PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Lemos E.R.S., D'Andrea P.S., Bonvicino C. R., Famadas K. M., Padula P., Cavalcanti A.A. & Schatzmayr H.G. 2004. Evidence of hantavirus infection in wild rodents captured in a rural area of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):71-73. Depto Virologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, 5º andar, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil. E-mail: elemos@ioc.fiocruz.br Hantaviruses are the etiological agents of the Hantavirus Cardio-Pulmonary Syndrome, a serious rodent-borne disease in Brazil. In order to investigate the occurrence of hantavirus infection in wild rodents, a survey was conducted in three different suburban areas of the municipality of Pedreira, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Of the 145 wild animals captured belonging to 12 different species identified by morphology and karyological analysis, 107 were rodents of the following species: Akodon montensis, Bolomys lasiurus, Calomys tener, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oligoryzomys flavescens, and Myocastor coypus. Blood samples from these rodents were assayed for the presence of antibodies against hantavirus by IgG ELISA using Andes recombinant nucleocapsid antigen. Antibody reactive to Andes virus was found in two different species, O. nigripes and O. flavescens. These results indicate a potential risk for hantavirus transmission to humans in this area, where reservoir rodents are present in peridomestic settings.

• Hantavirus rodent survey Pedreira São Paulo Brazil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lemos E.R.S., D'Andrea P.S., Bonvicino C. R., Famadas K. M., Padula P., Cavalcanti A.A. & Schatzmayr H.G. 2004. Evidence of hantavirus infection in wild rodents captured in a rural area of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):71-73. Depto Virologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, 5º andar, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil. E-mail: elemos@ioc.fiocruz.br Hantaviruses are the etiological agents of the Hantavirus Cardio-Pulmonary Syndrome, a serious rodent-borne disease in Brazil. In order to investigate the occurrence of hantavirus infection in wild rodents, a survey was conducted in three different suburban areas of the municipality of Pedreira, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Of the 145 wild animals captured belonging to 12 different species identified by morphology and karyological analysis, 107 were rodents of the following species: Akodon montensis, Bolomys lasiurus, Calomys tener, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oligoryzomys flavescens, and Myocastor coypus. Blood samples from these rodents were assayed for the presence of antibodies against hantavirus by IgG ELISA using Andes recombinant nucleocapsid antigen. Antibody reactive to Andes virus was found in two different species, O. nigripes and O. flavescens. These results indicate a potential risk for hantavirus transmission to humans in this area, where reservoir rodents are present in peridomestic settings.

Abstract in English:

Tokarnia C.H., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Brito M.F., Oliveira R.B. & Barbas L.A. 2004. [Comparative epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in buffalo and cattle.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos comparados da intoxicação por Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):74-79. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments showed that the clinical and pathological pictures were essentially the same, but the buffalo was at least twice more resistant than the bovine to the toxic effect of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandw. It was also shown that the young leaves are twice (October, end of the dry season) or one and a half (May, end of the rainy season) more toxic than the mature leaves, and that the plant is more toxic in October. These data indicate that the smaller incidence of poisoning by plants of the group that causes sudden death in buffaloes in the Amazon Region is, in part, due to the greater resistance of this animal species to the toxic action of the plant. Also important seems to be the coincidence of the preferential habitat of the buffalo (flooded areas) with the habitat of A. bilabiata, less toxic than Palicourea marcgravii St.Hil. which is a plant of the non-flooded areas, the preferential habitat of cattle.

• Plant poisoning Arrabidaea bilabiata Bignoniaceae toxicity buffalo cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Tokarnia C.H., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Brito M.F., Oliveira R.B. & Barbas L.A. 2004. [Comparative epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in buffalo and cattle.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos comparados da intoxicação por Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):74-79. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments showed that the clinical and pathological pictures were essentially the same, but the buffalo was at least twice more resistant than the bovine to the toxic effect of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandw. It was also shown that the young leaves are twice (October, end of the dry season) or one and a half (May, end of the rainy season) more toxic than the mature leaves, and that the plant is more toxic in October. These data indicate that the smaller incidence of poisoning by plants of the group that causes sudden death in buffaloes in the Amazon Region is, in part, due to the greater resistance of this animal species to the toxic action of the plant. Also important seems to be the coincidence of the preferential habitat of the buffalo (flooded areas) with the habitat of A. bilabiata, less toxic than Palicourea marcgravii St.Hil. which is a plant of the non-flooded areas, the preferential habitat of cattle.

Abstract in English:

Bessa M.C., Costa M. & Cardoso M. 2004. [Prevalence of Salmonella sp. carrier pigs in slaughterhouses of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Prevalência de Salmonella sp em suínos abatidos em frígoríficos do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):80-84. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: mcardoso@vortex.ufrgs.br This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella positive pigs at slaughterhouses under federal inspection in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Samples of feces and lymph nodes of 300 animals were collected in three different slaughterhouses, and submitted to bacteriological analysis. The prevalence of Salmonella carrier animals was 55.66%, being 17.6% of the animals Salmonella positive in lymph nodes, 18.3% in feces and 19.6% in both materials. Twenty-six different serovars were identified among 226 Salmonella isolates. The most prevalent serovars were: Typhimurium (24.3%), Agona (19.9%), Derby (13.2%) e Bredeney (12%). These results point out the need of control programs to reduce the prevalence of carrier pigs at slaughter.

• Salmonella swine lymph nodes feces.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Bessa M.C., Costa M. & Cardoso M. 2004. [Prevalence of Salmonella sp. carrier pigs in slaughterhouses of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Prevalência de Salmonella sp em suínos abatidos em frígoríficos do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):80-84. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: mcardoso@vortex.ufrgs.br This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella positive pigs at slaughterhouses under federal inspection in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Samples of feces and lymph nodes of 300 animals were collected in three different slaughterhouses, and submitted to bacteriological analysis. The prevalence of Salmonella carrier animals was 55.66%, being 17.6% of the animals Salmonella positive in lymph nodes, 18.3% in feces and 19.6% in both materials. Twenty-six different serovars were identified among 226 Salmonella isolates. The most prevalent serovars were: Typhimurium (24.3%), Agona (19.9%), Derby (13.2%) e Bredeney (12%). These results point out the need of control programs to reduce the prevalence of carrier pigs at slaughter.

Abstract in English:

Canal C.W., Ferreira D.J., Macagnan M., Fallavena L.C.B., Moraes H.L.S. & Wald V.B. 2004. Prevalence of antibodies against chicken anaemia virus (CAV) in broiler breeders in Southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):89-92. Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Patologia Aviária (CDPA), Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: claudio.canal@ufrgs.br Chicks infected during the first two weeks of life with chicken anaemia virus (CAV) manifest clinical disease that can be avoided if the breeder hens transfer enough antibodies to their progeny. The objective of the present work was to establish the prevalence and titer of anti-CAV antibodies in some Brazilian broiler hen breeder flocks and verify in which phase of life the birds were infected. A total of 1,709 serum samples from 12 broiler hen flocks vaccinated against CAV and 64 unvaccinated flocks were analyzed for CAV antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All non-vaccinated breeder flocks were found to be infected with CAV, with 89% of the hens tested presenting antibodies, 52% of these with titers considered high enough to protect their progeny against CAV infection. Likewise, all vaccinated hens had antibody titer to CAV capable of conferring protection to their progeny. Thus, vaccination of hens seems capable of conferring protection to chicks against clinically apparent CAV-associated disease.

• Antibodies avian pathology chicken anemia virus CAV epidemiology prevalence.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Canal C.W., Ferreira D.J., Macagnan M., Fallavena L.C.B., Moraes H.L.S. & Wald V.B. 2004. Prevalence of antibodies against chicken anaemia virus (CAV) in broiler breeders in Southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):89-92. Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Patologia Aviária (CDPA), Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: claudio.canal@ufrgs.br Chicks infected during the first two weeks of life with chicken anaemia virus (CAV) manifest clinical disease that can be avoided if the breeder hens transfer enough antibodies to their progeny. The objective of the present work was to establish the prevalence and titer of anti-CAV antibodies in some Brazilian broiler hen breeder flocks and verify in which phase of life the birds were infected. A total of 1,709 serum samples from 12 broiler hen flocks vaccinated against CAV and 64 unvaccinated flocks were analyzed for CAV antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All non-vaccinated breeder flocks were found to be infected with CAV, with 89% of the hens tested presenting antibodies, 52% of these with titers considered high enough to protect their progeny against CAV infection. Likewise, all vaccinated hens had antibody titer to CAV capable of conferring protection to their progeny. Thus, vaccination of hens seems capable of conferring protection to chicks against clinically apparent CAV-associated disease.

Abstract in English:

Sallis E.S.V., Raffi M.B. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [Experimental poisoning in sheep with frozen or dried Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.] Intoxicação experimental em ovinos com Ramaria flavo-brunnescens congelada ou dessecada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):107-110. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: esvsallis@yahoo.com.br Ramaria flavo-brunnescens is a toxic mushroom affecting cattle and sheep. Its active principle is unknown. The experiment was done to obtain information about the toxicity of the mushroom after been frozen or dried. R. flavo-brunnescens was collected in autumn 1991. One part was frozen at –15ºC for 2-4 months, and another was dried in the shade. Other samples collected at the same time were given immediately after harvest to two sheep, at a total dose of 200 g/kg for 3 and 4 days, causing severe poisoning. The dried mushroom did not cause clinical signs at doses of 60 and 75 g/kg bw (equivalent to 400 and 500 g/kg of the fresh mushroom). The frozen mushroom at 200 g/kg bw caused hyperthermia, depression, hyperemia of the sclera and hemorrhages of the anterior chamber of the eye. Sheep that ingested 350 and 400 g/kg bw showed also nervous signs, and with the highest dose hyperemic lesions of the coronary band. All sheep recovered within 3 to 12 days. Clinical signs when given the frozen mushroom were less severe than clinical signs induced by the fresh mushroom. These results showed loss of toxicity of the dried material and decrease of toxicity of the frozen mushroom. It is suggested that chemical analyses for the toxic principle can be performed with the frozen or lyophilized mushroom.

• Poisonous plants toxic mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Sallis E.S.V., Raffi M.B. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [Experimental poisoning in sheep with frozen or dried Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.] Intoxicação experimental em ovinos com Ramaria flavo-brunnescens congelada ou dessecada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):107-110. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: esvsallis@yahoo.com.br Ramaria flavo-brunnescens is a toxic mushroom affecting cattle and sheep. Its active principle is unknown. The experiment was done to obtain information about the toxicity of the mushroom after been frozen or dried. R. flavo-brunnescens was collected in autumn 1991. One part was frozen at –15ºC for 2-4 months, and another was dried in the shade. Other samples collected at the same time were given immediately after harvest to two sheep, at a total dose of 200 g/kg for 3 and 4 days, causing severe poisoning. The dried mushroom did not cause clinical signs at doses of 60 and 75 g/kg bw (equivalent to 400 and 500 g/kg of the fresh mushroom). The frozen mushroom at 200 g/kg bw caused hyperthermia, depression, hyperemia of the sclera and hemorrhages of the anterior chamber of the eye. Sheep that ingested 350 and 400 g/kg bw showed also nervous signs, and with the highest dose hyperemic lesions of the coronary band. All sheep recovered within 3 to 12 days. Clinical signs when given the frozen mushroom were less severe than clinical signs induced by the fresh mushroom. These results showed loss of toxicity of the dried material and decrease of toxicity of the frozen mushroom. It is suggested that chemical analyses for the toxic principle can be performed with the frozen or lyophilized mushroom.

Abstract in English:

Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Vasconcelos J.S. & Medeiros J.M. 2004. [Floppy Kid Syndrome.] Síndrome do Cabrito Mole (“Floppy Kid”). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):111-113. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The Floppy Kid Syndrome is an acute disease of unknown cause, which affects 3 to 10 day-old kids. It is characterized by severe depression, flacid paralysis, dilatation of the abdomen and metabolic acidosis, without dehydration (paradoxical acidosis). The disease was decribed for the first time in the United States in 1987 and later in Canada and several countries in Europe (Tremblay et al. 1991, Meier 2002). This paper has the objective to show the characteristics of the disease, which already has been diagnosed in Paraíba and occurs probably in other states of Brazil, so that veterinarians and research workers could recognize it and give informations, which may clarify its etiology and pathogenic aspects. Additionally, the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of four outbreaks of floppy kid syndrome in Paraiba are reported.

• “Cabrito Mole” Floppy Kid goats acidosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Vasconcelos J.S. & Medeiros J.M. 2004. [Floppy Kid Syndrome.] Síndrome do Cabrito Mole (“Floppy Kid”). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):111-113. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The Floppy Kid Syndrome is an acute disease of unknown cause, which affects 3 to 10 day-old kids. It is characterized by severe depression, flacid paralysis, dilatation of the abdomen and metabolic acidosis, without dehydration (paradoxical acidosis). The disease was decribed for the first time in the United States in 1987 and later in Canada and several countries in Europe (Tremblay et al. 1991, Meier 2002). This paper has the objective to show the characteristics of the disease, which already has been diagnosed in Paraíba and occurs probably in other states of Brazil, so that veterinarians and research workers could recognize it and give informations, which may clarify its etiology and pathogenic aspects. Additionally, the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of four outbreaks of floppy kid syndrome in Paraiba are reported.

Abstract in English:

Portiansky E.L., Quiroga M.A., Machuca M.A. & Perfumo C.J. 2004. Mycoplasma suis in naturally infected pigs: an ultrastructural and morphometric study. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):1-5. Instituto de Patología, Faculdad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, C.C. 296, (1900) La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-mail: elporti@fcv.unlp.edu.ar Swine eperythrozoonosis is a haemotrophic disease caused by Eperythrozoon suis, actually called Mycoplasma suis, an extracellular bacterial organism that apparently adheres to pig erythrocyte membrane, inducing its deformation and damage. Since little is known about the ultrastructural and morphometrical aspects of this microorganism, the present work aimed to deal with these issues. The ultrastructural study revealed the presence of structures corresponding to tubules disseminated throughout the soma of M. suis. A variable separation between the microorganism membrane and that of the erythrocyte was also observed. The structural and positional attitude of M. suis could allow speculation about its mechanism of action.

• Eperythrozoonosis Mycoplasma suis ultrastructure morphometry pathogenesis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Portiansky E.L., Quiroga M.A., Machuca M.A. & Perfumo C.J. 2004. Mycoplasma suis in naturally infected pigs: an ultrastructural and morphometric study. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):1-5. Instituto de Patología, Faculdad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, C.C. 296, (1900) La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-mail: elporti@fcv.unlp.edu.ar Swine eperythrozoonosis is a haemotrophic disease caused by Eperythrozoon suis, actually called Mycoplasma suis, an extracellular bacterial organism that apparently adheres to pig erythrocyte membrane, inducing its deformation and damage. Since little is known about the ultrastructural and morphometrical aspects of this microorganism, the present work aimed to deal with these issues. The ultrastructural study revealed the presence of structures corresponding to tubules disseminated throughout the soma of M. suis. A variable separation between the microorganism membrane and that of the erythrocyte was also observed. The structural and positional attitude of M. suis could allow speculation about its mechanism of action.

Abstract in English:

Pereira M.S.V., Siqueira Júnior J.P. & Campos Takaki G.M. 2004. [Elimination of resistance to drugs by fluoroquinolones in bovine strains of Staphylococcus aureus.] Eliminação de resistência a drogas por fluorquinolonas em Staphylococcus aureus de origem bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):11-14. Depto Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58059-900, Brazil. E-mail: svieira@dbm.ufpb.br Bovine strains of Staphylococcus aureus were submitted to treatment with four fluoro-quinolones in subinhibitory concentrations (1/2 x MICs) to evaluate their influence on the curing of plasmids. Ciprofloxacin showed to be the most efficient by eliminating resistance to streptomycin, tetracyclin, penicillin, and cadmium nitrate. Norfloxacin and pefloxacin eliminated penicillin- and tetracyclin-resistance respectively. Otherwise, plasmids elimination by ofloxacin was not evidenced. The results obtained in this study confirm the potential of fluoroquinolones to eliminate antibiotic-resistant plasmids, and showed to be a valuable contribution for the prevention of multi-resistant strains, and may even enhance their sensitivity to other chemotherapeutic agents.

• Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolones elimination of resistance to drugs.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Pereira M.S.V., Siqueira Júnior J.P. & Campos Takaki G.M. 2004. [Elimination of resistance to drugs by fluoroquinolones in bovine strains of Staphylococcus aureus.] Eliminação de resistência a drogas por fluorquinolonas em Staphylococcus aureus de origem bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):11-14. Depto Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58059-900, Brazil. E-mail: svieira@dbm.ufpb.br Bovine strains of Staphylococcus aureus were submitted to treatment with four fluoro-quinolones in subinhibitory concentrations (1/2 x MICs) to evaluate their influence on the curing of plasmids. Ciprofloxacin showed to be the most efficient by eliminating resistance to streptomycin, tetracyclin, penicillin, and cadmium nitrate. Norfloxacin and pefloxacin eliminated penicillin- and tetracyclin-resistance respectively. Otherwise, plasmids elimination by ofloxacin was not evidenced. The results obtained in this study confirm the potential of fluoroquinolones to eliminate antibiotic-resistant plasmids, and showed to be a valuable contribution for the prevention of multi-resistant strains, and may even enhance their sensitivity to other chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract in English:

Malafaia P., Pimentel V.A., Freitas K.P., Coelho C.D., Brito M.F. & Peixoto P.V. 2003. [Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements.] Desempenho ponderal, aspectos econômicos, nutricionais e clínicos de caprinos submetidos a dois esquemas de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):15-22. Depto de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: malafaia1@ig.com.br Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements were evaluated during 148 days in Seropédica county, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The animals were daily fed with fresh and chopped Andropogon gayanus or Pennisetum purpureum; the concentrate ration was formulated without a mineral mixture and was offered together with the forage of 300 up to 500 g/animal/day. Sixteen goats were divided into two groups of 8 animals each (4 small and 4 larger goats). For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group a selective mineral mixture containing only Na, P and Cu was offered. The animals were weighed every 30 days and the mineral supplement intake was measured monthly. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of the experimental period. There was no difference in daily weight gain when the selective or commercial mixture was given for both groups. The selective mineral supplementation was 2.3 (for the smaller animals) and 3.9 (for larger animals) times more economic than the conventional supplementation with a “complete” mineral mix. The two groups showed recovery of hair quality and had an increase of hair pigmentation around the eyes, which was attributed to the correction of copper deficiency. In the larger animals the intake of both supplements increased the red blood cells counts, and the haematocrit and haemoglobin values. The forage intake was sufficient to meet the Ca and Co needs of the animals, and for P the concentrate intake was sufficient to overcome the demand for this element. The requirement of zinc was supplied through the forage and the concentrate ration. Thus, when an adequate concentrate and a good quality forage is given, only the deficient mineral element(s) should be supplemented. In this specific case only Na and Cu should be given. The result of this experiment confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation – i.e. supplementation of the mineral element(s) deficient in the diet – was correct and can result in reduction of the cost with the mineral supplementation of a herd.

• Goats copper deficiency mineral supplementation tropical forages.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Malafaia P., Pimentel V.A., Freitas K.P., Coelho C.D., Brito M.F. & Peixoto P.V. 2003. [Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements.] Desempenho ponderal, aspectos econômicos, nutricionais e clínicos de caprinos submetidos a dois esquemas de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):15-22. Depto de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: malafaia1@ig.com.br Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements were evaluated during 148 days in Seropédica county, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The animals were daily fed with fresh and chopped Andropogon gayanus or Pennisetum purpureum; the concentrate ration was formulated without a mineral mixture and was offered together with the forage of 300 up to 500 g/animal/day. Sixteen goats were divided into two groups of 8 animals each (4 small and 4 larger goats). For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group a selective mineral mixture containing only Na, P and Cu was offered. The animals were weighed every 30 days and the mineral supplement intake was measured monthly. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of the experimental period. There was no difference in daily weight gain when the selective or commercial mixture was given for both groups. The selective mineral supplementation was 2.3 (for the smaller animals) and 3.9 (for larger animals) times more economic than the conventional supplementation with a “complete” mineral mix. The two groups showed recovery of hair quality and had an increase of hair pigmentation around the eyes, which was attributed to the correction of copper deficiency. In the larger animals the intake of both supplements increased the red blood cells counts, and the haematocrit and haemoglobin values. The forage intake was sufficient to meet the Ca and Co needs of the animals, and for P the concentrate intake was sufficient to overcome the demand for this element. The requirement of zinc was supplied through the forage and the concentrate ration. Thus, when an adequate concentrate and a good quality forage is given, only the deficient mineral element(s) should be supplemented. In this specific case only Na and Cu should be given. The result of this experiment confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation – i.e. supplementation of the mineral element(s) deficient in the diet – was correct and can result in reduction of the cost with the mineral supplementation of a herd.

Abstract in English:

Cattani C.S.O., Colodel E.M., Traverso S.D., Correa A.M.R., & Driemeier D. 2004. [Experimental poisoning by Dodonea viscosa (Sapindaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Dodonea viscosa (Sapindaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):31-34. Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@terra.com.br The leaves of Dodonea viscosa were force fed to five bovines. Four received the leaves in fresh green stage and the fifth dried ones. Clinical signs were observed in four of the bovines that died; the fifth did not show signs of poisoning. The fresh green plant was proved to be toxic from a dose of 25g/kg on. Dried leaves fed at the dose of 30 g/kg were also toxic. All the animals that died showed clinical signs from 13h30min to 45h after the ingestion of the plant and and death followed within about 48h. The clinical course lasted for about 8h30min until death. The main symptoms where apathy, anorexia, slight tenesmus, muscle trembling, difficulties to keep consciousness, pressing the head against obstacles, lateral recumbency, paddling movements, coma and death. The most significant macroscopic alterations were observed in the liver, with accentuation of the lobular pattern, dark-red areas interspersed with yellowish areas. Petechiae were found in serosal membranes of the abdominal and thoracic organs as well as the intestines. The main microscopic change was hepatic centrolobular coagulative necrosis, associated with congestion and hemorrhages.

• Dodonea viscosa diseases of cattle plant poisoning hepatocellular necrosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Cattani C.S.O., Colodel E.M., Traverso S.D., Correa A.M.R., & Driemeier D. 2004. [Experimental poisoning by Dodonea viscosa (Sapindaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por Dodonea viscosa (Sapindaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):31-34. Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@terra.com.br The leaves of Dodonea viscosa were force fed to five bovines. Four received the leaves in fresh green stage and the fifth dried ones. Clinical signs were observed in four of the bovines that died; the fifth did not show signs of poisoning. The fresh green plant was proved to be toxic from a dose of 25g/kg on. Dried leaves fed at the dose of 30 g/kg were also toxic. All the animals that died showed clinical signs from 13h30min to 45h after the ingestion of the plant and and death followed within about 48h. The clinical course lasted for about 8h30min until death. The main symptoms where apathy, anorexia, slight tenesmus, muscle trembling, difficulties to keep consciousness, pressing the head against obstacles, lateral recumbency, paddling movements, coma and death. The most significant macroscopic alterations were observed in the liver, with accentuation of the lobular pattern, dark-red areas interspersed with yellowish areas. Petechiae were found in serosal membranes of the abdominal and thoracic organs as well as the intestines. The main microscopic change was hepatic centrolobular coagulative necrosis, associated with congestion and hemorrhages.