The study was designed to evaluate the effects of altering the ratio between n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) in the diet and the intake of these FA by lactating dairy cows on lactation performance and inflammatory acute phase responses to a challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Multiparous Holstein cows (n=45) were blocked based on milk yield from d 6 to d 10 postpartum and, within each block, assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments at 14d postpartum; treatments lasted for 90d. Diets were supplemented with a mixture of Ca salts of fish, safflower, and palm oils to create 3 different ratios of n-6 to n-3 FA; namely, 3.9, 4.9, or 5.9 parts of n-6 to 1 part of n-3 FA (R4, R5, and R6, respectively). During the first 5 wk of the study, blood was sampled weekly and analyzed for concentrations of metabolites and hormones. On d 75 postpartum, cows received an infusion of 10µg of LPS into one quarter of the mammary gland to evaluate inflammatory acute phase responses. Altering the ratio of dietary n-6 to n-3 FA was reflected in changes in the FA composition of plasma and milk fat. Reducing the ratio of n-6 to n-3 FA from R6 to R4 increased dry matter intake (24.7, 24.6, and 26.1±0.5kg/d for R6, R5, and R4, respectively), with concurrent increases in yields of 3.5% fat-corrected milk (43.4, 45.4, and 48.0±0.8kg/d), milk fat (1.53, 1.60, and 1.71±0.03kg/d), milk true protein (1.24, 1.28, and 1.32±0.02kg/d), and milk lactose (2.12, 2.19, and 2.29±0.04kg/d). After the LPS challenge, concentrations of IL-6 in plasma increased as the ratio of n-6 to n-3 FA increased (112.5, 353.4, and 365.1±86.6pg/mL for R4, R5, and R6, respectively). Elevations of body temperature and somatic cell count were greater for cows fed R5 compared with those fed R4 or R6 (41.3, 40.8, and 40.8±0.2°C; 4.33, 3.68, and 3.58±0.25×10(6)/mL, for R5, R4, and R6, respectively). Haptoglobin concentration was greatest at 24h after LPS challenge for cows fed R6. Phagocytosis and oxidative burst by neutrophils collected from circulation were unaffected by dietary treatment in the first 48h after intramammary LPS infusion. In conclusion, supplying the same quantity of FA in the diet of early lactation dairy cows but altering the ratio of the polyunsaturated FA of the n-6 to n-3 families influenced lactation performance and inflammatory responses to an LPS challenge.

RESUMOO objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar o levantamento das principais dificuldades encontradas pelos técnicos de defesa sanitária animal na implantação da rastreabilidade da cadeia produtiva de bovinos de corte, visando elaborar indicadores, sugerir propostas para reduzir a incidência de tais dificuldades e contribuir na formulação de políticas nacionais. Foi elaborado um questionário qualitativo semiestruturado contendo 39 questões de múltipla escolha, abertas e mistas encaminhados a 125 veterinários do curso de pós-graduação Latu sensu em Defesa Sanitária Animal da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados utilizando-se o programa EpiData ® 3.1, com controle automático de amplitude e consistência de dados, e posteriormente analisados por meio de estatísticas descritivas e indutivas, utilizando-se o programa estatístico PASW (Predictive Analytics SoftWare) -versão 18.0. As principais dificuldades encontradas pelos técnicos relacionaram-se diretamente com as mudanças frequentes na legislação (97,6%), a falta de compreensão das normas (86,9%) e de divulgação da rastreabilidade (62,8%). Entre as vantagens da identificação e rastreabilidade animal mencionadas pelos técnicos, incluem o maior conhecimento da quantidade do rebanho (97,5%), a abertura e manutenção dos atuais mercados consumidores (95,0%) e o controle e fiscalização do trânsito de animais (93,3%). A rastreabilidade, apesar de ser uma exigência, sobretudo do mercado consumidor importador, ainda encontra-se em evolução. A qualificação e a conscientização dos pecuaristas em relação à rastreabilidade se fazem necessárias. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Bovinocultura de corte, segurança alimentar, SISBOV. ABSTRACT DIFFICULTIES FOUND BY THE TECHNICIANS OF ANIMAL HEALTH DEFENSE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRACEABILITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF BEEF CATTLE INBRAZIL. The aim of the present study was to carry out a survey of the main difficulties found by the technicians of animal health defense in the establishment of beef cattle traceability, aiming to design indicators, suggest proposals to solve such difficulties and contribute to the formulation of national policies. A semi-structured qualitative questionnaire was designed containing 39 open and mixed multiple-choice questions sent to 125 veterinaries of the Latu sensu graduate course in Animal Health Defense of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG, Brazil. The data obtained were tabulated using EpiData ® 3.1 software, with automatic control of data range and consistency, and afterward analyzed by means of descriptive and inductive statistics, using the statistical program PASW (Predictive Analytics SoftWare) version 18.0. The chief difficulties found by the techniques were concerned directly with the frequent changes in the legislation (97.6%), the lack of understanding of the norms (86.9%), and of the spread of traceability (62.8%). Among the advantages of identification and animal traceability mentioned by technicians include increasing knowledge of the quantity o...

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There are several intrafollicular agents that have the ability to interfere with the metabolism and development of the oocyte, among these we highlight the exosomes (EXO). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of EXO extracted from the follicular fluid of cows kept under thermoneutral or heat stress conditions to modulate oocyte maturation in vitro. Twenty-four Holstein cows were subjected to the following treatments for 14 days: heat stress (HS; n = 12), 38°C, 60% RH, temperature-humidity index = 88; and thermo-neutral (TN; n = 12), 24°C, 60% RH, temperature-humidity index = 71. Cows had their follicles aspirated when their diameter reached 9 to 12 mm; all follicles with this diameter were aspirated. All follicular fluid aspirated from cows subjected to HS or TN was pooled forming the groups (HS and TN). The EXO were obtained by ultracentrifugation of follicular fluid (120,000 × g for 70 min at 4°C, twice) and had their presence confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Bos indicus cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) collected from ovaries obtained in commercial slaughterhouse, were pooled in groups of 20 COC and randomly subjected to 1 of the following treatments: Control, matured in standard medium (TCM 199, supplemented with Earle’s salts, glutamine, NaHCO3, pyruvate, FSH, and amikacin); HS-EXO, matured in standard medium added with 10 µL of a solution of follicular EXO from HS cows; and TN-EXO, matured in standard medium added with 10 µL of a solution of follicular EXO from TN cows. The procedures were repeated 4 times, always with 20 COC per treatment in each replica. After 22 h of maturation, COC were recovered and the expression of genes related to apoptosis protection (BCL2), cell viability (STAT3), cell maintenance (RPL15), oocyte competence (BMP15), oxidative stress (CPT1B), cumulus cell expansion (HAS2), cell cycle (CDCA8), and heat stress protection (HSF1) were assessed. Oocyte genes were differentially expressed according to the source of EXO. Groups were statistically analysed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. All genes, except CPT1B, showed lower expression in TN-EXO oocytes when compared with control and HS-EXO (P < 0.05). CPT1B showed a higher expression in HS-EXO oocytes (P < 0.05). The results showed that the addition of EXO from exogenous follicles can modulate the expression of oocytes genes related to cell viability and survival. The lower expression of these genes in TN-EXO suggested that the EXO obtained in TN conditions attenuate several genes related to the oocytes maturation and viability. Surprisingly, the control oocytes showed a similar gene expression pattern of the HS-EXO. In conclusion, EXO derived from follicular fluid of cows submitted to TN or HS conditions can modulate the gene expression of oocytes matured in vitro. These results open new perspectives for the use of theses EXO as a tool to increase the efficiency of in vitro oocyte maturation. Financial support from FAPESP #12/18297–7.

Heat stress (HS) has deleterious effects on bovine reproduction, including prolongation of the luteal phase in Holstein cows, perhaps due to compromised luteolysis. The objective was to characterize effects of HS on luteolytic responses of nonlactating Holstein cows given 25 or 12.5 mg of PGF 2α on d 7 of the estrous cycle. Cows were randomly distributed into 2 environments: thermoneutral (n = 12; 25°C) or HS (n = 12; 36°C). In each environment, cows were treated with 2 mL of saline, 25 or 12.5 mg of PGF 2α (n = 4 cows per group). The HS environment induced a significant increase in rectal temperature and respiratory rate compared with the thermoneutral environment. Heat stress did not have significant effects on luteolytic responses or circulating progesterone concentrations. Rapid and complete luteolysis occurred in all cows given 25 mg of PGF 2α and in 4 of 8 cows given 12.5 mg; the other 4 cows given 12.5 mg had partial luteolysis, with circulating progesterone concentrations initially suppressed, but subsequently rebounding. Therefore, we conclude that HS does not change corpus luteum sensitivity to PGF 2α .

RESUMO:Objetivou-se analisar a aplicabilidade do Balanced Scorecard (BSC) em uma propriedade produtora de leite com média escala de produção, localizada no sul de Minas Gerais (MG). A pesquisa foi realizada nos meses de janeiro a dezembro de 2013. O levantamento das informações foi realizado por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas in loco. Como instrumentos de coleta de dados foram utilizados a entrevista pessoal, a análise documental e a observação direta e participante. A fazenda possui 396 ha, onde 40% desta área é alugada. As atividades desenvolvidas são a pecuária leiteira, que corresponde a 60% do faturamento, e o cultivo do café, com 40%. O plantel da fazenda é de 164 vacas da raça holandesa, puras por cruzamento ou puras por origem (PC ou PO) que ficam semi-confinadas. A produção média diária é de 3.200kg, média de 19,51 litros de leite por vaca em lactação, em duas ordenhas diárias. Os pontos fortes são a localização, infraestrutura e fonte própria de água; enquanto que os pontos fracos foram, mão de obra, falta de controle e gestão realizada de forma reativa. A missão criada leva em consideração a implantação de melhorias no que diz respeito à gestão, para se alcançar a qualidade dos produtos e dos recursos humanos. Foi proposto um mapa estratégico, onde é possível perceber que os objetivos, crescimento e inovação serão alcançados levando em consideração o aumento da receita. Foi verificado, ao final do estudo, que os princípios do BSC podem ser aplicados a uma propriedade produtora de leite de médio porte. Palavras-chave:BSC. Planejamento estratégico. Pecuária leiteira. Escala de produção. SUMMARY:The objective was to analyze the applicability of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC ) in a dairy farm with average production scale, located in the south of Minas Gerais . The survey was conducted from January to December 2013. The survey information was conducted through semi-structured interviews on the spot. As data collection instruments were used the personal interview, document analysis and direct and participant observation. The farm has 396 there, where 40% of this area is rented. The activities are dairy farming, which accounts for 60% of sales, and the coffee cultivation, with 40%. The breeding farm is 164 Holstein cows, pure by crossing or by pure source (PC or PO) that are semi-confined. The average daily production is 3.200kg, average of 19.51 liters of milk per cow in milk, in two daily milkings. The strong points are the location, infrastructure and own water source; while the weaknesses were, manpower, lack of control and reactively management performed. The mission created taking into account the implementation of improvements with regard to the management, to achieve product quality and human resources. A strategic map where you can see that the objectives, growth and innovation will be achieved taking into account the increase in revenue was proposed. It was found at the end of the study, that the principles of BSC can be applied to a producing midsize milk.

Heat stress (HS) has a massive impact on bovine reproduction. In cows, some of these deleterious effects involve follicular development and oocyte quality. Extracellular vesicles (EV) secreted by granulosa cells play a critical role in the intrafollicular environment by directly influencing cumulus cells and oocyte functions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of follicular fluid EV obtained from Holstein cows kept under thermoneutral (TN) or HS conditions, on in vitro bovine oocyte maturation. Non-lactating Holstein cows were synchronized with the Ovsynch protocol and also received an intravaginal progesterone device. From ovulation day (Day 1), cows were randomly assigned to TN (26°C, 73% humidity; n=12) or HS (36°C, 70% humidity; n=12) environments. On Day 9, 2 follicles (F1 and F2) were individually aspirated and all remained follicles were ablated. Then, on Day 14, newly formed F1 and F2 were also aspirated. Follicular fluid from all follicles from each treatment was pooled and EV were obtained according to Silveira et al. (2017 PLoS One 12, 1-25) and diluted in PBS (100μL of PBS per mL of follicular fluid centrifuged). Pools of 20 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) grade 1 or 2 (Stojkovic et al. Biol Reprod 200164, 904-992], predominantly from Bos indicus, were submitted to the following treatment groups: Control (n=4): matured in 90μL of TCM-199 with Eagles’ salts, glutamine, NaHCO3, pyruvate, amikacin, and FSH (base medium); TN (n=4): matured in 81μL of base medium+9μL of TN EV suspension; and HS (n=4): matured in 81μL+9μL of HS EV suspension. All treatments were carried out at 38.5°C for 24h in a humid atmosphere with 5% CO2. After 24h of maturation, COC were evaluated for meiotic progression (Hoechst 33342 stain), DNA integrity (TUNEL stain), and expression of genes related to oocyte quality (TaqMan assay, Applied Biosystems/Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Results were analysed using ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test (P&lt;0.05). When the experimental groups were compared with the control group, there was no treatment effect on meiotic progression, DNA integrity, or gene expression of cumulus cells. In the oocytes of the TN group, the genes HSF1, IGFBP2, BMP15, GDF9, CDCA8, HAS2, RPL15, STAT3,and PFKP were less expressed. We concluded that oocytes matured in the presence of EV from follicular fluid of cows kept under TN conditions had lesser expression of genes related to oocyte quality. This study was supported by FAPESP (Grant #2012/18297-7) and CAPES Foundation of Brazil.

Objetivou-se analisar a aplicabilidade da ferramenta de gestão Balanced Scorecard (BSC) em propriedades produtoras de leite, localizadas no sul de Minas Gerais (MG). Pretendeu-se, ainda, realizar um comparativo da sua aplicabilidade em propriedades com diferentes escalas de produção e níveis tecnológicos. O levantamento das informações foi realizado por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas in loco. Como instrumentos de coleta de dados foram utilizados a entrevista pessoal, a análise documental e a observação direta e participante. Para a adaptação do BSC foi realizado o levantamento das características das três propriedades, com a identificação dos seus pontos fortes e fracos, bem como das variáveis chaves de sucesso, base para a formulação da missão e visão estratégica de cada uma. Ao final foi proposto um painel de indicadores de desempenho para auxiliar as decisões gerenciais, bem como elaborado o mapa estratégico para cada uma. Desta forma, compreende-se que a ferramenta gerencial Balanced Scorecard pode ser adaptada a propriedades rurais produtoras de leite, independente do seu nível tecnológico e escala de produção. No entanto, para que se alcance o sucesso na implantação da ferramenta, a estratégia organizacional deve ser conhecida por todos os envolvidos e, claro, exige-se o acompanhamento sistemático por parte dos gestores.