vol. 11 núm. 23 (2015)

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyze the traditional management applied to the production of native pigs in the Colombian-Venezuelan plains. Description: Initially, the origin of native pigs is described as an animal genetic resource that inhabits the Colombian-Venezuelan savannas, as a result of natural selection. Then, the socio-economic importance to the Venezuelan plains of Apure, Guarico and Barinas, and to the east of the Colombian departments of Casanare, Vichada, and Arauca is revealed. Some of the management practices implemented in this type of system are described and certain production indicators are shown. Point of view: Generally, the savanna pig shows particular independence from conventional production systems and, therefore, it has survived within the traditional exploitation system. This is a good example of clean production and an invitation to reflect which should be analyzed in more detail in order to adjust production to commercial parameters that allow continuity and survival of this valuable local genetic resource. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is an opportunity to offer quality organic products and that, after this reflection on the potential of savanna pig to meet the demand of sophisticated and demanding markets, it is necessary to conduct research in order to establish productive and reproductive parameters that improve the efficiency of this exploitation system with an underused pig race in the flood savanna ecosystem.

Purpose: As part of the preparation of a master’s thesis in reproductive behavior (graduate program of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de la República, Uruguay), the level of animal welfare of capybara (H. hydrochaeris) stock at a breeding center with an intensive production system was assessed. To p i c s: Capybara breeding in Uruguay has not yet been consolidated, although the illegal consumption of its meat and use of some specimens as pets is an undeniable reality. However, the few initiatives for legal breeding of the species have not been successful. Development: To assess the level of welfare, animal behavior was observed (by systematic records and casual observations) and the producer was asked about maintenance and management of animals at the breeding center. Beyond some specific problems (water availability, differential food availability), specimens are maintained at an acceptable level of welfare. Conclusions: This private small scale undertaking keeps its specimens in acceptable conditions of animal welfare, despite the lack of interest by the authorities (from various ministries) in promoting such initiatives as a way to curb poaching and protect wild populations.

Tema e Alcance: A estimativa da fertilidade do reprodutor é uma ferramenta importante na escolha do macho, não só porque reflete o estado individual do reprodutor, mas também porque dito resultado influencia o futuro do rebanho, a presente revisão aborda o assunto fertilidade no macho bovino desde a perspectiva da biotecnologia do sêmen. Características: descreve as características seminais que influenciam o potencial reprodutivo e apresenta de forma geral técnicas laboratoriais rotineiras e inovadoras na avaliação de espermatozoides. Documentos base na área de biotecnologia de sêmen foram utilizados na revisão assim como artigos das ultimas 4 décadas e até hoje, aspectos chaves de manuais e livros de difusão mundial complementam o acervo bibliográfico referenciado. Achados: o amplo número de estudos sobre o tema e a diversidade nos resultados, pressupõem gargalos no conhecimento que abrem uma janela na utilização de ferramentas genômicas que permitam explicar com maior acurácia os diferentes eventos fisiológicos envolvidos na expressão das características seminais referentes à fertilidade. Conclusões: a variância genética e  as mudanças epigenéticas podem estar influenciando o potencial reprodutivo no macho, fenômenos funcionais ainda pouco conhecidos precisam ser elucidados no intuito de compreender, e tal vez alterar dita variação entre e inter reprodutores.

Introduction. Similarities between the bodies of pigs and humans have encouraged studies in comparative anatomy, trying to describe in detail the anatomical variations that could influence in the xenotransplantation, given that advances in genetics, immunology and biotechnology are large, this possibility is not far. The objective of this work was to make contributions to the vascular study of porcine heart.   Methodology. 60 porcine hearts, with an average of 5 months old and weighing 85-95kg were obtained from plant Vijagual. After receipt hearts were kept in water for 6 hours, then they were perfused with polyester resin semi-synthetic and mineral blue color, moreover the left coronary artery was perfused with red mineral color. Subsequently, the hearts were subjected to a process of partial corrosion with potassium hydroxide (15%), then the coronary sinus and its tributary branches were dissected from its origin to its distal segments, path, shapes, sizes, anastomosis and presence of registered anatomical variations. Photographic record of the samples was performed. Results. The distal caliber of Great cardiac vein (5.36 +/- 1,04mm), its origin was determined from the apex at 70% of anatomical pieces it studied was determined and the ventricular groove paraconal 30% of the pieces analyzed. The arteriovenous trigone was found in 58 of cardiac structures studied (96.66%). Conclusion. The description of the anatomic variations present in the pig heart structure will contribute to the possibility of xenotransplantation and also provides data for the development of studies on cardiovascular surgery and certain diseases of clinical and epidemiological importance.

Introduction: The importance of pets and their direct relationship with public health and zoonoses greatly influence the need for epidemiological databases in Colombia. Materials and methods: For eight months, information of dogs cared for at nine veterinary clinics in Manizales, Colombia was obtained. Variables such as race, sex, reproductive status, reason for consultation, clinical findings, and presumptive diagnoses were cataloged. Population was classified into four age groups: Group a (0-3 months); Group b (4-12 months); Group c (13-36 months); Group d (>37 months). Direct relationships among variables were evaluated and the existence of significant differences between groups and relevant statistical data was analyzed. Results: 2414 dogs, 1381 males (11.3% castrated), 1033 females (26% sterilized) were reported. The distribution of population in each subgroup was: Group a (10.2%); Group b (24.7%); Group c (23.6%); Group d (41.5%). A significant difference (p <0.05) was found between subgroups and the prevalence of conditions in some systems. The digestive system was the most frequent reason for consultation in Group a (52.7%), followed by Group b (34.1%). The main reason for consultation in all groups was by conditions of the digestive system (30.07%); skin diseases (26.39%) were the second most frequent reason for consultation. Conclusions: Frequency of occurrence of different conditions is consistent with similar research and epidemiological studies in other cities of the country and the world. It is recommended that other cities conduct similar research.

Introduction: The municipality of Molagavita (Colombia) is part of the Chicamocha river basin, where farming and livestock activities are carried out, especially goat breeding. The aim of the research was to identify the characteristics of Molagavita goat production systems present on the Chicamocha river basin. Materials and methods: Snowball sampling was conducted; six producers were surveyed. The survey consisted of 10 parameters with information on general characteristics, population, animal nutrition and feeding, health, reproduction, production, genetics, management, and economics and marketing; the opinion of producers on the production system used and their satisfaction was obtained. Microsoft Office Excel® 2010 was used for analysis, and a descriptive analysis for quantitative variables was implemented. Results: 100% own their land and extension of farms is 7 ± 8.62 ha on average. With regard to infrastructure and equipment used, there are corrals, salting facilities, and troughs in 100% of farms and electric fence in 50%. The production system is extensive in 66%, and oriented towards meat production in 100%. No record is kept and, when finding out about some zootechnical parameters, averages for birth weight of 2.75 ± 0.69 kg and benefit weight 29.5±9.35 kg were reported. Conclusions: The main economic activity in the area is the marketing of goats, poultry, and agricultural products.