Maria Consuêlo Caribé Ayres

Effect of homeopathic medicines on helminth parasitism and resistance of Haemonchus contortus infected sheep.

This study evaluated the effects of homeopathic treatment on control of Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep. Twenty lambs were randomized to three treatments: treated with the homeopathic medicines, Ferrum phosphoricum, Arsenicum album and Calcarea carbonica; treated with a conventional antihelminthic, doramectin, and an untreated control group. Fecal and blood samples were taken from each animal on days 18, 38 and 68 after start of treatment. A significant reduction in number of H. contortus larvae (p<0.01) was observed for animals in the homeopathic treatment group compared to the control group. Fecal egg counts showed negative correlation between haematocrit and haemoglobin concentrations in the homeopathic treatment group (p<0.01); however, the biochemical and immunological parameters showed better correlation, indicating that the homeopathic medicine improved vital functions. Daily weight gain in the homeopathic treatment group was superior to the control and to the antihelminthic groups, 31 and 6.5%, respectively. The cost benefit analysis confirmed that homeopathy group increases economic trend when compared with the other groups.

Haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations and leukocyte counts in the clinical investigation of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep

BACKGROUND Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiologic agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a disease that affects small ruminants and is responsible for economic losses, including condemnation of carcasses and damaged hides. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine if serum haptoglobin and plasma fibrinogen concentrations and peripheral blood leukocyte counts are biologic markers of CLA in sheep. METHODS Blood from 38 clinically healthy Santa-Inês ewes selected and segregated from a commercial flock of 2500 sheep in an area endemic for C. pseudotuberculosis was collected every 30 days for 6 months. An indirect ELISA was used to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against C. pseudotuberculosis. Serum haptoglobin concentration was measured using a hemoglobin-binding assay and plasma fibrinogen concentration by refractometry following heat precipitation. Total leukocyte counts were determined using a hemocytometer, and differential leukocyte counts were performed on smears of peripheral blood. RESULTS Twenty-one sheep were seropositive at the start of the study; 15 became seropositive during the study. Only 2 sheep were seronegative at the conclusion of the study. Haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations and WBC counts were not significantly different for seropositive and seronegative animals. Nine sheep, 5 that were seropositive positive at the start and 4 that became seropositive during the study period, developed abscesses in peripheral lymph nodes. There were 15 animals that became seropositive during the study, and their values did not differ significantly among the 3 phases--seronegative, acute (IgM+/IgG±), and chronic (IgM-/IgG+)--of infection. However, 11 of these sheep did not develop peripheral abscesses and had significantly higher haptoglobin concentrations and lower monocyte counts during the acute phase of the disease than did the 4 sheep that later developed abscesses. CONCLUSION Serum haptoglobin concentration and monocyte counts may be potential markers for progression of CLA in sheep.

Condição hepática de cordeiros mantidos com dietas contendo torta de dendê proveniente da produção de biodiesel

This study was conducted in order to verify the best level of palm kernel cake in the diet for lambs through evaluation of hepatic condition. It was used 32 non-castrated Santa Ines lambs distributed into four diets with palm kernel cake levels of 0.0; 6.5; 13.0 and 19.5% in the dry matter (DM). Every 15 days, blood samples were collected, totalizing five collects for the whole experimental period. It was determined levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and globulin, activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate-aminotrasferase, and gama-glutamiltransferase enzymes, and serum concentrations of total, direct and indirect bilirrubine. The increase of palm kernel cake percentage in the diet did not affect concentration of triglycerides whose mean value was 40.57 mg/dL. However, cholesterol levels increased as the palm kernel cake was increased in the diets. There was no difference in the total proteins either, but there was an increasing quadratic effect in the levels of albumine and urea and a decreasing linear effect in the levels of globuline. Statistical differences were not observed for activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate-aminotrasferase, and gamaglutamiltransferase enzymes, which showed mean values of 6.40; 37.59 and 62.38 UI/L respectively. Similarly, it was not detected influence on the total, direct, and indirect bilirrubine, whose mean values were 0.50; 0.11; and 0.38 mg/dL, respectively. The use of palm kernel cake at levels up to 19.5% does not cause metabolic disorders in lambs.

Atividade anti-helmíntica do extrato aquoso das folhas de Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae)

The study evaluated the anthelmintic activity of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium leaves in two experiments. In vitro test, cultures of goat fecal samples were treated with different concentrations of extract (134.5 to 335.0 mg.mL(-1)). In vivo test was composed of 20 sheep: G1: treated with 0.63 g.kg(-1), during four days; G2: same dose, for eight days; G3: ivermectin (200 microg.kg(-1)) and G4 untreated group. In vitro results showed a reduction of Haemonchus spp, Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. larvae greater than 95% in the concentrations between 335.0 and 193.7 mg.mL(-1). Faecal egg counting reduction was 51, 56 and 90% in G1, G2 and G3, respectively, while immature stages and adults ranged from 0 to 91% in G1 and from 26 to 94% in G2. Ivermectin effectiveness was 99% for L4 and L5 of H. contortus and 100% for other nematodes species. Clinical and biochemical parameters have remained in the normality and histophatologic analyses did not show alteration suggesting absence of toxicity. Although the great effectiveness of Z. rhoifolium leaves extract in vitro test, it displayed poor efficiency in vivo regarding gastrointestinal nematodes reduction.

Fatores etários no leucograma de fêmeas zebuínas sadias da raça Nelore (Bos indicus)

In order to evaluate the influence of the age on the white blood cell counts of Nelore (Zebu) cattle, 158 blood samples from seven groups of different ages (group I-up to three months; group II-three to six months; group III-six to 12 months; group IV-12 to 24 months; group V-24 to 48 months; group VI-48 to 72 months and group VII-older than 72 months) were studied. The highest and lowest mean values observed were total white blood cell/mm3-16992±4104 (group III) and 10353±2397 (group VI); neutrophils/mm3-3931±1578 (group I) and 2416 ±1118 (group III); eosinophils/ mm3-999±499 (group V) and 265±276 (group II); basophils/mm3-67±88 (group VII) and 39±78 (group III); typical lymphocytes/ mm3-12758±3608 (group III) and 5906±1883 (group VI); atypical lymphocytes/ mm3-1310±603 (group II) and 760±419 (group VI) ; lymphocytes total/ mm3-14079±4027 (group III) and 6666±2059 (group VI); monocytes/mm3-27±62 (group I) and 0 (group III). The differences (p>0.05) observed among the groups in relation to total white blood cell, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils can be related to the influence of the age on leukogram of Nelore (Zebu) cattle raised in Sao Paulo- Brazil.Professores Assistentes da Escola de Medicina Veterinaria da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Professor Associado, Departamento de Clinica Medica da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia da Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Av. Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CUASO. Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000. E-mail: borges@usp.br. Autor para correspondencia. Professor Titular, Departamento de Clinica Medica da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia da USP. Professor Associado, Departamento de Clinica Medica da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia da USP. Professor Assistente da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria da Universidade Federal do Parana. RESUMO

Caprine lentivirus in sheep milk and semen

Abstract: With the objective of detecting the presence of caprine lentivirus (CLV) in ewe milk and in ram semen, ten matrixes and four reproducers experimentally infected with CLV were used. Samples of ewe milk were collected during the four months of lactation, five collections per animal, totaling 50 samples. Regarding the rams, eight semen collections were made per animal, during one year of experimentation, totaling 32 samples. The milk and semen samples were submitted to DNA extraction and the nested polymerase chain reaction test (nPCR) to detect CLV proviral DNA. Eight (16%) of the milk samples were positive in nPCR originating from two ewes. Only one (3.12%) semen sample was positive. The amplification products were sequenced, and were confirmed to be a CLV genomic sequence. Thus, the presence of CLV proviral DNA in sheep milk and semen was demonstrated, confirming the feasibility of infection between species, and alerting to the risk of spreading infections. [Lentivirus caprino em leite e semen de ovinos]. Resumo: Com o objetivo de detectar a presenca do lentivirus caprino (LVC) no leite de ovelhas e no semen de carneiros, utilizaram-se 10 matrizes e quatro reprodutores infectados experimentalmente com o LVC. Foram coletadas amostras de leite das ovelhas durante os quatro meses de lactacao, ocorrendo cinco coletas por animal, totalizando 50 amostras. Quanto aos carneiros, realizaram-se oito coletas de semen por animal, durante um ano de experimentacao, totalizando 32 amostras. As amostras de leite e de semen foram submetidas a extracao de DNA e a prova de reacao em cadeia da polimerase do tipo nested (nPCR) visando a deteccao de DNA proviral do LVC. Oito (16%) amostras de leite foram positivas na nPCR oriundas de duas ovelhas. Apenas uma (3,12%) amostra de semen apresentou positividade. Produtos da amplificacao foram sequenciados, confirmando-se tratar de sequencia genomica do LVC. Dessa forma, demonstrou-se a presenca do DNA proviral do LVC em leite e semen de ovinos, confirmando a viabilidade da infeccao entre especies e, assim, alertando sobre o risco de que a infeccao seja disseminada.

Fertilidade de fêmeas Nelore após inseminação artificial em tempo fixo conforme a contagem de folículos antrais

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of antral follicle number (AFC) on the conception rates of Nellore females, in a fixed‑time artificial insemination (FTAI) program. For that, 481 females were subjected to a FTAI protocol and evaluated for antral follicle counts (AFC) and pregnancy diagnosis. The animals were grouped into the AFC categories considered as low ( 53). There was no difference between the conception rates obtained for the AFC categories in FTAI protocol with use of chorionic gonatropin.

Evolução clínica e avaliação de parâmetros leucocitários e de proteínas de fase aguda na pododermatite infecciosa ovina

In this paper, Santa Ines crossbred sheep with footrot were evaluated, checking the changes on leukogram and the acute phase proteins. In the first experiment, 70 females were divided into three groups according to their podal scores: a control group (G1) with score 0, scald group (G2) with score 1 or 2 and a footrot group (G3) with score 3, 4 or 5. During two months, the clinical course and its effect on leukogram were observed at five moments: M1 (day 0), M2 (day 15), M3 (day 30), M4 (day 45) and M5 (day 60). The intensity of the white blood cell count was low magnitude, observing significant changes (p <0.05) as a mild leukocytosis (G3, M4), attributed to neutrophilia and a slight increase in the total number of monocytes (G3, M2 and M3) despite the extensive damage and tissue necrosis existed during the final stage of the disease. In the second experiment, 105 animals from seven farms were used with the objective of isolating the causative agent and to evaluate the effect of disease on total plasma protein and acute phase proteins. The animals were also divided into three groups: control, scald and footrot. In all farms, the isolation of Dichelobacter nodosus was regarded. For the different stages of the disease on the proteins studied there was no significant correlation (p<0.05) but the haptoglobin in scald and footrot groups showed higher average than the control group. Based on these results, we conclude that the acute phase proteins studied were not efficient in the characterization of the phases of the disease and the leukocyte response was mild, making it difficult to use for this purpose.

Ocorrência de ectoparasitos em avestruzes (Struthio camelus) criadas no semi-árido baiano

In the period of May to August of 2005, 19 ostrichs farms were visited in the semi-arid area of the Irece, Bahia, in order to describe the ectoparasites. The African Black ostriches were reared in intensive system, and distributed for age group, in colonies, trio, couple or creche. In each farm, after visually inspection of the ostrich, the feathers were taken in several areas of the body and were kept in plastic bags. The screwworms found were collected and stored in 70% ethanol. In 74% (14/19) and 47% (04/19) of the flocks were found ostriches infested, respectively, for the Struthiopterolichus bicaudatus (acari) and Struthiolipeurus rheae (mallophaga). In only one flock (5.3%) it was found an animal with Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae.

Influence of age on the leukogram values for healthy Nelore (Zebu) cattle

In order to evaluate the influence of the age on the white blood cell counts of Nelore (Zebu) cattle, 158 blood samples from seven groups of different ages (group I-up to three months; group II-three to six months; group III-six to 12 months; group IV-12 to 24 months; group V-24 to 48 months; group VI-48 to 72 months and group VII-older than 72 months) were studied. The highest and lowest mean values observed were total white blood cell/mm3-16992±4104 (group III) and 10353±2397 (group VI); neutrophils/mm3-3931±1578 (group I) and 2416 ±1118 (group III); eosinophils/ mm3-999±499 (group V) and 265±276 (group II); basophils/mm3-67±88 (group VII) and 39±78 (group III); typical lymphocytes/ mm3-12758±3608 (group III) and 5906±1883 (group VI); atypical lymphocytes/ mm3-1310±603 (group II) and 760±419 (group VI) ; lymphocytes total/ mm3-14079±4027 (group III) and 6666±2059 (group VI); monocytes/mm3-27±62 (group I) and 0 (group III). The differences (p>0.05) observed among the groups in relation to total white blood cell, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils can be related to the influence of the age on leukogram of Nelore (Zebu) cattle raised in Sao Paulo- Brazil.Professores Assistentes da Escola de Medicina Veterinaria da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Professor Associado, Departamento de Clinica Medica da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia da Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Av. Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CUASO. Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000. E-mail: borges@usp.br. Autor para correspondencia. Professor Titular, Departamento de Clinica Medica da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia da USP. Professor Associado, Departamento de Clinica Medica da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia da USP. Professor Assistente da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria da Universidade Federal do Parana. RESUMO