PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Assis Neto A.C., Morceli J.A.B., Fonseca R., Ambrósio C.E., Pereira F.T.V. & Miglino M.A. 2009. [Biometrics evolution of the embryonic and fetal annexes in cows obtained by natural mating, at 10 to 70 days of gestation.] Evolução morfométrica dos anexos embrionários e fetais bovinos obtidos por monta natural, com 10 a 70 dias da gestação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):859-862. Faculdade de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Unidade Experimental de Dracena, Rodovia Comandante João Ribeiro de Barros Km 651, Dracena, SP 17900-000, Brazil. E-mail: antonioassis@dracena.unesp.br O período inicial da gestação de bovinos é caracterizado por grandes perdas embrionárias. Considerando a importância deste fator no âmbito da reprodução animal foram estudados os anexos embrionários e fetais bovinos fecundados por monta natural de 15-70 dias de gestação, com o objetivo de estabelecer parâmetros morfométricos da placenta na fase inicial da gestação. Com uso de um paquímetro foram realizadas mensurações do comprimento (crânio caudal), largura (latero lateral) e altura (dorso ventral) das membranas corioalantóide e amniótica. O início da formação dos cotilédones foi observado e quantificado, assim como, o peso placentário. O peso médio do saco gestacional aumentou com o evoluir da idade gestacional, entretanto, o crescimento foi acelerado a partir de 20-30 dias de gestação. O comprimento crânio caudal e dorso ventral da membrana corioalantóide e do âmnio apresentaram crescimento lento e gradual com o evoluir dos períodos gestacionais analisados. Com 30-40 dias de gestação, os primeiro cotilédones já eram visualizados e contatos com facilidade na superfície coriônica. Os períodos de crescimento coincidiram com os maiores índices de perdas gestacionais em bovinos. Os parâmetros aqui analisados poderão servir para futuras investigações dos anexos embrionários de organismos manipulados em laboratório.

• Placenta bovine extraembryonics membranes amnion chorion

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Assis Neto A.C., Morceli J.A.B., Fonseca R., Ambrósio C.E., Pereira F.T.V. & Miglino M.A. 2009. [Biometrics evolution of the embryonic and fetal annexes in cows obtained by natural mating, at 10 to 70 days of gestation.] Evolução morfométrica dos anexos embrionários e fetais bovinos obtidos por monta natural, com 10 a 70 dias da gestação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):859-862. Faculdade de Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Unidade Experimental de Dracena, Rodovia Comandante João Ribeiro de Barros Km 651, Dracena, SP 17900-000, Brazil. E-mail: antonioassis@dracena.unesp.br The main goal of this morphometrical study was to characterize the development of the extra-embryonic membranes of 15 to 70-day-old bovine embryos obtained by natural mating. With a millimeter paquimeter the cranio-caudal, latero-lateral and dorso-ventral measurements of chorion and amnion were determined. The development of the cotyledons and weight of the gestational sac were observed and quantified. The weight of the gestational sac increased during gestation; however, the growth was faster then 20 to 30 days. The cranial-caudal and dorsal-ventral length of the choriallantois and the amnion developed slowly and gradually with progress of the gestational period, and the cranio-caudal length decreased after 50 to 60 days of gestation, increasing in the next period. After 30 to 40 days of gestation, the first cotyledons were visualized and counted easily in the chorionic surface. The growth periods were the same of the main gestational losses in cattle. The parameters analyzed could be useful for investigations of extra-embryonic membranes in organisms manipulated in the laboratory.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Medeiros E.S., Santos M.V., Pinheiro Jr J.W., Faria E.B., Wanderley G.G., Teles J.A.A. & Mota R.A. 2009. [In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of commercial disinfectants used in pre and post-dipping against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from bovine mastitis.] Avaliação in vitro da eficácia de desinfetantes comerciais utilizados no pré e pós-dipping frente amostras de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de mastite bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):71-75. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: rinaldo.mota@hotmail.com The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the in vitro sensibility of Staphylococcus spp. to several commercially available disinfectants used for pre and post dipping. A total of 60 isolates of Staphylococcus spp., identified as Staphylococcus aureus (50) and Positive coagulase Staphylococcus (10) were obtained from the mammary glands of dairy cows with subclinical mastitis in the regions of Metropolitan Recife, the Agreste and the Zona da Mata of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. As active ingredients were used a chlorine base (25%), iodine (0.6%), chlorhexidine (2.0%), quaternary ammonium (4.0%), and lactic acid (2.0%) at four specific intervals (15", 30", 60", and 300"). One hundred percent of S. aureus was found to be sensitive to iodine, 93.3% to chlorhexidine, 80% to ammonia, 35.6% to lactic acid, and 97.8% were resistant to chlorine at a 60-minute interval. With respect to the Positive coagulase Staphylococcus (SCP), 100.0% of the isolates were sensitive to iodine, 81.8% to quaternary ammonium, 99.9% to lactic acid, 72.7% to chlorhexidine, and 100% was resistant to chlorine at an interval of 60 minutes. It can be concluded that the highest disinfectant activity in vitro was found to be with iodine and chlorhexidine for S. aureus, and with iodine and lactic acid for SCP. A further conclusion was that it is important to undertake a periodic evaluation of the disinfectants used on the dairy properties in the regions studied, given the variety of sensibilities and resistance to disinfectants used, which may prejudice the control of bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp.

• Disinfectants mastitis Staphylococcus spp. dairy cows

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Medeiros E.S., Santos M.V., Pinheiro Jr J.W., Faria E.B., Wanderley G.G., Teles J.A.A. & Mota R.A. 2009. [In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of commercial disinfectants used in pre and post-dipping against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from bovine mastitis.] Avaliação in vitro da eficácia de desinfetantes comerciais utilizados no pré e pós-dipping frente amostras de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de mastite bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):71-75. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: rinaldo.mota@hotmail.com The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the in vitro sensibility of Staphylococcus spp. to several commercially available disinfectants used for pre and post dipping. A total of 60 isolates of Staphylococcus spp., identified as Staphylococcus aureus (50) and Positive coagulase Staphylococcus (10) were obtained from the mammary glands of dairy cows with subclinical mastitis in the regions of Metropolitan Recife, the Agreste and the Zona da Mata of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. As active ingredients were used a chlorine base (25%), iodine (0.6%), chlorhexidine (2.0%), quaternary ammonium (4.0%), and lactic acid (2.0%) at four specific intervals (15", 30", 60", and 300"). One hundred percent of S. aureus was found to be sensitive to iodine, 93.3% to chlorhexidine, 80% to ammonia, 35.6% to lactic acid, and 97.8% were resistant to chlorine at a 60-minute interval. With respect to the Positive coagulase Staphylococcus (SCP), 100.0% of the isolates were sensitive to iodine, 81.8% to quaternary ammonium, 99.9% to lactic acid, 72.7% to chlorhexidine, and 100% was resistant to chlorine at an interval of 60 minutes. It can be concluded that the highest disinfectant activity in vitro was found to be with iodine and chlorhexidine for S. aureus, and with iodine and lactic acid for SCP. A further conclusion was that it is important to undertake a periodic evaluation of the disinfectants used on the dairy properties in the regions studied, given the variety of sensibilities and resistance to disinfectants used, which may prejudice the control of bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Freitas M.F.L., Luz I.S., Silveira-Filho V.M., Júnior J.W.P., Stamford T.L.M., Mota R.A., Sena M.J., Almeida A.M.P., Balbino V.Q. & Leal-Balbino T.C. 2008. Staphylococcal toxin genes in milk samples from cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):617-621. Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Campus da Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil. E-mail: cristina@cpqam.fiocruz.br The present study was carried out in 11 dairy herds in four municipal districts of the rural area of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Out of 984 quarter milk (246 cows), 10 (1.0%) were positive for clinical mastitis, 562 (57.1%) for subclinical mastitis and 412 (41.9%) were negative. A total of 81 Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained from milk samples from the cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. From these, 53 (65.0%) were S. aureus, 16 (20.0%) coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) and 12 (15.0%) coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). The isolates were further investigated for the presence of toxin genes by multiplex and uniplex PCR. The main gene observed was seg followed by seh, sei and sej. The distribution of these observed genes among the isolates obtained from different areas showed a regional pattern for the SEs. The presence of toxin genes in the strains isolated from bovine milk demonstrates a potential problem for public health.

• Staphylococcal toxins toxin genes milk dairy cows

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Freitas M.F.L., Luz I.S., Silveira-Filho V.M., Júnior J.W.P., Stamford T.L.M., Mota R.A., Sena M.J., Almeida A.M.P., Balbino V.Q. & Leal-Balbino T.C. 2008. Staphylococcal toxin genes in milk samples from cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):617-621. Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Campus da Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil. E-mail: cristina@cpqam.fiocruz.br The present study was carried out in 11 dairy herds in four municipal districts of the rural area of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Out of 984 quarter milk (246 cows), 10 (1.0%) were positive for clinical mastitis, 562 (57.1%) for subclinical mastitis and 412 (41.9%) were negative. A total of 81 Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained from milk samples from the cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. From these, 53 (65.0%) were S. aureus, 16 (20.0%) coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) and 12 (15.0%) coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). The isolates were further investigated for the presence of toxin genes by multiplex and uniplex PCR. The main gene observed was seg followed by seh, sei and sej. The distribution of these observed genes among the isolates obtained from different areas showed a regional pattern for the SEs. The presence of toxin genes in the strains isolated from bovine milk demonstrates a potential problem for public health.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Feitosa F.L.F., Shimamura M.G., Roberto T., Mendes L.C.N., Peiró J.R., Feres F,C., Bovino, F., Perri S.H.V. & Meireles M.V. 2008. [Importance of Cryptospori-dium spp. as a cause of diarrhea in calves.] Importância de Cryptosporidium spp. como causa de diarréia em bezerros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):452-456. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Araçatuba, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: leydsonf@fmva.unesp.br The aim of this research was to evaluate the shedding of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal samples from 14 calves from one dairy farm, from birth until 60 days old and from cows until eight weeks after parturition. The higher percentage of oocysts excreted was observed in 7-day-old calves. In the post-partum period 43.7% of cows were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Further analyses were accomplished in 57 calves from another 32 milk farms, previously known as positive for Cryptosporidium, through oocysts fecal screening and clinical signs analyses until calves were 30 days old. Fecal samples from all animals that presented diarrhea were screened for the presence of bacteria, virus (Rotavirus and Coronavirus ) and protozoa (Eimeria spp.).

• Calves cows cryptosporidiosis Cryptosporidium spp

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Feitosa F.L.F., Shimamura M.G., Roberto T., Mendes L.C.N., Peiró J.R., Feres F,C., Bovino, F., Perri S.H.V. & Meireles M.V. 2008. [Importance of Cryptospori-dium spp. as a cause of diarrhea in calves.] Importância de Cryptosporidium spp. como causa de diarréia em bezerros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):452-456. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Araçatuba, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: leydsonf@fmva.unesp.br The aim of this research was to evaluate the shedding of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal samples from 14 calves from one dairy farm, from birth until 60 days old and from cows until eight weeks after parturition. The higher percentage of oocysts excreted was observed in 7-day-old calves. In the post-partum period 43.7% of cows were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Further analyses were accomplished in 57 calves from another 32 milk farms, previously known as positive for Cryptosporidium, through oocysts fecal screening and clinical signs analyses until calves were 30 days old. Fecal samples from all animals that presented diarrhea were screened for the presence of bacteria, virus (Rotavirus and Coronavirus ) and protozoa (Eimeria spp.).

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Barry A.F, Alfieri A.F. & Alfieri A.A. 2008. Detection and phylogenetic analysis of porcine enteric calicivirus, genetically related to the Cowden strain of sapovirus genogroup III, in Brazilian swine herds. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):82-86. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alinebarry@uol.com.br Sapovirus of the Caliciviridae family is an important agent of acute gastroenteritis in children and piglets. The Sapovirus genus is divided into seven genogroups (G), and strains from the GIII, GVI and GVII are associated with infections in swine. Despite the high prevalence in some countries, there are no studies related to the presence of porcine enteric sapovirus infections in piglets in Brazil. In the present study, 18 fecal specimens from piglets up to 28 days were examined to determine the presence of sapovirus genome by RT-PCR assay, using primers designed to amplify a 331 bp segment of the RNA polymerase gene. In 44.4% (8/18) of fecal samples, an amplified DNA fragment was obtained. One of these fragments was sequenced and submitted to molecular and phylogenetic analysis. This analysis revealed high similarity, with nucleotides (87%) and amino acids (97.8%), to the Cowden strain, the GIII prototype of porcine enteric calicivirus. This is the first description of sapovirus in Brazilian swine herds.

• Swine; piglets diarrhea calicivirus Sapovirus

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Barry A.F, Alfieri A.F. & Alfieri A.A. 2008. Detection and phylogenetic analysis of porcine enteric calicivirus, genetically related to the Cowden strain of sapovirus genogroup III, in Brazilian swine herds. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):82-86. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alinebarry@uol.com.br Sapovirus of the Caliciviridae family is an important agent of acute gastroenteritis in children and piglets. The Sapovirus genus is divided into seven genogroups (G), and strains from the GIII, GVI and GVII are associated with infections in swine. Despite the high prevalence in some countries, there are no studies related to the presence of porcine enteric sapovirus infections in piglets in Brazil. In the present study, 18 fecal specimens from piglets up to 28 days were examined to determine the presence of sapovirus genome by RT-PCR assay, using primers designed to amplify a 331 bp segment of the RNA polymerase gene. In 44.4% (8/18) of fecal samples, an amplified DNA fragment was obtained. One of these fragments was sequenced and submitted to molecular and phylogenetic analysis. This analysis revealed high similarity, with nucleotides (87%) and amino acids (97.8%), to the Cowden strain, the GIII prototype of porcine enteric calicivirus. This is the first description of sapovirus in Brazilian swine herds.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Brandão P.E., Laura Y. B. Villarreal L.Y.B., F.Gregori F., Souza S.L.P., Lopes M.A.E., Gomes C.R., Sforsin A.J., Sanches A.A., Rosales C.A.R., Richtzenhain L.J., Ferreira A.J.P. & Jerez J.A. 2007. On the etiology of an outbreak of winter dysentery in dairy cows in Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):398-402. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: paulo7926@yahoo.com Winter dysentery (WD) is a seasonal infectious disease described worldwide that causes a marked decrease in milk production in dairy cows. In the Northern hemisphere, where the disease is classically recognized, bovine coronavirus (BCoV) has been assigned as a major etiologic agent of the disease. Nonetheless, in the Southern hemisphere, an in-deep etiological survey on WD cases had not been carried out. This study aimed to survey for BCoV by nested-RT-PCR, rotavirus by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and ELISA, bacteria by classical bacteriological methods and PCR for virulence factors and parasites by sugar flotation test on fecal samples of 21 cows from a farm during an outbreak of WD in São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil. BCoV was detected in all 21 samples, while rotavirus was detected in two symptomatic cows. Escherichia coli, Yersinia intermedia, Providencia rustigianii Proteus penneri, Klebsiella terrigena and Enterobacter aglomerans were detected in samples from both asymptomatic and healthy cows in different associations. The study of E. coli virulence factors revealed that the strains isolated were all apathogenic. Cysts of Eimeria sp. and eggs of Strongyloidea were detected at low numbers in four of the symptomatic cows, with one co-infestation. These results suggest BCoV as the main etiologic agent of the cases of WD in Brazil, a conclusion that, with the clinical and epidemiological patterns of the disease studied herein, match those already described elsewhere. These findings give basis to the development of preventive measures and contribute to the understanding of the etiology of WD.

• Bovine coronavirus etiology winter dysentery

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Brandão P.E., Laura Y. B. Villarreal L.Y.B., F.Gregori F., Souza S.L.P., Lopes M.A.E., Gomes C.R., Sforsin A.J., Sanches A.A., Rosales C.A.R., Richtzenhain L.J., Ferreira A.J.P. & Jerez J.A. 2007. On the etiology of an outbreak of winter dysentery in dairy cows in Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):398-402. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: paulo7926@yahoo.com Winter dysentery (WD) is a seasonal infectious disease described worldwide that causes a marked decrease in milk production in dairy cows. In the Northern hemisphere, where the disease is classically recognized, bovine coronavirus (BCoV) has been assigned as a major etiologic agent of the disease. Nonetheless, in the Southern hemisphere, an in-deep etiological survey on WD cases had not been carried out. This study aimed to survey for BCoV by nested-RT-PCR, rotavirus by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and ELISA, bacteria by classical bacteriological methods and PCR for virulence factors and parasites by sugar flotation test on fecal samples of 21 cows from a farm during an outbreak of WD in São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil. BCoV was detected in all 21 samples, while rotavirus was detected in two symptomatic cows. Escherichia coli, Yersinia intermedia, Providencia rustigianii Proteus penneri, Klebsiella terrigena and Enterobacter aglomerans were detected in samples from both asymptomatic and healthy cows in different associations. The study of E. coli virulence factors revealed that the strains isolated were all apathogenic. Cysts of Eimeria sp. and eggs of Strongyloidea were detected at low numbers in four of the symptomatic cows, with one co-infestation. These results suggest BCoV as the main etiologic agent of the cases of WD in Brazil, a conclusion that, with the clinical and epidemiological patterns of the disease studied herein, match those already described elsewhere. These findings give basis to the development of preventive measures and contribute to the understanding of the etiology of WD.

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:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto P.V., Malafaia P., Miranda L.V., Canella C.F.C., Canella Filho, C.F.C. & Villas Boas F.V. 2003. [Reproduction performance of beef cattle cows given three different types of mineral supplements.] Eficiência reprodutiva de matrizes bovinas de corte submetidas a três diferentes tipos de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):125-130. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Inst. Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: pvpeixoto@uol.com.br The reproduction performance of about 1,200 beef cows, raised on pasture and given three different mineral supplements, was evaluated during 5 years in Cássia county, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The cows were divided into three groups: For one group (A) a comercial mineral mixture was used in 1997 and 1998; for the second group (B) common salt and dicalcium phosphate 1:1 was offered in 1999; and the third group (C) received only common salt during the sarne year. ln 2000 and 2001, ali the cows received exclusively common salt. There was no decrease in i:eproduction efficiency when only common salt was given; on the contrary, the reproduction performance of the inseminated e pregnant cows, thát was respectively 92.5 and 78.2 % (1997) and 92.2 and 80.5 % (1998), increased to 94.5 and 85.7 % (2000) and 96.7 and 89.7 % (2001). The decrease of reproduction performance of the cattle in 1999 was probably due to the severe drought during this year. The authors emphasize the importance of a selective mineral supplementation, i.e. to supplement cattle with mineral mixtures including only the elements which the animais can not obtain from the pasture. Theselective mineral supplementation requires the assistance of professionals with training and experience in clinics, pathology and nutrition of ruminants. These professionals should be able to accompany and evaluate the nutritional condition of a herd when a selective mineral mixture is used. Selective mineral supplementation could represent a two or threefold economy of the total cost of conventional supplementation with "complete" mineral mixtures. The authors discuss ifthe improvement of the reproduction performance of the cattle used in this fiel d experiment was due to a better management of the herd or to possible antagonism between the minerais.

• Cattle mineral deficiencies mineral supplementation tropical pastures Bovinos deficiências minerais pastagens tropicais suplementação mineral.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Peixoto P.V., Malafaia P., Miranda L.V., Canella C.F.C., Canella Filho, C.F.C. & Villas Boas F.V. 2003. [Reproduction performance of beef cattle cows given three different types of mineral supplements.] Eficiência reprodutiva de matrizes bovinas de corte submetidas a três diferentes tipos de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):125-130. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Inst. Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: pvpeixoto@uol.com.br Em uma fazenda do município de Cássia, Minas Gerais, o desempenho reprodutivo de aproximadamente 1200 matrizes bovinas de corte, criadas a campo, foi avaliado frente a três diferentes tipos de suplementação mineral, durante cinco anos. Enquanto que a mistura A (sal mineral comercial) foi oferecida nos anos de 1997 e 1998, a mistura B (cloreto de sódio 50% e fosfato bicálcico 50%) foi disponibilizada, em 1999, para as matrizes mantidas em um dos setores da fazenda e a mistura C (apenas cloreto de sódio), foi oferecida, neste mesmo ano, para os lotes cria dos em outros dois setores. Nos anos de 2000 e 2001, a mistura C foi ofertada a todas matrizes. Não houve queda na eficiência reprodutiva pela suplementação exclusiva com cloreto de sódio, pelo contrário, as percentagens de matrizes inseminadas e matrizes prenhes, que eram, respectivamente, de 92,5 e 78,2 (1997) e 92,2 e 80,5 (1998) alcançaram níveis de 94,5 e 85,7 (2000) e 96,7 e 89,7 (2001). A redução nos índices de matrizes inseminadas e de prenhez verificadas no ano de 1999 foi atribuída à baixa precipitação pluviométrica registrada naquele ano. Os autores ressalvam, porém, que a suplementação seletiva, isto é, aquela baseada na exclusiva administração do (s) mineral (is) que está (ão) faltando em uma determinada fazenda, só deve ser implantada mediante avaliação e acompanhamento clínico-nutricional do rebanho, o que exige apoio de profissional com adequados conhecimentos sobre nutrição, deficiências minerais e clínica de ruminantes. Por outro lado, a suplementação seletiva, pode representar uma despesa 2 a 3 vezes menor do que a verificada com a "mineralização" convencional do rebanho. Discute-se se a melhoria dos índices reprodutivos deveu-se à adequação do manejo ou à cessação de possível antagonismo entre os minerais.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bianchin I. & Alves R.G.O. 2002. [The hornfly, Haematobia irritans: behavior and damage caused in Nellore cows and pre-weaning calves.] Mosca-dos-chifres, Haematobia irritans: comportamento e danos em vacas e bezerros Nelore antes da desmama. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(3):109-113. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Rodovia BR 262 Km 4, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. The hornfly and tosses caused by it in Nellore cows and pre-weaning calves where studied, using two groups of 60 animals each, one group with a natural infestation and the other without hornfly, during four consecutive years. It was seen that the number of flies on the cows did not exceed an average of 80 flies/animal in all years of observation. The majority of the cows (83%) had few flies, whereas 17% had larger numbers. The calves were infested with few flies. Rainfall in excess of 100 mm during short periods diminished fly infestation. Weight gain in the cows without flies (treated with insecticides) as well as their calves was greater than in the control cows, but not statistically significant (P>0.05). Mean percentage pregnancy during the four years was 15% more in treated cows than the non-treated animals, and this difference was probably due to the infestation of the bulls.

• Hornfly Haematobia irritans cattle epidemiology contral weight gains Mosca-dos-chifres bovinos epidemiologia controle ganho de peso.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Bianchin I. & Alves R.G.O. 2002. [The hornfly, Haematobia irritans: behavior and damage caused in Nellore cows and pre-weaning calves.] Mosca-dos-chifres, Haematobia irritans: comportamento e danos em vacas e bezerros Nelore antes da desmama. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(3):109-113. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Rodovia BR 262 Km 4, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. Estudaram-se o comportamentos e os danos causados pela mosca-dos-chifres em vacas e bezerros Nelore antes da desmama. Foram utilizados dois grupos de 60 animais cada um, sendo um grupo com infestação natural de moscas e o outro sem moscas, por quatro anos consecutivos. Observou-se que o número de moscas das vacas não ultrapassou a média de 80 moscas/animal, em todos os anos experimentais. A maioria das vacas (83%) apresentou poucas moscas, enquanto a minoria (17%) teve maior quantidade. Os bezerros foram pouco infestados pelas moscas. Chuvas acima de 100 mm em curto espaço de tempo diminuíram a infestação de moscas. O ganho de peso das vacas tratadas com inseticida (sem infestação por moscas) bem como os seus bezerros foi maior do que as vacas controle, porém não foi estatisticamente significativo (P>0,05). A percentagem média de prenhez, nos quatro anos, das vacas tratadas foi 15% superior a das não tratadas e esta diferença foi causada provavelmente pela infestação de moscas nos touros.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pardo P.E., Mettifogo E., Miiller E.E., Nascimento E.R., Buzinhani M., Yamaguti M. & Freitas J.C. 1998. [Etiology of intramammary infections in primiparous cows at postparturition.] Etiologia das infecções intramamárias em vacas primíparas no período pósparto. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 18(3/4):115-118. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva/CCA, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. A total of 664 foremilk samples from 83 Holstein cows were cultured. Quarter samples were collected at parturition and 7 days post the first parturition. From 664 milk samples examined, 488 (73.50%) were bacteriologically negative and 176 (26.50%) were positive. A high incidence (20.48%) of clinical mastitis was observed. The most frequently encountered isolates were coagulase negative staphylococci (64.20%), coagulase positive staphylococci (8.52%), streptococci (7.96%), Actinomyces pyogenes (4.55%), Mycoplasma bovigenitalium (3.40%) and Escherichia coli (2.84%). The frequency of mastitis pathogen isolation was highest at parturition (17.62%) and decreased markedly during the first week (8.88%).

• Bovine mastitis primiparous cows etiology bovina mastite vacas primíparas etiologia.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Pardo P.E., Mettifogo E., Miiller E.E., Nascimento E.R., Buzinhani M., Yamaguti M. & Freitas J.C. 1998. [Etiology of intramammary infections in primiparous cows at postparturition.] Etiologia das infecções intramamárias em vacas primíparas no período pósparto. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 18(3/4):115-118. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva/CCA, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. Foram analisadas 664 amostras de leite de 83 vacas primíparas da raça Holandesa. As amostras foram colhidas no primeiro e no sétimo dia após o parto. Das 664 amostras analisadas, 488 (73,50%) foram bacteriologicamente negativas e 176 (26,50%), positivas para microrganismos aeróbios. Foi observado um alto índice de mastite clínica (20,48%). Os agentes isolados com maior freqüência foram os Staphylococcus spp coagulase negativo (64,20%), Staphylococcus spp coagulase positivo (8,52%), Streptococcus spp (7,96%), Actinomyces pyogenes (4,55%), Mycoplasma bovigenitalium (3,40%) e Escherichia coli (2,84%). Foi observado um maior índice de isolamento de patógenos no primeiro dia (17,62%) em relação ao sétimo (8,88%).