Abstract Pestivirus can contaminate cell cultures and sera and cause serious problems that evolve the integrity of studies, confidence in diagnostic results, and safety of human and animal vaccines. Contaminations by Pestivirus and other viruses may occur at any time and regular assays of monitoring in cell cultures and your supplies are necessary. This study aimed to analyze the phylogeny of Pestivirus detected from cell cultures, calf serum, and standard strains of three laboratories in Brazil that carry out frequent tests for the monitoring of cellular contaminations. These samples were submitted to phylogenetic analysis to understand the genetic relationship between contaminants occurring in these facilities. As result, the Pestivirus found in samples were Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2), Hobi-like viruses (often named BVDV-3), and Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and the phylogenetic analysis help us to infer at three possible routes of contamination in this work.

RESUMO As características morfológicas da genitália externa do touro podem contribuir para a etiopatogenia de enfermidades prepuciais que desencadeiam a impotência coeundi e prejuízos nos criatórios. O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer parâmetros morfométricos do óstio prepucial, do folheto prepucial interno (FPI), da parte livre e da glande do pênis; descrever as características histológicas do FPI; realizar contagem de glândulas sebáceas prepuciais; e comparar essas variáveis entre touros Aberdeen Angus e Nelore, com 24 meses de idade. No abatedouro, colheram-se 20 peças prepuciais de cada raça. Elaborou-se um dispositivo composto por base, haste, anel e funil para sustentar cada peça suspensa e distendida. Realizou-se medição do FPI, da parte livre do pênis e da glande. Aferiu-se diâmetro do óstio, e calculou-se o raio, o perímetro e a área do óstio prepucial. Colheram-se amostras nas regiões dorsal e ventral e das porções cranial, medial e caudal do FPI. Por microscopia eletrônica e óptica, fez-se a caracterização do FPI e a contagem de glândulas sebáceas. Realizou-se análise de variância pelo teste F a 5%. Concluiu-se que touros Nelore possuem o FPI e a parte livre do pênis mais extensos e mais glândulas sebáceas prepuciais que touros Aberdeen Angus. Nas duas raças, há mais glândulas na região ventral do óstio.

ABSTRACT The morphological characteristics of the external genitalia of the bull may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of preputial diseases that trigger the impotence coeundi and losses in farms. The goal of this study was to establish morphometric parameters of the preputial ostium, the internal preputial leaflet (IPL), the free part and glans of the penis; describe the histological characteristics of the IPL; perform a count of the preputial sebaceous glands and compare these variables between 24-month-old Aberdeen Angus and Nellore bulls. At the slaughterhouse, 20 preputial pieces were collected from each breed. A device composed of base, rod, ring, and funnel was designed to hold each suspended and distended part. The IPL, the free part of the penis and the glans were measured. The ostium diameter was measured, and the radius, perimeter, and area of the preputial ostium were calculated. Samples were collected from the dorsal and ventral regions and from the cranial, medial, and caudal portions of the IPL. By electronic and optical microscopy, IPL characterization and sebaceous gland counts were performed. Analysis of variance was performed using the F test at 5%. It was concluded that Nellore bulls have a more extensive IPL and free part of the penis and more preputial sebaceous glands than Aberdeen Angus bulls. In both breeds, there are more glands in the ventral region of the ostium.

Abstract The analysis of gait in animals is important for understanding movement disorders in various human pathologies, especially those that develop muscle fibrosis. In the search for treatment alternatives for this problem, essential oils have been studied. Among them, research involving the essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet (EOAz) has been shown to promote relaxation and improve muscle function. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of EOAz on gait with muscle fibrosis in immobilized rats. 30 rats (Wistar) were divided into five groups of six animals each: control group (without fibrosis and without treatment), immobilization group (with fibrosis and without treatment), and EOAz treatment groups (with fibrosis and with treatment). The animals were immobilized for 15 days with an ankle plantar flexion orthosis. After this period, they were treated with the oil cutaneously for 30 days. The analysis of behavioral tests before treatment indicated a significant increase in the means of the immobilized groups about to with concerning the control. We conclude that EOAz was effective in improving gait after inducing muscle fibrosis in immobilized rats. Studies are needed to assess the oil’s effectiveness in the treatment of muscle fibrosis in human pathologies.

Abstract This study investigated whether increased food intake after 15 days of low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) and its normalization in the later period of development change the content of key proteins related to leptin or adiponectin signaling in the hypothalamus. Male rats were divided into five groups: Control groups received a control diet (17% protein, 63% carbohydrate) for 15 (C15) or 45 (C45) days; LPHC groups received an LPHC diet (6% protein, 74% carbohydrate) for 15 (LPHC15) or 45 (LPHC45) days; and Reverse group (R): received LPHC diet for 15 days followed by control diet for another 30 days. The LPHC15 group showed increased adiposity index, leptin level, and adiponectin level, as well as decreased the leptin receptor (ObRb) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) content in the hypothalamus compared with the C15 group. LPHC diet for 45 days or diet reversion (R group) rescued these alterations, except the adiponectin level in LPHC45 rats, which was higher. In summary, LPHC diet reduced hypothalamic leptin action by diminishing ObRb and POMC levels, leading to hyperphagia and adiposity body. Medium-term administration of LPHC diet or reverting to control diet restored the levels of these proteins, thereby improving body lipid mass rearrangement in adulthood.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of L-glutamine + glutamic acid and/or L-arginine on the productive performance, incidence of diarrhea, intestinal morphological of weaned piglets. Sixty-four 28-day-old weaned piglets were distributed in four treatments: DC - control diet; DG - glutamine diet (1% L-glutamine + glutamic acid); DA - arginine diet (1% L-arginine); and DGA - glutamine + arginine diet (0.5% L-glutamine + glutamic acid and 0.5% L-arginine) with eight replicates and two animals per experimental unit. The addition of 1% L-arginine to the piglet diet improved weight gain and feed conversion over 28 to 35 days of age. In the period of 28 to 49 days of age, supplementation with 1% L-glutamine + glutamic acid increased the animals’ weight gain and reduced the incidence of diarrhea. Supplementation with amino acids in combination had a positive effect on the morphometric parameters of the intestinal mucosa compared to the control diet. Supplementation with 1% L-glutamine + glutamic acid increased the number of anti-PCNA+ cells and goblet cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that supplementation with L-glutamine + glutamic acid and L-arginine can improve the productive performance and enhance the integrity of the intestinal mucosa of weaned piglets.

RESUMO: Anfisbenas são répteis desprovidos de membros que pertencem a ordem Squamata. Devido a seus hábitos fossoriais e reclusos, pouco se conhece sobre sua morfologia, ecologia e condições patológicas que possam afetá-las. Neste artigo, um guia sucinto para a necropsia, identificação de tecidos e órgãos e lesões encontradas em Amphisbaena alba, é apresentado. Durante março e dezembro de 2019, três casos de A. alba com suspeita de trauma foram encaminhados ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Na avaliação clínica foram observadas lesões traumáticas e instituído um suporte terapêutico, porém não resistiram e morreram em seguida. Foram realizadas projeções radiográficas onde identificaram fraturas e ruptura de órgãos, além de identificar estruturas específicas dessa espécie. Uma avaliação completa de estruturas externas e internas foi conduzida para investigar aspectos morfológicos dos anfisbenídeos. Macroscopicamente foram confirmadas múltiplas fraturas e rupturas de órgãos observadas anteriormente nas radiografias, além disso evidenciou no intestino grosso presença de parasitos anoplocéfalos denominados Semenoviella amphisbaenae. Na histologia foi possível identificar características normais e lesões microscópicas nos tecidos. Esse é o primeiro estudo a incorporar aspectos morfológicos, clínicos e patológicos de A. alba. Esse manuscrito traz informações essenciais para clínicos e patologistas de animais selvagens que podem se deparar com casos clínicos ou de necropsia de Amphisbaena alba.

ABSTRACT: Amphisbenians are limbless reptiles that belong to the order Squamata. Due to their fossorial and secrevie habits, little is known about their morphology, ecology and pathological conditions that may affect them. In this manuscript, we present a brief guide for identification of normal structures as well as traumatic injuries on radiography and necropsy of Amphisbaena alba. From April to September 2019, three cases of A. alba with suspected trauma were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). In the clinical evaluation, traumatic injuries were observed, and support therapy was instituted, but they did not resist and died shortly after. Bone fractures and organ ruptures, in addition to specific structures of this species were identified on radiography. A systematic necropsy was performed of all amphisbaenians in order to evaluate external and internal structures, not only to identify lesions but also to investigate the morphological aspects of amphisbenids. Macroscopically, multiple organ fractures and ruptures observed in radiographs were confirmed, in addition to the presence of the cestodes Semenoviella amphisbaenae in the large intestine. Histologically, it was possible to identify normal characteristics and microscopic lesions in the tissues. This is the first study to incorporate morphological, clinical, and pathological aspects of A. alba. This manuscript brings essential information for wildlife veterinarians and pathologists who may have to treat or perform a necropsy on these unique reptiles.

Abstract In this study we provide a comprehensive investigation of the microanatomical and microstructural aspects of the carapace and limb bones of the Early Cretaceous side-necked turtle, Araripemys barretoi, from the Araripe Basin, Brazil. Inter-elemental histovariability reveals different secondary remodelling of the skeletal elements within the same individual. The vascularisation is scarce and mainly longitudinal, also it ceases towards the bone surface, forming an avascular parallel-fibred bone with closely spaced LAGs. These traits indicate a late ontogenetic stage and a slow growth rate for one of the two A. barretoi specimens. The high cortical thickness of the costal plate suggests an increase of the shell stiffness. The elevated relative bone wall thickness of the ulna compared to other limb bones indicates a case of local pachyosteosclerosis, possibly to improve body stability in the aquatic environment.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação com diferentes fontes de carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) em vacas manejadas a pasto em dietas com alta ou baixa concentração de proteína não degradável no rúmen (PNDR). Doze vacas multíparas com média de 30kg leite/ dia e 45±23 dias em lactação foram utilizadas em delineamento quadrado latino 4x4 com arranjo fatorial 2 × 2. As fontes de CNF foram milho moído (MM) e polpa cítrica seca (PC). A PNDR da dieta foi alterada pela substituição parcial do farelo de soja da dieta de baixa PNDR (BPNDR) por grão de soja tostado e farelo de glúten de milho dieta de alta PNDR (APNDR). Foi observado maior consumo de matéria seca (CMS) nos tratamentos com PC quando comparado aos tratamentos com MM (19,2 e 17,7kg / dia de MS, respectivamente). O teor de gordura do leite foi menor para os tratamentos com BPNDR (3,4%) em comparação aos tratamentos com APNDR (3,6%). O teor de proteína do leite foi maior nos tratamentos com MM (2,9%) em relação aos tratamentos com PC (2,8%). Foram observados menores teores de nitrogênio ureico no leite dos animais alimentados com PC em relação aos com MM (17,8 e 21,2mg / dL, respectivamente). O uso de PC como fonte de CNF aumentou o consumo de matéria seca, bem como o teor de gordura do leite, embora não tenham sido observadas diferenças na produção de leite relacionada a alteração nos teores de PNDR.

ABSTRACT The objective for this study was to evaluate the supplementation with different non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) sources for grazing dairy cows in diets with high or low concentrations of rumen undegradable protein (RUP). Twelve multiparous cows averaging 30kg/d of milk production and 45±23 days in milk in a 4x4 Latin square design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangement were used. The difference in NFC content of the diets was achieved using ground corn (GC) or dried citrus pulp (DCP). Dietary RUP was altered by the partial replacement of soybean meal (LRUP) by roasted whole soybean and corn gluten meal (HRUP). Greater dry matter intake (DMI) was observed in DCP treatments compared to GC treatments (19.2 and 17.7kg/day of DM, respectively). Milk fat concentration was lower for LRUP treatments (3.4%) when compared to HRUP (3.6%). The milk protein concentration was greater for GC treatments (2.9%) in relation to DCP treatments (2.8%). Lower milk ureic nitrogen was observed when DCP diets were fed compared to those with GC (17.8 and 21.2mg/dL, respectively). The use of DCP as CNF source increased dry matter intake as well as milk fat concentration, although no differences in milk production were observed for RUP level.

RESUMO O fipronil é um inseticida de toxicidade seletiva amplamente empregado na agricultura e na medicina veterinária. Porém, há relatos de efeitos neurotóxicos dessa substância, que geram prejuízos para vertebrados. Avaliou-se a atividade locomotora, a coordenação motora e a atividade da enzima acetilcolinesterase cerebral em ratos expostos ao fipronil. Ratos Wistar machos adultos (n=15) receberam fipronil em dose de 30mg/kg, por via oral, durante 15 dias; o grupo controle (n=15) foi tratado com solução fisiológica, por via oral, no mesmo período. No 16° dia de experimentação, os animais foram submetidos aos testes de arena de campo aberto e hole board. No 17° dia, foram anestesiados e eutanasiados, procedendo-se à coleta de órgãos, e posteriormente foi feita a avaliação da AChE cerebral. A exposição ao fipronil não provocou alterações significativas sobre a coordenação motora e a atividade locomotora, porém gerou inibição significativa da atividade da acetilcolinesterase cerebral. Esses achados sugerem que o fipronil pode provocar efeitos neurotóxicos em curto prazo, os quais podem ser exacerbados caso a exposição seja prolongada.

ABSTRACT Fipronil is a selective-toxicity insecticide widely used in agriculture and veterinary medicine. However, there are reports of neurotoxic effects of this substance, causing damages to vertebrates. We evaluated the locomotor activity, motor coordination and the activity of brain acetylcholinesterase in rats exposed to fipronil. Adult male Wistar rats (n= 15) received fipronil at a dose of 30mg/kg orally for 15 days; the Control group (n= 15) was treated with oral solution in the same period. On the 16th day of experimentation, the animals were submitted to the open field arena test and hole-board test. On the 17th day, they were anesthetized and euthanized, and organs were collected, and subsequently brain AChE was evaluated. Exposure to fipronil yielded no significant changes on motor coordination and locomotor activity but caused significant inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase activity. These findings suggest that fipronil may cause short-term neurotoxic effects, which may be exacerbated if exposure is prolonged.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the growth and in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic, glycolytic, and amylolytic microorganisms from the rumen of a goat. Six concentrations of each salt were tested separately, namely 0 mg/dL, 100 mg/dL, 200 mg/dL, 400 mg/dL, 800 mg/dL, and 1600 mg/dL in the culture medium. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 6 x 3 factorial arrangement of salt concentration and substrate (starch, cellulose, and glucose) with three replications of each treatment combination. Concentrations of microbial protein, ammonia (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) were measured. A quadratic effect of CaCl2 concentration on the production of microbial protein was observed in the cellulose medium. The effect of MgCl2 on NH3-N production in the cellulose medium decreased linearly. Propionate concentration decreased linearly with increasing levels of NaCl and MgCl2 in the media containing starch. There was a decreasing linear effect of MgCl2 on the concentration of butyrate in the media containing glucose. In conclusion, concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 up to 1,600 mg/dL did not affect the microbial activity of starch, cellulose, and glucose-fermenting organisms. However, the microbial activity of starch-fermenting microbes was inhibited at salt concentrations above 800 mg/dL. Thus, brackish water could be used by goats in semiarid regions, but its use should be managed carefully so that it does not have a negative impact on rumen microbial populations.

RESUMO Devido à escassez de estudos mielográficos em bovinos e relatos de complicações no procedimento, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a eficácia e a distribuição dos meios de contraste iopamidol e ioexol em bezerros, a fim de nortear a melhor conduta para o diagnóstico de afecções vertebrais e medulares nesses animais. Foram utilizados 10 bezerros Holandeses, hígidos, com idade entre sete dias e dois meses, distribuídos em dois grupos, conforme o meio de contraste aplicado. O estudo mielográfico da coluna vertebral foi realizado na posição laterolateral, repetido em 20 momentos, durante o período de duas horas. Nas radiografias, analisou-se o meio de contraste quanto à opacidade, detalhes da imagem, distensão do canal medular e progressão da linha de contraste. Após sete dias, foi realizado o segundo período experimental, que compreendeu a troca do meio de contraste dentro de cada grupo. Não houve diferenças significativas em relação à qualidade da imagem e à velocidade do preenchimento da coluna medular entre os dois meios de contraste. A partir da administração dos meios de contraste, a obtenção de imagens radiográficas de melhor qualidade deu-se após seis a oito minutos no segmento medular cervical, 80 minutos no torácico e 20 minutos nos segmentos lombar, sacral e cauda equina.

ABSTRACT Due to the scarcity of myelogenous studies in cattle, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and distribution of iopamidol and iohexol contrast agents in calves, in order to determine guidelines for obtaining diagnostic radiographs of spinal cord disorders in these animals. Ten healthy Holstein calves, seven days to two months of age, were divided into two groups, according to the contrast medium applied. Myelographic studies of the spine were performed with the calves in lateral recumbency, with radiographs repeated 20 times during a two-hour period. On the radiographs, the contrast medium was analyzed for opacity, detail of the image, distension of the medullary canal, and progression of the contrast line. After seven days, the myelographic studies were repeated, with the contrast media exchanged between the groups. There were no significant differences in the quality of the images and speed of the spinal column filling between the two contrast media. Furthermore, the best quality radiographic images were obtained six to eight minutes after injection of the contrast in the cervical spinal segment, 80 minutes in the thoracic, and 20 minutes in the lumbar, sacral, and cauda equina segments.

RESUMO Blastocistos de suínos foram submetidos ao MALDI-TOF para se identificarem os principais fosfolipídios (PL). Depois, parte destes embriões (D6) foram vitrificados (n=52), ou permaneceram frescos (grupo controle, n=42). Após o aquecimento, os blastocistos foram cultivados in vitro para se avaliar a reexpansão e a eclosão (BE) às 24 e 48 horas. Finalmente, às 48 horas, os BE foram submetidos ao RT-qPCR em busca dos genes BCL2A1, BAK, BAX e CASP3. No MALDI-TOF, a intensidade do íon foi expressa em unidades arbitrárias. O desenvolvimento embrionário foi comparado por qui-quadrado (P<0,05). Entre os PL mais representativos estavam as fosfatidilcolinas [PC (32: 0) + H] +; [PC (34: 1) + H] + e [PC (36: 4) + H] +. Além do PL, o MALDI revelou alguns triglicerídeos (TG), incluindo PPL (50: 2) + Na +, PPO (50: 1) + Na +, PLO (52: 3) + Na + e POO (52: 2) + Na. A reexpansão não diferiu (P>0,05) entre blastocistos frescos ou vitrificados às 24 (33,3%, 32,7%) e 48 horas (2,4%, 13,5%). As taxas de eclosão foram maiores (P<0,05) para o grupo fresco comparado ao vitrificado às 24 (66,7% x 15,4%) e 48 horas (97,6% x 36,0%). O BAX estava mais expresso (P<0,05) após a vitrificação. Concluindo, os blastocistos Piau podem ser criopreservados por Cryotop. Este estudo também demonstrou que a via apoptótica pode ser responsável pela baixa eficiência da criopreservação de embriões suínos.

ABSTRACT Piau porcine blastocysts were submitted to MALDI-TOF to identify the main phospholipids (PL). After that, in vivo blastocysts (D6) were vitrified (n=52), non-vitrified were used as control (n=42). After warming, blastocysts were in vitro cultured to assess re-expansion and hatching at 24 and 48 hours. Finally, at 48 hours, hatched blastocysts were submitted to RT-qPCR searching for BCL2A1, BAK, BAX and CASP3 genes. For MALDI-TOF, the ion intensity was expressed in arbitrary units. Blastocyst development was compared by Qui-square (P< 0.05). Among the most representative PL was the phosphatidylcholine [PC (32:0) + H]+; [PC (34:1) + H]+ and [PC (36:4) + H]+. Beyond the PL, MALDI revealed some triglycerides (TG), including PPL (50:2) + Na+, PPO (50:1) + Na+, PLO (52:3) + Na+ and POO (52:2) + Na. Re-expansion did not differ (P> 0.05) between fresh or vitrified blastocysts at 24 (33.3%; 32.7%) or 48 hours (2.4%; 13.5%). Hatching rates were higher (P< 0.05) for fresh compared to vitrified at 24 (66.7%; 15.4%) and 48 hours (97.6%; 36.0%). BAX was overexpressed (P< 0.05) after vitrification. In conclusion, Piau blastocysts can be cryopreserved by Cryotop. This study also demonstrated that the apoptotic pathway may be responsible for the low efficiency of porcine embryo cryopreservation.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar as características de carcaça e carne de novilhos Aberdeen Angus castrados cirurgicamente em duas idades ou imunocastrados com dois protocolos. Foram utilizados 48 bezerros, monitorados a partir do nascimento e desmamados, com idade e peso médio inicial de seis meses e de 160±16,54kg, respectivamente. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos seguintes tratamentos: castração cirúrgica ao nascer; castração cirúrgica ao desmame; imunocastração com três doses da vacina Bopriva® e imunocastração com quatro doses da vacina Bopriva®. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso. Novilhos imunocastrados com três doses apresentaram maior quebra ao resfriamento e menor espessura de gordura ajustada para 100kg de carcaça fria que castrados cirurgicamente ao nascer (P<0,05). A imunocastração com três doses proporcionou incremento na participação de músculo, em relação às castrações cirúrgicas, mas reduziu a gordura em relação à castração cirúrgica ao nascimento (P<0,05). A relação músculo:osso foi superior nos imunocastrados com três doses em relação a castrados cirurgicamente no desmame (P<0,05). Apesar de variações na participação tecidual na carcaça, a castração imunológica mostrou-se viável em substituição à castração cirúrgica, não alterando os padrões qualitativos da carne.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and meat characteristics of Aberdeen Angus steers surgically castrated at two ages or immunocastrated with two protocols. Forty-eight calves we used, monitored from birth and weaned, with age and initial mean weight of six months and 160±16.54kg, respectively. The animals were randomly assigned to the following treatments: surgical castration at birth; surgical castration at weaning; immunocastration with three doses of the Bopriva ® vaccine and immunocastration with four doses of the Bopriva ® vaccine. The experimental design was completely randomized. Immunocastrated steers with three doses had a greater cooling break and lower fat thickness adjusted for 100kg of cold carcass than surgically castrated at birth (P< 0.05). Immunocastration with three doses provided an increase in muscle participation in relation to surgical castration but reduced fat in relation to surgical castration at birth (P< 0.05). The muscle:bone ratio was higher in the immunocastrated with three doses compared to surgically castrated at weaning (P< 0.05). Despite variations in tissue involvement in the carcass, the immunological castration proved to be viable to replace surgical castration, not changing the quality of the meat standards.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing silages of forages that are adapted to the semi-arid environment on the characteristics of the carcass and of non-carcass components of 32 mixed-breed lambs at approximately six months old, with an average live weight of 17.61 ± 2.63 kg. Lambs were assigned to four treatments (diets containing silages of Atriplex nummularia Lind, Cenchrus ciliaris, Gliricidia sepium and Manihot sp.) in a completely randomized design with eight replicates. Animals fed the diet containing old man saltbush showed higher values for the intakes of dry matter (1.080 g/day), crude protein (190 g/day) and total digestible nutrients (740 g/day), body condition score (2.81 points), fatness (2.87 points), carcass conformation (3.19 points), live weight (29.1 kg), empty bodyweight (23.41 kg), weights of the commercial cuts neck, shoulder and ribs (0.46, 0.82 and 1.12 kg, respectively), and skin weight (1.972 kg). No differences were found between the diets for carcass dressing percentage, external and internal carcass lengths, leg length and circumference, rump circumference and width, chest width and depth, full bodyweight, empty bodyweight, cooling losses, pH before and after cooling, loin, and leg. Silages of old man saltbush, buffelgrass, gliricidia and pornunça are recommended for inclusion in lamb diets. Diets with old man saltbush silage provide the best results for characteristics of the carcass and of non-carcass components besides weight gain, which can reach up to 200 g/day depending on the formulation.

Adiponectin (APN), an adipose tissue-released adipokine with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties, is encoded by a gene whose polymorphisms are associated with presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Serum APN levels are inversely related with presence and complexity of CAD. Within this context, we sought to compare levels of total APN and its high molecular weight form (HMW APN) according to clinical presentation and extent of CAD in patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization. From March 2008 to June 2010, clinical data and blood samples for APN and HMW APN measurements were collected from 415 subjects undergoing cardiac catheterization at two tertiary centers. CAD extent was estimated by the number of coronary arteries with significant stenosis (≥70% obstruction in a major coronary artery) and by Duke Jeopardy Score (DJS). Serum APN levels were similar between groups with stable or unstable CAD (APN 9.20±5.88 vs 9.47±6.23 μg/mL, P=0.738, and HMW APN 5.31±3.72 vs 5.91±4.16 μg/mL, P=0.255), even after stratification by the number of arteries involved (single-vessel vs multivessel disease: APN 9.39±5.76 vs 9.26±6.27 μg/mL, P=0.871; HMW APN 5.29±3.79 vs 5.83±4.04 μg/mL, P=0.306) and DJS score (APN, P=0.718; HMW APN, P=0.276). We conclude that APN and HMW APN serum levels are similar across clinical presentations and different extents of CAD, despite being significantly lower in the presence of obstructive CAD.