = 6) e tosquiados (N = 6): metade ficou ao ar livre e outra metade foi mantida em uma câmara climática por oito horas, durante cinco dias, chegando gradualmente a uma temperatura máxima de 40 °C. Foram analisados danos microscópicos, anormalidades e alterações ultramicroscópicas da membrana plasmática e do acrossoma da cabeça dos espermatozoides. Os resultados microscópicos confirmaram a existência de diferença significativa na porcentagem de espermatozoides sem cauda e com gota citoplasmática proximal, entre os ejaculados pós-tratamento. A temperatura afetou os carneiros tosquiados, principalmente a cabeça de seus espermatozoides, durante a espermatogênese. Alterações submicroscópicas foram observados na membrana plasmática quando ela estava presente no segmento anterior: quando não intacta, ficava ondulada ou dilatada. Quando a membrana plasmática estava ausente, o acrossoma podia se apresentar ondulado ou dilatado. Além disso, sob efeito do calor, a membrana acrossomal externa pode perder completamente seu conteúdo ou apresentar núcleo desnudo. A membrana plasmática assume uma forma ondulada pelo efeito da temperatura no epidídimo. Depois de dez semanas, a cabeça dos espermatozoides recuperou sua forma normal. Como demonstrado neste estudo, a cabeça sem cauda, as gotas citoplasmáticas proximais e as categorias ultramicroscópicas estudadas são indicadores do efeito do estresse térmico no sêmen, e os carneiros com maior cobertura de lã se adaptam melhor ao estresse por calor. Alterações de microscopia e de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão têm se mostrado excelentes indicadores de estresse por calor em carneiros Merino Australiano e podem ser ferramentas úteis para ajudar criadores de ovelhas a escolher quando começar a época de acasalamento, o que irá variar de acordo com as condições ambientais do verão. | In Northern Patagonia, the mating season starts on March 15th, when rams are submitted to summer temperatures. Exposure of rams to heat stress increases the prevalence of microscopic damage to spermatozoa, morphological abnormalities, and reductions in fertility. This study assesses the adaptive capabilities of six unshorn and six shorn Australian Merino rams, half of which were treated in a heat chamber for eight hours for five days, gradually reaching a temperature of up to 40 °C. Microscopic damage, abnormalities and ultramicroscopic alterations of the plasma membrane and the acrosome of sperm head were analysed. There were significant differences in the percentage of tailless spermatozoa and proximal cytoplasmic droplets between post-treatment periods. Temperature primarily affected the shorn rams and the sperm heads during spermiogenesis. Submicroscopic alterations were observed when the plasma membrane was present in the anterior segment. These alterations can be intact, waved, or dilated. When the plasma membrane was absent, the acrosome might be intact, dilated, and waved. In addition, the outer acrosomal membrane may completely lose its contents or have a nude nucleus. The plasma membrane assumes a waved shape as a result of the effect of temperature on the epididymis. According to this study, the tailless head, proximal cytoplasmic droplets, and the ultramicroscopic categories studied were robust indicators of semen heat stress. After ten weeks, the sperm head recovered its normal shape. Unshorn rams are better adapted to summer heat stress than shorn ones. Microscopy and transmission electron microscopy alterations have been shown to be excellent indicators of thermal stress in Australian Merino rams and may be useful tools to help sheep farmers choose when to begin the mating season, which will vary depending on the environmental conditions of the summer.

In Northern Patagonia, the mating season starts on March 15th, when rams are submitted to summer temperatures. Exposure of rams to heat stress increases the prevalence of microscopic damage to spermatozoa, morphological abnormalities, and reductions in fertility. This study assesses the adaptive capabilities of six unshorn and six shorn Australian Merino rams, half of which were treated in a heat chamber for eight hours for five days, gradually reaching a temperature of up to 40 °C. Microscopic damage, abnormalities and ultramicroscopic alterations of the plasma membrane and the acrosome of sperm head were analysed. There were significant differences in the percentage of tailless spermatozoa and proximal cytoplasmic droplets between post-treatment periods. Temperature primarily affected the shorn rams and the sperm heads during spermiogenesis. Submicroscopic alterations were observed when the plasma membrane was present in the anterior segment. These alterations can be intact, waved, or dilated. When the plasma membrane was absent, the acrosome might be intact, dilated, and waved. In addition, the outer acrosomal membrane may completely lose its contents or have a nude nucleus. The plasma membrane assumes a waved shape as a result of the effect of temperature on the epididymis. According to this study, the tailless head, proximal cytoplasmic droplets, and the ultramicroscopic categories studied were robust indicators of semen heat stress. After ten weeks, the sperm head recovered its normal shape. Unshorn rams are better adapted to summer heat stress than shorn ones. Microscopy and transmission electron microscopy alterations have been shown to be excellent indicators of thermal stress in Australian Merino rams and may be useful tools to help sheep farmers choose when to begin the mating season, which will vary depending on the environmental conditions of the summer.

A broncopneumonia dos bezerros representa um risco à cadeia produtiva nacional por ser uma ecopatia e fragilizar os sistemas mais intensivos de produção. É caracterizada por alterações inflamatórias de brônquios, bronquíolos, parênquima pulmonar e pleura. Por ser uma doença de características multifatoriais é denominada Complexo Doença Respiratória de Bovinos (CDRB). A interação dos agentes infecciosos, a defesa do hospedeiro e o manejo ao qual o animal é submetido determinam as principais manifestações clínicas da doença. A evolução clínica do CDRB também pode apresentar alterações secundárias graves como o edema pulmonar, septicemia e a hipertensão pulmonar, ou mesmo ser consequente ao acometimento de outras estruturas, como nos casos de miocardite que levam à insuficiência cardíaca congestiva. Apesar deste relato referir-se a um quadro não experimental, as circunstâncias de submissão a um protocolo de avaliação respiratória específico, envolvendo avaliações não rotineiras, permitiu a o estabelecimento da associação entre as interações circulatórias e o quadro respiratório, pouco consideradas na clínica de ruminantes. A referência do presente relato foi o edema pulmonar. A visão clínica moderna obriga o médico veterinário a trabalhar a relação custo-benefício e, quanto mais acurado e precoce é o diagnóstico clínico, menos dispendioso é o tratamento. | The bronchopneumonia of calves represents a risk to national supply chain because it is an ecopathy and weakens the more intensive production systems. It is characterized by inflammatory changes in the bronchi, bronchioles, lung parenchyma, and pleura. It is a disease of multifactorial traits called Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). The association of infectious agents with host defense and management to which the animal is subjected leads to the emergence of major clinical manifestations of the disease. The clinical evolution of BRD can also have serious secondary changes such as pulmonary edema, sepsis, and pulmonary hypertension, or even be consequent to the involvement of other structures, such as in cases of myocarditis leading to congestive heart failure. Although this report refers to a non-experimental framework, the circumstances that caused the calf to be subjected to a protocol-specific respiratory assessment involving non-routine reviews has made it possible to associate circulatory and respiratory conditions, rarely considered in ruminant clinic. The focus of this report was pulmonary edema. Modern clinical vision requires of the veterinarian work with cost-benefit relation, so that the more accurate and the earlier the clinical diagnosis the less expensive the treatment.

The bronchopneumonia of calves represents a risk to national supply chain because it is an ecopathy and weakens the more intensive production systems. It is characterized by inflammatory changes in the bronchi, bronchioles, lung parenchyma, and pleura. It is a disease of multifactorial traits called Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). The association of infectious agents with host defense and management to which the animal is subjected leads to the emergence of major clinical manifestations of the disease. The clinical evolution of BRD can also have serious secondary changes such as pulmonary edema, sepsis, and pulmonary hypertension, or even be consequent to the involvement of other structures, such as in cases of myocarditis leading to congestive heart failure. Although this report refers to a non-experimental framework, the circumstances that caused the calf to be subjected to a protocol-specific respiratory assessment involving non-routine reviews has made it possible to associate circulatory and respiratory conditions, rarely considered in ruminant clinic. The focus of this report was pulmonary edema. Modern clinical vision requires of the veterinarian work with cost-benefit relation, so that the more accurate and the earlier the clinical diagnosis the less expensive the treatment.

A escassez de cães doadores de sangue em situações de emergência na Medicina Veterinária pode levar a realização de transfusões de sangue entre animais que não tiveram seu tipo sanguíneo previamente determinado. O padrão de anticorpos serve como um sinal de alerta para animais que serão submetidos a uma segunda transfusão sanguínea, sendo essa somente recomendável a partir de cães doadores compatíveis. Este artigo aborda a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-AEC 1 pela técnica de citometria de fluxo em cães que receberam uma transfusão utilizando sangue do grupo AEC 1 positivo, comparando os resultados com aqueles obtidos a partir de reação cruzada. Foi utilizado sangue de 18 animais doadores do tipo AEC 1 positivo classificados por técnica cromatográfica para transfundir trinta e três animais com tipos sanguíneos desconhecidos, os quais mostraram reação cruzada negativa aos doadores. Nos dias 7, 14, 21 e 28 pós-transfusão, 45% e 27% dos animais mostraram-se positivos para os anticorpos anti-AEC 1, respectivamente, pela reação cruzada e através de citometria de fluxo. A pesquisa de anticorpos com o emprego da técnica de citometria de fluxo tem alta especificidade e sensibilidade, enquanto a reação cruzada, altamente sensível, tem baixa especificidade. Animais que não apresentaram positividade após a transfusão de sangue na reação cruzada e na citometria de fluxo concomitantemente foram considerados de qualquer outro grupo sanguíneo diferente do grupo sanguíneo AEC 1 positivo. | The shortage of dog blood donors in veterinary emergencies can lead to blood transfusions between animals whose blood type has not been identified. The antibody profile serves as a warning sign for animals that require a second blood transfusion, which is only advisable from compatible donor dogs. This article focuses on determination of anti-DEA 1 antibodies using the flow cytometry technique in dogs that have undergone a transfusion using DEA 1-positive blood, compared to results obtained from crossmatching. Blood from 18 DEA 1-positive donors ranked according to the chromatographic technique was used to transfuse thirty-three animals with unknown blood types and which demonstrated negative crossmatching to donors. On post-transfusion days 7, 14, 21 and 28, 45% and 27% of the animals tested positive for the anti-DEA 1 antibody, through crossmatching and flow cytometry, respectively. Detecting antibodies using the flow cytometric technique has high specificity and sensitivity, while crossmatching methods are highly sensitive but manifest low specificity. Following blood transfusion, animals that did not present as positive through crossmatching or flow cytometry were considered different from all other DEA 1-positive blood groups.

The shortage of dog blood donors in veterinary emergencies can lead to blood transfusions between animals whose blood type has not been identified. The antibody profile serves as a warning sign for animals that require a second blood transfusion, which is only advisable from compatible donor dogs. This article focuses on determination of anti-DEA 1 antibodies using the flow cytometry technique in dogs that have undergone a transfusion using DEA 1-positive blood, compared to results obtained from crossmatching. Blood from 18 DEA 1-positive donors ranked according to the chromatographic technique was used to transfuse thirty-three animals with unknown blood types and which demonstrated negative crossmatching to donors. On post-transfusion days 7, 14, 21 and 28, 45% and 27% of the animals tested positive for the anti-DEA 1 antibody, through crossmatching and flow cytometry, respectively. Detecting antibodies using the flow cytometric technique has high specificity and sensitivity, while crossmatching methods are highly sensitive but manifest low specificity. Following blood transfusion, animals that did not present as positive through crossmatching or flow cytometry were considered different from all other DEA 1-positive blood groups.

Os conflitos Humanos-Animais Selvagens são uma realidade crescente e triste no mundo inteiro, tornando o controle populacional da fauna silvestre e animais ferais o maior desafio, principalmente diante do crescimento da população humana e, consequentemente, da diminuição dos habitats naturais dos animais. As atividades humanas e a destruição da natureza, forçam os animais de vida livre a se dirigirem para áreas urbanas e agrícolas, inevitavelmente, causando conflitos, como o risco de zoonoses, acidentes de trânsito, bem como danos às plantações, quando em busca de alimentos, cujo prejuízo chega a milhões de dólares. Durante décadas, a ciência esteve empenhada em esforços extensivos para desenvolver métodos de controle populacional “humano”; e muitas técnicas foram utilizadas, a fim de se realizar um controle populacional destes animais silvestres. Neste artigo será apresentada uma visão geral dos métodos anticoncepcionais aplicados, com demonstrações gráficas simplificadas de suas interações com a fisiologia reprodutiva, bem como relacionando os prós e os contras dos agentes antifertilidade empregados; também serão comparados com um conjunto de características desejadas para as aplicações em fauna a campo, com ênfase em imunocontracepção reversível, concluindo assim, com as razões do porque este conceito torna-se o mais apropriado e promissor para animais silvestres de vida livre. | Human-wildlife conflicts, a growing and sad reality worldwide, makes population control of wildlife and feral animals one of the biggest challenges in wildlife management, especially due to the rapidly expanding human population, and consequently the ever-diminishing natural habitats of animals. Human activities and the destruction of nature forcing wildlife to move inevitably into urban and agricultural areas, causing “conflicts”, such as the risk of zoonosis and traffic accidents, as well as damage to crops in the search for food, whose losses reach millions of dollars. For decades, science has been engaged in extensive efforts to develop methods of “humane” population control methods, and many techniques are being employed in order to control wildlife population. In this article, we present an overview of applied contraceptive methods with simplified graphic demonstrations of their interactions with reproductive physiology, furthermore relating pro and contra of utilized antifertility agents. These are being compared to a set of desired characteristics for free-ranging wildlife for in-field applications, with emphasis on reversible immunocontraception – concluding, therefore, the reasons why this concept is becoming the most appropriate and promising for free-ranging wildlife.

Human-wildlife conflicts, a growing and sad reality worldwide, makes population control of wildlife and feral animals one of the biggest challenges in wildlife management, especially due to the rapidly expanding human population, and consequently the ever-diminishing natural habitats of animals. Human activities and the destruction of nature forcing wildlife to move inevitably into urban and agricultural areas, causing “conflicts”, such as the risk of zoonosis and traffic accidents, as well as damage to crops in the search for food, whose losses reach millions of dollars. For decades, science has been engaged in extensive efforts to develop methods of “humane” population control methods, and many techniques are being employed in order to control wildlife population. In this article, we present an overview of applied contraceptive methods with simplified graphic demonstrations of their interactions with reproductive physiology, furthermore relating pro and contra of utilized antifertility agents. These are being compared to a set of desired characteristics for free-ranging wildlife for in-field applications, with emphasis on reversible immunocontraception – concluding, therefore, the reasons why this concept is becoming the most appropriate and promising for free-ranging wildlife.

peer reviewed | Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the weight and reproductive performances of Girolando cattle at Kpinnou Breeding Farm (KBF) in the south western of Benin Republic. Materials and methods: The weight performance and body measurements were taken on a total of 150 Girolando cattle. The study of the reproductive traits was based on the recorded demographic indicators between 2012-2013 of 67 cows. Results: From calving to the age of 3 months, the monthly average weight of calves did not vary with the season of calving (P>0.05). Between the 4th and 9th month, the weight varied with the birth seasons and the sex of the calf. Beyond 9th month, the calf’s average weight was the same regardless the calving season. At the age of 24 months, the highest weight (393.33 kg) was obtained during the long rainy season. The highest average weight was 398.22 Kg for males against 364.25 Kg for females at 24 months. The fertility rates ranged from 91.18% to 100% and the fecundity rate ranged from 85.29% to 103% during the study period. The apparent fertility rate was 91.18%. As for the calving and abortion rates, they were 93.55% and 6.45%, respectively. The mortality rate before weaning was 6.90% while the weaning viability was 93.10%. Calving occurred from January to June and from August to December. Conclusion: In overall, the Girolando performances are satisfactory and show a good adaptation at KBF.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the weight and reproductive performances of Girolando cattle at Kpinnou Breeding Farm (KBF) in the south western of Benin Republic. Materials and methods: The weight performance and body measurements were taken on a total of 150 Girolando cattle. The study of the reproductive traits was based on the recorded demographic indicators between 2012-2013 of 67 cows. Results: From calving to the age of 3 months, the monthly average weight of calves did not vary with the season of calving (P>0.05). Between the 4th and 9th month, the weight varied with the birth seasons and the sex of the calf. Beyond 9th month, the calfs average weight was the same regardless the calving season. At the age of 24 months, the highest weight (393.33 kg) was obtained during the long rainy season. The highest average weight was 398.22 Kg for males against 364.25 Kg for females at 24 months. The fertility rates ranged from 91.18% to 100% and the fecundity rate ranged from 85.29% to 103% during the study period. The apparent fertility rate was 91.18%. As for the calving and abortion rates, they were 93.55% and 6.45%, respectively. The mortality rate before weaning was 6.90% while the weaning viability was 93.10%. Calving occurred from January to June and from August to December. Conclusion: In overall, the Girolando performances are satisfactory and show a good adaptation at KBF. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 123-130]

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the weight and reproductive performances of Girolando cattle at Kpinnou Breeding Farm (KBF) in the south western of Benin Republic.Materials and methods: The weight performance and body measurements were taken on a total of 150 Girolando cattle. The study of the reproductive traits was based on the recorded demographic indicators between 2012-2013 of 67 cows.Results: From calving to the age of 3 months, the monthly average weight of calves did not vary with the season of calving (P>0.05). Between the 4th and 9th month, the weight varied with the birth seasons and the sex of the calf. Beyond 9th month, the calf’s average weight was the same regardless the calving season. At the age of 24 months, the highest weight (393.33 kg) was obtained during the long rainy season. The highest average weight was 398.22 Kg for males against 364.25 Kg for females at 24 months. The fertility rates ranged from 91.18% to 100% and the fecundity rate ranged from 85.29% to 103% during the study period. The apparent fertility rate was 91.18%. As for the calving and abortion rates, they were 93.55% and 6.45%, respectively. The mortality rate before weaning was 6.90% while the weaning viability was 93.10%. Calving occurred from January to June and from August to December.Conclusion: In overall, the Girolando performances are satisfactory and show a good adaptation at KBF.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e255

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and non-O157 are food-borne pathogens and contaminants of foods of animal origin. This study was conducted to investigate the presence of virulence and integrase genes in STEC isolates from diarrhoeic calves in Fars Province, Iran. Five hundred and forty diarrheic neonatal calves were randomly selected for sampling. Rectal swabs were collected and cultured for isolation and identification of E. coli following standard methods. The isolates were analysed for the presence of class 1 integrons and bacterial virulence factors using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of 540 diarrhoeic faecal samples, 312 (57.7%) harboured E. coli and 71 (22.7%) of them were identified as STEC: 41(69.5%) carried the stx2 gene, 21 (35.6%) carried the stx1 gene and 3 (5%) carried both. Twenty-six (44%) of the isolates showed the eaegene. Among the STEC isolates examined for susceptibility to eight antimicrobial agents, erythromycin and penicillin (96.8%) resistance were most commonly observed, followed by resistances to ampicillin (71.8%), tetracycline (62.5%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (39%). Integrons were detected by PCR in 36% of the STEC tested isolates, 57 (89%) of which showed resistance to at least three antimicrobial agents. Our findings should raise awareness about antibiotic resistance in diarrhoeic calves in Fars Province, Iran. Class 1 integrons facilitate the emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistance (MDR) among STEC strains recovered from food animals.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and non-O157 are food-borne pathogens and contaminants of foods of animal origin. This study was conducted to investigate the presence of virulence and integrase genes in STEC isolates from diarrhoeic calves in Fars Province, Iran. Five hundred and forty diarrheic neonatal calves were randomly selected for sampling. Rectal swabs were collected and cultured for isolation and identification of E. coli following standard methods. The isolates were analysed for the presence of class 1 integrons and bacterial virulence factors using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Out of 540 diarrhoeic faecal samples, 312 (57.7%) harboured E. coli and 71 (22.7%) of them were identified as STEC: 41(69.5%) carried the stx2 gene, 21 (35.6%) carried the stx1 gene and 3 (5%) carried both. Twenty-six (44%) of the isolates showed the eaegene. Among the STEC isolates examined for susceptibility to eight antimicrobial agents, erythromycin and penicillin (96.8%) resistance were most commonly observed, followed by resistances to ampicillin (71.8%), tetracycline (62.5%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (39%). Integrons were detected by PCR in 36% of the STEC tested isolates, 57 (89%) of which showed resistance to at least three antimicrobial agents. Our findings should raise awareness about antibiotic resistance in diarrhoeic calves in Fars Province, Iran. Class 1 integrons facilitate the emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistance (MDR) among STEC strains recovered from food animals.

The myoelectrical activity of the ovine gallbladder has not been fully recognised. Five rams were fitted with six small intestinal and three gallbladder electrodes and a strain gauge force transducer was mounted near the gallbladder fundic electrode. In two series of successive experiments, the electromyographical and mechanical recordings were recorded over a period of 5–7 hours. The occurrence of the slow waves in the small bowel was regular, unlike those in the gallbladder. In the gallbladder infundibulum, the specific pattern, called the long spike burst pattern (LSBP), was observed. It comprised usually one or two parts of prolonged duration. The first part resembled the classical (short lasting) spike burst in the small bowel, and its amplitude was lower than that of the second part. The spike burst frequency of the second part was 2–3 times lower than that of the first part. During phase 1-like and phase 2a-like activities, the intensity of the gallbladder LSBP was reduced while enhanced after feeding. In fasted rams, the duration of a specific pattern, observed in the gallbladder infundibulum, was longer than in non-fasted animals and its amplitude was low. Similar events were recorded in the gallbladder corpus, but the specific pattern was shorter and irregular. In the gallbladder fundus, mostly irregular short spike bursts were recorded. It is concluded that in sheep, specific types of the long-lasting groups of spikes occur in the upper gallbladder areas exhibiting myoelectrical regional variability. The character of an LSBP depends on feeding conditions.

The myoelectrical activity of the ovine gallbladder has not been fully recognised. Five rams were fitted with six small intestinal and three gallbladder electrodes and a strain gauge force transducer was mounted near the gallbladder fundic electrode. In two series of successive experiments, the electromyographical and mechanical recordings were recorded over a period of 5–7 hours. The occurrence of the slow waves in the small bowel was regular, unlike those in the gallbladder. In the gallbladder infundibulum, the specific pattern, called the long spike burst pattern (LSBP), was observed. It comprised usually one or two parts of prolonged duration. The first part resembled the classical (short lasting) spike burst in the small bowel, and its amplitude was lower than that of the second part. The spike burst frequency of the second part was 2–3 times lower than that of the first part. During phase 1-like and phase 2a-like activities, the intensity of the gallbladder LSBP was reduced while enhanced after feeding. In fasted rams, the duration of a specific pattern, observed in the gallbladder infundibulum, was longer than in non-fasted animals and its amplitude was low. Similar events were recorded in the gallbladder corpus, but the specific pattern was shorter and irregular. In the gallbladder fundus, mostly irregular short spike bursts were recorded. It is concluded that in sheep, specific types of the long-lasting groups of spikes occur in the upper gallbladder areas exhibiting myoelectrical regional variability. The character of an LSBP depends on feeding conditions.

In Bangladesh, veterinarians often claim to reduce the mortality of natural peste des petits ruminants (PPR) outbreaks with the help of supportive fluid and electrolyte therapy. Information on haematological and biochemical parameters of PPR-infected goats, which is often altered because of associated tissue damages, is necessary to formulate the appropriate supportive therapy. This study determined the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of Black Bengal goats naturally infected with PPR virus. Blood and serum samples from 13 PPR-affected Black Bengal goats from 13 field outbreaks and 5 healthy goats were collected and analysed by routine haematological and biochemical examination. Haematological analysis of PRR-affected goats showed severe anaemia characterised by significant decrease in the values of haemoglobin, total erythrocyte counts (TECs) and packed cell volume (PCV). On the contrary, PPR-affected goats showed marked leucocytosis with absolute increase in lymphocytes and neutrophils counts compared to the healthy goats. Biochemical analysis revealed significant decrease in total protein and albumin level and increased creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase that mirrored the gross and histopathological changes in the PPR-affected goats. Significant increase in the values of sodium and chloride ions was found in the sera of PPR-infected goats. Peste des petits ruminants virus altered the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of the infected goats. Antidiarrheal agents with aqua solution together with other drugs to support liver and kidney function could help improve therapy of PPR-infected goats.

In Bangladesh, veterinarians often claim to reduce the mortality of natural peste des petits ruminants (PPR) outbreaks with the help of supportive fluid and electrolyte therapy. Information on haematological and biochemical parameters of PPR-infected goats, which is often altered because of associated tissue damages, is necessary to formulate the appropriate supportive therapy. This study determined the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of Black Bengal goats naturally infected with PPR virus. Blood and serum samples from 13 PPR-affected Black Bengal goats from 13 field outbreaks and 5 healthy goats were collected and analysed by routine haematological and biochemical examination. Haematological analysis of PRR-affected goats showed severe anaemia characterised by significant decrease in the values of haemoglobin, total erythrocyte counts (TECs) and packed cell volume (PCV). On the contrary, PPR-affected goats showed marked leucocytosis with absolute increase in lymphocytes and neutrophils counts compared to the healthy goats. Biochemical analysis revealed significant decrease in total protein and albumin level and increased creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase that mirrored the gross and histopathological changes in the PPR-affected goats. Significant increase in the values of sodium and chloride ions was found in the sera of PPR-infected goats. Peste des petits ruminants virus altered the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of the infected goats. Antidiarrheal agents with aqua solution together with other drugs to support liver and kidney function could help improve therapy of PPR-infected goats.