Abstract This study aimed to verify the impact of high-fat diet consumption for a prolonged period on oxidative stress, fetal growth, umbilical vascular system, and placental structures in pregnant goats. Twenty-two pregnant goats were grouped into the control diet (n= 11) and fat diet (n = 11). Flaxseed meal was added to the fat diet, replacing the corn grain of concentrate, from gestational day 100 to delivery date. Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, differing in fat content (2.8% vs. 6.3% dry matter). The fat group showed higher feed intake and total plasma lipid levels than the control group (P < 0.001). No difference was found in placentome, and umbilical vascular development. Fat diet-fed goats exhibited a lower systolic peak in the umbilical artery. At delivery, placental traits were similar with the exception of the cotyledon width (P = 0.0075), which was smaller in the fat group and cotyledon surface (P = 0.0047) for multiple pregnancy of fat diet. Cotyledonary epithelium showed more intense staining of lipid droplets and a greater area for lipofuscin staining in the fat group compared to control group (P < 0.001). The mean live weight of the kids was lower in the fat group in the first week after delivery than in control group. Thus, in goats, the continuous administration of a high-fat diet during pregnancy does not appear to modify the fetal-maternal vascular structures but has an impact on a part of the placental structure; therefore, its use must be carefully evaluated.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the reproductive effects of adding monosodium glutamate (MSG) to the diet of goats. Eleven adult goats received synchronized estrus and follicular waves using three prostaglandin analog injections every seven days. Goats allocated to individual pens received 1 g/kg BW of MSG in their diet for 23 days (MOGLU group, n = 6), whereas the control group (n = 5) maintained the base diet. The supplemented animals showed an increase in dry matter intake (P < 0.0001) and a reduction in heart rate (P < 0.05), respiratory rate, and ruminal movement (P < 0.001). Surface and rectal temperatures were higher in the MOGLU group, (P < 0.0001) with a significant increase in the afternoon. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in the frequency of behaviors related to rumination, defecation, and urination in the MOGLU group, and a reduction in behaviors associated with stress (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the plasma levels of proteins, albumin, urea, cholesterol, or triglycerides. Glucose levels were lower (P < 0.05) in the MOGLU group, which also showed increased glutathione peroxide levels during the induction of ovulation. Supplemented animals recorded a larger number (P < 0.05) of follicles throughout the experimental period and higher intraovarian blood perfusion (P < 0.05) during ovulation induction. We conclude that MSG exerts a positive effect on the reproductive response in goats and therefore represents an effective nutritional supplement.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of a short glutamate supply on the ovarian response in goats with low body condition scores. Twenty-one goats had their estrus and follicular waves synchronized using three injections of prostaglandin analog at seven-day intervals. Goats were allocated to groups receiving 10 mg/kg LW (iv) of glutamate administered in a single dose (group LBCG1, n = 7) or in two doses five days apart (group LBCG2, n = 7). The control group (LBC; n = 7) received saline solution. Glutamate treatment did not affect glucose, cholesterol, or glutathione peroxidase levels, body weight, or adipose deposits. During the experimental period, the LBCG2 group showed a higher (P < 0.05) number of follicles (> 3 mm) and an increase in follicle diameter (P < 0.05). Glutamate supply improved (P < 0.05) the intraovarian Doppler blood area size in the LBCG groups, and the second dose in LBCG2 also induced a higher (P < 0.05) systolic and diastolic peak of the ovary artery. After ovulation induction, LBCG2 exhibited a high (P < 0.05) volume of the corpus luteum and vascularized area. We concluded that the supply of two doses of glutamate five days apart was efficient in ovarian stimulation in goats with a low body condition.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of increasing the nutritional plane in finishing diets on meat quality traits of culled adult goats. Forty-one crossbred does were divided into four groups: baseline diet formulated to meet 100% of the nutritional requirements (BD); BD + 30% (BD30); + 60% (BD60); + 90% (BD90) of the nutritional level of BD. The goats received the experimental diets for 28 days. The protein profile of the longissimus lumborum muscle was evaluated using 1D SDS–PAGE and mass spectrometry. Cholesterol and albumin concentrations were highest in the BD group. There were no alterations in loin proximate composition or tissue composition. However, there was a significant reduction in the PUFA content in groups BD60 and BD90 compared with the group fed the baseline diet. Of 37 protein bands identified, 35 showed lower intensities in group BD90 than in BD and 22 bands showed lesser expression in groups BD60 and BD90 than in BD. The multivariate model identified 14 band proteins involved in group-diet segregation. Therefore, increasing the nutrient supply for finishing goats did not have marked positive effects on carcass. A lower expression of these proteins can have a profound impact on the qualitative aspects of the meat product.

Abstract The effect of high dietary lipid on the meat quality parameters of shoulder meat adult goats in raw meat and during curing and smoking was evaluated by classical and multivariate approaches. The animals were divided into two groups of different finishing strategies: without whole full-fat linseed (WFFLG, n = 9) and whole full-fat linseed (FFLG, n = 9), with diets containing an ether extract content of 2.7% and 6.9%, respectively. The physicochemical attributes did not vary according to the experimental diets in raw meat. The colorimetric parameters and pH varied during curing and smoking. Through multivariate analysis the first two principal components (PC), it was possible to identified variables were highly importance the total variation (L*, a*, b*, C*, h*, and fat content) in raw meat and smoking. The fat content and color b* presented the highest scores for importance of the variable in the projection. Lipid supplementation of adult goats did not influence the quality parameters physicochemical of the raw shoulder meat. However, after curing and smoking there was a significant effect of diet on Hue angle (h*).

Abstract This study examined the effect of glycerin supply strategies in different short-term protocols on follicular dynamics and ovulatory rate in Morada Nova sheep. Eighteen Morada Nova ewes with body condition > 2.9 had their estrus and follicular waves synchronized using three injections of prostaglandin analogue at seven-day intervals. All animals received the same diet during 21 days, which consisted of a total mixed ration (TMR) based on chopped elephant grass and concentrate twice daily. In thecontrol group (n=9), ewes were fed the TMR diet. In the other four groups, ewes received 150 mL of glycerol daily, supplied as an oral drench or mixed in the TMR during three or seven days prior to the application of thethird PGF2 alfa analogue. These groups were named as follows: Drench3d (n=10), Drench7d (n=8), TMR3d (n=9) and TMR7d (n=9). Follicle dynamics were monitored by ultrasonography, and plasma glucose and glutathione peroxidase levels were measured at the third prostaglandin administration. Six days after the final PGF2 alfa analogue dose, ovulatory rate was measured by laparoscopy. Glucose was higher (P< 0.001) in the glycerin-treated groups than in control group (83.7 ± 1.7 vs. 68.4 ± 4.5 mg. dL-1; P < 0.001). Ewes in the TMR3d, Drench7d and TMR7d groups had a greater (P < 0.001) number of large follicles (≥ 3 < 5 mm), and the presence of follicles larger than 5 mm was observed. In the same groups, at the third PGF2 alfa analogue dose, a greater (P < 0.001) number of growing follicles (> 3 mm) and a larger size of the largest follicle (P < 0.001) were also recorded. Ovulation rate was 30% higher in the groups that received glycerin for seven days (1.6 ± 0.1 53 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1; P < 0.05), and they also exhibited a 38% reduction in glutathione peroxidase. Thus,the use of glycerin in Morada Nova sheep as a source of energy in short-term supplementation for increase ovulation rate is an efficient strategy when provided for seven days, either orally or in the feed.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho no abate de bezerros, novilhos e touros da raça Maremmana, e comparar, por meio de Análise de Variância (ANOVA) e Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA), a composição de ácidos graxos e as características da carne das diferentes categorias: bezerro, novilho e touro. Os animais deste estudo foram criados nas mesmas condições em pastagem com suplementação de feno e concentrado. Foram utilizados 18 vitelos abatidos aos 12-14 meses, 27 novilhos abatidos aos 18 meses e 14 touros abatidos aos 20-24 meses. Sucessivamente foi analisado o desempenho ao abate e as características nutricionais e físico-químicas do Musculus longissimus dorsi. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância. Os parâmetros de abate foram melhores em novilhos e touros. A idade ao abate não afetou as características químicas da carne. Não houve diferença em relação à porcentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (SFA), mas a carne de vitela apresentou menor teor de monoinsaturados (MUFA) e poliinsaturados (PUFA). Os ácidos graxos desejáveis e os índices de saúde foram melhores na carne de vitela. A composição de ácidos graxos foi utilizada também, na análise multivariada dos componentes principais e no mapa de calor, como variável discriminatória para os três categorias de carne; essas análises confirmaram que o produto cárneo de vitela é diferente de outros tipos. A carne de Maremmana proveniente de animais de diferentes faixas etárias mostrou boas características gerais, adequadas para a dieta da população do país ocidental.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the performance at slaughtering of calves; young bull and bull of Maremmana breed, and compared, through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on fatty acid composition, the characteristics of the resulting meat categories: veal, young bull meat and bull meat. The Maremmana cattle is a local endangered breed deriving from Tuscany and Latium. The animals of this study were raised under same conditions in pasture with hay and concentrate supplementations. Eighteen calves of 12-14 months, 27 young bulls of 18 months and 14 bulls of 20-24 months were slaughtered in this trial. The performances at slaughtering were considered, and on the meat samples, the chemical analysis and the fatty acid composition were carried out. Results were submitted to ANOVA and PCA, and a Heat map that considered the fatty acid distances among meat typologies was built. Slaughtering performances were better in young bulls and bulls. Chemical composition didn’t differ among meat categories. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were similar among meats, but Monounsaturated (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were lower in veal. Desirable fatty acids and Healthy Indices were better in veal. The results of PCA and Heat map confirmed that veal was quite different from other meats. Maremmana meat deriving from animals of different age has shown overall good characteristics, suitable for the diet of western country population.

Abstract Here, we aimed to discriminate between the spectral profiles of spent culture media after oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and culture (IVC) from goats of different ages subjected to repeated hormonal treatments. The profiles were discriminated using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate methods. A total of 19 goats (young = 10; old = 9) were subjected to serial hormonal stimulation (HS) with gonadotropins. Cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs) were collected using laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) and subjected to IVM and parthenogenetic activation. The initial embryos were subjected to IVC. Spent culture media were collected after oocyte IVM and on day 2 of IVC and analyzed using NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectral data were interpreted through chemometric methods, such as principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The results of PCA analysis clearly showed a separation in the spectral profiles between the experimental groups (HS sessions; young and old animals) both after IVM and IVC. Overall, the main absorption bands were attributed to the C-H group second overtone, first overtone of O-H and N-H, and C-H combinations and may serve as molecular markers. On the other hand, the spectral data obtained using PLS-DA models provided a better classification of the groups. The results showed the possibility of discriminating young and old groups as well as the three HS sessions with high specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy using NIR spectra. Thus, the culture medium analysis using NIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate methods indicated the dissimilarities between the groups and provided an insight into the in vitro development of goat oocytes. This technique serves as an efficient, objective, rapid, and non-invasive method to discriminate spectral profiles.

RESUMO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de insulina sobre a resposta produtiva de cabras Saanen durante a lactação inicial. Dez de vinte fêmeas adultas foram sujeitas à administração subcutânea de repetidas e baixas doses de insulina de liberação intermediária aos 2, 9 e 14 dias pós-parto. A produção de leite foi mensurada duas vezes ao dia, por 13 semanas, e amostras de leite foram coletadas para mensurar teores de proteína e gordura. Os níveis plasmáticos de progesterona, insulina, ácidos graxos não-esterificados (AGNE), glicose e outros metabólitos foram mensurados. Os resultados mostraram um efeito significativamente maior nos animais tratados com insulina sobre o teor de gordura e proteína no leite. Além disso, a produção de leite na primeira e segunda semana pós-parto foi maior no grupo tratado do que no grupo controle. O pico de lactação no grupo insulina foi alcançado uma semana antes em comparação ao grupo controle. Além disso, a taxa de produção de leite nos animais tratados mostrou uma menor persistência de produção de leite durante o período analisado. Durante as primeiras quatro semanas pós-parto, os animais tratados com insulina mostraram maior perda de peso e maior concentração de AGNE, enquanto não se observou nenhum efeito sobre a concentração de progesterona ou outros metabólitos. Os resultados acima indicam que repetidas doses de insulina em cabras leiteiras durante a lactação inicial aumenta o rendimento de produção e concentração de componentes qualitativos do leite, mas apresenta consequências consideráveis sobre taxa de produção animal e resposta metabólica.

ABSTRACT: The effect of insulin administration on the productive responses of Saanen goats during early lactation was investigated. Ten of 20 adult females were subjected to subcutaneous administration of intermediate-acting insulin (0.14UI/kg body weight) at 2, 9, and 14 days postpartum. Milk yield was measured twice daily for 13 weeks and milk samples were collected to measure protein and fat contents. Plasma levels of progesterone, insulin, non-esterifies fatty acids, glucose and other metabolites were measured. Results showed a significantly increased effect of insulin treatment on the content of milk fat and protein; moreover, milk production in the first and second postpartum weeks were higher than control group. The peak of lactation in the insulin group was achieved one week earlier in comparison to the control group. In addition, the milk production rate showed lower persistency (milk yield 13 week/milk yield at peak) in the same group. During the first four weeks of postpartum, treated animals showed greater weight loss and higher non-esterified fatty acid concentration, whereas no effect was observed on the concentration of progesterone and other metabolites. The above results indicated that repeated administration of insulin in dairy goats during early lactation increase yield and qualitative components of milk, but has substantial consequences on animal productive rate and metabolic response.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito de suplementos alimentares com diferentes níveis de proteína sobre a resposta reprodutiva e metabólica de ovelhas durante o período de monta. Quarenta e uma ovelhas foram suplementadas durante 43 dias com proteína em quantidade para satisfazer 1,0 (dieta I; n = 14), 1,7 (dieta II; n = 13) e 2,1 (dieta III; n = 14) vezes as exigências de manutenção. O consumo de matéria seca (MS) foi superior (P < 0,01) na dieta III quando comparada com as dietas I e II. As sobras foram menores nas dietas II e III (P < 0,05) quando comparada à dieta I. O consumo de matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB) e extrato estéreo (EE) foram superiores na dieta III, porém a ingestão de NDF e ADF foi maior na dieta I (P < 0,05). Na dieta III foi observada uma maior frequência de fêmeas montadas (P < 0,05). A taxa de prolificidade e gemelaridade foi maior em ovelhas da dieta II (P < 0,05). Verificou-se um maior peso ao nascimento de cordeiros (P < 0,05) na dieta III. Os níveis de progesterona medidos após o acasalamento foram afetados pelas dietas II e III (P < 0,05). Em conclusão, a suplementação de ovelhas com nível intermediário de proteína melhora sua resposta reprodutiva.

This study evaluated the effect of food supplements with different levels of protein on reproductive and metabolic response of ewes during the mating period. Forty-one ewes were supplemented during 43 days with amount protein to meet 1.0 (diet I; n = 14), 1.7 (diet II; n = 13) and 2.1 (diet III; n = 14) times the maintenance requirements. Dry matter (DM) intake was higher (P < 0.01) in diet III when compared to diets I and II. Orts were lesser in diets II and III (P < 0.05) when compared to diet I. Intake of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) was higher in diet III (P < 0.05), but NDF and ADF intake was superior in diet I (P < 0.05). In diet III, a higher frequency of female mated was observed (P < 0.05). The prolificity and twinning rate was higher in ewes of diet II (P < 0.05). Greater birth weight of lambs (P < 0.05) was verified in diet III. The progesterone levels were affected by diets II and III (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of ewes with intermediate level of protein improves their reproductive response.

The hormonal responses of 20 female buffaloes raised under the sun (SS group) or in the shade (CS group) in Belém, Pará, Brazil, were assessed. The CS group (n = 10) was kept in a silvopasture system featuring Racosperma mangium, whereas the SS group (n = 10) was kept in paddocks without shade featuring Brachiaria humidicola, drinking water, and mineral salt. The following parameters were measured for each treatment: dry-bulb temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and black-globe temperature in order to calculate the globe temperature and humidity index (GTHI). Blood sample collections to quantitatively determine levels of cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were performed every 14 days, at 13.00 h. Different seasons of the year were also assessed: rainy (January-April), transition (May-July), and less rainy (August-December). Analysis of variance revealed that AT and the index of global temperature and humidity (GTHI) differed between groups; specifically, higher values were found in the SS group, which shows how important silvopastoral systems are in buffalo farming in tropical climates. Relative humidity was significantly different across seasons and particularly high in the rainy season. The treatments influenced cortisol such that higher values were observed in the SS group. The highest mean cortisol levels were recorded during the rainy and less rainy seasons, whereas the highest T3 and T4 levels were recorded only during the rainy season. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine were negatively correlated with AT and GTHI and positively correlated with RH. Silvopastoral systems provide thermal comfort to buffaloes, and the less rainy season is more likely to cause heat stress.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with detoxified castor meal (DCM) in the diet of ewes during pregnancy, partum, and post-partum on the weight development of their offspring and at slaughter. The study included 56 ewes with synchronized estrus that were naturally mated. At the beginning of pregnancy and in post-partum, hepatic and renal function-related parameters and progesterone levels were measured. At slaughter, the proximate composition and fatty acid profile were determined in the loin of ewes. There was no effect of diet on reproductive response after estrus synchronization. At the beginning of pregnancy, albumin and creatinine levels were lower in the DCM group. Supplementation with DCM did not alter the weight or body condition of ewes at partum. However, at weaning, the DCM group showed a higher loin-eye area (LEA) in relation to the group fed diets without detoxified castor meal (WDCM). At partum, as well as at weaning, the offspring of the ewes supplemented with DCM had a larger LEA than the WDCM group. In post-partum, levels of glucose, urea, protein, and cholesterol were lower in the DCM group. The return to cyclicity was similar in both groups, with an average of 47 days after partum. At slaughter, neither anatomical and carcass components nor the results of the proximate analysis were affected by the type of diet, except for an increase in heptadecanoic acid in the DCM group. Supplementation with detoxified castor meal in the diet of ewes does not affect lambing, pregnancy, prolificacy, return to cyclicity, milk production, blood biochemical parameters, or carcass characteristics.

Um biossensor amperométrico foi desenvolvido para detecção de peróxido de hidrogênio em amostras de leite. O biossensor foi construído a partir da imobilização de enzima peroxidase sobre eletrodo impresso de carbono. Parâmetros de otimização visando um melhor desempenho do biossensor foram avaliados. O biossensor apresentou linearidade no intervalo de 5,0 a 40,0 µ mol L-1 de H2O2 em tampão fosfato. Em amostras de leite sem diluição, os limites de detecção e quantificação foram de 0,42 µmol L-1 e 1,39 µmol L-1, respectivamente. O biossensor mostrou-se uma alternativa sensível e de baixo custo na detecção de H2O2 em amostras adulteradas de leite.

An amperometric biosensor was developed for detection of hydrogen peroxide in milk samples. The biosensor was constructed from the immobilization of peroxidase on printed carbon electrode. Optimization parameters were evaluated in order to obtain better performance of the biosensor. The biosensor showed linearity in the range 5.0 to 40.0 µ mol L-1H2O2 in phosphate buffer. Milk samples without dilution reported the detection limit for H2O2 of 0.42 µmol L-1 and quantification of 1.39 µmol L-1.The biosensor could be a sensitive and inexpensive alternative for the detection of H2O2 in adulterated milk samples.

Three Croton species, C. zenhtneri, C. nepetaefolius and C. argyrophylloides, were collected at two different times, 6:00 and 13:00 h, their essential oils were extracted by steam distillation and analyzed by gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry. The percentage yield of oil constituents changes along the day. The oils were submitted to the antioxidant test thiobarbituric acid reactive species, using BHT and a-tocoferol as the reference compounds. All oils exhibited good antioxidant activities. In general, C. zenhtneri and C. argyrophylloides essential oils showed higher antioxidant activity than C. nepetaefolius.