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The aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of vegetable biocholine (VB) in laying hens feed minimises the effects of daily intake of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). We allocated Hy-line Brown line laying hens into four groups with four replications/group and four birds/repetition. The treatments were as follows: Afla0Bio0: basal feed without aflatoxin and VB (natural contamination: 0.026 mg AFB1/kg), Afla0Bio800, basal feed supplementation of 800 mg VB/kg (natural contamination: 0.024 mg AFB1/kg); Afla2.5Bio0, basal feed contaminated experimentally with aflatoxin (2.51 mg/kg); Afla2.5Bio800, basal feed contaminated with aflatoxin (2.50 mg/kg) and supplemented with 800 mg VB/kg. The experiment took place over a period of 42 days, divided into two cycles of 21 days each. Significance was indicated by P≤0.05. The inclusion of aflatoxin reduced egg production after 42 days of consumption of contaminated feed. VB supplementation in the tested dose was insufficient to minimise the negative effects of the toxin on the laying rate. There was a lower percentage of yolk in Afla2Bio0 than in Afla0Bio0, and a higher percentage of albumen and specific gravity in Afla2.5Bio0 than in Afla0Bio0. Ingestion of aflatoxin in the feed increased lipoperoxidation (LPO) and decreased antioxidant capacity in the egg yolk; however, when VB was added, LPO was similar to the control. Lower total bacterial count (TBC) in the eggshell was observed when the birds consumed VB, as well as higher TBC in the eggshell of the birds was challenged with aflatoxin. In the blood of birds that consumed aflatoxin (Afla2.5Bio0) there was an increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and a reduction in the activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In the birds that consumed VB without aflatoxin challenge, we observed that there was a stimulation of GPx activity. We conclude that the consumption of VB had positive effects on the health of the laying hens and improved the quality of the eggs.

Context To optimise litter quality, the use of gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) may be a good strategy. Brazil is the largest exporter of chicken meat in the world. The Asian market, in particular, demands chicken feet; however, quality standards for export demand that the feet have to be free (or almost free) of injuries. It is therefore essential to reduce the incidence of footpad lesions. Aims To determine whether the replacement of lime (Ca(OH)2) by gypsum in poultry broiler litter improves litter quality, pododermatitis scores, animal performance and health. Methods In total, 320, 1-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were divided into the following four groups: control group in which no gypsum or lime were added to the litter (TC); group with 0.5 kg of lime/m2 of litter (TL 0.5); group with 0.5 kg of gypsum/m2 of litter (TG 0.5); and group with 1.0 kg of gypsum/m2 of litter (TG 1.0). The pH, dry matter, water activity and surface temperature of the litter were measured on Days 21, 35 and 42. Animal performance parameters were measured on Days 1, 21, 35 and 42; blood collection was performed on Day 42 for biochemical and haematological analysis, in addition to excreta samples and litter for bacterial counts. At the end of the experiment, 32 broilers were humanely killed for tissue analysis (liver and intestine) and histopathology. The degrees of footpad injury (Day 42) were graded using a 5-point scale, from 0 (no injury), to 1, 2, 3 and 4 (severe injury). Key results No differences were found between treatments regarding performance (P > 0.05). With respect to intestinal parameters, there were significant differences in villus height and crypt depth, with TL 0.5, and TG 1.0 showing larger villi than did the control group. The shallowest crypt depths were seen in TC and TG 0.5. Litter dry matter content was significantly higher than in the control (TC) at Day 35 in TG 0.5, and at Day 42 in the TG 1.0 treatments. The litter temperature was significantly higher in the TL 0.5 treatment than in the TG 1.0 at 21 days, but they were not different from that in the control. At Day 35, both TG treatments had significantly lower litter temperature than did the control group, but no differences were observed at Day 42. The treatments had no effect on haematology or biochemical properties, nor on litter or bacterial counts in excreta. Broilers raised on litter treated with gypsum showed 50% fewer Grade 3 and 4 footpad lesions than did the control animals on Day 42, an important finding mainly for lesion grades between 3 and 4 that could prevent export of feet. Conclusions Gypsum at 0.5 kg/m2 showed the best results regarding litter quality, reducing the incidence of footpad lesions without compromising animal health or performance. Implications Applying gypsum to litter at 0.5 kg/m2 reduces the number of broilers with pododermatitis, an economic benefit to the poultry industry.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a combination of seaweed flour (Lithothamnium calcareum) and a homeopathic added to broiler feed has a hepatoprotective effect capable of minimizing the negative impacts of aflatoxin B1 toxicosis. We used birds one day divided into four groups with six repetitions per group and 20 birds per repetition in a completely randomized design. The combination of seaweed flour + homeopathic product was identified as the test product (TP). The groups were identified as PC: intake of 300 µg/kg of AFB1 (positive control); PC+TP: intake of 300 µg/kg of AFB1 + 2 g/kg of TP; NC: birds that received control feed; and TP: supplemented with 2 g/kg TP. The birds in the PC+TP, NC and TP groups had the higher body weights on days 35 and 42 days than in the PC group. This same effect was also observed for daily weight gain and feed conversion for 1–42 days. A higher villus: crypt relationship was observed in PC + TP, NC and TP compared to PC. The seaweed flour combined with the TP minimizes the negative effects of AFB1 on the liver health of broilers and consequently avoids losses in zootechnical performance. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si una combinación de harina de algas marinas (Lithothamnium calcareum) y un homeopático agregado al alimento para pollos de engorde tiene un efecto hepatoprotector capaz de minimizar los impactos negativos de la toxicosis por aflatoxina B1. Se utilizaron aves un día divididas en cuatro grupos con seis repeticiones por grupo y 20 aves por repetición en un diseño completamente al azar. La combinación de harina de algas marinas + producto homeopático se identificó como producto de prueba (TP). Los grupos fueron identificados como CP: ingesta de 300 µg/kg de AFB1 (control positivo); PC+TP: ingesta de 300 µg/kg de AFB1 + 2 g/kg de TP; NC: aves que recibieron alimento control; y TP: suplementado con 2 g/kg de TP. Las aves en los grupos PC+TP, NC y TP tuvieron pesos corporales más altos en los días 35 y 42 que en el grupo PC. Este mismo efecto también se observó para la ganancia de peso diaria y la conversión alimenticia durante 1 a 42 días. Se observó una mayor relación vellosidad: cripta en PC+TP, NC y TP en comparación con PC. La harina de algas marinas combinada con el PT minimiza los efectos negativos de AFB1 sobre la salud hepática de los pollos de engorde y, en consecuencia, evita pérdidas en el rendimiento zootécnico. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se uma combinação de farinha de algas marinhas (Lithothamnium calcareum) e um homeopático adicionado à ração de frangos de corte tem um efeito hepatoprotetor capaz de minimizar os impactos negativos da intoxicação por aflatoxina B1. Foram utilizadas aves de um dia, divididas em quatro grupos com seis repetições por grupo e 20 aves por repetição em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. A combinação de farinha de algas + produto homeopático foi identificada como produto teste (TP). Os grupos foram identificados como PC: ingestão de 300 µg/kg de AFB1 (controle positivo); PC+TP: ingestão de 300 µg/kg de AFB1 + 2 g/kg de TP; NC: aves que receberam ração controle; e TP: suplementado com 2 g/kg de TP. As aves dos grupos PC+TP, NC e TP apresentaram os maiores pesos corporais nos dias 35 e 42 do que no grupo PC. Esse mesmo efeito também foi observado para ganho de peso diário e conversão alimentar por 1 a 42 dias. Uma maior relação vilo:cripta foi observada em PC+TP, NC e TP em comparação com PC. A farinha de alga combinada com o TP minimiza os efeitos negativos da AFB1 na saúde hepática de frangos de corte e consequentemente evita perdas no desempenho zootécnico.

Wild boars represent a potential dissemination source of important pathogens to public and animal health, since they can host several pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the health profile of wild boars hunted for population control in the state of Santa Catarina (SC), south of Brazil. For this study, tissue and blood samples were collected from 61 wild boars hunted from October 2017 to November 2018. All 61 serum samples were screened for antibodies by different assays, presenting the following seroprevalence: 52.4% for porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2); 21.3% for Leptospira spp.; 19.7% for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae; 13.1% for hepatitis E virus (HEV); and 9.8% for influenza A virus (IAV). No seroreaction was observed for Brucella spp. and classical swine fever virus (CSFV). At necropsy, the main lesions observed were evidence of pulmonary metastrongylid parasites, haemorrhagic lymph nodes and white-spotted liver. Histopathological analyses mainly showed interstitial pneumonia, bronchopneumonia and bronchi-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) hyperplasia. There was a significant association between metastrongylid parasitism and BALT hyperplasia in lungs. Pathological findings of wild boars indicate that the assessed individuals were not exposed to notifiable diseases, such as CSFV, African swine fever virus and foot-and-mouth disease, which cause economic damage by non-tariff trade barriers. However, the detection of antibodies against PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae, pathogens that impact commercial production, indicates the circulation of these agents, with frequency variation in wild populations. This shows the potential risk of pathogen transmission among domestic swine populations and free-living ones. The detection of antibodies against zoonotic agents such as HEV, IAV and Leptospira spp., other than characterizing the pathogens' circulation in these populations, suggests a potential risk to public health and pig farming, depending on the interactions established with the environment, humans and domestic swine.

Este trabalho apresenta a casuística de diagnósticos em animais de produção no ano de 2020 do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária do IFC Campus Concórdia. Foram 306 diagnósticos em bovinos, 18 em ovinos e 25 em suínos, totalizando 349. Destes, 310 (88,8%) foram através de necropsias e 39 (11,2%) através de amostras formolizadas enviadas por veterinários. Em bovinos as doenças mais incidentes foram intoxicação por nitrato com 18 casos (6,0%); timpanismo espumoso com 17 casos (5,7%); retículo pericardite traumática com 16 casos (5,3%); e babesiose com 14 casos (4,6%). Já em ovinos, foi hemoncose com 7 casos (38,9%) e, em suínos, a colibacilose com 4 casos (16,0%).

Eurytrema coelomaticum is a trematode reported in the pancreatic ducts of ruminants. It is conjectured that may cause disorders in the pancreas, as well as digestive and metabolic processes dependent on them. This study, determined if there is an impairment of exocrine pancreatic function, and correlated it with parasite burden. Pancreas, blood, and fecal samples were collected from 119 bovines at a abattoir. Stool samples were subjected to the gelatin and x-ray film digestion tests (to detect the presence of trypsin in feces). Using blood samples, the following biochemical tests were performed: amylase, lipase, glucose, fructosamine, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, and globulins. Analyses were correlated with pancreatic parasite burden. Cattle with a high parasitic load presented higher incidence of negative tests in both gelatin digestion and x-ray film digestion tests (P < 0.001) when compared to non-parasitized animals and those with a low parasitic load. Changes in those tests only occurred if the parasitemia was moderate or severe. The activity of the amylase and lipase enzymes was significantly higher in animals with low parasitemia (P < 0.05), compared to non-parasitized animals and with a high parasitic burden. In this study, in cases of high parasitemia, negative results were observed in both gelatin and x-ray film in the feces digestion tests. However, the low infection of E. coelomaticum, higher levels of serum amylase and lipase that also indicated loss of pancreatic exocrine functions were reported. RESUMO: Eurytrema coelomaticum, um trematódeo de ductos pancreáticos de ruminantes. Conjectura-se que possa ocasionar transtornos nas funções pancreáticas, mais especificamente nos processos digestivos e metabólicos dependentes destas. Neste estudo, o objetivo foi determinar se há comprometimento da função pancreática exócrina, correlacionado-a a carga parasitária. Foram utilizados pâncreas e respectivas amostras de sangue e fezes de 119 bovinos. As amostras de fezes foram submetidas aos testes de digestão da gelatina em tubo e digestão de filme radiográfico, ambos para detecção de tripsina nas fezes. Foram realizados os seguintes exames bioquímicos em amostras de sangue: amilase, lipase, glicemia, frutosamina, colesterol, triglicerídeos, proteínas totais, albumina e globulinas. Após isto, as análises bioquímicas foram correlacionadas com a quantidade numérica de parasitas encontrados no pâncreas (post-mortem). Houve maior quantidade de testes negativos (digestão do filme radiográfico e prova de digestão da gelatina) nos animais com alta carga parasitária (P < 0.001), quando comparados aos animais não parasitados e com baixa carga parasitária. Portanto, os exames supracitados se alteram somente se a quantidade de parasitas for moderada ou severa. As atividades das enzimas amilase e lipase foram significativamente maiores nos animais que apresentavam baixa parasitemia (P < 0.05), em comparação com os animais com alta carga parasitária e não parasitados. Conclui-se que em quadros de alta parasitemia há alteração significativa nos testes de digestão nas fezes, e que em quadros de baixa parasitemia há alterações significativas nos valores de amilase e lipase séricas, ambos comprovando alterações pancreáticas importantes, de acordo com o quadro de parasitemia.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the inclusion of silymarin in broiler feed was able to mitigate the adverse effects of mycotoxin on growth performance, health status, liver oxidative stress, and meat fatty acid profiles. A completely randomized design with four treatments, four repetitions, and 15 chicks per repetition was used, with the following groups: (a) feed without additives (NoMyc-NoSil), (b) feed supplemented with silymarin (NoMyc-Sil), (c) feed contaminated with mycotoxin (Myc-NoSil), and (d) feed contaminated with mycotoxin and supplemented with silymarin (Myc-Sil). Growth performance, intestinal and liver health, and meat quality were assessed. The consumption of feed contaminated with mycotoxin delayed weight gain and increased the feed conversion ratio; however, the addition of silymarin prevented these adverse effects on the chicken industry. Serum ALT activity was higher in Myc-NoSil broilers than in other groups. Intake of silymarin in healthy birds increased serum globulin concentration and reduced albumin concentration and ALT and AST serum activities compared to the Myc-NoSil group. The NoMyc-Sil birds had greater villus heights and crypt depths. Luminosity and water loss by cooking were affected by mycotoxin ingestion, changes that did not occur in the meat of birds that were supplemented with silymarin. The sum of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the meat did not change among treatments, unlike the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids higher in the meat of birds that consumed silymarin. We conclude that silymarin is a potential additive in broiler feed; it reduces impairment of growth performance at the end of the productive cycle, prevents oxidative stress, improves meat quality, and increases polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The objective of this work was to determine whether preventive consumption of a homeopathic product via drinking water would protect mouse kidneys from a challenge with the nephrotoxic antibiotic gentamicin. We used 40 Swiss mice divided into four groups with ten animals each. The homeopathic product was supplied through water for 30 days in a preventive manner and gentamicin for 10 days to induce an experimental renal failure. The groups were as follows: Negative-CT (homeopathic and gentamicin was not provided), Positive-CT (did not receive homeopathic, but received gentamicin 40 mg/kg), T2 (received 0.002 ml of the product per animal/day, and received gentamicin 40 mg/kg), and T4 (0.004 ml of the product per animal/day and received gentamicin 40 mg/kg). On days 12 and 20, blood and tissue samples were collected from five animals in each group. No histopathological lesions were found in mouse kidneys. However, levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reactive oxygen species, and nitrite/nitrate ratios in the kidney of the Positive-CT group were higher compared to the other groups. As for glutathione S-transferase, on the 20th day, the groups that used the homeopathic product (T2 and T4) had higher activities than the positive TC. Therefore, the results suggest that prophylactic consumption of the hepatoprotective homeopathic product can decrease lipid peroxidation, nitrous stress, and oxidative stress at the renal level when consecutive doses of gentamicin induce insufficiency. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si el consumo preventivo de un producto homeopático a través del agua potable protegería los riñones de los ratones de un desafío con el antibiótico nefrotóxico gentamicina. Usamos 40 ratones suizos divididos en cuatro grupos con diez animales cada uno. El producto homeopático se suministró a través de agua durante 30 días de forma preventiva y gentamicina durante 10 días para inducir una insuficiencia renal experimental. Los grupos fueron los siguientes: CT negativo (no se proporcionó homeopático y gentamicina), CT positivo (no recibió homeopático, pero recibió gentamicina 40 mg/kg), T2 (recibió 0,002 ml del producto por animal/día, y recibió gentamicina 40 mg/kg) y T4 (0,004 ml del producto por animal / día y recibió gentamicina 40 mg/kg). Los días 12 y 20, se recogieron muestras de sangre y tejido de cinco animales de cada grupo. No se encontraron lesiones histopatológicas en riñones de ratón. Sin embargo, los niveles de sustancias reactivas con ácido tiobarbitúrico, especies reactivas de oxígeno y relaciones nitrito/nitrato en el riñón del grupo de CT positiva fueron más altos en comparación con los otros grupos. En cuanto a la glutatión S-transferasa, el día 20, los grupos que utilizaron el producto homeopático (T2 y T4) tuvieron actividades más altas que los TC positivos. Por lo tanto, los resultados sugieren que el consumo profiláctico del producto homeopático hepatoprotector puede disminuir la peroxidación lipídica, el estrés nitroso y el estrés oxidativo a nivel renal cuando dosis consecutivas de gentamicina inducen insuficiencia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se o consumo preventivo de um produto homeopático via água potável protegeria os rins de camundongos de um desafio com o antibiótico nefrotóxico gentamicina. Foram utilizados 40 camundongos Swiss divididos em quatro grupos com dez animais cada. O produto homeopático foi fornecido por meio de água por 30 dias de forma preventiva e gentamicina por 10 dias para induzir insuficiência renal experimental. Os grupos foram os seguintes: TC-negativa (não foi fornecida gentamicina e homeopática), TC-positiva (não recebeu homeopatia, mas recebeu gentamicina 40 mg/kg), T2 (recebeu 0,002 ml do produto por animal/dia, e receberam gentamicina 40 mg/kg) e T4 (0,004 ml do produto por animal/dia e receberam gentamicina 40 mg/kg). Nos dias 12 e 20, amostras de sangue e tecido foram coletadas de cinco animais em cada grupo. Nenhuma lesão histopatológica foi encontrada em rins de camundongos. No entanto, os níveis de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, espécies reativas de oxigênio e relações nitrito/nitrato no rim do grupo CT-positivo foram maiores em comparação com os outros grupos. Já para a glutationa S-transferase, no 20º dia, os grupos que usaram o produto homeopático (T2 e T4) apresentaram atividades superiores ao TC positivo. Portanto, os resultados sugerem que o consumo profilático do produto homeopático hepatoprotetor pode diminuir a peroxidação lipídica, o estresse nitroso e o estresse oxidativo no nível renal quando doses consecutivas de gentamicina induzem insuficiência.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether cow’s milk produced in different systems (confinement or pasture) when consumed interferes in blood parameters and intestinal health, as well as the importance of daily milk consumption in the individual growth, an animal model. For this purpose, in natura milk from two farms with different breeding systems (Free Stall - pasture) was compared to pasteurized milk (UHT), used as control. The centesimal composition of the milks was analyzed, separated into aliquots and then frozen. 28 rats were used as experimental models (animal model) for a period of 30 days, divided into four groups with seven animals each: milk from cows raised in the Free Stall system (GFS), milk from cows raised in the pasture (GP) system, pasteurized cow’s milk (GUHT), and non-dairy animals (CG). Volume of 0.7 mL of milk was offered daily. When compared to the control group (GC) we observed a difference (P 0.05), however, the crypt size was higher in the GP and GFS groups (P

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive impact of colibacillosis on laying hens and to investigate whether energetic metabolism and oxidative stress were involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. An experimental shed containing 270 laying hens of the Hy-Line lineage (32 weeks old) presented approximately 40% daily laying, and many birds presented with diarrhea and apathy followed by death. Necropsy revealed macroscopic lesions compatible with colibacillosis and infectious agent Escherichia coli was isolated from fecal samples of all birds in the infected group, as well as from tissue (ovary, liver and peritoneum). Sixteen chickens were selected for this study, divided into two groups: Control (animals without clinical alterations) and infected (with diarrhea and apathetic). E. coli isolates were subjected to the antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to the methodology approved by CLSI, 2018. This testing showed sensitivity to gentamicin, amoxicillin, norfloxacin and colistin. It was then determined that laying hens would be treated with norfloxacin (15 mg/kg) diluted in water offered at will to the birds for three days. Blood collections were performed via brachial vein after the diagnosis of E. coli (before starting treatment) and seven days after treatment. Three debilitated chickens died on the second day after initiating therapy. Before treatment, birds with clinical signs had higher levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) than in the control group (asymptomatic animals). After treatment, LPO levels remained higher in birds that had clinical disease (infected group), whereas the activity of SOD and GPx enzymes did not differ between groups. Activity levels of creatine kinase (CK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) were higher in the group of chickens with clinical disease before treatment. Post-treatment, no differences were observed between groups in terms of CK; however, PK activity remained high in these animals. In the hens that died, there were lesions characteristic of avian colibacillosis, with ovary involvement, explaining the low laying activity of the birds at their peak of production. For 10 days after starting treatment, the percentage of laying increased to 90%. Therefore, we conclude that colibacillosis interferes with the phosphotransfer network by stimulating ATP production, in addition to causing oxidative stress of the birds during laying, that negatively affects health and productive efficiency.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the inclusion of silymarin in broiler feed was able to mitigate the adverse effects of mycotoxin on growth performance, health status, liver oxidative stress, and meat fatty acid profiles. A completely randomized design with four treatments, four repetitions, and 15 chicks per repetition was used, with the following groups: (a) feed without additives (NoMyc-NoSil), (b) feed supplemented with silymarin (NoMyc-Sil), (c) feed contaminated with mycotoxin (Myc-NoSil), and (d) feed contaminated with mycotoxin and supplemented with silymarin (Myc-Sil). Growth performance, intestinal and liver health, and meat quality were assessed. The consumption of feed contaminated with mycotoxin delayed weight gain and increased the feed conversion ratio; however, the addition of silymarin prevented these adverse effects on the chicken industry. Serum ALT activity was higher in Myc-NoSil broilers than in other groups. Intake of silymarin in healthy birds increased serum globulin concentration and reduced albumin concentration and ALT and AST serum activities compared to the Myc-NoSil group. The NoMyc-Sil birds had greater villus heights and crypt depths. Luminosity and water loss by cooking were affected by mycotoxin ingestion, changes that did not occur in the meat of birds that were supplemented with silymarin. The sum of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the meat did not change among treatments, unlike the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids higher in the meat of birds that consumed silymarin. We conclude that silymarin is a potential additive in broiler feed; it reduces impairment of growth performance at the end of the productive cycle, prevents oxidative stress, improves meat quality, and increases polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Fasciolose acomete principalmente bovinos e ovinos e é responsável por importantes perdas econômicas. Objetivou-se testar em ratos e bovinos a proteção do antígeno recombinante Catepsina L3 frente à infecção experimental por Fasciola hepatica. Os ratos foram divididos nos grupos: 1) imunizados; 2) adjuvante e 3) controle. Os bovinos foram divididos nos grupos: 4) imunizados e 5) adjuvante. Avaliaram-se ovos por grama nas fezes e contagem parasitária nos ratos, ganho de peso diário e contagem parasitária nos bovinos. Observou-se baixo índice de proteção, não alcançando nível suficiente para utilização comercial do antígeno.

Euritrematose bovina é causada pelo Eurytrema spp., um trematódeo que viveprincipalmente nos ductos pancreáticos de ruminantes, predominantemente nos estadosdo sul do Brasil. Lesões pancreáticas macroscópicas foram descritas como atrofiapancreática, pancreatite intersticial fibrosante e obliteração total ou parcial dos ductospancreáticos. Estas alterações potencialmente podem ocasionar transtornos nasfunções do pâncreas. Neste contexto, é sensato admitir que os processos digestivos emetabólicos dependentes das funções pancreáticas podem ser afetados e os animaisportadores de lesões pancreáticas podem apresentar diminuição na digestibilidade denutrientes, podendo acarretar em alterações séricas, hematológicas e fecais, sendo oobjetivo deste projeto a identificação destas alterações.

Doenças exóticas e emergentes são enfermidades pouco estudadas na graduação de Medicina Veterinária, devido a sua baixa ocorrência. Entretanto, o diagnóstico deve ser rápido para evitar a sua disseminação pelo país, mitigando, assim, os prejuízos econômicos consequentes. Este trabalho tem por objetivo difundir o conhecimento sobre doenças exóticas e emergentes através de uma plataforma online. Até o momento, foram traduzidas 95 doenças, das quais 40 já estão disponíveis em português. Com o trabalho, pretende-se promover o rápido reconhecimento de uma doença exótica ou emergente, com a instauração das medidas de emergência sanitária antes da disseminação da enfermidade no território nacional.

Background : Cyanogenic plants accumulate cyanogenic glycosides and release hydrocyanic acid (HCN). In Brazil, there have been reports of several plants that cause HCN poisoning in animals and lead to a fast death with few clinical signs and lesions on post-mortem examination. Some cultivars of Cynodon spp. grasses cause HCN poisoning in cattle in Brazil. The objectives of this work were to report the occurrence of deaths by HCN poisoning in cattle as diagnosed by the veterinary pathology laboratory, describe the quantity of HCN in some cultivars of Cynodon spp., as well as, to describe one cultivar of genus Cynodon never reported as poisonous. Materials, Methods & Results : The archives of the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory (LPV) at the Concordia Campus of the Instituto Federal Catarinense (IFC) were reviewed, seeking cases with a diagnosis of hydrocyanic acid poisoning in cattle after post mortem examination. The amount of HCN present in some cultivars of the Cynodon genus was quantified due to the high frequency of poisoning cases. From the 1,235 post mortem examinations of cattle 28 (2.27%) were diagnosed with spontaneous hydrocyanic acid poisoning, 17 cases (60.7%) due to ingestion of Prunus sp. or Manihot sp., and 11 cases (39.3%) of Cynodon dactylon ingestion. Most animals were found dead, normally having presented no clinical signs. Macroscopic evaluation mainly showed a severe amount of unchewed and undigested leaves or grass mixed in the ruminal content presenting a bitter almond odor. It was possible to infer that, among cultivars of the Cynodon genus, Florakirk showed the highest levels of HCN compared ( P < 0.05) with Star of Puerto Rico, Tifton 68, Tifton 44, and Coast-Cross. Furthermore, Tifton 85 and Jiggs showed undetected levels of HCN. Leaves showed the highest HCN levels when comparing different parts of the plant. Regarding conservation methods, hay showed undetectable levels of HCN. Discussion : To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first description of HCN poisoning in cattle due to ingestion of Cynodon dactylon cultivar Florakirk. This condition is described with a fast-clinical course, with animals found dead with no premonitory clinical signs. Poisoned animals did not develop macroscopic or microscopic specific lesions. Poisoning can be suspected when animals die suddenly, with absence of lesions under necropsy, and large amounts of unchewed and undigested leaves or grass inside their forestomaches. The diagnosis can be established performing the Picrosodic paper test, either in the pasture, or in the ruminal content. Occasionally however, HCN can go undetected when this chemical compound volatilizes between death and necropsy after several hours. Of all the Cynodon cultivars evaluated, Florakirk was the most dangerous for animals. In contrast, Tifton 85 and Jiggs released no HCN. Leaves were the part of the plant presenting the highest concentration of HCN. This is a defense mechanism that the plant develops against the ingestion by animals. This condition can cause great economic losses to farmers with the loss of animals and the need for prevention by using cultivars without HCN or hay, as 2.27% (28) of deaths diagnosed by the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory in the west of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were due to HCN poisoning. Notably, Florakirk cultivar was identified as the most dangerous cultivar tested, with higher levels compared with Tifton 68. The Star of Puerto Rico cultivar showed similar levels of HCN as Tifton 68. Both cultivars are commonly cultivated in many farms in the south of Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of curcumin (free and encapsulated) to chick feed would minimize the negative effects on health and performance caused by daily intake of fumonisin. We used 50 birds, divided into five treatments: CP, basal diet with 600 mg/kg of fumonisin, with antibiotic and coccidiostatic agent; CU, 600 mg/kg of fumonisin and 50 mg/kg of curcumin; NC5, feed with 600 mg/kg of fumonisin and 5 mg of nano-curcumin/kg of feed; NC10, feed with 600 mg/kg of fumonisin and 10 mg of nano-curcumin/kg of feed; and CN, fumonisin-free diet, with antibiotic and coccidiostatic. We measured weights, weight gain, and serum biochemistry, as well as antioxidant and oxidant activities. Lower body weight and weight gain were observed in chicks that received feed with fumonisin; curcumin did not minimize this negative effect. Lower glucose and triglyceride levels were also observed in the NC10 group, while the highest cholesterol levels were observed in all groups of birds that consumed fumonisin compared to the CN group. Uric acid levels were significantly lower in CP than in CN. Levels of liver enzymes were higher in CP than in CN. The highest levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were found in CP and CU, whereas ROS was higher in CU compared to CN. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower in CP, while glutathione S-transferase activity was higher in the CP group. Catalase activity was lower in groups of birds that consumed fumonisin compared to CN. Taken together, these findings suggest that intake of curcumin-loaded nanocapsules (10 mg/kg) had hepaprotective and antioxidant effects in chicks artificially intoxicated with fumonisin, minimizing the negative effects caused by this mycotoxin.

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is composed of lauric acid and glycerol. Research has shown that such organic acids can minimize negative effects caused by mycotoxins. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether adding GML (free or encapsulated) to chick feed minimizes the effects of natural contamination by fumonisin (Fusarium verticillioides), evaluating parameters such as biochemistry, antioxidant properties, histological analysis and chick growth. Were weighed 84 chicks of the Cobb 500 strain and randomly distributed them into six groups of two replicates each (n = 14). The F group consumed feed containing fumonisin (levels 400 ppb), with no performance enhancer; F + ZB- feed with fumonisin (levels 400 ppb) + zinc bacitracin; F + GLM100 - feed with fumonisin (levels 400 ppb) + 100 mg of GML/kg of feed; F + NGLM4 - feed with fumonisin (levels 400 ppb) + 4 mg GML/kg in nanocapsules added to the feed; F + NGLM8 - fumonisin feed (levels 400 ppb) + 8 mg GML/kg in nanocapsules in the feed; and F0 - fumonisin-free feed (negative control) + zinc bacitracin. The body weights of birds fed with feed fumonisin-contaminated feed (F, F + ZB, F + GLM100, F + NGLM4 and F + NGLM8) were significantly lower (P 0.05) than those of the negative control (F0), despite the use of GML (free and nanoencapsulated). Serum levels of triglycerides, globulins and cholesterol were significantly lower in the F0 group than in the other groups (P 0.05), except for the F + NGLM8 group. Significantly greater levels of lipid peroxidation were observed in livers in the groups that consumed fumonisin than in the control group (F0) (P 0.05). Serum levels of reactive oxygen species were significantly lower in groups F + NGLM8 and F0 than in the other treatments (P 0.05). Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly greater in groups F + NGLM8 and F0 than in groups F, F + ZB and F + NGLM4. Hepatic catalase activity was significantly lower in birds that consumed contaminated feed (F, F + ZB, F + GLM100, F + NGLM4 and F + NGLM8) than in the control group (F0). Greater hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity was observed in the F + NGLM8 group than in the F0 group. Despite changes in cellular lesions in the liver, no histological changes were observed in the liver or intestines, even though visually there was yellowing of the liver. Taken together, the data suggest that free or nano-encapsulated GML did not minimize oxidative stress caused by fumonisin, and consequently, these birds had less weight gain.

Fusarium verticillioides is often responsible for contamination of poultry feed with the mycotoxin fumonisin. The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress caused by intake of fumonisin-contaminated feed affects broiler performance at an early stage of development, as well as to test whether the addition of acai residue flour to contaminated feed would minimize these negative effects of redox metabolism. Birds were divided into four groups, with four repetitions of five animals each: control (TC) - birds that received basal feed; TCA treatment - basal feed supplemented with 2% acai flour; TF treatment - feed experimentally contaminated with fumonisin (10 ppm); TFA treatment – fumonisin-contaminated feed (10 ppm) and supplemented with acai fluor (2%). The experiment lasted 20 days, that is, the first 20 days of the chicks’ lives. At the end of the experiment, the birds were weighed, and blood, intestine and liver samples were collected. The TCA and TFA had greater body weights and weight gain than did TF. Further, TCA and TFA had lower feed conversion than did TF. Acai flour intake (TCA and TFA) stimulated albumin synthesis and reduced serum AST activity. Nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels were higher in serum of fumonisin-challenged (TF) birds than in groups; NOx levels were also higher in the livers of all test groups (TF, TCA and TFA) than in TC. Serum glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was lower in fumonisin-consuming groups (TF and TFA); this was different from what occurred in the liver, that is, higher GST activity in TF and lower activity in TFA than in TC. Catalase activity (CAT) was also higher in the fumonisin-challenged groups (TF and TFA) and the groups supplemented with acai flour (TCA) than in TC. Serum reactive species (RS) and TBARS (lipid peroxidation) levels in the liver were lower in birds supplemented with acai flour and exposed to fumonisin. These data suggest that the addition of acai flour in the feed of early chickens improves animal performance and minimizes the effects of hepatic oxidative stress in birds fed fumonisin-contaminated feed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) based on essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol and cinnamic aldehyde, could be considered a replacement for antimicrobials used as growth promoters in broiler chickens, as well as to investigate its effect on total bacterial count, biochemical profiles, meat quality and meat fatty acid profile. A total of 240 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 15 animals each, as follow: T1 (basal diet only; the control group), T2 (basal diet supplemented with zinc bacitracin), T3 (basal diet with 0.5% of the PFA), T4 (basal diet with 1.0% of the PFA). The addition of 0.5% of the PFA improved live body weight of supplemented birds compared to the control group at 35 and 42 days of age, while the total bacterial count in the environment was reduced when 1.0% of the PFA was used. In addition, intestinal villi height and crypt depth suffered variations during the entire experiment in birds treated with both concentrations of the PFA and zinc bacitracin. Total erythrocyte counts were higher on days 14, 28 and 42 in both treated groups (PFA) compared to the control group, as well as hemoglobin content on days 28 and 42. On the other hand, leukocyte counts were lower on days 14, 28 and 42 due to reduced lymphocyte counts in both PFA treated groups compared to the control group. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lower in broilers fed with either concentration of PFA on day 14 of life, and the same was observed regarding aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in broiler treated with 0.5% of the PFA. Also, total protein and globulin levels were lower on days 14 and 28 in groups fed with phytogenic compared to the control group. Regarding meat quality, breast meat showed higher red intensity and shear force in groups fed with both concentrations of phytogenic compared to the control group, while weight loss by cooking was lower. Finally, 1.0% of phytogenic showed lower docosadienoic acid (C22:2) content in breast meat. In conclusion, results showed that the use of PFAs based on carvacrol and thymol may be considered an interesting alternative to increase broilers performance, replacing the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, as well as an interesting alternative to reduce the total bacterial count in the environment of broiler chickens. Moreover, the diet containing phytogenic also showed hepaprotective effects but deserves attention regarding possible alterations on the immune response.

Several evidences have suggested the involvement of enzymes belonging to the phosphotransfer network, formed by creatine kinase (CK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and adenylate kinase (AK), as well the oxidative stress on the pathogenesis of infectious diseases associated with the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether listeriosis alters the brain energy metabolism and/or causes oxidative stress in different brain structures of cattle experimentally infected by Listeria monocytogenes. The cytosolic CK activity was inhibited in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, brainstem and hippocampus of infected animals compared to uninfected animals, while the mitochondrial CK activity was increased. The PK activity was inhibited in all brain structures of infected animals, while the AK activity was unchanged. Na+, K+-ATPase activity decreased in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of animals infected by L. monocytogenes. Regarding the oxidative strees variables, the cerebellum and brainstem of infected animals showed increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, while the catalase activity was inhibited. Glutathione S-transferarase was inhibited in the cerebral cortex and brainstem of infected animals, and it was increased in the cerebellum. L. monocytogenes was quantified in the liver (n = 5/5) and cerebral cortex (n = 4/5) of the infected cattle. Based on these evidences, the nucleocytoplasmic communication between CK isoenzymes was insufficient to avoid an impairment of cerebral bioenergetics. Moreover, the inhibition on brain PK activity caused an impairment in the communication between sites of ATP generation and ATP utilization. The lipid peroxidation and alteration on antioxidant status observed in some brain structures were also involved during the disease. In summary, these alterations contribute to disease pathogenesis linked to CNS during cattle listeriosis.

Omega-3 PUFA may benefit sow reproductive performance, but effects on weaned gilts are unknown. This study evaluated the effects of supplementing omega-3 PUFA to gilts after weaning on growth, metabolic markers, and gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes and hormone receptors. For 52 d, gilts in the control group were fed 100 g/d of regular diets, whereas gilts in the omega-3 group were fed 75 g/d of such diets plus 25 g/d of the microalgae Schizochytium sp. (3.5 g/d of omega-3 PUFA; n = 8 gilts/group). Blood samples were collected at day 0, day 21, and day 52. Total serum cholesterol levels were lower for the omega-3 group than for the control group (P < 0.05), but high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were reduced at day 52 for both groups (P < 0.05). Gilts in the omega-3 group presented lower feed intake, better feed conversion, and less-intense immunolabeling for leptin and its receptor in the cytoplasm of oocytes included in primordial/primary follicles than gilts in the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of genes coding for cholesterol side-chain cleavage and aromatase enzymes and the LH receptor in follicular cells was lower for supplemented gilts (P < 0.05). Compared with controls, supplemented gilts presented decreased serum cholesterol levels and better feed conversion, but leptin presence and gene expression for steroidogenic enzymes and for the LH receptor were lower at ovarian level.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether experimental infection with Listeria monocytogenes alters the activity of triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), 5′-nucleotidase, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in cattle. Ten male Holstein breed cattle were divided in two groups of five animals each: a control group, and a group infected with a pathogenic strain of L. monocytogenes. We drew blood for platelets on days 0, 7 and 14 of the experiment. On the 14th day post infection (PI), the animals were euthanized. Brain, spleen and liver were processed for histopathological examination and measurement of enzyme activities. The five (n = 5/5) bovines experimentally infected by L. monocytogene were positive-PCR in hepatic tissue. In the brain, only four (n = 4/5) of these animals were positive-PCR for listeriosis. There were no differences in platelet counts between groups (P > 0.05). In platelets, NTPDase activity (with ATP and ADP as substrates) were higher on the 7th PI day in the infected group, whereas the activities of 5′-nucleotidase and ADA were higher on the 7th and 14th PI. In serum and liver, ADA activity was higher in infected animals, but was lower on day 14 PI in spleen. NTPDase activity (with ATP as substrate) was higher in the cerebellum of infected animals, but was lower in the cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata. NTPDase activity (with ADP as substrate) was lower in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex of infected animals, whereas 5′-nucleotidase was higher. ADA activity was lower in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata in infected animals compared with controls. In conclusion, there appears to be a protective immunomodulatory response in spleen and brain structures of cattle infected with L. monocytogenes.

This study was aimed to analyze the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on the health of post weaning piglets challenged with diets contaminated with aflatoxins and fumonisins. Fifty-six male piglets (7.15 ± 0.61 kg) were allocated in four groups: CTL group received a regular diet; SDPP group received a regular diet and 6% SDPP; MYC group received a diet containing 300 µg/kg aflatoxins and 8,000 µg/kg fumonisins; group MYC+SDPP received 300 µg/kg aflatoxins, 8,000 µg/kg fumonisins and 6% SDPP. The animals that received the experimental diet containing mycotoxins (MYC group) had lower weight gain at the end of the experiment compared to the other treatments. Animals receiving SDPP showed decreased urea levels throughout the experiment (P

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of copaiba oils (Copaifera reticulata and Copaifera duckei) on the health and performance of broiler chicks along with their anti-inflammatory activity. The experiment was performed in duplicate, using 60 chicks at a time. Groups were formed by broiler chicks fed with basal diet (control); basal diet and antibiotic (zinc bacitracin, 25 mg/kg of feed); basal diet and copaiba oil (0.15 mL/kg of feed); and basal diet and copaiba oil (0.30 mL/kg of feed) for 15 days. Sampling was performed on days 7 and 15 of life. Animals treated with 0.15 mL/kg of copaiba showed higher body weight (p 0.05); however, glucose and triglyceride levels were reduced on days 7 and 15 in animals that received copaiba oil, respectively (p

Mammary gland tumors are among the most frequently diagnosed neoplasms in female dogs. However, they are rare in male dogs, with incidence ranging from 0 to 2.7% (less than 1% on average). The triggering factors in males are still obscure, but studies have shown that hormonal abnormalities, especially those associated with testicular neoplasms, predispose towards their occurrence. Among the most common histological types diagnosed in males, adenocarcinoma, papillary cystadenocarcinoma, carcinosarcoma, simple adenoma, and spindle cell sarcoma can be highlighted. However, there are no reports of carcinoma “in situ” in males and its incidence in females is low. The present study reports a case of carcinoma in situ in a 13-year-old mixed-breed male dog, comprising a mammary gland tumor associated with mastitis, together with two histologically distinct tumors in the testicles (one in each): one was a diffuse seminoma and the other, a solid interstitial cell tumor. The present report is novel because of the histology of the mammary gland tumor.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Trypanosma cruzi infections cause alterations in the levels of seric purines, which could contribute to host immunomodulation. Twelve mice were divided into two groups identified as control (uninfected) and infected (T. cruzi) groups. The influence of the disease on seric purine levels was verified on day 20 post-infection (PI) by HPLC. Infected mice had circulating trypomastigotes during the experiment, as well as amastigote forms in the heart associated with inflammatory infiltrates. Increases on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine (ADO), inosine (INO), and uric acid (URIC) levels were observed in the infected animals, while the adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and xanthine (XAN) levels were reduced compared with mice of the control group, indicating a possible impairment on the purinergic system, and consequently, on the immune system during the clinical course of the disease. In summary, the T. cruzi infection alters the seric purine levels, and consequently, modulates the immune system.

Some challenge has been faced by farmers and among them are the decline of animal performance and mortality rate in the growth phase. One of the main causes of low performance is gastrointestinal problems, most of them caused by parasitic infections. Among the protozoa of major importance that affect the poultry in the first weeks of life, stands out the genus Eimeria, a parasite that causes intestinal malabsorption. The current study used 40 chicks, 1-day old, separated into four groups that received the same diet with different levels of yucca extract and glutamine supplementation. The animals were weighed at 10 and 15 days of age, where five chicks per group were used to evaluate the presence of oocysts, intestinal lesions, and biochemical variables. The addition of glutamine and yucca extract caused positive effect controlling coccidiosis, decreasing the presence of oocysts in both periods (Friedman = 37; p = 0.001); in addition, both served to protect the gut against the injury caused by the infection. Increased total protein values on day 15 (Friedman = 12; p

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and causes severe cardiac and brain damage, leading to behavioral alterations in humans and animals. However, the mechanisms involved in memory impairment during T. cruzi infection remain unknown. It has long been recognized that the enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Na+, K+-ATPase are linked with memory dysfunction during other trypanosomiasis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of cerebral AChE and Na+, K+-ATPase activities in the memory impairment during T. cruzi (Colombian strain) infection. A significant decrease on latency time during the inhibitory avoidance task was observed in animals infected by T. cruzi compared to uninfected animals, findings compatible to memory dysfunction. Moreover, the cerebral AChE activity increased, while the Na+, K+-ATPase decreased in T. cruzi infected compared to uninfected animals. Histopathology revealed mild to moderate multifocal gliosis in the cerebral cortex and light focal meningeal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, which may have contributed to memory loss. Based on these evidences, we can conclude that T. cruzi (Colombian strain) causes memory impairment in mice experimentally infected. Moreover, the changes in AChE and Na+, K+-ATPase activities may be considered a mechanism involved in disease pathogenesis.

Neospora caninum causes reproductive problems in cattle such as abortion, premature birth, retention of fetal membranes, and metritis. Therefore, this study aimed to verify possible risk factors for N. caninum infection in dairy cattle and their cause-effect relation to neosporosis. Serum samples of 1518 dairy cows from the West of Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for N. caninum , where 466 were found to be positives (30.69%-CI 95% ; 28.3–33.0). In addition, an epidemiological survey was conducted in order to verify possible risk factors for neosporosis and their relation to the disease. The presence of dogs in the farm was strongly associated with IFA positive results for N. caninum , and lack of history for neosporosis in the farm increased the chances of positivity in 66%. It was found a significant cause-effect relation between the occurrence of reproductive problems and the presence of antibodies against N. caninum (p = 0.05). It is possible to conclude that N. caninum is widely distributed in dairy farms of the Western part of Santa Catarina state, Brazil, and that the occurrence of reproductive problems is directly related to the disease with the presence of dogs as a risk factor for N. caninum infection.

The aim of this study was to evaluate nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase, 5′-nucleotidase, and adenosine deaminase activities in cattle fed on cuttings from pastures fertilized with urea compared to animals fed on cuttings from organically fertilized or from non-fertilized pastures. Blood samples were collected up to 9 h after feeding, and nitrite and enzyme activities were evaluated. The animals feeding on urea-fertilized pasture suffered subclinical intoxication. Serum nitrite levels increased by about 50% and adenosine deaminase activity increased almost sixfold 4 and 6 h after feeding on urea-fertilized pasture, and adenosine deaminase in platelets almost doubled 6 and 9 h after feeding. In platelets, nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase activity with adenosine triphosphate as substrate increased 2, 4, 6 and 9 h after feeding while nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase with adenosine diphosphate as substrate and 5′-nucleotidase activities increased only 9 h after feeding. In...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dictyocaulosis (mild or severe) on enzymes of NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) of dairy cows naturally infected by Dictyocaulus viviparus. Blood and faeces were collected from 22 dairy cows of the same farm to evaluate NTPDase (ATP and ADP substrate), 5'-nucleotidase, and ADA activities on days 0 (pre-treatment) and 10 (post-treatment). Seric activities of NTPDase (ATP substrate), 5'-nucleotidase, and ADA were lower (P0.05) in D. viviparus infected animals compared to uninfected cows. The number of D. viviparus larvae per gram of faeces varied among the animals, and they showed different degrees of severity according to respiratory clinical signs of the disease (cough and nasal discharge). Later, these cows were divided into two groups: those with mild (n=10) and severe (n=12) disease. Cows with severe disease showed higher NTPDase activity (ATP substrate) than those with mild disease (P≤0.05). The opposite occurred with NTPDase (ADP substrate), 5'-nucleotidase, and ADA in cows with severe disease, that is, the enzymatic activity of these seric enzymes significantly decreased (P≤0.05) compared to animals with mild disease. Infected animals showed reduced NTPDase activity (ATP and ADP substrate) after treatment. No enzymatic changes were observed for 5'-nucleotidase, and ADA pre- and post-treatment (P0.05). Based on these results, we conclude that dictyocaulosis alters NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase, and ADA activities of cow naturally infected by the parasite, in consequence the enzymes act as inflammatory markers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of purinergic enzymes in lymphocytes and cardiac tissue of mice experimentally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. Twelve female mice were used, divided into two groups (n = 6): uninfected and infected. On day 12 post-infection (PI), the animals were anesthetized and after euthanized, and samples were collected for analyses. Infected mice showed reduction in erythrocyte counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration, as well as reduced number of total leukocytes in consequence of neutrophilia (P 0.01). The number of monocytes increased in infected mice (P 0.001), however the number of lymphocytes and eosinophils did not differ between groups (P 0.05). The E-NTPDase (ATP and ADP substrate) and E-ADA activities in lymphocytes increased significantly in mice infected by T. cruzi (P 0.01). In the heart, multiple pseudocysts containing amastigotes within cardiomyocytes were observed, as well as focally extensive severe necrosis associated with diffuse moderate to severe inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes. Although, the NTPDase activity (ATP and ADP substrate) in the cardiac homogenate did not differ between groups, a reduction on 5'-nucleotidase activity (P 0.001) and an increase in the ADA activity in infected animals (P 0.05) were observed. Thus, animals infected by T. cruzi experienced the disease, i.e., showed anemia, leucopenia, and heart lesions. Associated with this, purinergic enzymes showed altered activities, which might be related to the modulation of the inflammatory response.

Protection against experimental fasciolosis in rats immunized with recombinant myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC) in TiterMax Gold® adjuvant was assessed. The experimental trial consisted of four groups of 15 animals; group 1 was unimmunized and infected, group 2 was immunized with MRLC in adjuvant and infected, group 3 was infected and immunized with adjuvant only and group 4 was unimmunized and uninfected. Immunization with MRLC in TiterMax Gold® adjuvant (group 2) induced a reduction in fluke burdens of 51.0% (p

Escherichia coli is a bacterium normally found in the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals that can usually control the infection. Nevertheless, some factors (high exposure, stress conditions, animal category, among others) can favor the exacerbation of E. coli infection and cause of disease. Because it is a zoonotic bacterium, it is important to control the infection, avoiding contamination of home interiors in the case of pets. There are various forms of treatment for E. coli; nevertheless, there are few options for prevention. In the present study, we evaluated homeopathy. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether administration of a prophylactic homeopathic in water would minimize the negative effects of E. coli infection, as well as reducing bacterial counts in the feces of a experimental model. Forty mice were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10/group). Groups NC (negative control) and PC (positive control) were not treated; in group T1, the animals received 0.002 mL/day/animal of the homeopathic in water, and animals in group T2 0.004 mL/day/animal. The experiment lasted 54 days, and on the 31st day, mice of T1, T2 and PC groups were infected orally a 0.2 mL inoculum of 1.5 × 108 CFU of E. coli. Euthanasia and sample collection were performed on the 40th and 54th days of the experiment (n = 5/group/time point). Blood, liver, spleen, intestine, and feces samples were collected from the final portion of the intestine. There was no significant difference in animal weight between groups at the end of the experiment. Neutrophil count was lower in PC group animals on day 40, while on day 54, the counts were lower in T2 and PC. Lymphocyte counts were lower only in the PC group than in the NC group on day 54. Globulins were lower in the NC and PC groups than in T1 and T2 on day 40, remaining lower the PC group and higher in T1 on day 54; levels of immunoglobulin IgG and IgM were higher in groups T1 and T2, which differed from PC and NC. TNF-α levels were higher in the T1 and T2 groups at 40 and 54 days. INF-γ levels were higher in T1, T2, and PC compared to NC on day 40, remaining higher than NC in groups T1 and T2 on day 54. Total bacterial count, total coliforms and E. coli counts were lower in group T1 and higher in NC and PC on days 40 and 54, when they were lower for T1 and T2. Histologically, no lesions were observed in extra-intestinal tissues; however the height of intestinal crypts in the PC group was smaller than the others on day 40. On day 54, villi and crypts of all infected groups were larger in T1 and T2 than in NC; sizes in the PC group were higher than those of all other groups. These data suggest that the homeopathic agent in the drinking water improved health of the mice.

The aim of this study was to assess the immune response and the protective efficacy elicited by the vaccination with the recombinant Fasciola hepatica myosin regulatory light chain (FhrMRLC) in Adjuplex® adjuvant against the infection with F. hepatica in rats. Four groups of 15 animals each were used for the study, one group was immunized with the recombinant F. hepatica MRLC in Adjuplex® adjuvant and the other groups remained as adjuvant, positive and negative control groups. The parasitological study showed that a statistically significant reduction of 65.1% and 82.1% in fluke burden and fecal egg count, respectively, was detected in vaccinated animals. In addition, vaccination with FhrMRLC induced a well-defined humoral and cellular immune response characterized by a significant production of specific IgG and IL-2, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ; which confirms the immunogenic capacity of the FhrMRLC.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan that has tropism for the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine whether experimental infection of gerbils would interfere with activity of enzymes associated with energy metabolism. We randomized 20 gerbils into two groups (ten animals per group): the control group (healthy animals; uninfected) and the infected group (experimentally infected with dose 7.8 × 102 tachyzoites of N. caninum per gerbil). On day six and twelve post-infection (PI), brain and spleen tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. No histopathological lesions were observed in the brains of infected animals; however, inflammatory infiltrates were found in the spleen. Significantly greater levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in the brain and spleen of infected gerbils than in the control group at 12 days PI. Cytosolic creatine kinase (CK-CYT), mitochondrial creatine kinase (CK-MIT), and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities were lower in the brains of infected gerbils than in those of the control group on day 12 PI. There was significantly less CK-CYT activity in the spleens of infected gerbils on day 6 and 12 PI. Finally, there was significantly less sodium-potassium ion pump (Na+/K+ ATPase) activity in the brains and spleens of infected gerbils on day 12 PI. These data suggest that experimental infection with N. caninum interfered with energy metabolism associated with ATP homeostasis in the brain and spleen, directly or indirectly, apparently mediated by ROS overproduction, contributing to inhibition of Na+/K+ ATPase activity.

The objective of this study was to evaluate if infection by Escherichia coli in juvenile breeder chicks alters the activity of enzymes involved in neurotransmission and cerebral immunomodulation, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), 5′-nucleotidase (5′NT) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), as well as their effects on the pathogenesis of the disease. We divided 20 growing breeder chicks into two groups (n = 10 per group). One group was experimentally infected with 1 mL of culture medium containing 1 × 108 CFU of E. coli intraperitoneally. The other was the negative control. On the tenth day after infection, the animals were euthanized and brain samples were collected. Macroscopically, pericarditis and hepatic congestion were observed in the birds, but without histopathological lesions in the encephalon although the bacterium was present in the cerebral cortex of all animals in the infected group (i.e., they were PCR-positive). The activity of AChE, NTPDase, 5′-NT and ADA were evaluated in the cerebral homogenates of the birds after 10 days of infection. AChE activity in the cerebral cortex was lower in the infected group than in the control; there was an increase in the activity of NTPDase, 5′-nucleotidase and ADA, possibly indicating greater hydrolysis of ATP (P

Background : Edwardsiella tarda has been report as etiology of gastroenteritis in both human and veterinary medicine, usually associated with exposure to aquatic environments in immunocompromised individuals. The present report describes a case of typhlocolitis in a cow in the west region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Case : After clinically evaluation of animal and proceeding euthanasia and realized the necropsy. Tissue samples were collected, and routinely processed for histological examination. Histopathological lesions were described as mild, moderate and severe. Tissue and swabs samples of small and large intestine were sent to standard microbiological culture processing. At necropsy, cattle presented severe dehydration and emaciation. Eye and vaginal mucosa were severely congested. The opening of the abdominal cavity revealed a great amount of greenish fluid and a large amount of fecal material, associated with diffuse severe peritonitis, evidenced by hyperemia and severe deposition of fibrin in the visceral and parietal peritoneal surface. In the serosa of the cecum, there were two points of rupture, observed in the proximal colon. The mucosa of cecum and colon were severely edematous, hyperemic, and presented diffusely distributed pinpoint round hemorrhages, as well as fibrinonecrotic material adhered to the surface. Histologically, in the mucosa of cecum and colon, moderate to severe diffuse inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells associated with multifocal severe necrosis were observed. Moderate diffuse fibrin deposition was evidenced in the submucosa and muscular, as well as multifocal moderate necrosis in the muscular layer. In the serous, severe diffuse inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils associated with fibrin deposition and innumerous coccoid bacterial colonies were observed. The samples subjected to bacterial isolation showed growth of Edwardsiella tarda. All samples were negative for Salmonella spp. and Yersinia spp. Discussion : The final diagnosis was established through the association of clinical history, clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions, as well as, bacterial isolation of the etiological agent, Edwardsiella tarda. In this case, it is conjectured that the reservoirs which cattle had access represented the source of infection. The fact that the animal was in the immediate postpartum period may have predisposed to the development of clinical disease due to immunosuppression. In domestic animals, Edwardsiella tarda has been reported in swine, and as a cause of septicemia in calves. Clinically, intestinal manifestations observed in e dwardsiellosis in cattle are indistinguishable from several other conditions that cause diarrhea, such as infectious, nutritional or parasitic diseases. The main differential diagnoses are salmonellosis and yersiniosis due to the similarities regarding to gross and histopathological lesions in these cases compared to cases of edwardsiellosis. Salmonellosis is characterized by grey to yellowish, fetid diarrhea in which blood and mucus are oftentimes observed. At necropsy, catarrhal, hemorrhagic or fibrinous enteritis may be evidenced. The lesions initially are seen in the ileum. However, in the chronic stages of infection, foci of necrosis and ulceration may be noted mainly in the cecum and colon. Histologically, a fibrin layer associated with necrosis and mucosal ulceration can be observed in the small intestine and initial portion of large intestine. Inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly by neutrophils, as well as fibrin thrombi in capillaries and venules are also observed. Lesions observed are similar that described in ulcerative colitis by E. tarda in human patients. In conclusion, Edwardsiella tarda can lead to a fatal typhlocolitis in cattle, being an important differential diagnosis in cases of acute diarrhea. Arya A.V., Rostom A., Dong W.F. & Flynn A.N. 2011. Crohn’s Disease Exacerbation Induced by Edwardsiella tarda Gastroenteritis. Gastroenterology . 5(3): 623-627. Engel J.J. & Martin T.L. 2006. Edwardsiella tarda as a cause of postdysenteric ulcerative colitis. International Journal Colarectal Disease . 21(2): 184-185. Ewing W.H., McWhorter A.C., Escobar M.R. & Lubin A.H. 1965. Edwardsiella, a new genus of enterobacteriaceae based on a new species, E. tarda. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology . 15(1): 33-38. Gelberg H.B. 2013. Sistema Alimentar, Peritonio, Omento Mesenterio e Cavidade Peritonial. In: McGavin M.D. & Zachary F.M. (Eds). Bases da patologia em veterinaria. 2.ed. Rio de Janeiro: Elsevier, pp.378-382. Janda J.M. & Abbott S.L. 1993. Infections Associated with the Genus Edwardsiella : the role of Edwardsiella tarda in human disease. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 17(4): 742-748. Leung K.Y., Siame B.A., Tenkink B.J., Noort R.J. & Mok Y.K. 2012. Edwardsiella tarda – Virulence mechanisms of an emerging gastroenteritis pathogen. Microbes and Infection . 14(1): 26-34. Litton K.M. & Rogers B.A. 2016. Edwardsiella tarda Endocarditis Confirmed by Indium-111 White Blood Cell Scan: An Unusual Pathogen and Diagnostic Modality. Case Reports in Infectious Diseases . 2016:1-3. Magalhaes H., Freitas M.A., Santos J.A. & Costa C.H.C. 1984. Septicemia por Edwardsiella tarda, em bezerro. Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira . 19(3): 367-370. Hirai Y., Ashata-Tago S., Ainoda Y., Fujita T. & Kikuchi K. 2015. Edwardsiella tarda bacteremia. A rare but fatal water – and foodborne infection: Review of the literature and clinical cases from a single centre. The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology. 26(6): 313-318. Mikamo H., Ninomiya M., Sawamura H. & Tamaya T. 2003. Puerperal intrauterine infection caused by Edwardsiella tarda . Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy . 9(4): 341-343. Mohanti B.R. & Sahoo P.K. 2007. Edwardsiellosis in fish: a brief review. Journal of biosciences. 32(7): 1331-1344. Owens D.R., Nelson S.L. & Addinon J.B. 1974. Isolation of Edwardsiella tarda from Swine. Appllied microbiology . 27(4): 703-705. Park S.B., Aokil T. & Jung T.S. 2012. Pathogenesis of and strategies for preventing Edwardsiella tarda infection in fish. Veterinary Research. 43(1): 67. Riet-Correa F., Schild A.L., Mendez M.D.C. & Lemos R.A.A. 2007. Doencas de Ruminantes e Equideos. 3.ed. Santa Maria: Pallotti, 998p. Slaven E.M., Lopez F.A., Hart S.M. & Sanders C.V. 2001. Myonecrosis Caused by Edwardsiella tarda : A Case Report and Case Series of Extraintestinal E. tarda Infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases . 32(10): 1430-1433. Tamada T., Koganemaru H., Mastsumoto K. & Hitomi S. 2009. Urosepsis caused by Edwardsiella tarda Journal of infection and chemotherapy . 15(3): 191-194. Thune R.L., Stanley L.A. & Cooper R.K. 1993. Pathogenesis of gram-negative bacterial infections in warm water fish. Annual Reviem of Fish Diseases. 3: 37-68. Uzal F.A., Plattiner B.L. & Hostetter J.M. 2015. Alimentary system. In: Maxie M.G. (Ed). Jubb, Kennedy, and Palmer’s Pathology of domestic animals. v.2. 6th edn. Saint Louis: Elsevier, pp.167-177. Wang I.K., Kuo H.L., Chen Y.M., Lin C.L., Chang H.Y., Chuang F.R. & Lee M.H. 2005. Extraintestinal manifestations of Edwardsiella tarda infection. International Journal of Clinical Practice . 59(8): 917-921.

Este trabalho apresenta a casuística de diagnósticos no ano de 2016 do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária do IFC Campus Concórdia. Foram 236 diagnósticos em bovinos, 31 em ovinos e 125 em suínos, totalizando 392. Destes, 268 (68,4%) foram através de necropsias e 124 (31,6%) através de amostras formolizadas enviadas por veterinários. Em bovinos as doenças mais incidentes foram miosite clostridial com 16 casos (6,8%); leucose enzoótica bovina com 9 casos (3,8%); salmonelose com 8 casos (3,4%); intoxicação por nitrato/nitrito com 8 casos (3,4%); hemoncose com 7 casos (3,1%) e anaplasmose com 6 casos (2,6%). Já em ovinos foi hemoncose com 6 casos (19,4%) e em suínos doença de Glässer com 8 casos (6,4%); circovirose com 6 casos (4,8%) e raquitismo com 6 casos (4,8%).

Este trabalho apresenta a casuística de diagnósticos no ano de 2017 do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária do IFC Campus Concórdia. Foram 230 diagnósticos em bovinos, 32 em ovinos e 93 em suínos, totalizando 355. Destes, 247 (69,6%) foram através de necropsias e 108 (30,4%) através de amostras formolizadas enviadas por veterinários. Em bovinos as doenças mais incidentes foram anaplasmose e babesiose com 11 casos cada (4,8%); endocardite com 7 casos (3,0%); hemoncose com 6 casos (2,6%) e retículo pericardite traumática com 6 casos (2,6%). Já em ovinos foi hemoncose com 5 casos (15,7%) e suínos doença de Glässer e colibacilose com 6 casos cada (6,4%).

Este trabalho apresenta a casuística de diagnósticos nos anos de 2013 a 2017 do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária do IFC Campus Concórdia. Foram 865 diagnósticos em bovinos, 131 em ovinos e 367 em suínos, totalizando 1363. Destes, 1000 (80,4%) foram através de necropsias e 363 (19,6%) através de amostras formolizadas enviadas por veterinários. Em bovinos as doenças mais incidentes foram miosite clostridial com 34 casos (3,8%); babesiose com 31 casos cada (3,6%); leucose enzoótica bovina com 28 casos (3,2%); anaplasmose com 27 casos (3,1%); hemoncose com 26 casos (3,0%); intoxicação por Pteridium arachnoideumcom 26 casos (3,0%); peritonite com 23 casos (2,7%) e endocardite com 23 casos (2,7%). Já em ovinos hemoncose com 28 casos (21,4%) e suínos doença de Glässer com 27 casos (7,3%) e circovirose com 22 casos (6,0%).

Apresenta-se nesse capítulo fotos das principais lesões macroscópicas descritas na casuística do volume 2 do Boletim de Diagnóstico do Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of microencapsulated organic acids to replace conventional performance enhancers gives rise to adequate zootechnical performance, quality of chicken meat and animal health. We used 640 birds, divided into four groups with eight repetitions per group (n = 20), as follows: 1) negative control (NC): only basal feed; 2) positive control (PC): basal feed with antibiotics and coccidiostatic agents; 3) dose recommended by the manufacturer of organic acid according to the age of the birds (OA-R: days 1–21 – 3.0 kg/Ton; days 22–33 - 2.0 kg/Ton; days 34–42 – 1.0 kg/Ton); 4) test dose of organic acid (OA-T: days 1–21 – 2.2 kg/Ton; days 22–33 – 1.5 kg/Ton; days 34–42 – 0.75 kg/Ton). Zootechnical performance was measured on days 7, 21 and 42. Excreta were collected for parasitological analysis and total bacterial count on days 21 and 42. Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age for biochemical, hematological, and enzymatic analyses. At 42 days, eight birds per treatment were euthanized for meat quality analysis and fatty acid profile measurement. Birds supplemented with organic acids showed a production efficiency index equal to that of the PC (P T group than in the NC and PC (P T group compared to the NC (P T group than in the PC (P T (P R than in PC (P