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)

Automatic cattle weighing on pastures with behavioral analysis during drinking

t Livestock body weight (BW) and average daily weight gain (ADG) are primary indicators of beef cattle productivity. The conventional method of weighing involves moving the cattle to a weighing location, which is labor-intensive, stressful for the animals and has a negative impact on their growth. An alternative approach is to use special weighing platforms attached to the drinkers to weigh the animals. This method enables daily monitoring of BW and ADG without incurring additional labor costs or stress. In this study, an experimental weighing platform, previously developed at KazATU and named after S. Seifullin, was employed to measure livestock's partial body weight (PBW). The weighing platform recorded the weights of the animals on the front legs at one-second intervals, allowing for subsequent calculation of the animals' total weight. However, due to significant weight fluctuations observed when the animals were on the platform, the accuracy of calculating the weight based on a simple average of the one-second measurements was questionable. Hence, an algorithm was developed to determine live weight by analyzing the primary data from the scales and identifying moments of animal immobility during drinking. The calculated results were compared with both mean and median values and data from Kazakhstan's information base of selection and breeding work (IBSBW). The experimental method exhibited a stronger correlation (r = 0.925) with the actual IBSBW data compared to the mean method (r = 0.887) or the median method (r = 0.921).(AU)

Maternal instinct of imported meat direction cattle and ethology of their calves

The examination of maternal qualities in the ethology of cows and their young offspring, derived from the study on adaptability and productivity of second and third-generation Aberdeen Angus cattle imported to Kazakhstan from Canadian and European selection, is presented in this paper. The findings indicate that Canadian heifers, belonging to the second generation, displayed extended feeding behavior throughout the day, dedicating 33.2 minutes or 2.2% more time to feeding compared to their European counterparts (P < 0.001). Similar disparities between groups were observed in the duration of the ruminant process. Moreover, Canadian heifers consumed water for an additional 2 minutes or 0.6%, which can be attributed to their higher daily feed intake. The calving process of Aberdeen Angus cows generally proceeded smoothly, demonstrating a well-developed maternal instinct towards their offspring. Notably, calves born from Canadian cows exhibited greater agility and achieved the ability to stand on their feet in a shorter time, with an average duration of 41.0 ± 1.60 minutes, which was 11.7% faster than European calves. Additionally, Canadian calves displayed a shorter time to locate their mother's breast, with an average duration of 68.0 ± 7.70 minutes.(AU)

The impact of training on stockpersons' behaviour and cows' fear response

In tropical developing regions, such as Brazil, animal welfare (AW) has been gaining increasing attention, while stockperson job satisfaction, which is intimately related to AW, is often neglected. This research evaluated the effects of AW training on stockpersons' attitudes and behaviour towards dairy cows and the impact on cows' fear of humans. Ten dairy farms with pasture-based systems where animal handlers are farm owners or employees were selected from three regions of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The experiment consisted of four stages: 1) Selection of pasture-based dairy farms; 2) First assessment of attitudes, human behaviour, and cows' flight distance (day one ­ D1); 3) Pre-assessment of owners' and employees' AW knowledge, and training (day two ­ D2); and 4) Final assessment of attitudes, human behaviour, cows' flight distance, and owners' and employees' AW knowledge (day three ­ D3), focusing on the training's effects on human attitudes and behaviour, and cows' fear of humans. Among owners and employees, positive attitudes were more often expressed, and negative attitudes were less frequent on day three (D3) after training. Nevertheless, the expression of positive attitudes by farm owners was less common compared to employees. Stockpersons manifested positive behaviour more frequently at D3 than on day one (D1), before training, in contrast to negative behaviour at D1. Taking all cow handling observations together, including those before and after training, the greatest percentage of negative behaviour was at the time of moving the cows from the holding area to the milking stalls (18% of all observed human behaviour), followed by moving cows out of the milking parlour (17%), positioning cows for milking (15%) and placing/removing the milking suction devices (1%). Positive human behaviour usually occurred when moving cows from the holding area to the milking stalls (21%) and during the positioning of cows for milking (19%). After training, cows' flight distances decreased. In conclusion, the training may have promoted positive human behaviour and reduced the number of fearful cows. Therefore, AW training may positively influence human behaviour, technical expertise, the reduction of fear in cows, and stockpersons' attitudes.(AU)

Characterization of intronic SNP located in candidate genes influencing cattle temperament

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on temperament traits in a Brahman cattle population. The SNP located in CACNG4, EXOC4, NRXN3, and SLC9A4 candidate genes were genotyped in 250 animals with temperament records of exit velocity, pen score, and temperament score. Rs3423464051:G>A in the CACNG4 gene was associated with exit velocity and temperament score. An in silico analysis of the five intronic SNP showed that alternative alleles of CACNG4-rs3423464051, EXOC4-rs109393235, and SLC9A4-rs109722627 SNP could alter branch point sites during splicing, while a protein-protein interaction network analysis demonstrated a GRIA2 gene-mediated interaction between CACNG4 and NRXN3. The present results support previously reported evidence regarding bovine temperament-related candidate genes, particularly CACNG4, which is a confirmed candidate gene in need of more detailed analyses to reveal its role in temperament-related traits.(AU)

Sex and animal behavior on yield and bruises in different beef cuts / Sexo e comportamento animal no rendimento e contusões em diferentes cortes de carcaça de bovinos

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of behavioral differences in cattle on bruising on different cuts and on carcass yield. A total of 4,061 lots of cattle were evaluated, which corresponded to 199,026 carcasses. Animal temperament was classified as calm, anxious, or excited. The following carcass cuts were evaluated: round, rump, shin, thin flank, tenderloin, and rib. Of the total number of slaughtered animals, 68.26% had at least one type of bruise with complete removal of the affected tissue. There was an interaction effect between sex and temperament on the occurrence of bruises on the different cuts and on carcass yield. In castrated males, bruises on the round, rump, shin, and tenderloin cuts did not differ between temperament classes, but the excited males showed more bruises on the thin flank and rib cuts. Among the females, for all cuts, the number of bruises was higher (P<0.05) in those with excited temperament than in the anxious and calm animals, which did not differ (P>0.05). Additionally, carcass yield relative to plant weight decreased (P<0.05), with the calm females exhibiting the highest values, followed by those with anxious and excited temperament. In the castrated males, however, although performance declined, those with anxious and excited temperament did not differ (P>0.05). Females and more reactive animals have more bruises on their carcass.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos das diferenças comportamentais dos bovinos e seus reflexos nas contusões nos diferentes cortes e nos valores de rendimento de carcaça. Foram avaliados 4.061 lotes de bovinos, perfazendo 199.026 mil carcaças. O temperamento animal foi classificado em calmo, ansioso e excitado. Foram avaliados os cortes das carcaças divididas em coxa, alcatra, dianteiro e lombo, vazio e costela. Do total de lotes de animais abatidos, 68,26% apresentaram pelo menos um tipo de contusão com remoção completa do tecido afetado. Ocorreu interação entre o sexo e temperamento animal para os diferentes cortes na ocorrência de contusões e no rendimento de carcaça. Nos machos castrados as contusões dos cortes da coxa, alcatra, dianteiro e lombo não diferiram entre as classes de temperamento, tendo os animais agressivos mais contusões nos cortes do vazio e costela. Nas fêmeas em todos os cortes, as quantidades de contusões verificadas foram superiores (P<0,05) para animais com comportamento excitado do que animais ansiosos e calmos, não ocorrendo diferença entre os mesmos (P>0,05). O rendimento de carcaça em relação do peso de frigorífico quanto as classes comportamentais, nas fêmeas foi decrescente (P<0,05) com maiores valores para animais calmos, seguidos dos animais ansiosos e com menores rendimentos para animais com temperamento excitado, enquanto nos machos castrados, embora o rendimento tenha sido decrescente, animais com temperamento ansioso e excitado não diferiram (P>0,05). Carcaças oriundas de fêmeas e de animais com maior reatividade apresentam mais lesões.(AU)

Stingless bee Trigona spinipes (Hymenoptera: Apidae) behavior on chayote flowers (Sechium edule)

This experiment aimed to evaluate the forage species and their effect on fruit production of the chayote crop. For this, the culture was under observation in the first ten minutes at each time, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, with three repetitions, in each year studied (1994, 2001, 2009 and 2016). With the exception of 2009, Trigona spinipes stingless bees were frequent and constant insects in these flowers between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, visiting mainly male flowers for nectar collection and due to foraging behavior this stingless bee may be considered a pollinator of the chayote.(AU)

A comparison between affiliative and agonistic behaviours in wild and captive Sapajus libidinosus (Spix, 1823) (Mammalia, Primates, Cebidae)

Organisms modulate the expression of their behaviours through environmental contexts. Several studies have suggested that the frequencies of social behaviours may differ between captive and free-living primates. In the present study, we compared the social behaviours displayed by captive and free-living groups of the bearded capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus), describing and analysing their social behaviours. We observed through focal animal sampling 59 animals distributed in 10 social groups, analysing 191:45 h of videos of their behaviours. Captivity reduced the frequency of agonistic, but not of affiliative behaviours. Furthermore, neither group size nor sex could explain the overall variability in affiliative behaviour. We conclude that captivity has indeed an important impact only on some aspects of social behaviour, namely, on agonistic behaviours.(AU)

Egg transport and larval behavior of curimba, Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836; Characiformes, Prochilodontidae) in a drift simulator channel

Landscape changes and hydrologic alterations associated with dam construction have greatly hindered reproductive success and the recruitment of migratory species. However, little is known about the flow conditions that are necessary for the reproductive success of migrators. We aimed to analyze one of the important migrants of the Paraná River, the curimba, Prochilodus lineatus(Valenciennes, 1836), to determine the minimum velocities necessary for egg drift and analyze the behavior of larvae at different flow velocities. Thus, we experimentally evaluated the behavior of eggs and larvae released in a drift simulator channel (DSC) under four flow velocities. Additionally, we investigate the swimming ability of larvae in relation to certainmorphometric measures of their bodies. We also performed morphometry and calculations of larval body and fin proportions to determine which structures influence swimming ability. The results indicated that environments with flow velocities greater than 0.081 m s-1were favorable for egg drift and increased the chances of successful transportof eggs to downstream areas. We also observed that soon after hatching, the larvae positioned themselves against the flow, indicating that they had a perception of position and orientation. The larvae were able to maintain and disperse against the flow within the channel 32h after hatching at all velocities, which was mainly due to the development of pectoral and caudal fins that were actively involved in the swimming process, as well as the reduction in the dimensions of the yolk sac, which reduced drag.(AU)

Behavioral and physiological performance of different gilt breeds during lactation

We evaluated the maternal behavior, physiology, and reproductive performance of both Damin (Min-pig × Large White) and Large White gilts to identify the advantages hybrid sows offer with regard to stress relieve and improvement of the welfare level of sows during late lactation. First-parity Damin gilts (n = 40) and firstparity Large White gilts (n = 40) were farrowed in individual pens. Video surveillance was used to monitor the occurrence of lateral recumbency and compare it to other postures, such as ventral recumbency, defecation, urination, tail posture, sham-chewing, and bar-biting behaviors. Monitoring was conducted from 07:00 to 09:00 h and from 13:00 to 15:00 h on days 3 and 6 of each week from the third to the fifth week postparturition. In addition, the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and salivary α-amylase were assessed. During the fourth week postpartum, Damin gilts showed a higher frequency of postural changes from lateral recumbency to other postures and less ventral recumbency, sham-chewing, and bar-biting behavior compared with Large White gilts. However, no significant differences were found between Damin and Large White gilts with regard to urination, defecation, tail wagging, and "tail low" behaviors. The concentrations of serum interleukin-6, salivary α-amylase, and serum tumor necrosis factor-α were higher in Damin gilts than in Large White gilts during the fifth week postpartum. Damin gilts partly achieve lower stress levels during late lactation and better animal welfare than purebred Large White gilts.(AU)

Enriquecimento ambiental para gatos em ambiente de internação / Environmental enrichment for inpatient cats / Enriquecimiento ambiental para gatos hospitalizados

Muitas patologias podem acometer felinos, que corriqueiramente determina a necessidade de atendimento veterinário. O ambiente no qual o gato está inserido adquire extrema importância, sendo que na maioria das clínicas e hospitais veterinários em que estes animais são mantidos em internação há condições aquém das ideais. O enriquecimento ambiental, constitui uma ferramenta que busca melhorar a qualidade de vida do animal, possibilitando assim a antecipação da recuperação e consequentemente melhores prognósticos ao animal. Para minimizar um possível nível de estresse que o ambiente de internação pode determinar ao animal, foi realizado um estudo experimental na Clínica Veterinária da Unigran em Dourados - MS, no qual 3 gatos saudáveis (2 machos e 1 fêmea) com idade aproximada de três anos foram mantidos em ambiente de internação para se realizar estudo comportamental dos mesmos por meio de gravações em vídeos e posterior análise utilizando-se etograma. Os vídeos eram efetuados em dois momentos, sendo no primeiro a baia de internação sem enriquecimento ambiental, enquanto no segundo eram introduzidos ítens (caixa de areia, cama e brinquedos) como enriquecimento. O enriquecimento ambiental ajudou de forma moderada alguns animais, na diminuição do tempo despendidos de alguns de seus comportamentos compreendidos na forma de estresse bem como observou-se que os animais de uma maneira geral no momento em que se realizava o manejo de enriquecimento ambiental possuiam maior interação com o ser humano e desta maneira pode-se recomendar o uso de formas que possam tornar o ambiente mais próximo ao encontrado no domicílio do felino.(AU)

Many pathologies can affect felines, which routinely determines the need for veterinary care. The environment in which the cat is inserted is extremely important, and in most veterinary clinics and hospitals where these animals are kept in hospital, there are less than ideal conditions. Environmental enrichment is a tool that seeks to improve the quality of life of the animal, thus enabling the anticipation of recovery and consequently better prognosis for the animal. In order to minimize a possible level of stress that the hospital environment can determine to the animal, an experimental study was carried out at the Unigran Veterinary Clinic in Dourados - MS, in which 3 healthy cats (2 males and 1 female) with an approximate age of three years they were kept in an inpatient environment to conduct a behavioral study of them through video recordings and subsequent analysis using ethogram. The videos were made in two moments, the first being the hospitalization cubicle without environmental enrichment, while the second was introducing items (sandbox, bed and toys) as enrichment. Environmental enrichment helped moderately some animals, in reducing the time spent on some of their behaviors included in the form of stress, as well as it was observed that animals in general at the time when the management of environmental enrichment was carried out had greater interaction with the human being and in this way it can be recommended the use of ways that can make the environment closer to that found in the feline's home.(AU)

Muchas patologías pueden afectar a los felinos, lo que determina de forma rutinaria la necesidad de atención veterinaria. El entorno en el que se inserta el gato es extremadamente importante, y en la mayoría de las clínicas veterinarias y hospitales donde estos animales se mantienen en el hospital, las condiciones no son ideales. El enriquecimiento ambiental es una herramienta que busca mejorar la calidad de vida del animal, posibilitando así la anticipación de la recuperación y consecuentemente un mejor pronóstico para el animal. Con el fin de minimizar un posible nivel de estrés que el entorno hospitalario puede determinar al animal, se realizó un estudio experimental en la Clínica Veterinaria Unigran en Dourados - MS, en el que 3 gatos sanos (2 machos y 1 hembra) con un aproximado Los tres años de edad fueron mantenidos en un ambiente de internación para realizar un estudio de comportamiento de los mismos mediante grabaciones de video y posterior análisis mediante etograma. Los videos se realizaron en dos momentos, el primero fue el cubículo de hospitalización sin enriquecimiento ambiental, mientras que el segundo fue introduciendo elementos (arenero, cama y juguetes) como enriquecimiento. El enriquecimiento ambiental ayudó moderadamente a algunos animales, a reducir el tiempo dedicado a algunas de sus conductas incluidas en la forma de estrés, así como también se observó que los animales en general en el momento en que se realizaba el manejo del enriquecimiento ambiental tenían mayor interacción con el ser humano y de esta forma se puede recomendar que el uso de formas que puedan acercar el entorno al que se encuentra en el hogar del felino.(AU)

Tuleariocaris neglecta Chace, 1969 (Crustacea: Caridea: Palaemonidae) associated with the sea urchin Astropyga magnifica Clark, 1934 (Echinoidea: Diadematidae) in the Alcatraz Archipelago, southeastern Brazil

The caridean shrimp Tuleariocaris neglecta Chace, 1969, is reported from the Alcatraz Archipelago (24°S, off the coast of southeastern Brazil) in association with the sea urchin Astropyga magnifica Clark, 1934. This finding significantly increases the known range of this species from 20°S to 24°S. An overview of the species in Tuleariocaris with their respective associated host sea urchins is provided.(AU)

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)

Incubation parameters, offspring growth, and behavioral adaptations to heat stress of Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) in a Neotropical inland colony (Aves, Charadriiformes, Laridae)

This study focuses on incubation parameters, egg morphometrics, and body mass development, hatching, and behavioral adaptations to heat stress within a colony of freshwater-breeding Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) located in the private nature reserve of Serviço Social do Comércio (SESC) in the northern Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Temperatures of nest, eggs, and surface substratum, as well as the development of embryos, were surveyed using thermal imaging, a method allowing digital recording from a distance and in a fraction of the time of traditional measuring techniques. The mean egg dimensions (n = 71) were 4.48 (± 0.13) × 3.27 (± 0.07) cm; the mean mass at hatching was 24.3 (± 1.9) g, with a significant decrease over incubation time. The mean surface temperature of eggs varied from 30.9℃ to 39.7℃, while the sand surface temperature was 20℃ at 06:00 h, rising to 47.7℃ at 11:00 h. There was a significant increase (7%) in egg surface temperature throughout incubation. Incubation-bout durations (n = 2108) were correlated with the microclimatic conditions of the substratum, becoming shorter with increasing sand-surface temperature around midday. Egg hatching lasted one day, and siblings hatched no more than 24 h apart. The mean body mass on Day 1 after hatching was 16.8 (± 1.6) g (n = 6). Three days after hatching, chicks moved to new sand depressions provided by parents near the original nest, where they remained motionless or tried to hide under riparian vegetation. The single chick that fledged had a growth rate of K = 0.117 and a t10₋90 value of 37.3 days. On Day 7, dorsal pintail feathers and primaries appeared, which were open on Day 15. After 14 days, the chick was able to regulate its body temperature, and no more feeding by parental birds during the daytime was observed. On Day 21, the immature plumage was fully developed. Fledging was completed on Day 27. Our study demonstrates that thermal imaging is a useful method of surveying egg and embryo development in the Black Skimmer, reducing nest disturbance and observation efforts.(AU)

Stress indicators in cattle submitted to different pre-slaughter rest times / Indicadores de estresse em bovinos submetidos a diferentes tempos de descanso no pré-abate

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of pre-slaughter time about some blood constituents used as stress indicators in the evaluation of animal welfare in cattle. In the practice of ethology, animal welfare is assessed through physiological and behavioral indicators. For the determination of serum biomarkers of animal stress, a total of 180 animals was used, divided into two major groups according to the time of pre-slaughter. In the acceptable group, the animals had a pre-slaughter time up to 24 hours and in the not acceptable group the pre-slaughter time was greater than 24 h. These two groups were split up into three animal categories (males, females and castrated males). In this study, 30 samples were collected from each animal category of the two groups, acceptable and not acceptable, totaling 180 samples. Samples were separated for analysis of muscle enzymes creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase (CK and LDH), glucose and cortisol. Physiological values, regardless of the animal category and pre-slaughter time, were higher than the normal values of reference, expressing the prior management effect on animal welfare. The data clearly show a need to update and adapt the entire production chain to animal welfare practices, with the objective of producing competitive quality meat in the world market.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tempo de pré-abate sobre alguns constituintes sanguíneos utilizados como indicadores de estresse na avaliação do bem-estar animal em bovinos. Na prática da etologia, o bem-estar animal é avaliado por meio de indicadores fisiológicos e comportamentais. Para a determinação sérica de biomarcadores de estresse animal utilizaram-se 180 animais, divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o tempo de pré-abate: até 24 horas ou acima de 24 horas. Esses dois grupos subdividiram-se em três categorias animais (machos não-castrados, machos castrados ou fêmeas). Foram coletadas 30 amostras de cada categoria animal nos dois grupos, totalizando 180 amostras. Foram separadas amostras para análise de enzimas musculares creatina quinase e lactato desidrogenase (CK e LDH), glicose e cortisol. Os valores fisiológicos, independentemente da categoria animal e do tempo de pré-abate, foram superiores aos valores de referência, expressando o efeito do manejo prévio sobre o bem-estar dos animais. Os dados evidenciam claramente a necessidade de atualização e adequação de toda a cadeia produtiva às práticas de bem-estar animal, com o objetivo de produzir carne de qualidade competitiva no mercado mundial.(AU)

Effect of rearing, season of birth, and father on labyrinth behaviour of dairy heifers

Objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that heifer's behaviour after 12 months (M) are impacted by rearing (feeding/housing) before weaning, seasons of birth, and father lineage. Fifty-one Holstein heifers (born in year seasons SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4, originating from 4 fathers) were assigned to one of three rearing treatments: restricted suckling (RS), calf in pen with mother to 21st day, suck three times daily, then group pen (6 kg milk) to weaning; unrestricted suckling (US), calf in pen with foster cows (6 kg milk) to weaning; conventional rearing (CR), calf in the hutch to 56th day, then group pen to weaning (milk replacer 6 kg). After weaning at the 84th day, heifers were kept in groups with the same ration. The labyrinth behaviour was tested in the 12th and 19th M of the age. In the evaluation factors rearing and season of birth, groups US and SB3 solved the passage of the labyrinth the fastest (868.0 s, 857.4 s), the slowest were CR and SB1 (1148.2 s, 1257.5 s). The results show that the manner (housing/feeding) used to rear heifers and season of birth may impact their later labyrinth behaviour.(AU)

Immunocastrated female pigs' social and feeding behaviour

- This study compared the social and feeding behaviour of immunocastrated female pigs using different immunocastration protocols. We used seventy-two gilts from industrial crossbreeding (Agroceres × Topigs) at 15 weeks of age. The pigs were distributed in a randomised design with three treatments. The second dose of the immunocastration vaccine was applied in two groups, six weeks before slaughter (I6) and four weeks before slaughter (I4). A non-immunised group (NI) was used for comparison. Due to the divergence in the time of immunisation between the two groups, an individual comparison of each immunocastrated group with the control group (NI vs. I6 and NI vs. I4) was performed. Social behaviour was analysed through the collection of images by a monitoring camera, and the analysis period was from 6:00 to 18:00 h, with behaviour observed every ten minutes. Feeding behaviour data were collected by the automated FIRE® system. Anti-GnRH immunisation and the different protocols of application did not influence most social and feeding behaviours.(AU)

The role of behavioral, autonomous, and adaptive processes in the rodent's thermoregulation

Meteorological variables are the main abiotic factors that directly influence reactions in rodent metabolism, activating the action of thermoregulatory mechanisms aimed at homeostasis and can involve several factors that work together to dissipate or conserve body heat. In this scenario, we aimed to address, synthetically, the main means that rodents have to adapt and survive faced with the thermoregulatory challenges posed by the environment in which they live. Among these processes, behavioral changes can occur in water and food intake, as well as voluntary displacement to environments offering greater thermal comfort. The autonomic processes involve innate mechanisms that act quickly to facilitate thermal exchange, such as sweating, respiratory evaporation, and changes in peripheral blood flow. Adaptation involves evolutionary processes that, in the long run, alter the morphophysiological characteristics of the epidermis and coat, in order to conserve or dissipate heat. Knowledge of the role of these processes in adaptive physiology is essential to understand how the thermal environment affects rodents and how deleterious effects are mitigated.(AU)

The role of behavioral, autonomous, and adaptive processes in the rodent's thermoregulation

Meteorological variables are the main abiotic factors that directly influence reactions in rodent metabolism, activating the action of thermoregulatory mechanisms aimed at homeostasis and can involve several factors that work together to dissipate or conserve body heat. In this scenario, we aimed to address, synthetically, the main means that rodents have to adapt and survive faced with the thermoregulatory challenges posed by the environment in which they live. Among these processes, behavioral changes can occur in water and food intake, as well as voluntary displacement to environments offering greater thermal comfort. The autonomic processes involve innate mechanisms that act quickly to facilitate thermal exchange, such as sweating, respiratory evaporation, and changes in peripheral blood flow. Adaptation involves evolutionary processes that, in the long run, alter the morphophysiological characteristics of the epidermis and coat, in order to conserve or dissipate heat. Knowledge of the role of these processes in adaptive physiology is essential to understand how the thermal environment affects rodents and how deleterious effects are mitigated.

Conservation, animal behaviour, and human-animal relationship in zoos. Why is animal welfare so important?

Although zoos are committed to wildlife conservation and have a long-term positive impact on visitors' attitudes towards wildlife, the question of whether maintaining wild animals in human care is justified remains as animal welfare concerns grow and human understanding of animal intelligence and capacities broadens. Zoos have always been the subject of debate, with conflicts between those who argue they save endangered species and educate visitors, and animal rights activists who believe that conditions of wild animals are inadequate and that zoos should not exist. In this review, we do not discuss the moral side of the issue, but the scientific one. This manuscript aims to show the scope of literature available on the strengths and weaknesses of modern zoos regarding wild animal welfare. We provide information useful to argue why zoos are important in modern society and factors that influence welfare are examined. Some potentially stressful stimuli may diminish animal welfare in zoo animals, while some of the benefits zoos offer to conservation and science include the opportunity to study and learn about different aspects necessary to improve management practices; the possibility of breeding wild animals in zoos has been a key factor in the recovery of species that have improved their conservation status. Animal welfare is an essential part of wildlife conservation, so efforts should be directed to ensure the best possible quality of life and optimum conditions of all zoo animals in our care.(AU)