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RESUMO O presente trabalho é em relação às abelhas nativas sociais e como a ação humana interfere na existência desses insetos. Buscando responder como a atitude humana tem colaborado no declínio das abelhas nativas sem ferrão e quais atitudes podem ser tomadas para que isso diminua. Este tipo de estudo é importante para mostrar a importância das abelhas nativas sociais para a sociedade e a natureza, e também para incentivar atitudes que colaborem com a preservação. O objetivo central é analisar as ações humanas e suas consequências para as abelhas nativas. Os objetivos específicos são: Explicar algumas generalidades desses insetos que são subdivididos em diversas espécies; analisar a ação humana como agente causador da diminuição dessas abelhas; mostrar algumas atitudes que colaboram para a preservação delas. A hipótese da pesquisa é: as atitudes humanas antiecológicas são os principais fatores para o declínio das espécies nativas de abelhas. A pesquisa foi totalmente bibliográfica por meio de revisões de artigos científicos, livros e manuais que tratam sobre a criação desses insetos. Os principais resultados colhidos foram no geral confirmando a hipótese ações diretas como queimadas e desmatamento acentuam o declínio desses animais e podem levá-los a extinção, o que causaria vários impactos como a eliminação de vegetais que precisam da polinização das abelhas nativas, porém, com a conscientização e a valorização da atividade de criar esses insetos de uma maneira economicamente viável colabora para a conservação e o aumento das espécies na natureza. Palavras-chave: Abelhas sem ferrão. Meliponicultura. Preservação das abelhas sem ferrão.

Age at first calving (AFC) is characterized as a censored trait due to missing values provided by recording mistakes and nonoccur-rence or delay in calving communication. In this context, we aimed to compare several statistical methods for genetic evaluation of AFC in Guzerá beef cattle under a Bayesian approach. Seven different methods were used for this purpose. The traditional linear mixed model (LM), which considers only uncensored records; the LM with simulated records (SM), which is based on data augmentation framework; the penalty method, in which a constant of 21 d was added to censored records; the bivariate threshold-linear method considering (TLcens) or not (TLmiss) censored information; and the piecewise Weibull proportional hazards model considering (PWPHcens) or not (PWPH) censored records. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.19 (TLcens) to 0.28 (SM) in non-survival approaches; and 0.40 and 0.46 to PWPH and PWPHcens methods, respectively. In general, breeding values correlations between different methods and the percentage of selected bulls in common indicated reranking, with these correlation ranging from -0.28 (between SM and PWPH) to 0.99 (between TLmiss and LM). The traditional LM, which considers only uncensored records, should be preferred due to its robustness and simplicity. Based on cross-validation analyses, we conclude that the TLmiss could be also a suitable alternative for breeding value prediction, and censored methods did not improve the analysis.

A major objective of pork producers is to reduce production cost. Feeding may account for over 75% of pork production costs. Thus, selecting pigs for feed efficiency (FE) traits is a priority in pig breeding programs. While in the Americas, pigs are typically fed high-input diets, based on corn and soybean meal (CS); in Western Europe, pigs are commonly fed diets based on wheat and barley with high amounts of added protein-rich coproducts (WB), e.g., from milling and seed-oil industries. These two feeding scenarios provided a realistic setting for investigating a specific type of genotype by environment interaction; thus, we investigated the genotype by feed interaction (GxF). In the presence of a GxF, different feed compositions should be considered when selecting for FE. This study aimed to 1) verify the presence of a GxF for FE and growth performance traits in different growth phases (starter, grower, and finisher) of 3-way crossbred growing-finishing pigs fed either a CS (547 boars and 558 gilts) or WB (567 boars and 558 gilts) diet; and 2) to assess and compare the expected responses to direct selection under the 2 diets and the expected correlated responses for one diet to indirect selection under the other diet. We found that GxF did not interfere in the ranking of genotypes under both diets for growth, protein deposition, feed intake, energy intake, or feed conversion rate. Therefore, for these traits, we recommend changing the diet of growing-finishing pigs from high-input feed (i.e., CS) to feed with less valuable ingredients, as WB, to reduce production costs and the environmental impact, regardless of which diet is used in selection. We found that GxF interfered in the ranking of genotypes and caused heterogeneity of genetic variance under both diets for lipid deposition (LD), residual energy intake (REI), and residual feed intake (RFI). Thus, selecting pigs under a diet different from the diet used for growing-finishing performance could compromise the LD in all growth phases, compromise the REI and RFI during the starter phase, and severely compromise the REI during the grower phase. In particular, when pigs are required to consume a WB diet for growing-finishing performance, pigs should be selected for FE under the same diet. Breeding pigs for FE under lower-input diets should be considered, because FE traits will become more important and lower-input diets will become more widespread in the near future.

6 pags., 5 figs., 1 tab., We report on experimental total electron scattering cross-section (TCS) from pyridine (CHN) for incident electron energies between 10 and 1000 eV, with experimental uncertainties within 5–10%, as measured with a double electrostatic analyser apparatus. The experimental results are compared with our theoretical calculations performed within the independent atom model complemented with a screening corrected additivity rule (IAM-SCAR) procedure which has been updated by including interference effects. A good level of agreement is found between both data sources within the experimental uncertainties. The present TCS results for electron impact energy under study contribute, together with other scattering data available in the literature, to achieve a consistent set of cross section data for modelling purposes., We acknowledge the financial support received from theSpanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (Project FIS2016-80440), the European Union Seventh Frame-workProgramme (PEOPLE-2013-ITN-ARGENT Marie Curie project)under grant agreement no. 608163 and the European Union COSTAction CM1301 (CELINA). FFS acknowledges the Portuguese National Funding Agency FCT-MCTES through researcher positionIF-FCT IF/00380/2014 and together with PLV the research grantUID/FIS/00068/2013. This work was also supported by RadiationBiology and Biophysics Doctoral Training Programme (RaBBiT,PD/00193/2010); UID/Multi/ 04378/2013 (UCIBIO)

Genome association analyses have been successful in identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for pig body weights measured at a single age. However, when considering the whole weight trajectories over time in the context of genome association analyses, it is important to look at the markers that affect growth curve parameters. The easiest way to consider them is via the two-step method, in which the growth curve parameters and marker effects are estimated separately, thereby resulting in a reduction of the statistical power and the precision of estimates. One efficient solution is to adopt nonlinear mixed models (NMM), which enables a joint modeling of the individual growth curves and marker effects. Our aim was to propose a genome association analysis for growth curves in pigs based on NMM as well as to compare it with the traditional two-step method. In addition, we also aimed to identify the nearest candidate genes related to significant SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers. The NMM presented a higher number of significant SNPs for adult weight (A) and maturity rate (K), and provided a direct way to test SNP significance simultaneously for both the A and K parameters. Furthermore, all significant SNPs from the two-step method were also reported in the NMM analysis. The ontology of the three candidate genes (SH3BGRL2, MAPK14, and MYL9) derived from significant SNPs (simultaneously affecting A and K) allows us to make inferences with regards to their contribution to the pig growth process in the population studied.

Objetivou-se com esse estudo avaliar as correlações existentes entre o consumo de nutrientes e o comportamiento ingestivo de novilhos mesticos ½ Holandês x Zebu na fase de recria em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha 'Marandu', no período das águas. Foram utilizados 22 novilhos com média de sete meses de idade e peso corporal médio inicial de 164,09±12,13 kg, distribuidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tipos de suplemento e onze repetições por tipo de suplementação e manejados em pastejo rotacionado numa área de 6,5 ha. Efetuou-se a análise de correlação linear de Pearson entre as variáveis comportamentais estudadas e os coeficientes de digestibilidade dos nutrientes encontrados. Os coeficientes de correlação foram testados por meio do teste t. O tempo de ruminação apresentou correlação positiva com o coeficiente de digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O tempo de alimentação no cocho correlacionou positivamente com o coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB) e extrato etéreo (EE). Correlação positiva foi observada entre o tempo de mastigação total e o coeficiente de digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O número de períodos de ócio e ruminação apre-sentaram correlações positivas com o coeficiente de digestibilidade dos nutrientes e o numero de períodos de alimentação no cocho correlacionou positivamente com o coeficiente de digestibilidade da PB. A taxa de bocados e o número de bocados por dia correlacionaram-se positivamente com o coeficiente de digestibilidade dos nutrientes. Correlação positiva foi observada entre o número de mastigações merícicas por dia e o coeficiente de digestibilidade da MS, MO e carboidratos totais (CT). Correlações positivas foram observadas entre as eficiências de alimentação e ruminação da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro com o coeficiente de digestibilidade dos nutrientes estudados. A digestibilidade dos nutrientes exerce influência direta sobre as expressões comportamentais apresentadas pelos animais estudados. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlations between nutrient intake and ingestive behavior of steers Holstein x Zebu in the rearing on Brachiaria brizantha 'Marandu', during the rainy season. We used 22 steers averaging seven months of age and mean initial body weight of 164,09±12,13 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design with two types of supplement and eleven repetitions per supplementation and managed in a rotational grazing area of 6,5 ha Pearson linear correlations between the behavioral variables and the digestibility of the nutrients were studied. The correlation coefficients were tested by the ttest. The rumination time was positively correlated with the digestibility of nutrients. Feeding time at the trough positively correlated with the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (ODM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract. Positive correlation was observed between total chewing time and digestibility of nutrients. The number of periods of idle and rumination showed positive correlations with the digestibility of nutrients and the number of feeding periods in the trough correlated positively with the digestibility coeficient of CP. Bite rate and the number of bites per day correlated positively with the digestibility of nutrients. Positive correlation was observed between the number of chews per day and digestibility of DM, OM and total carbohydrates (CT). Positive correlations were observed between the efficiencies of feeding and rumination of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber with digestibility coefficient of nutrients studied. The nutrient digestibility has a direct influence over the behavioral expressions of animals studied.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do manejo de 3 ordenhadores sobre o comportamento de vacas leiteiras, manejo de ordenha e a produção dos animais, associando a distância de fuga e retorno econômico do manejo. Foram realizadas observações diretas, contínuas e com amostragem visual do comportamento dos ordenhadores e das vacas. As vacas participaram dos três tratamentos (ordenhadores), constituindo o delineamento experimental cross-over. Na análise comparativa do comportamento humano e animal foi utilizado o teste não paramétrico Qui-quadrado (χ²). Para os dados de produção de leite, distância de fuga e tempo de ordenha aplicou-se a análise de variância (ANOVA). Na avaliação econômica utilizou-se uma análise descritiva dos resultados de produção. Concluiu-se que o tipo de manejo do ordenhador influencia as características produtivas e comportamentais de vacas em lactação. The objective was to evaluate the influence of the handling of three milkers on the behavior of dairy cows, milking management and animal production. Direct observations were made, continuous and with visual sampling of the milkers behavior and of the cows. The cows participated of the three treatments (milkers), constituting the cross-over experimental design. In the comparative analysis of the human and animal behavior the nonparametric chi-square (χ2) test was used. For data on milk production, flight distance and milking time it was applied the variance analysis (ANOVA). In the economic evaluation it was used a descriptive analysis of the production results. It was concluded that the type of handling of the milker influenced milk production, milking time, flight distance and the reaction of the animals.

The aim of this work was to study the correlation between intake and deposition of fatty acids in the Longissimus muscle of Nellore steers supplemented at pasture. The fieldwork was implanted in an area of 52 ha, formed of Brachiaria brizantha. Forty Nellore steers with initial average weight of 373.7 ± 14.9 kg and 26 months of age were used. The animals were distributed into four treatments: Control= T00 (supply only mineral salt), T03= Supply of concentrate in the amount of 0.3 % of Body Weight; T06= Supply of concentrate in the amount of 0.6 % of Live Weight , T09= Supply of concentrate in the amount of 0.9 % of live weight. Samples of concentrates and forages were collected for fatty acids analysis. The experiment lasted for 98 days. After this period the animals were slaughtered. Longissimus samples were vacuum packed and frozen for analysis of fatty acid composition. The results were statistically analyzed by estimating Pearson linear correlation coefficients. The results showed that there are correlations between the fatty acids consumed and fatty acids deposited in the muscle. Objetivou-se estudar a correlação entre consumo e deposição de ácidos graxos no músculo Longissimus de novilhos nelore suplementados em pastagens. O trabalho de campo foi implantado numa área de 52 ha, formada de Brachiaria brizantha. Foram utilizados 40 novilhos da raça Nelore com peso inicial médio de 373,7 ± 14,9 kg e 26 meses de idade, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos: Controle= T00 (fornecimento apenas de sal mineral), T03= fornecimento de 0,3% concentrado em função do peso vivo; T06= fornecimento de 0,6 % concentrado em função do peso vivo; T09= fornecimento de 0,9 % concentrado em função do peso vivo. Amostras dos concentrados e da forragem foram coletadas para análise da composição de ácidos graxos. O período experimental foi de 98 dias. Após este período, os animais foram abatidos. Os resultados foram analisados por correlação linear de Pearson e teste t. Constatou-se que existem correlações entre os ácidos graxos consumidos e depositados no músculo.