PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Simões E.A., Jatene F.B., Bernardo W.M., Stopiglia A.J., Monteiro R, Fantoni D.T., Abduch C.D., Yasbek K.V.B., Irino E.T., Unruh S.M., Kahvegian M. & Soares A.L.H. 2007. [Viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs: a parametric, hemogasometric and radiological evaluation.] Viabilidade da pneumonectomia direita em cães: uma avaliação paramétrica, hemogasométrica e radiográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):447-454. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: edas@uol.com.br In dogs, the evidence of viability of the right pneumonectomy, as well as the study of complications resulting from surgical procedure, are very important regarding the few specific studies made on the pneumonectomy in this animal species. The objective of this project was to carry out an experimental study to evaluate the viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs through parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic evaluation. Ten adult healthy mongrel dogs, males and females, weighing 13-32 kg, were used. The dogs were submitted to selective intubation and right thoracotomy at the 5th intercostal space, where the pneumonectomy was performed. A radiografic evaluation was made on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgery, as well as parametric and hemogasometric evaluations were done (before anesthetic induction, 1 hour after extubation, 48 hours and on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgical procedure), considered important to evaluate possible complications due to the anesthetic and surgical techniques, as well as complications resulting from these procedures. The results were analyzed statistically. Besides the parametric and hemogasometric alterations, all dogs showed compensation for the gaseous exchanges after removing 57% of the pulmonary volume. Regarding the radiographic evaluation, it could be observed that the expansion of the remaining lung caused heart and lung displacement into the right hemithorax. It can be concluded that the right pneumonectomy is completely feasible in dogs, allowing a parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic satisfactory evaluation in all the animals.

• Pneumonectomy lung surgery dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Simões E.A., Jatene F.B., Bernardo W.M., Stopiglia A.J., Monteiro R, Fantoni D.T., Abduch C.D., Yasbek K.V.B., Irino E.T., Unruh S.M., Kahvegian M. & Soares A.L.H. 2007. [Viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs: a parametric, hemogasometric and radiological evaluation.] Viabilidade da pneumonectomia direita em cães: uma avaliação paramétrica, hemogasométrica e radiográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):447-454. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: edas@uol.com.br In dogs, the evidence of viability of the right pneumonectomy, as well as the study of complications resulting from surgical procedure, are very important regarding the few specific studies made on the pneumonectomy in this animal species. The objective of this project was to carry out an experimental study to evaluate the viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs through parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic evaluation. Ten adult healthy mongrel dogs, males and females, weighing 13-32 kg, were used. The dogs were submitted to selective intubation and right thoracotomy at the 5th intercostal space, where the pneumonectomy was performed. A radiografic evaluation was made on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgery, as well as parametric and hemogasometric evaluations were done (before anesthetic induction, 1 hour after extubation, 48 hours and on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgical procedure), considered important to evaluate possible complications due to the anesthetic and surgical techniques, as well as complications resulting from these procedures. The results were analyzed statistically. Besides the parametric and hemogasometric alterations, all dogs showed compensation for the gaseous exchanges after removing 57% of the pulmonary volume. Regarding the radiographic evaluation, it could be observed that the expansion of the remaining lung caused heart and lung displacement into the right hemithorax. It can be concluded that the right pneumonectomy is completely feasible in dogs, allowing a parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic satisfactory evaluation in all the animals.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rodrigues A.B., Athayde A.C.R., Rodrigues O.G., Silva W.W. & Faria E.B. 2007. [Evaluation of the efficacy of antihelmintics to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats raised in the state of Paraíba.] Sensibilidade dos nematóides gastrintestinais de caprinos a anti-helmínticos na mesorregião do sertão paraibano. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):162-166. Curso de Pós-Graduação de Medicina Veterinária em Pequenos Ruminantes, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: adrianabonfimr@yahoo.com.br The objective was to evaluate conventional and alternative anthelminthic action on the sensibility of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Hundred and twenty goats of both sexes were distributed into 10 groups of 24 animals each (12 males and 12 females) and submitted to treatments of specific anthelminthic composition. The commercial drugs used were moxidectin 0.2%, albendazole, levamisol chlorhydrate, ivermectin and an aqueous extract of the purgative potato (Operculina hamiltonii). The reduction test was applied through egg counts per gram of feces and larval culture to evaluate resistance. The fecal samples were collected in the day when medication was accomplished (day base), at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment. The following results for the reduction of Trichostrongyloidea eggs were obtained: Treatment of the females with Moxidectina reduced the egg counts to 92.8, 88.7 and 89.8%, of the males to 92.6, 96.2 and 98.1%; with Levamisol of the females to 96, 97.1 and 91%, of the males to 85.7, 94,2 and 100%; with Albendazol of the females 65, 60.3 and 75.4%, of the males 88.8, 88.8 and 55.5%; with Ivermectin of the females to 92.2, 68.6 and 70.6%, of the males to 41.7, 73.6 and 59.7%; and with the purgative potato of the females to 31.8, 34.1 and 49.4%, of the males to 61.5, 80.7 and 50%. In larval culture Haemonchus, followed by Bunostomum, Trichostrongylus, and Oesophagostomum, were identified even after treatments.

• Trichostrongyloidea gastrointestinal helminths anti-helminthics egg count

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rodrigues A.B., Athayde A.C.R., Rodrigues O.G., Silva W.W. & Faria E.B. 2007. [Evaluation of the efficacy of antihelmintics to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats raised in the state of Paraíba.] Sensibilidade dos nematóides gastrintestinais de caprinos a anti-helmínticos na mesorregião do sertão paraibano. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):162-166. Curso de Pós-Graduação de Medicina Veterinária em Pequenos Ruminantes, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: adrianabonfimr@yahoo.com.br The objective was to evaluate conventional and alternative anthelminthic action on the sensibility of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Hundred and twenty goats of both sexes were distributed into 10 groups of 24 animals each (12 males and 12 females) and submitted to treatments of specific anthelminthic composition. The commercial drugs used were moxidectin 0.2%, albendazole, levamisol chlorhydrate, ivermectin and an aqueous extract of the purgative potato (Operculina hamiltonii). The reduction test was applied through egg counts per gram of feces and larval culture to evaluate resistance. The fecal samples were collected in the day when medication was accomplished (day base), at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment. The following results for the reduction of Trichostrongyloidea eggs were obtained: Treatment of the females with Moxidectina reduced the egg counts to 92.8, 88.7 and 89.8%, of the males to 92.6, 96.2 and 98.1%; with Levamisol of the females to 96, 97.1 and 91%, of the males to 85.7, 94,2 and 100%; with Albendazol of the females 65, 60.3 and 75.4%, of the males 88.8, 88.8 and 55.5%; with Ivermectin of the females to 92.2, 68.6 and 70.6%, of the males to 41.7, 73.6 and 59.7%; and with the purgative potato of the females to 31.8, 34.1 and 49.4%, of the males to 61.5, 80.7 and 50%. In larval culture Haemonchus, followed by Bunostomum, Trichostrongylus, and Oesophagostomum, were identified even after treatments.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira K.D., França T.N., Nogueira V.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2006. [Diseases associated with selenium poisoning in animals.] Enfermidades associadas à intoxicação por selênio em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):125-136. Departamento de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: krishna.oliveira@uvv.br Trough a critical literature review, the main data of selenium poisoning in domestic animals are presented. Epidemiological, clinical, anatomic and histopathological aspects attributed to Alkali Disease, Blind Staggers, acute poisoning and focal symmetrical poliomielomalacia of swine are discussed. The main objective of the paper is to clarify obscure points of selenium poisoning, as well to point out the risks that supplementation with this element can represent.

• Selenium poisoning alkali disease blind staggers focal symmetrical poliomielomalacia

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira K.D., França T.N., Nogueira V.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2006. [Diseases associated with selenium poisoning in animals.] Enfermidades associadas à intoxicação por selênio em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):125-136. Departamento de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: krishna.oliveira@uvv.br Trough a critical literature review, the main data of selenium poisoning in domestic animals are presented. Epidemiological, clinical, anatomic and histopathological aspects attributed to Alkali Disease, Blind Staggers, acute poisoning and focal symmetrical poliomielomalacia of swine are discussed. The main objective of the paper is to clarify obscure points of selenium poisoning, as well to point out the risks that supplementation with this element can represent.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mathias L.A., Meirelles R.B. & Buchala F.G. 2007. [Stability of Brucella abortus whole cell antigen for use in the serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis by the complement fixation test.] Estabilidade do antígeno de célula total de Brucella abortus para uso no diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina pela reação de fixação de complemento. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):18-22. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: lmathias@fcav.unesp.br The complement fixation test is used worldwide in the confirmatory diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. For this technique the antigen is the same as the one used in the tube agglutination test. However, literature is poor in information about the stability of the whole cell Brucella antigen for use in the complement fixation test to establish a time of validity of the antigen. Hence the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the stability of this antigen under refrigeration for use in the complement fixation test. Fourteen batches of antigen prepared with Brucella abortus strain 1119/3, produced from 9 months to 23 years and 11 months before, were analysed. One hundred and sixty-seven cattle sera with varying titres of antibodies to Brucella were tested through the warm complement fixation microtechnique with five 50% haemolytic units of complement. Sera with at least 25% of complement fixation in dilution 1:4 were considered positive. The results with 13 of the antigen batches were compared with the results obtained with the batch produced 9 months before by the McNemar c2 test and kappa statistic. The oldest antigen batch gave a higher proportion of sera titres which were exactly the same observed with the 9-month-batch (90.4%), and the antigen produced 4 years and 3 months before the test gave de lowest proportion of sera with the same titre of the 9-month-antigen (73.7%). The comparison of the results after being classified as positive and negative showed that the highest proportion of agreed results was observed with the antigen produced 21 years and 4 months before (98.8%, kappa 0.98). The antigen with the lowest proportion of agreed results was the one produced 3 years and 2 months before (91.6%, kappa 0.84). The results of the study show that most sera gave very similar results with all antigen batches evaluated, and that there was no relationship between the period of antigen production and the difference in test results.

• Bovine brucellosis serological diagnosis complement fixation test

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mathias L.A., Meirelles R.B. & Buchala F.G. 2007. [Stability of Brucella abortus whole cell antigen for use in the serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis by the complement fixation test.] Estabilidade do antígeno de célula total de Brucella abortus para uso no diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina pela reação de fixação de complemento. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):18-22. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: lmathias@fcav.unesp.br The complement fixation test is used worldwide in the confirmatory diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. For this technique the antigen is the same as the one used in the tube agglutination test. However, literature is poor in information about the stability of the whole cell Brucella antigen for use in the complement fixation test to establish a time of validity of the antigen. Hence the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the stability of this antigen under refrigeration for use in the complement fixation test. Fourteen batches of antigen prepared with Brucella abortus strain 1119/3, produced from 9 months to 23 years and 11 months before, were analysed. One hundred and sixty-seven cattle sera with varying titres of antibodies to Brucella were tested through the warm complement fixation microtechnique with five 50% haemolytic units of complement. Sera with at least 25% of complement fixation in dilution 1:4 were considered positive. The results with 13 of the antigen batches were compared with the results obtained with the batch produced 9 months before by the McNemar c2 test and kappa statistic. The oldest antigen batch gave a higher proportion of sera titres which were exactly the same observed with the 9-month-batch (90.4%), and the antigen produced 4 years and 3 months before the test gave de lowest proportion of sera with the same titre of the 9-month-antigen (73.7%). The comparison of the results after being classified as positive and negative showed that the highest proportion of agreed results was observed with the antigen produced 21 years and 4 months before (98.8%, kappa 0.98). The antigen with the lowest proportion of agreed results was the one produced 3 years and 2 months before (91.6%, kappa 0.84). The results of the study show that most sera gave very similar results with all antigen batches evaluated, and that there was no relationship between the period of antigen production and the difference in test results.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bianchin I., Koller W.W. & Detmann E. 2006. [The seasonality of Haematobia irritans in central Brazil.] Sazonalidade de Haematobia irritans no Brasil Central. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):79-86. Área de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. E-mail: bianchin@cnpgc.embrapa.br Horn fly (Haematobia irritans) is one of the most important Brazilian cattle ectoparasites. Epidemiological studies are needed due the increasing difficulty of their chemical control. In order to obtain a better knowledge of their seasonal population dynamics, 14 days interval fly counts were made on 7-30 month old beef cattle, from winter 1996 to summer 2002. Horn fly population levels increase (P<0.05) was observed during the seasons of each infestation period (spring until autumn), mainly in spring and summer, and sometimes in autumn, followed by a significant reduction (P<0.05) in winter, when the relative humidity decreases to less than 60%. A straight (P<0.05) and immediate correlation between the relative humidity and the fly count was found, whilst the most evident effects of temperature and rain fall (P<0.05) were associated with counts done 42-56 days after attainment of the climatic data. The highest parasitism load (average number of flies per animal) observed for the genetic groups used were: Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 173.5 (134-254); ½ Brown Swiss x Nellore = 183.5 (32-540); ¾ Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 133.0 (18-374), and Valdostana x Nellore = 219.0 (58-620). Torrential rain falls during the initial half of the infestation period (spring until midsummer) are common in this region and were considered the main reason for the low to moderate population levels verified at that time, in comparison with those which occurred during the last half of the infestation period.

• Horn fly epidemiology population dynamics ectoparasites cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bianchin I., Koller W.W. & Detmann E. 2006. [The seasonality of Haematobia irritans in central Brazil.] Sazonalidade de Haematobia irritans no Brasil Central. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):79-86. Área de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. E-mail: bianchin@cnpgc.embrapa.br Horn fly (Haematobia irritans) is one of the most important Brazilian cattle ectoparasites. Epidemiological studies are needed due the increasing difficulty of their chemical control. In order to obtain a better knowledge of their seasonal population dynamics, 14 days interval fly counts were made on 7-30 month old beef cattle, from winter 1996 to summer 2002. Horn fly population levels increase (P<0.05) was observed during the seasons of each infestation period (spring until autumn), mainly in spring and summer, and sometimes in autumn, followed by a significant reduction (P<0.05) in winter, when the relative humidity decreases to less than 60%. A straight (P<0.05) and immediate correlation between the relative humidity and the fly count was found, whilst the most evident effects of temperature and rain fall (P<0.05) were associated with counts done 42-56 days after attainment of the climatic data. The highest parasitism load (average number of flies per animal) observed for the genetic groups used were: Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 173.5 (134-254); ½ Brown Swiss x Nellore = 183.5 (32-540); ¾ Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 133.0 (18-374), and Valdostana x Nellore = 219.0 (58-620). Torrential rain falls during the initial half of the infestation period (spring until midsummer) are common in this region and were considered the main reason for the low to moderate population levels verified at that time, in comparison with those which occurred during the last half of the infestation period.

Abstract in English:

Medeiros J.M., Tabosa I.M., Simões S.V.D., Nóbrega Jr J. E., Vasconcelos J.S. & Riet-Correa F. 2005. [Perinatal mortality in kids in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil.] Mortalidade perinatal em cabritos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):201-206. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The causes of perinatal kid mortality were studied from May 2002 to August 2004 in the semiarid region of Paraíba. In 118 necropsied kids the frequency of different causes of death were neonatal infections (50%), distocia (12.71%), hypothermia/starvation (11.86%), malformations (7.62%), floppy kid (6.77%) and abortions (1.69%). Regarding the time of death, 1.69% of the kids died before parturition, 16.94% during the parturition and 81.34 % after birth. The high occurrence of neonatal infections, dystocias, and hypothermia/starvation is probably to due to factors related with error in the sanitary, reproductive and nutritional management. Arthrogryposis of the forelimbs was the main malformation observed. This defect is endemic in goat flocks in the semi-arid of Brazil. Most deaths occurred after birth (25.42%) and from the 4th to the 28th day of life (38.98%) suggesting that care with the kids during their first 28 days of life is important for the improvement of the survival rate.

• Perinatal mortality kids semiarid region Brazil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Medeiros J.M., Tabosa I.M., Simões S.V.D., Nóbrega Jr J. E., Vasconcelos J.S. & Riet-Correa F. 2005. [Perinatal mortality in kids in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil.] Mortalidade perinatal em cabritos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):201-206. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The causes of perinatal kid mortality were studied from May 2002 to August 2004 in the semiarid region of Paraíba. In 118 necropsied kids the frequency of different causes of death were neonatal infections (50%), distocia (12.71%), hypothermia/starvation (11.86%), malformations (7.62%), floppy kid (6.77%) and abortions (1.69%). Regarding the time of death, 1.69% of the kids died before parturition, 16.94% during the parturition and 81.34 % after birth. The high occurrence of neonatal infections, dystocias, and hypothermia/starvation is probably to due to factors related with error in the sanitary, reproductive and nutritional management. Arthrogryposis of the forelimbs was the main malformation observed. This defect is endemic in goat flocks in the semi-arid of Brazil. Most deaths occurred after birth (25.42%) and from the 4th to the 28th day of life (38.98%) suggesting that care with the kids during their first 28 days of life is important for the improvement of the survival rate.

Abstract in English:

Simões S.V.D., Costa R.G., Souza P.M., Medeiros A.N. & Vilar A.L.T. 2005. [Passive immunity, neonatal morbidity and performance of kids in different colostrum management.] Imunidade passiva, morbidade neonatal e desempenho de cabritos em diferentes manejos de colostro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):219-224. Centro de Ciências Agrárias, UFPB, Campus III, Areia, PB 58397-000, Brazil. E-mail: saravilar@bol.com.br The experiment was performed to determine the kid management that ensures the best passive immunity, and to evaluate the relationship between passive immunity, neonatal morbidity and performance. Blood samples were obtained from 58 Saanen kids before colostrum ingestion and 30h after. The kids were submitted to five treatments: (T1) kids were allowed to nurse the dam for 24 hours ingesting colostrum ad libitum; (T2) kids were bottle-fed with 200mL colostrum in the first hour of life; (T3) kids were bottle-fed with 400 mL colostrum, 200mL in the first hour and 200mL 8 hours after birth; (T4) kids were bottle-fed with 400mL colostrum, 200mL in the first hour and 200mL 14 hours after birth; (T5) kids were bottle-fed with 600mL of colostrum, 200mL in the first hour, 200ml 12 hours after birth, and 200mL at 24 hours of life. Serum levels of gamaglobulins were determined by electrophoresis. The occurrence of diseases was monitored from birth to 28 days. Daily weight gains were used to evaluate the performance until weaning. The lowest concentration of g-globulin was observed in Group 2 (1,57g/dL) and the highest in Group 3 (2,60g/dL). In spite of higher levels of passive immunity Group 3 showed more animals with scours, however no statistical differences were observed. The immune status at 30 hours postpartum was not associated with neonatal weight gain.

• Immunity immunoglobulins colostrum neonatal morbidity performance kids.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Simões S.V.D., Costa R.G., Souza P.M., Medeiros A.N. & Vilar A.L.T. 2005. [Passive immunity, neonatal morbidity and performance of kids in different colostrum management.] Imunidade passiva, morbidade neonatal e desempenho de cabritos em diferentes manejos de colostro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):219-224. Centro de Ciências Agrárias, UFPB, Campus III, Areia, PB 58397-000, Brazil. E-mail: saravilar@bol.com.br The experiment was performed to determine the kid management that ensures the best passive immunity, and to evaluate the relationship between passive immunity, neonatal morbidity and performance. Blood samples were obtained from 58 Saanen kids before colostrum ingestion and 30h after. The kids were submitted to five treatments: (T1) kids were allowed to nurse the dam for 24 hours ingesting colostrum ad libitum; (T2) kids were bottle-fed with 200mL colostrum in the first hour of life; (T3) kids were bottle-fed with 400 mL colostrum, 200mL in the first hour and 200mL 8 hours after birth; (T4) kids were bottle-fed with 400mL colostrum, 200mL in the first hour and 200mL 14 hours after birth; (T5) kids were bottle-fed with 600mL of colostrum, 200mL in the first hour, 200ml 12 hours after birth, and 200mL at 24 hours of life. Serum levels of gamaglobulins were determined by electrophoresis. The occurrence of diseases was monitored from birth to 28 days. Daily weight gains were used to evaluate the performance until weaning. The lowest concentration of g-globulin was observed in Group 2 (1,57g/dL) and the highest in Group 3 (2,60g/dL). In spite of higher levels of passive immunity Group 3 showed more animals with scours, however no statistical differences were observed. The immune status at 30 hours postpartum was not associated with neonatal weight gain.

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:

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:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

• Campylobacteriosis cattle semen antibiomicrobials.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.