Comparison of the intravenous and intravaginal route of oxytocin administration for cervical dilation protocol and non‐surgical embryo recovery in oestrous‐induced Santa Inês ewes

This study compared the effects of intravaginal and intravenous routes of oxytocin (OT) administration in 46 oestrous‐induced Santa Inês ewes (6‐day treatment with progestin‐releasing intravaginal sponges and a single injection of 200 IU of eCG at the time of sponge removal) that underwent transcervical embryo recovery 6–7 days after oestrous onset and mating. All ewes received 37.5 μg of d‐cloprostenol via latero‐vulvar route, and 1 mg of oestradiol benzoate i.m. 16 hr before and 50 IU of OT 20 min before non‐surgical embryo recovery (NSER), with OT being administered intravenously (n = 21) or intravaginally (n = 21). An overall oestrous response was 95.6% (44/46), and adequate cervical retraction could be accomplished in 78.6% (33/42) of ewes. The percentage of successful NSER procedures was 57% (24/42) or 72.7% (24/33) of animals with sufficient cervical retraction. The duration of NSER procedure averaged 28 min (range: 17–40 min) and ~96% of flushing fluid could be recovered (range: 85%–100%). Out of 18 ewes that could not undergo NSER, 12 (66.6%) presented various anatomical barriers, whilst the other 33.4% did not present these barriers and still could not be traversed. Excluding the ewes with those anatomical features, the overall success rate of NSER was 80% (24/30). The route of OT administration had no effect on NSER efficiency or the ease with which transcervical embryo flushing was performed. Both routes of OT administration can be used for cervical dilation protocol. Discarding ewes with anatomical features precluding cervical penetration is highly recommended to increase the efficacy of NSER in sheep.     

Cryptosporidium spp. in ruminants at the Lisbon Zoo.

Feces from 34 species of ruminants housed at the Lisbon Zoo was examined for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Three hundred and eighty-eight samples were analyzed. Three hundred and eighty species-specific group fecal samples were collected monthly, from September 1998 until August 1999, along with eight individual specimens from eight neonates. All samples were examined by four different techniques: microscopic observation of direct and concentrated fecal smears, staining with modified Ziehl-Nielsen, immunofluorescent assay, and immunoenzymatic assay. The prevalence of infection was 3.6%. Five neonates with diarrhea were infected. Cryptosporidial oocysts were shed more frequently during winter months. Some facilities may have permitted oocysts to remain viable, possibly contributing to cryptosporidial transmission between animals.     

Dual mycotic infection in a chicken

A double mycotic infection, caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and a zygomycete-like organism, was histopathologically demonstrated in the lungs of a 12-week-old chicken. A. fumigatus was isolated, but the zygomycete was not.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF STRESS FRACTURES IN A HORSE

In humans, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the method of choice for the diagnosis of stress fractures. In this paper, bilateral stress fracture of the lateral condyle of the third metacarpal bone in a French trotter is described. Results of the radiographic, MR imaging, and histologic examinations are presented, with a focus on the MR signal abnormalities found. Based on this patient, the potential use of MR imaging for the diagnosis of stress fractures in horses is discussed.     

Fragmentation patterns of the Caatinga drylands

Context

Biodiversity is modulated by the spatial structure of the landscape. Thus, landscape metrics can be useful indicators of biota integrity and vulnerability, helping in conservation and management decisions.

Objective

We performed the first quantitative analysis of the spatial structure of the Caatinga drylands. We estimated the habitat amount and the fragmentation pattern of this region using a multi-scale perspective.

Methods

Using the Brazilian official database of native remnants, we calculated the number and percentage of remaining fragments per size class and we describe how habitat amount changes along the landscape. By simulating different dispersal capacities, we estimated the functional connectivity among remnants. We also calculated the cumulative core area as a function of different edge effect widths.

Results

Caatinga is subdivided into 47,100 fragments. Although 91% of them are smaller than 500 ha, 720 fragments are larger than 10,000 ha, corresponding to 78% of the remaining vegetation. Potentially, 95% of the vegetation is accessible to species that can cross 1000 m of matrix. With one kilometer of edge effect, the core area is reduced to a quarter of the remaining vegetation. The habitat amount analyzes reinforced the regional differences in the spatial distribution of the remnants.

Conclusions

Caatinga remains well connected for species with moderate and high dispersal capacities. However much of its remaining area is vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. Expansion of the protected area network and effective natural resource management to avoid overexploitation of the remnants are key strategies for maintaining the Caatinga biodiversity and its services.

     

Nutritional planning for Nellore heifers post-weaning to conception at 15 months of age: performance and nutritional,metabolic, and reproductive responses

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of strategic supplementation in the dry period and dry/rainy transition period on the performance and...