Urinálise em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) criados no sistema extensivo na região amazônica, Estado do Amapá

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the physiological urinary parameters of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) extensively raised in the state of Amapá. Two collections were carried out in different periods: in the first collection (rainy season), 23 animals (nine males and 14 females) were used; in the second collection (dry season), 13 animals (three males and 10 females) were used. Both collections were performed with crossbred animals of the Murrah and Mediterranean breeds, aged between two and five years. The collection was carried out on a property located in the municipality of Ferreira Gomes, in Baixo Araguari, in the community of São Sebastião, in the State of Amapá. The animals were raised in floodplain areas, with pastures of native Canarana grass (Echinochloa pyramidalis) and Brachiaria decumbens, supplemented with white salt and water ad libitum. Urine samples were submitted for analysis by physical examination (volume, color, appearance, odor, and urinary density by refractometer), chemical examination (Uri-Color Check® reagent strips for pH, glucose, proteins, bilirubin, ketone bodies, hemoglobin, urobilinogen, and nitrite), and sediment examination (desquamated epithelial cells, leukocytes, pyocytes, hyaline casts, granular casts, amorphous phosphate crystals, oxalate crystals, and bacteria). Both collections indicate that the animals had a healthy urinary profile, with an average alkaline pH of 8.0 in the rainy season and 6.5 in the dry season. Absence of glucose, ketone bodies, bilirubin, nitrite, hemoglobin, and urobilinogen in the sediment examination. The main variation observed was the mean urinary density, which increased from 1.013 in the rainy season to 1.030 in the dry season. In the chemical examination, more frequent traces of protein were obtained in the rainy season (n=9) than in the dry season (n=1). Sediment analysis revealed the presence of amorphous phosphates and minimal quantities of leukocytes and red blood cells. The comparative study between the rainy and dry seasons showed a significant statistical difference in pH and urinary density data. The results obtained by urinalysis can be used as a reference parameter for buffaloes extensively raised in the state of Amapá.