Voracity, reaction to stings, and survival of domestic hens when feeding on the yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus)

Abstract Background: Scorpionism is a worldwide problem that has already made thousands of victims, and multi-disciplinary approaches for controlling their populations are to be more successful. Hens are often mentioned as tools for controlling scorpions; however, systematic/experimental behavioral studies are not available. Moreover, there is no systematic information on the effect of scorpion venoms on hens. Using the venomous yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the present study aimed to clarify the following aspects: (1) voracity of hens, (2) how hens react when stung, (3) the effect of scorpion stings on hen behavior during attacks, and (4) hen survivorship after feeding on scorpions. Methods: We attracted hens with corn powder, offered them scorpions and then recorded the hen-scorpion interaction. To test the effects of the sting we manually removed the scorpions telson. Results: We found that some hens ate up to six scorpions within minutes. By means of an ethogram and drawings, we showed that they exhibited several aversive behaviors when capturing scorpions. Removal of the scorpion telson stopped the aversive reactions, which was not observed in the control group. Finally, hens did not exhibit atypical behaviors after 1, 7 and 30 days and were all alive after 30 days. Conclusion: This is the first empirical and video recorded study providing evidence that hens are clearly affected by scorpion venom but do not die. Therefore, they may have potential to be used in biological control of these arthropods.

Voracity, reaction to stings, and survival of domestic hens when feeding on the yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus)

Scorpionism is a worldwide problem that has already made thousands of victims, and multi-disciplinary approaches for controlling their populations are to be more successful. Hens are often mentioned as tools for controlling scorpions; however, systematic/experimental behavioral studies are not available. Moreover, there is no systematic information on the effect of scorpion venoms on hens. Using the venomous yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the present study aimed to clarify the following aspects: (1) voracity of hens, (2) how hens react when stung, (3) the effect of scorpion stings on hen behavior during attacks, and (4) hen survivorship after feeding on scorpions. Methods: We attracted hens with corn powder, offered them scorpions and then recorded the hen-scorpion interaction. To test the effects of the sting we manually removed the scorpion's telson. Results: We found that some hens ate up to six scorpions within minutes. By means of an ethogram and drawings, we showed that they exhibited several aversive behaviors when capturing scorpions. Removal of the scorpion telson stopped the aversive reactions, which was not observed in the control group. Finally, hens did not exhibit atypical behaviors after 1, 7 and 30 days and were all alive after 30 days. Conclusion: This is the first empirical and video recorded study providing evidence that hens are clearly affected by scorpion venom but do not die. Therefore, they may have potential to be used in biological control of these arthropods.(AU)

Effect of different rearing condition on early age in the maze, open-field, and aversive behaviours in the dairy cow during the first lactation

The aim of the study was to tested hypotheses that the primiparous cows behaviour is impacted by the method of rearing from the second day of life to weaning. 53 Holstein primiparous cows were used. They were reared in different ways during milk nutrition. Calf-heifers were assigned to one of five rearing groups on the second day after having nursed their mothers for 24 hours: H) hutch; HA) hutch, from 7 days pen with an automated drinking machine (ADM); MA) with mother, from 7 days pen with an ADM; MH) with mother, from 7 days hutch; MN) with mother, from 4 days with nursing cows. After weaning (56 days), all heifers were kept in group pens, after calving in free-stall housing. Maze learning ability was tested in the third month of lactation. In the 5th month, cows were observed in the open-field, in the seventh month they were subjected to an aversion test (AT). Group MN was the slowest in solving all tasks and HA the fastest. Differences were recorded among groups in the first-day evaluation (P < 0.01). No differences in open field tests were found. In the AT traversing, the slowest were groups H and HA, the fastest MH and MA (P < 0.01). The time of the first return was different (P < 0.001). On the first day, the most vocalized cows of the MN group (P < 0.05). The results show that the method used to rear heifers may have a significant impact on their maze and aversive behaviour.(AU)

Effect of different rearing condition on early age in the maze, open-field, and aversive behaviours in the dairy cow during the first lactation

The aim of the study was to tested hypotheses that the primiparous cow’s behaviour is impacted by the method of rearing from the second day of life to weaning. 53 Holstein primiparous cows were used. They were reared in different ways during milk nutrition. Calf-heifers were assigned to one of five rearing groups on the second day after having nursed their mothers for 24 hours: H) hutch; HA) hutch, from 7 days pen with an automated drinking machine (ADM); MA) with mother, from 7 days pen with an ADM; MH) with mother, from 7 days hutch; MN) with mother, from 4 days with nursing cows. After weaning (56 days), all heifers were kept in group pens, after calving in free-stall housing. Maze learning ability was tested in the third month of lactation. In the 5th month, cows were observed in the open-field, in the seventh month they were subjected to an aversion test (AT). Group MN was the slowest in solving all tasks and HA the fastest. Differences were recorded among groups in the first-day evaluation (P < 0.01). No differences in open field tests were found. In the AT traversing, the slowest were groups H and HA, the fastest MH and MA (P < 0.01). The time of the first return was different (P < 0.001). On the first day, the most vocalized cows of the MN group (P < 0.05). The results show that the method used to rear heifers may have a significant impact on their maze and aversive behaviour.

Uma discussão sobre controle aversivo em cães / A discussion on aversive control in dogs

Diante de uma crescente preocupação com a compreensão da etologia canina e dos processos em educação e treinamento de cães, uma demanda emergente reflete o desejo das pessoas em melhorias na qualidade das interações sociais interespecíficas. Campos científicos como a Etologia e a Psicologia Comportamental, ganham destaque na orientação e construção de conhecimento, assim como nos métodos de intervenção, visando bem-estar e qualidade social nas famílias multiespécies. Dentre as correntes cientificas que dão base a este cenário, em especial, a abordagem Behaviorista é predominante no cenário atual. Conceitos elementares da teoria de Skinner e do Comportamento Operante como Reforçamento e Controle Aversivo são constantemente discutidos e aplicados nos processos de educação canina e em contextos clínico comportamental. Porém, discordâncias teóricas e metodológicas são cada vez mais visíveis, polarizando opiniões e práticas. Diante do exposto, este artigo volta-se às críticas da teoria de Skinner em termos de Controle Aversivo nas práticas envolvendo educação e clínica comportamental de cães.

Faced with a growing concern with the understanding of canine ethology and processes in education and training, an emerging demand reflects people's desire for improvements in the quality of interspecific social interactions. Scientific fields such as Ethology and Behavioral Psychology have gained prominence in the orientation and construction of knowledge, as well as in intervention methods, aiming for social welfare and quality in multispecies families. Among the scientific currents that give basis to this scenario, in particular, the Behaviorist approach is predominant in the current scenario. Elementary concepts of Skinner's theory and Operant Behavior such as Reinforcement and Aversive Control are constantly discussed and applied in canine education processes and clinical behavioral contexts. However, theoretical and methodological disagreements are increasingly visible, polarizing opinions and practices. In the light of the above, this discussion turns to the critics of Skinner's theory in terms of Aversive Control in the practices involving education and behavioral clinic of dogs.

Uma discussão sobre controle aversivo em cães / A discussion on aversive control in dogs

Diante de uma crescente preocupação com a compreensão da etologia canina e dos processos em educação e treinamento de cães, uma demanda emergente reflete o desejo das pessoas em melhorias na qualidade das interações sociais interespecíficas. Campos científicos como a Etologia e a Psicologia Comportamental, ganham destaque na orientação e construção de conhecimento, assim como nos métodos de intervenção, visando bem-estar e qualidade social nas famílias multiespécies. Dentre as correntes cientificas que dão base a este cenário, em especial, a abordagem Behaviorista é predominante no cenário atual. Conceitos elementares da teoria de Skinner e do Comportamento Operante como Reforçamento e Controle Aversivo são constantemente discutidos e aplicados nos processos de educação canina e em contextos clínico comportamental. Porém, discordâncias teóricas e metodológicas são cada vez mais visíveis, polarizando opiniões e práticas. Diante do exposto, este artigo volta-se às críticas da teoria de Skinner em termos de Controle Aversivo nas práticas envolvendo educação e clínica comportamental de cães.(AU)

Faced with a growing concern with the understanding of canine ethology and processes in education and training, an emerging demand reflects people's desire for improvements in the quality of interspecific social interactions. Scientific fields such as Ethology and Behavioral Psychology have gained prominence in the orientation and construction of knowledge, as well as in intervention methods, aiming for social welfare and quality in multispecies families. Among the scientific currents that give basis to this scenario, in particular, the Behaviorist approach is predominant in the current scenario. Elementary concepts of Skinner's theory and Operant Behavior such as Reinforcement and Aversive Control are constantly discussed and applied in canine education processes and clinical behavioral contexts. However, theoretical and methodological disagreements are increasingly visible, polarizing opinions and practices. In the light of the above, this discussion turns to the critics of Skinner's theory in terms of Aversive Control in the practices involving education and behavioral clinic of dogs.(AU)

Behavioral alterations induced by repeated saxitoxin exposure in drinking water

Background: Blooms of the saxitoxin-producing cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii have been contaminating drinking water reservoirs in Brazil for many years. Although acute effects of saxitoxin intoxication are well known, chronic deleterious outcomes caused by repeated saxitoxin exposure still require further investigation. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of consumption of drinking water contaminated with C. raciborskii for 30 days on learning and memory processes in rats. Methods: The effects of saxitoxin (3 or 9 µg/L STX equivalents) or cyanobacteria on behavior was determined using the open field habituation task, elevated plus maze anxiety model task, inhibitory avoidance task, and referential Morris water maze task. Results: No effects of saxitoxin consumption was observed on anxiety and motor exploratory parameters in the elevated plus maze and open field habituation tasks, respectively. However, groups treated with 9 µg/L STX equivalents displayed a decreased memory performance in the inhibitory avoidance and Morris water maze tasks. Conclusions: These results suggest an amnesic effect of saxitoxin on aversive and spatial memories.(AU)

Caracterização de parâmetros comportamentais e morfológicos de camundongos BALB/C fêmeas mutantes do gene NOX3eqlb

Estudos utilizando camundongos mutantes equilíbrio (Nox3eqlb), doravante denominado eqlb, induzidos pelo agente químico ENU (N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea) são de grande importância por representarem um novo modelo nas investigações envolvendo distúrbios do sistema nervoso central tais como do sistema vestibular e cerebelo. Estudo anterior sugeriu que os eqlb apresentam menor interação social e agressividade; déficits na memória olfatória e na percepção espacial; aumento da atividade serotoninérgica no córtex frontal e redução do índice por área de astrócitos no colículo superior mesencefálico quando comparados ao seu grupo selvagem BALB/c. Objetivo: Neste trabalho se investigou em fêmeas o comportamento exploratório, o(a) aprendizado/memória, a preferência olfatória, a percepção espacial e a expressão do índice por área de astrócitos no colículo superior do mesencéfalo. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que, em relação aos camundongos BALB/c, as fêmeas eqlb apresentaram: i) redução na frequência de locomoção em campo aberto na primeira sessão de observação, sem modificações nos demais parâmetros da atividade geral em todas as sessões; ii) habituação à exposição em campo aberto similar aos camundongos BALB/c ; iii) redução no aprendizado/memória no teste de reconhecimento de objeto novo; iv) ausência da percepção do odor aversivo sem alterações na percepção do odor positivo no teste de escolha da preferência ao odor; v) aumento na imobilidade no teste de suspensão da cauda; e vi) redução do índice por área de astrócitos no colículo superior. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem uma possível relação do déficit da constituição celular do sistema nervoso central nos camundongos eqlb. Portanto, esse genótipo pode ser um importante modelo para o estudo de distúrbios do cerebelo in vivo.

KIATAQUI, K. E. Behavioral and morphological characterization of BALB / c mutant females of the NOX3eqlb gene. Advisor: Prof. Dr. Maria Martha Bernardi. Master's thesis (Environmental and Experimental Pathology) - Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, 2020. Studies using mutant equilibrium mice (Nox3eqlb) hereinafter eqlb, induced by the chemical agent ENU (N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea) are of great importance because they represent a new model in investigations involving vestibular and cerebellar system disorders. A previous study suggested that eqlb have less social interaction and aggressiveness; deficits in olfactory memory and spatial perception; increased serotonergic activity in the frontal cortex and reduced index by area of astrocytes in the mesencephalic superior colliculus. In this study, the exploratory behavior, learning / memory, olfactory preference, spatial perception, and the expression of the index by area of astrocytes in the central nervous system as the mesencephalic upper colliculus and cerebellum were investigated in mutant females. The results showed that in relation to the BALB / c female mice, the eqlb presented: i) reduction in the frequency of locomotion in the open field in the first session of observation, without changes in the other parameters of the general activity in all sessions; ii) habituation to exposure to the open field similar to BALB / c mice; iii) reduction in learning / memory in the new object recognition test; iv) absence of the perception of aversive odor without changes in the perception of positive odor in the test of choice of odor preference; v) increased immobility in the tail suspension test and vi) reduced index by area of astrocytes in the superior colliculus. The results suggest a possible relationship between the deficit in the cellular constitution of the central nervous system in eqlb.. Therefore, this mouse genotype can be an important model for the study of cerebellar disorders in vivo.

Behavioral alterations induced by repeated saxitoxin exposure in drinking water

Blooms of the saxitoxin-producing cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii have been contaminating drinking water reservoirs in Brazil for many years. Although acute effects of saxitoxin intoxication are well known, chronic deleterious outcomes caused by repeated saxitoxin exposure still require further investigation. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of consumption of drinking water contaminated with C. raciborskii for 30 days on learning and memory processes in rats. Methods The effects of saxitoxin (3 or 9 g/L STX equivalents) or cyanobacteria on behavior was determined using the open field habituation task, elevated plus maze anxiety model task, inhibitory avoidance task, and referential Morris water maze task. Results No effects of saxitoxin consumption was observed on anxiety and motor exploratory parameters in the elevated plus maze and open field habituation tasks, respectively. However, groups treated with 9 g/L STX equivalents displayed a decreased memory performance in the inhibitory avoidance and Morris water maze tasks. Conclusions These results suggest an amnesic effect of saxitoxin on aversive and spatial memories.(AU)

Behavioral alterations induced by repeated saxitoxin exposure in drinking water

Blooms of the saxitoxin-producing cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii have been contaminating drinking water reservoirs in Brazil for many years. Although acute effects of saxitoxin intoxication are well known, chronic deleterious outcomes caused by repeated saxitoxin exposure still require further investigation. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effects of consumption of drinking water contaminated with C. raciborskii for 30 days on learning and memory processes in rats. Methods The effects of saxitoxin (3 or 9 g/L STX equivalents) or cyanobacteria on behavior was determined using the open field habituation task, elevated plus maze anxiety model task, inhibitory avoidance task, and referential Morris water maze task. Results No effects of saxitoxin consumption was observed on anxiety and motor exploratory parameters in the elevated plus maze and open field habituation tasks, respectively. However, groups treated with 9 g/L STX equivalents displayed a decreased memory performance in the inhibitory avoidance and Morris water maze tasks. Conclusions These results suggest an amnesic effect of saxitoxin on aversive and spatial memories.

Rational management raises the Guzerat cattle welfare and improves the efficiency of vaccination work / Manejo racional eleva o bem-estar de bovinos Guzerá e melhora a eficiência do trabalho de vacinação

The experiment was done in the Teaching, Research and Extension Farm (FEPE -UNESP/Ilha Solteira). One hundred and twenty Guzerat cattle of different ages were used in the study: 40 mature cows, 40 yearling steers and 40 calves. Twenty animals of each category were vaccinated by rational management and the other 20 by conventional method. For calves, when they were submitted to rational management during the vaccination process, the management efficiency indicators showed lower averages, with lower time of work execution (P <0.001), repetitive introduction of the needle and bleeding at the injection site (P <0.05); as well as on the behaviors like reacting to the introduction of needle (P <0.01), body movement (P <0.001), jump up on another animal and attempting to or/jumping out of chute (P <0.05). In the category of mature cows, the rational management also resulted in lower values of vaccine losses (P <0.05), bleeding at the injection site, time of work execution and application of the vaccine in the wrong location (P <0.001), as well as some behaviors like reacting to the introduction of needle (P <0.01) and body movement (P <0.001). Similarly, the results obtained for yearling steers also showed significant differences between the two types of management used, with lowest average in the rational management on the indicators such as time of work execution and application of the vaccine in the wrong location (P <0.001), and behaviors such as body movement (P<0.01) and attempting to escape/jumping out of the chute (P <0.05). In this context, it is noted that the conventional management of vaccination possibly caused a sense of threat in animals, emphasizing fear and escape reactions, making the routine management more difficult, causing loss material and quality loss in the final product (beef), and increase the risk of accidents due to more aggressive behaviour toward the operator. (AU)

O experimento foi conduzido na seção de produção animal da Fazenda de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão (FEPE UNESP/Ilha Solteira). Foram utilizados 120 bovinos da raça Guzerá de diferentes idades, sendo: 40 fêmeas adultas, 40 machos jovens e 40 bezerros, dos quais 20 de cada categoria eram vacinados pelo método racional e os outros 20 pelo método convencional. Dentre os dados analisados, em relação à categoria de bezerros os indicadores de eficiência de manejo apresentaram médias menores quando submetidos ao manejo racional durante o processo de vacinação, com diminuição do tempo de execução do trabalho (P<0,001), introdução repetitiva da agulha e sangramento no local da aplicação (P<0,05); assim como nos percentuais de comportamentos como reagir à introdução da agulha (P<0,01), deslocamento (P<0,001), subir sobre outro animal e tentar fugir/pular do brete (P<0,05).Na categoria de fêmeas adultas, o manejo aplicado de forma racional também resultou em menores valores referentes aos indicadores de perda de dose de vacina (P<0,05), sangramento no local da aplicação, tempo de execução do trabalho e aplicação da vacina em local incorreto (P<0,001), bem como nos comportamentos de reagir à introdução da agulha (P<0,01) e deslocamento (P<0,001). Da mesma forma, os resultados referentes à categoria de machos jovens também demonstraram diferenças significativas em relação aos dois tipos de manejo empregados, observando-se no manejo racional menores médias em indicadores como tempo de execução do trabalho e aplicação da vacina em local incorreto (P<0,001), além de comportamentos como deslocamento (P<0,01) e tentativa de fugir/pular do brete (P<0,05). Neste contexto, nota-se que o manejo convencional demonstrou causar uma possível sensação de ameaça nos animais, ressaltando reações de fuga e medo que dificultam arotina de manejo, causando perdas de material e de qualidade no produto final, além de aumentar os riscos de acidentes de trabalho devido a um comportamento [...](AU)

Rational management raises the Guzerat cattle welfare and improves the efficiency of vaccination work / Manejo racional eleva o bem-estar de bovinos Guzerá e melhora a eficiência do trabalho de vacinação

The experiment was done in the Teaching, Research and Extension Farm (FEPE -UNESP/Ilha Solteira). One hundred and twenty Guzerat cattle of different ages were used in the study: 40 mature cows, 40 yearling steers and 40 calves. Twenty animals of each category were vaccinated by rational management and the other 20 by conventional method. For calves, when they were submitted to rational management during the vaccination process, the management efficiency indicators showed lower averages, with lower time of work execution (P <0.001), repetitive introduction of the needle and bleeding at the injection site (P <0.05); as well as on the behaviors like reacting to the introduction of needle (P <0.01), body movement (P <0.001), jump up on another animal and attempting to or/jumping out of chute (P <0.05). In the category of mature cows, the rational management also resulted in lower values of vaccine losses (P <0.05), bleeding at the injection site, time of work execution and application of the vaccine in the wrong location (P <0.001), as well as some behaviors like reacting to the introduction of needle (P <0.01) and body movement (P <0.001). Similarly, the results obtained for yearling steers also showed significant differences between the two types of management used, with lowest average in the rational management on the indicators such as time of work execution and application of the vaccine in the wrong location (P <0.001), and behaviors such as body movement (P<0.01) and attempting to escape/jumping out of the chute (P <0.05). In this context, it is noted that the conventional management of vaccination possibly caused a sense of threat in animals, emphasizing fear and escape reactions, making the routine management more difficult, causing loss material and quality loss in the final product (beef), and increase the risk of accidents due to more aggressive behaviour toward the operator.

O experimento foi conduzido na seção de produção animal da Fazenda de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão (FEPE – UNESP/Ilha Solteira). Foram utilizados 120 bovinos da raça Guzerá de diferentes idades, sendo: 40 fêmeas adultas, 40 machos jovens e 40 bezerros, dos quais 20 de cada categoria eram vacinados pelo método racional e os outros 20 pelo método convencional. Dentre os dados analisados, em relação à categoria de bezerros os indicadores de eficiência de manejo apresentaram médias menores quando submetidos ao manejo racional durante o processo de vacinação, com diminuição do tempo de execução do trabalho (P<0,001), introdução repetitiva da agulha e sangramento no local da aplicação (P<0,05); assim como nos percentuais de comportamentos como reagir à introdução da agulha (P<0,01), deslocamento (P<0,001), subir sobre outro animal e tentar fugir/pular do brete (P<0,05).Na categoria de fêmeas adultas, o manejo aplicado de forma racional também resultou em menores valores referentes aos indicadores de perda de dose de vacina (P<0,05), sangramento no local da aplicação, tempo de execução do trabalho e aplicação da vacina em local incorreto (P<0,001), bem como nos comportamentos de reagir à introdução da agulha (P<0,01) e deslocamento (P<0,001). Da mesma forma, os resultados referentes à categoria de machos jovens também demonstraram diferenças significativas em relação aos dois tipos de manejo empregados, observando-se no manejo racional menores médias em indicadores como tempo de execução do trabalho e aplicação da vacina em local incorreto (P<0,001), além de comportamentos como deslocamento (P<0,01) e tentativa de fugir/pular do brete (P<0,05). Neste contexto, nota-se que o manejo convencional demonstrou causar uma possível sensação de ameaça nos animais, ressaltando reações de fuga e medo que dificultam arotina de manejo, causando perdas de material e de qualidade no produto final, além de aumentar os riscos de acidentes de trabalho devido a um comportamento [...]

Effect of aversive treatment on lactating piglets behavior / Efeito de um tratamento aversivo no comportamento de leitões em lactação

The work aims to analize the behavior response and the ability to cope stressors when the piglets are exposed to aggressive treatment during the lactation phase. The behavior of 40 piglets was observed from birth to weaning (28 days). In the first fifteen days the observations were done every three days, with an interval of another three days. After this period, the observations were done once a week.  Over a period of three hours, every five minutes it was registered the animal behavior. The group was divided into two treatments: rational group, where 18 piglets had minimal interaction with people and it was permitted the routine practice without sudden movements and loud sounds; and the aversive treatment, where 22 piglets received the daily routine of the farm, however, on every half hour during observations the observer performed a direct threat to the sow going into the cage with a flag and abruptly approach the animal, shouting or clapping. To avoid visual contact with the observer, he was located behind the maternity cage. Analysis of variance with fixed effects of time and time and means were compared by Tukey test or T at 5% of significance. In aversive treatment piglets spent most time at rest or exploring (P>0.05). However, in rational treatment the piglets remained resting most of the time (P 0.05). The interactions between pigs in the first phase of life are

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

VALIDAÇÃO DE MÉTODOS NÃO INVASIVOS PARA MONITORAR O ESTRESSE EM PACAS (Cuniculus paca) CRIADAS EM CATIVEIRO

Para avaliar as condições em que os animais são criados pode-se usar medidas fisiológicas, pois em condições de bem-estar empobrecido normalmente ocorre elevação na produção de glicocorticoides produzidos pelas glândulas adrenais que posteriormente são excretados nas fezes na forma de metabólitos. O incremento desses metabólitos, contudo, não é exclusivo de situações aversivas. Por isso, recomenda-se a análise de dados comportamentais para a interpretação mais correta das medidas hormonais. Por esses motivos, nesse estudo foi testada a hipótese de que é possível monitorar a atividade da glândula adrenal de paca (Cuniculus paca) por meio da concentração de metabólitos de glicocorticoides nas fezes (MGCF) e pela alteração na expressão de comportamentos da espécie. Testou-se também a hipótese que o estresse altera o consumo alimentar e o aproveitamento de nutrientes dos alimentos pela paca. Para esses fins, foram usados quatro machos adultos que, em delineamento em quadrado latino (4x4) e mantidos em gaiolas de metabolismo, foram submetidos ao teste de desafio do hormônio adrenocorticotrófico (ACTH) exógeno. Os quatro tratamentos utilizados foram: sem manejo; injeção de solução salina; injeção de ACTH baixo (0,18 mL ACTH) e injeção de ACTH alto (0,37 mL ACTH). Amostras de fezes e dos alimentos consumidos foram coletadas e analisadas para determinar os coeficientes de digestibilidade dos nutrientes. Adicionalmente, foi medida a concentração de MGCF. Complementarmente, imagens dos animais foram gravadas continuamente para comparar as proporções de tempo gasta nos padrões comportamentais alimentar, exploratório, inativo, conforto e pacing em razão dos tratamentos e dias de observação. Por meio de ensaio imunoenzimático, usando anticorpo para cortisol, verificou-se um pico na concentração de MGCF, nas fezes coletadas no dia seguinte após aplicação do tratamento ACTH alto. Além disso, determinou-se a concentração média basal para MGCF em 36,0 (±11,7) ng/g de fezes secas, sem variação na excreção de MGCF ao longo das horas do dia. Durante o dia de aplicação dos tratamentos, as pacas foram observadas mais tempo inativas (60,1 ± 27,5%, P < 0.001) e menos tempo se alimentando (13.5 ± 19.0%, P < 0.001) em relação aos outros dias de observação (33,9 ± 21,9% e 39.4 ± 10.6%, respectivamente). Não se verificou, contudo, variação no consumo de MS digestibilidade de nutrientes (P > 0.05) entre os tratamentos. Mas observamos que todas as pacas consumiram uma quantidade inferior de N digestível ao recomendado para a espécies. Isso ocorreu, provavelmente, devido ao processo de empatia: animais que passaram por ambos os tratamentos controle (sem manejo e solução salina), apresentaram médias similares de consumo alimentar e digestibilidade dos nutrientes dos animais submetidos a estresse agudo causado pela injeção das duas doses de ACTH. Conclui-se que é possível usar a concentração de MGCF, utilizando EIA com anticorpo cortisol, para monitoramento não invasivo do estresse na paca. Pode-se usar também a proporção de tempo gasto em alimentação e inatividade, como indicadores de estresse para a paca.

To assess the conditions in which animals are reared can be used physiological measures, because in conditions of poor welfare normally it occurs rise in the production of glicocorticoides produced for the adrenal glands which subsequently are excreted in the feces in the form of metabolites. The increment of these metabolites, however, is not exclusive of Aversive situations. Therefore, it is recommended that the analysis of behavioral data for the correct interpretation of the hormonal action. For these reasons, this study has tested the hypothesis that it is possible to monitor the activity of the adrenal gland of paca (Cuniculus paca) through the concentration of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGCM) and by the alteration in the expression of behavior of the species. It is also tested the hypothesis the stress alters the food consumption and utilization of nutrients from the foods by paca. For these purposes, were used four adult males who, in a randomized latin square design (4x4) and kept in cages of metabolism, were submitted to a challenge test adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) exogenous. The four treatments were used: unhandled; injection of saline solution; injection of ACTH is low (0.18 mL ACTH) and injection of ACTH high (0.37 mL ACTH). Samples of feces and of foods consumed were collected and analyzed to determine the coefficients of digestibility of nutrients. Additionally, the FGCM concentration was measured. Complementarily, images of the animals were recorded continuously to compare the spent ratios of time them behavioural standards alimentary, exploratório, inactive, comfort and pacing due to the treatments and days of observation. By immunoenzyme assay using antibody to cortisol, there was a peak in the concentration of FGCM, in feces collected in the day following application of high ACTH treatment. Moreover, we determined the average concentration baseline to FGCM in 36.0 (± 11.7) ng/g of dry feces, without variation in the excretion of FGCM along the hours of the day. During the day of application of treatments, the pacas were observed more time inactive (60.1 ± 27.5%, P < 0,001) and less time feeding (13.5 ± 19.0%, P < 0,001) in relation to the other days of observation (33.9 ± 21.9% and 39.4 ± 10.6%, respectively). However, we did not variation in the quantity the consumption of DM and digestibility of nutrients (P > 0.05) between the treatments. But we noticed that all of the pacas consumed a lower amount of digestible N recommended for the species. This probably occurred due to the process of empathy: animals that have passed through the two control treatments (unhandled and saline solution), presented similar averages of food intake and digestibility of nutrients of animals submitted to acute stress caused by the injection of two doses of ACTH. We conclude that it is possible to use the concentration of FGCM, using EIA with cortisol antibody, for non-invasive monitoring of stress in the paca. You can also use the proportion of time spent on food and inactivity, as indicators of stress for the paca.

Restricted suckling: Are calves less reactive when subjected to an aversive handling? / Mamada controlada: Animais são menos reativos quando submetidos a um manejo aversivo?

The restricted suckling requires the daily handling of calves and cows for their separation, increasing the frequency of contact with humans. Thus, when subjected to aversive handling procedures such as fire branding, it is expected that these individuals present lower reactivity due to their close intimacy with humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fire branding procedure on the flight speed of calves subjected or not the restricted suckling. We used 70 calves from Nellore, Guzerath purebreds and their crosses, allocated into two treatments: Permanent suckling (PS) - 17 females and 18 males aged 212 (± 33.27) days, remained continuously with their dams and; restricted suckling (RS) - 16 females and 19 males aged 232 (± 42.39) days, daily separated from their dams during the breeding season (90 days of duration). A handling was done (D0) to evaluate the flight speed (FS) of the calves, this handling consisted only of physical restraint on the squeeze chute, followed by the release and recording of the speed (in m/s) at which the animals exited the chute to a pen of the corral. The next day (D1) a second handling was carried out with the same individuals, performing the aversive handling that consisted of physical restraining in the chute, fire branding and, only on females, the application of brucellosis vaccine (according to the IN n.33, 24th August 2007,

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

Aversão alimentar condicionada no controle de surtos de intoxicações por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa e Turbina cordata em caprinos / Conditioned food aversion to control outbreaks of poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa and Turbina cordata in goats

A aversão alimentar condicionada é uma técnica que pode ser utilizada em animais para evitar a ingestão de plantas tóxicas. A técnica foi utilizada em uma fazenda para controlar a intoxicação por Turbina cordata e em outra para Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa. Os caprinos eram presos à noite, e na manhã do dia seguinte lhes era ofertada a planta verde, recém-colhida, por dez minutos. Os caprinos que ingerissem qualquer quantidade da planta eram identificados, pesados e tratados com LiCl na dose de 175mg/kg peso vivo através de sonda esofágica. No rebanho da fazenda na que havia T. cordata a técnica foi aplicada a cada dois meses durante o período em que a planta é encontrada. Durante todo o experimento, de dezembro de 2009 a abril de 2011 não ocorreu nenhum novo caso de intoxicação no rebanho e diminuiu gradualmente o número de animais avertidos e a quantidade de planta que ingeriam os mesmos durante o processo de aversão. Na fazenda na que ocorria intoxicação por I. carnea a maioria de rebanho foi avertido em dezembro de 2010, 15-20 dias antes do início das chuvas, e os animais não ingeriram a planta espontaneamente no campo até setembro-outubro de 2011, durante o período da seca, quando havia extrema carência de forragem e iniciaram a ingerir a planta no campo. Posteriormente, apesar de três tratamentos aversivos com 21 dias de intervalo, os animais continuaram a ingerir a planta e ocorreram casos clínicos. A técnica de aversão alimentar condicionada demonstrou ser eficiente e viável para o controle da intoxicação por T. cordata. Para a intoxicação por I. carnea a técnica impediu a ingestão da planta somente durante a época de chuvas, mas não durante a seca, quando há pouca disponibilidade de forragem. A diferença nos resultados com as duas plantas é, aparentemente, resultante das condições epidemiológicas diferentes nas que ocorrem as intoxicações. T. cordata desaparece durante a maior parte do período de seca. A planta rebrota e fica verde durante o fim de seca, quando diminui a oferta de forragem, por curto espaço de tempo, permanecendo verde durante a época de chuvas. I. carnea, por crescer próximas as fontes de água, em áreas húmidas, permanece verde durante todo o período da seca, quando é maior a escassez de forragem, favorecendo desta forma a ingestão da planta pelos animais.(AU)

Conditioned food aversion is used to train livestock to avoid the ingestion of toxic plants. This technique was used to control Turbina cordata poisoning in goats in one farm, and to control Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa poisoning in another farm. The goats were penned at night and the next morning the green plants were offered for 10 minutes. Goats that ingested any amount of the plant were treated through a gastric tube with 175mg of LiCl/kg body weight. In the flock in which the poisoning by T. cordata was occurring, the goats were averted every two months during the period that the plant was found in the pastures. During the experiment, from December 2009 to April 2011, new cases of poisoning were not observed, and there was a progressive decrease in the number of goats that ingested the plant and were averted. In the farm where I. carnea poisoning was occurring, most of the goats were averted in December 2010, 15-20 days before the first rains. The goats of this flock did not ingest the plant spontaneously in the field until September-October 2011, when, due to the dry season, there was a severe forage shortage, and the goats started to ingest the plant in the field. Later, despite three aversive treatments with 21 days intervals, the goats continued to ingest the plant and some animals became poisoned. In conclusion, conditioned food aversion was effective in to control intoxication by T. cordata. The technique was also effective in conditioning goats to avoid consuming I. carnea during the rainy season, but not during the dry season, with low forage availability in the field. The differences in these results seem to be due to the epidemiology of both poisonings: T. cordata is senescent and unavailable during most of the dry period, and green biomass is typically available either at the very end of the dry season, for a short period of time, and during the rainy season when there is no shortage of forage. In contrast, I. carnea grows in wet areas near water sources, and stays green during the dry period when there is a lack of other forage.(AU)

COMPORTAMENTO INGESTIVO DE VACAS EM LACTAÇÃO ALIMENTADAS COM DIETAS CONTENDO TANINO

Objetivou-se a partir dessa revisão, abordar aspectos ligados a influência da presença de tanino no comportamento ingestivo de vacas em lactação, a partir de relatos encontrados na literatura vigente. Foram abordadas informações que retratam da influência de compostos do metabolismo secundário dos vegetais na alimentação de ruminantes, sobretudo, taninos e bovinos leiteiros, com enfoque na maneira como que esses animais reagem com a presença desses compostos em sua alimentação. A partir do que foi observado, verificou-se que a presença de alimentos contendo tanino, causam alterações no comportamento ingestivo e podem afetar o desempenho dos animais. Assim, os animais se utilizam de uma série de mecanismos interligados, que vão desde alterações fisiológicas a mudanças comportamentais, para contornar os efeitos negativos causado pela presença de tanino na dieta. Dessa forma, os animais modulam seu comportamento ingestivo através de experiências e aprendizados alimentares anteriores, havendo a evitação ou diminuição da ingestão de alimentos que se tornam aversivos ao seu paladar. Ademais, os animais se utilizam das características sensoriais proferidas pelos alimentos para criar sabores específicos, pelo qual ele pode associar um determinado alimento com consequências pós-ingestiva e assim modificar o seu comportamento ingestivo. Assim, sugere-se que ocorram alternativas de manejo eficientes para evitar que os animais venham a ingerir espécies de plantas que contenham compostos tóxicos ou com características de adstringência a seu paladar, e dessa forma evitar que ocorram situações pós-ingestiva negativas que venha a modificar o seu comportamento ingestivo causando perdas de desempenho.

The objective since this revision, addressing aspects linked the influence of tannin in the feeding behavior of lactating cows, from reports found in the current literature. Information were addressed to portray the influence of the secondary metabolism of the plant compounds in ruminant feed mainly tannins and dairy cattle, with a focus on how these animals cope with the presence of these compounds in their food. From what was observed, it was found that the presence of foods containing tannin, cause changes in feeding behavior and can depreciate the performance of the animals. Thus, the animals using a series of interrelated mechanisms, ranging from physiological changes behavioral changes, to circumvent the negative effects caused by the presence of tannin in the diet. Thus, the animals model the feeding behavior through previous experiences and learnings food, with the avoidance or reduction of food intake that become aversive to your palate. In addition, the animals use sensory characteristics handed down by the food to create specific flavors, for which he can associate a particular food with post-ingestive consequences and thus change their feeding behavior. Thus, it is suggested that occur efficient management options to avoid that the animals will ingest plant species that contain toxic compounds or astringency characteristic to his taste, and thereby prevent causing negative post-ingestive situations that may modify its feeding behavior causing performance losses.

Indicadores do bem-estar na cria de bezerras em diferentes sistemas de criação

Em sistemas leiteiros a fase de criação de bezerras é uma das fases que detém a atenção dos produtores por ser considerada de elevado custo, principalmente pela duração e o uso de leite integral para alimentação dos animais, uma vez que esse deveria estar compondo a receita de produto destinado ao consumo humano. Nesse aspecto é necessário o uso de alternativas nos sistemas de criação que permitam ao produtor encontrar o equilíbrio entre a criação eficiente, condições adequadas de bemestar animal e a rentabilidade econômica do sistema. Objetivou-se avaliar indicadores de bem-estar animal em diferentes sistemas de cria de bezerras de leite. Foram realizadas coletas de dados para caracterizar desempenho, comportamento ingestivo, comportamento social, reatividade, parâmetros sanguíneos e fecais dos animais em sistemas de criação individualizada e criação coletiva. Foram utilizados 10 animais experimentais da raça Jersey, divididos em dois lotes de manejo. O experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Clima Temperado, Estação Experimental Terras Baixas, no município do Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul. O desempenho assim como o desenvolvimento biométrico foram semelhantes independentemente do tipo de alojamento (P>0,05). Bezerras alojadas individualmente passaram mais tempo past ejando quando comparadas as do alojamento coletivo. Os parâmetros sanguíneos não foram alterados em função do tipo de alojamento, porém a carga parasitária foi maior para animais alojados individualmente após o tratamento recomendado. O alojamento coletivo permite a interação, socialização e estabelecimento da hierarquia de grupo, fundamental para desenvolver habilidades e o aprendizado, e o tempo destinado a essa atividade foi em média de 459,55 minutos/dia. Não foram detectadas diferenças (P>0,0005) para os parâmetros de comportamento ingestivo relativos aos tempos destinados a ruminação, ócio e consumo de água, porém foram encontradas diferenças para o tempo destinado a atividade de pastejo (P=0,0056) e ao consumo de feno (P<0,0001) para os diferentes sistemas de alojamento. O desenvolvimento de comportamentos comportamento ingestivo e o social, podem ser estabelecidos e consolidados na fase de aleitamento e são ferramentas importantes promover o bem-estar animal nos sistemas de criação. A criação em alojamento coletivo proporcionou desenvolver habilidades dos animais fundamentais ao aprendizado e a capacidade estabelecer as interações de grupo. A reatividade de bezerras leiteiras não demonstra estar associada com o sistema de criação, e demonstra estar relacionada com o tipo de manejo preconizado pelos tratadores na rotina, pois manejos aversivos, mesmo quando necessários, não afetaram a reatividade dos animais frente a condição de isolamento ou na presença humana.

Dairy systems in the creation phase of calves is one of the phases that holds the attention of producers for being considered of high cost, mainly for the duration and the use of whole milk for animal feed, since this should be composing the product revenue intended for human consumption. In this respect it is necessary the use of alternatives to creating systems that allow the producer to find the balance between the efficient creation, proper conditions of animal welfare and the economic profitability of the system. The present study was conducted to assess animal welfare indicators in different systems of baby calves of milk. Data collections were carried out to characterize performance, ingestivo behavior, social behavior, reactivity, blood and fecal parameters of animals in breeding systems individualized and group creation. 10 experimental animals were used race Jersey, divided into two lots of handling. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa temperate Lowlands Experimental Station, in the municipality of Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul. Performance as well as the biometric development were similar regardless of the type of accommodation (P0 .05). Calves housed individually spent more time pastejando compared the collective housing. The blood parameters have not changed according to the type of accommodation, but the parasite burden was higher for animals housed individually after the recommended treatment. The collective accommodation allows interaction, socialization and establishment of the group hierarchy, fundamental for developing skills and learning, and the time allocated to this activity was in average of 459.55 minutosdia. No differences were found (P>0,05) to ingestivo behavior parameters relating to time for rumination, leisure and water consumption, but differences were found for the time destined to grazing activity (P=0,0056) and consumption of hay (P<0 ,0001) for the different housing systems. The development of ingestivo behaviour and social behaviour, may be established and consolidated at the stage of lactation and are important tools to promote animal welfare in farming systems. The creation in collective accommodation provides developing skills fundamental to animal learning and the ability to establish the group interactions. The reactivity of dairy heifers don't show it to be associated with the build system, but it seems to be related to the type of management advocated by the attendants in routine because managements, even aversive when necessary, don't affect the reactivity of the animals front insulation condition or in human presence.