Abstract The cryopreservation reduces ram sperm quality, decreasing the pregnancy rate of ewes inseminated with thawed sperm. Hence, we aimed to improve the post-thaw quality of ram sperm replacing egg yolk on Tris-Glucose extender with different concentrations of LDL (2 or 8%), associated with the addition of 10 mM non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, hydroxytoluene butylate, ascorbyl palmitate, and trehalose). Semen samples were collected from six rams, split into different treatments, and frozen. After thawing, kinematic (CASA), structural (propidium iodide and carboxyfluorescein diacetate) and functional (hypoosmotic test) sperm membrane integrity was assessed. Total motility, VCL, and LIN were also assessed in thawed samples during 3 h of incubation (38 °C). The results showed that hydroxytoluene butylate at 10 mM in Tris-Glucose extender with 8% LDL improved velocity parameters immediately post-thaw compared with Tris-Glucose egg yolk extender, as well as prevented the reduction of total motility and VCL after incubation. There was no benefit of adding ascorbic acid and trehalose. Moreover, for the first time, it was shown the motility impairment promoted by ascorbyl palmitate to ram sperm.

RESUMO Objetivou-se determinar o perfil de excreção de resíduos de albendazole e ivermectina em leite de cabras submetidas a tratamento antiparasitário. Vinte e quatro cabras sem padrão racial definido (SPRD), lactantes, pluríparas, criadas extensivamente em pastagem nativa foram tratadas com albendazole ou ivermectina, via oral. As amostras de leite foram coletadas antes e após a aplicação dos vermífugos, nos dias 0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 para Albendazole e 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 e 42 para ivermectina. Os resíduos dos vermífugos foram determinados por meio de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector ultravioleta. A quantidade de resíduos presentes no leite foi decrescente em função do tempo. As taxas medias diárias de decréscimo dos resíduos de albendazole foram 63,34%, 40,18 e 100,0%, do 2° ao 4° dia, respectivamente; no 3° dia após o tratamento, 50% das amostras apresentaram concentrações ≥ 47,61 μg.mL-1 e no 4° dia, nenhuma amostra apresentou resíduo de albendazole. Os teores excretados de ivermectina foram similares entre o 3° e 21° dia, quando todas as amostras apresentaram valores ≥ 51,90 μg.mL-1; no 35° dia, 50% das amostras apresentavam valores acima nos níveis recomendáveis; no 42° dia, nenhuma amostra apresentou resíduo detectável de ivermectina. Conclui-se que o leite de cabras SPRD tratadas oralmente com albendazole ou ivermectina não apresenta seus respectivos resíduos em quantidades detectáveis a partir do 4° e 42° dias, respectivamente, após tratamento antiparasitário.

SUMMARY Theaimthis study was to determine the excretion profile of albendazole and ivermectin residues in milk from goats submitted to antiparasitic treatment. Twenty-four Brazilianmongrel lactating and pluriparous goats, maintained extensively on native pasture were orally treatedwith albendazole or ivermectin. Milk samples were collected before and after vermifuges application, in the days 0, 2, 3 e 4 to albendazole and 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 to ivermectin. The vermifuges residues were detected by high performance liquid cromatography with ultravioletdetector. The amount of residues contained in themilk was decreasing in function of time. The mean daily rates of decrease of albendazole residues were 63.34%, 40.18 and 100.0%, from the 2ndto the 4thday, respectively; on the 3rdday after treatment, 50% of the samples showed concentrations ≥ 47.61 μg.mL–1, and on the 4thday, no sample had albendazole residue. The amount excreted of ivermectin was similar between the 3rdand 21stday when all samples presented values ≥ 51.90 μg.mL-1; on the 35th day, 50% of the samples showed values above of recommended levels, and on the 42nd day, no sample had detectable ivermectin residue. In conclusion, the milk of Brazilian mongrel goats treated orally with albendazole or ivermectin does not contain its respective residues in detectable amounts from the 4th and 42nddays, respectively, after antiparasitic treatment.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o crescimento de ovinos Santa Inês utilizando modelos não-lineares selecionados por análise multivariada. Dezessete modelos não-lineares foram utilizados para descrever o crescimento de cordeiros do nascimento aos 210 dias de idade. Os modelos foram classificados por meio de análise multivariada utilizando o coeficiente de determinação ajustado, critério de informação de Akaike, critério de informação Bayesiano, erro quadrático médio de predição, coeficiente de determinação de predição, desvio médio absoluto dos resíduos e percentual de convergência como avaliadores da qualidade do ajuste. Os modelos Richards, Reynolds e Weibull não convergiram e os modelos Schnute, Meloun II, IV e VI, Gamito, Michaelis Menten e Michaelis Menten Modificado não apresentaram padrão de crescimento tradicional. Os modelos Mitscherlich, Gompertz, Logístico, Meloun I, III e V, Brody e Von Bertalanffy convergiram e foram utilizados na análise de agrupamento. Dentre os quatroclusters formados, o primeiro, composto pelos modelos Mitscherlich, Meloun I e Brody, apresentou os melhores valores para os critério de informação de Akaike e bayesiano. Os parâmetros da curva foram influenciados pelo sexo e o tipo de parto (P<0,05) e o ponto inflexão ocorreu aos 94 dias de idade. Os modelos Mitscherlich, Meloun I e Brody são adequados e equivalentes para descrição do crescimento de ovinos Santa Inês.

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to describe the growth of Santa Ines sheep using nonlinear models selected by multivariate analysis. Seventeen nonlinear models were used to describe the growth of sheep from birth to 210 days of age. The models were classified by means of multivariate analysis using the adjusted coefficient of determination, the Akaike information criterion, the Bayesian information criterion, the mean squared error of prediction, the coefficient of determination, mean absolute deviation and percentage of convergence of prediction as evaluators of adjustment quality. The Richards, Reynolds and Weibull models did not converge and the Schnute, Meloun II, IV and VI, Gamito, Michaelis Menten and Modified Michaelis Menten models did not show any traditional growth pattern. Models Mitscherlich, Gompertz, Logistic, Meloun I, III and V, Brody and Von Bertalanffy converged and were used in grouping analysis. Of the four formed clusters formed, the first, composed by models Mitscherlich, Meloun I and Brody, showed the best values for all the evaluators considered. The curve parameters were influenced by gender and type of birth (P<0.05) and the inflection point occurred at 94 days of age. The Mitscherlich, Meloun I and Brody models are adequate and equivalent to describe the growth of Santa Ines sheep.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a diversidade fenotípica de linhagens de ovinos Santa Inês. Doze medidas corporais foram realizadas em 502 fêmeas adultas descendentes de 34 reprodutores pertencentes a 15 linhagens da raça Santa Inês, registrados junto à associação de criadores: Altura Anterior, Altura Posterior, Altura das Pernas, Altura do Tórax, Circunferência Torácica, Circunferência da Canela, Comprimento do Corpo, Comprimento do Pescoço, Comprimento de Orelha, Comprimento da Face, Comprimento do Chanfro e Largura da Face. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de Variáveis Canônicas e à análise de agrupamento pelo método da ligação média entre grupos. As três primeiras Variáveis Canônicas explicaram 81,01% da variação total. As linhagens 1, 10 e 11 foram as mais homogêneas, enquanto que as linhagens 3, 6, 9, 12 e 15 apresentaram grande variabilidade intra-populacional. As linhagens 11 e 15 foram as que apresentaram maior distância (Mahalanobis). A análise de agrupamento mostrou a formação de três grupos. As cinco medidas corporais com maior importância relativa (Circunferência Torácica, Circunferência da Canela, Comprimento da Face, Comprimento de Pescoço e Comprimento de Chanfro), consideradas conjuntamente, explicaram 76,89% da diversidade fenotípica entre as linhagens. As linhagens de ovinos Santa Inês apresentam alta diversidade fenotípica, sendo que as características relacionadas à produção e à caracterização racial apresentam importância semelhante na diferenciação entre linhagens.

SUMMARY This study aimed at evaluating the phenotypic diversity of Saint Ines sheep strains. Twelve body measurements were carried out in 502 adult females, descendants from 34 reproducers belonging 15 strains of Santa Ines breed, registered at association of creators: anterior height, posterior height, legs height, chest height, thoracic circumference, shin circumference, body length, neck length, ear length, face length , chamer length and face width. The data were submitted to the canonic variable analysis and cluster analysis by means of the method Unweighted Pair-Group Method Using Arithmetic Averages. The first three canonical variables explained 81.01% of the total variation. Strains 1, 10 and 11 were the most homogeneous, whereas strains 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 presented large intra-population variability. Strains 11 and 15 presented the longer distance (Mahalanobis). The cluster analysis showed the formation of three groups. The five body measurements with higher relative importance (thoracic circumference, shin circumference, face length, neck length, and chamfer length), jointly considered, accounted for 76.89% of the phenotypic diversity between the lineages. The strains of Santa Ines sheep present high phenotypic diversity, and the characteristics related to production and racial characterization are similarly important in the differentiation between the strains.

Resumo Objetivou-se neste estudo identificar e determinar a prevalência de espécies de Eimeria que parasitam ovinos criados extensivamente em região semi-árida. Amostras de fezes de ovinos nativos foram coletados durante as estações chuvosa e seca. O grau de infecção foi determinado pela contagem de oocistos por grama de fezes (OoPG)e o método morfométrico foi utilizado para a identificação das espécies. Foram encontrados oocistos em todas os rebanhos avaliados e observou-se que 68,3% dos animais estavam infectados. A prevalência de oocistos foi influenciada pela estação climática e pela categoria dos animais (P<0,05), sendo mais alta durante a estação chuvosa em relação a estação seca (80,2% vs. 55,8%) e em animais jovens em relação aos animais adultos (68,2% vs. 39,6%). O OoPG foi menor durante a estação seca (1.269 ± 312 vs. 4.400 ± 1.122). Dez espécies foram encontradas sendo a E. ovinoidalis, E. granulosa, E. faurei, e E. crandallis as mais frequentes. E. ovinoidalis e E. crandallis foram encontrados em todas as propriedades, com prevalências de 19,4% e 13,6%, respectivamente. A alta prevalência de espécies patogênicas mostra que eimeriose é um risco para os animais criados extensivamente na região semiárida.

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence of Eimeria species affecting sheep raised extensively in a semiarid region of Brazil. Fecal samples of native sheep were collected during the rainy and dry seasons. The degree of infection was determined by counting oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces, and the morphometric method was used for species identification. Oocysts were found in all the properties assessed, in which 68.3% of the animals were infected. The prevalence of oocysts was influenced by the season and animal category (P<0.05). It was higher during the rainy season than the dry season (80.2% vs. 55.8%) and highest in young animals than the adults animals (68.2% vs. 39.6%). The OPG was lower during the dry season (1,269 ± 312 vs. 4,400 ± 1,122). Ten species were found; of these, E. ovinoidalis, E. granulosa, E. faurei, and E. crandallis were the most frequent. E. ovinoidalis and E. crandallis were found in all properties, with their prevalences being 19.4% and 13.6% respectively. The high prevalence of pathogenic species shows that eimeriosis is a risk for animals raised extensively in the semiarid region.

<p>Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a eficácia do toltrazuril no controle da coccidiose em cabritos de corte criados extensivamente em região semiárida e determinar a idade mais adequada para realização do tratamento. Quarenta cabritos foram separados por faixa etária e tratados com toltrazuril em dose única aos 14; 21; 28 e 35 dias de idade. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas semanalmente para determinação do número de oocistos por grama de fezes (Oopg) nas semanas subsequentes ao tratamento. Os animais também foram pesados semanalmente para determinação do ganho de peso médio diário (GPD). Todos os cabritos tratados não apresentaram oocistos nas fezes pelo menos por uma semana após o tratamento. O Oopg dos cabritos tratados, independentemente da idade do tratamento, foi menor do que os não tratados (P<0,05) ao longo de 10 -11 semanas pós-tratamento. O ganho de peso médio diário (GPD) foi similar em todos os tratamentos avaliados. O Oopg não foi influenciado pelo sexo, mas sim pela idade ao tratamento. Os animais tratados aos 21 dias de idade não apresentaram oocistos nas fezes por um período maior que os demais. O tratamento com toltrazuril realizado aos 21 dias de idade foi eficaz para controle da coccidiose em cabritos criados extensivamente no semiárido.</p>

<p>This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of toltrazuril in controlling coccidiosis in meat goats raised extensively in semiarid region and determine the most appropriate age for performing treatment. Forty kids were divided by age and treated with single dose of toltrazuril at 14, 21, 28 and 35 days aged. Fecal samples were collected weekly to determine the number of oocysts per gram of feces (Oopg) after treatment. The kids were weighed weekly to determine average daily gain (ADG). All treated kids showed no oocysts in the feces by at least one week after treatment. The Oopg of treated kids regardless of age at treatment was lower than the untreated (P<0.05) along 10-11 weeks post-treatment. The ADG was similar for all treatments evaluated. The Oopg was not influenced by sex but it was by age at treatment. Kids treated at 21 days aged showed no oocysts in the feces for a longer period than the other. Preventive treatment with toltrazuril performed at 21 days aged was suitable for control of coccidiosis in kids raised extensively in semiarid region.</p>

<p>Objetivou-se com este estudo caracterizar a dinâmica de eliminação de oocistos de<italic>Eimeria</italic>sp<italic>.</italic> em cabras sem raça definida (SRD), criadas em sistema extensivo na região semiárida, durante a gestação e fase inicial da lactação. Vinte cabras adultas, criadas extensivamente na Caatinga, foram selecionadas e monitoradas durante oito meses. Os valores de Oopg (quantidade de oocistos por grama de fezes) foram acompanhados quinzenalmente do 1º mês de gestação ao 90º dia pós-parto. O Oopg variou durante a gestação, sendo as maiores e menores contagens de 3.300 ± 709 e 1.726 ± 215, respectivamente. Após elevação na primeira quinzena, o Oopg diminuiu gradualmente até o 105º dia e voltou a subir até o final da gestação. No período pós-parto, seguindo a tendência da fase final da gestação, houve aumento progressivo na eliminação de oocistos até o 90º dia de lactação. A quantidade média de oocistos liberados durante a fase inicial da lactação foi de 3.006 ± 102,3 Oopg comparado ao período gestacional de 2.312 ± 98,03 Oopg (P<0,05). A dinâmica de eliminação de oocistos de<italic>Eimeria</italic> sp. em cabras gestantes e lactantes, criadas extensivamente em região semiárida, foi caracterizada por três situações distintas: elevação brusca no início da gestação, seguida por redução gradual no período intermediário da gestação e aumento constante da eliminação de oocistos na fase final da gestação até inicial da lactação.</p>

<p>The study aimed to characterize the excretion dynamic of <italic>Eimeria</italic>oocyst during pregnancy and early lactation in native goats raised extensively in semiarid region. Twenty pregnancy does were selected and monitored during eight months. The count of oocyst per gram of feces (Oopg) was determined fortnightly from first month of pregnancy until 90^o day postpartum. The Oopg varied during pregnancy and the high stand lowest values were 3,300±709 and 1,726±215 respectively. After rise in the first fortnight, the Oopg gradually decreased until the 105^th day and increased again until the end of pregnancy. In the post partum period, following the trend of late pregnancy, there was a progressive increase in oocysts excretion until 90^th day of lactation. The average number of oocysts excreted during early lactation was greater than during pregnancy, whose values were 3,006±102.3 vs 2,312±98.03 Oopg, respectively (P<0.05). The excretion dynamics of oocysts of <italic>Eimeria</italic>sp. during pregnancy and early lactation in native goats raised extensively in semiarid region is characterized as a sharp rise in the first fortnight, followed by gradual reduction until intermediate phase and a continuous rise in the last third of gestation and early lactation.</p>

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a estrutura populacional de ovinos da raça Santa Inês criados no Brasil. Foram utilizados dados de pedigree de 13.216 animais, pertencentes a 53 rebanhos de oito estados brasileiros, nascidos no período de 1976 a 2010. O programa Endog foi utilizado para análise do pedigree e estimação dos parâmetros populacionais. Do total de animais estudados, 80,86% apresentaram pedigree na primeira ascendência, 73,78% na segunda e 67,75% na terceira. O número máximo de gerações conhecidas foi de 19, e a média de gerações equivalentes foi de 4,67. A média do intervalo de gerações foi de 3,22±1,77 anos. O tamanho efetivo da população apresentou média de 172,5 animais. O número de animais fundadores foi 829, mas o número efetivo de fundadores foi apenas 50. Os 17 principais ancestrais explicaram 50% da variabilidade genética total. O coeficiente médio de relação foi de 3,87% e o de endogamia, de 6,92%. Apesar do satisfatório coeficiente médio de endogamia nas últimas gerações, este coeficiente requer monitoramento por sua proximidade do limite recomendável. O fluxo de genes entre os rebanhos é o principal fator para o aumento do tamanho efetivo e a manutenção da variabilidade genética da raça Santa Inês.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the population structure of the sheep breed Santa Inês raised in Brazil. Pedigree data from 13,216 animals, belonging to 53 herds from eight Brazilian states, born between 1976 and 2010, were used. The program Endog was used for pedigree analysis and estimation of population parameters. From the total number of animals studied, 80.86% had a pedigree in the first ascendancy, 73.78% in the second, and 67.75% in the third. The maximum number of known generations was 19, and the average of equivalent generations was 4.67. The average generation interval was 3.22±1.77 years. The mean effective population size was of 172.5 animals. The number of founder animals was 829, but the effective number of founders was only 50. The 17 main ancestors accounted for 50% of the total genetic variability. The average relatedness coefficient was of 3.87% and the average inbreeding coefficient, of 6.92%. Despite the satisfactory average inbreeding coefficient in recent generations, this coefficient requires monitoring because of its proximity to the recommended limit. Gene flow among herds is the main factor for the increase of effective size and the maintenance of genetic variability in the breed Santa Inês.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a estrutura genética populacional de bubalinos da raça Mediterrâneo, em quatros rebanhos, no Brasil. Foram utilizados dados de pedigree de 6.588 bubalinos da raça Mediterrâneo nascidos no período de 1980 a 2002. Do total de animais estudados, 60,5; 15,3 e 2,1% possuíam pedigree na primeira, segunda e terceira ascendência, respectivamente. O número efetivo de rebanhos que forneceram machos reprodutores foi de 1,60 para pais; 1,16 para avôs e 1,00 para bisavôs. O número de animais fundadores foi 923 e o número efetivo de fundadores foi apenas 71. O número efetivo de ancestrais que explicaram a variabilidade genética da população foi de 71 e somente 30 ancestrais explicaram 50% da variabilidade genética da população. Os coeficientes médios de relação (CR) entre os indivíduos da população e de endogamia (F) foram estimados em 0,37 e 0,34%, respectivamente. A estimativa média do intervalo de gerações foi de 8,71±2,85 anos. A variabilidade da população atual é fruto da contribuição de poucos ancestrais, que são, na sua maioria, também fundadores, evidenciando que a população se desenvolveu a partir de uma base genética estreita, o que caracteriza a ocorrência do efeito fundador.

The objective of this research was to study the population genetic structure of four herds of Mediterranean buffaloes in Brazil. It was used pedigree data from 6,588 buffaloes of Mediterranean breed born from 1980 to 2002. Of the total number of animals studied, 60.5, 15.3 and 2.1% had a pedigree in the first, second and third ascendancy, respectively. The effective number of herds that provided breeding males was 1.60 for parents, 1.16 for grandparents and 1.00 for great-grandparents. There were 923 founder animals and only 71 effective founders. The effective number of ancestors explaining the genetic variability of the population was 71 and only 30 ancestors accounted for 50% of the genetic variability of the population. The average relatedness coefficient (AR) between individuals and inbreeding (F) of the population were estimated at 0.37 and 0.34% respectively. The average estimate of generation interval was 8.71±2.85 years. The variability of the current population is the result of a few ancestors, who are mostly also founders showing that the population was developed from a narrow genetic base which characterizes the occurrence of founder effect.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the history of the Tabapuã breed in Northeastern Brazil by determining its population structure and genetic progress. Pedigree information from animals born in the period between 1965 and 2006 and weight-adjusted data at 205 (W205), 365 (W365) and 550 (W550) days of age for bovines born between 1975 and 2006 were used. The (co)variance components and genetic value were estimated using the application MTDFREML. Also, the software ENDOG was used for pedigree analysis and parameter estimation based on the probabilities of gene origin, inbreeding and average generation interval. The heritability coefficients for direct genetic effects were 0.21±0.03, 0.26±0.04 and 0.36±0.05 for W205, W365 and W550, respectively. During the first 20 years studied, the observed effective size was small. The generation intervals by gametic pathway were: 7.7±3.4 (sire-son), 7.8±3.7 (sire-daughter), 6.9±3.3 (dam-son), 6.8 ± 3.1 (dam-daughter), and mean interval of 7.3±3.4 years. The studied population showed moderate heritability coefficients, whereas the genetic gains based on the studied traits may be higher than those estimated by genetic tendencies. Reduced generation interval, increased effective size and continuous mating control of relatives are important strategies for the genetic progress of the Tabapuã breed in the region.

The objective of this study was to characterize body biometrics of Santa Ines sheep during growth. Data from 4,038 animals, males and females, with ages from four to 36 months, from different herds participating in the National Agricultural Fair in Bahia from 2003 to 2008 were used. The characteristics evaluated were: body weight, average daily gain, body length, thoracic circumference, anterior height and posterior height. The mean values found were compared by the Student-Newman-Keuls test. All characteristics studied showed gradual change with aging, and it is worth-noting that age had positive effect on body weight, body length, thoracic circumference, anterior height and posterior height and negative effect on average daily gain. Average daily gain was reduced by 68.5% from four to 36 months of age, while the mean improvements observed in both sexes in this age range, for body weight, body length, thoracic circumference, anterior height and posterior height were 137.8%, 23.5%, 43.2%, 19.3% and 19.6%, respectively. However, the increments for body weight, body length and thoracic circumference were higher until 12 months of age, when an increase of 72.7%, 14.6% and 24.8% in their respective characteristics was verified. For anterior height and posterior height, the greatest increase occurred up to eight months of age with improvement of 8.4% for both measures. Santa Ines sheep have different growth rates for body measurements; whereas growth in posterior height stabilizes earlier, the thoracic circumference, along with body weight, remains growing for longer time.

The objective of this study was to characterize the sexual development in Anglo-Nubian male goats raised in semi-intensive system. Eight animals were monitored every fifteen days, from the 12th to the 44th week for age at penis detachment, live weight, scrotal circumference, seminal parameters (volume, aspect, concentration, wave motion, progressive individual motility, vigor and spermatic abnormalities) and serum testosterone levels. Serum testosterone levels were determined in blood samples collected at the 20th, 28th and 38th weeks of age. Penis detachment occurred at 102.9 ± 15.4 days of age. Live weight and scrotal circumference at 20th and 44th weeks of age ranged from 25.9 ± 3.5 to 44.7 ± 4.7 kg and from 21.2 ± 1.6 cm to 26.0 ± 1.5 cm, respectively. The ejaculate volume ranged from 0.38 ± 0.05 to 0.96 ± 0.04 mL, concentration ranged from 1.33 ± 0.64 to 3.54 ± 0.14.10(9) mL-1 and the progressive individual motility varied from 48.0 ± 10.52% to 82.0 ± 3.74%, at the same age. The number of defective spermatozoa (major and minor) was 32.2 ± 5.8% vs. 8.80 ± 2.9% at the 20th and the 44th week of age, respectively. Serum testosterone level was 2.70 ± 1.40 ng.mL-1 at the 20th week, 8.50 ± 4.66 ng.mL-1 at the 28th week and 2.21 ± 2.28 ng.mL-1 at the 38th week of age. Age showed a correlation with live weight, scrotal circumference, and all the qualitative parameters of semen except for volume, with all other qualitative parameters of semen, and the correlation among sperm abnormalities and the other traits was negative. Serum testosterone levels and andrological parameters of Anglo-Nubian goats raised in semi-intensive system are closely related to age. In those animals, puberty is reached at the 20th week and sexual maturity is reached at the 38th week of age.