A produção de bezerros de corte que atenda ao mercado consumidor é de extrema importância, uma vez que existem fatores capazes de influenciar o preço dos animais durante a sua comercialização. Desta maneira, foi desenvolvido o presente trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar a variação no preço de bezerros em relação ao preço do boi gordo, bem como os efeitos do grupo genético e do sexo de bezerros sobre os preços praticados em leilões no estado de Santa Catarina (SC). Foram avaliados 33.143 animais, constituindo 3.587 lotes em 47 leilões realizados entre os anos de 2009 e 2014. Os lotes de bezerros eram separados em machos (M) e fêmeas (F) e foram classificados em cinco grupos genéticos de acordo com o biotipo racial: britânicos e seus cruzamentos (BX); continentais e seus cruzamentos (CX); cruzamento entre britânicos e continentais (BC); zebuínos e seus cruzamentos (ZX) e cruzamento entre Bos taurus taurus e Bos taurus indicus (TI). Todos os preços nominais de comercialização foram deflacionados pelo índice geral dos preços – disponibilidade interna (IGP-DI), para maio de 2014. Os dados não atenderam aos pressupostos da análise de variância, sendo então, realizada uma análise não paramétrica a partir do teste de Friedman e Kruskall-Wallis (post-hoc de Dunn) com o auxílio do software SPSS 20.0. O preço pago pelos bezerros acompanhou a variação ocorrida no preço do boi gordo, sendo que no ano de 2014 o preço do bezerro atingiu seu maior valor nominal (R$ 5,36/kg; P<0,05). Os M são comercializados a preços 7,8% superiores ao das F, porém essa diferença foi influenciada pelo ano de análise, onde a menor diferença entre sexos ocorreu nos períodos de redução no preço do boi gordo em SC (2012 e 2013). Os M pertencentes ao grupo genético ZX e TI foram os que receberam menores preços (R$ 4,49/kg e R$ 4,64/kg, respectivamente) quando comparados aos outros grupos (P<0,05). Por outro lado, as bezerras do grupo BX receberam maiores preços a partir de 2011, em comparação aos grupos CX, BC, TI e ZX (8,1, 8,5, 14,7 e 16,5%, respectivamente). Assim, conclui-se que o preço dos bezerros acompanha a variação ocorrida no preço do boi gordo. Além disso, o sexo e diferentes grupos genéticos são fatores capazes de influenciar no preço de comercialização de bezerros na região de SC. Desta forma, os fatores que afetam o preço dos bezerros podem ser ajustados através da seleção genética. / The production of calves that attend consumer market is of utmost importance, as there are factors that can influence the price of animals during their marketing. This manner, it developed this study with the objective to investigate variation in calves price in relation to the price of cattle and the effects of genetic group and calves sex on prices at auctions in the state of Santa Catarina (SC). We evaluated 33.143 animals, representing 3.587 lots in 47 auctions from 2009 to 2014. The calves were classified according to genetic group: British breed or cross-breeding (BX); Continental breed or cross-breeding (CX); Zebu breed or cross-breeding (ZC); British and Continental cross-breeding (BC); Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus cross-breeding (TI). The lots were composed of male (M) and females (F) calves. Nominal sales prices were deflated for May 2014. The data did not meet the assumptions of analysis of variance and non-parametric analysis was performed from the Friedman test and Kruskal-Wallis test (post-hoc Dunn) with the SPSS 20.0 software. The years presenting low and high changes in the price of calves were similar to the variation in the price of beef cattle, and in 2014 the calf price reached its highest value (R$ 5.36; P<0.05). The M are sold at prices higher than F (average 7.8%) calves, but this difference was driven by year of analysis, where the closest approach occurred during periods of reduction in the price of live cattle in SC (2012 and 2013). The M of genetic group ZX and TI received on average lower prices (R$ 4.49 and R$ 4.64, respectively) compared to the other groups (P<0.05). On the other hand, the F heifers from BX group received higher average prices in 2011 compared to the CX group, BC, IT and ZX (8.1, 8.5, 14.7 and 16.5%, respectively). Thus, it was concluded that the price of calves accompanies the variation in the price of cattle. In addition, sex and different genetic groups are factors that impact on the market price of calves in the SC region. This way, the factors that affect the price of calves can be adjusted through genetic selection.

Orientador: Maria da Gloria Buzinaro / Banca: Samir Issa Samara / Banca: Ricardo Luiz Moro de Sousa / Resumo: Os rotavírus são os principais agentes causadores de diarreias em várias espécies animais e nos seres humanos, causando grandes prejuízos econômicos e de saúde pública. Uma característica marcante desse vírus é a grande diversidade genotípica das estirpes circulantes. Informações sobre genotipagem são imprescindíveis para estabelecer mecanismos de vigilância epidemiológica da infecção por rotavírus. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo discutir a epidemiologia de rotavírus na espécie bovina por meio de estudos desenvolvidos entre os anos 2006 e 2010, no Laboratório de Rotavirose da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias da Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/Unesp). Foram obtidas 803 amostras de fezes de bezerros, na faixa etária de 1 a 90 dias, com e sem diarreia, de 48 rebanhos de gado bovino leiteiro e de corte localizados no Estado de São Paulo. As amostras foram caracterizadas com base nos testes de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (PAGE) e transcrição reversa seguida da reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). O teste de PAGE indicou animais positivos em 33,3% (16/48) dos rebanhos e 6,1% (49/803) das amostras analisadas. Nos rebanhos leiteiros foram detectados animais infectados por rotavírus nas diferentes faixas etárias de até 90 dias de idade, enquanto nos rebanhos de corte alta frequência (22,8%) de amostras positivas foi verificada em bezerros entre 1 e 15 dias (P<0,05). A análise do perfil do genoma no PAGE identificou sete eletroferótipos, característicos de rotavírus do grupo A, indicando grande diversidade genômica do rotavírus nos rebanhos estudados. A caracterização molecular dos genótipos G (VP7) e P (VP4) pela RT-PCR identificou o genótipo G6P[5] como o mais comum. Foram construídos mapas que analisaram a distribuição espacial dos rotavírus detectados. O trabalho de identificação do rotavírus é de grande valia, uma vez que... / Abstract: Rotavirus is the major causative agent of diarrhea in several animal species and humans, causing large economic and public health damage. A striking feature of this virus is the great genotypic diversity of circulating strains. Genotyping information is essential to establish surveillance mechanisms of rotavirus infection. This study aimed to discuss the epidemiology of rotavirus in cattle through studies conducted between 2006 and 2010, the Rotavirus Disease Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences of the Universidade Estadual Paulista "Julio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV / UNESP), 803 samples of feces of calves were obtained, ranging in age from 1 to 90 days, with and without diarrhea, 48 herds of dairy and beef cattle in the State of São Paulo. The samples were characterized on the basis of electrophoresis tests on polyacrylamide gel (PAGE) and then reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The PAGE test indicated positive animals in 33.3% (16/48) of the herds and 6.1% (49/803) of the samples. In dairy herds infected animals were detected rotavirus in different age groups (P> 0.05), while in the high frequency cut herds (22.8%) of positive samples was observed in calves between 1 to 15 days (P <0,05). The genome profile analysis in PAGE identified seven eletropherotypes characteristic of rotavirus group A, indicating a high genomic diversity of rotavirus in the herds. The molecular characterization of genotype G (VP7) and P (VP4) by RT-PCR identified the genotype G6P [5] as the most common. Maps were constructed to analyze the spatial distribution of detected rotavirus. Rotavirus identification work is of great value, since it is evident that different genotypes agent is spread in São Paulo presenting different forms of production / Mestre

De acordo com o manejo tradicionalmente empregado na pecuária leiteira, a descorna de bezerros é um procedimento rotineiro e de destaque na atividade. Tal procedimento é normalmente realizado por meio da cauterização térmica e apresenta-se, portanto, como um dos principais fatores da ocorrência de queimaduras em bezerros. O tratamento das lesões baseia-se na aplicação tópica de substâncias cicatrizantes, antimicrobianas e repelentes, sendo que, na Medicina Veterinária, o elemento mais utilizado e presente em produtos tópicos comerciais com finalidade de melhorar o tempo de cicatrização é o óxido de zinco. Como alternativa ao uso de antibióticos e melhora da cicatrização de feridas, a fototerapia de baixa intensidade bem como a terapia fotodinâmica se apresentam como opções terapêuticas no tratamento para reparação tecidual e contra infecções locais em feridas por queimaduras. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados do emprego da fototerapia no tratamento de lesões de queimaduras induzidas por meio da descorna cauterizante em bezerros, caracterizando a evolução macroscópica e histológica da cicatrização das lesões e a recuperação clínica do animal quando comparada com o tratamento tradicional preconizado com pomada à base de óxido de zinco. Desta forma, foram utilizados 30 bezerros, divididos em cinco grupos avaliados: G1 - grupo controle; G2- grupo laser vermelho (LV), &lambda;&#61;660nm/20s de irradiação (70J/cm2); G3 - laser infravermelho (IV), &lambda;=810nm/20s de irradiação (70J/cm2); G3 - LED vermelho (LED), &lambda;=660nm/40s de irradiação (10,8J/cm2) e G4 grupo terapia fotodinâmica (PDT), azul de metileno a 0,01% associado ao LED vermelho, &lambda;=660nm/40s de irradiação (10,8J/cm2). Os resultados demonstraram que não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos quanto ao tempo de regressão das lesões bem como quanto à deposição de colágeno tipo III. Pode-se concluir que as fototerapias, nos parâmetros de irradiação propostos, mostraram-se tão eficazes quanto à aplicação de unguento com óxido de zinco na cicatrização de queimaduras em bezerros / According to the traditionally management used in dairy cattle, disbudding calves is a highly important routine procedure. Disbudding is usually performed by heat cauterization and presents itself as the main factor that leads to burns injuries in calves. The treatment of the lesions is based on the topical application of antimicrobial and repellents healing products, and in Veterinary Medicine, the most frequent used and present in commercial products, in order to improve the healing time, is zinc oxide. As an alternative to antibiotics and to improve wound healing, low level phototherapy and photodynamic therapy are presented as therapeutic options for tissue repair and against local infections in burn wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of phototherapy in the treatment of burn injuries induced by disbudding in calves, by macroscopic and histological features of the lesions, and the clinical recovery of the animals, and to compare with the traditional treatment with zinc oxide ointment. Thus, 30 calves were divided into five study groups: G1 control; G2 - red laser (RL), &lambda; = 660 nm / 20 seconds of irradiation (70J / cm2), G3 - infrared laser (IR), &lambda; = 810nm / 20 seconds of irradiation (70J / cm2); G4 - red LED (LED), &lambda; = 660 nm / 40 seconds of irradiation (10,8J / cm2) and G5 - photodynamic therapy (PDT), methylene blue 0.01% associated with the red LED &lambda; = 660 nm / 40 seconds of irradiation ( 10,8J / cm2). The results showed no statistical differences among the groups according to wound healing time, and to the type III collagen deposition. It was possible to conclude that phototherapies, in the proposed irradiation parameters, were efficient as zinc oxide ointment in the burn wound healing in calves

Submitted by Jorge Silva (jorgelmsilva@ufrrj.br) on 2017-05-11T19:12:48Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2012 - F?bio Jorge Moreira da Silva.pdf: 1417566 bytes, checksum: a168314142bf607a64227972ff4c85e8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-11T19:12:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2012 - F?bio Jorge Moreira da Silva.pdf: 1417566 bytes, checksum: a168314142bf607a64227972ff4c85e8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-06-06 / CNPq / Activities in high productivity systems to dairy cattle contribute to imbalance health and disease, and increase the possibility of illness compatible with the infestation and infections transmitted by arthropods vectors. The objectives were to evaluate the prevalence and the seroepidemiological condition for Anaplasma marginale in 41calves from birth to completed 180 days. The animals belonged to ?Centro Estadual de Pesquisa em Agricultura Org?nica? ? Pesagro-Rio, Serop?dica-RJ. There are few reports of molecular diagnostic techniques for this agent. The study was conducted during the rainy and dry seasons and collected a total of 1607 blood samples, initially every three days and processed using indirect ELISA test and PCR. Percent values for A. marginale seroprevalence as function of age were tested using the ?2 test at 5% significance level. The prevalence of anti-A. marginale antibodies were 39.8% in calves aged less than 30 days, 23.3% between 30 and 60 days, 27.3% between 60 and 120 days and 38.2% between 120 and 180 days, with 31.4% for samples of all age group (180 days). Calves aged between 30 and 60, 60 and 120 and 120 and 180 days were respectively 1.90, 1.75 and 1.55 more likely to be seronegative for A. marginale than newborn ones. All calves were positive to PCR until 13 days old. The values show that during the study calves had low levels of antibodies to A. marginale, a condition that predisposes them to the development of clinical anaplasmosis. In addition, the herd was considered unstable epidemiologically to A. marginale infection. The results show that animals had low antibody titers of IgG anti-A. marginale, being more susceptible to develop clinical anaplasmosis from 30 to 60 days. The results of the PCR method confirmed A. marginale in all animals before they are 15 days old and suggest the possibility of transplacental transmission occurs in the herd. / As atividades relacionadas a bovinocultura leiteira em sistemas de alta produtividade contribuem cada dia mais com o desequil?brio sa?de-doen?a, e aumentam a probabilidade de enfermidades compat?veis com as ectoparasitoses e as infec??es transmitidas por estes vetores. Os objetivos do trabalho foram detectar a infec??o por Anaplasma marginale de forma precoce e avaliar o n?vel de anticorpos IgG anti-A. marginale em bezerros nativos e naturalmente parasitados por Rhipicephalus microplus na Baixada Fluminense, estado do Rio de Janeiro. S?o escassos os relatos sobre t?cnicas de diagn?stico molecular para este agente. Um total de 41 bezerras foi acompanhado do nascimento aos 180 dias de idade. Os animais pertenciam ao Centro Estadual de Pesquisa em Agricultura Org?nica da Pesagro-RJ. O estudo foi conduzido nas esta??es chuvosa e seca, e foram coletados um total de 1607 amostras, com intervalo inicial de tr?s dias e processados utilizando o teste ELISA indireto e a t?cnica PCR. Os valores percentuais de soropreval?cia para A. marginale em fun??o da idade foram submetidos ao teste ?2 a 5% de signific?ncia. A preval?ncia de anticorpos anti-A. marginale nos bezerros, em fun??o da idade, foi de 39,8% do soro de animais com idade inferior a 30 dias, 23,3% entre 30 e 60 dias, 27,3% entre 60 e 120 dias e 38,2% entre 120 e 180 dias, com um percentual de 31,4% para as amostras de todo o grupo et?rio (180 dias). Bezerros com idade 30 - 60, 60 - 120 e 120 - 180 dias apresentaram respectivamente 1,90, 1,75 e 1,55 mais risco de serem soronegativos para A. marginale do que os animais rec?m nascidos. Os bezerros foram diagnosticados positivos a PCR em no m?ximo 13 dias de idade. Os valores demonstram que os animais estudados apresentaram baixos t?tulos de anticorpos da classe IgG anti-A. marginale, sendo mais suscet?veis a desenvolverem anaplasmose cl?nica entre 30 a 60 dias de vida. Os resultados do m?todo PCR comprovaram a circula??o de A. marginale em todos os animais antes de completarem 15 dias de vida e sugerem a possibilidade de ocorrer transmiss?o transplacent?ria no rebanho estudado.

A fim de caracterizar o comportamento de filhotes de baleia jubarte, este estudo foi conduzido ao redor do Arquipélago dos Abrolhos, um importante sítio de nascimento e cria da espécie no Brasil. Foram investigados aspectos do desenvolvimento comportamental dos filhotes, diferenças comportamentais entre filhotes nascidos em diferentes temporadas reprodutivas e, também, a influência da presença de um escorte no comportamento dos filhotes. Os dados foram coletados entre os anos de 1998 a 2004, entre os meses de julho a novembro, a partir de um ponto fixo de observação no topo da Ilha de Santa Bárbara, no Arquipélago dos Abrolhos. O método utilizado foi o de amostragem de animal focal, com registro de todos os eventos e estados comportamentais realizados pelos filhotes, com o auxilio de um teodolito. 207 observações focais foram analisadas, totalizando 313,65 horas de amostragem. Os filhotes apresentaram um repertório comportamental bastante diverso e com uma grande variação quanto à taxa de ocorrência. Os eventos mais freqüentes foram ARQUEAMENTO DO PEDÚNCULO, SALTO, EXPOSIÇÃO DE UM LOBO DA CAUDAL e BATIDA DE CAUDAL; os poucos freqüentes ou raros foram SLASH DE CAUDAL, BARRIGA PARA CIMA, ACENANDO e ALONGAMENTO DO PEDÚNCULO. Entre os estados comportamentais, os filhotes permaneceram a maior parte do tempo em NATAÇÃO, sendo observado em média 42,21% do tempo. MILLING foi o segundo estado mais freqüente (média: 29,86%), seguido de REPOUSO (média: 20,91%) e ATIVO (média: 7,02%). A alta freqüência de ocorrência de alguns eventos e o tempo gasto em NATAÇÃO sugerem a importância desses comportamentos no desenvolvimento da coordenação e aptidão motora, fortalecimento da musculatura e melhora da resistência nos filhotes. Dessa maneira, os filhotes desenvolvem habilidades necessárias para interações sociais futuras e reprodução e, também, para necessidades do momento, como o desenvolvimento da relação com a mãe, amamentação e preparação para a migração. A análise do comportamento dos filhotes nas três fases da temporada reprodutiva mostrou que os filhotes aumentaram a taxa de ocorrência dos eventos ARQUEAMENTO DO PEDÚNCULO, EXPOSIÇÃO DE CABEÇA, BATIDA DE CABEÇA, EXPOSIÇÃO DE UM LOBO DA CAUDAL e EXPOSIÇÃO DE PEITORAL. Entretanto, não foi possível identificar estágios de desenvolvimento específicos. Dez dos 18 eventos comportamentais apresentaram diferenças na taxa de ocorrência entre filhotes de temporadas distintas, assim como a proporção do tempo gasto em REPOUSO pelos filhotes foi diferente. Apesar destas diferenças observadas entre alguns anos, não foi identificado um padrão temporal. Na presença de um escorte o comportamento dos filhotes mudou: a taxa de ocorrência de ARQUEAMENTO DO PEDÚNCULO, EXPOSIÇÃO DE CABEÇA e COLO foi significativamente menor. Adicionalmente, os filhotes permaneceram mais tempo em NATAÇÃO e menos tempo em REPOUSO do que quando estavam acompanhados apenas de suas mães. Alguns trabalhos sugerem que a presença de um escorte pode proporcionar proteção ao filhote, porém, diante das alterações comportamentais observadas, e do aumento da velocidade média de natação, a presença do escorte parece não trazer benefícios, pelo contrário, parece ter um efeito negativo para o filhote, ao menos em termos energéticos. / To characterize the behavior of humpback whales calves, a study was conduct around Abrolhos Archipelago, an important nursing area for the species in Brazil. It was investigated aspects of the behavioral development of calves, behavioral differences between calves of different breeding seasons and also the effects of the presence of one escort in the behavior of calves. The data were collected from 1998 to 2004, through the months of July to November, from a land-base station on the top of Santa Barbara Island at the Abrolhos Archipelago. The chosen method was animal focal sampling, with record of all behavioral events and state occurrences, using a theodolite. A total of 207 focal observations were analyzed, comprising 313.65 hours of sampling. Humpback whales calves exhibit a very diverse behavioral repertoire, with a strong variation in the occurrence rate. More frequent events were PEDUNCLE ARCH, BREACH, EXPOSITION OF HALF OF THE FLUKE and TAIL SLAP; and the less frequent were TAIL SLASH, BELLY-UP, TAIL WAVE and PEDUNCLE ELONGATION. Among the behavioral states, calves remained more time SWIMMING (mean: 42.21%). MILLING was the second most frequent state (mean: 29.86%), followed by RESTING (mean: 20.91%) and ACTIVE was the least frequent (mean: 7.02%). The high frequency of occurrence of some behavioral events as well as the high proportion of time SWIMMING suggest that these behaviors are important to the development of coordination and motor ability and also to muscle strengthening. In this way, the calves can develop abilities needed to future social interactions and reproduction, but also to current needs, as in the development of the relationship with its mother, for nursing and for preparing to migration. There was a significant effect of phase of the season on rate of occurrence of PEDUNCLE ARCH, HEAD EXPOSITION, HEAD SLAP, EXPOSITION OF HALF OF THE FLUKE and PECTORAL EXPOSITION. However it was not possible to identify a specific development stage. Ten of 18 behavioral events showed variation in the rate of occurrence along the seven breeding seasons studied, also the proportion of time RESTING state showed a significant difference among seasons. Despite the observed differences among some years, they did not show any pattern. In the presence of one escort the behavior of calves changed. The rate of occurrence of PEDUNCLE ARCH, HEAD EXPOSITION and LAP was significant lower. Besides, calves remained more time SWIMMING and less time RESTING than when calves were only accompanied with their mothers. Studies suggest distinct functions to escorts, including provide protection to calves. However in face of the behavioral changes and increase in speed of swimming, the presence of one escort seems not to be an advantage, on the contrary seems to have a negative effect to the calf, at least in the energetic demand.

"December, 2004." / Bibliography: leaves 229-251. / xvi, 265 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture and Wine, Disciplines of Animal Science and Biometrics SA, 2005?

In the present study our objectives were (1) to follow the temporal patterns of testicular LH and FSH receptor (LH-R and FSH-R) concentrations and affinity (Ka) during sexual maturation in bulls, to see if such patterns could explain the control of rapid testicular growth that occurs after 25 weeks of age, when serum gonadotropin concentrations are low; (2) to see if transformation growth factors (TGF- alpha and beta 1, 2 and 3) and interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6) are produced in the developing bovine testis and if their concentrations change during development; (3) to see if the onset of puberty could be hastened by treating bull calves subcutaneously (sc) with 3 mg of bLH (n=6) or 4 mg of bFSH (n=6) once every 2 days, from 4 to 8 weeks after birth. Mean LH-R concentrations decreased from 13 to 25 weeks of age and increased to 56 weeks of age (P<0.05). LH-RKa decreased from 9 to 17 weeks of age, increased to 29 weeks and declined to 33 weeks of age (P<0.05). FSH-R concentrations declined from 17 to 25 weeks of age then increased to 56 weeks of age (P<0.05). FSH-RKa increased from 17 to 25 weeks of age (P<0.05). Testicular TGF-alpha concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks and from 33 to 56 weeks of age (P<0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 1 concentrations decreased from 17 to 21 weeks of age, increased to 25 weeks and decreased from 25 to 29 weeks of age (P<0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 2 concentrations increased from 5 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks, increased to 25 weeks and decreased at 29 weeks of age (P<0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 3 concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks of age and from 25 to 29 weeks of age (P<0.05). Mean testicular IL-1 alpha concentrations decreased from 5 to 9 weeks of age and 13 to 21 weeks of age (P<0.01) while mean testicular IL-1 beta concentrations decreased from 13 to 17 weeks and 29 to 33 weeks of age (P<0.01). Mean IL-1 bioactivity increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks, increased to 25 weeks, decreased to 29 weeks and decreased from 33 to 56 weeks of age (P<0.05). Mean testicular IL-6 concentrations decreased (P<0.05) from 9 to 13 weeks of age, increased (P<0.05) to 21 weeks, decreased (P<0.05) to 25 weeks of age, increased (P<0.05) to 29 weeks and decreased (P<0.01) to 56 weeks of age. <p>We concluded that high concentrations of gonadotropin receptors might be critical to initiate postnatal testis growth and support it after 25 weeks of age in the face of low serum gonadotropin concentrations. Testicular TGF-alpha concentrations were higher in calves than adults while concentrations of TGF-beta and IL-1 were higher in the early postnatal period than the peripubertal period. The changes in testicular concentrations of TGFs and ILs led us to suggest a possible local regulatory role in development. Testicular IL-6 concentrations were higher in prepubertal calves than adults. Treatment of bull calves with bFSH from 4 to 8 weeks of age increased testicular growth (SC), hastened the onset of puberty (SC ≥ 28 cm), and enhanced spermatogenesis.

In the present study our objectives were (1) to follow the temporal patterns of testicular LH and FSH receptor (LH-R and FSH-R) concentrations and affinity (Ka) during sexual maturation in bulls, to see if such patterns could explain the control of rapid testicular growth that occurs after 25 weeks of age, when serum gonadotropin concentrations are low; (2) to see if transformation growth factors (TGF- alpha and beta 1, 2 and 3) and interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6) are produced in the developing bovine testis and if their concentrations change during development; (3) to see if the onset of puberty could be hastened by treating bull calves subcutaneously (sc) with 3 mg of bLH (n=6) or 4 mg of bFSH (n=6) once every 2 days, from 4 to 8 weeks after birth. Mean LH-R concentrations decreased from 13 to 25 weeks of age and increased to 56 weeks of age (P<0.05). LH-RKa decreased from 9 to 17 weeks of age, increased to 29 weeks and declined to 33 weeks of age (P<0.05). FSH-R concentrations declined from 17 to 25 weeks of age then increased to 56 weeks of age (P<0.05). FSH-RKa increased from 17 to 25 weeks of age (P<0.05). Testicular TGF-alpha concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks and from 33 to 56 weeks of age (P<0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 1 concentrations decreased from 17 to 21 weeks of age, increased to 25 weeks and decreased from 25 to 29 weeks of age (P<0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 2 concentrations increased from 5 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks, increased to 25 weeks and decreased at 29 weeks of age (P<0.05). Testicular TGF-beta 3 concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks of age and from 25 to 29 weeks of age (P<0.05). Mean testicular IL-1 alpha concentrations decreased from 5 to 9 weeks of age and 13 to 21 weeks of age (P<0.01) while mean testicular IL-1 beta concentrations decreased from 13 to 17 weeks and 29 to 33 weeks of age (P<0.01). Mean IL-1 bioactivity increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks, increased to 25 weeks, decreased to 29 weeks and decreased from 33 to 56 weeks of age (P<0.05). Mean testicular IL-6 concentrations decreased (P<0.05) from 9 to 13 weeks of age, increased (P<0.05) to 21 weeks, decreased (P<0.05) to 25 weeks of age, increased (P<0.05) to 29 weeks and decreased (P<0.01) to 56 weeks of age. <p>We concluded that high concentrations of gonadotropin receptors might be critical to initiate postnatal testis growth and support it after 25 weeks of age in the face of low serum gonadotropin concentrations. Testicular TGF-alpha concentrations were higher in calves than adults while concentrations of TGF-beta and IL-1 were higher in the early postnatal period than the peripubertal period. The changes in testicular concentrations of TGFs and ILs led us to suggest a possible local regulatory role in development. Testicular IL-6 concentrations were higher in prepubertal calves than adults. Treatment of bull calves with bFSH from 4 to 8 weeks of age increased testicular growth (SC), hastened the onset of puberty (SC ≥ 28 cm), and enhanced spermatogenesis.

Two similarly managed trials were conducted to investigate serial ultrasound measures of body composition (longissimus muscle area (ULMA), 12th - rib fat thickness (UFAT), and percentage of intramuscular fat (UIMF)) early in the lives of feeder calves as they compared to carcass traits. Group 1 cattle were Charolais-sired by Brahman-British crossbred dams whereas Group 2 cattle were purebred Beefmaster. Both groups were fed at the same commercial feedlot (Graham Land and Cattle Co.) in Gonzales, Texas. In both data sets classifications were developed for ribeye area of Lower (less than 70.95 cm2, Middle (between 70.95 cm2 and 90.3 cm2) and Upper (over 90.3 cm2) based on a range that fit within the ribeye specifications of such branded beef programs as Certified Angus Beef and Nolan Ryan?s Tender Aged Beef. Differences among ribeye area and quality grade (Choice vs. Select) categories were evaluated for ultrasound and carcass traits. As reported previously, correlations between ultrasound measures and carcass traits became larger at times closer to harvest. In both sets of cattle, there were no differences in fat thickness or intramuscular fat at the ultrasound scan sessions or in these carcass traits due to ribeye area category. The same trend for quality grade classification was not seen across both groups of cattle however. In Group 1, there were no differences in early measures of body composition between carcass quality grade classes except for ultrasound fat thickness at weaning. However, in Group 2 cattle there were differences in ultrasound fat at times 1 and 2, IMF at time 1, and ribeye area at time 2 between cattle that graded choice verses those that graded select. Correlations between ultrasound measures of REA (r of .26 to .50) and ultrasound REA and carcass REA (r of .16 to .81) appeared to be lower in Group 1 vs. Group 2 (r of .55, and .64 to 81 respectively). Results from this project imply that changes in ribeye area will not automatically result in changes of marbling and vice versa. Furthermore, these results also show that ultrasound is useful to help predict beef carcass traits, but that early measures of body composition used alone do not explain a large portion of the variation in the carcass measures and specific methods should be developed by different biological cattle types.

The western population of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) is endangered with approximately 130 individuals remaining. Many individuals return annually to the same feeding sites off northeastern Sakhalin Island, indicating a site-specific dependence to this geographic area. This apparently critically important habitat is especially vital for nursing females and their calves, as female energetic requirements are increased during lactation, and calves need to be ready to separate and begin to feed on their own. This study focuses on movements, respirations and behavioral patterns of mother/calf pairs on their feeding ground, with data collected during summer-autumn of 2002-2009. Shore-based observations included three methods: theodolite tracking, focal-animal behavior sampling, and photo-identification. Whales were categorized as three groups of individuals: mother/calf pairs, weaned calves, and other individuals. Analyses were performed to assess differences between groups of individuals, and in relation to their behavior. The null hypothesis of the study was that there were no differences in movement/respiration/behavioral patterns and habitat use between different groups of individuals. Results did not support this hypothesis. Significant differences in movements and respirations were found for certain groups of individuals. These differences also varied in relation to the whales' behavioral activity (feeding, feeding/traveling, and traveling). The shore-based photography was used to obtain additional information on individuals (especially mother/calf pairs) and their sightings, as well as to evaluate the success of this approach. A total of 144 individuals, including 10 females (sighted with calves) and 31 calves were identified during 2004-2009. The shore-based photo-identification approach was successful, and due to being a non-invasive technique, is recommended as a supplemental approach to vessel-based photo-ID efforts. Reproductive success and survival of western gray whales are concern especially due to the presence of industrial activity in the area, as well as recently increased mortalities of female gray whales off Japan. Therefore, the results of this study indicate the importance of considering differences in needs and habitat utilization of different groups of individuals for basic science information as well as for management purposes of protection of western gray whales.