RESUMO

Infections by Anaplasma marginale and infestations by Rhipicephalus microplus occur endemically in Brazil, representing an obstacle to expanding the use of taurine breeds, which are more susceptible. In this study, the levels of infection by A. marginale and infestation by R. microplus were monitored in 31 calves that were either purebred or had a high degree of taurine blood: 17 Angus (100% taurine) and 14 Ultrablack (ca. 82% taurine and 18% Zebu). The animals were evaluated on 13 occasions at 12-day intervals. The levels of A. marginale infection were determined by quantification of DNA copy number (CN) by qPCR, and ticks were monitored by two methods: counting adult females (≥ 4.5 mm) and scoring the level of tick infestation considering all visible instars in the animals' bodies. No significant effects were observed between the means of CN of A. marginale, tick counts and scores among Angus and Ultrablack animals. The repeatability estimates for CN of A. marginale, tick counts and tick scores were 0.53, 0.12 and 0.16, respectively. The correlations between CN and tick counts and scores were close to zero, whereas the correlations between tick assessment methods were 0.57. The absence of differences between the two genetic groups indicates, under the conditions of the present study, that the low degree of Zebu blood did not influence the levels of infection by A. marginale or infestation by R. microplus. The results also suggest that the evaluation of the levels of infestation by ticks using scores can provide information closer to the real infestation rate considering that it uses all the visible instars of the parasites.

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RESUMO

Alternatives for Rhipicephalus microplus control are needed in the light of its resistance to acaricides. One of the ways to decrease the use of acaricides in a herd is selective control (SC). In the present study, SC was evaluated in a dairy herd consisting of different genetic groups: Holstein, Jersey, crossbreed and Girolando. Ticks were counted in the right anterior third region on around 90 cows, totaling nine evaluations at intervals of 21 days. Commercial pour-on acaricide was applied only when the infestation was greater than or equal to eight ticks larger than 4 mm in the anterior third region. Tick counts were transformed into log10 and analyzed using mixed models. There was significant difference among groups: Holstein had the highest averages of tick numbers, as expected, although 34.3% did not receive tick treatment. In the other groups, SC reduced the use of acaricides by 79.1% for crossbreed, 81.5% for Jersey and 94.9% for Girolando. The criterion used for applying the acaricide successfully kept the tick population under control. The great advantage of SC was savings to the system, without harming the animals, in addition to generate fewer residues in the animals and in the environment.

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Haemonchus contortus is the most important gastrointestinal nematode in small ruminant systems worldwide and has developed resistance to several drugs, including ivermectin (IVM). IVM is not only a veterinary drug but also a safe, broad-spectrum, antiparasitic drug used in humans. One of the main IVM-resistance mechanisms in H. contortus involves P-glycoprotein (PgP), a trans-membrane transport protein that rids worm cells from toxic molecules. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of IVM, alone or combined with main terpenes of essential oils (alpha-terpinene, beta-citronellol, beta-pinene, citronellal, limonene, menthol, and terpinolene) and with phenolic compounds (epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, pentagalloylglucose, procyanidin, and quercetin). All compounds were tested, alone or combined with IVM, against susceptible (HcS) and resistant (HcR) isolates of H. contortus through the larval development test (LDT) and the adult motility assay (AMT) using verapamil (VP), a known PgP modulator, as a control. Results for the LDT determined that the lethal concentration required to kill 50% of nematodes (LC50) with IVM was 10 times greater (0.01 µg/mL) for HcR than for HcS (0.001 µg/mL). The combination IVM + VP inhibited the activity of PgP in HcR resulting in a LC50 = 0.002 ug.mL-1. Although limonene was the least effective and alpha-terpinene the most effective terpene when tested alone against HcR, the best combinations were IVM + limonene and IVM + quercetin both produced LC50 = 0.002 µg/mL (similar to IVM+VP) which were chosen for subsequent tests. Because adult parasites are the final target for anthelmintics, IVM was evaluated in HcS (LC50 = 0.067 µg/mL) and HcR (LC50 =164.94 µg/mL) through the AMT. Results obtained with IVM + VP (LC50 = 0.020 µg/mL) in HcR were similar to IVM + limonene (LC50 = 0.028 µg/mL) and outperformed IVM + quercetin (LC50 = 1.39 µg/mL). RNA extracts from HcR adult worms exposed to IVM, IVM+VP, and IVM + limonene were evaluated for PgP expression by RT-PCR. For most concentrations, PgP-9 was significantly more expressed in worms treated with IVM alone than in worms treated with IVM + VP or IVM + limonene. Our results suggest that limonene is involved in the modulation of the PgP-9 gene and that it can restore the activity of IVM in the HcR isolate down to levels seen in HcS. Limonene is one of the main compounds found in citrus peel and has the potential to be both safe and affordable if used in combination with IVM to restore its anthelmintic effects against multi-drug-resistant H. contortus isolates. Our results also suggest that we may be more successful by combining natural products with failing commercial anthelmintics than trying to find natural substitutes for them.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Alternatives for Rhipicephalus microplus control are needed in the light of its resistance to acaricides. One of the ways to decrease the use of acaricides in a herd is selective control (SC). In the present study, SC was evaluated in a dairy herd consisting of different genetic groups: Holstein, Jersey, crossbreed and Girolando. Ticks were counted in the right anterior third region on around 90 cows, totaling nine evaluations at intervals of 21 days. Commercial pour-on acaricide was applied only when the infestation was greater than or equal to eight ticks larger than 4 mm in the anterior third region. Tick counts were transformed into log10 and analyzed using mixed models. There was significant difference among groups: Holstein had the highest averages of tick numbers, as expected, although 34.3% did not receive tick treatment. In the other groups, SC reduced the use of acaricides by 79.1% for crossbreed, 81.5% for Jersey and 94.9% for Girolando. The criterion used for applying the acaricide successfully kept the tick population under control. The great advantage of SC was savings to the system, without harming the animals, in addition to generate fewer residues in the animals and in the environment.(AU)

A resistência de Rhipicephalus microplus a carrapaticidas gera a necessidade de alternativas de controle. Uma das formas de diminuir o uso de carrapaticida em um rebanho é o controle seletivo do carrapato (CS). O presente estudo avaliou o CS em rebanho leiteiro, constituído de diferentes grupos genéticos: Holandês, Jersey, mestiço e Girolando. Carrapatos foram contados na região do terço anterior direito, totalizando nove avaliações em cerca de 90 vacas, a intervalos ao redor de 21 dias. Carrapaticida comercial pour-on foi aplicado somente quando a infestação fosse igual ou superior a oito carrapatos maiores que 4 mm na região anterior. Dados de contagens foram transformados em log10 e analisados por meio de modelos mistos. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos genéticos: vacas Holandesas apresentaram maiores médias no número de carrapatos, como esperado, embora 34,3% não tenha recebido tratamento carrapaticida; nas demais, o CS proporcionou diminuição do uso de carrapaticidas de 79,1% para as mestiças, 81,5% para as Jersey e 94,9% para as Girolando. O critério utilizado para aplicar o carrapaticida manteve a população de carrapatos sob controle. A grande vantagem do CS foi a economia ao sistema, sem prejudicar os animais, com menos resíduos para animais e meio ambiente.(AU)

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Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina are tick-transmitted piroplasms that cause severe damage to the livestock industry in tropical regions of the world. Recent studies demonstrated differences in infection levels of these haemoparasites among bovine breeds and variation between individual cows regarding resistance to these diseases. This study aimed to estimate the repeatability and correlations between B. bovis and B. bigemina using two cattle breeding systems, an individual system (IS) and a collective paddock system (CPS). All animals were Holstein breed, and the levels of B. bovis and B. bigemina in blood samples were estimated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The estimated correlations for the B. bigemina and B. bovis DNA copy number for IS and CPS were moderate and high, respectively, whereas repeatability estimates for both systems and both Babesia species were moderate. Although we cannot infer that the type of rearing system directly influenced the correlation and repeatability coefficients, it appears that the bovine parasitemia burden may be dependent on (or determine) the parasitemia burden on ticks because the bovines remained in the same place for a longer time in both systems. Thus, the babesiosis infection levels of the ticks may have been uniform, a phenomenon that also ensures greater uniformity in cattle infection. This factor may have favored the occurrence of infected ticks leading to higher repeatability estimates and correlations. Our study confirms high variability in resistance/susceptibility between breeds, and the high correlations found may be linked to this characteristic and the most intensive breeding type of dairy cattle. Besides, under the present study conditions, the estimated correlations suggest that measuring an infection level of one Babesia species can predict the level of infection of the other.

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Given the difficulties of controlling the tick Rhipicephalus microplus due to acaricide resistance, this study aimed to ascertain whether shearing could reduce infestation in cattle. 17 taurine cattle were sheared on the anterior third of one randomly selected side. Shearing was undertaken using a machine with a blade, leaving coats with a thickness of 1 mm. Subsequently, eight evaluations were performed once a week, counting adult females of R. microplus with a diameter > 4.5 mm on the anterior third of both sides (shorn and unshorn). The coat length was also monitored by taking five hair samples from each animal fortnightly (1, 15, 29, 43 and 57 days post shorn) from a central area of both shoulders (shorn and unshorn). The tick counts and hair length data were transformed for normalisation and were analysed using mixed models. The tick and hair length means were significantly higher for the unshorn side. Tick counts were significantly lower on the sheared side until the fifth evaluation, with the final three presenting no differences between the sides. The hair length was significantly lower for the sheared side during the five evaluations. We conclude that as the hair length increased, there was also an increase in the number of ticks on the sheared side. Although this method is not practical for large herds, it can be deemed an option in extreme conditions of tick infestation. In addition, the study reinforces the suggestion that the selection and/or use of cattle with shorter hairs may contribute to reduced tick infestation.

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Heat stress (HS) adversely influences productivity and welfare of dairy cattle. We hypothesized that the thermoregulatory mechanisms vary depending on the exposure time to HS, with a cumulative effect on the adaptive responses and thermal strain of the cow. To identify the effect of HS on adaptive thermoregulatory mechanisms and predictors of caloric balance, Holstein cows were housed in climate chambers and randomly distributed into thermoneutral (TN; n=12) or HS (n=12) treatments for 16 days. Vaginal temperature (VT), rectal temperature (Tre), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured. The temperature and humidity under TN were 25.9±0.2°C and 73.0±0.8%, respectively, and under HS were 36.3±0.3°C and 60.9±0.9%, respectively. The RR of the HS cows increased immediately after exposure to heat and was higher (76.02±1.70bpm, p<0.001) than in the TN (39.70±0.71bpm). An increase in Tre (39.87±0.07°C in the HS vs. 38.56±0.03°C in the TN, p<0.001) and in VT (39.82±0.10°C in the HS vs. 38.26±0.03°C in the TN, p<0.001) followed the increase in RR. A decrease (p<0.05) in HR occurred in the HS (62.13±0.99bpm) compared with the TN (66.23±0.79bpm); however, the magnitude of the differences was not the same over time. The DMI was lower in HS cows from the third day (8.27±0.33kgd-1 in the HS vs. 14.03±0.29kgd-1 in the TN, p<0.001), and the reduction of DMI was strongly affected (r=-0.65) by changes in the temperature humidity index. The effect of environmental variables from the previous day on physiological parameters and DMI was more important than the immediate effect, and ambient temperature represented the most determinant factor for heat exchange. The difference in the responses to acute and chronic exposure to HS suggests an adaptive response. Thus, intense thermal stress strongly influence thermoregulatory mechanisms and the acclimation process depend critically on heat exposure time.

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RESUMO

Dairy cattle farming is of great economic and social importance in all Brazilian's regions. Parasites can reduce milk productivity, especially the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. This study consisted of a questionnaire answered by 40 milk producers in the northwestern region of the State of São Paulo. The aim was to ascertain how these producers controlled ticks and other parasites. Very many of them knew nothing about the biological cycle of the cattle tick or about strategic control or acaricide efficacy tests. The majority (87.5%) controlled ticks at a high frequency, without technical criteria and care to apply the acaricide. Spraying was the most used mode of acaricide application (95%) and endectocides were used by 45%. Cattle tick fever was the harm most associated with ticks (87.5%) followed closely by screwworm (77.5%). However, 65% were satisfied with their tick control. About the control of others parasites, all dewormed at least twice a year their animals; 65% were controlling horn fly; 40% had problems with screwworm. The interviewers had in general good level of education and the farms generally exhibited a high degree of technology for milk production on pasture because half of them received technical assistance frequently.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract Dairy cattle farming is of great economic and social importance in all Brazilian’s regions. Parasites can reduce milk productivity, especially the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. This study consisted of a questionnaire answered by 40 milk producers in the northwestern region of the State of São Paulo. The aim was to ascertain how these producers controlled ticks and other parasites. Very many of them knew nothing about the biological cycle of the cattle tick or about strategic control or acaricide efficacy tests. The majority (87.5%) controlled ticks at a high frequency, without technical criteria and care to apply the acaricide. Spraying was the most used mode of acaricide application (95%) and endectocides were used by 45%. Cattle tick fever was the harm most associated with ticks (87.5%) followed closely by screwworm (77.5%). However, 65% were satisfied with their tick control. About the control of others parasites, all dewormed at least twice a year their animals; 65% were controlling horn fly; 40% had problems with screwworm. The interviewers had in general good level of education and the farms generally exhibited a high degree of technology for milk production on pasture because half of them received technical assistance frequently.

Resumo A bovinocultura leiteira é de extrema importância econômica e social em todas as regiões brasileiras. Os parasitas podem reduzir a produção leiteira, especialmente o carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Este trabalho consistiu em um questionário respondido por 40 produtores de leite da região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, com o objetivo de saber como os produtores controlam carrapatos e outros parasitas. Grande parte deles não conhecia o ciclo biológico do carrapato do boi nem o controle estragégico e o teste de eficácia de carrapaticidas. A maioria (87,5%) controlava o carrapato com alta frequência, sem critérios técnicos e cuidados na aplicação do carrapaticida. A aspersão foi o modo de aplicação mais usado (95%) e endectocidas eram utilizados por 45%. Tristeza parasitária bovina foi o prejuízo mais associado ao carrapato (87,5%), seguido de perto pela bicheira (77,5%). No entanto, 65% estavam satisfeitos com o controle do carrapato. A maioria (82,5%) criava gado mestiço. Em relação ao controle de outros parasitas, todos vermifugavam seus animais pelo menos duas vezes por ano; 65% deles controlava a mosca-do-chifre; 40% têm problemas com bicheira. Os entrevistados, de forma geral, tinham bom nível educacional, e as fazendas geralmente exibiam alto grau de tecnologia em produção de leite a pasto, porque metade delas recebia assistência técnica constante de um programa estatal que incentiva a produção leiteira sustentável.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract Dairy cattle farming is of great economic and social importance in all Brazilians regions. Parasites can reduce milk productivity, especially the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. This study consisted of a questionnaire answered by 40 milk producers in the northwestern region of the State of São Paulo. The aim was to ascertain how these producers controlled ticks and other parasites. Very many of them knew nothing about the biological cycle of the cattle tick or about strategic control or acaricide efficacy tests. The majority (87.5%) controlled ticks at a high frequency, without technical criteria and care to apply the acaricide. Spraying was the most used mode of acaricide application (95%) and endectocides were used by 45%. Cattle tick fever was the harm most associated with ticks (87.5%) followed closely by screwworm (77.5%). However, 65% were satisfied with their tick control. About the control of others parasites, all dewormed at least twice a year their animals; 65% were controlling horn fly; 40% had problems with screwworm. The interviewers had in general good level of education and the farms generally exhibited a high degree of technology for milk production on pasture because half of them received technical assistance frequently.(AU)

Resumo A bovinocultura leiteira é de extrema importância econômica e social em todas as regiões brasileiras. Os parasitas podem reduzir a produção leiteira, especialmente o carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Este trabalho consistiu em um questionário respondido por 40 produtores de leite da região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, com o objetivo de saber como os produtores controlam carrapatos e outros parasitas. Grande parte deles não conhecia o ciclo biológico do carrapato do boi nem o controle estragégico e o teste de eficácia de carrapaticidas. A maioria (87,5%) controlava o carrapato com alta frequência, sem critérios técnicos e cuidados na aplicação do carrapaticida. A aspersão foi o modo de aplicação mais usado (95%) e endectocidas eram utilizados por 45%. Tristeza parasitária bovina foi o prejuízo mais associado ao carrapato (87,5%), seguido de perto pela bicheira (77,5%). No entanto, 65% estavam satisfeitos com o controle do carrapato. A maioria (82,5%) criava gado mestiço. Em relação ao controle de outros parasitas, todos vermifugavam seus animais pelo menos duas vezes por ano; 65% deles controlava a mosca-do-chifre; 40% têm problemas com bicheira. Os entrevistados, de forma geral, tinham bom nível educacional, e as fazendas geralmente exibiam alto grau de tecnologia em produção de leite a pasto, porque metade delas recebia assistência técnica constante de um programa estatal que incentiva a produção leiteira sustentável.(AU)

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