Behavior and nest architecture of the bee Caenohalictus alexandrei (Hymenoptera, Halictinae)

In Colombia, few studies have focused on nest architecture, behavior or sociality of wild bees. This study provides ba-sic information on the nests of Caenohalictus alexandrei and presents behavioral observations outside the nests, derived from direct field observation of 40 nests and 39 male sleeping cavities in two localities of the Savanna of Bogota, Colombia. We rec-ognized four different behavioral activities carried out by adult females: foraging, guarding, opening and closing of the en-trance of the nest, with foraging being the most frequent of them. The observed activities were carried out more frequently from 9:00 h to 13:00 h. Males were observed performing two behavioral activities in the sleeping cavities: staying at the cavity entrance and cavity departure. A third male activity, corporal grooming, was carried out outside the sleeping cavity. Our field observations indicate that more than one adult female was active simultaneously performing the different tasks within a sin-gle nest. The nests presented different levels of complexity in their architecture, depending on the age of the nest and num-ber of adult females in them. Descriptions of the nesting sites and behavioral activities as well as illustrations of the nest ar-chitecture are provided.(AU)

Behavioral fractal method associated with GPS tracking to spatial activity sequences of grazing cattle

Global positioning and geographic information systems are essential for studying foraging animal behavior. This study aims to implement a fractal self-similarity and chaos game computational efficient methodology to determine the behavior-associated fractal using GPS data of activity sequences in spatial ranges of livestock movement trajectories in interaction with habitat factors. Six cows were randomly selected with an average weight of 480 kg, maintained under the same conditions, and a GPS-equipped collar was installed, programmed at intervals of 1 min and an average of 9 h daylight. Roughly 192810 registries and an average of 32135 signals per cow from trajectory tracking in spatial activity sequencing were used as a variable of interest in the fractal characterization methodology. Spatial patterns were evaluated using the Morán's spatial autocorrelation indices, cluster, and non-parametric statistics, evaluating deterministic spatial patterns of preferential activities associated to spatial ranges of less than 7.1 m (resting 42 %, grazing 38 %). GPS information was refined through spatial ranges and changes in activities under resting, eating, traveling, and complementary schemes associated to the fractal displacement behavior of grazing cattle. This information was processed and mapped using fractal self-similarity rules in the Sierpinski triangle to determine the typical fractal of spatial activities per animal in the habitat. The particular fractal record of each bovine as a function of trajectory sequences was mapped for binary image matrices, registering a good classification (83 %) of the animals by breed and climatological cycle, using information from the sequencing of spatial activities associated to the preferred behavior in the habitat.

Breeding behavioral activities of captive red pandas in Nepal

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) population is decreasing, with less than 10,000 individuals in the wild because of habitat destruction, fragmentation, and illegal hunting. Captive breeding has become an increasingly crucial strategy for conserving endangered species, but efforts to generate self-sustaining populations have failed despite ample resources being allocated. Animals are often stressed in captivity, and it is necessary to examine reproductive behavior relating to the complexity of habitat requirements, dietary preferences, and, in particular, pregnant mothers and their sensitivity to disruptions. Using videography, we observed the reproductive behavior of two red pandas along with other behavioral activities in the Central Zoo, Kathmandu, Nepal. We collected behavioral data from December 2020 to June 2021 using scan and focal sampling. Reproductive behaviors (e.g., scent-marking, allogrooming, chasing, running, aggressiveness, mating, and feeding feces) were observed, along with behaviors like locomotion, climbing, standing, self-grooming, feeding, sleeping, self-play, and stretching. We observed 1­2% of reproductive behavior from total activity. Copulation was attempted on three occasions suggesting reproduction can be successful if animal husbandry is properly managed. We recommend zoo managers further refine strategies for captive breeding endangered species such as red pandas. Successful captive breeding benefits the zoo, and captive-born animals can mitigate extinction in the wild.

Analyzing White-rumped Vulture breeding behavior using Markovian modeling

Understanding wildlife behavior, including accurate identification, processing, and interpretation of activities or cues, is important to behavioral biology and corresponding conservation strategies. We characterized the breeding activities of the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis following a sequential pattern from courtship to fledging. We recorded 4,160 visual observations of 20 behaviors of eight pairs of White-rumped Vultures from September 2021­April 2022 and constructed Markov chain models to model three composite behaviors (i.e., breeding, foraging, and roosting). We found that vultures at four nests displayed >70% of the time in breeding behavior, and each nest produced offspring, indicating a potential correlation between breeding behavior and successful reproductive outcomes. Our model explained each composite behavior with high accuracy. Identifying behaviors White-rumped Vulture have practical applications for developing management plans for their conservation, including the timing of critical reproductive events. Our findings and approach can improve our understanding of White-rumped Vulture behavioral ecology and conservation and have applications for other species.(AU)

Effect of solar radiation on Holstein heifers' physiological variables and grazing behavior

The objective was to assess the physiological and behavioral variables of pasture-raised Holstein heifers on the basis of their coat color. Eight heifers were used, four with black coat, and four with white coat. In the morning and afternoon periods, their physiological variables were measured, namely respiratory rate (RR, mov min. -1), rectal temperature (TR, ºC), and coat surface temperature (TS, ºC). The behavior analysis considered the site (sun or shade), position (standing or lying down), and activities (idleness, rumination, grazing, and others). The data of the physiological variables were assessed through analysis of variance, and significance, through Tukey's test at 5%, while behavioral data were assessed using the Chi-squared test (SAS Software). There was a difference for all of the heifers' physiological variables as a function of coat color (p < 0.0001) and period (p < 0.0001), with black ones showing greater results than white ones as to all physiological variables in the afternoon period (p < 0.0001). Grazing behavior is reduced during the hottest hours of the day. We conclude that solar radiation changes the physiological variables and grazing behavior of pasture-raised Holstein heifers.(AU)

Efeitos tóxicos de pesticidas comerciais e botânicos sobre os parâmetros comportamentais de zebrafish (Danio rerio) / Toxic effects of commercial and botanical pesticides on the behavioral parameters of zebrafish (Danio rerio) / Efectos tóxicos de pesticidas comerciales y botánicos en los parámetros de comportamiento del pez cebra (Danio rerio)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito tóxico dos pesticidas comerciais, óleos essência e suas misturas, que apresentaram atividade pesticida contra Plutella xylostella, nos parâmetros comportamentais atividade locomotora e comportamentos sociais do zebrafish (Danio rerio). Os animais adultos foram expostos a pesticidas comerciais deltametrina, azadiractina, clorantraniliprole, óleos essenciais Eugenia caryophyllus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, Citrus aurantiifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Melaleuca leucadendra e suas misturas. Foram avaliados mortalidade e os parâmetros comportamentais em exposição crônica, pelo método de varredura instantânea, atividade locomotora e comportamento social, de acordo com seguintes parâmetros: distância percorrida, velocidade média e tempo inativo. Houve mortalidade de 100% nos animais expostos a deltametrina sendo este o pesticida mais tóxico. Foram observadas modificações comportamentais (p < 0,05) em forragear, descansar e ataque nos diferentes pesticidas. Não foram observadas alterações na atividade locomotora e comportamento social. Pode-se concluir que a exposição aos pesticidas comerciais, óleos essenciais e suas misturas foram tóxicos para zebrafish. A exposição as baixas concentrações destes pesticidas comprometeram a sobrevivência e o comportamento do zebrafish. Mesmo o biopesticida sendo considerado seguro, pode trazer riscos ao ambiente aquático e seus efeitos tóxicos devem ser estudados para determinar concentrações seguras de uso na atividade agrícola.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxic effect of commercial pesticides, essential oils, and their mixtures, which present pesticide activity against Plutella xylostella, on the behavioral parameters, locomotor activity, and social behavior of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult animals were exposed to commercial pesticides deltamethrin, azadirachtin, chlorantraniliprole, essential oils Eugenia caryophyllus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, Citrus aurantiifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, and Melaleuca leucadendra, and mixtures of the substances. Mortality and behavioral parameters during chronic exposure were evaluated using the instantaneous scan sampling method, and locomotor activity and social behavior were assessed, according to the following parameters: distance covered, average speed, and inactive time. 100% mortality in animals exposed to deltamethrin was observed. Behavioral changes (p <0.05) were found in foraging, resting, and attacking behaviors. Locomotor activity and social behavior were not affected by exposure. It can be concluded that exposure to commercial pesticides, essential oils, and their mixtures was toxic to zebrafish. Exposure to low concentrations of these pesticides affected the survival and behavior of zebrafish. Although biopesticides are considered safe, they can cause risks to the aquatic environment, and their toxic effects need to be studied to determine their safe use in agricultural activities.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto tóxico de plaguicidas comerciales, aceites esenciales y sus mezclas, que mostraron actividad plaguicida contra Plutella xylostella, sobre parámetros de comportamiento, actividad locomotora y conductas sociales del pez cebra (Danio rerio). Los animales adultos fueron expuestos a pesticidas comerciales deltametrina, azadiractina, clorantraniliprol, aceites esenciales Eugenia caryophyllus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, Citrus aurantiifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Melaleuca leucadendra y mezclas de los mismos. Se evaluaron parámetros de mortalidad y comportamiento en exposición crónica por el método de escaneo instantáneo, actividad locomotora y comportamiento social, según los siguientes parámetros: distancia recorrida, velocidad promedio y tiempo de inactividad. Hubo 100% de mortalidad en animales expuestos a deltametrina, que es el pesticida más tóxico. Se observaron cambios de comportamiento (p < 0,05) en el forrajeo, reposo y ataque a los diferentes plaguicidas. No se observaron cambios en la actividad locomotora y el comportamiento social. Se puede concluir que la exposición a pesticidas comerciales, aceites esenciales y sus mezclas fue tóxica para el pez cebra. La exposición a bajas concentraciones de estos pesticidas comprometió la supervivencia y el comportamiento del pez cebra. Incluso el biopesticida se considera seguro, puede traer riesgos al medio acuático y sus efectos tóxicos deben ser estudiados para determinar concentraciones seguras para su uso en la actividad agrícola.

Zoo visitors as a source of enrichment to reduce abnormal behavior in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in the Central Zoo, Kathmandu, Nepal

Overexpression of abnormal behavior among captive primates indicates poor management practices. The type, frequency, and contributing factors of abnormal behaviors vary highly across individual animals in captive settings. This study explored if sex, rearing history, the number of visitors, and type of visitor-monkey interactions affected the behaviors of captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed at the Central Zoo in Kathmandu, Nepal. Behavioral observations of six adult rhesus macaques (ages 4­12 years; two were rescued from the wild, and four were born in the zoo) were conducted using the focal animal sampling method. Observations were collected daily in two conditions (7:00­10:00 AM, without visitors present; and 10:00 AM­1:00 PM, with visitors present). During the visitor presence condition, instantaneous scan sampling also was implemented every 10 minutes to record the number of visitors and the type of visitor-monkey interaction. Resting, feeding and grooming were the most prevalent activities, and abnormal behavior ranked fifth throughout the observation period. Significant differences were observed in abnormal or stress-related behavior by sex and rearing history: females engaged in abnormal behavior more than the males, and rescued monkeys engaged in more abnormal behavior than the captive born. Abnormal behavior decreased, begging behavior increased as the number of zoo visitors and the extent of visitor-monkey interaction increased. We conclude that captive rhesus macaques respond to zoo visitors as a source of enrichment, and visitors' presence helps decrease abnormal or stress-related behavior levels.

Physiological gait test: an effective method for analyzing balance, locomotion, and neuromuscular disorders in rats and a comparison to the elevated beam test / Teste de marcha fisiológica: um método eficaz para analisar distúrbios de equilíbrio, locomoção e neuromusculares em roedores

The evaluation of animal locomotor activity is a behavioral tool widely used to measure the mechanisms underlying a particular disease, disorder, or injury, as well as the effects of exposure to a xenobiotic. The elevated beam test is one of the most used tests in rodents to assess balance and motor coordination. Despite being inexpensive and utilizing a simple apparatus, the high beam test requires a long period of animal training and habituation. The development and characterization of an alternative test, namely the gait test, has the potential to circumvent the time and effort required for animal training, deeming it an effective, inexpensive, and fast method for the analysis of behaviors that are comparably assessed by the high beam test. Therefore, the present study focused on determining the effectiveness and feasibility of the gait test for assessing rodent locomotion and balance as a replacement for the elevated beam test. For this purpose, male rats were divided into three groups: one control group exposed to a saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) and two experimental groups exposed to a single dose of either 0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg of ivermectin intraperitoneally for induction of locomotor disturbance. The high beam and gait tests were performed 15 min and 24 h after drug administration. Results show that the experimental groups had difficulty performing the tasks of either test at both time points analyzed compared to the control groups. At the high beam, experimental animals had trouble maintaining balance and walking. At the gait test, experimental animals showed alterations in gait, which were quantitated by: (a) shortening of step length, (b) decrease of stride, (c) altered step symmetry, and (d) altered stride area. Such results are indicative of compensatory efforts and were comparable between both tests. Altogether, the data indicate that the gait test meets all requirements for assessing motor coordination in rodents. The gait test is therefore validated as a complement to the elevated beam test for the study and analysis of neurodegenerative impairment and other disorders involving neuromuscular disturbances.(AU)

A avaliação da atividade locomotora animal é uma ferramenta comportamental bastante utilizada para mensurar os mecanismos subjacentes a uma determinada doença, distúrbio ou lesão e efeitos da exposição a um xenobiótico. Um dos testes mais utilizados em roedores para avaliar o equilíbrio e coordenação motora é o teste da trave elevada que, apesar de ser um teste barato e que exige um aparato simples, é necessário um longo período de treino e habituação dos animais. O desenvolvimento e caracterização de um teste alternativo, chamado de teste da marcha, tem o potencial de contornar o tempo e o esforço necessários ao treino dos animais, considerando-o um método eficaz, barato e rápido para a análise de comportamentos avaliados comparativamente pelo alto teste de feixe. Portanto, o presente estudo concentrou-se em determinar a eficácia e viabilidade do teste de marcha para avaliação da locomoção e equilíbrio de roedores em substituição ao teste da trave elevada. Para isso, ratos machos foram divididos em 3 grupos, sendo 1 grupo controle exposto à solução salina (NaCl 0,9%) e 2 grupos experimentais expostos à dose única de 0,2 e 1,0 mg/kg de ivermectina por via intraperitoneal para indução da alteração locomotora. Os testes de trave elevada e marcha foram realizados 15 min e 24 h após a administração da droga. Os resultados mostram que os grupos experimentais tiveram dificuldade em realizar as tarefas de qualquer teste em ambos os momentos analisados em comparação com os grupos de controle. Na trave elevada, os animais experimentais tiveram dificuldade em manter o equilíbrio e andar. No teste de marcha, os animais experimentais apresentaram alterações na marcha, que foram quantificadas por: (a) encurtamento do comprimento da passada, (b) diminuição da passada, (c) alteração da simetria da passada e (d) alteração da área da passada. Tais resultados são indicativos de esforços compensatórios e foram comparáveis entre os dois testes. Em conjunto, os dados indicam que o teste de marcha atende a todos os requisitos para avaliação da coordenação motora em roedores. O teste de marcha é, portanto, validado como um complementar para o teste da trave elevada e para o estudo e análise de comprometimento neurodegenerativo e outros distúrbios envolvendo distúrbios neuromusculares.(AU)

Preliminary analysis of reproductive, behavioral and physiological characteristics of military working dogs

The use of dogs in military work environments has always aroused great interest in the general population and determining the stress levels they go through is extremely important to maintain their welfare. The aim of this research was to evaluate if the work shifts in military working dogs leads to stress conditions and if this working influences on the reproductive performance and life quality. The study was conducted at the Military Police Kennel located at Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Eight male dogs of four different breeds (German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois Shepherd, Doberman, and Rottweiler) were evaluated during two different shifts: Working Shifts: animals working 12 hours a day with 2 hour-interval; and Control Shifts: animals that were on their day off (36 hours). Saliva samples were collected for cortisol analysis at the control and working shifts. The study was carried out over 60 days and analyzed behavior, physiology, and reproduction quality. Saliva samples, behavior observation of stereotyping, resting and moving activities and semen analysis were collected by digital stimulation (for combined second and third fractions). The salivary cortisol levels during the control and working shifts were between 0.361-0.438 and 0.312-0.592 µg/dL, respectively; the highest values were found at the end of working shifts. The animals were resting during most of the observation period, but few showed stereotypic behaviors. The testicular consistency was firm and semen parameters were within the normal values in German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois Shepherd, and Doberman dogs. However, Rottweiler dogs had a higher rate of sperm abnormalities, higher salivary cortisol levels, and more stereotypic behaviors. Nevertheless this work highlights the importance of further research relating reproduction and cortisol levels in military dogs.(AU)

Modulation of sexual behavior of Morada Nova ewe by the season of the year in a semiarid equatorial environment

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the season on the sexual behavior patterns adopted by Morada Nova sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. A total of 55 and 59 female sheep were used in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively, attended by four males of the same breed in rotation. The females identified in oestrus were released in a pasture, together with the breeder of the day for each season, and aspects of sexual behavior were measured for an uninterrupted period of 11 hours/day. Assuming a negative binomial distribution, the behavioral frequencies were subjected to deviation analysis and compared using the chi-square. Heading in the male was observed more frequently during the rainy season (0.12) and shifts with higher temperatures; the turn of the head in relation to the man was observed more frequently during the dry season (2.49). The interactions between seasons and shifts significantly affected the following behaviors: sniffing the male, sniffing the male's urogenital region, wagging the tail, lifting the tail, and urinating. Behavioral variables were influenced by the season. Morada Nova sheep reduce their water intake and grazing time to engage more efficiently in reproductive activities, thus demonstrating an ability to adapt to the Caatinga.

Ingestive behavior of lambs fed relocated and inoculated whole-plant corn silage

We aimed to determine the effect of relocation of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) with different fermentation profiles on ingestive behavior of lambs. Twenty-four male Santa Inês lambs, were used in a completely randomized block design based on initial bodyweight (17.5 ± 1.8 kg) for the following treatments: CS: WPCS (not inoculated and not relocated); R-12h: WPCS relocated for 12h; IR-12h: WPCS inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarumand relocated for 12h; and R-24h: WPCS not inoculated and relocated for 24h. Ingestive behavior was observed as continuous (feeding, ruminating, and idling) and specific (urination, defecation, and water and salt access frequency) activities for 48h (3h intervals for a total of eight periods in 24h). The behavioral activities were affected only by periods (p = 0.0001). Feeding peaks was high at 8:00–11:00am(54.2%) and 5:00-8:00pm(54.9%) in compare to ruminating and idling at the same period. Rumination time was intense at night, at 63.7% (2:00–5:00am) and 69.7% (5:00–8:00am). Idling time (49.7%) was long after silage supply. The specific activities were intense during the morning periods. Supply of WPCS relocated up to 24h did not alter the ingestive behavior.(AU)

Influence of pasture, silvopastoral, and feedlot production systems and the recording interval of behavioral activities on the ingestive behavior of lambs / Influência dos sistemas de produção em pastagem, silvipastoril e confinamento, e do intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais no comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros

The evaluation of the ingestive behavior of ruminant animals is important to identify the animal response to the particularities of the different production systems. However, the five-minute evaluation technique requires personnel, making it difficult to adhere to farms and research in more complex pastoral systems. Thus, this study objected to evaluating the influence of pasture, silvopastoral, and feedlot production systems on the ingestive behavior of lambs and to defining the behavior recording interval in each of the systems. Twenty-four lambs were distributed in an experimental design in split plots. The plots were the production systems (pasture without shading - PS, silvopastoral - SS, and feedlot systems - FS) and the subplots were the behavior observation intervals (5, 10, 15, and 20 min.). In the pasture without shading and silvopastoral systems, the lambs were kept on Aruana grass (Megathyrsus maximus) pasture and supplemented with concentrate at 1.5% of body weight per day, on a dry matter (DM) basis. In the feedlot system, the lambs received a diet consisting of 200 g kg DM-1 of annual ryegrass hay (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and 800 g kg DM-1 of concentrate. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between the production system and the recording interval of behavioral activities. The time spent on food intake was higher (P < 0.05) in the pasture (533 min d-1) and silvopastoral (513 min d-1) systems than in the feedlot (225 min d-1). In contrast, for water intake, time was higher (P < 0.05) in the feedlot (21 min d-1) and lower in the silvopastoral system (5 min d-1). There was no difference (P > 0.05) between the systems for rumination and idle activities, of which daily averages were 378 and 587 min d-1, respectively. There was also no difference (P > 0.05) between the observation intervals for feed, water, rumination, and idleness activities. Lambs in pasture-based systems spend more time feeding, and feedlot lambs spend more time ingesting water. Feedlot lambs ruminate as much as grazing animals when fed hay, even though hay represents only 20% of the total diet. The recording interval of behavioral activities in these production systems can be up to 20 minutes.(AU)

A avaliação do comportamento ingestivo de animais ruminantes é importante para identificar a resposta animal frente às particularidades dos diferentes sistemas de produção. Entretanto, a técnica de avaliação usualmente utilizada, com intervalos de cinco minutos, requer mão de obra, dificultando sua adesão em propriedades e em pesquisas em sistemas pastoris de maior complexidade. Assim, este estudo foi realizado com os objetivos de avaliar a influência dos sistemas de produção em pastagem, silvipastoril e confinamento sobre o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros e definir o intervalo de registro do comportamento em cada um dos sistemas. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros distribuídos em delineamento experimental em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas os sistemas de produção (pastagem sem sombreamento, sistema silvipastoril e confinamento) e as subparcelas os intervalos de observação do comportamento (5, 10, 15 e 20 min.). Nos sistemas em pastagem sem sombreamento e silvipastoril, os cordeiros permaneceram em pastagem de capim Aruana (Megathyrsus maximus) e foram suplementados com concentrado a 1,5% do peso corporal ao dia em base de matéria seca (MS). No sistema em confinamento, os cordeiros receberam ração composta por 200 g kg MS-1 de feno de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) e 800 g kg MS-1 de concentrado. Não houve interação (P > 0,05) entre sistema de produção e intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais. O tempo despendido para a ingestão de alimento foi maior (P < 0,05) no sistema de pastagem (533 min d-1) e silvipastoril (513 min d-1) em relação ao confinamento (225 min d-1), enquanto que para ingestão de água foi maior (P < 0,05) no confinamento (21 min d-1) e menor no silvipastoril (5 min d-1). Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) entre os sistemas para as atividades de ruminação e ócio, cujas médias diárias foram de 378 e 587 min d-1, respectivamente. Também não houve diferença (P > 0,05) entre os intervalos de observação para as atividades de ingestão de alimento, água, ruminação e ócio. Cordeiros em sistemas à base de pastagem gastam mais tempo se alimentando, e cordeiros confinados mais tempo ingerindo água. Cordeiros confinados ruminam tanto quanto animais em pastejo quando alimentados com feno, mesmo que este represente apenas 20% da dieta total. O intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais nestes sistemas de produção pode ser de até 20 minutos.(AU)

Modulation of sexual behavior of Morada Nova ewe by the season of the year in a semiarid equatorial environment

he objective was to evaluate the effect of the season on the sexual behavior patterns adopted by Morada Nova sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. A total of 55 and 59 female sheep were used in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively, attended by four males of the same breed in rotation. The females identified in oestrus were released in a pasture, together with the breeder of the day for each season, and aspects of sexual behavior were measured for an uninterrupted period of 11 hours/day. Assuming a negative binomial distribution, the behavioral frequencies were subjected to deviation analysis and compared using the chi-square. Heading in the male was observed more frequently during the rainy season (0.12) and shifts with higher temperatures; the turn of the head in relation to the man was observed more frequently during the dry season (2.49). The interactions between seasons and shifts significantly affected the following behaviors: sniffing the male, sniffing the male's urogenital region, wagging the tail, lifting the tail, and urinating. Behavioral variables were influenced by the season. Morada Nova sheep reduce their water intake and grazing time to engage more efficiently in reproductive activities, thus demonstrating an ability to adapt to the Caatinga.(AU)

Feeding behavior of sheep in feedlot and fed with diets containing detoxified castor cake in substitution to the soybean meal

To evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep confined and fed with substitution levels of soybean meal (SM) by detoxified castor cake (DCC). We adopted a completely randomized design, with four levels of substitution (0; 33; 67 and 100%) with five replicates (sheep). We estimated the percentages of total times of intake of feed, time of rumination, in 'other activities', in idle agreed and in idle sleeping, dividing the day into eight periods (5h00 to 8h00; 8h01 to 11h00; 11h01 to 14h00; 14h01 to 17h00; 17h01 to 20h00; 20h01 to 23h00; 23h01 to 2h00 and 2h01 to 5h00). No interaction was observed between levels of substitution of the SM by DCC and period of the day to go. However, the isolated effect period of the day, there is more time to go from 8h00 to 11h00. The time rumination was not influenced by the levels of substitution of the SM by DCC. As for the variable other activities, the level of 67% DCC was superior to that of 100%. Regarding the variables idle agreed and idle sleeping, were not observed effects of substitution levels of SM by DCC. The DCC provides no changes in the behavior of the sheep, but the period of the day exerts influence on the behavioral pattern of such animals.(AU)

Behavior of laying chicks fed diets containing sources and levels of dietary fiber in the starter phase / Comportamento de pintainhas de postura leve alimentadas com dietas contendo fontes e níveis de fibra dietética na fase de cria

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the behavior and welfare conditions of laying chicks in the starter phase, fed with diets formulated with increasing levels of crude fiber (CF) and two feedstuffs with different fiber compositions. The experiment was developed at the Federal University of Goiás, in Goiânia - GO, Brazil. Three hundred Bovans White chicks were evaluated in a completely randomized design with a 2×2+1 factorial arrangement corresponding to two levels of CF in the diet (3.0 and 3.5%) and two fiber sources (wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse), plus a control treatment (maize- and soybean meal-based), totaling five treatments with six replicates of 10 birds each. Maintenance behavioral patterns and welfare were assessed at 21 and 42 days of age. There was no difference in behavior and classification by order of importance of the activities performed by the fiber-fed birds observed at 21 and 42 days, according to the Kruskal Wallis test (P>0.05). Medium and good welfare conditions were obtained with wheat bran at 3.5 and 3.0% CF, respectively, at 21 days of age. At 42 days, the use of sugarcane bagasse at the CF level of 3.5% and wheat bran at the level of 3.0%provided good behavior conditions. The use of crude fiber in the feeding of hens did not change their behavior.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento de pintainhas de postura na fase de cria, alimentadas com dietas formuladas com aumento de fibra bruta e dois alimentos com composições de fibra diferentes. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, utilizando-se 300 pintainhas Bovans White, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e arranjo fatorial 2x2+1, com dois níveis de fibra bruta na dieta (3,0% e 3,5 % de FB), duas fontes de fibra (farelo de trigo e bagaço de cana) e o tratamento testemunha (ração a base de milho e farelo de soja), totalizando cinco tratamentos e seis repetições de 10 aves cada. Foram avaliados padrões de comportamento de manutenção e bem-estar aos 21 e 42 dias de idade. Não houve diferença no comportamento e na classificação por ordem de importância das atividades realizadas pelas aves alimentadas com fibra e observadas aos 21 e 42 dias pelo teste de Kruskal Wallis (P>0,05). Obteve-se condições média e boa com farelo de trigo e 3,5 e 3,0% de fibra bruta, respectivamente, com 21 dias de idade. Aos 42 dias, o uso de bagaço de cana ao nível de 3,5% de fibra bruta e o farelo de trigo ao nível de 3,0%, mostraram boas condições de comportamento. A utilização de fibra bruta na alimentação de frangas não alterou o comportamento das aves.

GPS, LiDAR and VNIR data to monitor the spatial behavior of grazing sheep

Traditional knowledge about the behavior of grazing livestock is about to disappear. Shepherds well know that sheep behavior follows non-random patterns. As a novel alternative to seeking behavioral patterns, this study quantified the grazing activities of two sheep flocks of Churra breed (both in the same area but separated by 10 years) based on Global Position System (GPS) monitoring and remote monitoring sensing techniques. In the first monitoring period (2009-10), geolocations were recorded every 5 min (4,240 records), while in the second one (2018-20), records were taken every 30 min (7,636 records). The data were clustered based on the day/night and the activity (resting, moving, or grazing). An airborne LiDAR dataset was used to study the slope, aspect, and vegetation height. Four visible-infrared orthophotographs were mosaicked and classified to obtain the land use/land cover (LU/LC) map. Then, GPS locations were overlain on the terrain features, and a Chi-square test evaluated the relationships between locations and terrain features. Three spatial statistics (directional distribution, Kernel density, and Hot Spot analysis) were also calculated. Results in both monitoring periods suggested that the spatial distribution of free-grazing ewes was non-random. The flocks showed strong preferences for grazing areas with gentle north-facing slopes, where the herbaceous layer formed by pasture predominates. The geostatistical analyses of the sheep locations corroborated those preferences. Geotechnologies have emerged as a potent tool to demonstrate the influence of environmental and terrain attributes on the non-random spatial behavior of grazing sheep.

Effects of environmental enrichment on behavioral expression of pumas (Puma concolor) under human care / Efeitos do enriquecimento ambiental na expressão comportamentalde onças-pardas (Puma concolor) mantidas sob cuidados humanos

The maintenance of pumas under human care imposes different conditions from those found in the natural environment, which may result in stress and impaired welfare. The objective was to evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment on the welfare of four jaguar specimens (Puma concolor), kept under human care. The enrichment techniques addressed were food, sensory, and mixed (physical-cognitive) enrichment. The research was divided into three phases: Phase 1, pre-enrichment; Phase 2, application of enrichment; and Phase 3, post-enrichment. The observation of the activities was performed using the focal animal method, and the behaviors were recorded to compose an ethogram. The sampling effort totaled 96 hours, with a 24-hour observation time for each specimen. During phases 2 and 3, the animals showed increased expression of natural behaviors, increased exploration and interaction with the enclosure, as well as, with other individuals. In addition, the applied activities provided cognitive challenges and reduced the animals' idle time. Although puma 4 showed stereotyped behavior, during the three phases of this study, this individual was healthy and active. Thus, the results demonstrate the beneficial effects of environmental enrichment on the well-being of pumas held in captivity.(AU)

A manutenção de onças-pardas mantidas sob cuidados humanos impõe condições diferentes daquelas encon-tradas no ambiente natural, o que pode resultar em estresse e prejuízo ao bem-estar. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do enriquecimento ambiental no bem-estar de quatro espécimes de Onça-parda (Puma concolor), mantidos sob cuidados humanos. As técnicas de enriquecimento abordadas foram o enriquecimento alimentar, sensorial e misto (físico-cogni-tivo). A pesquisa foi dividida em três fases: Fase 1; Pré-enriquecimento, Fase 2; Aplicação dos enriquecimentos e Fase 3; Pós-enriquecimento. A observação das atividades foi realizada através do método animal focal, sendo registrados os comportamentos para composição de um etograma. O esforço amostral totalizou 96 horas, com o tempo de observação de 24 horas para cada espécime. Durante as fases 2 e 3, os animais apresentaram aumento da expressão de comporta-mentos naturais, aumento da exploração e interação com o recinto, assim como, com os outros indivíduos. Além disso, as atividades aplicadas proporcionaram desafios cognitivos e reduziram o tempo ocioso dos animais. Embora a Onça-parda 4 tenha apresentado comportamento estereotipado, durante as três fases deste estudo, este indivíduo mostrou-se saudável e ativo. Dessa forma, os resultados demonstram os efeitos benéficos do enriquecimento ambiental no bem-estar de onças-pardas mantidas em cativeiro.(AU)

Behavior of laying chicks fed diets containing sources and levels of dietary fiber in the starter phase / Comportamento de pintainhas de postura leve alimentadas com dietas contendo fontes e níveis de fibra dietética na fase de cria

This study evaluated the behavior and welfare conditions of laying chicks in the starter phase, fed with diets formulated with increasing levels of crude fiber (CF) and two feedstuffs with different fiber compositions. The experiment was developed at the Federal University of Goiás, in Goiânia - GO, Brazil. Three hundred Bovans White chicks were evaluated in a completely randomized design with a 2×2+1 factorial arrangement corresponding to two levels of CF in the diet (3.0 and 3.5%) and two fiber sources (wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse), plus a control treatment (maize- and soybean meal-based), totaling five treatments with six replicates of 10 birds each. Maintenance behavioral patterns and welfare were assessed at 21 and 42 days of age. There was no difference in behavior and classification by order of importance of the activities performed by the fiber-fed birds observed at 21 and 42 days, according to the Kruskal Wallis test (P>0.05). Medium and good welfare conditions were obtained with wheat bran at 3.5 and 3.0% CF, respectively, at 21 days of age. At 42 days, the use of sugarcane bagasse at the CF level of 3.5% and wheat bran at the level of 3.0% provided good behavior conditions. The use of crude fiber in the feeding of hens did not change their behavior.

Objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento de pintainhas de postura na fase de cria, alimentadas com dietas formuladas com aumento de fibra bruta e dois alimentos com composições de fibra diferentes. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, utilizando-se 300 pintainhas Bovans White, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e arranjo fatorial 2x2+1, com dois níveis de fibra bruta na dieta (3,0% e 3,5 % de FB), duas fontes de fibra (farelo de trigo e bagaço de cana) e o tratamento testemunha (ração a base de milho e farelo de soja), totalizando cinco tratamentos e seis repetições de 10 aves cada. Foram avaliados padrões de comportamento de manutenção e bem-estar aos 21 e 42 dias de idade. Não houve diferença no comportamento e na classificação por ordem de importância das atividades realizadas pelas aves alimentadas com fibra e observadas aos 21 e 42 dias pelo teste de Kruskal Wallis (P>0,05). Obteve-se condições média e boa com farelo de trigo e 3,5 e 3,0% de fibra bruta, respectivamente, com 21 dias de idade. Aos 42 dias, o uso de bagaço de cana ao nível de 3,5% de fibra bruta e o farelo de trigo ao nível de 3,0%, mostraram boas condições de comportamento. A utilização de fibra bruta na alimentação de frangas não alterou o comportamento das aves.

Behavior of laying chicks fed diets containing sources and levels of dietary fiber in the starter phase / Comportamento de pintainhas de postura leve alimentadas com dietas contendo fontes e níveis de fibra dietética na fase de cria

This study evaluated the behavior and welfare conditions of laying chicks in the starter phase, fed with diets formulated with increasing levels of crude fiber (CF) and two feedstuffs with different fiber compositions. The experiment was developed at the Federal University of Goiás, in Goiânia - GO, Brazil. Three hundred Bovans White chicks were evaluated in a completely randomized design with a 2×2+1 factorial arrangement corresponding to two levels of CF in the diet (3.0 and 3.5%) and two fiber sources (wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse), plus a control treatment (maize- and soybean meal-based), totaling five treatments with six replicates of 10 birds each. Maintenance behavioral patterns and welfare were assessed at 21 and 42 days of age. There was no difference in behavior and classification by order of importance of the activities performed by the fiber-fed birds observed at 21 and 42 days, according to the Kruskal Wallis test (P>0.05). Medium and good welfare conditions were obtained with wheat bran at 3.5 and 3.0% CF, respectively, at 21 days of age. At 42 days, the use of sugarcane bagasse at the CF level of 3.5% and wheat bran at the level of 3.0% provided good behavior conditions. The use of crude fiber in the feeding of hens did not change their behavior.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento de pintainhas de postura na fase de cria, alimentadas com dietas formuladas com aumento de fibra bruta e dois alimentos com composições de fibra diferentes. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, utilizando-se 300 pintainhas Bovans White, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e arranjo fatorial 2x2+1, com dois níveis de fibra bruta na dieta (3,0% e 3,5 % de FB), duas fontes de fibra (farelo de trigo e bagaço de cana) e o tratamento testemunha (ração a base de milho e farelo de soja), totalizando cinco tratamentos e seis repetições de 10 aves cada. Foram avaliados padrões de comportamento de manutenção e bem-estar aos 21 e 42 dias de idade. Não houve diferença no comportamento e na classificação por ordem de importância das atividades realizadas pelas aves alimentadas com fibra e observadas aos 21 e 42 dias pelo teste de Kruskal Wallis (P>0,05). Obteve-se condições média e boa com farelo de trigo e 3,5 e 3,0% de fibra bruta, respectivamente, com 21 dias de idade. Aos 42 dias, o uso de bagaço de cana ao nível de 3,5% de fibra bruta e o farelo de trigo ao nível de 3,0%, mostraram boas condições de comportamento. A utilização de fibra bruta na alimentação de frangas não alterou o comportamento das aves.(AU)

Effect of pre-pubertal growth rate of Sohagi ram lambs on some physiological parameters and sexual behavioral patterns at puberty

Abstract Thirty healthy Sohagi ram lambs with an average age of 188.6±7.3 days were used to study the effect of pre-pubertal growth rate on some physiological parameters and sexual behavioral patterns at puberty. Ram lambs were divided into three groups (10 animals per each group) according to the previous growth rate until 6 months of age. Groups were marked as fast, medium and slow growing. Animal groups were housed in closed barns with access to an open area. Results showed that age and weight of ram lambs at puberty were significantly affected (P<0.05) by the pre-pubertal growth rate. Ram lambs in the fast growing group were reached to onset puberty firstly at 272.6 days with body weight (BW) 37.1 kg on average then ram lambs in medium group (284.8 days with BW 32.7 kg), while ram lambs in slow growing group were the last (314.1 days with BW 32.5 kg). Blood‎ testosterone‎ concentration at puberty was not significantly different among growing groups (1.494± 0.03 ng/ml on average, ranged from 1.287 to 1.902 ng/ml). Testes measurements from 6 months of age until puberty show that ram lambs in fast growing group had the highest values of testes length, circumference and volume followed by those in medium and slow growing group. Sexual behavioral observation showed that flehmen and mounting behavior were significantly higher for ram lambs in fast growing group (5.63 and 6.75 number/12h) than slow growing group (4.25 and 5.38 number/12h) while in medium growing group were intermediate (4.88 and 5.88 number/12h). From these findings, could be concluded that age, weight and sexual behavioral patterns of Sohagi ram lambs at puberty were affected by pre-pubertal growth rate, and the breeders should strive to achieve good growth rates for their lambs before puberty which led to improving reproductive performance.