Valéria Veras de Paula

Influence of the thawing rate on the cryopreservation of semen from collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) using Tris-based extenders

The objective was to evaluate the influence of the thawing rate on the quality of frozen-thawed (cryopreserved in Tris-based extenders) semen obtained from collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu). Semen from 13 sexually mature collared peccaries males were collected by electroejaculation, and evaluated for motility, vigor, sperm viability, membrane integrity, and sperm morphology. Semen was divided in two equal portions: the first was diluted in Tris-fructose and the other in Tris-glucose, with egg yolk (20%) and glycerol (3%) added to each portion. Extended semen was frozen in liquid nitrogen and thawed using two thawing protocols (37 degrees C for 1 min or 55 degrees C for 7 s, followed by an additional 30 s at 37 degrees C). There were no significant differences between the two extenders after extension, chilling, or glycerol addition. After thawing at 37 degrees C, there were 37.9 +/- 4.2% and 28.5 +/- 5.1% motile spermatozoa for samples extended in Tris-fructose and Tris-glucose, respectively, with 33.8 +/- 3.7% and 28.2 +/- 3.5% motile spermatozoa after thawing at 55 degrees C (no significant differences). Furthermore, there were no significant interactions between extenders and thawing protocols for any semen end point. In conclusion, semen from collared peccaries was successfully cryopreserved in Tris-based extenders and thawed with two protocols (37 degrees C for 1 min or 55 degrees C for 7 s).

Blood-gas and electrolyte values for Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva)

The aim was to provide reference data for blood gas/acid-base status and electrolytes for non-anesthetized Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva). Thirty-five adult parrots from Tiete ecologic park were utilized. Arterial blood (0.3ml) samples were anaerobically collected from the superficial ulnar artery in heparinized (sodium heparin) 1-ml plastic syringes. The samples were immediately analyzed through a portable analyzer (i-STAT*, Abbot, Illinois, USA) with cartridges (EG7+). These data were grouped in such a way as to present both mean and standard deviation: body weight (360±37g), respiratory rate (82±33 b/m), temperature (41.8±0.6°C), hydrogen potential (7.452±0.048), carbon dioxide partial pressure (22.1±4.0mmHg), oxygen partial pressure (98.1±7.6mmHg), base excess (-7.9±3.1), plasma concentration of bicarbonate ions (14.8±2.8mmol/L), oxygen saturation (96.2±1.1%), plasma concentration of sodium (147.4±2.2mmol/L), plasma concentration of potassium (3.5±0.53mmol/L), plasma concentration of calcium (0.8±0.28mmol/L), hematocrit (38.7±6.2%) and concentration of hemoglobin (13.2±2.1g/dl). This study led us to conclude that, although the results obtained showed hypocapnia and low values of bicarbonate and base excess, when compared to other avian species, these data are very similar. Besides, in spite of the equipment being approved only for human beings, it was considered simple and very useful in the analysis of avian blood samples. By using this equipment we were able to provide references data for non-anaesthetized Amazon parrots.

Cryopreservation of collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) semen using a powdered coconut water (ACP-116c) based extender plus various concentrations of egg yolk and glycerol.

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of a powdered coconut water-based extender (ACP-116c), plus various concentrations of egg-yolk and glycerol, as an alternative for cryopreservation of collared peccary semen. Twelve ejaculates were obtained from captive adult males by electroejaculation, and evaluated for sperm motility, kinetic rating, viability, morphology, and functional membrane integrity. The ejaculates were apportioned into aliquots that were diluted in Tris plus 10% egg yolk and 3% glycerol, or in ACP-116c plus 10 or 20% egg yolk and 1.5 or 3% glycerol. Samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen and, after 1 mo, thawed at 37 °C for 1 min. After thawing, samples were evaluated as reported for fresh semen, and also for sperm membrane integrity (fluorescent probes) and kinematic parameters (computerized analysis). Results were presented as means ± SEM. Freezing and thawing decreased sperm characteristics relative to fresh semen. Overall, ACP-116c plus 20% egg yolk and 3% glycerol provided better (P < 0.05) sperm motility and kinetic rating (48 ± 6.1% and 2.8 ± 0.2, respectively) after thawing than Tris extender (30.4 ± 5.7% and 2.4 ± 0.2). However, there were no differences (P > 0.05) among treatments with regard to the other sperm characteristics. Based on computerized motion analysis, total (26.5 ± 5.9%) and progressive (8.1 ± 2.2%) motility were best preserved (P < 0.05) with the above-mentioned treatment. In conclusion, a coconut water-based extender, ACP-116c, plus 20% egg yolk and 3% glycerol, was effective for cryopreservation of semen from collared peccaries.

Aspectos hematológicos de caprinos (Capra hircus) da raça Canindé criados no Rio Grande do Norte

The objective of this paper was to study the hematological profile of Caninde breed goats (Capra hircus) raised in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, as well as the acquirement of reference values appropriate to our region. Blood samples were collected from 58 clinically healthy animals, distributed in 4 groups (males, over 5-month-old, pregnant and not pregnant females and young goats, up to 4 months of age). From a single blood sample from each animal, it was possible to perform the red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and the white blood cell (WBC) count and differential). The obtained data was statically evaluated by the Tukey test for parametric variables and Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunns test for nonparametric-level significance (p<0.05). The results of this study can be used as a reference for this breed of goats, making future interpretations possible from the evaluated parameters, and can support further studies in healthy or diseased animals. It shows the need for further research that demonstrates the semiarid conditions of handling and feeding, as well as assessment of variation factors on the constituents of blood taking into account sex, age and the physiological state of animals.

Dinâmica da inversão do saco vitelino em preás (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831)

Vale A.M., Oliveira G.B., Favaron P.O., Miglino M.A., Paula V.V., Silva A.R. & Oli- veira M.F. 2013. (Dynamics of yolk sac inversion in galea (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831).) Dinâmica da inversao do saco vitelino em preas (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831). Pesquisa Veteri- naria Brasileira 33(8):1033-1040. Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Ciencia Animal, Univer- sidade Federal Rural do Semi-Arido, BR 110 Km 47, Rodovia Presidente Costa e Silva s/n, Mossoro, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: andre_bioquimico@hotmail.com The aim of this study was to study the time of yolk sac inversion as well as the dynamics resulting from this process in galea throughout pregnancy. For this, conventional histologi- cal techniques, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used. Parietal and visceral endoderm delimiting the yolk sac cavity was observed at 12 days of pregnancy. The parietal endoderm was coating the fetal surface of the chorioallan- toic placenta as well as delimiting the decidua capsularis area. This endoderm had prisma- tic format and were apart from the trophoblast by an enlarged Reicherts membrane. The visceral endoderm had vitelline vessels and there were villi only in certain areas. At 14 days of pregnancy the yolk sac inversion was characterized by the degeneration of parietal en- doderm and mural trophoblast, and also the gradual disappearance of the Reicherts mem- brane. So it made the visceral endoderm establish an interface with the uterine epithelium. After the inversion, the parietal endoderm which remained intact was the one that rested on the chorioallantoic placenta surface. It presented cells with high columnar format and pseudostratified epithelium featured. The visceral endoderm presented many apical villi, especially in areas close to the chorioallantoic placenta. The continued development of the embryo and chorioallantoic placenta evidenced the emergence of an important apposition area between visceral and parietal endoderm. The yolk sac inversion represented an ana- tomical arrangement in favor of the embryo development as well as an evolutionary trait in this rodent species.

Use of Non-invasive Methods for Evaluating the Testicular Biometry in Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two methods used to estimate testicular volume in the collared peccary. Calliper and ultrasonographic measurements of testicular dimensions (length, width and height) of both testes were taken on five adult collared peccaries. The testicular volume was calculated by Lamberts empiric formula: length (L) × width (W) × height (H) × 0.71, the formula of an ellipsoid L × W × H × 0.52, and Hansens formula: L × W2 × 0.52. The calculated volumes were then compared with the actual ones, which were estimated by water displacement. The mean of true testicular volume was 22.65 ± 1.52 ml. Lamberts formula estimated testicular volume more accurately when ultrasound measurements were taken. However, when the calliper was the methodology used, the results were closest to the true volume, especially when Ellipsoid formula and Hansens formula were applied, and underestimated the true volumes by 1.53 ± 1.75 ml and 1.53 ± 1.65 ml, respectively. This specific application of technologies in wild animals has the potential to revolutionize the selection process for the collared peccary entering artificial insemination or natural breeding programmes.

Sperm characteristics following freezing in extenders supplemented with whole egg yolk and different concentrations of low-density lipoproteins in the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu).

The aim of the current study was to compare sperm quality characteristics of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) following freezing in extenders supplemented with whole egg yolk and different concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Semen from 11 adult males was obtained by electroejaculation and evaluated for sperm motility, vigor, morphology as well as membrane integrity analyzed by the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test and a fluorescent staining. Moreover, the semen was diluted in a Tris-based extender containing 20% egg yolk (control group) or 5, 10 or 20% LDL (treatment groups). The semen samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen and thawed in a water bath for 60s at 37°C. The treatments did not affect (p>0.05) sperm vigor, morphology or membrane integrity analyzed by the HOS test. However, post-thaw sperm motility was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the extender supplemented with 20% LDL (36.4 ± 5.3%) compared with the egg yolk extender and extender supplemented with 10% LDL. Furthermore, the percentage of membrane-intact frozen-thawed spermatozoa analyzed by the fluorescent staining was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the extender supplemented with 20% LDL (27.4 ± 6.5%) than in the other groups. In conclusion, 20% LDL can be used to substitute the whole egg yolk as a cryoprotective additive for freezing semen of the collared peccary.

Uso do propofol na indução anestésica de emas (Rhea americana americana)

O propofol e um anestesico injetavel que promove inducao e recuperacao rapida, e toxicidade limitada. Apesar de suas vantagens, poucas pesquisas determinam a dose e os efeitos do propofol em emas. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o uso do propofol na inducao da anestesia de emas, bem como determinar a dose de inducao anestesica do farmaco para a especie. Foram utilizados 20 emas, machos jovens, os quais foram anestesiados com propofol, administrado por via intravenosa. A frequencia cardiaca (FC) e respiratoria (f), temperatura cloacal (TC) foram aferidas antes da administracao do propofol e logo apos a obtencao da anestesia. Nestes momentos, sangue venoso foi colhido para analise hemogasometrica. Para avaliacao da anestesia, realizou-se pincamento interdigital, sendo determinados, com base na resposta ao estimulo, o periodo de latencia, periodo habil e de recuperacao anestesica. A dose capaz de promover anestesia nas emas foi de 5 mg.kg-1. As medias da FC, ƒ, TC basais foram 138 bpm, 35 rpm e 39,1oC, respectivamente e, apos a inducao as medias foram 180 bpm, 25 rpm e 40,6oC. A administracao do propofol nao resultou em alteracoes significativas nos valores de pressao parcial de oxigenio, excesso de base, bicarbonato, saturacao de oxigenio, pH, pressao parcial de dioxido de carbono. As medias do tempo de inducao, periodo habil de anestesia e tempo de recuperacao, em minutos, foram respectivamente 2,48; 2,98 e 7,85. A dose do propofol encontrada para emas foi compativel com as utilizadas para a inducao em outras especies de aves. O propofol, na dose de 5 mg.kg-1, mostrou-se um farmaco seguro para inducao anestesica em emas, possibilitando recuperacao rapida da anestesia alem de promover poucas alteracoes cardiorrespiratorias e hemogasometricas na especie.

ACHADOS CLÍNICO-EPIDEMIOLÓGICOS DE 25 CASOS DE CÓLICA EM EQUÍDEOS NO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE

The present article aimed to conduct a retrospective study of the main clinical and epidemiological findings in 25 cases of colic in equidae from Rio Grande do Norte. Twenty five equidae (21 horses, three mules and one donkey) were included. Clinical treatment was performed in 15 equidae with moderate large colon impaction (n = 6), cecal bloat (n = 4), gastric overload (n = 3), cecal impaction (n = 1) and gastric ulcers (n = 1). Six horses with severe large colon impaction (n = 2), meconium impaction (n = 2), left dorsal displacement of the large colon (n = 1) and verminotic arteritis (n = 1) were submitted to exploratory laparotomy. Four horses were not treated due to severe systemic disturbances and poor prognosis. Higher incidence occurred in Quarter horses and crossbreed horses followed by mules and single cases in a pony and a donkey. Impactions of the large intestine and cecal bloat were the major causes of colic in equidae from this study; and mainly resulted from erroneous feeding management by the owners or handlers.

Mammary neoplasias in domestic female cats: possible influence of the diet on the etiology

1 Academicas de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Arido (Mossoro-RN) geyannanunes@yahoo.com.br 2 Profa. Dra., Departamento de Ciencias Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do SemiArido (Mossoro-RN) – valeria@ufersa.edu.br 3 Medico Veterinario, Hospital Veterinario, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Arido (Mossoro-RN) – cisneiros@ufersa.edu.br 4 Medico Veterinario M. Sc., Hospital Veterinario, Universidade Federal Rural do SemiArido (Mossoro-RN) – kilder@ufersa.edu.br ____________________________________________________________________