PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Curci V.C.M., Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Lucas Junior J. 2007. [The effect of composting cattle carcasses on botulinum spores and toxin content.] Pré-compostagem de cadáveres de bovinos acometidos pelo botulismo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):157-161. Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico do Agronegócio, APTA Regional Extremo Oeste, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Av. Alcides Fagundes Chagas 122, Araçatuba, SP 15055-240, Brazil. E-mail: vlmcursi@aptaregional.sp.gov.br Five carcasses of cattle that died from botulism were composted in individual isolated beds with the purpose of monitoring the effect on spores of Clostridium botulinum and of botulinum toxin. The diagnosis of botulinum poisoning was based on clinical and pathological, epidemic and/or laboratorial characteristics. Of the five bovines with clinical signs of chronic botulism, three were affected by the type D toxin, one by the CD complex, and one was negative for toxin and spores of C. botulinum in the viscera using a mouse bioassay. The composting process was carried out in beds with carcasses cut up and mixed with sawdust as a carbon source. They were kept anaerobic under a plastic sheet for 50 days. The temperature of the beds was monitored during the period and oscillated from 40.5 to 52.4°C. After this time, soft tissue had complete decomposed with a significant loss of weight (26.5-44.5%). The remaining bones no longer contained spores or botulinum toxin in the 5 samples taken from each carcass. Only 2 of the 200 samples of homogenized remaining (40 for each carcass) contained spores of C. botulinum type C. All samples were negative for botulinum toxin using the mouse bioassay. Composting carcasses of cattle that died from botulism eliminated botulinum spores and toxin from the remains.

• Composting bovine carcasses botulism botulinum toxin C and D Clostridium botu-linum

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Curci V.C.M., Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Lucas Junior J. 2007. [The effect of composting cattle carcasses on botulinum spores and toxin content.] Pré-compostagem de cadáveres de bovinos acometidos pelo botulismo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):157-161. Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico do Agronegócio, APTA Regional Extremo Oeste, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Av. Alcides Fagundes Chagas 122, Araçatuba, SP 15055-240, Brazil. E-mail: vlmcursi@aptaregional.sp.gov.br Five carcasses of cattle that died from botulism were composted in individual isolated beds with the purpose of monitoring the effect on spores of Clostridium botulinum and of botulinum toxin. The diagnosis of botulinum poisoning was based on clinical and pathological, epidemic and/or laboratorial characteristics. Of the five bovines with clinical signs of chronic botulism, three were affected by the type D toxin, one by the CD complex, and one was negative for toxin and spores of C. botulinum in the viscera using a mouse bioassay. The composting process was carried out in beds with carcasses cut up and mixed with sawdust as a carbon source. They were kept anaerobic under a plastic sheet for 50 days. The temperature of the beds was monitored during the period and oscillated from 40.5 to 52.4°C. After this time, soft tissue had complete decomposed with a significant loss of weight (26.5-44.5%). The remaining bones no longer contained spores or botulinum toxin in the 5 samples taken from each carcass. Only 2 of the 200 samples of homogenized remaining (40 for each carcass) contained spores of C. botulinum type C. All samples were negative for botulinum toxin using the mouse bioassay. Composting carcasses of cattle that died from botulism eliminated botulinum spores and toxin from the remains.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ferrigno C.R.A., Schmaedecke A. & Ferraz V.C.M. 2007. [A new surgical approach to acetabular denervation in dogs.] Abordagem cirúrgica inédita para denervação acetabular em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):61-63. Departamento de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário, 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: cassioaf@usp.br The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a new surgical approach for the selective denervation of the sensitive fibers of the acetabular periosteum, for the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs, conducted in 189 joints.The surgical approach of the cranial and dorso-lateral regions of the acetabular joint in dogs, by moon-shaped incision of approximately 3cm in extension, starting from the greater trocanter of the femur, in direction of the ileum body. After dorsal opening of the middle gluteal muscle, the insertion of the deep gluteal muscle is inserted for the access to the mentioned regions. With the help of a curette, the periosteum of the cranial and dorso-lateral acetabular margin was removed until the bone cortex was exposed, in all patients. In all animals, the approach was possible, both in the cranial as well as in the caudal faces for the access and curettage of the acetabulum, with the technique described, with a skin incision of about 3.2cm. The curettage of the cranial portion of the acetabulum was, in all cases, realized without the visualization of the bone, but of easy achievement and without intercurrences of nervous or muscular injuries. In all the approaches, it was possible to visualize the articular capsule of the coxo-femoral joint, and in none of the animals, this structure was incised for a technique mistake. The surgical approach described in the present study is feasible for this kind of surgical procedure in dogs, promoting adequate access, with minimal invasion and with no complications of any nature.

• Hip dysplasia surgical technique peripheral nerves dogs surgery

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Ferrigno C.R.A., Schmaedecke A. & Ferraz V.C.M. 2007. [A new surgical approach to acetabular denervation in dogs.] Abordagem cirúrgica inédita para denervação acetabular em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):61-63. Departamento de Cirurgia do Hospital Veterinário, 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: cassioaf@usp.br The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a new surgical approach for the selective denervation of the sensitive fibers of the acetabular periosteum, for the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs, conducted in 189 joints.The surgical approach of the cranial and dorso-lateral regions of the acetabular joint in dogs, by moon-shaped incision of approximately 3cm in extension, starting from the greater trocanter of the femur, in direction of the ileum body. After dorsal opening of the middle gluteal muscle, the insertion of the deep gluteal muscle is inserted for the access to the mentioned regions. With the help of a curette, the periosteum of the cranial and dorso-lateral acetabular margin was removed until the bone cortex was exposed, in all patients. In all animals, the approach was possible, both in the cranial as well as in the caudal faces for the access and curettage of the acetabulum, with the technique described, with a skin incision of about 3.2cm. The curettage of the cranial portion of the acetabulum was, in all cases, realized without the visualization of the bone, but of easy achievement and without intercurrences of nervous or muscular injuries. In all the approaches, it was possible to visualize the articular capsule of the coxo-femoral joint, and in none of the animals, this structure was incised for a technique mistake. The surgical approach described in the present study is feasible for this kind of surgical procedure in dogs, promoting adequate access, with minimal invasion and with no complications of any nature.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Morés N., Ventura L., Dutra V., Silva V.S., Barioni Jr W., Oliveira S.R, Kramer B. & Ferreira Neto J.S. 2007. [Granulomatous lymphadenitis in swine: lymph nodes affected and pathologic diagnosis of the infection caused by Mycobacterium avium Complex agents.] Linfadenite granulomatosa em suínos: linfonodos afetados e diagnóstico patológico da infecção causada por agentes do Complexo Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):13-17. Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Cx. Postal 21, Concórdia, SC 89700-000, Brazil. E-mail: mores@cnpsa.embrapa.br A study to evaluate the distribution of granulomatous lesions in the lymph nodes of swine carcasses was accomplished. The main objective was to compare the methods of isolation of mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC), Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis caused by MAC. A total of 431 samples of lymph nodes from 394 swine carcasses kept in 12 cold storage rooms of southern Brazil, which had the Service of Federal Inspection (SFI), were analyzed. Lymph nodes with granulomatous lesions were submitted to histological examination, ZN staining and IHC with monoclonal antibody produced with cellular extract of M. avium. The agreement between the exams was measured by the Kappa test at a 95% confidence level. The macrocospic examination done by SFI correctly identified 90.3% of granulomatous lesions, when compared with histological examination, and the majority of carcasses (92.5%) showed the lesions only in lymph nodes of the alimentary chain. Histological examination confirmed the presence of granulomatous lesions in 90.3% of the lymph nodes. The agreements between histological examination, ZN staining (Kappa: 0.342), IHC and the isolation of MAC (Kappa: 0.102) were low, however high between IHC and histology with typical presence of granulomas in the lymph nodes (Kappa: 0.973). IHC together with histological examination revealed to be efficient for identification of the granulomatous lymphadenitis caused by MAC.

• Swine granulomatous lymphadenitis Mycobacterium avium immunohistochemistry

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Morés N., Ventura L., Dutra V., Silva V.S., Barioni Jr W., Oliveira S.R, Kramer B. & Ferreira Neto J.S. 2007. [Granulomatous lymphadenitis in swine: lymph nodes affected and pathologic diagnosis of the infection caused by Mycobacterium avium Complex agents.] Linfadenite granulomatosa em suínos: linfonodos afetados e diagnóstico patológico da infecção causada por agentes do Complexo Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):13-17. Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Cx. Postal 21, Concórdia, SC 89700-000, Brazil. E-mail: mores@cnpsa.embrapa.br A study to evaluate the distribution of granulomatous lesions in the lymph nodes of swine carcasses was accomplished. The main objective was to compare the methods of isolation of mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC), Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis caused by MAC. A total of 431 samples of lymph nodes from 394 swine carcasses kept in 12 cold storage rooms of southern Brazil, which had the Service of Federal Inspection (SFI), were analyzed. Lymph nodes with granulomatous lesions were submitted to histological examination, ZN staining and IHC with monoclonal antibody produced with cellular extract of M. avium. The agreement between the exams was measured by the Kappa test at a 95% confidence level. The macrocospic examination done by SFI correctly identified 90.3% of granulomatous lesions, when compared with histological examination, and the majority of carcasses (92.5%) showed the lesions only in lymph nodes of the alimentary chain. Histological examination confirmed the presence of granulomatous lesions in 90.3% of the lymph nodes. The agreements between histological examination, ZN staining (Kappa: 0.342), IHC and the isolation of MAC (Kappa: 0.102) were low, however high between IHC and histology with typical presence of granulomas in the lymph nodes (Kappa: 0.973). IHC together with histological examination revealed to be efficient for identification of the granulomatous lymphadenitis caused by MAC.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mancini M., Rodriguez C., Prosperi C., Salinas V. & Bucco C. 2006. Main diseases of pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) in central Argentina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):205-210. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Ruta Nac. 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto (5800) Córdoba, Argentina. E-mail: mmancini@ayv.unrc.edu.ar Argentina’s central region includes an important area covered by shallow pampean lakes and dams. In these environments, fishing of pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis Valenciennes, 1835 (Pisces, Atherinopsidae), the most important fresh-water fish of the country, is a relevant social activity and also a considerable economic resource. The main diseases found in this species were studied from 1992 to 2003 in the provinces of Córdoba, La Rioja and Santa Fe (30° and 35° S, 61° and 67° W). Most cases were registered in high temperature months. Lernaea sp and Aeromonas hydrophila were the etiological agents most frequently found. The trophic characteristics of the aquatic environments enhanced disease processes and caused massive death of O. bonariensis, due to complex hydrochemical interactions.

• Odontesthes bonariensis fish diseases pathological agents water quality

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mancini M., Rodriguez C., Prosperi C., Salinas V. & Bucco C. 2006. Main diseases of pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) in central Argentina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):205-210. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Ruta Nac. 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto (5800) Córdoba, Argentina. E-mail: mmancini@ayv.unrc.edu.ar Argentina’s central region includes an important area covered by shallow pampean lakes and dams. In these environments, fishing of pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis Valenciennes, 1835 (Pisces, Atherinopsidae), the most important fresh-water fish of the country, is a relevant social activity and also a considerable economic resource. The main diseases found in this species were studied from 1992 to 2003 in the provinces of Córdoba, La Rioja and Santa Fe (30° and 35° S, 61° and 67° W). Most cases were registered in high temperature months. Lernaea sp and Aeromonas hydrophila were the etiological agents most frequently found. The trophic characteristics of the aquatic environments enhanced disease processes and caused massive death of O. bonariensis, due to complex hydrochemical interactions.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

• Poisonous plants Solanum fastigiatum Solanaceae lysosomal storage diseases central nervous system diseases of cattle neuropathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

Abstract in English:

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

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

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

• Toxic plants plant poisoning Sida carpinifolia Malvaceae lysosomal storage disease swainsonine electronic microscopy.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

Abstract in English:

Malafaia P., Peixoto P.V., Gonçalves J.C.S., Moreira A.L., Costa D.P.B. & Correa W.S. 2004. [Daily weight gain and costs of beef cattle receiving two types of mineral supple-ments.] Ganho de peso e custos em bovinos de corte submetidos a dois tipos de suplementos minerais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):160-164. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: malafaia1@ig.com.br The daily weight gain and economic aspects of beef cattle raised on tropical pastures receiving two types of mineral supplements were evaluated during 112-183 days during the wet season in 4 herds. On each farm the animals were divided into two groups. For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group a selective mineral mixture containing only Na, P, Cu and Co was offered. The cattle were weighed every 30 days, and the mineral supplement intake was measured monthly. The daily weight gain of the animals receiving the selective mineral mixture was greater in three farms. Only on the second farm the group receiving the commercial mineral mixture had a superior daily weight gain. The daily intake of the selective mineral mixture was lower in all groups and was attributed to the high amount of NaCl in these mixtures. The selective mineral supplementation was 3 up to 7 times more economic than the conventional supplementation with a “complete” mineral mix. Throughout the experimental period the animals did not show any direct or indirect clinical signs of mineral deficiency. The results of these experiments confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation – i.e. supplementation of the mineral element(s) deficient – was correct and results in expressive reduction of the cost with the mineral supplementation for beef cattle.

• Beef cattle mineral supplementation tropical forages.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Malafaia P., Peixoto P.V., Gonçalves J.C.S., Moreira A.L., Costa D.P.B. & Correa W.S. 2004. [Daily weight gain and costs of beef cattle receiving two types of mineral supple-ments.] Ganho de peso e custos em bovinos de corte submetidos a dois tipos de suplementos minerais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):160-164. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: malafaia1@ig.com.br The daily weight gain and economic aspects of beef cattle raised on tropical pastures receiving two types of mineral supplements were evaluated during 112-183 days during the wet season in 4 herds. On each farm the animals were divided into two groups. For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group a selective mineral mixture containing only Na, P, Cu and Co was offered. The cattle were weighed every 30 days, and the mineral supplement intake was measured monthly. The daily weight gain of the animals receiving the selective mineral mixture was greater in three farms. Only on the second farm the group receiving the commercial mineral mixture had a superior daily weight gain. The daily intake of the selective mineral mixture was lower in all groups and was attributed to the high amount of NaCl in these mixtures. The selective mineral supplementation was 3 up to 7 times more economic than the conventional supplementation with a “complete” mineral mix. Throughout the experimental period the animals did not show any direct or indirect clinical signs of mineral deficiency. The results of these experiments confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation – i.e. supplementation of the mineral element(s) deficient – was correct and results in expressive reduction of the cost with the mineral supplementation for beef cattle.

Abstract in English:

Garmatz S.L., Irigoyen L.F., Rech R.R., Brown C.C., Zhang J. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Experimental transmission to cattle and characterization of the etiological agent.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: transmissão experimental para bovinos e caracterização do agente etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):93-106. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle on two farms (A and B) in the municipality of Santiago, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and the transmission of the disease to susceptible calves as well as the detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) in tissues of affected cattle are reported. The two epizootics occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 (Farm A) and in January-February 2003 (Farm B). Numbers of cattle at risk, morbidity and letality rates were respectively 170, 10.59% and 83.33% for Farm A and 500, 2.4% and 100% for Farm B. Contact between affected cattle and sheep was detected in both farms, but lambing ewes were present only in farm A. Duration of clinical courses, gross findings and histopathology were the same for the affected cattle in both farms. Most affected cattle died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course of 2-8 days. Clinical signs included fever (40.5 and 41.5°C), nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, drooling, erosions and ulcerations of the mucosae, diarrhea, hematuria, and neurological disturbances. Eleven necropsies (9 on Farm A, 2 on Farm B) were performed. Gross lesions included erosions and ulcers affecting the mucosae of nasal turbinates, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts; hemorrhage and necrosis of the tip of the buccal papillae, lymph node enlargement, multifocal white foci in renal cortex, and hyperemia of leptomeninges. Microscopically, there were arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration in medium and small arteries and arterioles of multiple organs and tissues, necrosis and inflammation in several mucosal surfaces, keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, intersticial nephritis, and encephalitis. Transmission experiments were attempted in five calves (E1-E5) by inocculating each of them intravenously with 500 ml of whole heparinized blood from a MCF affected cow. The transmission was suscessful in at least three (E1-E3) of the experimental calves which became sick after an incubation period of 15-27 days. Four experimental calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course which varied from 3 days to 8 weeks. The remaining experimental calf (E5) recovered from a mild disease and was euthanatized 14 weeks after inocculation. Necropsies were performed in all five calves. Clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings of three calves (E1-E3) were characteristic of MCF. OvHV-2 viral DNA was detected by the polimerase chain reaction (PCR) test in paraffin embedded tissues from seven cattle out of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases and from three experimental calves (E1-E3). PCR tests resulted negative in the remaining four of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases tested and in two (E4,E5) of the five experimental calves. Immunohistochemistry performed in sections of lymphoid tissue from calf E4 failed to detect BVD virus antigen. The experimental transmission of MCF and the characterization of the etiological agent as OvHV-2 were successfully attempted in cattle for the first time in Brazil.

• Infectious diseases malignant catarrhal fever viral diseases diseases of cattle pathology polimerase chain reation.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Garmatz S.L., Irigoyen L.F., Rech R.R., Brown C.C., Zhang J. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Experimental transmission to cattle and characterization of the etiological agent.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: transmissão experimental para bovinos e caracterização do agente etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):93-106. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle on two farms (A and B) in the municipality of Santiago, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and the transmission of the disease to susceptible calves as well as the detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) in tissues of affected cattle are reported. The two epizootics occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 (Farm A) and in January-February 2003 (Farm B). Numbers of cattle at risk, morbidity and letality rates were respectively 170, 10.59% and 83.33% for Farm A and 500, 2.4% and 100% for Farm B. Contact between affected cattle and sheep was detected in both farms, but lambing ewes were present only in farm A. Duration of clinical courses, gross findings and histopathology were the same for the affected cattle in both farms. Most affected cattle died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course of 2-8 days. Clinical signs included fever (40.5 and 41.5°C), nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, drooling, erosions and ulcerations of the mucosae, diarrhea, hematuria, and neurological disturbances. Eleven necropsies (9 on Farm A, 2 on Farm B) were performed. Gross lesions included erosions and ulcers affecting the mucosae of nasal turbinates, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts; hemorrhage and necrosis of the tip of the buccal papillae, lymph node enlargement, multifocal white foci in renal cortex, and hyperemia of leptomeninges. Microscopically, there were arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration in medium and small arteries and arterioles of multiple organs and tissues, necrosis and inflammation in several mucosal surfaces, keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, intersticial nephritis, and encephalitis. Transmission experiments were attempted in five calves (E1-E5) by inocculating each of them intravenously with 500 ml of whole heparinized blood from a MCF affected cow. The transmission was suscessful in at least three (E1-E3) of the experimental calves which became sick after an incubation period of 15-27 days. Four experimental calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course which varied from 3 days to 8 weeks. The remaining experimental calf (E5) recovered from a mild disease and was euthanatized 14 weeks after inocculation. Necropsies were performed in all five calves. Clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings of three calves (E1-E3) were characteristic of MCF. OvHV-2 viral DNA was detected by the polimerase chain reaction (PCR) test in paraffin embedded tissues from seven cattle out of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases and from three experimental calves (E1-E3). PCR tests resulted negative in the remaining four of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases tested and in two (E4,E5) of the five experimental calves. Immunohistochemistry performed in sections of lymphoid tissue from calf E4 failed to detect BVD virus antigen. The experimental transmission of MCF and the characterization of the etiological agent as OvHV-2 were successfully attempted in cattle for the first time in Brazil.

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.