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This study evaluated the effects of antral follicle count (AFC) in female cattle on offspring characteristics. Recently calved multiparous Bos indicus cows (Nelore; n = 222) were evaluated using ultrasonography on random days of their estrous cycle to determine the AFC and were classified into "low" (≤15 follicles), "intermediate" (≥16 and ≤ 29 follicles), and "high" (≥30 follicles) AFC groups. Weight and scrotal circumference (SC) of male offspring from these cows (n = 127) were determined from 20 to 27 months, and the data were added to a genetic evaluation program (economic total genetic merit, MGTe and TOP value) that uses the kinship matrix to evaluate the genetic relationship between animals. The AFC of female offspring from these cows (n = 95) was evaluated to analyze the relationship between the AFC of mothers and daughters. The effects of maternal AFC on the genetic merit of male and female offspring were analyzed using GLIMMIX and GLM, respectively. Correlations were assessed using the Pearson's coefficient. Male offspring of cows with high AFC had superior MGTe (P = 0.005) and TOP values (P = 0.01) than those from cows with low AFC. Additionally, the AFC of mothers was positively correlated with MGTe (R = 0.33; P < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with TOP values (R = -0.32; P < 0.0001). The SC (P = 0.01), but not body weight of the offspring (P = 0.46) was affected by maternal AFC. The daughters' AFC were correlated (R = 0.29; P = 0.004) with mothers' AFC and were influenced by maternal (P = 0.05) but not paternal (P = 0.77) effect. In conclusion, cows with high AFC produced males with greater MGTe, superior TOP values and higher SC. Maternal AFC did not influence the weight of male offspring but was correlated with the AFC of daughters.

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The aim of this study was to compare the biometric testicular characteristics, skin thickness and haemodynamics of the testicular artery of 12- and 24-month-old bulls using Doppler ultrasonography, the study was conducted using 48 indicus-taurus animals. The scrotal circumference (SC) and biometry characteristics of the bulls were measured to calculate the testicular volume. Doppler ultrasonography was used to obtain the haemodynamic values of the testicular artery. The skin thickness and volume were lower (p<.01) in the younger bulls (12 months:4.68 ± 0.68 mm; 168.76 ± 47.96 cm3 ) versus 24 months (5.05 ± 0.89; 499.73 ± 129.24 cm3 ) animals (p<.01). During diastole, mean velocity was lower in the 12 months (7.98 ± 3.83) than in the 24 months (11.37 ± 4.15) animals (p <.05). The 12-month-old animals had higher pulsatility and resistivity indices (0.49 ± 0.02; 0.51 ± 0.20) compared to the 24-month-old animals (0.32 ± 0.16; 0.40 ± 0.15) (p < .05). The final testicular end velocity was lower in animals with long/moderate-shaped (L/M) (7.31 ± 2.91) than in those moderate/oval-shaped (M/O) (11.48 ± 3.88) testicles (p < .05). Animals with L/M testes presented higher pulsatility values and resistivity indices (0.51 ± 0.05; 0.55 ± 0.04) compared to animals with M/O shape (0.29 ± 0.20; 0.36 ± 0.15). We showed that the blood flow of the supra testicular artery between the two evaluated ages differed, and that 24-month-old bulls presented better thermoregulation capacity. Animals with a long/moderate testicular format presented a greater vascular resistance, which was imposed on the blood flow due to the anatomical differences in the testicular artery, resulting in lower velocity, and indicating better heat dissipation in this format.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of the scrotal temperature, sperm quality and testicular blood flow by using infrared thermography and Doppler ultrasonography in bulls submitted to scrotal insulation. Braford bulls (n = 8) at 18 months of age, were assigned into the following groups: insulated for 72 h (G 72; n = 2), 96 h (G 96, n = 2), 120 h (G 120, n = 2), and control animals (CON; n = 2) that remained without insulation. Infrared thermography and Doppler ultrasonography parameters were measured at four different time points: immediately after the scrotal insulation (M0), within 10 min (M10), 30 min (M30) and 60 min (M60) after scrotal insulation. The sperm quality was evaluated weekly (S1/S12). The data were analyzed by ANOVA, t-test (paired) and Pearson's correlation with a significance level of 5%. None of the observed variables were different between the insulated groups (P > 0.05). Insulated animals showed higher scrotal temperature in M0 compared to that in the M10, M30 and M60 periods (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the pulsatility and resistive indexes after scrotal insulation. However, blood flow velocity was higher in M10 compared to that in the M0, M30 and M60 periods (P < 0.05). The sperm quality was higher (P < 0.05) in all twelve collections from the control group compared with the insulated groups. Scrotal insulation resulted in changes in the sperm quality, scrotal temperature and testicular blood flow velocity.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica da temperatura escrotal, a qualidade espermática e o fluxo sanguíneo testicular utilizando a termografia infravermelho e a ultrassonografia Doppler em touros submetidos a insulação escrotal. Touros Braford (n=8) aos 18 meses de idade, foram distribuídos nos seguintes grupos: insulados por 72 h (G 72; n=2), 96 h (G 96; n=2), 120 h (G120, n=2), e animais controle (CON; n=2) que permaneceram sem insulação. Os parâmetros de termografia infravermelha e ultrassonografia Doppler foram medidos em quatro diferentes momentos: imediatamente após a insulação escrotal (M0), aos 10 min (M10), 30 min (M30) e 60 min (M60) após a insulação escrotal. A qualidade espermática foi avaliada semanalmente (S1 / S12). Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA, teste t (pareado) e correlação de Pearson com nível de significância de 5%. Nenhuma das variáveis observadas foi diferente entre os grupos insulados (P > 0,05). Os animais insulados apresentaram maior temperatura escrotal em M0 quando comparados aos M10, M30 e M60 (P < 0,05). Não houve diferença nos índices de pulsatilidade e resistividade após a insulação escrotal. No entanto, a velocidade do fluxo sanguíneo foi maior em M10 em relação aos períodos M0, M30 e M60 (P < 0,05). A qualidade espermática foi maior (P < 0,05) em todas as doze coletas do grupo controle em comparação com os grupos insulados. A insulação escrotal resultou em mudanças na qualidade espermática, temperatura escrotal e na velocidade do fluxo sanguíneo testicular.(AU)

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Background: The mechanisms of testicular thermoregulation may influence the blood flow provided by the testicularartery, where the proper blood supply to the testicle is crucial for promotingspermatogenesis and reproductive functionin bulls. The size and shape of the testicles are determined by genetic mechanisms and environmental effects. A betterunderstanding of the relationships between the anatomical characteristics of the testicles and scrotum can support a betterreproductive assessment. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the testicular temperature of different scrotalshapes using infrared thermography in bulls.Materials, Methods & Results: We evaluated 132 Braford bulls with an average age of 24 months. The evaluation of breeding bull semen was performed prior to the beginning of the experiment. Then, animals were selected on the basis of the sizeof their testes, which was determined by dividing the average width by the average length. The scrotal circumference wasmeasured with a millimeter tape positioned around the largest circumference. Testicular and ocular temperature measurementsand analysis were conducted using an infrared thermal camera, Flir T440 with emissivity of 0.98 and thermal sensitivity of0.05°C. Testicular scrotum temperature and testicular shape were analyzed with one-way ANOVA using Minitab 16, andvalues of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. We observed that 67.42% of testicle shapes were long-oval,and 32.58% were long-moderate. The testicular temperature was higher in bulls with the long-moderate shape comparedto those with the long-oval shape (P < 0.05). The mean length was higher in long-moderate shaped testicles compared tothose of the long-oval shape (P < 0.01). There was no significant differences...(AU)

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This study was intended to estimate the genetic associations between growth traits and visual scores with possible changes in mature weight (MW) in 397,900 Nellore animals. A bi-character analysis was performed to estimate the (co)variances and genetic parameters for MW, which comprises the following traits: conformation, finishing precocity, musculature at weaning (WC, WP, and WM) and yearling (YC, YP, and YM), birth weight (BW), weight from birth to weaning (WG), weight from weaning to yearling (YG), and final index (FIND). The observed mean MW was 417.6±56.2 kg, and the direct genetic effect mean estimated heritability (h²a1) of MW was 0.45. Overall, the BW was 31.0±3.7 kg, and the estimated h² was 0.34. The heritability estimate of the maternal additive genetic component (h²m2) of BW was 0.07. We calculated the mean WG to be 144.1±26.3 and estimated the h²a2 as 0.18 and h²m2 as 0.07. The value for h²a YG (0.17) and YW (0.26) were also estimated. The heritability of the weaning WC (0.17), WP (0.19), and WM (0.17) and yearling YC (0.25), YP (0.27), and YM (0.25) were estimated using visual scores. The h²m values for weaning WC, WP, and WM (0.06) with visual scores were estimated. The genetic correlations between body weight (BoW) at YC and WC (0.62) were considered moderately high and positive. In addition, YP (0.18), YM (0.15), WP (0.13), and WM (0.14) were considered moderately low compared with MW. The genetic correlation between BW and FIND (0.38) was considered positive and moderate. The heritability estimation indicates that growth traits, visual scores, and weight of adult cows could be changed by selection. Cows that presented the highest h²a values for live weight responded rapidly to selection based on growth characteristics, visual scores, and FIND and might result in increased final MW.(AU)

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Background: The mechanisms of testicular thermoregulation may influence the blood flow provided by the testicularartery, where the proper blood supply to the testicle is crucial for promotingspermatogenesis and reproductive functionin bulls. The size and shape of the testicles are determined by genetic mechanisms and environmental effects. A betterunderstanding of the relationships between the anatomical characteristics of the testicles and scrotum can support a betterreproductive assessment. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the testicular temperature of different scrotalshapes using infrared thermography in bulls.Materials, Methods & Results: We evaluated 132 Braford bulls with an average age of 24 months. The evaluation of breeding bull semen was performed prior to the beginning of the experiment. Then, animals were selected on the basis of the sizeof their testes, which was determined by dividing the average width by the average length. The scrotal circumference wasmeasured with a millimeter tape positioned around the largest circumference. Testicular and ocular temperature measurementsand analysis were conducted using an infrared thermal camera, Flir T440 with emissivity of 0.98 and thermal sensitivity of0.05°C. Testicular scrotum temperature and testicular shape were analyzed with one-way ANOVA using Minitab 16, andvalues of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. We observed that 67.42% of testicle shapes were long-oval,and 32.58% were long-moderate. The testicular temperature was higher in bulls with the long-moderate shape comparedto those with the long-oval shape (P < 0.05). The mean length was higher in long-moderate shaped testicles compared tothose of the long-oval shape (P < 0.01). There was no significant differences...

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The main prophylactic tool to control rabies in herbivores is the systematic vaccination of susceptible animals. This study aimed to evaluate the positive effect of organic zinc (Zn) supplementation on the persistence of anti-rabies neutralizing antibodies in healthy sheep. A total of 36 Texel ewes were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups of 18 animals each. The treated group (TG) received organic Zn supplementation for 90 days, and after this period, 2 doses of rabies vaccine with a 30-day interval. The control group (CG) received the vaccine doses only and was not supplemented with organic Zn. Blood samples were collected before the first vaccination and 30, 60, and 90 days after vaccination, to determine the anti-rabies neutralizing antibody titer using the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT). The average values of anti-rabies serum-neutralizing antibodies 30 days after the first dose were 1.33 ± 0.62 IU mL-1 for the CG and 1.57 ± 0.80 IU mL-1 for the TG; 60 days after the second dose the average values were 7.60 ± 7.08 IU mL-1 and 12.97 ± 9.46 IU mL-1 for the CG and TG, respectively, with a significant difference between groups. The TG presented 100% vaccine coverage of the primary vaccination, whereas the CG presented 89.47% coverage. Oral supplementation with 75 mg organic Zn significantly increased the persistence of anti-rabies antibody titers in...

A principal ferramenta profilática para o controle da raiva em herbívoro é a vacinação sistemática de animais susceptíveis. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito positivo da suplementação de zinco orgânico na persistência de anticorpos neutralizantes anti-rábicos em ovinos saudáveis. Foram selecionadas 36 ovelhas Texel, aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos com 18 animais cada. O grupo tratado (GT) recebeu suplementação com zinco orgânico durante 90 dias, e, após este período, foram administradas 2 doses de vacina anti-rábica com intervalo entre elas de 30 dias. O grupo controle (GC) recebeu apenas as doses da vacina, e não foi suplementado com zinco. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas antes da primeira dose da vacina, e 30, 60 e 90 dias depois da vacinação, a fim de determinar o título de anticorpos neutralizantes anti-rábicos utilizando o teste rápido de inibição do foco fluorescente (RFFIT). As medias dos anticorpos anti-rábicos do soro, 30 dias após a primeira dose foi de 1,33 ± 0,62 IU mL-1 para o grupo controle, e 1,57 ± 0,80 IU mL-1 para o grupo tratado. 60 dias após a segunda dose, as medias foram de 7,60 ± 7,08 IU mL-1 e 12,97 ± 9,46 UI ml-1 no GC e GT, respectivamente, com significância entre os grupos. O GT apresentou 100% de cobertura vacinal na primeira dose, enquanto o GC apresentou 89,47%. A suplementação oral com 75 mg de zinco orgânico...

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The main prophylactic tool to control rabies in herbivores is the systematic vaccination of susceptible animals. This study aimed to evaluate the positive effect of organic zinc (Zn) supplementation on the persistence of anti-rabies neutralizing antibodies in healthy sheep. A total of 36 Texel ewes were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups of 18 animals each. The treated group (TG) received organic Zn supplementation for 90 days, and after this period, 2 doses of rabies vaccine with a 30-day interval. The control group (CG) received the vaccine doses only and was not supplemented with organic Zn. Blood samples were collected before the first vaccination and 30, 60, and 90 days after vaccination, to determine the anti-rabies neutralizing antibody titer using the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT). The average values of anti-rabies serum-neutralizing antibodies 30 days after the first dose were 1.33 ± 0.62 IU mL-1 for the CG and 1.57 ± 0.80 IU mL-1 for the TG; 60 days after the second dose the average values were 7.60 ± 7.08 IU mL-1 and 12.97 ± 9.46 IU mL-1 for the CG and TG, respectively, with a significant difference between groups. The TG presented 100% vaccine coverage of the primary vaccination, whereas the CG presented 89.47% coverage. Oral supplementation with 75 mg organic Zn significantly increased the persistence of anti-rabies antibody titers in...(AU)

A principal ferramenta profilática para o controle da raiva em herbívoro é a vacinação sistemática de animais susceptíveis. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito positivo da suplementação de zinco orgânico na persistência de anticorpos neutralizantes anti-rábicos em ovinos saudáveis. Foram selecionadas 36 ovelhas Texel, aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos com 18 animais cada. O grupo tratado (GT) recebeu suplementação com zinco orgânico durante 90 dias, e, após este período, foram administradas 2 doses de vacina anti-rábica com intervalo entre elas de 30 dias. O grupo controle (GC) recebeu apenas as doses da vacina, e não foi suplementado com zinco. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas antes da primeira dose da vacina, e 30, 60 e 90 dias depois da vacinação, a fim de determinar o título de anticorpos neutralizantes anti-rábicos utilizando o teste rápido de inibição do foco fluorescente (RFFIT). As medias dos anticorpos anti-rábicos do soro, 30 dias após a primeira dose foi de 1,33 ± 0,62 IU mL-1 para o grupo controle, e 1,57 ± 0,80 IU mL-1 para o grupo tratado. 60 dias após a segunda dose, as medias foram de 7,60 ± 7,08 IU mL-1 e 12,97 ± 9,46 UI ml-1 no GC e GT, respectivamente, com significância entre os grupos. O GT apresentou 100% de cobertura vacinal na primeira dose, enquanto o GC apresentou 89,47%. A suplementação oral com 75 mg de zinco orgânico...(AU)

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The objective of this study was to compare the presence of ovarian activity and pregnancy rates to temperature variation at the vulvar skin measured by infrared thermography (IRT). In addition, we also aimed to evaluate the IRT as a non-invasive method to evaluate animal breeding from fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI). The study comprises 150 non-lactating beef Braford cows (5/8 Hereford × 3/8 Nellore) aged between 3 and 10 years. Data were collected along the FTAI protocol period during animal management. Animals were subjected to reproductive ultrasound evaluation and thermal images were performed by an infrared camera. Mean skin vulvar temperature (°C) and ovarian structures data were compared using Tukey's t test used as follow-up test to ANOVA. We observed a statistical difference in the mean vulvar skin temperature between animals that had the presence of ovarian follicles (34.2 ± 1.8) compared to no activity (35.4 ± 1.0; P < 0.05). However, vulvar skin temperature were similar between pregnant (34.5 ± 1.5) compared to non-pregnant (34.3 ± 1.9) animals (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the IRT technique was efficient to detect changes on vulvar skin temperature observed during FTAI protocol in Braford cows. Therefore, the use of IRT as an indirectly diagnostic tool to detect ovarian activity seems promising and further studies are required to validate their potential in beef cattle production.

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This study evaluated the population dynamics and ownerships of dogs and cats from the city of Jaguapitã, southern Brazil. The human to dog and cat ratios were 4.6 and 21.5, respectively. Comparatively more dogs (n=2,460) than cats (n=571) were within the households and there were significantly more male (55.8%; 679/1,217) dogs relative to females (44.2%; 538/1217). Most cats (69.2%; 180/260) did not received any antiparasitic medication, were not immunized against rabies (91.2%; 237/260) or any specific infectious disease (91.5%; 238/260). Less than half (40.8%; 106/260) of these was below oneyear-of age, but a significant number of cats was without any definite breed (81.2%; 211/260), and not spayed (93.5%; 243/260). Most dogs were of the mixed breed (69.5%; 846/1217), between one and four-years old (42.6%; 519/1217), and not spayed (96.3%; 1172/1,217). An elevated population of dogs received anthelminthic drugs (71%; 865/1,217), but most of these were not immunized against rabies (63.8% 777/1,217) or other infectious disease (58.6%; 713/1,217). Most (68.7%; 770/1,120) households were owners of a pet dog and/or cat; 54.4% (610/1,120) of these owned only dogs, 4.9% (55/1,120) were the owners of cats only, while 9.4% (105/1,120) owned pet dogs and cats. The results obtained are similar to those described in populated cities of Brazil and other countries. However, the free street access of pets associated with the reduced level of immunization against canine and feline infectious diseases coupled with the responsibility of ownership demonstrated by most residents make these animals highly susceptible to zoonotic and infectious diseases. Additionally, the free street access of unsprayed pets increases the risk of contact with other animals and the transmission of disease.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a dinâmica da população de cães e gatos e o perfil de seus respectivos guardiões na cidade de Jaguapitã, sul do Brasil. A razão homem:cão e homem:gato foi de 4,6 e 21,5, respectivamente. Em comparação, mais cães (n=2,460) do que gatos (n=571) eram domiciliados havendo significativamente mais cães machos (55.8%; 679/1,217) em relação as fêmeas (44.2%; 538/1217). A maioria dos gatos (69.2%; 180/260) não recebeu qualquer medicação antiparasitária, não foi vacinada contra raiva (91.2%; 237/260) ou qualquer doença infecciosa específica (91.5%; 238/260). Menos da metade destes (40.8%; 106/260) tinha idade inferior a um ano e, um número significante de gatos não apresentava definição racial (81.2%; 211/260) e não era castrado (93.5%; 243/260). A maior parte dos cães não apresentava raça definida (69.5%; 846/1217), tinha entre um e quatro anos de idade (42.6%; 519/1217) e não era castrada (96.3%; 1172/1,217). Um grande número de cães recebeu medicação antiparasitária (71%; 865/1,217), mas a maioria desses não foi imunizada contra raiva (63.8% 777/1,217) ou outra doença infecciosa (58.6%; 713/1,217). Cães e/ou gatos estavam presentes na maioria dos domicílios visitados (68.7%; 770/1,120), nos quais 54.4% (610/1,120) possuíam somente cães, 4.9% (55/1,120) possuíam somente gatos, enquanto 9.4% (105/1,120) possuíam cães e gatos. Os resultados obtidos são similares aos descritos em outras cidades do Brasil e outros países. O livre acesso à rua associado ao reduzido nível de imunização contra as doenças infecciosas de cães e gatos e à conduta de posse responsável adotada pelos guardiões torna esses animais altamente susceptíveis às doenças infecciosas e zoonóticas.(AU)

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