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ABSTRACT: The development of a selection strategy and to obtain a precocious white oat progenies, homogeneous for flowering and with additions to panicle grain mass, reconciled to environmental stimuli controlled by air temperature. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Augusto Pestana, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design was in augmented blocks with intermediate control, the regular treatments corresponded to 238 white oat progenies and the common treatment was represented by the commercial control (URS Taura) arranged in three replications. The selection for grains weight per panicle, percentage of flowered plants, days to physiological maturity and accumulation of degrees day are due to a high genetic contribution, which indicated promising selection for these characters already in initial breeding generations. The accumulation of degrees days for physiological maturity defines that 41.94% of the progenies are selected as precocious. The genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI) selected 20% of the white oat progenies with greater flowering uniformity, less accumulation of degrees days and high potential for grain mass per panicle.

ABSTRACT: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a productive and reproductive virus with a high global economic impact on dairy production systems. We investigated the prevalence of BVDV at the herd and individual levels in most dairy-producing regions of Brazil. The frequency of BVDV at the herd level was investigated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in bulk milk tanks monitored at 289 dairy farms between August 2020 and January 2022. Among these farms, 68 production systems were selected to investigate the prevalence of persistently infected (PI) animals using two antigen-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (Ag-ELISAs), at 21-d intervals, from ear-notch samples. In total, 2,902 RT-qPCR and 23,466 Ag-ELISAs were performed. At the herd level, 23.87% (69/289) of dairy farms were considered infected, presenting at least one qPCR test positive. At the individual level, 41.2% (28/68) of the subgroup of selected farms had at least one animal positive in the Ag-ELISA test. Association between tests allowed the classification of farms into the following four categories: level 0, negative for both tests (41.2%, 28/68); level 1, RT-qPCR positive and Ag-ELISA negative (17.6%, 12/68); level 2, RT-qPCR negative and Ag-ELISA positive (13.2%, 9/68); and level 3, positive for both tests (27.9%, 19/68). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) suggested a possible association between BVDV positivity and large farms, average daily milk production (herd), breed, and somatic cell counts. The confinement and intensification of animals from different categories, and use of artificial bedding are associated with BVDV infection. Using waste or bulk tank milk to fed calves was also a risk factor for BVDV positivity in RT-qPCR and Ag-ELISA. Despite the use of reproductive vaccines by most producers, their use seems to be associated with BVDV-positive farms. This study presented the epidemiological frequencies of BVDV at the individual and herd levels in the Campos Gerais Paranaense region. The region ranks among the top milk-producing areas in Brazil. Additionally, the association between BVDV tests and farm characteristics indicated the farm risk for BVDV and guides specific control programs.

ABSTRACT: This study determined the association between biosecurity practices and the status of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in dairy production systems. Approximately 280 herds were screened for BVDV virus detection. Following the screening, 68 herds were selected to identify individual BVDV PI animals using an ear notch biopsy and ELISA-antigen. All offspring of the last generation were tested, and the maternal lineage of positive cases was examined. A questionnaire on BVDV biological risk assessment was completed. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was conducted to determine the association between herds with or without BVDV circulation and biosecurity practices. The MCA revealed that farms with virus circulation lacked knowledge about the disease and wrongly perceived their herds as protected, while farms without virus circulation were aware of the disease but considered their herds unprotected. Vaccination practices differed between positive and negative herds, with positive herds using vaccines only for reproductive diseases and negative herds vaccinating for respiratory and reproductive issues. Biosecurity practices such as frequent visitation, contact between animals of different ages, and annual introduction of new animals were linked to viral circulation, while virus-free herds implemented measures like controlled visitation, no contact between different age groups, and quarantine. Lastly, herds with virus circulation acquired pregnant females without prior testing. This study emphasized the crucial role of biosecurity practices in controlling BVDV in dairy herds. It highlighted the sharper risk perception and better application of biosecurity practices in negative herds compared to BVDV-positive herds.

ABSTRACT: Anatomy teaching has been changing over the years, introducing technological methods especially after the pandemic period. An ongoing debate revolves around whether exclusive reliance on technology for anatomy classes, as opposed to traditional methods and face-to-face instruction, enhances knowledge acquisition. This study analyzed the knowledge perception of students from various semesters throughout the Veterinary Medicine course, comparing students who only had online classes with those who had face-to-face classes in Gross Anatomy of Domestic Animals. For this purpose, a questionnaire was distributed for voluntary and anonymous completion, and the responses were subsequently analyzed statistically. The results indicated that 11.5% of the students who took Anatomy remotely failed to apply the knowledge in other subjects, while no face-to-face learning student reported the same. Most students, both remote and face-to-face groups, remember the subject but review the content frequently. Regarding theoretical knowledge, the online group (80.8%) understood better as the course progressed, compared to 59.6% of the face-to-face group. The connection between Anatomy and other subjects was more highlighted by the face-to-face group (30.8%) compared to the online group (15.4%). Both groups agree that physical contact with anatomical specimens is essential; however, some believe that initial exposure through 3D images or photographs is feasible. We concluded based on this preliminary study that the initial interactions with the Anatomy field should include diversified pedagogical techniques with empathetic communication. The use of modern technological resources are allies in the teaching-learning process. Furthermore, after abstracting the contents, technology alone can effectively maintain and update anatomical knowledge.

ABSTRACT: The genipap (Genipa americana L.) is a non-endemic species native to Brazil belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is a species that unites socioeconomic and environmental pillars. The study objective was to establish the induction of indirect somatic embryogenesis in foliar explants of genipap genotypes. Leaf explants of UMB, SAL, JSA, SC, and CER accessions cultivated in half the salt concentration of Murashige & Skoog (MS), 30 g/L sucrose, and 3g/L PhytagelTM with the following combinations of NAA × BA regulators were used: M1: 4.0/4.0 mg/L NAA and BA, M2: 4.0/6.0 mg/L NAA and BA, and M3: 6.0/4.0 mg/L NAA and BA. At 60 days of culture, they were transferred to secondary embryogenic callus multiplication medium supplemented with 2.21 mg/L of 2,4-D. At 30 and 60 days, the increment (%) and fresh mass (g) of primary callus and at 120 days the presence of embryogenic callus were evaluated. The primary medium with 4.0 mg/L of NAA and 6.0 mg/L of BA induced embryogenic primary callus in leaf explants of the genipap accessions SAL, SC, and JSA. The secondary medium was promising for the multiplication of embryogenic callus. Cytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of embryogenic cells in SAL, SC, and JSA accessions.

ABSTRACT: The feasibility of enhancing oat cereal bars, widely recognized for their health benefits, was investigated by replacing up to 5% oats with whole seed, almond, or steam-cooked pinhão husk flour. Pinhão contributes with resistant starch, antioxidant compounds, and minerals. The control oat bar (30.5% of the mixture), without pinhão flours but containing brown sugar (25.5%), raisins (15.0%), glucose (15.0%), coconut oil (3.0%), gelatin (0.5%), and water (10.0%), provides 75.53 kcal, with 15.66% carbohydrates (on a dry basis), 2.88% insoluble fiber, 0.70% soluble fiber, 1.82% protein, 0.62% lipids, and 0.32% minerals. Bars replacing up to 5% of oats with almond, husk, or whole seed flour showed statistically similar compositions, except for lipids, few minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. Concerning daily recommendations, a 22 g bar offers low energy (3.78%, Brasil, 1998) and proportionally high mineral content, including potassium (34.64%), zinc (81.58%), magnesium (108.55%), iron (421.18%), copper (192.98%), calcium (395.13%), and manganese (1,027.00%). Additionally, they exhibit a significant content of total phenolic compounds (8.66 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity (24.43 mg Trolox/g). These innovative bars were well-received in sensory evaluations and demonstrated good commercial potential. Notably, a bar that replaced 5% oats with husk flour could be a viable option for microenterprises due to simplified technology, contributing to waste valorization and encouraging the preservation of the Araucaria Forest.

ABSTRACT: The present research created a tool to measure ultrasound images of the rib eye area in sheep. One hundred twenty-one ultrasound images of sheep were captured, with regions of interest segmented using the U-Net algorithm. The metrics adopted to evaluate automatic segmentations were Dicescore and intersection over union. Finally, a regression analysis was performed using the AdaBoost Regressor and Random Forest Regressor algorithms and the fit of the models was evaluated using the Mean Square Residuals, mean absolute error and coefficient of determination. The values obtained for the Dice metric were 0.94, and for Intersection over Union it was 0.89, demonstrating a high similarity between the actual and predicted values, ranging from 0 to 1. The values of Mean Quadratic Residuals, mean absolute error and coefficient The determination of the regressor models indicated the best fit for the Random Forest Regressor. The U-Net algorithm efficiently segmented ultrasound images of the Longissimus Dorsi muscle, with greater precision than the measurements performed by the specialist. This efficient segmentation allowed the standardization of rib eye area measurements and, consequently, the phenotyping of beef sheep on a large scale.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii on intravaginal temperature, production and milk composition of Holstein cows in a subtropical environment. The study period was 29 days and 20 multiparous Holstein cows were selected with an average milk production of 50 ± 6 kg/day and 147 ± 83 days in milk. The cows were separated into two treatments: Control (n = 10) did not receive dietary supplementation. Tannin (n = 10) received Condensed Tannin (Tanac S.A., Montenegro, RS, Brazil) at a dose of 0.19% dry matter (40 g/cow/day). Animals were monitored for milk production and composition as well as intravaginal temperature. The environmental temperature and humidity index (THI) were monitored. The mean THI was 72.39 ± 0.69. The mean intravaginal temperature was 39.17 ± 0.14 °C in the Tannin treatment and 39.03 ± 0.14°C in the Control treatment (P > 0.05). The animals in the Tannin treatment exhibited an intravaginal temperature of 39.2 °C at THI 69.38, and the Control treatment exhibited the same temperature at THI 70.16 (receiver operating characteristic (ROC); P < 0.01). Milk production was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (51.38 ± 0.90 kg/day and 49.94 ± 1.05 kg/day, respectively; P < 0.01). The protein content in milk was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (3.20 ± 0.01% and 3.04 ± 0.01%; respectively; P < 0.01). The results of this study suggested that tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii can attenuate heat stress and its negative effects on animal production.

ABSTRACT: The state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) is the third largest sunflower producer in Brazil. This study verified the existence of linear relationships between grain yield, oil content, and oil yield in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes evaluated in RS. The data on grain yield (GY), oil content (OC), and oil yield (OY) were obtained from 73 sunflower cultivar trials in 21 municipalities in RS from 1999 to 2018. Scatter diagrams were createdto investigate the relationships between the variables GY, OC, and OY. Then, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient (r) was calculated between the variables, and the Student’s t-test was performed at a 5% significance level. There is a positive and significant linear relationship between PG and OY. However, no linear relationship was found between grain yield and oil content in sunflower genotypes. Additionally, a positive linear association of high magnitude (r = 0.9672) was observed between grain yield and oil yield, while a low magnitude (r = 0.2245) was found between oil content and oil yield.

ABSTRACT: This study carried out early selection of soybean progenies that are productive and resilient to environmental conditions. The experiment took place at the Genetic Breeding Program of UNIJUI (University of the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul), located in Ijuí - RS, Brazil. The experiment used augmented blocks design with interim checks. The regular treatments correspond to 24 soybean F2 populations and the common treatments were 18 commercial checks, arranged in four replications. At full physiological maturity, in each experimental unit, five plants were randomly collected to obtain seed weight per plant (SWP, g). The Jinks and Pooni methodology was used to calculate the probability of extracting superior lineages from the evaluated populations. The best control and promising cultivars to compose the parent bank are BMX FORÇA RR, FUNDACEP 66 RR and TMG 7062 IPRO. Jinks and Pooni’s methodology identified populations IRC001, IRC002, IRC017, IRC019, IRC028, IRC030, IRC032, IRC033, IRC035, IRC036, IRC039 and IRC040 as having high potential for extraction of superior lineages.

ABSTRACT: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound known for its direct action on the prostate. Prostatic morphogenesis is a critical period when interference by any compound could permanently damage the organ. As such, the present study evaluated the morphological aspects resulting from gestational and lactational administration of BPA, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and genistein (GEN) in prepubescent male rats. Pregnant Sprague Dawley females were allocated into 4 experimental groups and received the following: C: Control (no treatment); B: BPA (10 µg/Kg); BG: BPA+GEN (5 mg/Kg); BI: BPA+I3C (20 mg/Kg) from gestation day (GD) 17 to postnatal day (PND) 21. After euthanasia on PND22, the prostate was collected and processed. When administered alone, BPA reduced the stromal compartment when compared to group C (P = 0.039). This decline was reversed in the groups submitted to GEN (P = 0.019) or I3C (P = 0.017). The groups treated with BPA (P < 0.0001) and the phytoestrogens (P < 0.0001) exhibited decreased epithelial height in relation to the control group. These changes were observed in stereological and morphometric analyses, but not in fractal analysis (P = 0.569). The area occupied by collagen increased in groups treated with BPA (P < 0.0001) and phytoestrogens (P < 0.0001) in relation to controls, while collagen distribution values were higher in all the treated groups (P < 0.0001), according to fractal analysis. Thus, BPA induced prostrate stroma remodeling with no influence from the phytoestrogens, which may affect glandular development and cause histopathological changes in adulthood.

ABSTRACT: Rabies is a viral encephalitis that affects mammals, including humans. Rapid and effective laboratory diagnosis of the rabies virus is critical for public health. This study evaluated the operational, technical, and financial viability of the RT-qPCR in replacement of inoculation in mice for diagnosing rabies in the laboratory routine. A total of 316 samples of mammalian brains were analyzed, 121 positives and 195 negatives, previously diagnosed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and mouse inoculation test (MIT). The samples were submitted to the duplex TaqMan RT-qPCR technique. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of RT-qPCR were analyzed. We analyzed the costs for performing the RT-qPCR technique and compared it with the cost of MIT. The results showed 99.37% accuracy, 99.17% sensitivity, and 99.49% specificity by RT-qPCR when related to DIF and MIT results, which proved to be a robust and repeatable technique. The minimum time for a positive diagnosis was reduced in RT-qPCR (1 day) if compared to MIT (9.64 days), with a 17.7% reduction in the cost of the molecular technique. The present study demonstrated that the molecular biology technique is an efficient tool to diagnose rabies in the laboratory routine, being able to replace MIT.

ABSTRACT: Protocols to artificially induce cows and heifers into lactation are effective and commercially available in Brazil. However, these protocols demand long hormonal treatments, which is debatable since little research has been done in the subject. To further understand artificial induction to lactation (AIL) protocols, we conducted two experiments. In experiment 1, our objective was to better characterize steroidal profile during an AIL protocol and assess the estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) serum profiles of Jersey cows (n=6) subjected to a conventional protocol. In experiment 2, we aimed to compare milk production and serum E2 concentrations of Holstein heifers induced into lactation by the standard AIL protocol (15 injections of E2 and 8 P4 injections) and by a short protocol in which the number of E2 injections and, consequently, the overall dosage of E2, were reduced (8 injections of E2 and 8 P4 injections). We hypothesized that a short AIL protocol (8 days) would be as efficient as the long standard protocol of 15 days. Our hypothesis was confirmed, since we demonstrated that a shorter protocol was able to induce lactation in Holstein heifers without hindering milk production.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated chromium and quantitative and qualitative feed restriction as alternative nutritional strategies to ractopamine in finishing barrows. Fifty barrows, genetically similar, with an initial body weight of 99.0 ± 4.3 kg and a final body weight of 117.2 ± 5.8 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a randomized complete block design with five nutritional treatments (Control; Rac = 10ppm ractopamine; Chromium = 0,8mg chromium yeast; Quality = qualitative restriction, 7.5% less net energy in the diet; Quanti = 15% quantitative reduction in feed supply), with five replicates and two animals per replicate. Chromium supplementation and quantitative feed restriction reduced feed, lysine, net energy, and crude protein intakes (P < 0.05). Chromium, ractopamine, and quantitative restriction improved feed conversion (P < 0.05). Supplementation with chromium and ractopamine and feed restriction did not influence the carcass characteristics of the pigs (P < 0.05). Quantitative feed restriction and supplementation of 0.8mg of chromium yeast are presented as potential alternatives to ractopamine in the diet of finishing pigs.

ABSTRACT: Pineapple is a tropical fruit with high demand by the fruit market in Brazil. Fruits of the cultivar ´Turiaçu` stans out in local consumer markets due to its excellent quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate ecophysiological responses of ´Turiaçu` pineapple plants at the vegetative and reproductive stages to soil fertilization and crop location, and their effects in fruit yield. The study was conducted in the cities of São Luís and Turiaçu, MA, Brazil. Plants under mineral and organic fertilization in two locations, São Luís and Turiaçu, and in two seasons, dry and rainy season, were evaluated during dry and rainy seasons. Chlorophyll index, photochemical efficiency, gas exchange, and fruit yield were evaluated. The pineapple plants presented decrease in the photosynthetic activity, at both developmental stages and in both seasons, when grown in São Luís. The CO2 photosynthetic assimilation decreased. The PSI and PSII activity, according with photosynthetic index, was more sensitive at the reproductive than at the vegetative stage. The organic fertilization was not appropriate for the ´Turiaçu` pineapple crops, regardless of the crop location. The fruit yields were 54.4% and 57.9% lower in São Luís, under mineral and organic fertilization, respectively. Thus, the ecophysiology of ´Turiaçu` pineapple was more affected by water availability than by soil fertility in the municipality of Turiaçu.

ABSTRACT: One of the main issues related to the management of forage legumes is the fact that these plants can be found in a broad diversity of morphology, structures and growth habits. This study evaluated the structural and productive characteristics of forage legumes with different growth habits [Clitoria ternatea L.; Desmanthus pernambucanus (L.) Thellung; and Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo Grande], in response to two harvesting frequencies (60 and 90 days). The experimental design was completely randomized in blocks, with a split-plot scheme and four replications (n=4). The type of forage legume influenced the number of secondary branches, the number of leaves per branch, leaf area index (LAI), light interception (LI), percentage of leaves and stems (%), leaf/stem ratio, and pod production (P

ABSTRACT: The cheese after processing, generates whey, which is a residue that has potential benefit to human health. However, there are still few studies that seek to evaluate the composition and potential benefits of goat milk whey, even though it is a promising dairy source. Despite this, the large-scale generation of this waste can favor the environmental impact when improperly disposed of. Given this, the use of all content of dairy production can reverse this impact and increase the income of the dairy industry. Thus, this research prepared a powdered product based on goat’s milk whey from the spray drying technique and evaluate its physicochemical composition by chemical analytical methods and protein profile through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The elaborated product had a higher carbohydrate content than protein, and the identification of protein fractions showed that the most expressive bands represented beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactoalbumin. Therefore, the elaborated product has the potential to generate novel products for human consumption and with potential health benefits.

ABSTRACT: It is important to determine the number of plants to be evaluated to allow accurate inferences about the traits under evaluation. Investigating the linear relations among traits is important for identifying traits for indirect selection. So, the objectives of this study were to determine the sample size (number of plants) necessary to estimate the means of forage pea traits and to investigate the relations among the traits. Experiments were carried out in 2021 with three sowing dates (May 3, May 26 and July 13). Five hundred plants were randomly sampled, 100 plants in each of the five evaluation dates (June 25, August 30, July 24, September 17, September 16). In these 500 plants, the traits plant height, number of branches, number of nodes, number of leaves, number of pods, fresh matter of leaves, fresh matter of stems, fresh matter of pods, fresh matter of shoots, dry matter of leaves, dry matter of stems, dry matter of pods, and dry matter of shoots, were evaluated. The sample size was calculated to estimate the means of these traits, based on Student’s t-distribution, and the relations among traits were investigated through correlation and path analysis. In an experiment, to estimate the means of these 13 traits of forage pea, with an estimation error of approximately 10% of the mean, 99 plants per treatment should be sampled. The numbers of pods and leaves have a positive linear relations with fresh and dry matter of shoots.

ABSTRACT: The present study evaluated the cryoprotectant efficacy of dimethylacetamide (DMA) and ethylene glycol in a one-step protocol to freeze boar sperm. The sperm-rich portion of the ejaculates from two boars were collected once a week, for 10 weeks. After collection, the ejaculates were diluted (1:1; v/v) in the cooling extender. After determining their spermatozoa concentration, the ejaculates were pooled with the same number of spermatozoa from each boar and stabilized at 20°C for 120 min. Distinct cryoprotectants were added to the cooling extender at 20 °C, at different concentrations, composing six treatments: 1.25% and 2.5% glycerol (control); 1.25% and 2.5% ethylene glycol; 2.5% and 5.0% DMA. The samples were stored in 0.25 mL straws, containing 35 × 106 spermatozoa. After 90 min at 20 °C, the straws were submitted to a cooling curve until 5 °C (0.3 to 0.5 °C/min) and kept at 5°C for 60 min. Freezing was conducted by placing the straws horizontally 5 cm above the liquid nitrogen for 10 min, followed by immersion on liquid nitrogen. After thawing at 37 °C for 30 seconds, sperm quality was evaluated through a computer-assisted semen analysis system and flow cytometry. Sperm motility was greater (P< 0.05) in treatments with 5.0% and 2.5% DMA (22.2 ± 2.6% and 20.0 ± 2.8%, respectively) than in treatment with 2.5% ethylene glycol (8.2 ± 1.0%). The integrity of the plasma membrane (P = 0.08) and mitochondrial membrane potential (P = 0.27) was similar among the treatments. The treatment with 2.5% ethylene glycol was the least efficient to maintain intact acrosome membrane (P< 0.01). Some kinetics parameters (DAP, DCL, DSL, VAP, VCL, VSL e ALH) were positively affected by 5.0% DMA. The one-step freezing protocol resulted in unsatisfactory boar sperm motility after thawing, regardless of the cryoprotectant.

ABSTRACT: The study describes the genetic identification, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of equine infectious anemia occurring in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three animals kept in the periurban region of Uruguaiana city tested positive for the AGID test. The serology was performed as a requirement for transit. None of the animals showed clinical signs of infection, one animal was necropsied, and the others were stolen. In the post-mortem examination, no macroscopic changes were observed, and microscopically, discrete hemosiderosis was detected in fragments of the liver and spleen. Amplifying and sequencing a proviral DNA fragment in blood, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node samples confirmed EIAV infection. Phylogenetic analysis of the first sequenced EIAV sample from the Rio Grande do Sul State indicates a high similarity with other Brazilian samples. Results confirmed the viral presence in the state’s herds and described epidemiological and virological characteristics of EIA that contribute to the maintenance and dissemination of the virus in herds.

ABSTRACT: Glanders is an infectious disease of equids caused by Burkholderia mallei, a facultative intracellular non-mobile Gram-negative bacterium that can be transmitted to other animals and humans. This study described glanders cases reported in the state of Maranhão, located within an Amazon-Cerrado transition region in northeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2017. A database in an electronic spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel 2010) was developed containing information on the number of positive animals according to age, sex, purpose, year and month, municipality and mesoregion of origin of the animal. The descriptive analyzis was performed on data provided by the State Agency for Agricultural and Livestock Protection of the state of Maranhão (AGED), and by the official private laboratory. As the database did not have information data about negative animals, possible risk factors could not be evaluated. Among the total of 62,555 equids were evaluated by means of the complement fixation test (CFT), 59,036 were horses, 2,981 mules and 538 donkeys. Thirty-five samples (0.06%) reacted in the CFT. Five additional samples were by the western blot technique and three of them were positive. All the reactive horses (Equuscaballus) were from rural areas. Results presented here indicate that glanders may be endemic in the state of Maranhão and is a public health concern.

This study evaluated the effect of tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii on intravaginal temperature, production and milk composition of Holstein cows in a subtropical environment. The study period was 29 days and 20 multiparous Holstein cows were selected with an average milk production of 50 ± 6 kg/day and 147 ± 83 days in milk. The cows were separated into two treatments: Control (n = 10) did not receive dietary supplementation. Tannin (n = 10) received Condensed Tannin (Tanac S.A., Montenegro, RS, Brazil) at a dose of 0.19% dry matter (40 g/cow/day). Animals were monitored for milk production and composition as well as intravaginal temperature. The environmental temperature and humidity index (THI) were monitored. The mean THI was 72.39 ± 0.69. The mean intravaginal temperature was 39.17 ± 0.14 °C in the Tannin treatment and 39.03 ± 0.14°C in the Control treatment (P > 0.05). The animals in the Tannin treatment exhibited an intravaginal temperature of 39.2 °C at THI 69.38, and the Control treatment exhibited the same temperature at THI 70.16 (receiver operating characteristic (ROC); P < 0.01). Milk production was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (51.38 ± 0.90 kg/day and 49.94 ± 1.05 kg/day, respectively; P < 0.01). The protein content in milk was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (3.20 ± 0.01% and 3.04 ± 0.01%; respectively; P < 0.01). The results of this study suggested that tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii can attenuate heat stress and its negative effects on animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Morada Nova breed has a low effective herd, and its white variety is in risk of extinction. The selection of individuals based on breed standard without correlation with productive aptitude is predominant today. We believe that the best way to rescue this valuable genetic resource is to describe its productive potential for commercial use. Thus, this study described the meat production potential of Morada Nova lambs through morphological and zoometric data, performance and carcass characteristics. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs from two genetic groups were used: Morada Nova red (MNR) and crossbreed Morada Nova (red x Morada Nova white-MNF1) distributed in a completely randomized design. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used. The yields of commercial cuts and the physicochemical characteristics and qualitative measurements of the carcass were similar between the genetic groups. Seven of the 28 characteristics of the carcass were greater in MNF1 lambs. The chest height, rump height and anamorphosis index showed to be important variables in the choice of MN lambs with meat production potential. Based on factor and hierarchical cluster analysis, the Morada Nova beef morphometric index (MNBMI) was created. Both of groups have high thoracic development, ability to produce meat, weight gain, feeding efficiency and breathing capacity, infusing greater rusticity and adaptability; however, the application and validation of the developed index showed superiority for meat production in the crossed lambs. Thus, the MNF1 lambs are a sustainable option for sheep production in drylands.

ABSTRACT: Salinity has limited conventional vegetable cultivation, especially in semi-arid regions. In this regard, the use of elicitors that act to induce tolerance to salt stress, such as salicylic acid, has emerged as a promising alternative. This study evaluated the effects of foliar spraying with salicylic acid on the mitigation of salt stress on the morphophysiology and production of bell pepper cv. All Big. The study was conducted in a greenhouse in Campina Grande - PB, Brazil, adopting a completely randomized design, in a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement, corresponding to four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.8; 1.6; 2.4; and 3.2 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid (0; 1.2; 2.4 and 3.6 mM), with three replicates. The foliar application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.6 mM attenuated the effects of salt stress in gas exchange, growth, mean fruit weight, and total production per plant, and decreased the percentage of intercellular electrolyte leakage of sweet pepper cv. All Big plants, at 80 days after sowing.

ABSTRACT: This study measured the effect of the association between agronomic traits related to the yield of canola grains grown at different sowing dates through path analysis. Another objective was to obtain a method to predict the oil content in the grains, fitting a multivariate model through near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy analysis. The experiment was conducted in the field using a randomized block design in plots subdivided by time, with four plots (sowing dates), six subplots (canola hybrids), and four replicates. In each hybrid, phenological observations were performed, and the grain yield was determined. The data were subjected to analysis of variance in the R environment using the F test at 5% probability. The oil content in the grains was determined by the traditional chemical method, and based on the NIR spectral signature of the grain samples, partial least squares regression (PLS-R) was established to estimate the oil content in the canola grains. The sowing dates influenced the production components and oil content of the grains of all hybrids. The trait number of grains in five plants (0.6857) and their height (0.4943) had greater estimates of positive correlations with grain yield, as well as higher values of positive direct effects on yield (0.2494 and 0.1595, respectively). The NIR technique combined with PLS-R was able to predict the oil content in the grains, resulting in good predictive models (R2 of 0.86 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.56 in external validation).

Protocols to artificially induce cows and heifers into lactation are effective and commercially available in Brazil. However, these protocols demand long hormonal treatments, which is debatable since little research has been done in the subject. To further understand artificial induction to lactation (AIL) protocols, we conducted two experiments. In experiment 1, our objective was to better characterize steroidal profile during an AIL protocol and assess the estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) serum profiles of Jersey cows (n=6) subjected to a conventional protocol. In experiment 2, we aimed to compare milk production and serum E2 concentrations of Holstein heifers induced into lactation by the standard AIL protocol (15 injections of E2 and 8 P4 injections) and by a short protocol in which the number of E2 injections and, consequently, the overall dosage of E2, were reduced (8 injections of E2 and 8 P4 injections). We hypothesized that a short AIL protocol (8 days) would be as efficient as the long standard protocol of 15 days. Our hypothesis was confirmed, since we demonstrated that a shorter protocol was able to induce lactation in Holstein heifers without hindering milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound known for its direct action on the prostate. Prostatic morphogenesis is a critical period when interference by any compound could permanently damage the organ. As such, the present study evaluated the morphological aspects resulting from gestational and lactational administration of BPA, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and genistein (GEN) in prepubescent male rats. Pregnant Sprague Dawley females were allocated into 4 experimental groups and received the following: C: Control (no treatment); B: BPA (10 µg/Kg); BG: BPA+GEN (5 mg/Kg); BI: BPA+I3C (20 mg/Kg) from gestation day (GD) 17 to postnatal day (PND) 21. After euthanasia on PND22, the prostate was collected and processed. When administered alone, BPA reduced the stromal compartment when compared to group C (P = 0.039). This decline was reversed in the groups submitted to GEN (P = 0.019) or I3C (P = 0.017). The groups treated with BPA (P < 0.0001) and the phytoestrogens (P < 0.0001) exhibited decreased epithelial height in relation to the control group. These changes were observed in stereological and morphometric analyses, but not in fractal analysis (P = 0.569). The area occupied by collagen increased in groups treated with BPA (P < 0.0001) and phytoestrogens (P < 0.0001) in relation to controls, while collagen distribution values were higher in all the treated groups (P < 0.0001), according to fractal analysis. Thus, BPA induced prostrate stroma remodeling with no influence from the phytoestrogens, which may affect glandular development and cause histopathological changes in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Brazil is one of the primary suppliers of wildlife for trafficking, which constitutes a significant threat to biodiversity, which can cause the extinction of species, especially birds, the most important victims of trafficking. This study analyzed the wild avifauna collected in the Triage Centers of Wild Animals (CETAS) of Bahia, to inventory the most apprehended species that are threatened with extinction, and estimate the municipalities that function as suppliers and traders of wildlife. Data from 2009 to 2019 were made available by the Salvador and Vitoria da Conquista units, and that from 2010 to 2016 was made available by the, Porto Seguro unit. The survey was conducted through the entry records of birds, considering apprehension, spontaneous deliveries, rescues, and transfers between units involved in the study. Out of the total 80,948 birds analyzed, 65,315 (80.68%) were apprehended; 7,885 (9.74%) were voluntary deliveries; 6,196 (7.65%) were rescues, and 1,034 (1.28%) were transfers. There was no entry modality for 518 (0.64%) specimens. The most trafficked species were Sicalis flaveola (Saffron Finch), Sporophila nigricollis (Yellow-bellied Seedeater), Paroaria dominicana (Red-cowlead Cardinal), Cyanoloxia brissonii (Ultramarine Grosbeak), Sporophila caerulescens (Double-collared Seedeater), and Sporophila albogularis (White-throated Seedeater). Nine hundred twenty six specimens exhibited some threat. Analysis showed that the greatest flow of bird traffic occurs on BR 242 and BR 116. The municipalities that comprise the mesoregions Center-South, Center-North Baiano, and the Metropolitan Region of Salvador are those with greater concentrations of illegal activity. Irecê and Paulo Afonso constitute areas for the capture and commercialization of wild animals.

ABSTRACT: Corticosteroid therapy has been used for ruminants to allow lung maturation and the birth of premature babies. However, when considering laboratory analyses of these animals, very little data is available regarding hematological and biochemical patterns, especially for premature goats, and the effects of corticotherapy on these parameters are unknown. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters during the first hours of life of premature kids from goats subjected to different dexamethasone protocols. For this, the goats were divided into four groups: group I, goats that received 20 mg of dexamethasone at 139 days of gestation; group II, 2 mg of dexamethasone from the 133rd to 136th day of gestation, 4 mg from the 137th to 139th, and 20 mg on the 140th; group III, 16 mg of dexamethasone from the 139th day, with repeated doses every 12 h until elective surgery; and group IV, goats that received 4, 8, 16, and 20 mg of dexamethasone at 137, 138, 139, and 140 days of gestation, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at birth (T0h) and after 1 (T1h), 12 (T12h), 24 (T24h), and 48 h (T48h) of life for hemogram and serum biochemistry assessment of urea, creatinine, total protein (PT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). PT levels and GGT activity were lower at birth in all groups and rose after colostrum ingestion. The creatinine values for all the experimental groups did not differ between T0h and T1h; however, they decreased in the subsequent moments. Except for group I, urea concentrations were higher at T48h than at T1h. The red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin counts decreased over time. The total leukocyte count behaved differently in different experimental groups, and was influenced by the levels of dexamethasone, mainly due to the change in the counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes. It was concluded that significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters occur in the first hours of life of premature kids, and that the treatment of goats with dexamethasone can affect these parameters in a dose-dependent manner.

ABSTRACT: This study identified the effects of dietary supplementation with ractopamine, chromium picolinate, chromium yeast, or an energetic feed restriction on the growth performance and lipid profile of subcutaneous fat, in late finishing gilts. Twenty genetically similar gilts with initial body weight of 105.35 ± 4.77 kg and a final body weight of 131.37 ± 5.58 kg were distributed in a completely randomized block design with five treatments (control; ractopamine: 20 ppm; chromium picolinate: 0.48 ppm; chromium yeast: 0.80 ppm; and energetic feed restriction: -150 kcal kg-1 of metabolizable energy), with four replicates of one animal each. The experimental diets were isonutritives, except for the metabolizable energy level of the diet fed to the group subjected to energy restriction. There were no effects on the growth performance and carcass characteristics. Ractopamine and organic chromium (picolinate and yeast) supplementation increased the concentration of total polyunsaturated fatty acid. The proportion of α-linolenic fatty acids were higher when the diets were supplemented with ractopamine or chromium yeast. The energy restriction increased the n-6:n-3 ratio and reduced α-linolenic acid concentration. Therefore, ractopamine, chromium picolinate, chromium yeast supplementation, and energetic feed restriction did not affect the growth performance or carcass characteristics but altered the lipid profile of subcutaneous fat in finishing gilts. Ractopamine and organic chromium supplementation increased PUFA in the fat of finishing female pigs.