General anesthesia in goats presents specific challenges due to the physiological particularities of ruminants and the scarcity of anesthetic protocols validated for this species, especially with regard to the critical moment of anesthetic induction. Propofol is widely used in veterinary medicine because of its rapid onset of action, short duration, and smooth anesthetic recovery; however, its administration may cause significant cardiorespiratory depression, particularly when administered as a bolus or at high infusion rates. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different propofol administration rates during anesthetic induction in goats, determining the dose required for induction, the incidence of post-induction apnea, and changes in cardiorespiratory physiological parameters, in order to identify the safest and most effective infusion rate for the species. Six healthy male Boer goats, aged between 11 and 12 months, were used. Each animal received four different propofol infusion rates—0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/kg/min—with a one-week interval between procedures. The animals were premedicated with xylazine (0.1 mg/kg), and anesthetic induction was performed using an infusion pump until an anesthetic plane compatible with orotracheal intubation was achieved. The total dose of propofol administered, time to anesthetic induction, occurrence and duration of post-induction apnea, as well as heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, arterial blood pressure, and end-tidal carbon dioxide were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the rate of propofol administration directly influences induction time, total dose requirement, and cardiorespiratory stability in goats, with a higher incidence of apnea and respiratory instability observed at higher infusion rates. In contrast, intermediate infusion rates provided effective anesthetic induction, with a lower incidence of apnea and greater physiological stability. It is concluded that propofol administration at infusion rates of 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg/min represents a safer strategy for anesthetic induction in goats, providing the best balance between anesthetic efficacy and cardiorespiratory safety.

Bovine mastitis is one of the main diseases affecting dairy cattle, with significant economic impact and relevance to public health. Staphylococcus aureus is one of its principal etiological agents, particularly due to its ability to develop antimicrobial resistance. In this context, the use of medicinal plants as sources of bioactive compounds, especially Eugenia uniflora, as well as the application of nanotechnology, notably silver nanoparticles, emerge as alternative and com plementary strategies to conventional antibiotic therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, toxicity, and antimicrobial activity of the crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction from the stem of E. uniflora, in addition to investigating the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized via a green route using the plant extract and by a conventional chemical method. The plant material was subjected to extraction and liquid–liquid fractiona tion, with determination of crude extract yield. Toxicity was assessed using the Artemia salina bioassay. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to identify the main classes of secondary metabolites, along with the quantification of total phenolic compounds and total fla vonoids. Silver nanoparticle synthesis was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy to evaluate for mation and colloidal stability. Antimicrobial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays against S. aureus strains associ ated with bovine mastitis. The results demonstrated the presence of several classes of bioactive metabolites in the stem of E. uniflora, with relevant levels of phenolic compounds and fla vonoids. The extracts showed antimicrobial activity with a predominantly bacteriostatic effect. In contrast, silver nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher activity, displaying bactericidal effects at sub-microgram per milliliter concentrations, including against resistant strains. It is concluded that the proposed objectives were achieved, the research problem was elucidated, and the stem of E. uniflora represents a promising and still underexplored source of bioactive compounds, while the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles emerges as a relevant alternative for the control of pathogens associated with bovine mastitis.

Sheep farming plays a relevant economic and social role in Brazil, especially in the Northeast region, due to its potential for the production of meat, milk, dairy products, and leather. In this context, the state of Pernambuco has followed the intensification of production systems and advances in genetic improvement in sheep. However, these advances have been accompanied by an increased predisposition to the occurrence of metabolic disorders, particularly hypocalcemia, one of the main metabolic diseases affecting female small ruminants. This disorder is characterized by neuromuscular dysfunction, circulatory collapse, sensory depression, and, in more severe cases, death of the females and their offspring. Given its importance, the present study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects, as well as the outcomes, of 65 ewes with clinical hypocalcemia treated at the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns/UFRPE between January 2015 and July 2025, classified according to clinical outcome as positive (G1, n = 46) or negative (G2, n = 19). Significant differences were observed between groups regarding clinical findings, with a higher frequency of sialorrhea in G1, whereas animals in G2 presented mucous membrane alterations, greater degree of dehydration, tachycardia, dyspnea, abnormal respiratory auscultation findings, and hypothermia. In the biochemical evaluation, differences were observed in ionized calcium concentrations, with median values of 0.42 mmol L⁻¹ (0.38–0.46) in G1 and 0.49 mmol L⁻¹ (0.43–0.49) in G2, hyperglycemia in G1, a lower albumin-to-globulin ratio in G2, and a significant difference in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, although values remained within reference limits. In the predictive analysis, a hospitalization period longer than 1.5 days was associated with a higher likelihood of survival (OR = 6.19 [1.85–20.71]). It is therefore concluded that clinical hypocalcemia in ewes promotes significant clinical and laboratory impairment in affected animals, with more severe alterations observed in those with a negative outcome.

The sloth is a wild mammal with a wide geographic distribution, extending from Central America to South America. The species Bradypus variegatus has three toes on its thoracic and pelvic limbs, and is a herbivorous, arboreal animal that descends to the ground generally only once a week to relieve itself. Due to their slow movements, these animals are subject to accidents on highways, in which many end up dying or suffering serious injuries. Furthermore, deforestation caused by human activity results in the loss of their natural habitat, making them vulnerable to electric shocks, burns from fires, and injuries caused by falling trees. Given this scenario, the present study aims to describe the morphological aspects related to surgical approaches to the pelvic limbs of sloths (Bradypus variegatus). For this purpose, specimens belonging to the collection of the Animal Pathology Laboratory (LAPA) of the Federal University of Agreste of Pernambuco (UFAPE) were used. The animals were preserved in 10% formalin and kept in saline solution for dissection. In addition, radiographs of the pelvic limbs of these specimens were performed in order to obtain detailed and precise internal images of the anatomical structures, aiming to assist in the planning and execution of surgical procedures. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the proper management and facilitate the clinical-veterinary care of this species, which is frequently rescued and referred for veterinary medical care.

Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular pathogen of relevance to
veterinary medicine and public health, associated in swine with
pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, mainly identified during post-mortem
inspection and often difficult to differentiate from other granulomatous diseases.
In Northeastern Brazil, studies focusing on the characterization of this agent in
slaughtered swine are still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate

and molecularly characterize R. equi isolates obtained from swine lymph nodes
collected in slaughterhouses in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, as well as to
evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility profile and biofilm-forming ability. A
total of 192 swine submandibular lymph nodes were analyzed, with bacterial
isolation, phenotypic identification, and molecular confirmation through
detection of the chromosomal gene choE, amplification of the virulence gene
vapB, and sequencing of rRNA 16S gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
and in vitro biofilm formation assays were subsequently performed. Two R. equi
isolates were obtained, both showing phenotypic characteristics consistent with
the species, positive results for the choE gene, amplification of the vapB gene,
and confirmation by sequencing of rRNA 16S. The isolates were susceptible to
the antimicrobials tested and demonstrated the ability to form biofilm in vitro,
although with differences in intensity. These findings expand current knowledge
on the occurrence of R. equi in slaughtered swine in Northeastern Brazil,
reinforce the importance of laboratory diagnosis in differentiating granulomatous
lesions in slaughterhouses, and highlight the epidemiological, sanitary, and
potential zoonotic relevance of this agent in the swine production chain.

Pain plays a physiological protective role in the body, aiming to minimize damage. Acute nociceptive pain stimuli provide important information about the environment and its potentially harmful aspects to the individual. Pain is inversely associated with animal welfare, causing various health disorders in affected individuals. Pain assessment in ruminants is necessary, yet its treatment is often inadequate, partly due to limited knowledge about the behavioral signs associated with these animals. This study aimed to identify the conduct and methods used by Brazilian veterinarians in the assessment of pain and in the analgesic management strategies adopted for pain control. The research was carried out through a questionnaire containing 22 multiple-choice questions, organized into two main sections: sociodemographic aspects and professional background. Data collection was conducted online using the "Surveymonkey" platform and disseminated via social media and email. The data collection period lasted six months and resulted in 168 valid responses. The main pain assessment methods reported by veterinarians were clinical and behavioral parameters. Among the drugs used for pain control, Flunixin Meglumine (86.83%) and Meloxicam (80.24%) were the most frequently cited anti-inflammatory drugs, with administration limited to a maximum of three consecutive days (66.47%). Regarding analgesics and antipyretics, Dipyrone was the most commonly used (67.07%). Among opioids, Tramadol (62.5%) and Morphine (37.5%) were the most frequently employed. Lidocaine was the most commonly used local anesthetic in procedures involving ruminants, with a prevalence of 98.20%, and anatomical landmarks remained the primary resource for performing anesthetic blocks. Over 70% of veterinarians reported relying on their own clinical experience to assess postoperative pain, without using scales or other pain assessment tools. Respondents rated their knowledge about pain between levels 5 and 10, with the highest concentration at level 8. The findings of this study may serve as a basis for academic institutions to reassess and strengthen the inclusion of subjects focused on animal welfare and pain management in veterinary medicine curricula, with particular emphasis on ruminants. Such initiatives will contribute to alleviating pain and reaffirm the veterinarian’s role as a professional qualified to promote animal welfare in an ethical, effective, and responsible manner.

Seasonal allergic dermatitis in sheep is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs at certain times of the year and is associated with hypersensitivity to mosquito bites. It usually causes lesions around the eyes, ears, snout, lips, abdomen and limbs, and can be confused with other skin diseases. In Brazil, reports have been described in the south, north and northeast regions, however there are gaps in knowledge about this disease in the state of Pernambuco. The present study aimed to study the occurrence of seasonal allergic dermatitis in sheep in the state of Pernambuco and to describe the main clinical, epidemiological findings and the macroscopic and histological aspects of the skin lesions presented by the affected animals. The information was collected from the clinical records of animals treated at the Cattle Clinic, Garanhuns campus, of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (CBG/UFRPE) and on the property where the outbreaks occurred. The affected sheep were of the Santa Ines, Dorper, Berganês and crossbreed breeds. These animals were raised in a semi-extensive manner. The lesions were seen mainly on the face, ears and ventral abdomen, and with the presence of pruritus, they were generally characterized by areas of multifocal alopecia with crusts. These lesions were observed mainly in the summer, during the rainy season. The confirmation of the diagnosis was based on the clinical examination of the animals, the results of the histopathological analyses of the lesions and the epidemiological data collected from the medical records and directly on the property, through technical visits and capture of insects using CDC (Centers for Disease Control) type light traps for entomological identification of the insects, which was carried out at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Public Health of the Federal University of Agreste de Pernambuco. The visits to the property took place from February 2023 to March 2025. Given these clinical, epidemiological and histopathological findings, the occurrence of seasonal allergic dermatitis in sheep due to the bite by Cullicoides sp. was confirmed. This disease had not yet been diagnosed in the state of Pernambuco, and impacts the productivity and health of sheep herds.

This dissertation proposes the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs), with emphasis on digital photogrammetry, as a tool for environmental diagnostics in livestock production systems in the Caatinga biome. Considering international demands for socio-environmental traceability—especially following the enforcement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)—the study aims to map vegetation cover and assess productive and sanitary conditions of farms in the semi-arid region of Piauí, Brazil. The methodology involved low-cost drone-based data collection and vegetation index analysis to evaluate environmental conservation in areas dedicated to cattle, goat, and sheep farming. Results confirm the technical feasibility of remote sensing to support environmental certification of animal products, contributing to regulatory compliance, environmental impact mitigation, and the valorization of livestock production chains in the context of the Caatinga biome.

Small ruminant farming has high socioeconomic relevance in Brazil, being mainly concentrated in the Northeast Region, which holds 71.2% of the national sheep herd and 95% of the goat population, with the state of Pernambuco ranking as the second largest producer. However, the activity faces difficulties related to production and standardization of marketed products. To improve these indicators, disease prevention associated with clinical and hematological evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Nevertheless, the lack of specific clinico-hematological parameters for goats and sheep still represents a challenge, since professional training remains focused on cattle. This study aimed to standardize clinical and laboratory activities related to the erythrogram in sheep, presenting specific clinico-laboratory parameters for native Cariri sheep raised in the Agreste Meridional region of Pernambuco, in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. Fifty sheep from farms located in Garanhuns-PE and Pedra-PE were used, with no distinction regarding management system; however, all animals were considered clinically healthy after physical examination. Physical and hematological evaluations were performed, including measurement of rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and ruminal motility (RM). The parameters were similar to those described in the literature for adult sheep, except for rectal temperature, which showed a mean value of 38.04 ± 0.64 °C, below the reference range. The generated data are novel and highly relevant to national sheep farming, contributing to the advancement of small ruminant veterinary medicine and to the conservation and valorization of native Brazilian breeds.