Collecting information on estrus in cattle using the internet of things / Recolha de informações sobre o cio em bovinos utilizando a internet of things

Monitoring the movements of ruminant animals is one of the most challenging tasks. In animals that act according to their habits, it is difficult to label such movements and transfer them to farmers. Monitoring and recording the movement and behavior of animals on a farm is an adopted method for successfully determining the duration of the estrus cycle in ruminant animals. The Internet is a technology that offers remarkable solutions for such applications. The aim of this study is to determine the hourly step counts and to find the estrus period in the most accurate way with a circuit design applied to the ankles of animals using an IoT-supported microcontroller. The data is transferred to the web environment wirelessly and monitored via wi-fi communication signals. This wireless wearable and network equipment determines the step count and monitors the animal's abnormal body temperature. An IoT-supported microcontroller provides wireless communication, high-speed data transmission, and low power consumption. Insemination was ensured by testing different animals on the application farm. The data is monitored in real-time, and the system gives an alert. Low cost, high reliability, and being able to be watched over the internet are the advantages of the system. This study helped develop new techniques and provided a low-cost proposition for testing wearable technologies on animals.

A monitorização dos movimentos dos animais ruminantes é uma das tarefas mais difíceis. Em animais que agem de acordo com os seus hábitos, é difícil rotular esses movimentos e transferi-los para os agricultores. A monitorização e o registo dos movimentos e do comportamento dos animais numa exploração é um método adoptado para determinar com êxito a duração do ciclo de cio em animais ruminantes. A Internet é uma tecnologia que oferece soluções notáveis para tais aplicações. O objectivo deste estudo é determinar as contagens horárias de passos e encontrar o período de cio da forma mais precisa possível com um design de circuito aplicado aos tornozelos dos animais utilizando um microcontrolador suportado pela IoT. Os dados são transferidos para o ambiente Web sem fios e monitorizados através de sinais de comunicação wi-fi. Este equipamento vestível e de rede sem fios determina a contagem de passos e monitoriza a temperatura corporal anormal do animal. Um microcontrolador suportado pela IoT fornece comunicação sem fios, transmissão de dados a alta velocidade e baixo consumo de energia. A inseminação foi assegurada através de testes com diferentes animais na quinta de aplicação. Os dados são monitorizados em tempo real e o sistema emite um alerta. O baixo custo, a elevada fiabilidade e a possibilidade de ser observado através da Internet são as vantagens do sistema. Este estudo ajudou a desenvolver novas técnicas e forneceu uma proposta de baixo custo para testar tecnologias vestíveis em animais.

Effect of the performance, calving date and lactation period on the probability of pregnancy in beef cows

Determining what and how much each environmental factor affects pregnancy is crucial to the sustainability and management of beef cow herds. The study evaluated through logistic regression the effect of environmental variables on the increase or reduction in the pregnancy rate of beef cows. The average pregnancy rate in the cows was 73 %, with an average age for the herd of 3.7 years. An increase in age of one year represented a 30 % increase in pregnancy, while a reduction of one year reduced the odds of pregnancy in the cows by 23 %. During the lactation period, an extra seven days' lactation reduced the odds of pregnancy by 12 %. For every seven days that weaning was brought forward, the cows' pregnancy odds increased by 14 %. An increase of 0.1 kg in average daily gain represented an increase of 17 % and 15 % in the odds of pregnancy during the first 60 days post-partum and 60 days to the end of the reproductive period. On the other hand, the loss of 0.1 kg in average daily gain resulted in a 14 % and 13 % reduction in the cows' pregnancy odds, respectively. Factors such as age, the precocity of calving in the calving season, the time the calf remains with the cow and better performance in cows between calving and the end of the mating are strategies that increase the chances of pregnancy in beef cows.(AU)

Reprodução de procionídeos / Procyonids reproduction

Poucas informações a respeito da biologia dos procionídeos estão disponíveis para quem busca conhecer mais sobre essas espécies. Entretanto, alguns estudos a respeito da reprodução destes animais foram realizados. As principais espécies encontradas no Brasil são o quati, o guaxinim e o jupará, e, dentre esses, o quati se destaca por ser o que possui o maior número de informações reprodutivas. A maioria dos procionídeos aparece como espécies não ameaçadas, porém a falta de informações sobre estes animais pode fazer com que estes dados possam estar defasados. É importante o conhecimento reprodutivo dos procionídeos pois, devido as ações antrópicas que ocasionam a perda de habitat natural, essas espécies, em breve, podem entrar para a lista de animais ameaçados de extinção. Assim, esse artigo tem como objetivo descrever alguns dados por meios de estudos reprodutivos que podem auxiliar ao desenvolvimento de estratégias de conservação dessas espécies.(AU)

Little information about the biology of procyonids is available for those who want to know more about these species. However, some studies regarding the reproduction of these animals were developed. The main species found in Brazil are coati, raccoon, and kinkajou, among which the coati stands out for being the one with the highest number of reproductive information. Most procyonids appear as non-threatened species, but the lack of information about these animals may cause these data to be outdated. Reproductive knowledge of procyonids is important because, due to anthropic actions that cause loss of natural habitat, these species may soon enter on the list of endangered animals. Thus, this article aims to describe some data by means of reproductive studies that can help to develop conservation strategies for these species.(AU)

Exame clínico andrológico em búfalos: particularidades e mercado / Clinical andrological examination in buffaloes: particularities and market

A bubalinocultura tem expandido mundialmente com grande importância socioeconômica na produção de leite, carne e na tração animal. No entanto, algumas características como: a sazonalidade, poucos reprodutores com genética superior para ser multiplicada e reduzido número de touros com sucesso de coleta constante de sêmen nas Centrais, dificultam a obtenção de maiores índices reprodutivos a nível de Brasil. Neste contexto, a eficiência reprodutiva do rebanho possui papel de destaque, consequentemente, o touro bubalino e a realização do exame andrológico são essenciais para o desenvolvimento da bubalinocultura. Apesar da realização de pesquisas ao longo dos anos relacionadas à andrologia em búfalos, na prática a campo ainda existe uma lacuna referente aos aspectos reprodutivos nessa espécie, fazendo com que haja uma demanda por conhecimento específico. Diante disso, objetivou-se abordar alguns dos principais aspectos da andrologia na espécie bubalina, para auxiliar o Médico Veterinário no atendimento clínico e andrológico visando alcançar uma boa eficiência reprodutiva.(AU)

Buffalo farming has expanded worldwide with great socioeconomic importance in the production of milk, meat and animal traction. However, some characteristics such as: seasonality, few sires with superior genetics to be multiplied and reduced number of bulls with constant semen collection success in the Centrals, make it difficult to obtain higher reproductive rates in Brazil. In this context, the reproductive efficiency of the herd plays a prominent role, consequently, the buffalo bull and the performance of the andrological examination are essential for the development of buffalo breeding. Despite conducting research over the years related to andrology in buffaloes, in field practice there is still a gap regarding reproductive aspects in this species, causing a demand for specific knowledge. In view of this, the objective was to address some of the main aspects of andrology in the buffalo species, to assist the veterinarian in clinical and andrological care in order to achieve good reproductive efficiency.(AU)

Group-training of rams at puberty for artificial vagina-mediated semen collection and its influence on semen quality and sexual behavior

There is a paucity of information with respect to group-training for artificial vagina and its influence on semen characteristics and sexual behavior of young untrained rams. A total of 18 healthy Najdi rams (with an initial body weight of 40-45 Kg and 7-8 month-old) were consequently used herein to test the usefulness of group-training for artificial vagina-mediated semen collection during the breeding season. Rams were randomly segregated into three groups (n = 6 rams per protocol), and the whole experiment was lasted for 10 weeks. The 1st group was subjected to a training protocol where one untrained ram was placed for 20 min with a teaser ewe, while the 2nd group were subjected to a protocol where one untrained ram was placed for 20 min with one trained ram and a teaser ewe, whereas the 3rd group were subjected to a protocol where three untrained rams were placed for 20 min with one trained ram and a teaser ewe. The obtained results clearly (P < 0.05) showed that training young rams in group has increased their sperm concentration and sexual stimulation, shortened the period of their training time, and descriptively had a complete training efficiency. The sexual stimulation of young untrained rams was intensified by the competition between rams in the co-presence of a trained ram. Collectively, these data may suggest that group-training of rams at puberty is a better protocol for AV-mediated semen collection compared to individual training. Some shortcomings were noted herein, but research dealing with this subject may very well improve the reproductive performance of young untrained rams.(AU)

Antral follicle count classification selects fertile heifers without influencing the carcass traits / A classificação da contagem folicular antral seleciona novilhas mais férteis sem influenciar as características da carcaça

This study aimed to evaluate the ovarian structure, estrus intensity, ultrasound carcass measurements, and pregnancy rate of Nelore breed heifers and cows in accordance with antral follicle counts (AFCs). We evaluated 503 heifers and 565 Nelore cows, with a mean age of 15.5±2.2 and 69.8±36.1 months, respectively, submitted to a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. On day zero, all bovine females were examined using ultrasound to determine the AFC. The mean AFC of the heifers and cows were 20±8.6 and 22.5±8.4, respectively. The rib-eye area (REA) and fat thickness (FT) of the heifers (n = 119 for REA and n = 219 for FT) were measured using ultrasound imaging. The average conception rates at the first FTAI and at the end of the breeding season were 35.8% and 57.5%, respectively, for heifers and 45.1% and 78.9%, respectively, for cows. We demonstrated that the probability of pregnancy at the first FTAI and at the end of the breeding season for both young heifers and cows increased as the AFC decreased (P>0.001 and P=0.0123, respectively). FT and REA showed no correlation with AFC in heifers. The intensity of estrus expression was negatively correlated with AFC (−0.46; P<0.0001). In conclusion, Nelore heifers and cows with low AFC had a high probability of pregnancy during the entire breeding season. Thus, AFC can be used as a tool to select heifers with increased fertility without affecting carcass traits (REA and FT).

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as estruturas ovarianas, intensidade do cio, medidas de carcaça por ultrassonografia e taxa de gestação de novilhas e vacas da raça Nelore com diferentes contagens de folículos antrais (CFA). Avaliamos 503 novilhas e 565 vacas Nelore, com idade média de 15,5 ± 2,2 e 69,8 ± 36,1 meses, respectivamente, submetidas a um protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). No dia zero, todas as fêmeas foram examinadas por ultrassom para determinar a CFA. A CFA média das novilhas foi de 20 ± 8,6 e a das vacas foi de 22,5 ± 8,4 folículos. A área de olho de lombo (AOL) e a espessura de gordura (EG) das novilhas (n = 119 para AOL e n = 219 para EG) foram medidas utilizando imagens ultrassonográficas. As taxas médias de concepção na primeira IATF e no final da estação de monta foram de 35,8% e 57,5% e 45,1% e 78,9% para as novilhas e vacas, respectivamente. Demonstramos que a probabilidade de gestação na primeira IATF e no final da estação de monta, tanto para novilhas jovens quanto para vacas, foi maior quando a CFA era menor (P>0,001 e P=0,0123, respectivamente). A espessura da gordura e a AOL não mostraram nenhuma correlação com a CFA. A intensidade da expressão do cio foi negativamente correlacionada com o CFA (-0,46; P < 0,0001). Em conclusão, novilhas jovens e vacas da raça Nelore com menor CFA apresentam maior probabilidade de prenhez durante toda a estação de monta. Nenhuma relação entre a CFA e as características de carcaça foram observadas em novilhas Nelore. A CFA pode ser usada como uma ferramenta de seleção de novilhas com maior fertilidade sem influenciar as características de carcaça (AOL e EG).

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)

Comportamento sócio-sexual e seus problemas no desempenho de touros / Social-sexual behaviour and its problems in performance of bulls

Esta revisão pretende discorrer sobre a estrutura social dos bovinos e sua relação com o comportamento sexual, a fisiologia reprodutiva e a fertilidade de touros a campo e em regime de coleta de sêmen, levando em consideração as diferentes fases do desenvolvimento sexual, os processos de aprendizado envolvidos e os efeitos do estresse social. À luz do conhecimento etológico serão feitas reflexões sobre o fitness (sucesso reprodutivo) de touros mantidos em manejo extensivo de criação e touros em Centrais de Coleta e Processamento de Sêmen (CCPS), a organização arquitetônica dos piquetes e área de coleta e a influência da proximidade de outros touros sobre a qualidade de todo o processo.(AU)

This review intends to discuss the cattle social structure and its relationship with sexual behavior, reproductive physiology, and fertility of bulls in the field and under semen collection regime, taking into account the distinct stages of sexual development, the learning processes involved and the effects of social stress. In the light of ethological science, we will reflect on the fitness (reproductive success) of bulls in extensive breeding management or bulls in Semen Collection and Processing Centers, their architectural organization of paddocks and collection area, and the influence of the proximity of other bulls on the quality of the entire process.(AU)

Causas e Tratamentos de Distúrbios Ejaculatórios em Garanhões / Causes and Treatments of Ejaculatory Disorders in Stallions

A ejaculação é um complexo processo de eventos neurofisiológicos sincronizados em coordenação com vários sistemas e órgãos. Antes do advento da injeção intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (ICSI), a ejaculação era um passo absolutamente essencial na reprodução. Os distúrbios ejaculatórios por sua vez são caracterizados pela não ocorrência do processo ejaculatório, mesmo que todos os demais parâmetros relacionados ao comportamento sexual apresentem-se normais. As principais causas dessas falhas ou alterações na ejaculação estão relacionadas à sensibilidade dolorosa durante a cópula, ejaculação retrógrada, disfunção psicogênica, obstruções do aparelho reprodutor masculino, urospermia, oligospermia ou azoospermia, além de falhas na contração da musculatura lisa do trato genital ou alterações musculoesqueléticas e neurológicas. O tratamento é dependente da causa primária de cada alteração. O controle da dor, ajustes no manejo, aumento do estímulo antes da coleta associados a tratamentos farmacológicos que atuam nas sinapses neuromotoras penianas tendem a resolver os principais distúrbios ejaculatórios, levando-se em consideração que as respostas a estes tratamentos são variadas de acordo com a individualidade do garanhão com relação a doses, protocolos, vias de administração e combinações de fármacos.(AU)

Ejaculation is a complex process of neurophysiological events synchronized in coordination with various systems and organs. Before the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ejaculation was an absolutely essential step in reproduction. Ejaculatory disorders, in turn, are characterized by the nonoccurrence of the ejaculatory process, even if all other parameters related to sexual behavior are normal. The main causes of these failures or changes in ejaculation are related to painful sensitivity during copulation, retrograde ejaculation, psychogenic dysfunction, obstructions of the male reproductive system, urospermia, oligospermia, azoospermia, in addition to failures in the contraction of the smooth muscles of the genital tract or musculoskeletal disorders and neurological. Treatment is dependent on the primary cause of each change. Pain control, management adjustments, increased stimulus before collection associated with pharmacological treatments that act on penile neuromotor synapses tend to resolve the main ejaculatory disorders, taking into account that the responses to these treatments vary according to the individuality of the stallion with regard to dosages, protocols, routes of administration and drug combinations.(AU)

Reproductive behavior of Pantaneiros sheep, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

The objective was to evaluate fertility, cyclicality behavior, and sexual performance of Pantaneiro sheep throughout the year's photoperiods in Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment one, the ewes used aged between 2 and 4 years, distributed in three homogeneous groups of 54 animals and subjected to reproductive evaluation in three different predefined luminosity periods, consisting of autumn (11h 45 min.), spring (12h 30 min.), and summer (12h 55 min.). The characteristics studied were body weight (BW), body condition score (BCC), estrus distribution (EST), percentage of pregnant females per cycle (%P), plasma progesterone (PP), and fertility (F) in the three predefined seasons. The mating system used was controlled natural nocturnal and lasted for 45 days. Experiment two, evaluated the ram sexual activity. The males (10) were individually exposed to four ovariectomized ewes. The ewes cycled during evaluated seasons, and the highest fertility was observed in animals with BCC >2.75. The PP concentration differed among periods, and higher conception rates (F) were observed in autumn and spring. The rams (75%) had a medium of sexual performance when they performed more than two ejaculations in 20 min throughout the seasons. Pantaneiro sheep of both genders had a similar fertility index, with early and constant activity throughout the year, displaying no photoperiodism or seasonality.

Cetose subclínica e seu impacto no desempenho reprodutivo de vacas leiteiras: revisão de literatura / Subclinical ketosis and its impact on the reproductive performance of dairy cows: literature review

A cetose, conhecida também como acetonemia, é um distúrbio metabólico que afeta principalmente vacas leiteiras de alta produção. A elevação anormal de corpos cetônicos nos tecidos e fluidos corporais do animal ocorre devido a um déficit de energia. A quantidade de alimento/nutrientes ingeridos não é suficiente para suprir a demanda corporal do mesmo, assim como a eficiência reprodutiva que está diretamente ligada à saúde, condição corporal e sua capacidade de produção. Animais de alta produção possuem um desafio muito grande de aumentar a produção a cada lactação, com isso, estão susceptíveis a mudanças metabólicas, entre elas a cetose, clínica ou subclínica. Tal enfermidade ocorre devido a uma má adaptação metabólica do animal a sua nova condição de lactante. A elevada incidência de doenças uterinas no pós-parto de vacas leiteiras é responsável por inúmeros prejuízos para a atividade, principalmente pela redução da eficiência reprodutiva das vacas acometidas por infecções. Contudo, visto que a cetose subclínica prevalece nos rebanhos leiteiros de alta produção, o objetivo desta revisão de literatura é apresentar a patogenia e os efeitos que esse distúrbio metabólico têm sobre a reprodução das vacas de aptidão leiteira no após o parto, utilizando de indicadores como taxa de prenhez, taxa de concepção, retorno a ciclicidade, intervalo entre partos e intervalo entre parto e estro.(AU)

Ketosis, also known as acetonemia, is a metabolic disorder that primarily affects high-yielding dairy cows. The abnormal elevation of ketone bodies in the animal's tissues and body fluids occurs due to an energy deficit. The amount of food/nutrients ingested are not enough to supply the body's demand, as well as the reproductive efficiency that is directly linked to health, body condition and its production capacity. High production animals have a very big challenge to increase production with each lactation, therefore, they are susceptible to metabolic changes, including clinical or subclinical ketosis. Such a disease occurs due to a poor metabolic adaptation of the animal to its new lactating condition. The high incidence of uterine diseases in the postpartum period of dairy cows is responsible for numerous losses to the activity, mainly for the reduction of the reproductive efficiency of cows affected by infections. However, since subclinical ketosis prevails in high production dairy herds, the objective of this literature review is to present the pathogenesis and the effects that this metabolic disorder has on the reproduction of dairy cows in the postpartum period, using indicators such as pregnancy rate, conception rate, return to cyclicity, calving interval and calving-estrus interval.(AU)

Sexual motivation and performance in sexual naïve and experienced rats treated with ivermectin: an ultrasonic vocalization study / Motivação e desempenho sexual em ratos com e sem experiência sexual tratados com ivermectina: um estudo da vocalização ultrassônica

In mammals, ivermectin acts as a GABAA receptor agonist and stimulates GABA release. Previous studies showed that ivermectin (IVM) reduces sexual performance, impairing the latency to the first mount and intromission. These parameters are usually considered motivational parameters of sexual behavior. However, IVM increases GABAergic activity leading to motor incoordination. Thus, it is reasonable to propose that IVM affects sexual performance via motor incoordination pathways. The present study analyzed ultrasonic vocalization in rats to verify whether IVM impairs sexual behavior via motivational mechanisms or motor impairment. Because sexual experience attenuates the impairment of motor performance, rats with sexual experience were also studied. Sexually naive and experienced rats were administered a therapeutic IVM dose and saline. The rats were exposed to receptive females, and the latency to the first mount was evaluated, followed by the 50-kHz USV test. IVM treatment in naïve rats increased the latency to first to mount relative to Saline naïve rats, while no differences were observed between saline and experienced rats. In naïve-IVM rats, a reduced frequency and total calls and increased mean time of calls occur relative to SAL-naïve rats. Experienced IVM rats did not show differences in the frequency, mean, and maximal calls close to Saline experienced rats. However, an increase in the total calls and the dominant frequency of calls were observed in IVM-experienced rats compared to Saline experienced rats. A negative and positive correlation occurred between the latency to the first mount and USVs in groups with and without ivermectin exposure. Hence, we propose that ivermectin increased the sexual motivation of rats exposed to a female in estrous based in USVs despite an increased latency to the first mount that occurred. The increased latency to the first mount resulted from motor incoordination, as previously observed and proposed by our group.(AU)

Em mamíferos, a ivermectina (IVM) atua como agonista do receptor GABAA e estimula a liberação de GABA. Estudos anteriores mostraram que a IVM reduz o desempenho sexual, prejudicando a latência para a primeira monta e intromissão. Esses parâmetros são geralmente considerados parâmetros motivacionais do comportamento sexual. Por outro lado, a IVM aumenta a atividade GABAérgica levando à incoordenação motora. Assim, é possível que a IVM afete o desempenho sexual devido a um impedimento motor. O presente estudo analisou a vocalização ultrassônica em ratos para verificar se a IVM prejudica o comportamento sexual via mecanismos motivacionais ou comprometimento motor. Uma vez que a experiência sexual atenua o comprometimento do desempenho motor, também foram estudados ratos com experiência sexual. Ratos sexualmente inexperientes e experientes foram administrados com uma dose terapêutica de IVM ou solução salina IVM. Os ratos foram expostos a fêmeas receptivas e foi avaliada a latência para a primeira monta, seguida do teste de vocalização ultrassônica (USV) de 50 kHz. O tratamento com IVM em ratos inexperientes aumentou a latência para a primeira monta em relação a ratos inexperientes tratados com solução salina, enquanto não foram observadas diferenças entre ratos experientes tratados com IVM e solução salina. Em ratos inexperientes tratados com IVM ocorreu redução da frequência e total de USVs, bem como aumento do tempo médio de USVs em relação aos ratos sem experiência. Ratos experientes tratados com IVM não mostraram diferenças na frequência, média e máxima das USVs em relação aos ratos experientes tratados com solução salina; no entanto, observou-se aumento no total de USVs e na frequência dominante de USVS em ratos experientes tratados com IVM comparados aos experientes tratados com solução salina. Observou-se correlação negativa e positiva entre a latência para a primeira monta e USVs nos grupos sem e com experiência tratados com IVM, respectivamente. Assim, propomos que a IVM aumentou a motivação sexual de ratos expostos a uma fêmea em estro com base em USVs, apesar de apresentar aumento na latência para a primeira monta. O aumento da latência para a primeira monta foi atribuída à incoordenação motora, conforme observado anteriormente e proposto por nosso grupo.(AU)

Reproductive performance of fixed-time artificial insemination in heifers supplemented with a homeopathic complex / Desempenho reprodutivo à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em novilhas suplementadas com complexo homeopático

For this study, ½ blood Nelore × Aberdeen Angus heifers (n = 40; 14 months) were divided into two groups: control (n=20; 310 kg) and Pró-Cio (n=20; 304 kg). For Pró-Cio group, 20g of homeopathic product (Pró-cio®, Real H, Campo Grande, Brazil) was supplied together with corn eighteen days prior (D-18) to the beginning of the fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI). On D0, all females received an intravaginal P4 device and 2 mg BE. On D5, the AFC was assessed by ultrasound and blood was collected for AMH dosage. On D8, P4 device was removed; 300 IU eCG, 0.530 mg of cloprostenol sodium and 0.5 mg of EC were administered; an estrus-identifying adhesive was fixed at the tail insertion and the diameter of the dominant follicle (DF) was measured. On D10, all heifers were inseminated, estrus manifestation was assessed and the preovulatory follicle (POF) was measured. On D20, the CL area was measured and blood flow was assessed using Doppler ultrasound. Data were analyzed by Student, Mann-Whitney or Friedman test. The rates of heat expression, ovulation, and blood flow score with Doppler were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and pregnancy rate by binary logistic regression model (P ≤ 0.05). There was no difference in AFC or AMH dosage (P > 0.05). Pró-Cio group had greater diameters of the DF (9.94 ± 0.42 mm) and POF (11.61 ± 0.56 mm) than the controls (DF: 7.72 ± 0.34 mm and POF: 9.91 ± 0.37 mm), as well a larger CL area (3.26 ± 0.26 versus 2.35 ± 0.16 cm2) and a higher mean CL vascularization score (3.06 versus 2.26; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between estrus manifestation or conception rate for control and Pró-Cio groups. Heifers supplemented with the homeopathic product showed larger follicular diameters at the end of the FTAI protocol and CL with better blood flow scores compared to the control group.

Para esse estudo, novilhas ½ sangue Nelore x Aberdeen Angus (n = 40; 14 meses) foram divididas em dois grupos: Controle (n = 20; 310 kg) e Pró-cio (n = 20; 304 kg). Para o grupo Pró-Cio, 20 g/animal de produto homeopático (Pró-cio®, Real H, Campo Grande, Brazil) foi fornecido juntamente com o milho dezoito dias antes (D-18) de inicar o protocolo de inseminaçãoa artificial em tempo-fixo (IATF). No D0, todas as fêmeas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal de P4 e 2 mg BE. No D5, avaliou-se a contagem de folículos antrais (CFA) por ultrassonografia e realizou-se coleta de sangue para dosagem de AMH. No D8, procedeu-se a retirada do dispositivo de P4; aplicação de 300 UI de eCG, 0,530 mg de cloprostenol sódico e 0,5 mg de CE; um adesivo identificador de estro foi fixado na inserção da cauda e foi feita a mensuração do diâmetro do folículo dominante (FD). No D10, todas as novilhas foram inseminadas, foi realizada a avaliação da manifestação de estro e mensuração do folículo pré-ovulatório (FPO). No D20, realizou-se mensuração da área e avaliação do fluxo sanguíneo do CL por ultrassonografia Doppler. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes de Student, Mann-Whitney ou Friedman. As taxas de expressão de estro, ovulação e escore de fluxo sanguíneo com Doppler foram analisadas usando o teste exato de Fisher e taxa de prenhez pelo modelo de regressão logística binária (p ≤ 0,05). Não houve diferença na CFA nem na dosagem de AMH (p > 0,05). O grupo PróCio apresentou maior diâmetro do FD (9,94 ± 0,42 mm) e FPO (11,61 ± 0,56 mm) em relação ao controle (FD: 7,72 ± 0,34 mm e FPO: 9,91 ± 0,37 mm), além de maior área do CL (3,26 ± 0,26 versus 2,35 ± 0,16 cm2; p < 0,05) e maior escore de vascularização médio do CL (3,06 versus 2,26; p < 0,05). Não houve diferença (p > 0,05) na taxa de manifestação de estro e nem na taxa de concepção entre os grupos Controle e Pró-Cio, respectivamente. Novilhas suplementadas com o produto homeopático apresentaram maiores diâmetros foliculares ao final do protocolo de IATF e CL com melhores escores de fluxo sanguíneo em relação ao grupo controle.

Avaliação do desperdício de alimentos em unidade escolar em Niterói-RJ / Evaluation of food waste in school unit in Niterói-RJ

O objetivo do estudo foi quantificar as perdas geradas após o almoço e determinar se as taxas de sobras e restoingestão estavam dentro do padrão adequado em uma unidade escolar localizada em Niterói-RJ. A avaliação do desperdício foi realizada por meio da pesagem dos alimentos produzidos em 04 (quatro) dias não consecutivos, em um refeitório que atende em média 250 crianças com idade entre 3 a 12 anos, além de uma média de 22 funcionários, totalizando em 272 comensais. Os resultados apresentados estão acima dos 10%, sendo classificados como inaceitáveis como valores de sobras e resto-ingestão, respectivamente, de 76,29 kg e 68,88 kg de alimentos. Concluindo, portanto, que houve uma média elevada de desperdício do buffet durante os dias de estudo, sendo recomendável traçar estratégias para amenizar tal problema.(AU)

The aim of the study was to quantify the losses generated after lunch and determine whether the rates of leftovers and restintake were within the appropriate standard in a school unit located in Niterói-RJ. The waste assessment was performed by weighing the food produced on 04 (four) non-consecutive days, in a school cafeteria that serves on average 250 children aged 3 to 12 years, in addition to an average of 22 employees, totaling 272 diners. The results presented are above 10%, being classified as unacceptable as values of leftovers and rest-intake, respectively, of 76.29 kg and 68.88 kg of food. Concluding, therefore, that there was a high average of buffet waste during the study days, and it is recommended to outline strategies to soften this problem.(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.

Influence of exogenous corticosterone on testicular function and mating behavior of Nigerian indigenous cocks

In bridging the knowledge gap on stress physiology of Nigerian indigenous chickens, this study investigated the effect of exogenous corticosterone (eCORT) as stress inducing agent on the testicular function and mating behavior of Nigerian indigenous cocks. Twenty-four (24) cocks and one hundred and forty four (144) hens (mating ratio of 1 cock: 6 hens) were grouped into four and assigned to each of the four eCORT treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6 mgeCORT/KgBW) daily for 14 days. Semen samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 14 and analyzed for semen volume (SV), progressive sperm motility (PSM), membrane integrity (MI) and sperm abnormality (SA). Mating behaviors were monitored on days 3, 5 and 8. Blood samples, for hormonal (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Testosterone (TEST) and stress analysis (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, H/L) were collected from brachial vein on days 7 and 14. On day 15, cocks were euthanized and testes harvested for histomorphometry. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis, one­way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests all in SPSS 23. Administration of 4 mgeCORT/KgBW declined (P0.05) influence on the mating behaviors, H/L ratio, FSH and TEST. However, 2 mgeCORT/KgBW enhanced LH levels. Administration of eCORT did not affect the testicular epithelial height and seminiferous tubular diameter. In conclusion, optimal stress induced by eCORT impaired semen quality but with less impact on reproductive hormones, H/L and mating behaviors of intensively raised Nigerian indigenous cocks.(AU)

Climate impacts on reproductive performance of Romanov sheep in the moderate climate

This study aimed to investigate the climatological impacts of air temperature, sunshine duration, and rain precipitation, in a moderate climate, on the reproductive performance of Romanov sheep in the continental part of Croatia, during two consecutive years (2019-2020). Our study included 549 matings with 520 successful conceptions at 5 Romanov sheep farms, and the fertility rate was 94.72%. The percentage of lambs delivered in winter was 53.27% (n = 277), in spring 20.19% (n = 105), in summer 14.23% (n = 74) and 12.31% in autumn (n = 64). According to percentile ranks and classification ratings, thermal conditions have been described as very warm (during 2019-2020), while precipitation conditions, expressed in percentiles, were wet (during 2019) but dry (during 2020) for this region. The peak of sexual activity was from mid-August until October in 2019 and from the end of August to November in 2020 for Romanov sheep in northwestern (NW) Croatia. A Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in the number of pregnant ewes during the different mating seasons in the year (p < 0.001). Therefore, we can assume that air temperature, precipitation volume, and sunshine duration during the different seasons could impact the reproductive performance of Romanov sheep in a moderate climate.

Low versus high antral follicle count on the fertility of timed AI Nelore heifers / Baixa versus alta contagem de folículos antrais na fertilidade de novilhas Nelore inseminadas em tempo-fixo

This study aimed to determine the effect of antral follicle count (AFC), and pubertal status on the fertility of beef heifers. In this study, 230 Nelore heifers, 20±2 months of age, were subjected to an estradiol progesterone-based timed artificial insemination (TAI) program. On Day 0 of the TAI protocol, the heifers were examined by transrectal ultrasound to record videos of the ovaries. Later, in the darkroom of the laboratory of images, the videos were analyzed for AFC (≥ 3 mm) of each ovary. Females who failed the first TAI were resynchronized with the same hormonal protocol. The pregnancy status was evaluated by ultrasonography 30 days after each FTAI. The general mean of the AFC was 22.0 follicles. Thus, the heifers were divided into 2 groups according to AFC: Low AFC (˂ 22 follicles, n = 114), and High AFC (≥ 22 follicles, n = 116). No differences (P > 0.05) in the pregnancy per AI (P/AI) were observed between the Low and High AFC groups, and between pubertal and prepubertal categories. The P/AI was not different between heifers that displayed or did not estrus (P = 0.2). However, considering the estrus response of each AFC group, High AFC heifers that displayed estrus had greater P/AI (P = 0.01) than High AFC heifers that did not display estrus. In summary, AFC and pubertal status did not affect the fertility of Nelore heifers. In contrast, the P/AI of heifers that did not display estrus was lower than heifers observed in estrus only in the High AFC group.(AU)

Esse estudo teve como objetivo determinar o efeito da contagem de folículos antrais (CFA) e da maturidade sexual na fertilidade de novilhas de corte. Neste estudo, 230 novilhas Nelore, com 20 ± 2 meses de idade, foram submetidas a um protocolo de inseminação em tempo-fixo (IATF) a base de estradiol e progesterona. No Dia 0 do protocolo de IATF as novilhas foram examinadas por ultrassonografia transretal e vídeos dos ovários foram gravados para posterior CFA (≥ 3 mm) realizada na sala escura do laboratório de imagens. Trinta dias após a ultrassonografia, as fêmeas que falharam na primeira IATF foram ressincronizadas com o mesmo protocolo hormonal. A prenhez foi avaliada por ultrassonografia 30 dias após cada IATF. A média geral da CFA foi de 22 folículos; assim, as novilhas foram divididas em 2 grupos de acordo com a CFA: CFA baixa (˂ 22 folículos, n=114) e CFA alta (≥ 22 folículos, n=116). A prenhez por IA (P/IA) foi semelhante (P > 0,05) entre os grupos CFA baixa e alta e entre novilhas púberes e pré-púberes. A P/IA não foi diferente entre as novilhas que apresentaram ou não cio (P = 0,2). No entanto, novilhas com CFA alta que apresentaram cio tiveram maior P/IA (P = 0,01) do que novilhas com CFA alta que não apresentaram cio. Em conclusão, a CFA e a maturidade sexual não afetaram a fertilidade de novilhas. Por outro lado, a P/IA das novilhas que apresentaram cio foi maior do que das novilhas não observadas em cio apenas no grupo CFA alta.(AU)

Polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene affect the sexual performance of Rasa Aragonesa rams without changing their social dominance

This study aimed to investigate whether a specific genotype of the MTNR1A gene influences social dominance and reproductive performance in rams. Thirty-one rams were genotyped for Rsal and Mnll polymorphism of the gene: CC (n=19), CT (n=5), and TT (n=7), and GG (n=20), GA (n=6), or AA (n=5), respectively. Maintenance (standing still, lying down, drinking, feeding, walking, or stereotyping) and social behavior (agonistic and antagonistic interactions among rams) were recorded by direct observations involving instantaneous scan sampling and continuous behavior sampling. For each animal, his Index of Success (IS) and Displacement (ID) were calculated. One week after the social-behavioral observations, rams were tested in individual serving-capacity tests involving three ewes that were synchronized into estrus in a 15-m2 pen for 20 min. The genotypes did not differ in the number of aggressions they performed (CC: 88.95±12.85; CT: 106.20±21.00; TT: 70.43±8.50; GG: 76.05±8.72; GA: 119.00±16.16; AA: 95.80±36.39) or received (CC:75.79±5.82; CT:92.40±8.68; TT: 86.14±15.05; GG: 79.25±6.58; GA: 86.83±11.51; AA: 79.80±12.74), and their active and passive behaviors were similar. The genotypes did not differ significantly in IS or ID, and the proportion of rams in each success category was similar among groups. For the Rsal and Mnll polymorphism, TT and GG rams were responsible for 54% and 56% of recorded sexual events (P < 0.05), respectively. Results of this study confirm that the best sexual performance of rams was among those that carried certain genotypes of the MTNR1A gene. Still, it was not correlated with differences in social dominance.

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)