Amana Fernandes Maia

Dogs are among the world’s most cherished companion animals, reflecting their increasingly close relationship with humans. As pets become integral members of households, the demand for accurate and reliable veterinary diagnostic tools is growing, particularly to ensure optimal health and clinical care. This study aimed at establishing species-specific reference intervals for canine serum biochemical parameters using the Respons®920 (DiaSys) liquid biochemistry analyser, with applicability in routine clinical practice. Additionally, the influence of sex and age on these parameters was assessed. A total of 193 clinically healthy dogs were included. Reference intervals were established for commonly used serum biochemical parameters: total proteins (TP), albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), phosphorus, calcium, creatinine, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Reference intervals were calculated using the Reference Value Advisor software, strictly following the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Statistical analysis revealed significant sex-related differences for ALT, AST, and urea, with higher values observed in males. Age-related differences were also identified for ALP, phosphorus, and TP, particularly between younger and older age groups. Although these differences were not sufficient to justify separate reference interval partitioning, they should be considered by clinicians during interpretation. This study provides species- and instrument-specific reference intervals for canine serum biochemistry using the Respons®920 analyser, and contributes valuable data on the influence of sex and age on routine biochemical parameters in dogs.

This study evaluated the effects of increasing phytase levels on serum biochemical parameters and renal and hepatic changes in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) under different temperature conditions. A total of 720 quails were distributed in a 5 × 3 factorial design with five phytase levels (0, 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000 FTU/kg) and three temperature ranges (24, 30, and 36 °C), totaling 15 treatments with six replicates of eight birds each. Data were collected in cycles 2 and 4. The parameters measured included eggshell thickness (ST), total egg production (TEP), liver weight (LW), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (FA), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), urea (URE), creatine kinase (CK), and uric acid (UA). PRO was higher at 30 °C compared to 24 °C and 36 °C. EC showed a significant interaction between phytase levels and temperature, with phytase improving EC, especially at 1500 FTU and 36 °C. PF was not affected in the second cycle but had a quadratic effect in the fourth cycle. Phytase supplementation improved shell thickness and regulated biochemical parameters, especially at high temperatures. Based on these results, a phytase level of 1500 FTU/kg is recommended to optimize performance and mitigate the negative effects of high temperatures on quail health.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of phytase enzyme supplementation on the thermoregulatory responses of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) exposed to different thermal environments. A total of 720 one-day-old laying quails were assigned to a completely randomized design with five dietary treatments (0, 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000 FTU of phytase) and three thermal conditions: thermal comfort (24 °C) and heat stress environments (30 °C and 36 °C). Each treatment had six replicates with eight quails per experimental unit. Data were collected during the early laying phase, peak egg production, and the final laying phase. Measurements included rectal and surface temperatures (assessed via thermographic imaging), allowing the calculation of core-to-surface and surface-to-environment thermal gradients. Quails exposed to severe heat stress (36 °C) showed increased heat dissipation via convection (p = 0.001) and radiation (p = 0.029) when supplemented with phytase doses above 1500 FTU/kg. Additionally, high-dose phytase supplementation reduced the cloacal temperature and optimized thermal gradients, indicating a potential protective effect of exogenous phytase in alleviating heat stress. Overall, these findings highlight phytase supplementation as a promising nutritional strategy to enhance heat tolerance, mitigate thermal stress, and improve the welfare and physiological resilience of quails throughout the production cycle.

Miranda’s donkey, originating in northern Portugal, is an autochthonous breed that is deeply intertwined with the region’s culture and economy. Knowledge of the physiological characteristics of the breed is important for its preservation, and several studies have been carried out, but none have focused on its coagulation profile. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals (RIs) for coagulation in healthy Miranda’s donkey and to assess the influence of sex and age. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for seven coagulation parameters: four using IDEXX ProCyte Dx and three using Start^® 4-Diagnostica-Stago. The RI values were calculated following the ASVCP guidelines and with the Reference Advisor V.2.1 software. To analyze the influence of sex and age, SPSS version 29 was used. No significant differences were found between sexes (p > 0.05), but statistically significant differences were found between ages (p < 0.05) for platelet count and plateletcrit (both higher in young animals). The RIs described here can help monitor health and guide the diagnosis and treatment of diseased Miranda’s donkeys, contributing to their preservation. Our study encourages further research on coagulation in donkeys and the use of different methodologies to obtain information for veterinarians working with this species.