There is particular interest in knowledge of the physiological alterations that occur during the transition period, with the aim of understanding the intensity of metabolic alterations and their impacts on animal health. Due to the paucity of data on Moxotó females, related to the dynamics of the energy profile, protein, and mineral metabolites, the present study aimed to evaluate the profile of some blood biomarkers during the transition period. There was significant variation in metabolic dynamics related to energy, protein, and mineral profiles. There is a need for further study of other parameters, rendering them reference values in the different periods of gestation, particularly in the final third of gestation, when metabolic diseases can occur, putting the lives of the animals at risk. ResumoÉ grande o interesse pelo conhecimento das modificações fisiológicas que ocorrem no período de transição, visando conhecer a intensidade das alterações metabólicas e seus reflexos na saúde animais. Mediante a escassez de dados com fêmeas da raça Moxotó relacionado à dinâmica de metabólitos do perfil energético, proteico e mineral, objetivou-se avaliar o perfil de alguns biomarcadores sanguíneos durante os períodos de transição. Verificou-se significativa variação na dinâmica de metabólicos relacionados aos perfis energético, proteico e mineral. Há necessidade de melhor estudar outros parâmetros, tornando-os como valores referenciais nos diferentes períodos da gestação, particularmente no terço final da gestação, quando enfermidades metabólicas podem ocorrer, colocando em risco a vida dos animais.

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The objective was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of crude glycerin containing 80.5% glycerol on the blood parameters of lambs in confinement. 39 crossbred lambs, without a defined breed standard, non-castrated males, with four months of age and initial body weight of 21 kg ± 0.8 kg, were distributed in randomized blocks with four treatments and ten repetitions with levels of inclusion of 0, 6, 12 and 18% crude glycerin in the dry matter (DM) of the diet. Blood samples were taken to analyze different biomarkers on the 650 day of the experiment. There were no significant effects of the inclusion of crude glycerin to replace corn in the lambs diet in relation to the different biomarkers of the protein, mineral and enzymatic activity. Regarding the energy profile, a significant effect was identified only for the plasma glucose concentration (p=0.0003). In the regression analysis of the plasma glucose concentration of lambs, depending on the level of consumption of crude glycerin associated with urea to replace corn, it was found that the greater the inclusion of crude glycerin in the diet, the greater the blood glucose (r=0,92; p<0001). The increasing amount of crude glycerin in the diet of lambs growing to replace corn has a gluconeogenic character, in addition to that it does not cause metabolic alteration of parameters related to the energy, protein, mineral and enzymatic activity profile. Crude glycerin can be supplied up to 18% for promoting an adequate metabolic response.

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and anatomopathological findings and serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) from an outbreak of iodine (I) deficiency in sheep in the semi-arid region of Brazil. The outbreak was observed in a property located in the municipality of Sousa, West of the State of Paraiba, a semi-arid zone of Northeast Brazil. The studied lot was composed of 14 animals, between 12 and 18 months old, male, and mixed breed. The animals presented an increase in volume in the proximal portion of the neck, ventral to the mandibular arch, of firm consistency, suggesting a goiter. Thyroid samples were collected from animals that presented gland hyperplasia. In addition, blood samples were collected for serum analysis of thyroid hormones. The clinical findings, macroscopic characteristics, and histological findings observed in these cases are identical to those described in the literature for acquired goiter and constitute evidence that allows the definitive diagnosis of this condition. The mean concentrations observed in animals were:  Free T3 (0.5±0.08 pmol/L) and Free T4 (10.93±2.88 pmol/L). Based on the epidemiological findings, clinical signs, anatomopathological lesions, and serum analysis of thyroid hormones, we can affirm the outbreak of acquired goiter occurred due to inadequacies in feeding and mineral supplementation of the animals. Thus, in order to prevent the appearance of this nutritional disorder, it is of utmost importance that animals are provided with a balanced mineral diet and supplementation, taking into account the needs of the species and antithyroid feed substances.

Outbreak of enzootic ataxia in lambs in the semi-arid state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Surto de ataxia enzoótica em cordeiros no semiárido do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. AbstractAn outbreak of delayed enzootic ataxia in lambs in southern in the southern semi-arid state of Pernambuco. Affected lambs (n=18) showed symptoms of ataxia of the hind limbs, as well as difficulty in getting up and inability to walk, with a "dog sitting" posture. Histopathological examination of the spinal cord revealed vacuolization, axonal spheroids and myelin remains phagocytosed by macrophages and demyelination of the white matter. Low serum concentration of copper (6.88 μmol/L) was observed. Serum iron, zinc and molybdenum concentrations were at normal levels for the species. Clinical and laboratory data allowed concluding diagnosis of primary enzootic ataxia. ResumoDescreve-se surto de ataxia enzoótica em cordeiros no semiárido do estado de Pernambuco. Os cordeiros afetados (n=18) apresentaram sintomas de ataxia dos membros posteriores, além de dificuldade de se levantar e incapacidade de andar, com postura de "cão sentado". O exame histopatológico da medula espinhal revelou vacuolização, esferoides axonais e restos de mielina fagocitados por macrófagos e desmielinização da substância branca. Baixa concentração sérica de cobre (6,88 μmol/L) foi observada. Concentrações séricas de ferro, zinco e molibdênio estavam em níveis normais para a espécie. Os dados clínicos e laboratoriais permitiram concluir diagnóstico de ataxia enzoótica primária.