Objectives: To perform molecular diagnosis of microbial agents (FHV-1, FCV, Mycoplasma felis, and Chlamydophila felis) in kittens with conjunctivitis and correlate the clinical signs with clinical severity. Material and Methods: A total of 108 conjunctival swab were collected from kittens without (G1; n = 40) and with (G2; n = 68) clinical signs of conjunctivitis. Animals from G2 group were scored from 1 (mild) to 4 (severe) according to the severity of conjunctivitis. All samples were submitted to PCR and RT-PCR. Results: FHV-1 was detected in 62/108 (57.4%) of samples, FCV in 40/108 (37.0%), M. felis in 11/108 (10.2%) and C. felis in 26/108 (24.1%). Mixed infections were detected in 39/108 (36.1%). In G1, 28/40 (70.0%) were positive for one or more agents, in G2, 58/68 (85.3%) were positive (P = 0.03). In 1, single infections by FHV-1were found in 21/40 (52.5%) samples, FCV in 2/40 (5.0%), C. felis in 1/40 (2.5%), and no pathogens were detected in 12/40 (30%) of samples, while mixed infections accounted for 29/40 (72.5%) of the cases. In G2, single FHV-1 infections were found in 31/68 (45.6%) samples, FCV in 10/68 (14.7 %), M. felis in 2/68 (3.0%) and C. felis also in 2/68 (3.0%), and no pathogens were detected in 10/68 (14.7%) samples, while mixed infections accounted for 36/68 (52.0%) of the cases. They were categorized as grade 1, 20/68 (29.4%), grade 2, 14/68 (20.6%), grade 3, 21/68 (30.9%) and grade 4, 13/68 (19.1%). The presence of FHV-1 and FCV is equally distributed among the four categories. More severe clinical signs, scores 3 and 4, are related to coinfections by C. felis and M. felis. Conclusions: FHV-1, FCV, C. felis and M. felis were identified in feline conjunctivitis. Co-infections are related to more severe cases of conjunctivitis. Molecular diagnosis is helpful to detect asymptomatic carriers and is a rapid and accurate method to determine the pathogen of feline conjunctivitis.

The sound producing apparatus of the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) presents a complex anatomic structure composed of melon, spermaceti, phonic lips, vocal cap, case, papillae, spermaceti chamber and other airspaces, as well as facial muscles involved in sound production. The spermaceti chamber rests on the caudal portion of the premaxilla, with part of its mucosa covered with spherical/oval-shaped structures (approximately 1 to 2 mm in diameter), compatible with vesicles (previously referred to as “papillae”). Macroscopical examination revealed whitish, firm, widely and irregularly distributed vesicular mucosa on the premaxillary portion of the spermaceti chamber of a K. sima specimen stranded on the coast of Santos (southeastern Brazilian coast). Upon microscopic examination, walls of connective tissue with abundant type I collagen forming vesicles with an internal space or cavity filled with a small amount of eosinophilic substance compatible with mucoproteic fluid were observed. The base of such vesicles presented glands within the connective tissue, probably responsible for fluid production. This study describes the histology of the mucosa of the spermaceti chamber of a K. sima specimen and characterizes the glands associated with fluid production.

Sonography is a safe and non-invasive imaging modality, with the added benefit of providing dynamic images. Power Doppler sonography allows blood vessel identification regardless of flow intensity or direction. A one-year-old Ile de France ewe was admitted to the FMVZ-USP Veterinary Hospital with a complete tibial fracture. The animal was submitted to general inhalation anesthesia and fracture repair using a 3.5 mm locking compression plate. Power Doppler sonography was used to assess neovascularization over the course of the bone healing process. Formation of new vessels was noted between postoperative days 14 and 21; new vessels regressed progressively on subsequent assessments (postoperative days 28 and 35). Power Doppler sonography enabled early detection of newly formed blood vessels at the fracture site. The non-invasive nature of this imaging modality prevented patient stress and provided useful information on the progression of bone healing. Early neovascularization was thought to reflect successful postoperative healing of the tibial fracture described.

Large quantities of waste are generated throughout the seafood supply chain. Although this material has a great potential for use (e.g. pharmaceutical industry, animal feed production), if not managed properly it represents an environmental risk. In order to meet the volume, destination, and method of storage of waste of Brazilian seafood supply chain, we got information from 29 companies that have Official Veterinary Inspection (SIF). After the industrialization of seafood only 44% on average of the total raw material is used for human consumption and 59.2% of the unused portion is discarded in landfill.

The aim of this work was to submit sperm cells to different laboratory challenges and  to compare in vitro results with in vivo semen fertility. Four different batches from the same Brangus bull were used in a timed-AI program of 332 Brangus cows. Each batch (B) was submitted to the following procedure: semen sample was thawed at 36°C for 30 seconds (control). Sperm motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, sperm morphology, and concentration were assessed. Then, an aliquot of thawed sample was incubated in a water bath at 45°C for 40 min (thermal challenge group; TCG) and another aliquot was centrifuged at 500 xg (Percoll gradient 45%/90%) for 15 min (centrifugation challenge group; CCG). Centrifuged semen was also submitted to another thermal challenge, being incubated (water bath) at 45°C for 40 min (centrifugation + thermal challenge group; CTCG). At the end of each challenge (CCG, TCG, and CTCG), the same laboratory tests used for control group were repeated. The following conception rates (CR) were observed for each batch: B1 = 48.9% (44/90); B2 = 44.2% (23/52); B3 = 55.5% (40/72); B4 = 43.2% (51/118); (p < 0.10). In the lab, B3 presented higher (p ≤ 0.05) progressive motility (PM) than B4 after thawing (control group) and after all sperm challenges (TCG, CCG, and CTCG). However, despite B3 and B4 having demonstrated a similar percentage of plasma membrane integrity (PMI) to the control group (B3 = 66.7 ± 1.3 and B4 = 65.2 ± 3.3), B3 demonstrated higher (P ≤ 0.05) percentage of PMI (37.2 ± 2.5) than B4 (26.7 ± 3.3) after passing through the most stressing in vitro challenge (CTCG). The semen batch presenting the highest resistance to in vitro challenges was the one that presented a trend for higher in vivo fertility, suggesting that submitting semen samples to laboratory challenges may be an interesting alternative for selecting batches with greater field fertility.

Sie balu is an Acehnese dried meat preserved by the addition of salt, acid and dried. However, long processing and drying it under the sun can cause meat products contaminated by Salmonella. Irradiation can eliminate  Salmonella  and  other  pathogenic  bacteria  in  food.  This  study  aims  to  determine  the  presence  of Salmonella in sie balu after irradiated with increasing doses and 2 to 4 months shelf life. Sie balu was made of 5 kg fresh beef, dried under the sun to dry, vacuum and irradiated at doses of 5, 7 and 9 kGy. Salmonella was detected using bacteriological and biochemical tests. Results showed sie balu contaminated by Salmonella paratyphi B and Salmonella cholerasuis. The irradiation and shelf life significantly affect (P0.05) the count of Salmonella in sie balu compared with unirradiated one. Irradiation doses of 5, 7 and 9 kGy do not affect the count of Salmonella in sie balu. Extending the shelf life up to 4 months can increas the count of Salmonella. This study concluded that irradiated sie balu at doses of 5, 7 and 9 kGy can be stored for up to two months

A study has been conducted to investigate the effect of two local herbs in Indonesia; Areca catechu nut and Sauropus androgynous leaf, combined with mineral block to treat gastro intestinal nematode in goats. A.catechu is well known to have anthelmintic property due to its alkaloid and tannin content, and S.androgynus also contains tannin, alkaloid and steroid that will enhance the anthelmintic property of those herbals.  As many as 80 goats had been divided into 4 groups; 20 were treated with albendazole (Group A), 20 were given A.catechu and S.androgynus (Group B), 20 were given combination of A.catechu, S.androgynus, and mineral block (Group C), and 20 as negative control (Group D). The result revealed that herbal treatment showed significantly effective toward nematodes in gastro intestinal, demonstrated by declining egg worm of Group B and C. Body weight improvement and overall performance in Group C was higher compared to other groups. However, goats treated with albendazole showed slightly better results in the decreasing amount of egg worms found after treatment. Nevertheless, A.catechu and S.androgynus are potential anthelmintic herbal; combination with mineral block will enhance the anthelmintic activity. Therefore they are good options for treating helminthiasis in livestock.

One of the Acehnese traditional food  preserved by the addition of salt, acid and dried was sie balu. The preservation method may lead to changes in the structure and nutritional content. Sie balu with the addition of vinegar, garlic and ginger can reduce the value of water activity (aW), pH and bacterial counts. This condition affects the physical properties and sensory of sie balu. Irradiation can control pathogenic microorganisms in meat without affecting the physical condition. Low-dose irradiation is able to maintain the desired sensory attributes nutritious food products. This study aims to determine the characteristics of the sensory and physic sie baluthat irradiated with increasing doses and the shelf life of 3-6 weeks. Sie balu was made of 10 kg fresh beef, dried in the sun to dry, vacuum and irradiated at doses of 5, 7 and 9 kGy. Sensory test conducted by taste sie balu by trained panelists and fill out the hedonicform. The physical properties based on pH and aW. The microbe total calculated used Total Plate Count.The results showed that the irradiation dose significantly (P 0.05) affected on microbe total, aroma, color, texture and taste of sie balu. Storage time does not affect the sensory properties. Irradiation dose and storage time significantly (P 0.05) on pH and aWsiebalu. The study concluded that irradiation can improve the physical properties, sensory and microorganisme reductionof sie balu.

A new and effective protocol to culture bovine embryos without coculture and with individualized culture media has been established, which would allow the study of a single embryo’s metabolism. For this purpose, bovine embryos were produced in vitro by standard protocols in three different types of media: KSOM, SOFaa, and KSOM followed by SOFaa at day 2. Presumptive zygotes were divided into six groups: control, cultured in groups (C-KSOM, C-SOFaa, and C-KS), and individual well system (W-KSOM, W-SOFaa, and W-KS). Cleavage and blastocyst rates were assessed on days 2 and 7 respectively. Relative quantification of transcripts related to important metabolic processes (GLUT1, GLUT3, GSK3, SOD1, HSPD1, G6PD) were assessed in C-KS and W-KS blastocysts. Results show that cleavage was significantly higher only in W-KSOM when compared to C-KSOM, while blastocyst rates differ only between C-SOF and W-SOF. All the other comparisons did not present statistical difference. Moreover, gene expression analysis revealed that blastocysts cultured in groups and in the individual well system present similar transcription patterns. Thus, the obtained conclusion was that the individual well system performed could be used as an effective alternative protocol for individual culture of bovine embryos, since the rates are similar to routine group culture.

During fertilization, spermatozoa interact with the zona pellucida (ZP) through the binding between the acrosome and proteins 2 and 3 (ZP2 and ZP3). The perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk is homologous to the mammalian ZP3, which allows the binding of sperm of several species. The aim of this study was to standardize and evaluate the efficiency of sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken eggs as a functional method for canine semen evaluation. For this purpose, nine post-thaw sperm samples were used, which were divided into two aliquots: the first was kept in water bath at 37ºC (live sample) and the second was submitted to cold shock to induce cellular damage (dead sample). The two aliquots were mixed on five proportions, corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of viable cells, and the binding test was performed by analyzing the number of spermatozoa bonded to the perivitelline membrane by means of computerized assessment of sperm motility (CASA) or conventional microscopy. Additionally, samples were submitted to sperm motility analysis, evaluation of plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity, and sperm mitochondrial activity. The sperm-binding test to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk was considered a feasible sperm analysis test for both fertilizing capacity and overall sperm attributes evaluation, mainly when the analysis is performed by a conventional microscope, which expands its practicality to the majority of canine reproduction laboratories.