O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência do controle da ovulação através da aplicação de PMSG, GnRH, Benzoato de Estradiol e PGF2a junto ao protocolo comercial Crestar®, para viabilizar a IA em tempo fixo. Foram utilizadas 348 vacas multíparas, cruzadas Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) X Charolês (Bos taurus taurus), divididas em dois grupos: 179 vacas paridas com bezerros de 90 a 120 dias de idade e outras 169 vacas solteiras. Estes animais foram submetidos a cinco tratamentos de controle farmacológico do ciclo estral e ovulação para a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo. Dentro dos cinco tratamentos todas as vacas receberam o protocolo Crestar â como agente sincronizador do crescimento folicular. Este protocolo consiste na colocação implante subcutâneo com 3mg de norgestomet e na injeção 3mg de norgestomet + 5mg de valerato de estradiol (i.m. - simultânea a colocação do implante). Após a remoção do implante (9 dias), as vacas foram submetidas aos cinco tratamentos de controle da ovulação: T1 - (n=70): uma injeção de solução fisiológica 48h após a retirada do implante (D 11); T2 - (n=68): 0,75mg de benzoato de estradiol 24h após a retirada do implante (D 10); T3 - (n=70): aplicação de 7,5mg de PGF2a, no dia da retirada (D 9) e 0,75mg de benzoato de estradiol 24h após a retirada do implante (D 10); T4 - (n=70): 500 UI de PMSG na retirada do implante (D 9) e T5 - (n=70): 500mg de GnRH 48h após a retirada dos implante (D 11). Todos os animais foram inseminados 54-56h após a retirada do implante. As taxas de prenhez foram analisadas estatisticamente por regressão logística. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos (p>0,05) onde: 35,7, 31,4, 22,0, 37,0 e 42,8% para T1, T2, T3, T4 e T5 respectivamente. Entretanto a taxa de prenhez das vacas solteiras foi maior (39,6% - P<0,05) do que aquela das vacas com bezerro ao pé (28,4%). / The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ovulation using PMSG, GnRH, Estradiol Benzoate and PGF2a in combination with Crestar â protocol and AI at fixed time. Three hundred forty eight multiparous cows, crossbreed Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) X Charolais (Bos taurus taurus) were divided in two groups: 179 suckling cows with calves between 90 to 120 days of age and 169 non-suckling cows. Those cows received a Crestar® protocol for follicular growth synchronization consisting of a subcutaneous implant with 3mg of norgestomet and 3mg of norgestomet plus 5mg of estradiol valerate injection (day of implant insert). The implant was removed after nine days. Cows were submitted to five treatments for pharmacological control of ovulation and were artificially inseminated at fixed time. After follicular growth synchronization cows received the treatments for control of ovulation: T1 - (n=70): injection of physiological solution 48h after implant removal (D 11); T2 - (n=68): 0.75mg of estradiol benzoate 24h after implant removal (D 10); T3 - (n=70): 7.5mg of PGF2a at same day of implant removal (D 9) and 0.75mg of estradiol benzoate 24h after implant removal (D 10); T4 - (n=70): the cows received 500 UI of PMSG at implant removal (D 9) and T5 - (n=70): cows received 500mg of GnRH 48h after implant removal (D 11). Those cows were artificially inseminated 54-56h after implant removal. Pregnancy rate was analyzed by logistical regression program. There were no differences among treatments (P>0.05) 35.7, 31.4, 22.0, 37.0 and 42.8% for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. However, there was difference (p<0,05) between suckling and non-suckling cows (28.4, 39.6%).

Foram estudados dados provenientes do experimento de seleção estabelecido na Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho (IZ - SP), com o objetivo de avaliar a resposta direta no peso ao sobreano de machos e fêmeas e as respostas correlacionadas no tamanho e caracteres reprodutivos das matrizes. O experimento iniciou em 1978, com três rebanhos da raça Nelore, seleção (NeS), tradicional (NeT) e controle (NeC), sendo os dois primeiros selecionados para maior peso ao sobreano e o terceiro para a média deste peso. O NeT diferencia-se de NeS por ter recebido, eventualmente, touros de outros rebanhos, inclusive comerciais. Registros de dias ao parto foram analisados separadamente nas novilhas, vacas e vacas e novilhas sem incluir e incluindo as fêmeas não paridas. Nenhuma diferença significativa (P<0,05) foi detectada entre os desempenhos das fêmeas dos rebanhos selecionados (NeS e NeT) e as do controle (NeC). As herdabilidades variaram de 0,02 a 0,16, sendo as mais altas obtidas em arquivos nos quais foram incluídos os registros das fêmeas não paridas. Os registros repetidos de dias ao parto de vacas e novilhas incluindo as fêmeas não paridas foram também analisados por modelo de regressão aleatória com polinômios ortogonais (Legendre) da idade na monta (em anos) como a covariável independente, para avaliar este caracter longitudinalmente durante a vida produtiva das fêmeas. As herdabilidades estimadas aumentaram de 0,08 a 0,28 da 1 a à 6 a monta. A seleção para peso não alterou o valor genético médio das vacas de NeS e NeT, entretanto os valores genéticos das vacas do NeC mostraram tendência de queda no decorrer dos anos, além de longitudinalmente, com o avanço da idade. Registros de peso ao sobreano dos animais nascidos de 1978 a 1998, e da altura na garupa ao sobreano das fêmeas nascidas a partir de 1985 foram analisados por modelo animal para obter a tendência genética de 1981 a 1996. Médias de peso, altura e escore de condição corporal na entrada da monta, dias ao parto e sucesso ao parto das matrizes nascidas nos últimos 4 anos foram contrastadas entre os selecionados e o NeC, em análise de quadrados mínimos. As tendências genéticas médias obtidas em 16 anos foram 1,7±0,2; 2,3±0,2 e –0,1±0,1 kg/ano nos machos e 1,9±0,2; 2,4±0,2 e –0,1±0,1 kg/ano nas fêmeas para peso, e 0,25±0,03; 0,24±0,04 e –0,04±0,03 cm nas fêmeas para altura ao sobreano, respectivamente em NeS, NeT e NeC. Novilhas e vacas de NeS e NeT foram 19% e 15% mais pesadas e 4% mais altas na entrada da monta, em relação às do NeC. Não foram detectadas diferenças significativas (P<0,05) no desempenho reprodutivo das matrizes selecionadas em relação ao NeC. Os resultados indicaram que a seleção para peso corporal promoveu respostas altas e consistentes nos pesos e alturas ao sobreano e em idades mais tardias, sem comprometer o desempenho reprodutivo das matrizes. / Data from a selection experiment, carried out AT Experimental Station of Sertãozinho, State of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed in order to evaluate the direct response of yearling weight and the correlated responses of the size and reproduction traits of cows. The experiment started in 1978, with three lines of Nelore cattle, selection (NeS), traditional (NeT), both selected for greater yearling weight, and control (NeC), selected for mean yearling weight. The NeT line is different from the NeS one because sires from another herds were eventually introduced into the NeT line. Records of days to calving were analyzed separately for heifers, cows and cows and heifers with and without non-calver females. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) between the performance of females from the selection lines (NeS and NeT) and those from the control line (NeC). The heritabilities were between 0.02 and 0.06, and the higher estimates were from data sets including non-calver females. The repeated records of days to calving of cows and heifers with non-calvers, were too analyzed using a random regression model, with orthogonal polynomials (Legendre) of age in the breeding season (in years) as the independent covariable, to order to evaluate this trait longitudinally during the herd life of the females. The estimates of heritability increased from 0.08 to 0.28, from first up to 6 th breeding season. The selection for weight did not alter the average breeding value of cows from NeS and NeT, although the average genetic breeding values of cows declined throughout the years, and too longitudinally, with advancing age. Yearling weight of the animals born from 1978 to 1998, and the yearling hip height of females born from 1985 to 1998, were evaluated using an animal model, in order to obtain the genetic trends for the years 1981 to 1996. The averages for weight, height and body condition score at the start of the breeding season, days to calving and calving success of cows born in the last 4 years, were contrasted between the selected (NeS and NeT) and control lines. The genetic trends obtained after 16 years were 1.7±0.2; 2.3±0.2 and –0.1±0.1 kg/year for males and 1.9±0.2; 2.4±0.2 e –0.1±0.1 kg/year for females with respect to weight, and 0.25±0.03; 0.24±0.04 and –0.04±0.03 cm for females with respect to yearling height for the NeS, NeT and NeC lines, respectively. Heifers and cows from NeS and NeT were 19% and 15% heavier and 4% taller at the start of the breeding season than those from NeC. Significant differences (P<0.05) were not detected with respect to the reproductive performance between selected (NeS and NeT) and control females. The results indicated that the selection according to body weight gave high and consistent responses for weight and height both at the yearling and later ages, without compromised the reproductive performance of the cows.

<p>Infertility is the disease of the reproductive system and is estimated to affect more than 10% of the people of reproductive age. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are methods designed to alleviate infertility problems. <i>In vitro </i>embryo production is part of most infertility treatments and the efficiency of ART is low due to the lack of reliable methods to measure embryo viability. In order to improve the success rate of ART procedures, the current study was designed to investigate the use of an optical analyzer technology known as the Biodynamic Imaging (BDI) system for viability assessment. BDI is a novel approach that is able to measure intracellular dynamic processes that are directly related to functional events. During a series of experiments, 13 different biomarkers of oocytes and embryos were monitored by the BDI microscope and used for machine learning and evaluation of BDI sensitivity. We monitored cellular mechanisms essential for proper embryo development such as (1) extrusion of first and second polar body (2) energy status and mitochondrial activity, and (3) viability of embryos with different cellular composition. We were able to identify several biomarkers that have the potential to indicate viability: (1) slope, (2) NSD, (3) Knee (4) Floor, and (5) R² could consistently differentiate between oocytes and embryos of different viability. In addition, the BDI microscope could successfully predict the energy status of embryos by identifying 4 biomarkers (Slope, Knee, Floor, and Dy). Finally, a lipidomic analysis was done to evaluate the lipid composition of oocytes with different cytoplasm integrities. This analysis demonstrated that there is a difference in lipid subclasses among oocytes with dark vs. light cytoplasm. The results indicate that the BDI is useful for viability assessment of oocytes and embryos and may be helpful for the improvement of the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies.</p>

<p>In recent years conservation of minor livestock breeds has been faced with numerous challenges attributed to decreasing national herd sizes, as well as differences in reproduction and growth. One such minor swine breed, the Large Black pig (LB), is increasingly attractive to small farmers due to their foraging abilities and carcass characteristics. Therefore, the LB pigs have been used in niche pork production systems which market pasture-raised pork products. The LB breed is critically endangered, maintaining a registered breeding population of less than 400 animals, with increasing prevalence of inbreeding and genetic drift. Therefore, the LB breed could benefit from a genetic importation to increase genetic diversity in a national herd with rapidly decreasing animal numbers. A genetic importation would require frozen semen to be brought in from another country for use in breeding U.S. pigs. Frozen-thawed semen (FTS) presents challenges for swine due to the reduced motile sperm cells which negatively impacts fertility. Therefore, the present study evaluated the utilization of FTS in a genetic importation for the LB pig. </p><p>A genetic importation occurred in 2016 where semen from the United Kingdom was used on various farms in the U.S. but resulted in zero piglets born. Therefore, 16 LB sows were donated to Purdue University for research into improving estrous and ovulation synchronization to facilitate FTS utilization. Four breeding replicates were performed where following 14 days of Matrix feeding, OvuGel® was administered at 144 h following last Matrix feeding (LMF) or 96 h in post-weaned sows and two FTS inseminations occurring at: 30 and 36 h, 17 and 23 h, 24 and 30 h, and 24 and 32 h after OvuGel® for replicates 1-4, respectively. Approximately 2.64±0.3 billion motile sperm cells per insemination were utilized in replicates 1-3 with American LB FTS, with replicate 4 utilizing 0.34±0.03 billion motile sperm cells of imported FTS. Follicle diameter (<i>P</i>=0.260), ovulation within 48 h of OvuGel® (<i>P</i>=0.411), and weight prior to breeding (<i>P</i>=0.681) did not influence conception rate, however expression of estrus was determined to significantly influence conception rate (<i>P</i>=0.043). Seventy-five LB piglets were weaned across the first three breeding replicates, with parity 2 sows observed to have larger litter sizes than parity 1 sows (<i>P</i>=0.066).</p> <p>Large Black and Duroc-sired (DS) crossbred pigs from replicates 1 and 2 farrowing were fed corn and soybean meal based finishing diets supplemented with (FIB) or without alfalfa and wheat middlings (CON). Following 6 dietary phases through finishing, 25 LB and 25 DS pigs were slaughtered at similar ages for digestive organ dissection and carcass measurements. Loin muscles were evaluated for fresh pork quality and instrumental color and tenderness. LB pigs had a reduced ADG (<i>P</i><0.0001) and G:F (<i>P</i><0.0001) compared to DS pigs. Pigs fed FIB resulted in reduced ADG (<i>P</i>=0.020) and reduced G:F (<i>P</i>=0.007). At slaughter LB pigs were 26.4 kg lighter than DS pigs (<i>P</i><0.0001), and pigs that were fed FIB had lighter live weights (<i>P</i>=0.002) than pigs fed CON. LB pigs had 28.5±1.3 cm² smaller longissimus muscle area (<i>P</i><0.0001), yielding 2.0 cm more 10^th rib back fat than DS pigs (<i>P</i><0.0001). CON pigs had heavier HCW (<i>P</i><0.0001) than FIB pigs, however FIB pigs had greater percent lean (<i>P</i>=0.015). LB pigs had significantly reduced percent lean than DS pigs (<i>P</i><0.0001). LB pigs had loins with reduced drip loss (<i>P</i>=0.009) and cooked shear force values (<i>P</i><0.0001). Overall, the growth and carcass composition of the pigs was most affected by genotype, and to a lesser extent than the type of diet fed. </p> <p>In conclusion, the genetic importation of LB semen was successful as ½ blood piglets were created for dispersal into the U.S. LB herd. Improvements in FTS utilization in this heritage breed contributed to the successful creation of live-born pigs. Additionally, growth and carcass information was obtained for LB breeders to use in understanding and marketing of this heritage breed of pigs.</p>

Estudando uma comunidade de serpentes da Serra da Mantiqueira, foram encontradas 11 espécies de serpentes, e constatada a superioridade numérica de indivíduos da família Viperidae. As áreas abertas foram as mais freqüentadas, além de mostrar maior riqueza de espécies. A maioria das espécies encontradas apresenta a viviparidade como modo reprodutivo. A altitude mostrou influenciar a distribuição e abundância das espécies. As três espécies mais abundantes foram B. neuwiedi, B. jararaca e C. durissus, e são apresentadas informações de sua história natural. As fêmeas são maiores e mais robustas do que os machos. Entre filhotes, o dimorfismo sexual não ocorre ou é restrito. Fêmeas são mais ativas na primavera e no verão, e machos no outono. As fêmeas parecem ser mais agressivas. As três espécies alimentam-se preferencialmente de pequenos mamíferos. A espermatogênese e a vitelogênese são sazonais, e machos e fêmeas estocam espermatozóides no trato genital a fim de harmonizarem seus ciclos. O nascimento dos filhotes ocorre no verão. / This study was conducted in the Serra da Mantiqueira, and show biological and ecological aspects within a community of snakes. Eleven species were found. The snakes was mostly found in open areas, and open areas also showed a greater richness of species. A significant percentage of the species reproduced by viviparity. Altitude influenced the abundance and distribution of the species. The three dominant species of snakes was B. neuwiedi, B jararaca and C. durissus. Females are bigger and stronger then the males. Among the young, sexual dimorphism does not happen or it is restricted. Females also showed increased activity during the spring and summer, whiles males had increased activity levels during the autumn months. Females were more aggressive. These three species feed primarily on small mammals. Spermatogenesis and vitellogenesis are seasonal, and males and females show sperm storage in the genital tract so their cycles are harmonized. B. jararaca is bigger and stronger than B. neuwiedi, and female B. jararaca have larger and heavier litters.

A glândula acessória (GA) e o ducto primário (DP) fazem parte do aparelho glandular de veneno da serpente Bothrops jararaca. Existem poucos estudos envolvendo a GA e o DP e ainda há controvérsias se as secreções liberadas por estas regiões podem modificar o veneno formado. Nossos resultados mostraram que a GA apresenta um epitélio secretor simples com células secretoras mucosas, células seromucosas, células ricas em mitocôndrias sem secreção, células horizontais, células basais e células dark. E o DP apresenta um epitélio pseudo-estratificado com células secretoras colunares com vesículas com diferentes eletrodensidades, células ricas em mitocôndrias, células dark, células basais e células horizontais. Observamos que a GA e o DP possuem um ciclo de produção e secreção longo semelhante à glândula principal de veneno. Além disso, mostramos pela primeira vez que a secreção da GA não participa na formação do veneno total e sugerimos que a secreção liberada pelo DP possa participar do veneno total e seja esta secreção o motivo das controvérsias existentes na literatura. / The accessory gland (AG) and the primary duct (PD) are components of the venom gland apparatus of Bothrops jararaca snake. There are few studies about AG and PD and there is still controversy on whether the secretions released by these regions can modify the total venom. Our results show that AG presents simple secretory epithelium with mucous secretory cells, seromucous cells, mitochondria-rich cells without secretion, horizontal cells, basal cells and dark cells. The PD duct presents pseudo-stratified epithelium with secretory columnar cells with different electrodensity vesicles, mitochondria-rich cells, dark cells, basal cells and horizontal cells. We also observed that the AG and the PD have a long cycle of synthesis and secretion as the main venom gland. Furthermore, we show for the first time that the secretion of AG does not participate in the formation of the whole venom and suggest that the secretion released by PD could contribute to the total venom and this secretion could be the subject of controversy in the literature.

Submitted by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2018-09-26T17:24:28Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ELANE SILVA.pdf: 1055103 bytes, checksum: f1d27a8bd44fffdeb0ab4baf10b24d9c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2018-09-26T17:25:19Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 ELANE SILVA.pdf: 1055103 bytes, checksum: f1d27a8bd44fffdeb0ab4baf10b24d9c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-26T17:25:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ELANE SILVA.pdf: 1055103 bytes, checksum: f1d27a8bd44fffdeb0ab4baf10b24d9c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-12-14 / O Hg é um metal pesado tóxico, bioacumulativo e de preocupação global, uma vez que suas emissões antropogênicas e naturais ainda representam um alto risco para a saúde humana e ambiental. O Hg pode ocasionar comprometimento da fertilidade masculina, entretanto a maioria dos estudos avaliaram exposição em altas doses. Nesse sentido, os efeitos adversos gerados pelo Hg em baixas doses no sistema reprodutor masculino são pouco elucidados e o uso do modelo bovino, em virtude da grande semelhança ao humano, pode contribuir para essa avaliação toxicológica neste sistema. Assim, este trabalho objetivou investigar os efeitos da exposição de diferentes concentrações ao cloreto mercúrio (HgCl2) sobre a qualidade e capacidade fértil de espermatozoides bovinos. Palhetas de sêmen de Bos taurus foram descongeladas, os espermatozoides selecionados por gradientes descontínuos de Percoll® (4x106espermatozoides/mL) e divididos em: Controle (sem exposição a HgCl2); Hg8nM; Hg8μM e Hg80μM, incubados por 0,5h, 1h e 2h. Após a exposição, foram analisados parâmetros espermáticos (motilidade, vigor, cinética espermática computadorizada, morfologia, integridade da membrana espermática) e biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo. Para a análise da fecundação in vitro, os oócitos bovinos maturados por 24h e, após 18 horas de co-cultivo de oócitos/espermatozoides (2x106 espermatozoides/mL) a taxa de penetração e fertilização total e normal foram avaliadas. A exposição de espermatozoides bovinos a diferentes concentrações de HgCl2 foi capaz de reduzir a motilidade espermática, aumentar os defeitos menores (Hg80μM), reduzir do número de 12 espermatozoides normais (Hg80μM e Hg8μM) e afetar a integridade da membrana plasmática (Hg8μM). Quanto aos biomarcadores bioquímicos avaliados nas doses baixas deste metal, houve aumento das especies reativas de oxigênio e peroxidação lipídica e redução da capacidade antioxidante total em ambas as doses (Hg8nM e Hg8μM) analisadas. Quanto à fertilização, houve uma redução na taxa de penetração e fertilização total e normal do grupo de Hg com a concentração de 8μM. A exposição de espermatozoides bovinos a baixas concentrações de Hg favorece o aumento do estresse oxidativo que pode desencadear alterações na qualidade espermática e refletir na redução da sua capacidade fértil. / Hg is a toxic heavy metal, bioaccumulative and of global concern, since its anthropogenic and natural emissions still pose a high risk for human and environmental health. Hg may cause impairment of male fertility, however, most studies have evaluated high dose exposure. In this sense, the adverse effects generated by low dose Hg in the male reproductive system are little elucidated and the use of the bovine model, due to the great similarity to the human, can contribute to this toxicological evaluation in this system. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of mercury chloride (HgCl2) exposure at different concentrations on bovine spermatozoa and its fertilization capacity. Bos taurus semen straws were thawed, spermatozoa selected by discontinuous Percoll® gradients (4x106 sperm/mL) and divided into: Control (without exposure to HgCl2); Hg8nM; Hg8μM and Hg80μM, incubated for 0.5h, 1h and 2h. After the exposure, sperm parameters (motility, vigor, computerized sperm kinetics, morphology, sperm membrane integrity) and oxidative stress biomarkers were analyzed. For the analysis of in vitro fertilization, bovine oocytes matured for 24h and, after 18 hours of co-culture of oocytes/spermatozoa (2x106 spermatozoa/mL), total and normal penetration and fertilization rates were evaluated. Exposure of bovine spermatozoa at different concentrations of HgCl2 was able to reduce sperm motility, increase the minors defects (Hg80μM), reduce the number of normal spermatozoa (Hg80μM and Hg8μM) and affect the integrity of the plasma membrane (Hg8μM). Regarding the biochemical biomarkers evaluated in the low doses of this metal, there was an increase in the reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and reduction of the total antioxidant capacity in both doses (Hg8nM and Hg8μM) analyzed. As for 14 fertilization, there was a reduction in the penetration rate and total and normal fertilization of the Hg group with the concentration of 8μM. Exposure of bovine spermatozoa at low concentrations of Hg favors the increase of oxidative stress that can trigger changes in sperm quality and reflect in the reduction of their capacity of IVF. KEYWORDS: Mercury, Toxicology; Sperm, Bovine model; Oxidative Stress; in vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Este experimento foi realizado com objetivo de se avaliar os efeitos da suplentação com os energéticos propileno glicol, propionato de cálcio e "Dairy Power Drench ?" no período pré e pós-parto de vacas leiteiras sobre: a) variação do escore de condição corporal (ECC); b) variação de peso; c) produção de leite, d) parâmetros de eficiência reprodutiva e e) concentração plasmática dos ácidos graxos livres (AGL). Para este estudo, foram utilizadas 165 fêmeas da raça Holandesa (132 vacas e 33 novilhas) de dois rebanhos comerciais. As parições destes animais ocorreram entre 15 de março a 15 de junho de 1999. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: grupo C-Controle com 41 animais; grupo DR- com 42 animais que receberam 3 aplicações de "Dairy Power Drench ?" no pós-parto; grupo PC- com 39 animais que receberam 500g diários de propionato de cálcio, iniciando em média 11 dias antes da data do parto até 49 dias pós-parto; grupo PG com 43 animais que receberam 500mL diários de propileno glicol, iniciando em média 13 dias antes da data do parto e continuando até o 51 o dia pós-parto. A avaliação da condição corporal foi feita semanalmente, usando-se a escala de 1 a 5 e o peso foi aferido com auxílio da fita barimétrica, ambos no mesmo dia e pela mesma pessoa. A mensuração individual da produção de leite e a colheita de sangue para avaliação da concentração de ácidos graxos livres foram realizados semanalmente. O parâmetro reprodutivo, dias para primeiro cio pós-parto, foi realizado por observação visual, realizada duas vezes ao dia. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância que separou como causas de variação efeito de tratamento e efeito dos blocos formados em função da fazenda (Fazenda 1 e 2) e do números de partos (primíparas ou multíparas). As análises referentes aos valores de produção de leite, escore de condição corporal, peso vivo, variação diária do peso corporal e concentração de ácidos graxos livres foram acrescidos do fator medidas repetidas no tempo (semanas). A comparação entre as médias dos tratamentos foi realizada através do teste de Tukey. Não foi observado efeito de interação de tempo x tratamento sobre a variável escore de condição corporal. Entretanto, houve uma tendência (P<0,08) de efeito de tratamento e efeito quadrático de tempo (P<0,01). As vacas que receberam "Drench" tenderam a apresentar uma condição corporal 6% superior ao grupo que recebeu propileno glicol. Já a variação da condição corporal (ECC6 - ECC1) não sofreu efeito de tratamento. Para o peso corporal e variação diária de peso não foi observado efeito dos tratamentos, nem interação entre tempo x tratamento. Entretanto, sofreram efeito de tempo de comportamento quadrático (P<0,01 e P<0,05, respectivamente). As vacas produziram em média 27,3 kg de leite/dia, sendo observado efeito de interação tempo x tratamento (P<0,01) sobre esta variável. Porém, dentro de cada semana, as possíveis diferenças não foram detectadas. Os tratamentos não afetaram os parâmetros de eficiência reprodutiva. Encontrou-se em média 69,5 dias para o aparecimento do primeiro cio, 2,23 serviços/concepção e 172,6 dias para o período de serviço. As concentrações médias dos ácidos graxos livres encontradas durante o período experimental foram de 376,6 µeq/L, não se observando efeitos de interação tempo x tratamento ou de tratamento. Porém, sofreram efeito de tempo (P<0,01) com comportamento linear (P<0,01), decrescendo 48,2 µeq/L por semana. / The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of propylene glycol, calcium propionate and "Dairy Power Drench ?" supplementation on pre and postpartum period of Holstein cows. Parameters studied were: a) body condition score variation (BCS); b) body weight variation; c) milk production, d) reproduction efficiency and e) nonesterified fatty acids concentration (NEFA). One hundred and sixty and five animals were used (132 cows and 33 heifers) from two commercial herds. Parturitions started on March 15 th and ended on June 15 th of 1999. Animals were allocated in four groups: group C-Control (41 animals); group DR- (42 animals) with administration of "Dairy Power Drench ?" (once a day for 3 days) during postpartum period; group PC-(39 animals) with daily administration of calcium propionate (500g), starting 11 days (in average) prior to parturition and ending 49 days postpartum; group PG (43 animals) with daily administration of propylene glycol (500mL), starting 13 days (in average) prior to parturition and ending 51 days postpartum. The evaluation of BCS was done weekly, using a five-point scale over values from 1 to 5 and body weight was also measured, on the same day, by the same person. Milk production was measured individually and blood was sampled weekly. The parameter days to postpartum first detected estrus was done visually, twice a day. Variance analysis separated as variation sources the effect of treatments and blocks in function of farms (Farm 1 and 2) and parity (primiparous or multiparous). Analyses referred to milk production, body condition score, body weight, daily variation of body weight and nonesterified fatty acids concentration were added with repeated measures factor (weeks). Treatments were compared using Tukey's test. Interaction between time (weeks) and treatment was not found for BCS, however, there was a tendency (P<0.08) of treatment effect and quadratic effect of time (P<0.01). Supplementation of "Drench" tended to cause a body condition score 6% higher compared to supplementation of propylene glycol. But the variation of BSC (BSC6 -BSC1) was not affected by treatments. Body weight and its variation were not affected by treatment or interaction time x treatment. However, there was a quadratic effect of time (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Milk production average was 27.3 kg/day and an interaction time x treatment was found (P<0.01) on this parameter. But inside of each week, the possible differences were not detected. Treatments also did not affect reproductive efficiency parameters. On average, days to postpartum first detected estrus were 69.5, service/conception was 2.23 and service period was 172.6 days. Nonesterified fatty acids concentration average was 376.6 µeq/L and there was no effect of interaction time x treatment or treatment. But there was a linear effect (P<0.01), decreasing 48.2 µeq/L per week.

A tribo Hydropsini compreende três gêneros de serpentes. Dados alimentares são escassos, mas indicam que as espécies consomem principalmente peixes e secundariamente anfíbios anuros. Os Hydropsini são ovíparos ou vivíparos e o polimorfismo é sugerido para algumas espécies. Entretanto, outros aspectos reprodutivos são desconhecidos para a maioria dessas serpentes. Por outro lado, as relações filogenéticas entre os Hydropsini estão estabelecidas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a reprodução e alimentação de doze espécies dos três gêneros, mapear a evolução e analisar possíveis relações entre a evolução de caracteres morfológicos, reprodutivos e alimentares, utilizando a filogenia disponível. Dados foram obtidos de indivíduos preservados (N = 2.871) de espécies amazônicas (Hydrops spp., Pseudoeryx spp., Helicops hagmanni, H trivittatus, H angulatus, H polylepis), do sudoeste (H leopardinus) e sudeste do Brasil (H carinicaudus, H modestus, H infrataeniatus, H gomesi). Os Hydropsini são especialistas em peixes, porém algumas Helicops (exceto H hagmanni) podem consumir anfíbios e lagartos. Hydrops triangularis e P. plicatilis são especialistas em peixes alongados (Synbranchiformes), Peixes Gymnotiformes, Siluriformes e Perciformes foram dominantes nas dietas de Hy. martii, H polylepis e H hagmanni, respectivamente. Nenhum tipo de presa teve dominância importante nas dietas das demais espécies, porém Perciformes foram consumidos com maior freqüência pela maioria. Esses dados indicam que as espécies diferem quanto ao local de forrageio. Aparentemente, o ancestral da tribo possuía cabeça pequena e dieta composta por Synbranchiformes. A dieta se toma mais ampla e o tamanho da cabeça parece ter aumento no ancestral de Helicops. As presas consumidas por muitas Helicops possuem corpos relativamente mais altos e são mais robustas o que pode explicar alterações no crânio de determinadas espécies. Fêmeas atingem a maturidade com tamanho, relativo ao tamanho médio dos adultos, similar em comparação aos machos. Fêmeas são maiores, possuem maior cabeça, circunferência e cauda mais curta que machos. O menor tamanho dos machos indica que o ritual de combate não deve ocorrer na tribo. Os Hydropsini são ovíparos ou vivíparos e o polimorfismo foi confirmado para H angulatus. A reprodução da maioria das espécies deve ser bienal, já que menos de 50% das fêmeas estavam reprodutivas. Os ciclos das fêmeas são sazonais, exceto para H angulatus. A reprodução das espécies amazônicas ocorre ao longo da estação seca e parte da chuvosa. Ciclos reprodutivos restritos às chuvas ocorrem para as espécies do sudeste e sudoeste. Diferenças nos ciclos das fêmeas podem estar associadas à variação no clima dessas regiões. A espermatogênese pode ser contínua ou sazonal. Os duetos deferentes de muitas espécies estão maiores na seca, sugerindo a ocorrência de cópula nesta estação. A fecundidade e o tamanho dos filhotes, relativos ao tamanho das fêmeas, não diferiu entre serpentes ovíparas e vivíparas. A oviparidade é característica plesiomórfica e a viviparidade pode ter surgido três vezes entre as Helicops. A fecundidade parece aumentar no ancestral do clado (Pseudoeryx, Helicops), o qual é composto por serpentes mais robustas em comparação a Hydrops e a muitos Xenodontinae. Porém, o tamanho dos filhotes tende a diminuir nessas serpentes. / The tribe Hydropsini comprises three genera of snakes. Information on food habits is scarce. However previous data indicate that species feed mainly upon fishes but also eat anurans. The Hydropsini are oviparous or viviparous and the polymorphism is suggested for some species. Other reproductive traits are unknown for most species. On the other hand, the phylogenetic relationships of Hydropsini are established. This study aimed to characterize the reproduction and the feeding habits of twelve species of three genera, hypothesise the evolution of morphological, reproductive and diet characters, as well as probable relationships among these traits. Data were obtained from preserved individuals (N = 2.871) of species from northern (Hydrops sp., Pseudoeryx sp., Helicops hagmanni, H. trivittatus, H. angulatus, H. polylepis), southwestern (H. leopardinus) and southeastern Brazil (H. carinicaudus, H. modestus, H. infrataeniatus, H. gomesi). The Hydropsini feed on fishes, but most Helicops eat also frogs and eventually lizards. Hydrops triangularis and P. plicatilis are specialized on Synbranchiformes fishes. Siluriformes, Perciformes and Gymnotiformes were the dominant item in of H. polylepis, H. hagmanni and Hy. martii, respectively. Other species eat several fishes, but Perciformes were consumed more frequently by most. These data here obtained suggest that the species differ in foraging microhabitat. The ancestor of the tribe probably had small head and diet composed predominantly by Synbranchiformes. The diet became widespread and the size of the head increase in the ancestor of Helicops. The preys consumed by most Helicops are stouter and have higher bodies, which may explain changes in the skull of some species. Females and males attain sexual maturity at similar body size, but adult females are larger. Moreover females have larger head and body circumference, and shorter tail than males. The smaller size of males indicates that the combat behavior should not occur in the tribe. The Hydropsini are oviparous or viviparous and the polymorphism was confirmed to H. angulatus. The reproduction of most species may be biennial, since less than 50% of females were reproductive. The cycles of females are seasonal. At the least H. angulatus, has continuous cycle. The reproduction of the Amazonian species occurs throughout the dry season and part of the rainy season. Cycles restricted mainly to the rainy season occur for species in southeastern and southwestern. Differences in the females cycles may be related to distinct climate in the occurrence areas of the species. The spermatogenesis are continuous or seasonal (restricted to the dry or rainy season). The diameter of deferent ducts of most species are larger in the dry season, suggesting that mating is restricted to this season. The fecundity and size of newborns, relative to the body size of female, was similar among species and did not differ between oviparous and viviparous snakes. The oviparity is plesiomorphic and the viviparity may have arisen at the least three times among Helicops. The fecundity increases in the ancestor of the clade (Pseudoeryx, Helicops), which is stouter than Hydrops and many Xenodontinae. However, the size of newborns tends to decrease in these snakes.

A positive phenotypic correlation between milk protein percentage and reproductive performance in dairy cattle, especially during early lactation has been recently reported. The objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between milk protein percentage and different measures of fertility in Irish, seasonal calving, dairy cattle using data from experiments comparing strains of Holstein-Friesian cows under different feeding systems. The relationships between body condition score, milk production and fertility were also investigated. The data used in this study consisted of 584 lactation records over a 5-yr period. Principal component analysis and logistic regression was used to study the relationship between milk protein percentage and fertility performance of the cow. Greater milk protein percentage during the first 60 days post-calving was associated with better reproductive performance. The probability of a cow being submitted in the first 21 days of the breeding season increased with increased milk protein percentage during early lactation. Similarly, the probability of a cow becoming pregnant to its first service or to the whole breeding season also increased. Cows were classified as either high or low milk protein percentage based on their protein percentage over the whole lactation. Cows in the high milk protein group had a 7% greater conception rate compared to cows in the low protein percentage group. In conclusion, cows with higher protein percentage, especially during early lactation are submitted earlier in the breeding season, and have a higher conception rate. Physiologically, the shortage of glucose caused by negative energy balance restricts the synthesis of milk protein in the udder. On the other side, negative energy balance also causes the reduction of IGF-I, LH and oestradiol, which consequently delay the ovarian follicular development and finally reduces fertility. Therefore, there is a biological explanation for the association between milk protein percentage and fertility performance.