Jorge Azevedo | Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) (original) (raw)

Papers by Jorge Azevedo

Parâmetros hematológicos, de bioquímica sanguínea geral, electrólitos plasmáticos e das hormonas ... more Parâmetros hematológicos, de bioquímica sanguínea geral, electrólitos plasmáticos e das hormonas relacionadas com a função da tiróide na ovelha da raça Churra da Terra Quente Haematological parameters, general biochemical parameters, serum electrolytes and hormones related with thyroid function in the Portuguese Summary: In this study the normal haematology values and the serum chemistry including the general biochemical parameters, the serum electrolytes and hormones related with thyroid function were determined in a representative sample of adult Portuguese Churra da Terra Quente ewes, non-pregnant, non-lactating and kept in stock-raising with free access to grass hay, in which these parameters were generically situated inside the reference intervals to the ovine specie. The determination of the haemogram, except the total white cell count that was performed manually in a Neubauer haemacytometer slide, was performed with a semi-automated haematological analyser and the mean values obtained were: RBC 9.1±1.0 x10 12 /L; HGB 108±14 g/L; HCT 37.8±3.3 %; MCV 41.0±3.2 fl; MCH 12.0±1.0 pg; MCHC 293±20 g/L; WBC 5.4±1.5 x10 9 /L; neutrophils 1.7±0.6 x10 9 /L (33.1±10.0 %); lymphocytes 3.2±1.2 x10 9 /L (58.0±11.3 %); monocytes 0.10±0.11 x10 9 /L (2.0±1.7 %); eosinophils 0.3±0.2 x10 9 /L (5.3±3.1 %); basophils 0.0 x10 9 / L (0.0 %); platelets 567.3±179.3 x10 9 /L. The thrombin time of 17.6±1.8 seconds was performed using a reagent kit commercialised by BioMêrieux and its recommended protocol. The measurement of the serum chemistry was performed with automated biochemistry analysers, the biochemical general parameters using also the BioMérieux kits, the serum electrolytes with Diametrics Medical specific cassetes and hormones related with thyroid function with Beckman Coulter kits. The biochemical parameters mean values obtained were: total proteins 75.5±6.2 g/L; glucose 2.71±0.44 mmol/L; total cholesterol 1.65±0.33 mmol/L; AST 165.0±48.3 U/L; ALT 24.6±10.1 U/L; γ-GT 48.0±18.7 U/L; ALP 138.9±77.4 U/L; urea 5.16±1.57 mmol/L; creatinine 127.3±59.2 µmol/L; Ca 2.59±0.25 mmol/ L; P 2.10±0.52 mmol/L and Mg 1.01±0.09 mmol/L; Na + 151.40±3.77 mmol/L; K + 4.8±0.5 mmol/L and Ca 2+ 1.32±0.07 mmol/L; total T 4 101.29±42.86 nmol/L; total T 3 1.31±0.26 nmol/ L; free T 4 11.84±1.93 pmol/L; free T 3 5.93±2.33 pmol/L and TSH 0.30±0.27 µIU/mL.

... Citation: Azevedo, Jorge; Correia, Teresa; Almeida, José Carlos; Valentim, Ramiro; Fontes, Pa... more ... Citation: Azevedo, Jorge; Correia, Teresa; Almeida, José Carlos; Valentim, Ramiro; Fontes, Paulo; Galvão, Lurdes; Mendonça, Álvaro; Coelho, Alípio (2003) - Utilización de dos gonadotropinas ... IV CIRA Control activ ovárica Serrana (2003).pdf, 859.22 kB, Adobe PDF, View/Open. ...

... Citation: Valentim, Ramiro; Azevedo, Jorge; Correia, Teresa; Almeida, José Carlos; Fontes, Pa... more ... Citation: Valentim, Ramiro; Azevedo, Jorge; Correia, Teresa; Almeida, José Carlos; Fontes, Paulo; Galvão, Lurdes; Maurício, Raimundo; Coelho, Alípio (2003) - Tratamiento con progestágenos y ... IV CIRA Ind act ovárica pós-parto (2003).pdf, 868.08 kB, Adobe PDF, View/Open. ...

Eighteen healthy skeletally mature (3 years old) ewes, with an average weight of 45 kg, of the Po... more Eighteen healthy skeletally mature (3 years old) ewes, with an average weight of 45 kg, of the Portuguese Churra da Terra Quente breed were used to evaluate the normal values of total and bone-specific isoform of alkaline phosphatase serum activities (ALP and BALP, respectively) and serum osteocalcin (OC) and their correlation with the serum mineralscalcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and ionized calcium (Ca 2þ ). The sheep were maintained under controlled environmental conditions (constant diurnal photoperiod cycle and identical husbandry and feeding) for six weeks before the collection of the blood samples. The measurement of the total ALP and serum minerals was performed with automated biochemistry analysers using the BioMé rieux w kits, the serum electrolyte Ca 2þ Diametrics Medical, Inc w specific cassettes and the BALP and OC METRATM kits from QUIDEL w Corporation. The mean + standard deviation values obtained were: total ALP 90.17 + 85.72 U/L, BALP 15.0 + 5.44 U/L, ratio BALP/ total ALP 29.28 + 24.22, OC 13.02 + 1.87 ng/mL, Ca 2.57 + 0.37 mmol/L, P 2.13 + 0.42 mmol/L, Mg 1.04 + 0.13 mmol/L, Ca 2þ 1.29 + 0.04 mmol/L. Significant correlations were observed between the total ALP and Ca (r ¼ 0.5939; P ¼ 0.05) and OC and Ca (r ¼ 0.5706; P ¼ 0.05). Reference to the serum values of bone turnover parameters in sheep could be of great value in research and could provide complementary non-invasive information on the bone healing process, particularly with regard to obtaining an early prognosis of fracture healing.

During four years, 2 flocks of autochthonous Churra Galega Bragançana (CB) and Churra da Terra Qu... more During four years, 2 flocks of autochthonous Churra Galega Bragançana (CB) and Churra da Terra Quente (CTQ) breeds with 87 ± 29 and 93 ± 13 ewes were studied. These flocks are managed in the traditional extensive systems followed in the Northeast of Portugal. The body condition score (BCS) was recorded monthly using the method proposed by . The results for both flocks show that BCS in 9 to 12 months are below note 3 in more than 73% of the ewes. The better BCS was observed at the spring (55 and 43% of ewes with BCS of 3 or 4 for CB and CTQ, respectively). The results show that the traditional production system allows significant seasonal body condition variation and low body condition of ewes during a great part of the year.

Journal of Animal Science

The relationship between ultrasound measurements and empty body and carcass chemical composition ... more The relationship between ultrasound measurements and empty body and carcass chemical composition was investigated. A 500-V real-time ultrasound with a 7.5-MHz probe combined with image analysis was used to make in vivo measurements to predict the empty body and carcass chemical composition of 31 female lambs of two genotypes, ranging in BW from 18.2 to 48.9 kg. Eleven ultrasound measurements of s.c. fat, muscle, and tissue depth were taken at four different sites (over the 13th thoracic vertebra, between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, at the 3rd sternebra of the sternum, and over the 11th rib, 16 cm from the dorsal midline). The single best predictor of empty body fat quantity and energy value was the s.c. fat depth over the 13th thoracic vertebra (r(2) = 0.904 and 0.912; P <0.01, respectively). Body weight was used with ultrasound measurements in multiple regression equations to establish the best independent variables combination for predicting chemical composition. Results showed that BW and two of the three ultrasound measurements (s.c. fat depth over the 13th thoracic vertebra, between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, and tissue depth over the 11th rib, 16 cm from the dorsal midline), explained 94.7 to 98.7% (P < 0.01) of the quantity of water and fat and the energy value variation in the empty body and carcass. Body weight per se was the best predictor of the quantity of protein, accounting for 97.5 and 96.8% (P < 0.01) of the variation observed in the empty body and carcass, respectively. The results of this study suggest that BW and some ultrasound measurements combined with image analysis, particularly subcutaneous fat depth over the 13th thoracic vertebra, allow accurate prediction of empty body and carcass chemical composition in lambs.

A lamb growth and digestion trial and an incubation study were conducted to evaluate the response... more A lamb growth and digestion trial and an incubation study were conducted to evaluate the responses to supplementation of a wheat straw (WS)-soybean meal (SB) basal diet with 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of soybean hulls (SH) or 30% of ground maize (M30). Digestibility of total diet organic matter (OM) increased while OM digestibility (OMD) and degradation rate of WS decreased with SH level. OMD and DM degradation of WS were more severely depressed with maize than with SH at similar level of inclusion. M30 and 30 or 40% SH diets had similar estimated metabolisable energy (ME) values. Diet DM intake (DMI) increased with SH inclusion up to 30% of the diet. The increase due to maize supplementation was of small magnitude. Straw DMI decreased with supplementation, a more severe depression being observed with M than with 30% of SH (405.3 v. 522.5 g/day). Live weight gain (LWG; g/day or g/MJ of ME intake, MEI) increased quadratically with SH. Despite the 28% higher MEI of 30% SH diet, LWG (g/day or g/MJ MEI) was similar to M30 diet. These studies revealed that comparing to maize, similar growth responses can be achieved with SH inclusion in the diet, but with higher DMI. Differences in feed costs could determine the most economical choice.

Parâmetros hematológicos, de bioquímica sanguínea geral, electrólitos plasmáticos e das hormonas ... more Parâmetros hematológicos, de bioquímica sanguínea geral, electrólitos plasmáticos e das hormonas relacionadas com a função da tiróide na ovelha da raça Churra da Terra Quente Haematological parameters, general biochemical parameters, serum electrolytes and hormones related with thyroid function in the Portuguese Summary: In this study the normal haematology values and the serum chemistry including the general biochemical parameters, the serum electrolytes and hormones related with thyroid function were determined in a representative sample of adult Portuguese Churra da Terra Quente ewes, non-pregnant, non-lactating and kept in stock-raising with free access to grass hay, in which these parameters were generically situated inside the reference intervals to the ovine specie. The determination of the haemogram, except the total white cell count that was performed manually in a Neubauer haemacytometer slide, was performed with a semi-automated haematological analyser and the mean values obtained were: RBC 9.1±1.0 x10 12 /L; HGB 108±14 g/L; HCT 37.8±3.3 %; MCV 41.0±3.2 fl; MCH 12.0±1.0 pg; MCHC 293±20 g/L; WBC 5.4±1.5 x10 9 /L; neutrophils 1.7±0.6 x10 9 /L (33.1±10.0 %); lymphocytes 3.2±1.2 x10 9 /L (58.0±11.3 %); monocytes 0.10±0.11 x10 9 /L (2.0±1.7 %); eosinophils 0.3±0.2 x10 9 /L (5.3±3.1 %); basophils 0.0 x10 9 / L (0.0 %); platelets 567.3±179.3 x10 9 /L. The thrombin time of 17.6±1.8 seconds was performed using a reagent kit commercialised by BioMêrieux and its recommended protocol. The measurement of the serum chemistry was performed with automated biochemistry analysers, the biochemical general parameters using also the BioMérieux kits, the serum electrolytes with Diametrics Medical specific cassetes and hormones related with thyroid function with Beckman Coulter kits. The biochemical parameters mean values obtained were: total proteins 75.5±6.2 g/L; glucose 2.71±0.44 mmol/L; total cholesterol 1.65±0.33 mmol/L; AST 165.0±48.3 U/L; ALT 24.6±10.1 U/L; γ-GT 48.0±18.7 U/L; ALP 138.9±77.4 U/L; urea 5.16±1.57 mmol/L; creatinine 127.3±59.2 µmol/L; Ca 2.59±0.25 mmol/ L; P 2.10±0.52 mmol/L and Mg 1.01±0.09 mmol/L; Na + 151.40±3.77 mmol/L; K + 4.8±0.5 mmol/L and Ca 2+ 1.32±0.07 mmol/L; total T 4 101.29±42.86 nmol/L; total T 3 1.31±0.26 nmol/ L; free T 4 11.84±1.93 pmol/L; free T 3 5.93±2.33 pmol/L and TSH 0.30±0.27 µIU/mL.

... Citation: Azevedo, Jorge; Correia, Teresa; Almeida, José Carlos; Valentim, Ramiro; Fontes, Pa... more ... Citation: Azevedo, Jorge; Correia, Teresa; Almeida, José Carlos; Valentim, Ramiro; Fontes, Paulo; Galvão, Lurdes; Mendonça, Álvaro; Coelho, Alípio (2003) - Utilización de dos gonadotropinas ... IV CIRA Control activ ovárica Serrana (2003).pdf, 859.22 kB, Adobe PDF, View/Open. ...

... Citation: Valentim, Ramiro; Azevedo, Jorge; Correia, Teresa; Almeida, José Carlos; Fontes, Pa... more ... Citation: Valentim, Ramiro; Azevedo, Jorge; Correia, Teresa; Almeida, José Carlos; Fontes, Paulo; Galvão, Lurdes; Maurício, Raimundo; Coelho, Alípio (2003) - Tratamiento con progestágenos y ... IV CIRA Ind act ovárica pós-parto (2003).pdf, 868.08 kB, Adobe PDF, View/Open. ...

Eighteen healthy skeletally mature (3 years old) ewes, with an average weight of 45 kg, of the Po... more Eighteen healthy skeletally mature (3 years old) ewes, with an average weight of 45 kg, of the Portuguese Churra da Terra Quente breed were used to evaluate the normal values of total and bone-specific isoform of alkaline phosphatase serum activities (ALP and BALP, respectively) and serum osteocalcin (OC) and their correlation with the serum mineralscalcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and ionized calcium (Ca 2þ ). The sheep were maintained under controlled environmental conditions (constant diurnal photoperiod cycle and identical husbandry and feeding) for six weeks before the collection of the blood samples. The measurement of the total ALP and serum minerals was performed with automated biochemistry analysers using the BioMé rieux w kits, the serum electrolyte Ca 2þ Diametrics Medical, Inc w specific cassettes and the BALP and OC METRATM kits from QUIDEL w Corporation. The mean + standard deviation values obtained were: total ALP 90.17 + 85.72 U/L, BALP 15.0 + 5.44 U/L, ratio BALP/ total ALP 29.28 + 24.22, OC 13.02 + 1.87 ng/mL, Ca 2.57 + 0.37 mmol/L, P 2.13 + 0.42 mmol/L, Mg 1.04 + 0.13 mmol/L, Ca 2þ 1.29 + 0.04 mmol/L. Significant correlations were observed between the total ALP and Ca (r ¼ 0.5939; P ¼ 0.05) and OC and Ca (r ¼ 0.5706; P ¼ 0.05). Reference to the serum values of bone turnover parameters in sheep could be of great value in research and could provide complementary non-invasive information on the bone healing process, particularly with regard to obtaining an early prognosis of fracture healing.

During four years, 2 flocks of autochthonous Churra Galega Bragançana (CB) and Churra da Terra Qu... more During four years, 2 flocks of autochthonous Churra Galega Bragançana (CB) and Churra da Terra Quente (CTQ) breeds with 87 ± 29 and 93 ± 13 ewes were studied. These flocks are managed in the traditional extensive systems followed in the Northeast of Portugal. The body condition score (BCS) was recorded monthly using the method proposed by . The results for both flocks show that BCS in 9 to 12 months are below note 3 in more than 73% of the ewes. The better BCS was observed at the spring (55 and 43% of ewes with BCS of 3 or 4 for CB and CTQ, respectively). The results show that the traditional production system allows significant seasonal body condition variation and low body condition of ewes during a great part of the year.

Journal of Animal Science

The relationship between ultrasound measurements and empty body and carcass chemical composition ... more The relationship between ultrasound measurements and empty body and carcass chemical composition was investigated. A 500-V real-time ultrasound with a 7.5-MHz probe combined with image analysis was used to make in vivo measurements to predict the empty body and carcass chemical composition of 31 female lambs of two genotypes, ranging in BW from 18.2 to 48.9 kg. Eleven ultrasound measurements of s.c. fat, muscle, and tissue depth were taken at four different sites (over the 13th thoracic vertebra, between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, at the 3rd sternebra of the sternum, and over the 11th rib, 16 cm from the dorsal midline). The single best predictor of empty body fat quantity and energy value was the s.c. fat depth over the 13th thoracic vertebra (r(2) = 0.904 and 0.912; P <0.01, respectively). Body weight was used with ultrasound measurements in multiple regression equations to establish the best independent variables combination for predicting chemical composition. Results showed that BW and two of the three ultrasound measurements (s.c. fat depth over the 13th thoracic vertebra, between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, and tissue depth over the 11th rib, 16 cm from the dorsal midline), explained 94.7 to 98.7% (P < 0.01) of the quantity of water and fat and the energy value variation in the empty body and carcass. Body weight per se was the best predictor of the quantity of protein, accounting for 97.5 and 96.8% (P < 0.01) of the variation observed in the empty body and carcass, respectively. The results of this study suggest that BW and some ultrasound measurements combined with image analysis, particularly subcutaneous fat depth over the 13th thoracic vertebra, allow accurate prediction of empty body and carcass chemical composition in lambs.

A lamb growth and digestion trial and an incubation study were conducted to evaluate the response... more A lamb growth and digestion trial and an incubation study were conducted to evaluate the responses to supplementation of a wheat straw (WS)-soybean meal (SB) basal diet with 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of soybean hulls (SH) or 30% of ground maize (M30). Digestibility of total diet organic matter (OM) increased while OM digestibility (OMD) and degradation rate of WS decreased with SH level. OMD and DM degradation of WS were more severely depressed with maize than with SH at similar level of inclusion. M30 and 30 or 40% SH diets had similar estimated metabolisable energy (ME) values. Diet DM intake (DMI) increased with SH inclusion up to 30% of the diet. The increase due to maize supplementation was of small magnitude. Straw DMI decreased with supplementation, a more severe depression being observed with M than with 30% of SH (405.3 v. 522.5 g/day). Live weight gain (LWG; g/day or g/MJ of ME intake, MEI) increased quadratically with SH. Despite the 28% higher MEI of 30% SH diet, LWG (g/day or g/MJ MEI) was similar to M30 diet. These studies revealed that comparing to maize, similar growth responses can be achieved with SH inclusion in the diet, but with higher DMI. Differences in feed costs could determine the most economical choice.