Detection of a novel hemoplasma based on 16S rRNA gene DNA in captive and free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris)

Two different species of hemoplasmas, Mycoplasma coccoides and M. haemomuris, are known to infect small rodents such as mice and rats. However, there are no previous reports of hemoplasma infection in capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris). The aim of our study was to determine whether these hemoplasmas might infect capybaras from Southern Brazil. Blood samples from 31 animals: 10 captive and 21 free-ranging capybaras were collected and packed cell volume and total plasma protein were measured. DNA was extracted and PCR assays for M. coccoides and M. haemomuris were performed. Using the M. coccoides-PCR assay 64% of the capybaras were positive, 80% free-ranging and 30% from captive animals. The prevalence of infection between the groups was significantly different (p = 0.001). Sequencing of the nearly entire 16S rRNA gene from the positive samples suggested a novel hemoplasma isolate with identity of 92% with M. coccoides and 86% with M. haemomuris. All capybara samples were negative for M. haemomuris infection. DNA of a housekeeping gene was successfully amplified from all samples. This is the first evidence of a hemoplasma infection in capybaras.     

Effects of Bermudagrass hay and soybean hulls inclusion on performance of sheep fed cactus-based diets

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of replacing corn with soybean hulls (SH) or Bermudagrass tifton hay (TH) on performance of sheep fed cactus-based diets. Three ruminally fistulated sheep were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square experiment with 21-day periods. All diets contained 75% spineless cactus (dry matter basis, DM) and formulated to be isonitrogenous. Fiber source had no influence on nutrient intakes except for the intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) which was lower (p < 0.05) for animals fed corn relative to those fed SH or TH. Time expended in rumination and total chewing time were higher (p < 0.05) for animals fed TH than those fed SH or corn. In vivo nutrient digestibilities were similar for all dietary treatments and averaged 69.6%, 74.8%, 69.9%, and 61.8% for DM, organic matter, crude protein, and NDF, respectively. Feeding SH relative to TH and corn decreased ruminal pH (p < 0.05) and increased concentration of total volatile fatty acids (p < 0.05). However, ruminal NH₃–N concentration was higher (p < 0.05) for animal fed TH than for those fed SH or corn. Abdominal distension and ruminal biofilm production were greater (p < 0.05) in animals fed corn or SH than in those fed TH. It was concluded that replacing corn with SH or TH up to 15% of the diet DM in a cactus-based diet had no effect on nutrient intakes or total tract nutrient utilization. Changes in ruminal fermentation parameters reflected differences in ruminal degradability between the two fiber sources. Bermudagrass tifton hay was more effective than SH in reducing the risk of bloat associated with feeding high levels of spineless cactus to ruminants.