PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Tancredi M.G.F., Faccini J.L.H., Tancredi I.P., Martins I.V.F. & Scott F.B. 2005. [The host-relationship between Psoroptes equi and horses.] Relação parasito-hospedeiro entre Psoroptes equi e eqüinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):207-209. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br Horses, abandoned by their owners (stray horses) along the main roads in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, and brought by the Federal Police to a quarantine station at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, were included in the study. A total of 1,121 horses were examined from November 1998 to November 2000. Skin scrapings from 107 (9.5%) horses with signs of psoroptic mange resulted in 37 (34.6%) positive animals for Psoroptes equi. There was no statistical correlation between prevalence and host age or sex (c2, p>0,05). P. equi was diagnosed in animals with different hair color. The dorsal region (withers to hip) was the most affected area of the body.

• Psoroptes equi Acari Psoroptidae mange horses Brazil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Tancredi M.G.F., Faccini J.L.H., Tancredi I.P., Martins I.V.F. & Scott F.B. 2005. [The host-relationship between Psoroptes equi and horses.] Relação parasito-hospedeiro entre Psoroptes equi e eqüinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):207-209. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br Horses, abandoned by their owners (stray horses) along the main roads in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, and brought by the Federal Police to a quarantine station at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, were included in the study. A total of 1,121 horses were examined from November 1998 to November 2000. Skin scrapings from 107 (9.5%) horses with signs of psoroptic mange resulted in 37 (34.6%) positive animals for Psoroptes equi. There was no statistical correlation between prevalence and host age or sex (c2, p>0,05). P. equi was diagnosed in animals with different hair color. The dorsal region (withers to hip) was the most affected area of the body.

Abstract in English:

Caron L., Brum M.C.S., Moraes M.P., Golde W.T., Arns C.W. & Grubman M.J. 2005. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor does not increase the potency or efficacy of a foot-and-mouth disease virus subunit vaccine. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):150-158. USDA, ARS, PIADC-FMD Research Unit, PO.Box 848, Greenport, NY 11944 0848, USA. E-mail: mgrubman@piadc.ars.usda.gov Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most feared diseases of livestock worldwide. Vaccination has been a very effective weapon in controlling the disease, however a number of concerns with the current vaccine including the inability of approved diagnostic tests to reliably distinguish vaccinated from infected animals and the need for high containment facilities for vaccine production, have limited its use during outbreaks in countries previously free of the disease. A number of FMD vaccine candidates have been tested and a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector containing the FMDV capsid (P1-2A) and 3C protease coding regions has been shown to completely protect pigs against challenge with the homologous virus (FMDV A12 and A24). An Ad5-P1-2A+3C vaccine for FMDV O1 Campos (Ad5-O1C), however, only induced a low FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response in swine potency tests. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been successfully used to stimulate the immune response in vaccine formulations against a number of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis C and B. To attempt to improve the FMDV-specific immune response induced by Ad5-O1C, we inoculated swine with Ad5-O1C and an Ad5 vector containing the gene for porcine GM-CSF (pGM-CSF). However, in the conditions used in this trial, pGM-CSF did not improve the immune response to Ad5-O1C and adversely affected the level of protection of swine challenged with homologous FMDV.

• Foot-and-mouth disease virus O1 Campos Adenovirus Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Caron L., Brum M.C.S., Moraes M.P., Golde W.T., Arns C.W. & Grubman M.J. 2005. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor does not increase the potency or efficacy of a foot-and-mouth disease virus subunit vaccine. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):150-158. USDA, ARS, PIADC-FMD Research Unit, PO.Box 848, Greenport, NY 11944 0848, USA. E-mail: mgrubman@piadc.ars.usda.gov Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most feared diseases of livestock worldwide. Vaccination has been a very effective weapon in controlling the disease, however a number of concerns with the current vaccine including the inability of approved diagnostic tests to reliably distinguish vaccinated from infected animals and the need for high containment facilities for vaccine production, have limited its use during outbreaks in countries previously free of the disease. A number of FMD vaccine candidates have been tested and a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector containing the FMDV capsid (P1-2A) and 3C protease coding regions has been shown to completely protect pigs against challenge with the homologous virus (FMDV A12 and A24). An Ad5-P1-2A+3C vaccine for FMDV O1 Campos (Ad5-O1C), however, only induced a low FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response in swine potency tests. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been successfully used to stimulate the immune response in vaccine formulations against a number of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis C and B. To attempt to improve the FMDV-specific immune response induced by Ad5-O1C, we inoculated swine with Ad5-O1C and an Ad5 vector containing the gene for porcine GM-CSF (pGM-CSF). However, in the conditions used in this trial, pGM-CSF did not improve the immune response to Ad5-O1C and adversely affected the level of protection of swine challenged with homologous FMDV.

Abstract in English:

Nóbrega Jr J.E., Riet-Correa F., Nóbrega R.S., Medeiros J.M., Vasconcelos J.S., Simões S.V.D. & Tabosa I.M. 2005. [Perinatal mortality of lambs in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil.] Mortalidade perinatal de cordeiros no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):171-178. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The causes of perinatal lamb mortality were studied, from March 2002 to October 2004, on 27 farms in the semiarid region of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In 90 lambs necropsied the following frequency of different causes of death was found: neonatal infections (41.1%), malformations (23.3%), dystocia (10%), starvation/hypothermia (10%), abortion (4.4%), and predation (2.2%). Regarding the time of death, 4.4% of the lambs died before parturition, 10% during parturition, 30% on the first day after parturition, 20% between the second and the third day, and 35.6% between the 4th and the 28th day after parturition. The assistance during parturition, umbilical disinfection of the neonates, colostrum ingestion between 2 and 6 hours after parturition, and keeping the ewes in healthy environmental conditions during and after parturition could improve lamb surviving. The high frequency of malformations in different breeds suggests that malformations are due to a toxic plant. The main defects were permanent flexure of the front legs, brachygnathia, cleft palate, and other head malformations. In a recent report the authors demonstrated the teratogenic effects of Mimosa tenuiflora, a very common plant in the semiarid region, which is probably the cause of those malformations. Lambs which died due to starvation/hypothermia and had low birth weight (1.37 ± 0.70kg), suggesting that a better nutrition of the ewe during the last trimester of gestation is a way to control this cause of lamb mortality. Considering that in the northeastern region, in most farms, the rams stay with the ewes during the whole year, the adoption of a breeding season would help to control the different causes of perinatal lamb mortality.

• Lamb mortality newborn lambs sheep production perinatal mortality.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Nóbrega Jr J.E., Riet-Correa F., Nóbrega R.S., Medeiros J.M., Vasconcelos J.S., Simões S.V.D. & Tabosa I.M. 2005. [Perinatal mortality of lambs in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil.] Mortalidade perinatal de cordeiros no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):171-178. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The causes of perinatal lamb mortality were studied, from March 2002 to October 2004, on 27 farms in the semiarid region of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In 90 lambs necropsied the following frequency of different causes of death was found: neonatal infections (41.1%), malformations (23.3%), dystocia (10%), starvation/hypothermia (10%), abortion (4.4%), and predation (2.2%). Regarding the time of death, 4.4% of the lambs died before parturition, 10% during parturition, 30% on the first day after parturition, 20% between the second and the third day, and 35.6% between the 4th and the 28th day after parturition. The assistance during parturition, umbilical disinfection of the neonates, colostrum ingestion between 2 and 6 hours after parturition, and keeping the ewes in healthy environmental conditions during and after parturition could improve lamb surviving. The high frequency of malformations in different breeds suggests that malformations are due to a toxic plant. The main defects were permanent flexure of the front legs, brachygnathia, cleft palate, and other head malformations. In a recent report the authors demonstrated the teratogenic effects of Mimosa tenuiflora, a very common plant in the semiarid region, which is probably the cause of those malformations. Lambs which died due to starvation/hypothermia and had low birth weight (1.37 ± 0.70kg), suggesting that a better nutrition of the ewe during the last trimester of gestation is a way to control this cause of lamb mortality. Considering that in the northeastern region, in most farms, the rams stay with the ewes during the whole year, the adoption of a breeding season would help to control the different causes of perinatal lamb mortality.

Abstract in English:

Brito M.F., Seixas J.N., Jabour F.F., Andrade G.B., Cunha B.R.M., França T.N. & Peixoto P.V. 2005. [About an outbreak of cumarin poisoning in cattle.] Sobre um surto de envenenamento por derivado cumarínico em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):143-149. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: marilene@ufrrj.br An outbreak of cumarin poisoning which occurred in feedlot cattle in the county of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, is described. Three from 43 animal died. The main manifestations included bloody diarrhea, apathy, anorexia, sialorrhoe, incoordenation and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examinations there were mainly hemorrhages of varies forms and intensity in several organs, which also were seen at histopathological examination. Analysis for cumarin derivates of rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum contents, of liver and kidney samples, as well as of food collected from the trough, resulted positive for cumarin compounds which included warfarin, bromadiolone and brodifacoum. Feeding experiments with food stored at the property resulted negative. An intentional or accidental act could not be excluded. Animals that did not feed from the same trough did not get sick.

• umarin poisoning cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Brito M.F., Seixas J.N., Jabour F.F., Andrade G.B., Cunha B.R.M., França T.N. & Peixoto P.V. 2005. [About an outbreak of cumarin poisoning in cattle.] Sobre um surto de envenenamento por derivado cumarínico em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):143-149. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: marilene@ufrrj.br An outbreak of cumarin poisoning which occurred in feedlot cattle in the county of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, is described. Three from 43 animal died. The main manifestations included bloody diarrhea, apathy, anorexia, sialorrhoe, incoordenation and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examinations there were mainly hemorrhages of varies forms and intensity in several organs, which also were seen at histopathological examination. Analysis for cumarin derivates of rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum contents, of liver and kidney samples, as well as of food collected from the trough, resulted positive for cumarin compounds which included warfarin, bromadiolone and brodifacoum. Feeding experiments with food stored at the property resulted negative. An intentional or accidental act could not be excluded. Animals that did not feed from the same trough did not get sick.

Abstract in English:

Peixoto P.V., Malafaia P., Barbosa J.D. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Principles of mineral supplementation in ruminants.] Princípios de suplementação mineral em ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):195-200. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br Although there is solid knowledge on mineral deficiencies and their consequences on health and productivity of cattle in Brazil, paradoxically, those informations, most of the time, are not used by professionals of the agricultural sciences, who persist in stimulating the widespread use of the so-called complete mineral mixtures. The deficiency of many minerals included in these supplements, as iron, chrome, sulfur, and others, do not occur under natural conditions or only in rare and very particular situations. The present paper deals with the misunderstandings and problems related to traditional mineral supplementation and discusses the main aspects of the so-called selective mineral supplementation that is based in supplying exclusively the deficient mineral(s) and these only in necessary amounts. This procedure can result in expressive economy (sometimes up to 700%) when compared with the commercial mineral supplementation usually employed. According to several estimates, mineral supplementation can account for 20 to 30% of the total cost of beef cattle production on tropical pastures. A reversion assay, in which a group of cattle receives the commercial mineral mixture routinely used on the farm, and another group which receives the selective supplement, is the best option for the elucidation of positive or negative effects between the two possibilities of mineral supplementation on a specific farm. Trough this assay, the effects of the two compositions of mineral supplements can be investigated rationally over a sufficient period of time, with no risks and minimal possibilities of economic losses.

• Mineral deficiencies mineral supplementation ruminants cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Peixoto P.V., Malafaia P., Barbosa J.D. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Principles of mineral supplementation in ruminants.] Princípios de suplementação mineral em ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):195-200. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br Although there is solid knowledge on mineral deficiencies and their consequences on health and productivity of cattle in Brazil, paradoxically, those informations, most of the time, are not used by professionals of the agricultural sciences, who persist in stimulating the widespread use of the so-called complete mineral mixtures. The deficiency of many minerals included in these supplements, as iron, chrome, sulfur, and others, do not occur under natural conditions or only in rare and very particular situations. The present paper deals with the misunderstandings and problems related to traditional mineral supplementation and discusses the main aspects of the so-called selective mineral supplementation that is based in supplying exclusively the deficient mineral(s) and these only in necessary amounts. This procedure can result in expressive economy (sometimes up to 700%) when compared with the commercial mineral supplementation usually employed. According to several estimates, mineral supplementation can account for 20 to 30% of the total cost of beef cattle production on tropical pastures. A reversion assay, in which a group of cattle receives the commercial mineral mixture routinely used on the farm, and another group which receives the selective supplement, is the best option for the elucidation of positive or negative effects between the two possibilities of mineral supplementation on a specific farm. Trough this assay, the effects of the two compositions of mineral supplements can be investigated rationally over a sufficient period of time, with no risks and minimal possibilities of economic losses.

Abstract in English:

Zafalon L.F., Nader Filho A., Oliveira J.V. & Resende F.D. 2005. [Electrical conductivity and chloride concentration of milk as auxiliary diagnostic methods in bovine subclinical mastitis.] Comportamento da condutividade elétrica e do conteúdo de cloretos do leite como métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico na mastite subclínica bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):159-163. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, FACVJ, Unesp - Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/no, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: zafalon@iz.sp.gov.br Electrical conductivity measured by a hand-held meter and chloride concentration of milk were studied as auxiliary methods for diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis in the identification of affected mammary quarters where Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium sp were later isolated. Tests were made during 2 years in Holstein cows of a dairy farm producing type C milk, where milking was performed once a day. Sensitivities of electrical conductivity and chloride concentration tests from mammary quarters, where Corynebacterium sp was isolated (65.3% and 78.3%, respectively), were superior to the found in mammary quarters where S. aureus was identified (55.4% and 68.2%, respectively). The efficacies of the two diagnostic tests were similar. Statistical significance was demonstrated with regression analysis of both tests of healthy mammary quarters and subclinical mastitis quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

• Bovine subclinical mastitis electric conductivity chloride level Staphylococcus aureus Corynebacterium sp.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Zafalon L.F., Nader Filho A., Oliveira J.V. & Resende F.D. 2005. [Electrical conductivity and chloride concentration of milk as auxiliary diagnostic methods in bovine subclinical mastitis.] Comportamento da condutividade elétrica e do conteúdo de cloretos do leite como métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico na mastite subclínica bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):159-163. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, FACVJ, Unesp - Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/no, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: zafalon@iz.sp.gov.br Electrical conductivity measured by a hand-held meter and chloride concentration of milk were studied as auxiliary methods for diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis in the identification of affected mammary quarters where Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium sp were later isolated. Tests were made during 2 years in Holstein cows of a dairy farm producing type C milk, where milking was performed once a day. Sensitivities of electrical conductivity and chloride concentration tests from mammary quarters, where Corynebacterium sp was isolated (65.3% and 78.3%, respectively), were superior to the found in mammary quarters where S. aureus was identified (55.4% and 68.2%, respectively). The efficacies of the two diagnostic tests were similar. Statistical significance was demonstrated with regression analysis of both tests of healthy mammary quarters and subclinical mastitis quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract in English:

Catto J.B., Bianchin I., Torres Junior R.A.A. 2005. [Effects of deworming of cow-calf beef herds in brazilian savannas.] Efeitos da everminação de matrizes e de bezerros lactentes em sistema de produção de bovinos de corte na região de Cerrado. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):188-194. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Rodov. 162, Km 4, Campo Grande, MS 79002-950, Brazil. E-mail: catto@cnpgc.embrapa.br The effect of deworming with ivermectin of cows before calving and of suckling calves on fecal egg counts (EPG) and productive performance of two beef cattle herds in Central Brazil was studied. Four groups of pregnant cows received the following treatments: T1- cows and calves not treated, T2- only calves treated, T3- only cows treated, and T4- cows and calves treated. The calves of T2 and T4 were distributed in the following treatments: A- calves treated at 3 to 5 months of age with long action ivermectin, B- treated with ivermectin, and C- control. For the cows, the deworming did not diminish the EPG during lactation and also did not have significant effect on the conception rate, live weight gain and the body weight of their calves at 3 to 5 months of age. The calves of treatment A gained, from the time of treatment to weaning (84 to 108 days), an average of 4.2kg (P=0.0003) and 7.1kg (P<0.0001) more than those of treatment B and C, respectively. The average difference in live weight gain of 2.9kg between the animals of treatment B and C was not significant. The EPG before treatment was not significantly different from the treatments (P=0.8665); but at weaning, the average EPG of the calves from treatment A was lower than for treatment B (P=0.0004) and C (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean EPG for the calves from treatment B and C.

• Beef cattle cows suckling calves nematodes treatment Brazilian savannas.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Catto J.B., Bianchin I., Torres Junior R.A.A. 2005. [Effects of deworming of cow-calf beef herds in brazilian savannas.] Efeitos da everminação de matrizes e de bezerros lactentes em sistema de produção de bovinos de corte na região de Cerrado. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):188-194. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Rodov. 162, Km 4, Campo Grande, MS 79002-950, Brazil. E-mail: catto@cnpgc.embrapa.br The effect of deworming with ivermectin of cows before calving and of suckling calves on fecal egg counts (EPG) and productive performance of two beef cattle herds in Central Brazil was studied. Four groups of pregnant cows received the following treatments: T1- cows and calves not treated, T2- only calves treated, T3- only cows treated, and T4- cows and calves treated. The calves of T2 and T4 were distributed in the following treatments: A- calves treated at 3 to 5 months of age with long action ivermectin, B- treated with ivermectin, and C- control. For the cows, the deworming did not diminish the EPG during lactation and also did not have significant effect on the conception rate, live weight gain and the body weight of their calves at 3 to 5 months of age. The calves of treatment A gained, from the time of treatment to weaning (84 to 108 days), an average of 4.2kg (P=0.0003) and 7.1kg (P<0.0001) more than those of treatment B and C, respectively. The average difference in live weight gain of 2.9kg between the animals of treatment B and C was not significant. The EPG before treatment was not significantly different from the treatments (P=0.8665); but at weaning, the average EPG of the calves from treatment A was lower than for treatment B (P=0.0004) and C (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean EPG for the calves from treatment B and C.

Abstract in English:

Amorim S.L., Oliveira A.C.P., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Medeiros R.M.T. & Clementino I.J. 2005. [Nutritional muscular dystrophy in sheep in Paraíba.] Distrofia muscular nutricional em ovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):120-124. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br An outbreak of nutritional muscular dystrophy is reported in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil affecting 3-4 months old Dorper sheep. The animals, weighing 30-40 kg, were fed ad libitum with milk, concentrated ration, Tifton hay, and a mineral mixture. Six out of 70 lambs were affected and died in the first 48 hours after the onset of the outbreak. Clinical signs were fever of 40-41ºC, incoordination followed by paralysis and recumbence, depression, prostration with decreased pupillary and corneal reflexes, decreased tonus of the tongue and maxilla, salivation, submaxillar edema, and increased cardiac and respiratory rates. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 6-12 hours. At necropsy of three animals, skeletal muscles were pale, the liver was yellowish and enlarged, the parotid, submaxillary, retropharyngeal, prescapular and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged with red surface, and red areas were observed on the lung surface. On histology, segmental muscular necrosis was observed in all skeletal muscles examined. The liver had centrilobular fatty degeneration, and congestion was observed in the lung and lymph nodes. From 48-96 hours after the begin of the outbreak, another 3 animals were affected. They were treated with Vitamin A, E and D complex; two of them died and one survived. On the same farm, a flock of 20 Santa Inês sheep of the same age as the affected animals, fed with the same food, but no milk, and another 900 sheep of different ages were not affected. The over nutrition of sheep with fast growing rates, and the stress caused by two days of water restriction to improve milk consumption had been predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease. It is also possible that some of the minerals supplemented interfered with selenium availability.

• Nutritional muscular dystrophy muscular segmental necrosis selenium and vitamine E deficiency sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Amorim S.L., Oliveira A.C.P., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Medeiros R.M.T. & Clementino I.J. 2005. [Nutritional muscular dystrophy in sheep in Paraíba.] Distrofia muscular nutricional em ovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):120-124. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br An outbreak of nutritional muscular dystrophy is reported in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil affecting 3-4 months old Dorper sheep. The animals, weighing 30-40 kg, were fed ad libitum with milk, concentrated ration, Tifton hay, and a mineral mixture. Six out of 70 lambs were affected and died in the first 48 hours after the onset of the outbreak. Clinical signs were fever of 40-41ºC, incoordination followed by paralysis and recumbence, depression, prostration with decreased pupillary and corneal reflexes, decreased tonus of the tongue and maxilla, salivation, submaxillar edema, and increased cardiac and respiratory rates. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 6-12 hours. At necropsy of three animals, skeletal muscles were pale, the liver was yellowish and enlarged, the parotid, submaxillary, retropharyngeal, prescapular and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged with red surface, and red areas were observed on the lung surface. On histology, segmental muscular necrosis was observed in all skeletal muscles examined. The liver had centrilobular fatty degeneration, and congestion was observed in the lung and lymph nodes. From 48-96 hours after the begin of the outbreak, another 3 animals were affected. They were treated with Vitamin A, E and D complex; two of them died and one survived. On the same farm, a flock of 20 Santa Inês sheep of the same age as the affected animals, fed with the same food, but no milk, and another 900 sheep of different ages were not affected. The over nutrition of sheep with fast growing rates, and the stress caused by two days of water restriction to improve milk consumption had been predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease. It is also possible that some of the minerals supplemented interfered with selenium availability.

Abstract in English:

Miranda Neto E.G., Afonso J.A.B., Mendonça C.L. & Almeida M.Z.P.R.B. 2005. [Clinical study and characteristics of the ruminal fluid of goats in experimentally induced lactic acidosis.] Estudo clínico e características do suco ruminal de caprinos com acidose láctica induzida experimentalmente. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):73-78. Clinica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: eldinemneto@hotmail.com The objective was to study the effects of ruminal lactic acidosis in goats, induced experimentally, on the clinical manifestations, the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the ruminal fluid. Ten 1 to 2 year old male goats, cross bred (SRD), with 25 kg body weight, in good health condition and housed in a stall, were rumen-fistulated. After establishing normal pattern for the variables studied, the acidosis was induced with the administration of 15g sucrose/kg body weight. Clinical and laboratorial observations were accomplished at intervals of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours, after the induction (PI). Already 4 hours PI the animals showed clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, increased heart frequency, ruminal atony, abdominal distention and diarrhea. The characteristics of the ruminal fluid suffered alterations, as reduction of the pH (below 5.0), and its color became a milky aspect, acid smell and aqueous consistency. The time of sedimentation activity (TAS) was reduced and the dynamics of the fauna and flora were committed, with the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria. At the end of the observation period the analyzed variables were not yet fully re-established in some animals.

• Ruminal lactic acidosis goats ruminants.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Miranda Neto E.G., Afonso J.A.B., Mendonça C.L. & Almeida M.Z.P.R.B. 2005. [Clinical study and characteristics of the ruminal fluid of goats in experimentally induced lactic acidosis.] Estudo clínico e características do suco ruminal de caprinos com acidose láctica induzida experimentalmente. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):73-78. Clinica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: eldinemneto@hotmail.com The objective was to study the effects of ruminal lactic acidosis in goats, induced experimentally, on the clinical manifestations, the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the ruminal fluid. Ten 1 to 2 year old male goats, cross bred (SRD), with 25 kg body weight, in good health condition and housed in a stall, were rumen-fistulated. After establishing normal pattern for the variables studied, the acidosis was induced with the administration of 15g sucrose/kg body weight. Clinical and laboratorial observations were accomplished at intervals of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours, after the induction (PI). Already 4 hours PI the animals showed clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, increased heart frequency, ruminal atony, abdominal distention and diarrhea. The characteristics of the ruminal fluid suffered alterations, as reduction of the pH (below 5.0), and its color became a milky aspect, acid smell and aqueous consistency. The time of sedimentation activity (TAS) was reduced and the dynamics of the fauna and flora were committed, with the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria. At the end of the observation period the analyzed variables were not yet fully re-established in some animals.

Abstract in English:

Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Souza A.M. 2005. [Botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter.] Botulismo em bovinos alimentados com cama de frango. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):115-119. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16065-080, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br Outbreaks of botulism caused by type C and D of the botulinum toxin are frequent in Brazil, and are associated with bone chewing and ingestion of contaminated food and water. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratorial aspects of 7 outbreaks of botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter, which occurred in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1989-2000. Five outbreaks occurred in beef cattle herds, raised in confinement or under pasture conditions and supplemented with poultry litter, and 2 outbreaks occurred in dairy farms. From o total of 1,535 cattle supplemented regularily with poultry litter 455 animals (29.64%) died within 2 to 4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality varied from 3.47 to 100% in the 7 outbreaks. In one of the farms the lethality was 60.52%, and in others more than 88.43%, reaching 100% in three farms. Clinical signs were progressive paralysis, difficulties in moving, decubitus, normal alertness, decreased muscular tonus of tongue and tail, sialorrhoe and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examination of 30 cattle no noteable changes were observed. Spores of Clostridium botulinum were found in poultry litter samples collected on 7 farms. In liver, ruminal and intestinal fluid samples from 30 necropsied cattle botulinum toxin of type C (5) and D (9) or of the CD complex (1) were found in at least one of the samples collected from 15 animals, which confirms the clincial, pathological and epidemiological diagnosis of botulism.

• Botulism cattle poultry litter.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Souza A.M. 2005. [Botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter.] Botulismo em bovinos alimentados com cama de frango. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):115-119. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16065-080, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br Outbreaks of botulism caused by type C and D of the botulinum toxin are frequent in Brazil, and are associated with bone chewing and ingestion of contaminated food and water. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratorial aspects of 7 outbreaks of botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter, which occurred in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1989-2000. Five outbreaks occurred in beef cattle herds, raised in confinement or under pasture conditions and supplemented with poultry litter, and 2 outbreaks occurred in dairy farms. From o total of 1,535 cattle supplemented regularily with poultry litter 455 animals (29.64%) died within 2 to 4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality varied from 3.47 to 100% in the 7 outbreaks. In one of the farms the lethality was 60.52%, and in others more than 88.43%, reaching 100% in three farms. Clinical signs were progressive paralysis, difficulties in moving, decubitus, normal alertness, decreased muscular tonus of tongue and tail, sialorrhoe and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examination of 30 cattle no noteable changes were observed. Spores of Clostridium botulinum were found in poultry litter samples collected on 7 farms. In liver, ruminal and intestinal fluid samples from 30 necropsied cattle botulinum toxin of type C (5) and D (9) or of the CD complex (1) were found in at least one of the samples collected from 15 animals, which confirms the clincial, pathological and epidemiological diagnosis of botulism.