This diploma thesis summarizes regulation of animal in human care protection. It describes international conventions and also European Union and Czech laws. It includes definition of animal and categorizations of animals. The status of animal in Czech civil law is content of this thesis too. On international level are the most important conventions of Council of Europe. The part of this work concerning European Union includes conceptual tools, primary law and secondary law. The main law in Czech Republic is the statute for protection of animals against abuse. In extreme cases of animal abuse or neglect of care about animals criminal law is there to protect them.

A comunicação animal usa diversos canais de comunicação dos mais simples aos mais complexos, dentre eles a comunicação vocal é o mais estudado. A vocalização tem o papel funcional de mediar interações sociais intraespecíficas e interespecíficas. Somente um sinal vocal, por si só, pode provocar respostas adequadas nos ouvintes na ausência de outros estímulos. Nos primatas neotropicais a comunicação vocal possivelmente é o principal canal de comunicação entre os indivíduos, devido à baixa viabilidade dos outros meios de comunicação. O gênero Alouatta possui uma comunicação acústica única, devido as modificações anatômicas especializadas para a vocalização, este gênero é capaz de produzir vocalizações que alcançam grandes distancias. Estas características particulares destas sempre foram alvo de muitos estudos, no entanto os animais deste gênero possuem também vocalizações de baixo alcance, e este repertório raramente é estudado. Com o intuito de preencher esta lacuna de conhecimento, nós descrevemos o repertório vocal de curto alcance de Alouatta guariba clamitans, no artigo: Beyond roaring: the lower amplitude calls of the brown southern howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) submetido ao International Journal of Primatology, onde identificamos 8 tipos vocais acusticamente distintos, e relacionamos estes a estados comportamentos específicos e a possíveis funções. / Animal communication uses various communication channels of the simplest to the most complex among them voice communication is the most studied. The vocalization is the functional role of mediating intraspecific and interspecific social interactions. Only the voice signal without the need for other communicative signals can trigger appropriate responses in listeners. In neotropical primates voice communication is possibly the main channel of communication between individuals due to low viability of other media. The genus Alouatta possess a unique vocal communication. Due to some peculiar anatomical adaptations, species of the genus are able to produce extremely loud calls which may reach great distances. These particular characteristics were the focus of several descriptive and functional studies. However, the species also have several low amplitude calls, and such repertoire has been neglected. Aiming to fulfill this gap, we describe the low amplitude vocal repertoire of the southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in the article: Beyond roaring: the lower amplitude calls of the brown southern howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) submitted to the International Journal of Primatology. We identified eight acoustically distinct vocal types, and described the behavioral states to which they were more commonly associated, proposing hypotheses for the functions of these calls.

Orientador: Luciano Hauschild / Banca: Paulo Henrique Reis Furtado Campos / Banca: Marcos Macari / Resumo: Esse estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da alimentação sequencial (Seq) com variação no nível de aminoácidos a cada 12 h comparados ao sistema convencional (uma única dieta) no desempenho, composição corporal e carcaças de suínos em crescimento e terminação. Foram utilizados 60 suínos machos castrados com 30 ± 2,8 kg de peso vivo (PV) inicial. Os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 tratamentos, sendo dois planos de Seq: 110-70: dieta com 110% das recomendações de aminoácidos (AAs) fornecida das 0000 até 1159 h e outra com 70% AAs ofertada das 1200 ás 2359 h; e 70-110: dieta com 70% AAs fornecida das 0000 até 1159 h e outra com 110% AAs ofertada das 1200 ás 2359 h, e dois planos convencionais: 100: dieta com 100% AAs e 70: dieta com 70% AAs. Nos dois tratamentos convencionais a mesma dieta foi fornecida aos animais ao longo do dia. O animal foi considerado a unidade experimental. Os suínos foram alojados em um único grupo, com água e ração ad libitum. Para atender o nível de AAs em cada tratamento foi realizado diariamente e dentro de cada período misturas proporcionais de duas dietas, A (alta densidade nutricional) e B (baixa densidade nutricional), utilizando alimentadores automáticos AIPF (Automatic and Intelligent Precision Feeder). Nos dias 0, 35 e 63 foram realizadas mensurações de desempenho e composição corporal e ao final do experimento os animais foram abatidos em frigorífico. Não houve interação (P > 0,05) entre trat... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of sequential feeding (Seq) with variation in amino acid level every 12 h compared to the conventional feed supply (a single diet) on performance, body composition and pigs growing-finishing carcasses. Sixty barrows in a completely randomized design with four treatments were distributed and two Seq: 110-70: a diet with 110% of the recommendations of amino acids (AAs) supplied from 0000 to 1159 h and another diet with 70% of AAs offered from 1200 to 2359 h; and 70-110: a diet with 70% AAs supplied from 0000 to 1159 h and another with 110% AAs offered from 1200 to 2359 h, and two conventional plans: 100: diet with 100% AAs and 70: diet with 70% AAs . In both conventional treatments, the same diet throughout the day was provided. The animal was considered the experimental unit. The pigs were housed in a single group, with water and feed ad libitum. To meet the level of AAs in each treatment, proportional mixtures of two diets, A (high nutritional density) and B (low nutrient density), using automatic and Intelligent Precision Feeder (AIPF) feeders were performed daily and within each period. On days 0, 35 and 63 measurements of performance and body composition were carried out and at the end of the experiment the animals were slaughtered and measurements of fat thickness and loin depth were taken. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between treatment and experimental phase for the performance variables. The animals of treatments ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

O uso da tecnologia de DNA recombinante abre portas para um estudo detalhado da estrutura e função de proteínas, e a produção de proteínas recombinantes em sistema procarioto apresenta várias vantagens. A presente tese propõe a expressão heteróloga das proteínas aSFP, proteína ácida do fluido seminal bovino de 14 kDa, e osteopontina (OPN) de 55 kDa, relacionadas à congelabilidade do sêmen. Foram construídas bibliotecas de cDNA de vesícula seminal, próstata e glândula bulbouretral. Oligonucleotideos iniciadores foram sintetizados baseados nas seqüências disponíveis no GenBank (aSFP: número de acesso NM_174616, OPN: número de acesso M66236). Os amplicons resultantes das reações de PCR foram clonados em pET23a(+). Os plasmidios pET-aSFP e pET-OPN foram transformados em linhagens eletrocompetentes de E. coli BL21, BL21 (DE3), BL21 Star, BL21 Codon Plus e BL21 pLysS. Para expressão das proteínas recombinantes foram testadas diferentes concentrações de indutor de expressão IPTG, e diferentes tempos e temperaturas de indução. A expressão recombinante foi avaliada por SDS-PAGE, usando como controle cultivo não induzido. Das cinco linhagens transformadas com pET-aSFP, somente E. coli BL21 pLysS induzida com 0,5 mM de IPTG por 3 horas a 37°C apresentou uma banda de aproximadamente 15 kDa, compatível com o tamanho esperado de aSFPr-6xHis. Por cromatografia de afinidade com metal imobilizado em condições desnaturantes foi possível um rendimento de purificação de 2,5mg/mL de aSFPr-6xHis por 10 mL de cultura bacteriana. Contudo, a expressão de OPNr-6xHis, também obtida com a linhagem de E. coli BL21 pLysS, foi de baixa eficiência, o que não permitiu sua purificação. A produção recombinante de proteínas do plasma seminal é uma das mais novas ferramentas para o estudo de suas funções. O aperfeiçoamento dos processos de expressão e purificação é fundamental no desenvolvimento desta biotecnologia, que possui grande potencial terapêutico e diagnóstico. / The use of recombinant DNA technology makes possible a deeper investigation on protein structure and function. Also the production of recombinant proteins has several advantages. The present thesis presents the recombinant expression of the 14 kDa acidic seminal fluid protein (aSFP) and osteopontin (55 kDa), both associated with bovine semen freezability. cDNA libraries from prostate, seminal vesicle and bulbouretral gland were constructed, and primers were designed based on data available on Genebank (aSFP: access number NM_174616; OPN: access number M66236). Amplicons of the target genes were cloned into pET23a(+), and the constructs pET-aSFP and pET-OPN were transformed into electrocompetent E. coli strains: BL21, BL21 (DE3), BL21 Star, BL21 Codon Plus e BL21 pLysS. For the expression trials, different concentrations of IPTG were tested, as well several different expression induction conditions. The recombinant expression was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The best expression for aSFPr-6xHis (15 kDa) was obtained with the strain BL21 pLysS, induced with 0.5 mM IPTG in 3 hours at 37°C. The target protein was purified by immobilized metal ion chromatography in denaturing conditions with a yield of 2.5 mg/mL per 10 mL of bacterial culture. The recombinant expression of OPNr-6xHis was also possible with the pLysS strain, however in a lower efficiency. The low amount of recombinant OPN did not allow its purification. The production of seminal plasma recombinant proteins is a new tool for the study of its functions. The improvement of expression and purification processes is important for this biotechnology which has a great potential for therapeutic and diagnose applications.

O experimento avaliou os efeitos de tratamentos alimentares (CN: campo nativo; CNS: campo nativo + suplementação; CNM: campo nativo melhorado) e grupos de peso (leves; médias; pesadas) no desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas aos 24/27 meses de idade. Houve diferença significativa (P<0,05) no ganho de peso, durante o período de inverno (0,261, 0,376 e 0,679 kg/dia) e no peso vivo ao início do período reprodutivo (302,8, 317,8 e 330,7 kg) para CN, CNS e CNM, respectivamente. Entre os tratamentos a taxa de prenhez (PR) não diferiu (88,3, 93,3 e 95,0%, respectivamente; P>0,05), entretanto, o CNM apresentou o menor intervalo início da reprodução-concepção (IRC) (30,5 dias; P<0,05), em relação ao CN e CNS (36,4 e 39,4 dias, respectivamente). Os GDM dos grupos de peso foram bastante semelhantes (0,600, 0,612 e 0,634 kg/dia), mantendo-se a diferença (P<0,05) de peso vivo entre os grupos ao início do período reprodutivo (299,6, 316,0 e 335,6 kg, para leves, médias e pesadas, respectivamente). As novilhas “pesadas” tiveram a maior PR (100%) e o menor IRC (29,86 dias; P<0,05). O grupo “leves” obteve PR de 91,6% e o maior IRC (39,83 dias), e o grupo “médias” 85,0% de PR e IRC de 36,8 dias (P>0,05). Durante o período pré e pós-parto foi avaliado a influência do nível nutricional (CNTP: campo nativo no período pré e pós-parto; CN/P: campo nativo no pré-parto e pastagem melhorada no pós-parto; P/CN: pastagem melhorada no pré-parto e campo nativo no pós-parto; PTP: pastagem melhorada no pré e pós-parto) no desempenho das vacas primíparas. Constatou-se menor peso vivo e condição corporal ao parto dos tratamentos CNTP e CN/P (384,3 kg e 3,31; 391,4 kg e 3,26), em relação ao P/CN e PTP (424,4 kg e 3,60; 421,2 kg e 3,59), respectivamente (P<0,05). Vacas primíparas do PTP obtiveram maior peso vivo e condição corporal ao início do acasalamento (442,1 kg e 3,76), taxa de prenhez (82,3%) e velocidade de concepção. O CN/P e o P/CN não diferiram (P>0,05) no peso vivo ao início do acasalamento (417,2 e 409,8 kg) e na taxa de prenhez (65,8% e 62,8%, respectivamente), entretanto, o CN/P apresentou o menor IRC. O menor peso ao início do acasalamento (391,2 kg), a menor taxa de prenhez (52,7%) e o maior IRC foi verificado no CNTP. O peso ao nascimento e o GDM dos terneiros (média 0,623 kg/dia), não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos (P>0,05). / The experiment evaluated the effects of feeding treatments (CN: native pasture; CNS: native pasture + supplementary feeding; CNM: improved pasture) and of liveweight groups (lights; mediums; heavies) on reproduction performance of heifers on service at 24/27 months of age. There was significant difference (P<0.05) on daily liveweight gain (GDM) at winter time (0.261, 0.376 e 0.679 kg/day) and on the liveweight at beginning of reproduction period (302.8, 317.8 e 330.7 kg) for CN, CNS and CNM, respectively. The pregnancy rate (PR) was not significant (88.3, 93.3 and 95.0%, respectively; P>0.05). However, CNM showed a lower interval between the beginning of the reproduction-conception (IRC) (30.5 days; P<0.05), than CN and CNS (36.4 and 39.4 days, respectively). The GDM of the groups were very similar (0.600, 0.612 and 0.634 kg/day), keeping the difference (P<0.05) of liveweight between groups at beginning of reproduction (299.6, 316.0 and 335.6 kg, for lights, mediums and heavies, respectively). “Heavies” heifers had higher pregnancy rate (100%) and a lower IRC (29.86 days; P<0.05). The “light” group had 91.6% of PR and higher IRC (39.83 days), and the “medium” group 85.0% of PR and IRC of 36.8 days (P>0.05). During the pre and post-calving period was evaluated the influence of the nutritional level (CNTP: natural pasture at pre and post-calving; CN/P: natural pasture at pre-calving and improved pasture at postcalving; P/CN: improved pasture at pre-calving and natural pasture at postcalving; PTP: improved pasture at pre and post-calving) on the performance of primiparous cows. It was observed lower liveweight and body condition at calving of the treatments CNTP and CN/P (384.3 kg and 3.31; 391.4 kg and 3.26) in relation to P/CN and PTP (424.4 kg and 3.60; 421.2 kg and 3.59), respectively (P<0.05). Primiparous cows of PTP gained more liveweight and body condition at start of reproduction (442.1 kg and 3.76), PR (82.3%) and velocity conception. The CN/P and P/CN did not shown differences (P>0.05) at liveweight beginning of reproduction period (417.2 and 409.8 kg) and at PR (65.8% and 62.8%, respectively), however, the CN/P showed a lower IRC. The lowest weight at beginning of reproduction (391.2 kg), the lowest pregnancy rate (52.7%) and the higher IRC was obtained at CNTP. The birth weight of the calves and their GDM (mean 0.623 kg/day) was not affected by the treatments (P>0.05).

A..11 species of Tapiridae and Rhinocerotidae are threatened or endangered in the wild. Captive populations have been established for most of these species, but successful management has proved challenging. Effective ex situ conservation strategies, however, rely on the ability of zoological institutions to maintain and breed these endangered species. In this study, I examined the captive environment to identify the factors associated with reproduction, mortality, and health of rhinos and tapirs. Zoological institutions in the North American region that currently housed rhinos and/or tapirs were surveyed in 2003. Attaining an approximately 90% response rate, I compiled information on the following variables to describe the captive environment: number of enclosures, enclosure type, enclosure area, number of animals, public viewing, percent of walls surrounding the enclosure, enclosure substrate, topography, vegetation, mud wallows, pools, shelters, percent shade, climate, diet, feeding regime, time spent by keepers, and vaccinations. Information regarding the incidence of health problems also was obtained through the survey. Studbook data was used to obtain life history and demographic information. Three species of tapirs [Baird's (Tapirus bairdii), South American (T. terrestris), and Malay (T. indicus)] and three species of rhinos [black (Diceros bicornis), white (Ceratotherium simum), and Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis)] were included in this study. Due to the small captive population sizes, genetic and demographic Allee effects were detected. While tapirs responded similarly to their captive environment, each rhino species responded differently. Both exhibit area and completely were associated with the responses of captive tapirs and rhinos. Climate also was an influential factor for both groups of species. Other key factors included density, diet, keeper time, percent of public perimeter, and vaccinations. Complex interactions among the variables were found, including a nonlinear relationship between mean exhibit size and reproduction for black rhinos. The results of this study can be used to improve the captive management of tapirs and rhinos. By identifying the patterns associated with successful reproduction, reduced mortality, and fewer health problems, we can move towards establishing self-sustaining populations for these species. This goal is critical for the continued husbandry and conservation of these species.

Bibliography: leaves 186-200. Analyses feed intake and growth data from cattle, which indicates that genetic variation exists in post-weaning effiency and growth. Concludes with a consideration of how post-weaning feed intake information can be used in genetic improvement programs.

Zoos and museums utilize docents, or volunteer educators, to help educate and entertain visitors through live animal demonstrations. Preparing volunteers to handle live animals is complex because volunteers must learn animal handling techniques, emergency protocols, interpretive material, be able to simultaneously show and monitor the animal, talk about it, take visitor questions, and be aware of safety concerns. Zoos are held accountable for animal welfare as a priority as well as volunteer and visitor safety.This study investigated barriers to preparing adult volunteers to handle live animals at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona. Adult docents and training staff members were interviewed about their perceptions of barriers from the previous year's animal handling training. Ten individual docent interviews, two docent focus groups, and four staff member interviews provided information about animal handling training challenges.Barriers included the resistance to change; specifically volunteers needed to recognize why changes in protocols were necessary so they would support changes. Volunteers expressed the desire to be part of the change with staff members rather than having protocols delivered to them. Miscommunication was a second barrier, originating from lack of consistent communication systems and volunteers feeling left out of the change process. Another barrier was volunteers' perception of authority in that volunteers invested time questioning staff about program changes based on staff qualifications rather than utilizing their time working with the animals. A fourth barrier was that volunteers shared that they felt pressure to perform or else they feel as though they failed part of their volunteer job. Finally recognizing that volunteers learn in different ways was a fifth barrier and many volunteers suggested the need to address a variety of learning styles.Adult learning theory provided a theoretical framework from which the barriers could be investigated. Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory (1984) suggests that volunteers need to have animal handling training lessons presented with different teaching techniques or styles. Investing time into training staff about learning theories and teaching techniques may circumvent struggles with volunteers learning new techniques.

Bibliography: leaves 186-200. / vii, 200 leaces ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Analyses feed intake and growth data from cattle, which indicates that genetic variation exists in post-weaning effiency and growth. Concludes with a consideration of how post-weaning feed intake information can be used in genetic improvement programs. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Animal Science, 1997

O uso da tecnologia de DNA recombinante abre portas para um estudo detalhado da estrutura e função de proteínas, e a produção de proteínas recombinantes em sistema procarioto apresenta várias vantagens. A presente tese propõe a expressão heteróloga das proteínas aSFP, proteína ácida do fluido seminal bovino de 14 kDa, e osteopontina (OPN) de 55 kDa, relacionadas à congelabilidade do sêmen. Foram construídas bibliotecas de cDNA de vesícula seminal, próstata e glândula bulbouretral. Oligonucleotideos iniciadores foram sintetizados baseados nas seqüências disponíveis no GenBank (aSFP: número de acesso NM_174616, OPN: número de acesso M66236). Os amplicons resultantes das reações de PCR foram clonados em pET23a(+). Os plasmidios pET-aSFP e pET-OPN foram transformados em linhagens eletrocompetentes de E. coli BL21, BL21 (DE3), BL21 Star, BL21 Codon Plus e BL21 pLysS. Para expressão das proteínas recombinantes foram testadas diferentes concentrações de indutor de expressão IPTG, e diferentes tempos e temperaturas de indução. A expressão recombinante foi avaliada por SDS-PAGE, usando como controle cultivo não induzido. Das cinco linhagens transformadas com pET-aSFP, somente E. coli BL21 pLysS induzida com 0,5 mM de IPTG por 3 horas a 37°C apresentou uma banda de aproximadamente 15 kDa, compatível com o tamanho esperado de aSFPr-6xHis. Por cromatografia de afinidade com metal imobilizado em condições desnaturantes foi possível um rendimento de purificação de 2,5mg/mL de aSFPr-6xHis por 10 mL de cultura bacteriana. Contudo, a expressão de OPNr-6xHis, também obtida com a linhagem de E. coli BL21 pLysS, foi de baixa eficiência, o que não permitiu sua purificação. A produção recombinante de proteínas do plasma seminal é uma das mais novas ferramentas para o estudo de suas funções. O aperfeiçoamento dos processos de expressão e purificação é fundamental no desenvolvimento desta biotecnologia, que possui grande potencial terapêutico e diagnóstico. / The use of recombinant DNA technology makes possible a deeper investigation on protein structure and function. Also the production of recombinant proteins has several advantages. The present thesis presents the recombinant expression of the 14 kDa acidic seminal fluid protein (aSFP) and osteopontin (55 kDa), both associated with bovine semen freezability. cDNA libraries from prostate, seminal vesicle and bulbouretral gland were constructed, and primers were designed based on data available on Genebank (aSFP: access number NM_174616; OPN: access number M66236). Amplicons of the target genes were cloned into pET23a(+), and the constructs pET-aSFP and pET-OPN were transformed into electrocompetent E. coli strains: BL21, BL21 (DE3), BL21 Star, BL21 Codon Plus e BL21 pLysS. For the expression trials, different concentrations of IPTG were tested, as well several different expression induction conditions. The recombinant expression was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The best expression for aSFPr-6xHis (15 kDa) was obtained with the strain BL21 pLysS, induced with 0.5 mM IPTG in 3 hours at 37°C. The target protein was purified by immobilized metal ion chromatography in denaturing conditions with a yield of 2.5 mg/mL per 10 mL of bacterial culture. The recombinant expression of OPNr-6xHis was also possible with the pLysS strain, however in a lower efficiency. The low amount of recombinant OPN did not allow its purification. The production of seminal plasma recombinant proteins is a new tool for the study of its functions. The improvement of expression and purification processes is important for this biotechnology which has a great potential for therapeutic and diagnose applications.