Lyophilized bovine colostrum as a source of immunoglobulins and insulin-like growth factor for newborn goat kids

The objective of this study was to evaluate lyophilized bovine colostrum as an alternative source of passive immunity and insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) for goat kids, considering newborns consuming non-maternal colostrum. Twenty-nine male newborns received 5% of body weight of lyophilized bovine (LBC) or goat colostrum (GC), both with 55 mg/mL of IgG, at 0, 7 and 14 h of life. Blood samples were collected at 0, 7, 14, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of life to determine serum IgG, total protein (TP), IGF-I and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption at 7, 14, 18 and 24 h (AEA(7hr), AEA(14hr), AEA(18hr), AEA(total), respectively). In LBC, the values of serum IgG at 14, 18,24 and 48 h (13.1, 13.4, 14.1 and 14.6 mg/mL, respectively) were higher than the values at 0 and 7 h (0.04 and 6.9 mg/mL, respectively). In GC, the serum IgG at 18 h (9.3 mg/mL) was higher than the value at 7 h (5.5 mg/mL). AEA(7hr) and AEA(14hr) in LBC were the same (19.2 and 18.5%, respectively, P>0.05) and the values of AEA(18hr) and AEA(total), 9.3 and 9.5%, respectively, were equal and smaller than AEA(7hr), and AEA(14hr). In GC, AEA(7hr), 20.8%, was higher than AEA(14hr), 16.1% (P<0.05) and AEA(18hr), and AEA(total), 9.2 and 8.0%, respectively, were equal and smaller than AEA(7hr) and AEA(14hr). The serum TP and IGF-I were not affected by colostrum feeding. Considering the variables study in the present work, lyophilized bovine colostrum constitutes a promising alternative substitute to goat colostrum in newborn goat kids, since the supply of immunoglobulins and IGF-I was suitable for the kids. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Goat kids' intestinal absorptive mucosa in period of passive immunity acquisition

Colostrum intake in newborn goat kids is essential for the acquisition of immunoglobulins (Ig) and influencing development of gastrointestinal mucosa. The present study investigated small intestine structure in the postnatal goat kid fed lyophilized bovine colostrum, an alternative source of antibodies to small ruminants, or goat colostrum using scanning electron microscopy technique. At 0,7 and 14 h of life 15 male newborns received 5% of body weight of lyophilized bovine colostrum (LBC) and 14 goat colostrum (GC), both with 55 mg/mL of IgG. Samples of duodenum, medium jejunum and ileum were collected at 18, 36 and 96 h of life. Three animals were sampled at birth without colostrum intake (0 h). The enteric tissues were analyzed for villi density (villi/cm(2)) and morphological characteristics. The villi density did not differ between treatment, sampling time and intestinal segments (P>0.05). The morphological characteristics were not different between LBC and GC in all segments. Duodenal villi were fingerlike, thick and short, and with different heights. Duodenal folds could also be verified. Frequent anastomoses in all sampling times were observed in this segment. In the jejunum, fingerlike villi, thin and thick, of different heights were observed in all sampling times as well as leaf-shaped villi. Vacuoles with colostrum were observed in the jejunum of goats sampled at 18 h of life. In ileum, fingerlike villi were observed in all sampling times. At 0 and 96 h of life, thick and low villi were verified while at 18 and 36 h the villi showed different heights and widths. At all sampling times, regularly cell extrusion processes were observed with grouped cells at the apex of the ileum villi and with isolated cells along the villi. In the first 4 days of goat kids' life the small intestine structure was unaffected by different sources of colostrum, goat or lyophilized bovine, and by the replacement of fetal enterocytes, which are able to absorb macromolecules, by adult-type ones. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Jatropha curcas pericarp toxicity in sheep

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) is a plant cultivated for biofuel production. Pericarp is a potential livestock food source by-product. However, its use may be limited due to the presence of toxic compounds, mainly phorbol esters. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate pericarp toxicity. Twenty sheep were divided in four groups, one control group which did not receive the plant and three experimental groups which received pericarp in 15% (G15), 30% (G30) and 45% (G45) concentrations for 23 days. After 10 days of treatment, pericarp ingestion produced food intake decrease, diarrhea, dehydration and loss of body condition. All treated groups showed decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. G30 animals presented reductions in urea and total protein concentrations, and increase in potassium and sodium levels. G45 animals showed increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and in albumin, creatinin, total and indirect bilirubin levels. Anatomohistopathologic findings included ascites, hydropericardium, congestion of the gastintestinal tract and lungs, pulmonary edema and adhesions in the thoracic cavity, renal tubular cells and centrilobular cytoplasmic vacuolation and lymphohistiocytic pneumonia and lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic enteritis. On the physiochemical analysis 0.3845mg of phorbol esters/g of pericarp were detected. It is concluded that J. curcas pericarp is toxic and is not recommended for sheep feeding.

Genotyping of polymorphisms in the prnp gene in Santa Ines sheep in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Santos C.R., Mori E., Leao D.A. & Maiorka P.C. 2012. [Genotyping of polymorphisms in the prnp gene in Santa Ines sheep in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil.] Genotipagem de polimorfismos no gene prnp em ovinos Santa Ines no Estado de Sao Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(3):221-226. Laboratorio de Neuropatologia Experimental e Comparada, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitaria, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: caio-patologia@usp.br Enzootic paraplexia or scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting mainly sheep and rarely goats. The disease is influenced by polymorphisms at codons 136, 154 and 171 of prnp gene that encodes the prion protein. The animals may be susceptible or resistant to the development of the disease according to the allelic sequences observed in these codons. In Brazil there were only cases of scrapie in imported animals, therefore the country is considered free of the disease. This study performed the genotyping of different polymorphisms associated to the development of scrapie. Then, based on these findings the animals were categorized in resistant and susceptible. A total of 118 samples were sequenced from the Santa Ines sheep raised on properties located in the State of Sao Paulo. From these samples, 6 alleles and 11 genotypes were identified (ARQ / ARQ, ARR / ARQ, ARQ / AHQ, ARQ / VRQ, AHQ / AHQ, ARR / ARR, ARR / AHQ, VRQ / VRQ, ARQ / TRQ, TRR / TRR, TRQ / TRQ), the genotype ARQ / ARQ presented a frequency of 56.7%. It was also detected the presence of tyrosine at codon 136, which may be considered a rare observation, since there is no report regarding Santa Ines breeding presenting this polymorphism. These results showed the great genetic variability in Santa Ines in Sao Paulo and only 1,69% of the genotypes observed are extremely resistant to scrapie. These data demonstrate that the Santa Ines sheep can be considered potentially susceptible to scrapie.

Contribution to economic evaluation of systems that value animal welfare at farm

The demand for "welfare friendly" products increases as public conscience and perception on livestock production systems grow. The public and policy-makers demand scientific information for education and to guide decision processes. This paper describes some of the last decade contributions made by scientists on the technical, economical and market areas of farm animal welfare. Articles on animal welfare were compiled on the following themes: 1) consumer behavior, 2) technical and economical viability, 3) public regulation, and 4) private certification policies. Most studies on the economic evaluation of systems that promote animal welfare involved species destined to produce export items, such as eggs, beef and pork. Few studies were found on broilers, dairy cows and fish, and data regarding other species, such as horses, sheep and goats were not found. Scientists understand that farm animal welfare is not only a matter of ethics, but also an essential tool to gain and maintain markets. However, it is unfortunate that little attention is paid to species that are not economically important for exports. Studies that emphasize on more humane ways to raise animals and that provide economic incentives to the producer are needed. An integrated multidisciplinary approach is necessary to highlight the benefits of introducing animal welfare techniques to existing production systems.

Enzyme activity in the small intestine of goat kids during the period of passive immunity acquisition

Enzyme activity of protein and carbohydrate degradation in small intestinal mucosa was investigated in goat kids fed with lyophilized bovine and goat colostrum. At 0,7 and 14 h of life 15 male newborns received 5% of body weight of lyophilized bovine colostrum and 14 goat colostrum, both with 55 mg/mL of IgG. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples were collected at 18,36 and 96 h of life. Three animals were sampled at birth, without colostrum intake. Activity of aminopeptidase N and A, dipeptidil peptidase IV, lactase, maltase and sucrase was determined as one international unit per gram of tissue. Intracellular enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase was observed by histochemistry in tissue section. Only the activity of aminopeptidase A in the ileum was affected by treatment, with a greater value for LBC than for GC (P < 0.05). The aminopeptidase N activity was the highest at 36 h in the duodenum (P < 0.05) and lowest at 96 h in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Dipeptidil peptidase IV activity was highest at 36 h in the duodenum (P < 0.05), lowest at 96 h in the jejunum (P < 0.05) and higher at 36 h than at 96 h in the ileum (P < 0.05). Aminopeptidase A activity in the ileum was highest at 36 h (P < 0.05), followed by 18 and 96 h of life (P < 0.05). Lactase activity in the duodenum increased from 18 to 36 h and from 36 to 96 h in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Maltase activity increased only in the duodenum from 18 to 96 h (P < 0.05). Sucrase activity in the jejunum decreased from 18 to 36 h and from 36 to 96 h in the ileum (P < 0.05). At birth, activity of most enzymes was similar to that at later times (P < 0.05). Histochemistry analyses showed a higher frequency of lysosomes with acid phosphatase activity in the duodenum, especially at 36 h of life. In the jejunum, the presence of lysosomes with acid phosphatase activity was the highest at 96 h, followed by 36 and 18 h of life. In the ileum, all samples showed low presence of lysosomes with acid phosphatase activity. These results indicate that lyophilized bovine colostrum, as a heterologous source of antibodies or nutrients, is a possible alternative management tool for goats. The present work also suggests that in the first 4 days of life, enzyme activity in the intestinal epithelium of goats is still not fully stimulated, which is an important characteristic for these animals that depend on macromolecule absorption to acquire passive protection after birth. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth, carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the longissimus dorsi muscle in goat kids fed diets with castor oil

The objective in this study was to determine growth, carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the longissimus dorsi of crossbred Boer x Saanen kids fed castor oil. Twenty-four kids (12 males and 12 females) were assigned in a randomized complete block design with two treatments and twelve replications. Blocks were defined according to weight, gender and initial age of animals for the evaluation of performance. The experimental treatments consisted of two diets containing 900 g concentrate/kg: a control diet (without addition of oil) and another containing castor oil at 30 g/kg (on a dry matter basis). After they reached an average body weight of 25 kg, males were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the longissimus dorsi muscle. The addition of castor oil in the diet did not affect the intake of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber; the average daily gain; and feed conversion, but increased the ether extract intake. No difference was observed for the carcass characteristics, chemical composition of the meat, concentration of C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (CLA) and total concentration of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and their relations; however, there was increase in the concentrations of C18:2 trans-10, cis-12 (CLA) and C20:4 omega-6. The addition of castor oil to the diet of crossbred Boer x Saanen kids containing a high content of concentrate did not promote benefit to the characteristics evaluated.

Sinais clínicos e ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila abortus em ovinos de São Paulo e Minas Gerais

A Chlamydophila abortusi, anteriormente conhecida como Chlamydia psittaci sovovar 1, é uma bactéria Gram negativa, intracelular obrigatória. Esse micro-organismo é frequentemente encontrado em distúrbios reprodutivos em ovinos, bovinos e caprinos, sendo o aborto epizoótico dos bovinos e o aborto enzoótico dos ovinos e caprinos as manifestações mais importantes. Considerando-se o pouco material literário a respeito da clamidofilose no Brasil, a pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a presença de anticorpos fixadores de complemento anti-Chlamydophila abortusi, correlacionando os resultados obtidos com achados no exame clínico e histórico dos animais, além de alterações nos índices zootécnicos, em especial na esfera reprodutiva, tais como alto índice de repetição de cio, número elevado de abortamentos, elevado número de natimortos, entre outros. Foram testadas para prova de fixação do complemento 220 amostras de soro de ovinos, de 26 propriedades, distribuídas em 19 municípios, com relato de manifestação reprodutiva, obtendo-se 19,55% (43/220) de testes positivos para Chlamydophila abortusi, com ocorrência de foco constatada de 61,53%. No geral, a titulação de anticorpos encontrada foi baixa, com título não superior a 64. A frequência de manifestação reprodutiva mais observada foi o aborto, representando 65,12% (28/43) do número total de animais soropositivos, seguido de repetição de cio juntamente com nascimento de cordeiro fraco, com frequência de 6,98% (3/43) e, por fim, morte neonatal com 4,65% (2/43), sendo que não houve associação significativa entre animais que foram positivos ao teste e a esses fatores.

SAG2A protein from Toxoplasma gondii interacts with both innate and adaptive immune compartments of infected hosts

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that causes relevant clinical disease in humans and animals. Several studies have been performed in order to understand the interactions between proteins of the parasite and host cells. SAG2A is a 22 kDa protein that is mainly found in the surface of tachyzoites. In the present work, our aim was to correlate the predicted three-dimensional structure of this protein with the immune system of infected hosts. Methods To accomplish our goals, we performed in silico analysis of the amino acid sequence of SAG2A, correlating the predictions with in vitro stimulation of antigen presenting cells and serological assays. Results Structure modeling predicts that SAG2A protein possesses an unfolded C-terminal end, which varies its conformation within distinct strain types of T. gondii. This structure within the protein shelters a known B-cell immunodominant epitope, which presents low identity with its closest phyllogenetically related protein, an orthologue predicted in Neospora caninum. In agreement with the in silico observations, sera of known T. gondii infected mice and goats recognized recombinant SAG2A, whereas no serological cross-reactivity was observed with samples from N. caninum animals. Additionally, the C-terminal end of the protein was able to down-modulate pro-inflammatory responses of activated macrophages and dendritic cells. Conclusions Altogether, we demonstrate herein that recombinant SAG2A protein from T. gondii is immunologically relevant in the host-parasite interface and may be targeted in therapeutic and diagnostic procedures designed against the infection.

Prevalência de leptospirose em caprinos leiteiros do semiárido paraibano

Este trabalho teve como objetivos determinar a prevalência de propriedades de caprinos leiteiros positivas e de animais soropositivos para leptospirose no semiárido paraibano. A amostragem foi delineada para a determinação da prevalência de propriedades positivas (focos) e de animais soropositivos para a infecção por Leptospira spp. No total, foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 975 animais procedentes de 110 propriedades leiteiras localizadas no Munícipio de Monteiro, microrregião do Cariri Ocidental, Estado da Paraíba. Para o diagnóstico da infecção por Leptospira spp., foi utilizado o teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), utilizando como antígenos 24 sorovares. Uma propriedade foi considerada foco quando apresentou pelo menos um animal soropositivo. As prevalências de propriedades positivas e de animais soropositivos foram de 43,6% (IC 95% = 34,2-53,4%) e de 8,7% (IC 95% = 5,7-12,9%), respectivamente. Nos animais, os sorovares mais frequentes foram Autumnalis (1,74%; IC 95% = 0,97-3,09%), Sentot (1,71%; IC 95% = 0,82-3,52%) e Whitcomb (1,39%; IC 95% = 0,65-2,93%), e nas propriedades, os sorovares Autumnalis (10,9%; IC 95% = 5,8-18,3%), Whitcomb (8,2%; IC 95% = 3,8-15,0%) e Sentot e Patoc (7,3%; IC 95% = 3,2-13,8%) foram os mais frequentes. Sugere-se que a infecção está distribuída em caprinos da região, e que há necessidade de implantação de medidas de controle e prevenção, com o intuito de reduzir a ocorrência da infecção e, consequentemente, diminuir perdas econômicas ocasionadas e bloquear a possível transmissão do agente aos seres humanos.

Morfologia do funículo espermático em caprinos da raça Bhuj Brasileira

Estudamos em 40 caprinos adultos da raça Bhuj Brasileira os aspectos histológicos do funículo espermático. Observamos que este se acha envolvido por uma cápsula de tecido conjuntivo fibroelástico denso, de espessura variável, pregueada em alguns pontos, e revestida por mesotélio que circunda todo o conjunto vásculo-nervoso, e projeta-se para formar o mesoducto deferente. Em posição subcapsular, verifica- se uma camada de tecido conjuntivo fibroelástico frouxo, de espessura variável, que circunda parcialmente o funículo espermático, isolando nas regiões deferencial e abdeferencial, conjuntos vásculo-nervosos, responsáveis pela nutrição do epidídimo. Na região do mesoducto deferente, o tecido subcapsular acompanhado de tecido adiposo constitui a camada interna deste meso, formando a sua adventícia e abrigando vasos e nervos deferenciais. Na região abdeferencial, pequenos acúmulos de tecido adiposo são vistos de permeio aos vasos e nervos desta região. Entre as artérias, veias e nervos testiculares, bem como entre os vasos das regiões deferencial e abdeferencial, observa-se o tecido conjuntivo denso, intervascular, rico em fibras elásticas, que constitui as adventícias contínuas destes vasos. O arranjo vascular mostra que o segmento da artéria testicular, contido no funículo espermático, apresenta trajeto sinuoso. Estando envolvido pelo plexo venoso pampiniforme, formado por veias testiculares desprovidas de válvulas de calibres variados, apresentando amplas comunicações entre si. As veias responsáveis pela drenagem do epidídimo e ducto deferente estão localizadas em posição subcapsular deferencial e abdeferencial e mostram-se providas de válvulas. O trato das artérias testiculares no funículo espermático apresenta como média e desvio padrão 134,6±38,1cm à direita, e 137,0±33,9cm à esquerda, não existindo diferenças estatisticamente significantes ao nível de 5%, quando comparamos a média do segmento da artéria testicular contida no funículo espermático direito em relação ao esquerdo.

Sinais clínicos e ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila abortus em ovinos de São Paulo e Minas Gerais

A Chlamydophila abortus, anteriormente conhecida como Chlamydia psittaci sovovar 1, é uma bactéria Gram negativa, intracelular obrigatória. Esse micro-organismo é frequentemente encontrado em distúrbios reprodutivos em ovinos, bovinos e caprinos, sendo o aborto epizoótico dos bovinos e o aborto enzoótico dos ovinos e caprinos as manifestações mais importantes. Considerando-se o pouco material literário a respeito da clamidofilose no Brasil, a pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a presença de anticorpos fixadores de complemento anti-Chlamydophila abortus, correlacionando os resultados obtidos com achados no exame clínico e histórico dos animais, além de alterações nos índices zootécnicos, em especial na esfera reprodutiva, tais como alto índice de repetição de cio, número elevado de abortamentos, elevado número de natimortos, entre outros. Foram testadas para prova de fixação do complemento 220 amostras de soro de ovinos, de 26 propriedades, distribuídas em 19 municípios, com relato de manifestação reprodutiva, obtendo-se 19,55% (43/220) de testes positivos para Chlamydophila abortus, com ocorrência de foco constatada de 61,53%. No geral, a titulação de anticorpos encontrada foi baixa, com título não superior a 64. A frequência de manifestação reprodutiva mais observada foi o aborto, representando 65,12% (28/43) do número total de animais soropositivos, seguido de repetição de cio juntamente com nascimento de cordeiro fraco, com frequência de 6,98% (3/ 43) e, por fim, morte neonatal com 4,65% (2/43), sendo que não houve associação significativa entre animais que foram positivos ao teste e a esses fatores.