This study investigated the hypothesis that the particulate content of milk, as monitored with particle counters, is correlated to the health status of lactating dairy cows, in particular the condition mastitis. Twenty Holstein cows were monitored from the very first day of clinical mastitis outbreak until complete recovery from the disease. During the experiment, the changes in particle behaviour in all four quarters and mixture of milk from all of them were measured. For each sample the following parameters were measured: somatic cell count, fat content, lactose and protein concentration, number and size distribution of milk particles, electric conductivity and diameter of milk fat globules. In total over thirty mastitis outbreaks were observed and monitored throughout, including the first phase of this study when over three thousand samples of foremilk were collected and examined. An operational protocol and particle monitoring device were designed with the help of a commercial company Facility Monitoring Systems Ltd (FMS), Malvern. A particle counter and Peak Height Analyser (PHA) were used to monitor particulate content of milk and a compound phase contrast microscope was used to identify milk particles by photographic visualisation and to establish their diameter. It was observed that the number of particles, milk fat globule diameter and somatic cell counts were stable during periods without udder inflammation. Mastitis caused great changes in these parameters. Both milk particulate size and number were significantly affected by clinical and subclinical form of inflammation (change to the particulate behaviour). It was observed that the changes to the volume median diameter (VMD) of fat globules became evident a few days before clinical signs were present. Results obtained from a particle counter and the PHA were in agreement with data obtained by microscopy. Major changes were recorded in the number of total particles in milk before and during the outbreak of mastitis. Further research showed that changes took place in the pattern of particulate behaviour without visible signs of disease; additional data established that subclinical mastitis can be also identified through the monitoring of particles in milk. In summary monitoring of the behaviour (changes to size and number) of milk fag globules (MFG) can be used as an early indicator of the onset of mastitis. In addition data collected during study produced strong evidence supporting the theory of the interdependence of the quarters within the udder. It was found that the coefficient of correlation for size and number of particles for all four quarters within the udder was statistically significant. Particle counts and the VMD values behaviour were similar for the four quarters. This relationship was observed for all monitored animals. Moreover, the same relationship was also observed during both clinical and subclinical outbreaks of mastitis. Somatic cell count was affected only in an infected quarter while particulate content of milk ―responded‖ to disease in all four quarters within the udder (even if only one was infected). These results were the most surprising and unexpected outcome, suggesting that four quarters within the udder work together as one organ not four separate units. It was observed that the mean MFG cannot be used as a baseline to test individual animal deviations due to the unique particle profile of each observed animal. In all monitored animals particle counts obtained from PHA was found to be in the range of 1011 to 1013 with an average of 1012 particles per ml. The number of particles recorded in mastitis for one animal was at the healthy level for another. The particle pattern became a finger print for each animal and therefore MFG behaviour cannot be compared between animals. Following the first phase of the study the monitoring period was set at 15 to 20 days. This protocol allowed for minimising the influence of any other parameters on particles, which may influence the outcome of an experiment e.g. the number of particles in single samples detected by the particle counter. It was also essential to understand how the age, nutrition and stage of lactation might influence the particles and affect the results. Therefore two animals were chosen to be examined during their lactation. The analysed data did not present enough evidence to establish the relationship between nutrition and milk fat globules size and number. However to better understand this association additional studies should be carried out. Further work is required to optimise the monitoring device and build a fully automated system which will allow collecting and analysing data from the whole herd. This study proposed that particle pattern is unique for each animal – like a finger print. More research is needed to better understand the mechanism behind milk fat globules synthesis during inflammation. The results obtained during this study provide new evidence with regard to physiological changes within the udder before and during mastitis outbreak and supported the theory of interdependence between quarters within udder. The particle count in milk can be used as an indicator of the health status of the single animal. Combined the PHA and microscope can be used as a new tool to determine and monitor the particle count in milk. The understanding of the particulate behaviour will help to minimise the chance of mastitis outbreak by early detection and also to reduce the chance of the cross-contamination between animals during the milking process. Milk fat globule size and number can be used as an efficient indicator of the onset of mastitis.

Ample research has been found to suggest that there is no substitute, either nutritionally or emotionally, that can replace the benefits of human milk for human infants. Despite this recognition, the attitude still exists that infant formula is a reasonable alternative. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF) share policy statements endorsing human milk as the optimal infant nutrition for the first 15 months. Accordingly, WHO and UNICEF launched The Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative established in 1991 to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Despite this unilateral support of breastfeeding, nursing and physician educational curriculums do not include lactation education, which limits the knowledge of those who provide care to the mother and newborn dyad. The purpose of this project is to promote staff lactation education and training on the infant feeding practices by encouraging breastfeeding in a hospital setting. This project includes lactation education and hands-on training for staff. A 20-hour didactic lactation education course will meet the requirements to ensure that staff training will assist in supporting patients with the early initiation of breastfeeding. Furthermore, training will include clinical competencies to evaluate the knowledge, practice patterns, and confidence of the staff. Lactation education for providers will be provided through an online course designed to improve their ability to support breastfeeding among their patients. The result of this project will assist hospital leadership to determine specific education and training for staff in increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates among their patient population.

In experiment 1, fourteen cows were blocked for milk yields and balanced for days in lactation. Treatments were: (1) Air conditioning (AC), five cows; (2) Evaporative cooling (EC), four cows; and (3) Conventional shade (S), five cows. Sequential samples were taken for 8 h at 12 min intervals starting at 2200 and then at hourly intervals for 13 h. Serum was assayed for insulin, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and cortisol using a double-antibody radioimmunoassay procedure. Free fatty acids (FFA) were determined in serum by an enzymatic method. In experiment 2, ten cows were blocked for milk yields and days in lactation. Treatments were: (1) Evaporative cooling (EC), five cows; and (2) conventional shade (S), five cows. Blood was drawn at 60 and 90 d of lactation. Blood sampling, hormone and FFA assays were carried out as in experiment 1. Sequential samples were taken for 8 h at 12 min intervals starting at 2300 and then at hourly intervals from 1030 to 1830. In experiment 1, insulin was depressed (P <.05) treatment effects for T3 in either experiment. There were significant treatment differences (P <.05) in respiration rates and body temperatures in experiment 1. Shade were higher than AC or EC cows. These studies demonstrated that summer heat stress depressed insulin and increased FFA with variable effects on T4 and cortisol but no effect on T3.

No description available.

La période de parturition est une période à risque pour les vaches laitières. En effet, dû à la production de lait, la vache passe en quelques heures d’une demande nutritionnelle faible à une forte demande et se retrouve en balance énergétique négative. Pour répondre à la demande, les vaches laitières mobilisent leurs réserves corporelles entrainant ainsi d’importants dysfonctionnements métaboliques. Suite à ces perturbations, la vache laitière connaît un état naturel d’immunodépression qui est associé à une susceptibilité élevée aux maladies infectieuses. L’objectif de la recherche de ce mémoire était d’évaluer l’effet de l’administration d’un inhibiteur de la sécrétion de prolactine au cours de la première semaine suivant le vêlage, sur la production laitière et sur le profil métabolique et les fonctionsimmunitaires des vaches laitières. Cette recherche s’inscrit dans un programme de recherche visant à diminuer l’incidence des problèmes de santé durant la période de transition de la gestation à la lactation. Vingt-deux vaches laitières en fin de gestation ont été réparties en 2 groupes selon leur parité et leur production laitière des 100 premiers jours de la lactation précédente. Chaque groupe a reçu 8 injections i.m. soit d’un inhibiteur de prolactine, la quinagolide, soit d’eau. La première injection a été administrée juste après le vêlage et les 7 suivantes à 12h d’intervalle. La production laitière, la consommation alimentaire, certains métabolites sanguins et hormones sanguines ainsi que quelques fonctions immunitaires ont été mesurés sur chacune des vaches. La concentration en prolactine était plus faible du jour 2 au jour 5 mais plus élevée aux jours 10 et 28 pour les vaches traitées à la quinagolide en comparaison aux vaches contrôles. La production laitière était plus faible chez les vaches traitées du jour 2 au jour 6 en comparaison aux vaches contrôles (24.3 ± 6.4 kg/j vs 34.8 ± 4.1 kg/j). Cependant aucun effet résiduel n’a été observé sur la production laitière au-delà du jour 6. Les concentrations en glucose et en calcium étaient plusélevées chez les vaches traitées à la quinagolide alors que leur concentration en β-hydroxybutyrate était plus faible que pour les vaches contrôles. Les concentrations sanguines en acides gras non-estérifiés, en urée, et en phosphore n’ont pas été influencées par les traitements. Aux jours 2 et 5, la flambée oxydative des polymorphonucléaires était plus élevée pour les vaches traitées à la quinagolide que pour les vaches contrôles. Les cellules vaches contrôles ont eu un meilleur taux de prolifération que les vaches traitées à la quinagolide. Cependant, cette différence a persisté au-delà du traitement suggérant un effet vache plutôt qu’un effet réel du traitement. Aucun effet du traitement n’a été observé concernant la phagocytose. En conclusion, la réduction de la concentration sanguine en prolactine durant la période postpartum permet de réduire la production laitière durant la première semaine de lactation, sans pour autant affecter la productivité du reste de la lactation. Cette réduction de production laitière juste après le vêlage permet une transition plus graduelle de la gestation à la lactation et conduit à une réduction du stress métabolique et à une amélioration de certains aspects du système immunitaire pendant cette période.

Research confirms that breastfeeding disparities persist and that lactation consultants play a key role in reducing them. However, there continues to be a limited availability of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in the US with racial minorities in particular facing persistent barriers in the certification process. Through semi-structured interviews with 36 IBCLCs across the US, this study takes a systematic look at breastfeeding disparities through the lens of the IBCLC. Specifically, this study addresses barriers to certification and employment discrimination faced by IBCLCs of color, race-based discrimination against patients, and the ways in which IBCLCs work to both medicalize and demedicalize breastfeeding. Each of these areas can impact breastfeeding equity, and each help to reveal the ways in which race, class, gender and medicine shape views and practices related to lactation and motherhood. Cost and the increasingly university-focused approach of the IBCLC certification process are found to be significant barrier for participants. Race-based discrimination during the certification process and in the workplace is also an ongoing and persistent reality that affects participant’s relationships with patients and coworkers and their ability to secure workplace resources and to advance in their careers. IBCLCs report instances of race-based discrimination against patients such as unequal care provided to patients of color and overt racist remarks said in front of or behind patient’s backs. Finally IBCLCs are found to demedicalize breastfeeding, but they often lack the authority to change breastfeeding policies. They also engage in other work that medicalizes breastfeeding and perpetuate the idea that mothers are anxiety-prone patients in need of professional intervention.

A menor capacidade de consumo voluntário de alimentos das fêmeas atuais pode ser evidenciada na fase de lactação. As fêmeas são mais exigentes nutricionalmente, pois o consumo de ração durante o período de lactação pode se tornar insuficiente para atender às exigências de mantença e máxima produção de leite das porcas. Com isso, o consumo voluntário de ração deve ser estimulado para evitar mínima mobilização de reservas corporais das fêmeas, garantindo assim, maior produção de leite e menor perda de peso das fêmeas até o desmame. O uso de substâncias flavorizantes, edulcorantes e do butirato de sódio estão sendo estudados com o objetivo de estimular o consumo voluntário. O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de determinar o consumo voluntário e a performance de 14 fêmeas suínas de primeiro parto em lactação, alimentadas com ração de lactação sem o uso de aditivo (T1) e ração de lactação contendo butirato de sódio (T2), edulcorante (T3) e flavorizante (T4), além do desempenho da leitegada de cada fêmea. As dietas experimentais foram administradas a partir do dia seguinte ao parto, até o dia do desmame. Os parâmetros avaliados nas porcas foram: consumo alimentar voluntário, perda de peso durante a lactação, variação na espessura de toucinho, produção de leite e intervalo desmama-estro subseqüente. O ganho de peso dos leitões foi também analisado. Foi observado maior consumo (P<0,05), pelas fêmeas do tratamento controle (T1) quando comparado com os demais tratamentos (T2, T3, T4). Já em relação à produção de leite, não foi evidenciado efeito significativo para nenhum dos tratamentos (P>0,05), porém observa-se uma diferença numérica entre os tratamentos, favorável ao T2. Quando observado peso e espessura de toucinho na entrada da maternidade e no desmame e o intervalo desmama estro, também não foram observadas diferenças significativas (P<0,05). Quanto ao peso dos leitões não foram evidenciadas diferenças significativas. Assim, a adição de substâncias flavorizantes, edulcorante e butirato de sódio em fêmeas primíparas, nas concentrações utilizadas nesse estudo, não apresentou efeito para nenhuma das variáveis, exceto para o consumo voluntário das fêmeas, de modo que são necessários novos estudos para averiguar a interferência desta suplementação sobre o consumo voluntário de alimentos, levando em consideração as linhagens híbridas existentes no mercado. / Sows of modern genotypes have a lower feed intake, whereas nutritional requirements have increased, especially due to higher number of piglets born per sow and thus to higher milk yield. Especially during lactation, if nutritional demands of sows are not met, a high milk production can lead to a negative energy balance, and thus to both a decrease in body fat reserves and a lower body weight at weaning. An alternative to avoid excessive body reserves depletion is feed supplementation with substances which can increase voluntary feed intake, among them flavors, sweeteners and butyric acid. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of such substances towards voluntary feed intake, milk production and performance of sows, and on litters weight gain, after supplementation of sows feeding during lactation. Fourteen first-parturition sows were allocated in one of the following treatments: feeding without any supplement (T1); supplementation with either butyric acid (T2), sweeteners (T3) or flavors (T4). Experimental diets were given from the day after parturition until the weaning. The following parameters were evaluated in sows: feed intake, loss of weight during lactation, variation of backfat thickness, milk production and weaning-estrus interval. Weight gain of piglets was also recorded. Feed intake of sows allocated at T1 group was higher (P<0.05), in comparison with T2, T3 and T4 groups. There was a trend towards a higher milk production of T2 group, although results were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of primiparous sows diet with flavours, sweeteners and butyric acid, at least at levels utilized in this study, did not produced any changes on the evaluated parameters, except for the voluntary feed intake of sows. Thus, futher investigations on the effects of those additives on voluntary feed intake and satiety mechanisms of new lineages pigs must be conducted.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos do uso de dietas com diferentes balanço cátion-aniônico dietético (BCAD) na produção e na qualidade do leite de búfala, nas características fermentativas através da técnica de produção de gás in vitro, além de traçar perfil nutricional de búfalas em lactação em propriedades de bubalinocultura da região central do Estado de São Paulo. Dessa forma, a tese está apresentada na forma de 11 capítulos, sendo que os capítulos 1, 2 e 11 descrevem a introdução, revisão de literatura e considerações finais, respectivamente. Os demais descrevem diferentes experimentos realizados sob a temática geral de 2012 a 2014. O capítulo 3 contém a avaliação de quatro dietas catiônicas com alto BCAD (+362, +370, +379 e +390 mEq/kg/MS) formuladas conforme rendimento do queijo muçarela para 350 búfalas, divididas em dois grupos (búfalas com menos e acima de 100 dias de lactação no início do experimento) durante período experimental de 120 dias. Dez tratamentos foram designados adotando-se diferentes formas de sistema de alimentação durante todo o experimento. A covarivavel idade não influenciou na produção e qualidade do leite das búfalas, exceto na contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e condutividade elétrica nas búfalas &le;100 dias de lactação. Houve diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos para a produção de leite diária em ambos os grupos de búfalas. Somente a lactose apresentou diferenças entre os tratamentos em búfalas no início da lactação. A forma do sistema de alimentação com alteração das dietas contendo diferentes BCAD a cada 30 dias não produz efeitos na produção e qualidade do leite em búfalas no estágio inicial da lactação, porém aumenta a produção de leite em búfalas acima de 100 dias de lactação. No capítulo 4 a produção diária e a qualidade do leite foram avaliadas em 297 búfalas, divididas em dois grupos, um com menos de 100 e outro de 100 a 220 dias de lactação recebendo duas dietas catiônicas com baixo BCAD: D121 (+121 mEq/kg/MS) e D164 (+164 mEq/kg/MS) em dois sistema de alimentação, definindo quatro tratamentos. O BCAD influenciou na produção de leite das búfalas, entretanto, o menor BCAD produziu melhoria na produção de leite. O BCAD mais elevado promoveu aumentos nos teores de proteína, sólidos totais (ST), extrato seco desengordurado (ESD) e CCS nas búfalas de 100 a 200 dias de lactação. No capítulo 5 quatro dietas aniônicas com BCAD de -61, -67, -73 e -100 mEq/kg/MS foram avaliadas em 259 búfalas, divididas em dois grupos, com 100 a 200 dias e acima de 200 dias de lactação. O BCAD negativo não interferiu na produção de leite diária e na qualidade do leite das búfalas, porém, influenciou no teor de gordura e lactose do leite em ambos os grupos de lactação e ainda nos teores de proteína, sólidos totais e CSS nas búfalas acima de 200 dias de lactação. No capítulo 6, foram avaliados três níveis crescentes de BCAD de +40, +120 e +190 mEq/kg/MS na produção, qualidade e minerais no leite de búfalas, não observando alterações significantes na produção, qualidade e minerais no leite de búfala, exceto na condutividade elétrica, acidez titulável e nos teores de Na e Cl. No capítulo 7 realizou-se a caracterização da produção, qualidade e minerais do leite na curva de lactação de búfalas em dietas catiônicas com baixo BCAD. Os dados mostraram que a curva da lactação iniciou-se ascendente, com pico no 2°. e 3°. mês e posterior declínio com maior produção de leite nos primeiros 90 dias da lactação (40%). As búfalas paridas no segundo semestre apresentaram média diária de produção de leite ao longo da lactação superior que as paridas no primeiro semestre com a qualidade do leite semelhante em ambas os grupos. Os teores de gordura, proteína, ST e ESD ao longo da lactação aumentaram no leite e depois se mantiveram constantes, enquanto que a lactose diminuiu e a CCS não se alterou ao longo do experimento. Os níveis de macrominerais no leite de búfala foram constantes durante a lactação, exceto o cloro que sofreu queda. O Ca e o K apresentaram-se em maior concentração. No capítulo 8 é descrita a caracterização da produção acumulada e diária do leite de búfala na curva de lactação em função da duração da lactação, número da lactação e faixa etária dos animais, recebendo dieta com BCAD médio de +83 mEq/kg/MS. A curva da lactação em búfalas caracterizou-se pelo crescimento da produção de leite até os primeiros 90 dias, seguida de um declínio gradativo até o final da lactação, não existindo influência da duração da lactação, número da lactação e da faixa etária dos animais. Foram identificadas quatro fases com diferentes níveis de queda mensal de produção em relação ao mês anterior (aumento; leve, médio e forte declínios). Búfalas mais velhas acima de 11 anos de idade apresentam declínio mais acentuado que búfalas mais jovens. No início da lactação até 90 dias, búfalas com maior número de lactações e faixa etária produziram mais leite que as mais jovens. No capítulo 9 compararam-se dietas com BCAD de +110, +220 e +440 mEq/kg/MS na cinética de fermentação ruminal, por meio de parâmetros da produção de gases totais e metano, degradabilidade da matéria seca e orgânica e produção de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta e nitrogênio amoniacal em 24 e 96 horas de inoculação, com a técnica de produção de gases in vitro, usando inóculo de conteúdo ruminal de bubalinos. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos em qualquer variável avaliada. As ausências de efeitos sugerem ações outras do BCAD sobre o metabolismo animal do que sobre o metabolismo ruminal na produção de efeitos sobre o desempenho produtivo dos animais. Concluindo esses estudos, o capítulo 10 descreve a avaliação do sistema de exploração de leite de búfalas de quatro propriedades rurais, compreendendo um total de 794 búfalas, com caracterização da composição de 11 tipos de dietas e composição químico-bromatológica de ingredientes das dietas utilizadas. As búfalas apresentaram ingestão de matéria seca média diária de 17,8 kg por animal (2,6% do peso vivo e 91 g MS/kg0,75) e produção de leite média de 8,1 kg/animal/dia com conversão alimentar de 2,2 kg de MS por kg de leite produzido/animal/dia. / This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding diets with different dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) in the production and quality of buffalo milk, in the fermentation characteristics by in vitro gas production technique, and in addition to showing nutritional profile lactating buffalo on farms located in the central region of São Paulo state, Brazil. Thus, this thesis is presented in the form of eleven sections, where the Chapters 1, 2 and 11 describe the introduction, literature review, and final considerations, respectively. The others describe different experiments performed under the general theme from 2012 to 2014. The Chapter 3 contains the evaluation of four cationic diets with high DCAD (+362, +370, +379 and +390 mEq / kg / MS) formulated as mozzarella cheese yield basis in 350 buffaloes, divided into two groups (buffaloes less and above 100 days of lactation at beginning of the experiment) during the experimental period of 120 days. Ten treatments were assigned adopting different ways feeding system throughout the experiment. The covariate age did not influence the production and quality of milk, except in somatic cell counting (SCC) and electrical conductivity in buffaloes &le;100 days of lactation. Significant differences were observed between treatments for daily milk production in both groups buffaloes. Only lactose has differed between treatments in buffaloes in early lactation. The feeding system with changing diets containing different DCAD every 30 days has no effect on production and quality of milk in buffalo in the early stage of lactation, but it increases milk production in buffalo over 100 days of lactation. In chapter 4, the daily production and milk quality were evaluated in 297 buffaloes, divided into two groups, one with less than 100 and another 100-220 days of lactation receiving two cationic diets with low DCAD: D121 (+121 mEq / kg / DM) and D164 (+164 meq / Kg / MS) to two feeding systems, defining four treatments. DCAD has influenced the milk production of buffaloes. Lower DCAD has produced higher milk production. The highest DCAD has promoted increases in protein, total solids (TS), solid no fat (SNF) and SCC in buffaloes with 100-200 days of lactation. In Chapter 5, four anionic diets with DCAD of -61, -67, -73 and -100 mEq / kg / DM were evaluated in 259 buffaloes, divided into two groups: between 100 - 200 days and over 200 days of lactation. The negative DCAD has not interfered in daily milk production and milk quality in buffaloes, however, has influenced the fat and lactose contents of milk in buffalo in both groups of lactation and also in protein levels, and total solid and SCC of buffalo over 200 days of lactation. In Chapter 6, were evaluated three increasing levels of DCAD: +40, +120 and +190 mEq / kg / DM in production, quality and minerals in buffalo milk. No significant differences were observed in production, quality and minerals in buffalo milk except in electrical conductivity, acidity and levels of Na and Cl. In Chapter 7, the characterization of production, quality and minerals of milk along the lactation curve were evaluated in buffaloes on cationic diets with low DCAD. The data showed that the lactation curve started rising, peaking on the 2nd. and 3rd. month and subsequent decline with higher milk production in the first 90 days of lactation (40%). The calved buffaloes in the second half of the year had higher average daily milk production along the lactation than that calved in the first half with the quality of milk similar in both groups. The fat, protein, TS and SNF increased in milk throughout the lactation and, then remained constant, while lactose decreased and the SCC did not change. The buffalo milk macrominerals have maintained the same levels along lactation, except chlorine that dropped. Ca and K showed up in higher concentration. In Chapter 8 describes the characterization of accumulated and daily production of buffalo milk during lactation curve as a function of lactation period, number of lactation and age of the animals fed diet with medium DCAD of +83 mEq/kg/DM. The lactation curve in buffaloes characterized by the growth of milk production until the first 90 days, followed by a gradual decline until the end of lactation, with no influence of lactation period, lactation number and age of the animals. Four phases have been identified with different monthly decline levels of production compared to the previous month (increase; slight, medium and, strong declines). Older buffaloes above 11 years of age had steeper decline than younger buffaloes. In early lactation up to 90 days, buffaloes with more lactations and age have produced more milk than younger. In Chapter 9, three diets of DCAD +110, +220 and +440 mEq/kg DM were evaluated by ruminal fermentation kinetics, involving total production and methane gases, degradability of dry matter and organic matter and fatty acids of short chain and ammonia nitrogen productions in 24 and 96 hours of inoculation, by using in vitro gas production technique with inoculum of rumen contents of buffalo. No differences were observed between treatments. No observed effects suggest other actions of DCAD on animal metabolism than on ruminal metabolism in producing productive performance of the animals. Completing these studies, Chapter 10 describes the evaluation of buffalo milk operating system of four rural properties, comprising a total of 794 buffaloes, with characterization of the composition of 11 types of diets and chemical composition of the diet ingredients used. The buffaloes had dry matter intake daily average of 17.8 kg per animal (2.6% of body weight and 91 g DM / kg0.75) and average milk production of 8.1 kg / animal / day with feed conversion 2.2 kg of dry matter per kg of produced milk / animal / day.

Os ácidos graxos poli-insaturados de cadeia longa são de grande importância para o crescimento e o desenvolvimento infantil. Suas concentrações variam amplamente no leite materno, em partes, devido à variabilidade do teor de ácidos graxos da dieta materna. Entretanto a relação entre os ácidos graxos da dieta, durante a gestação, e seus teores no leite materno maduro ainda não foi elucidada. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a composição de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados do leite materno maduro de mulheres residentes em área distante da costa litorânea do Brasil (Manuscrito 1) e investigar a associação entre a composição de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados da dieta materna, em distintos períodos da gestação e no período pós-parto, na composição destes no leite humano maduro (Manuscrito 2). A presente pesquisa integra as atividades de um estudo prospectivo, conduzido entre 103 gestantes saudáveis, com idade entre 18 e 35 anos, usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde do município de Ribeirão Preto, SP. O consumo alimentar materno, durante a gestação e após o parto, foi avaliado por meio de três inquéritos recordatórios de 24 horas, ao longo da gestação, e dois inquéritos recordatórios de 24 horas, no puerpério. As mulheres com dados completos de consumo alimentar durante a gestação, que tiveram parto a termo e praticavam aleitamento materno exclusivo ou predominante a partir da 5ª semana pós-parto, foram convidadas a participar do presente estudo. Amostras de 5-10ml de leite materno maduro foram obtidas por meio de ordenha manual, e a dosagem do teor de ácidos graxos se deu por meio de cromatografia gasosa. Para investigação da influência do consumo alimentar de cada trimestre gestacional e no período pós-parto na composição de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados do leite materno maduro, foram utilizados modelos de regressão linear ajustados pelo IMC pós-parto e deatenuados. O Manuscrito 1 descreve a composição de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados do leite materno maduro de mulheres residentes em área distante da costa litorânea do Brasil. Observaram-se baixo teor de ácido docosa-hexaenoico (0,09%) e alta concentração de ácidos graxos trans (2,05%), no leite humano das mulheres avaliadas. O Manuscrito 2 descreve a associação direta entre o teor dos ácidos eicosapentaenoico [= 1,87 (95% IC: 0,54; 3,28)] e docosa-hexaenoico [= 0,46 (95% IC 0,21; 0,71)] da dieta materna do terceiro trimeste gestacional e o teor destes no leite humano maduro, assim como a relação direta entre a razão n3/n6 da dieta [= 0,09 (95% IC 0,02; 0,17)] do segundo e terceiro trimestres gestacionais e no período pós-parto com a proporção verificada no leite materno. Os resultados indicam um baixo teor de ácido docosa-hexaenoico entre as mulheres avaliadas e uma alta concentração de ácidos graxos trans no leite materno. O teor de DHA e EPA da dieta materna, no final do período gestacional, pode influenciar a composição de ácidos graxos de leite materno maduro. Ainda, a razão n-3/n-6 de ácidos graxos da dieta materna, no final da gestação e no período pós-parto, também pode influenciar na composição de ácidos graxos do leite materno. Os dados sugerem a relevância de medidas de intervenção para promoção do consumo de alimentos ricos em n-3, no terceiro trimestre gestacional. / Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids play a relevant role on child development and growth. Their content in breast milk vary widely, partially due to the variability of fatty acids content on maternal dietary intake. However little is known about the relationship between maternal dietary intake during pregnancy and the fatty acids content of breast milk. The aim of the present study was to assess the polyunsaturated fatty acids composition of mature breast milk of women living far from the Brazilian coast (Manuscript 1) and to evaluate the influence of the food intake in different periods of pregnancy and postpartum on the polyunsaturated fatty acids composition of mature breast milk (Manuscript 2). This research integrates the activities of a prospective study conducted among 103 healthy pregnant women, aged 18 to 35 years old, users of the Public Health System in Ribeirão Preto, SP. The maternal dietary intake was evaluated by three 24/hour dietary recalls during pregnacy and two 24/hour dietary recalls at the postpartum period. Women with complete data of the dietary intake during pregnancy, who delivered at term, and were exclusively or predominantly breastfeeding their babies after the 5th week postpartum were invited to participate of the present study. Samples of 5 to 10ml of mature breast milk were obtained by manual expression to determine the fatty acids content by gas chromatography. Linear regression models were applied to assess the influence of dietary intake on fatty acids content of mature breast milk, at each trimester of pregnancy and at postpartum period, adjusted by postpartum BMI and deattenuated. The Manuscript 1 describes the polyunsaturated fatty acids composition of mature breast milk of women living far from the Brazilian coast. Among the samples evaluated, low content of docosahexaenoic acid (0,09%) and high level trans fatty (2,05%) acid were found. The Manuscript 2 describes a positive association between the eicosapentaenoic acid [= 1.87 (95% IC: 0.54, 3.28)] and docosahexaenoic acid [= 0.46 (95% IC 0.21, 0.71)] content of the maternal diet at the third trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, a positive association between the n-3/n-6 dietary ratio [= 0.09 (95% IC 0.02, 0.17)] at the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at the postpartum period with the content of these fatty acids in human milk. Low docosahexaenoic acid and high trans fatty acid levels in mature breast milk were found. DHA and EPA content of the maternal diet during late pregnancy might influence the content of these fatty acids on mature breast milk. Moreover, the dietary ratio of n- 3/n-6 fatty acids on late pregnancy and post-partum period also influences the fatty acid composition of breast milk. The data suggest the relevance of intervention strategies to promote the intake of food rich in n-3 on late pregnancy.

O estudo teve como objetivos avaliar: 1) produção e composição do leite de novilhas submetidas a protocolo de indução de lactação (PIL); 2) eficácia de antibiótico injetável associado a selante de tetos sobre a prevalência de infecções intramamárias (IIM) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e 3) eficácia de GnRH sobre regressão de cistos foliculares (CFs) e taxa de concepção inicial e prenhez acumulada em novilhas tardias. Foram utilizadas 114 novilhas da raça Jersolando (Holandesa x Jersey), com 34,7 &#177; 4,8 (média &#177; desvio padrão) meses de idade, 439 &#177; 56,35 kg de peso corporal e 3,00 &#177; 0,30 de escore de condição corporal (ECC). O utilizado PIL era composto por benzoato de estradiol, progesterona injetável, prostaglandina, dexametasona e somatotropina recombinante bovina. Dezesseis dias antes do PIL as novilhas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em dois grupos: a) ATBS (n=57, 1mL/kg Norfloxacina injetável Norflomax&reg;, Ourofino Saúde Animal), via intramuscular associado com selante de tetos (4g subnitrato de bismuto Sellat&reg;, Ourofino Saúde Animal), e b) CONT (n=57) sem a aplicação de nenhum medicamento. A lactação iniciou-se no 21º dia do PIL e os animais foram submetidos à duas ordenhas diárias. No 15º dia de lactação (DEL) foi realizado diagnóstico de CFs e mais dois grupos foram criados de acordo com peso corporal, ECC e presença/ausência de CFs: a) GnRH (n=53, 5 mL de GnRH injetável Sincrofort&reg;, Ourofino Saúde Animal) e b) Controle (n=53). Do total (n=104), 91% das novilhas induzidas responderam com sucesso ao PIL com média de produção de leite de 15,19 kg/leite/dia durante as primeiras 22 semanas de lactação. Os tratamentos foram avaliados em fatorial 2x2, sendo o fator 1 correspondente ao tratamento com ATBS e o fator 2 correspondente ao tratamento com GnRH. O ATBS não alterou a produção de leite quando comparado com o GnRH. A prevalência de IIM nas duas primeiras semanas de lactação foi de 18% com o ATBS e 28% nas não tratadas, e Staphylococcuscoagulase negativa (SCN) foi o patógeno mais frequentemente isolado no 7º (20,95%) e 14º (17,11%) DEL. Os quartos mamários tratados com ATBS tiveram 0,56 vezes menos risco de IIM e diminuíram a CCS em relação aos controles. A aplicação de GnRH não influenciou na cura dos CFs em relação aos controles. A ciclicidade aos 45 dias de lactação foi de 68% e 35% para os animais tratados com ATBS e controle, respectivamente. Já para os tratados com GnRH, a ciclicidade foi de 57% e 46% para o controle. No tratamento com ATBS houve taxa de prenhez acumulada de 60% contra 89% no controle, enquanto que o tratamento com GnRH não influenciou esta variável. A indução de lactação foi eficaz em novilhas e o tratamento com ATBS diminuiu a prevalência de IIM nas duas primeiras semanas de lactação. / The present study aimed to evaluate: 1) the milk production and composition of heifers submitted to lactation induction protocol (PIL), 2) the effectiveness of injectable antibiotic treatment associated with teat sealant on the prevalence of intramammary infections (IMI) and somatic cell count (SCC), and 3) the effectiveness of GnRH treatment on follicular cyst (FC) regression and optimization of the accumulated pregnancy rate in late heifers. Thus, 114 heifers of Jersolando breed (Holstein x Jersey) were used, with 34.7 &#177; 4.8 (mean &#177; standard deviation) months of age, 439 &#177; 56.35 kg of body weight and 3.00 &#177; 0.30 body condition score (BCS). The heifers were housed in Compost bedded-pack barns shed and submitted to the PIL consisting of estradiol benzoate, injectable progesterone, prostaglandin, dexamethasone and bovine recombinant somatotropin. Sixteen days prior to initiation of PIL, heifers were randomly assigned to two groups: a) ATBS (n = 57, 1mL/kg Norfloxacin injectable Norflomax&reg;, Ourofino Animal Health), intramuscularly, associated with internal teat sealant (4g bismuth subnitrate Sellat&reg;, Ourofino Animal Health), and b) CONT (n=57) without the application of any medication. Lactation began on the 21stday of the PIL and the animals were submitted to two daily milking. On the 15th day in milk (DIM) a diagnosis of FC was performed and two other groups were created according to body weight, BCS and presence / absence of CFs: a) GnRH (n = 53, 5 mL of Sincrofort&reg; injectable GnRH, Ourofino Animal Health) and b) Control (n = 53). From 104 induced heifers, 91% responded successfully to PIL, with a mean milk yield of 15.19 kg/milk/day during the first 22 weeks of lactation. The treatments were evaluated in a 2x2 factorial, with factor 1 corresponding to the ATBS treatment and factor 2 corresponding to GnRH treatment. The ATBS treatment did not change the milk production when compared to those treated with GnRH. The prevalence of IMI during the first two weeks of lactation was 18% for ATBS-heifers and 28% for untreated heifers. Staphylococcus coagulase negative (SCN) was the most frequently isolated pathogen in the 7th (20.95 %) and 14th (17.11%) DIM. The ATBS-treated mammary quarters had a 0,56lower times risk of infection and decreased the SCC compared to controls, with or without GnRH. The GnRH application did not influence on the cure of FCs in relation to control. Cyclicity at 45 days of lactation was 68% for the animals treated with ATBS and 35% for the control, while the animals treated with GnRH had a cyclicity of 57% and 46% for the control. The ATBS had cumulative pregnancy rate of 60%, in the control was 89% and the GnRH treatment did not influence this variable. Induction of lactation was effective in heifers and treatment with ATBS decreased the prevalence of IMI in the first two weeks of lactation.