Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-15T20:27:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JosivaniaSP_TESE.pdf: 2216086 bytes, checksum: 4328c3795e67888b55db8e1be380a936 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-11-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Small wild mammals, including rodents and marsupials, have ecological and epidemiological importance for being prey and predators in ecological chains, hosts of ecto and endoparasites and pathogens reservoirs. In Northeast Brazil, only a few studies have evaluated the diversity of ectoparasites and their hosts in the Caatinga biome. This study aimed to identify the hosts and their ectoparasites, with morphometric analysis and chaetotaxy and to determine the rates of parasitic Prevalence, Abundance and Medium Intensity of ectoparasites collected from rodents and marsupials, proceeding from the Experimental Station Rafael Fernandes, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, at the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA). The animals were captured between January 2014 and February 2015, in a fragment of 26 hectares, divided into six equally spaced transects (20m). Tomahawk and Sherman traps were distributed in six consecutive nights of each month and in 100 capture stations. The captured animals were identified by morphology and submitted to ectoparasites collection. All the collected ectoparasites were classified based on morphometric characters, chaetotaxy and taxonomic keys, as well as DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing of the amplified products. 78 small mammals were captured, from which 69 were classified as Didelphimorphia order: Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854) and Monodelphis domestica (Wagner, 1842); and nine Rodentia: Wiedomys Hershkovitz, 1959, Thrichomys Trouessart, 1880 and Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769. It was collected ectoparasites identified as: Amblyomma (Koch, 1844), Amblyomma parvum, Aragão 1908, Amblyomma auricularium (Conil, 1878), Ornithodoros mimon Kohls, Clifford e Jones 1969, Ornithodoros Kohls, Clifford e Jones 1837, Quadraseta Brennan, 1970, Eutrombicula Ewing, 1938, Metachiroecius Fain, 1996, Aeromychirus Fain, 1976, Amlistrophorus Fain, 1981, Radfordia Ewing, 1938, Listropsoralges aff. similis, Ornithonyssus pereirai (Fonseca, 1935), Tur lativentralis (Fonseca 1936), Polyplax spinulosa (Burmeister, 1839) and Eogyropus lenti lenti (Werneck 1936). As for the parasitic rates were noted that for the Ixodidae and Argasidae studied, M. domestica presented higher parasitism values for A. auricularium; G. agilis, O. mimon and Thrichomys sp., to A. parvum and A. auricularium. As for mites, the prevalence was the same in M. domestica and to all its studied Listrophoridae. Also for rodents, it was observerd the same prevalence rate for Laelapidae mites and Polyplacidae lice in the Thrichomys sp. All of those records of small mammals and ectoparasites shown are unprecedented to Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. This study supports evidences from the literature that ectoparasites use marsupials and wild rodents as hosts for immature stages. Justifies the importance of maintaining a legal reserve area in the Caatinga biome for preservation of these animals. In addition, this research increases knowledge about the occurrence of Acari, Phthiraptera and its ectoparasitic association with the wildlife in Northeast Brazil / Os pequenos mamíferos silvestres, dentre eles os roedores e marsupiais, apresentam importância ecológica e epidemiológica por serem presas e predadores nas cadeias ecológicas, hospedeiros de ecto e endoparasitos e reservatórios de agentes patogênicos. No Nordeste do Brasil, poucos estudos avaliaram a diversidade de ectoparasitos e seus hospedeiros no bioma Caatinga. Objetivou-se identificar os hospedeiros e seus ectoparasitos, realizar morfometria e quetotaxia e determinar os índices parasitários de Prevalência, Abundância e Intensidade Média dos ectoparasitos coletados de roedores e marsupiais, procedentes da Estação Experimental Rafael Fernandes da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA). Capturou-se animais de janeiro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015, em um fragmento de 26 hectares da Estação, divididos em seis transectos equidistantes (20m). Foram distribuídas armadilhas Tomahawk e Sherman em seis noites consecutivas de cada mês e em cem estações de captura. Os animais capturados foram identificados pela morfologia e submetidos à coleta dos ectoparasitos. Estes foram classificados com base em caracteres morfométricos, quetotaxia e chaves taxonômicas, além de extração de DNA, PCR e sequenciamento dos produtos amplificados. Foram capturados 78 pequenos mamíferos, dos quais 69 foram classificados na ordem Didelphimorphia: Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854) e Monodelphis domestica (Wagner, 1842); e nove Rodentia: Wiedomys Hershkovitz, 1959, Thrichomys Trouessart, 1880 e Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769. Coletou-se ectoparasitos identificados como: Amblyomma (Koch, 1844), Amblyomma parvum Aragão, 1908, Amblyomma auricularium (Conil, 1878), Ornithodoros mimon Kohls, Clifford e Jones, 1969, Ornithodoros Kohls, Clifford e Jones 1837, Quadraseta Brennan, 1970, Eutrombicula Ewing, 1938, Metachiroecius Fain, 1996, Aeromychirus Fain, 1976, Amlistrophorus Fain, 1981, Radfordia Ewing, 1938, Listropsoralges aff. similis, Ornithonyssus pereirai (Fonseca, 1935), Tur lativentralis (Fonseca 1936), Polyplax spinulosa (Burmeister, 1839) e Eogyropus lenti lenti Werneck 1936. Quanto aos índices parasitários, observou-se que para os Ixodidae e Argasidae estudados, M. domestica apresentou maiores valores de parasitismo para A. auricularium; G. agilis, para O. mimon e Thrichomys sp., para A. parvum e A. auricularium. Quanto aos ácaros, a prevalência foi igual em M. domestica e para todos os seus Listrophoridae estudados. Igualmente, para os roedores, observou-se mesmo valor de prevalência para os ácaros Laelapidae e para os piolhos Polyplacidae em Thrichomys sp. Todos os registros dos pequenos mamíferos e ectoparasitos apresentados são inéditos para Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. Este estudo corrobora evidências da literatura dos ectoparasitos utilizarem marsupiais e roedores silvestres como hospedeiros em fases imaturas. Justifica a importância da manutenção de uma área de reserva legal no bioma Caatinga para conservação destes animais. Em adição, a presente pesquisa aumenta o conhecimento sobre ocorrência de Acari, Phthiraptera e sua associação ectoparasitária de vida selvagem, no Nordeste do Brasil

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T16:24:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCV07MA045.pdf: 357601 bytes, checksum: e59b5b46ae948411aedd0dc3bf63de06 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-08-21 / The purpose of this research was to determinate and compare the prevalence of ectoparasites and intestinal helminthes in domiciliated dogs and cats, from central and peripheral region, of Lages, city, state of Santa Catarina. To correlate families pets owner s social-economical and cultural aspects with the prevalence of ectoparasites and intestinal helminthes. To verify the proportion between human and dog s population and human and cat s population. From December 2005 to December 2006 period, 600 questionnaires were submitted to people from five central and peripheral districts in the Lages, SC city. Ectoparasites were collected from 143 dogs and 28 cats, and faeces samples were collected from 523 dogs and 111 cats. The ectoparasites samples were kept in 70°GL and the faeces were properly packed and sent to Parasitology and Parasitary Diseases Laboratory of the Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias CAV, from the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina UDESC. The ectoparasites were identified according to dichotomic keys. Techniques which has for principles the flotation and sedimentation were used to analyze the faeces samples. The social-economical and cultural aspects were evaluated by using data obtained from the income and schooling parameters. Data from all dogs and cats found in the homes were used to evaluate the human s, canine s and feline s populations. The prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs was 22.9% and for intestinal helminthes was 38.2% and in cats was 13.8% and 37.8%, respectively. The prevalence for ectoparasites and intestinal helminthes in domiciliated dogs and cats from the peripheral region were bigger than the central region. The ectoparasites observed in dogs were Ctenocephalides felis felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides hybrid (C. felis felis x C. canis), Pulex irritans, Trichodectes canis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Otodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis and Demodex canis. The intestinal helminths observed in dogs were, Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris sp., Dipylidium sp., Oncicola sp. and Taeniidae family. In cats the ectoparasites observed were C. felis felis, C. canis and Ctenocephalides hybrid (C. felis felis x C. canis). The intestinal helminthes observed in cats were, Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris sp., Oncicola sp., and Taeniidae family. The average of the eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces of Ancylostoma spp. Was 220,46 in dogs and 311.71 of Toxocara sp. in cats. The cultural level had not been significant for the prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs, and the social-economical and cultural levels had not been significant to the prevalence of intestinal helminthes in dogs. The average of people perhouse was 3.6, 1.04 for dogs and 0.34 for cats. The proportion man/dog was 3.5:1 and man/cat was 10.7:1. The canine population estimated for the city was 43.880 and the feline population estimated was 14.353. / Com os objetivos de determinar e comparar a prevalência de ectoparasitos e helmintos intestinais em cães e gatos domiciliados, das regiões central e periférica, da cidade de Lages, SC; de correlacionar aspectos sócio-econômicos e culturais das famílias proprietárias dos animais com a prevalência de ectoparasitos e helmintos intestinais; e de verificar a proporção entre a população humana com a canina e com a felina; no período de dezembro de 2005 a dezembro de 2006, foram aplicados 600 questionários a pessoas residentes em cinco bairros centrais e cinco periféricos da cidade de Lages, SC. Foram coletados ectoparasitos de 143 cães e 28 gatos e amostras de fezes de 523 cães e 111 gatos. As amostras de ectoparasitos foram conservadas em álcool 70°GL e as de fezes devidamente acondicionadas e enviadas ao laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias do Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias- CAV, da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina- UDESC. Os ectoparasitos foram identificados por meio de chaves dicotômicas e para as amostras de fezes, foram realizadas técnicas que têm por princípio a flutuação e a sedimentação. Para avaliação dos aspectos sócio-econômicos e culturais utilizaram-se dados de faixa salarial e escolaridade, respectivamente. Para avaliação das populações humana, canina e felina foram computados os dados de todos os cães e gatos existentes nos domicílios. Dentre os cães a prevalência para ectoparasitos foi de 22,9% e para helmintos intestinais de 38,2% e em gatos, 13,8% e 37,8%, respectivamente. As prevalências para ectoparasitos e helmintos intestinais em cães e em gatos domiciliados na região periférica foram maiores que na central. Os ectoparasitos observados nos cães foram Ctenocephalides felis felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides híbrido (C. felis felis x C. canis), Pulex irritans, Trichodectes canis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Otodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis e Demodex canis. Entre os helmintos intestinais, os gêneros observados foram Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris sp., Dipylidium sp., Oncicola sp. e família Taeniidae. Nos gatos, os ectoparasitos observados foram C. felis felis, C. canis e Ctenocephalides híbrido (C. felis felis x C. canis). Os helmintos intestinais foram Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris sp., Oncicola sp. e família Taeniidae. A média do número de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) foi de 220,46 para Ancylostoma spp. em cães; e 311,71 para Toxocara sp. em gatos. O nível cultural não atuou de modo significativo para a prevalência de ectoparasitos em cães e os níveis sócio-econômico e cultural não foram significantes para a prevalência de helmintos intestinais em cães. A média do número de pessoas por domicílio foi de 3,6, de cães 1,04 e de gatos 0,34. À proporção homem/cão foi de 3,5:1 e homem/gato de 10,7:1. A população canina estimada para a cidade de Lages é de 43.880 e a população felina é de 14.353.

Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2017-08-18T14:57:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 marianadeoliveira.pdf: 2834097 bytes, checksum: cb4e1b247f99ce571ebcc0f398eeb3dd (MD5) / Rejected by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br), reason: on 2017-08-24T11:29:09Z (GMT) / Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2017-08-24T13:16:02Z No. of bitstreams: 0 / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-08-30T12:27:37Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-30T12:27:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-03-29 / Apesar da grande diversidade de aves silvestres no Brasil, poucos são os estudos sobre seus ectoparasitos. Informações sobre as espécies de piolhos mastigadores (Phthiraptera: Amblycera e Ischnocera) que ocorrem em sanhaçu-cinzento (Tangara sayaca) e aves do gênero Turdus são escassas, o que dificulta compreender a relação parasitária entre esses animais.Dessa forma, no primeiro capítulo, objetivou-se verificar a presença de piolhos em T. sayaca em diferentes fragmentos de Mata na Zona da Mata de Minas gerais. Foram coletados 39 indivíduos de T. sayaca, sendo que destes 25 (64,10%) estavam parasitados por piolhos. Brueeliasayacae foi relatada pela primeira vez em T. sayaca no Brasil, enquanto Ricinussubangulatus e Machaerilaemustangarae foram registrados pela primeira vez em T. sayaca. Além destes novos relatos, a espécie Myrsideaseminuda também foi encontrada em T. sayaca, sendo este o segundo relato desta associação no Brasil. Já o segundo capitulo teve como objetivo identificar os piolhos das aves do gênero Turdus capturadas no Jardim Botânico da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, bem como analisar a dinâmica da estrutura populacional destes parasitos durante estações seca e chuvosa. As aves foram capturadas entre os meses de março de 2013 a dezembro de 2015, por redes de neblina. Foram capturadas quatro espécies do gênero Turdus: Turdusalbicollis, Turdusflavipes, Turdusleucomelas e Turdusrufiventristotalizando 146 indivíduos, das quais 77 estavam parasitados por piolhos. Cinco espécies de Phthiraptera foram encontradas: Brueeliasp.,Sturnidoecussarwatae, Sturnidoecusrehanae, Myrsidearegius e Menacanthuseurysternus, totalizando 1023 espécimes coletados. Turdusrufiventris foi a espécie com o maior número de indivíduos capturados. M. regius representa o primeiro registro parasitário para T. rufiventrise é o primeiro relato no Brasil. S. sarwatae representa o primeiro registro parasitário para T. lecomelas e T. albicollis no Brasil. Para T. flavipes, as três espécies de piolhos aqui encontradas são registros novos de parasitismo. S.rehanae além de ser um novo registro de hospedeiro em T. flavipes, é o primeiro relato no Brasil. O presente trabalho amplia o conhecimento geográfico destes parasitos e mostra a sua dinâmica parasitária em aves silvestres em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica em Minas Gerais. / Despite the great diversity of wild birds in Brazil, there are few studies on their ectoparasites. Information on chewing lice species (Phthiraptera: Amblycera andIschnocera) occurring on the tanager (Tangarasayaca) and thrushes (Turdus genus) are scarce, hindering the comprehension of the parasitary relations of these animals. On this sense, in the first chapter, we aimed to verify the presence of louse in T. sayaca in different forest fragments in Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais state. We collected 39 T. sayacaindividuals, and 25 of these were parasitized by louse (64.10%). Brueeliasayacaewas recorded for the first time in T. sayacain Brazil, while Ricinussubangulatus andMachaerilaemustangaraewere related for the first time on the species. Aside from these new records, the species Myrsideaseminuda was also found on T. sayaca, making it the second record for this association in Brazil. In the second chapter, our goal was to identify the louse on birds of the Turdusgenus captured at the Botanic Garden of Federal University of Juiz de Fora in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state, and to analyze the population dynamics of such parasites during the dry and the rainy seasons. Birds were captured between the March 2013 and December 2015 through mist nets. Four species of Turdus were captured: Turdusalbicolis,Turdusflavipes, Turdusleucomelas andTurdusrufiventris, totaling 146 individuals, of which 77 were parasitized by louse. Five species of Phthiapterawere found: Brueelia sp.,Sturnidoecussarwatae, Sturnidoecusrehanae, Myrsidearegiusand Menacanthuseurysternus, totaling 1023 sampled specimens. Turdusrufiventris was the species the highest number of captured individuals. Myrsidearegius represents the first parasitary record for T. lecomelas and T. albicolis in Brazil. For T. flavipes, all three species of lice found in our study are new parasitary records. Sturnidoecusrehanae is not only a first host record in T. flavipes but also a first record in Brazil. Our work widens the parasites’ known geographic distribution and shows their parasitary dynamic in wild birds in Atlantic Forest fragments in Minas Gerais.

Since ticks are classified as hematophagous ectoparasites, the primary feeding event involves a bloodmeal on a vertebrate host. Such activities facilitate the ingestion of microorganisms which may be detrimental to the survival of a tick. It is observed, however, that ticks are able to survive such invasion by microorganisms and in several cases, facilitate the transmission of pathogens, while themselves remaining unaffected. This phenomenon is attributed to the innate immune system of ticks. The focus of this project is on stimulus-induced immunoreactive peptides known as antimicrobial peptides. In chapter 2, an attempt was made to identify a homolog of the anti Gram-positive and bacteriostatic peptide microplusin, in the salivary glands of the argasid tick Ornithodoros savignyi. It was reported previously that tissue and life stage specific expression of this transcript occurs in the fat body of adult, fully fed, female Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks. The positive control used for this study was unsuccessful due to the incorrect tissue and life stage of R. (B.) microplus ticks. No significant homolog was identified due to the possible existence of stringent regulation of expression as well as differences in the induction stimuli between argasid and ixodid ticks. Lysozyme catalyzes the cleavage of the β-1,4 glycosidic bond between N-acetyl muramic acid and N-acetyl glucosamine of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls affording the molecule antibacterial activity. In argasid ticks, lysozyme was observed to be induced by feeding. In chapter 3, an attempt was made to elucidate the O. savignyi homolog of the O. moubata lysozyme molecule. The partial sequence obtained revealed the presence of a lysozyme homolog in O. savignyi. The tissue expression profile revealed constitutive expression in the midgut and ovaries and induction of transcription in the hemolymph upon feeding. In salivary glands, upregulation was observed following ingestion of Gram-positive bacteria. In chapter 4, the tissue expression profile of O. savignyi defensin was investigated. It was found that transcription is induced following the ingestion of Gram-positive bacteria, while in the hemolymph upregulation was observed upon feeding. Furthermore, chapter 4 saw the attempts made at the RNAi mediated silencing of the lysozyme and defensin transcripts. Silencing, analysed by real time PCR, was not efficient as no statistically significant silencing was observed. Observation of the phenotype revealed mortality. However, statistical analysis of silencing revealed that the mortality observed was not due to silencing, but non-specific and possibly the result of injury during injection. Overall, the abovementioned experiments revealed the tissue specificity of expression of ixodid microplusin and that a more strategic approach is required for the elucidation of the argasid homolog. The partial O. savignyi lysozyme sequence was elucidated together with the tissue expression profile of this molecule and O. savignyi defensin. The RNAi experiments require optimization for future studies. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Biochemistry / unrestricted

Vertebrate males frequently carry higher numbers of parasites than females. This bias in parasite loads could be a consequence of sexual selection. Grouping species are also assumed to be afflicted with larger numbers of parasites than solitary animals and associated costs of this parasitism could vary with group size or structure. I examined sex-biased parasitism and the influence of group size on parasite loads in Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris), a highly social species that occurs in the arid regions of southern Africa. Males carried three times as many ectoparasites as females, but females harbored nearly three times more endoparasites than males. Amount of time spent (per hour) autogrooming was similar between males and females, but amount time spent allogrooming by adult female was over eleven times that of adult males. Longer allogrooming of group members could be decreasing the numbers of ectoparasites of group members and ultimately the group. Males infrequently give or receive allogrooming and travel in very large home ranges, potentially increasing their exposure to ectoparasites. However, movement throughout a large home range may result in males foraging in areas with lower densities of fecal pellets, which could explain the lower endoparasite loads observed in males. When I considered the age class of group members, female age classes were similarly parasitized but male age classes were not. Sub-adult males carried similar ectoparasite loads to adult males and similar endoparasite loads to adult females. This result is of particular interest because sub-adult males are becoming scrotal but typically remain in the group until adulthood. Sexual selection does appear to influence parasite loads in this species, and parasite removal or avoidance potentially mitigates individual parasite loads and their associated costs. Parasites can be detrimental to the health, longevity, and reproduction of their hosts, but these costs are rarely quantified. I removed ectoparasites and endoparasites from Cape ground squirrels for three months and evaluated changes in female body mass, reproduction, burrow use, and grooming in response to parasite removal. Female body mass did not increase with parasite removal, but reproductive success (per capita offspring raised to emergence) increased nearly four-fold, while allogrooming by treated females decreased. Since breeding is highest in the late winter dry season when fewer resources are available, the impact of parasites may be highest during this season. Lactation and gestation are the most physiological stressful processes that females undergo, and the dramatic increase in reproductive success in treated females suggests that these females are able to allocate more resources to reproduction than females afflicted with parasites. These results suggest that studies investigating reproduction and fecundity must consider the vulnerability of the host to parasite infection and the potential impact on reproductive success.

Thesis (MScConsEcol)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic habitat transformation and subsequent fragmentation of natural vegetation is regarded as one of the largest threats to biodiversity in the world. The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa is classified as a biodiversity hotspot due to its high plant species diversity and endemism. Increasing growth in agricultural activities in this region has contributed to fragmentation of pristine natural vegetation. A diverse assemblage of small mammal species are found in this region, but very little is known with regard to their ectoparasite diversity. More importantly, no information is available on the effect of fragmentation on parasite burdens or species assemblages. The aims of the study were first to record relative density, average body size and body condition of an endemic rodent, Rhabdomys pumilio, trapped in two habitat types (pristine natural areas and remnant fragments). Secondly, compare diversity and species composition of ectoparasite species on this rodent in the two habitat types. In addition, body size measurements of the two most abundant flea species were recorded and compared for the two habitat types. Lastly, temporal variation in mean abundance of fleas, mites, ticks and the louse were recorded within a habitat fragment surrounded by vineyards. Three hundred and ten individuals of the Four-striped mouse, R. pumilio, were trapped and euthanized at 8 localities (4 remnant habitat fragments and 4 pristine natural areas) in the CFR. All ectoparasites were removed and identified. A total of 8361 ectoparasites that consisted of 6 flea, 1 louse, 8 mites and 11 tick species were recorded. Mites and fleas were found to be more abundant on mice during cool wet months, whereas ticks and the louse were more abundant during the hot dry months of the year. Rodent host body size was larger and they were in better body condition in remnant fragments compared to pristine natural localities. A positive body size relationship was found between the flea, Listropsylla agrippinae, and the host, with larger fleas recorded on rodents that occur in fragments. Mean abundance and prevalence of overall ectoparasites combined and separately for ticks, mites, louse and fleas were higher in fragments compared to natural localities. The study shows that R. pumilio is host to a large diversity of ectoparasite species in the CFR. Moreover, habitat fragments within agricultural landscapes can facilitate higher parasite burdens and prevalence in rodent populations. This can lead to an increase in disease risk given that several of the parasite species are important vectors of pathogens that can cause disease in domestic, wild animals and humans. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Menslike habitat transformasie en die daaropvolgende fragmentasie van natuurlike plantegroei word beskou as een van die grootste bedreigings vir biodiversiteit in die wêreld. Die Kaap Floristiese Streek (KFS) in die Wes-Kaap Provinsie van Suid-Afrika word geklassifiseer as 'n biodiversiteit ‘hotspot’ as gevolg van sy hoë plant spesies diversiteit en endemisme. Toenemende groei in landbou-aktiwiteite in hierdie streek het ook bygedra tot die fragmentasie van ongerepte natuurlike plantegroei. 'n Diverse versameling van die klein soogdier spesies word in hierdie streek aangetref, maar baie min is bekend met betrekking tot hul ektoparasiet diversiteit. Meer belangrik, geen inligting is beskikbaar oor die effek van fragmentasie op parasietladings of spesie samestelling nie. Die doel van die studie was eerstens om relatiewe digtheid, gemiddelde liggaams grootte en kondisie van Rhabdomys pumilio aan te teken vir twee habitat tipes (ongerepte natuurlike area en oorblyfsel fragment). Tweedens was die diversiteit en spesiesamestelling van ektoparasiete op R. pumilio vergelyk vir die twee habitat tipes. Daarna was die liggaams grootte metings van die twee mees volopste vlooi spesies aangeteken en vergelyk vir die twee habitat tipes. Laastens was die seisonale variasie van die gemiddelde hoeveelheid vlooie, myte, bosluise en die luis aangeteken binne 'n habitat fragment omring deur wingerde. Drie honderd en tien individue van die vier-gestreepte muis, R. pumilio, was gevang op 8 plekke (4 oorblyfsel habitat fragmente en 4 ongerepte natuurlike areas) in die KFS en daarna was die diere uitgesit. Alle ektoparasiete was verwyder en geïdentifiseer. 'n Totaal van 8361 ektoparasiete wat bestaan het uit 6 vlooie, 1 luis, 8 myte en 11 bosluis spesies was aangeteken. Myte en vlooie gevind was meer volop op muise tydens die koel nat maande, terwyl bosluise en die luis meer volop was gedurende die warm droë maande van die jaar. Knaagdier gasheer liggaam was groter en in 'n beter kondisie in die habitat fragmente in vergelyking met ongerepte natuurlike areas. 'n Positiewe liggaam grootte verwantskap was tussen die vlooi, Listropsylla agrippinae, en die gasheer gevind, met groter vlooie aangeteken op knaagdiere wat voorkom in fragmente. Gemiddelde hoeveelheid en voorkoms van die totale ektoparasiete gekombineer en afsonderlik vir bosluise, myte, die luis en vlooie was hoër in fragmente in vergelyking met natuurlike areas. Die studie toon dat R. pumilio gasheer is vir 'n groot verskeidenheid van ektoparasiet spesies in die KFS. Daarbenewens kan habitat fragmente binne landbou landskappe hoër parasietladings en voorkoms in knaagdier bevolkings fasiliteer. Dit kan lei tot 'n toename in siekte risiko, gegee dat verskeie van die parasietspesies belangrike vektore is van patogene wat siektes kan veroorsaak in huishoudelike, wilde diere en die mens.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a estrutura populacional, estimar parâmetros (coeficientes de herdabilidade e correlações) e determinar as tendências genéticas e fenotípicas de características de crescimento e adaptação em bovinos da raça Nelore, linhagem Lemgruber. O banco de dados utilizado nas análises constituiu-se de 39.290 animais no arquivo de pedigree e de 24.353 animais no arquivo de produção. Os parâmetros populacionais foram obtidos por meio dos softwares POPREP (GROENEVELD et al., 2009) e ENDOG v 3.2 (GUTIÉRREZ e GOYACHE, 2005). As estatísticas descritivas e os parâmetros genéticos para cada característica estudada foram estimadas por meio de quatro análises hepta-característica utilizando o programa VCE-6 (KOVAC & GROENEVELD, 2003) sob modelo animal completo. As tendências genéticas e fenotípicas foram obtidas pela regressão dos valores genéticos e fenotípicos respectivamente sobre o ano de nascimento dos animais e os coeficientes da regressão foram estimados por meio do método de quadrados mínimos. Apesar da endogamia média do rebanho ser considerada moderada verificou-se alta porcentagem de indivíduos endogâmicos e reduzido tamanho efetivo populacional. Além disso, o incremento contínuo de endogamia ao longo dos anos demonstra a necessidade de intervenção na seleção dos indivíduos para reprodução, de modo que, problemas futuros possam ser evitados. Os coeficientes de herdabilidade direta foram estimados em 0,24, 0,31, 0,31, 0,21, 0,19, 0,30, 0,41, 0,19 e 0,17 respectivamente para peso ao nascimento (PN), peso aos 120 dias de idade (P120), peso à desmama (PD), peso ao ano (PES12), ganho de peso pós desmama, de 205 aos 550 dias (GP345), ganho de peso na prova à pasto da ABCZ, em 224 dias (GP224), perímetro escrotal (PE), temperamento (TEMP), e repelência (REP) e indicam que a variabilidade genética aditiva existente é suficiente para a obtenção do ganho genético em resposta à seleção desde que sejam realizados ajustes, tanto nas estratégias de seleção adotadas para a obtenção de maiores ganhos nos valores genéticos, como também nos fatores ambientais que possam possibilitar ao máximo, a expressão do potencial genético dos animais. / The present study had as objective to evaluate the population structure, to estimate parameters (coefficients of heritability and correlation) and to determine the phenotypic and genetic trends for growth and adaptability traits in Nellore cattle, Lemgruber line. The database used in the analysis consisted of 39,290 animals in the pedigree and 24,353 animals in the production file. The population parameters were obtained from the software POPREP (Groeneveld et al., 2009) and ENDOG v 3.2 (Gutierrez and GOYACHE, 2005). The descriptive statistics and genetic parameters for each characteristic studied were estimated by four seven-traits analysis using the program VCE-6 (Kovac & GROENEVELD, 2003) which uses the animal model. The phenotypic and genetic trends were obtained by means of phenotypic and genetic values respectively on the year of birth of the animals and the regression coefficients were estimated by the method of least squares. Although the average inbreeding of the herd being considered moderate, there was high percentage of inbred individuals and small effective population size. Furthermore, the continuous increase in inbreeding over the years demonstrates the need for intervention in the selection of individuals for reproduction, so that future problems can be avoided. Direct heritability coefficients were estimated as 0.24, 0.31, 0.31, 0.21, 0.19, 0.30, 0.41, 0.19 and 0.17 respectively for birth weight (PN), weight 120 days of age (P120), weaning weight (PD), weight at 12 months of age (PES12), weight gain after weaning from 205 to 550 days (GP345), weight gain during the pasture test of ABCZ in 224 days (GP224), scrotal circumference (PE), docility (TEMP) and repellency (REP) and indicate that the additive genetic variability is sufficient to obtain genetic gain in response to selection as far as adjustments in selection strategies are adopted to achieve larger gains in breeding values, and environmental factors that may allow the expression of the genetic potential of the animals.

O estudo das características de temperamento e resistência de bovinos ao carrapato visa a obtenção de animais possuidores de genótipos que levam a altas produções mas que sejam também adaptados ao meio ambiente de criação extensiva no Brasil. Esses animais produtivos e adaptados poderiam otimizar os custos e tornar a produção mais rentável. O temperamento é uma característica importante dentro do sistema de produção de gado de corte. Animais nervosos ou muito reativos são indesejáveis, principalmente por apresentarem risco às pessoas que os manejam e para si próprios, gerando custos adicionais para sua produção. O carrapato que mais compromete a produtividade da pecuária bovina é o Boophilus microplus. A infestação com esses ectoparasitas é considerada, atualmente, um dos principais entraves à intensificação das pecuárias de leite e de corte. A validação de marcadores moleculares ligados ao temperamento e a resistência ao carrapato torna possível estudar com mais precisão os efeitos dos genes envolvidos nesta característica. A proposta do presente trabalho foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos e caracterizar as frequências gênicas e genotípicas de vários polimorfismos e estudar seus efeitos nas características de temperamento e em várias maneiras de mensuração da resistência ao carrapato, em bovinos da raça Nelore. As estimativas de herdabilidade, no geral, tiveram média-baixa herdabilidade, com exceção de temperamento. Foi verificada a presença dos polimorfismos, desenvolvidos em bovinos de origem Bos taurus, nos animais da raça Nelore. Para diversos polimorfismos foi possível identificar o alelo favorável para uma dada característica. Justificando, assim, o uso de marcadores moleculares para um resultado mais acelerado em programas de melhoramento genético. / The study on traits like docility and resistante to ticks aims to help selection os animals with better genotypes to those traits, to increase productivity, but also keep adptation of those animals to the environment of extensive production systems used in the Brazilian beef production. Those animals, adapted to thse environmental conditions, should also optimize costs and increase profitability of the whole system. Docility, or temperament is an important trait in beef cattle production. Wild or nervous animals are very reactive, and can be risky to handle, not only to cattleman, but also for them, causing wounds and a decrease of their carcasses or production. The tick infestiation, specially with the species Boophilus microplus, can cause important losses for beef industry, being considered an important problem for that production. The validation of the use of genetic markers in selection for traits linked to temperament and tick resistance, by the study of association of the genotypes and the phenotypes or estimated genetic values allows to understand those relationships and indicate the possible use of those markers in selection of those traits. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters and define gene and genotype frequencies of several polymorphisms of single basis DNA markers (SNPs) of traits linked to docility and tick resistance, besides developing different methodologies to measure tick resistance in Nellore beef cattle reared in a tropical area on southeastern Brazil. Heritability estimates varied, in general, from low to medium for all traits, but temperament, where the estimates were high. Several markers, originally discovered in Bos Taurus, showed polymorphism in the Nellore population studied. For several os the studied markers, it was possible to indicate the allele that was favorable to the traits. In this study, the evidences suggest that the use of genetic markers should speed up the response to selection for those traits in breeding programs.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:15:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2009- Guilherme Rodrigues Brito.pdf: 459862 bytes, checksum: c031fecfbd14597be54c60c23a0dc04c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-27 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / The dairy cattle is an activity of great value of agricultural sector and perform important function in economic and social development of Brazil. Of health and zootechnical viewpoint, milk production is full of challenges, it is necessary studies to correlate various factors that may constitute limits to growth in dairy sector. The research aimed to correlate seven variables: the milk s production, the parasitic infestation by Haematobia irritans, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and larvae of Dermatobia hominis; the body condition score, the genetic group and order of birth in mixed race Holstein female, belonging to the Company for Agricultural Research of Rio de Janeiro State - Experimental Station of Serop?dica - RJ. Were used 58 lactating animals Holstein x Zebu between november 2007 to october 2008. The weights of production of milk, the counts of ectoparasites and evaluate of body condition scores were taken every seven days. The genetic group and order of birth were obtained from files of Company. For statistical analysis of data, was proceed the Pearson Correlation (P <0.05) and multivariate analysis using the technique of principal components. We observed a positive correlation between milk production and number of flies, milk production and number of Dermatobia larvae and milk production and order of birth of animals. The variable of body condition score had negative correlation with number of ticks and positive correlation with the genetic group and order of birth. There was positive correlation between the number of flies and order of birth of animals. Among the variables number of ticks and genetic group the correlation was negative. The application of multifactorial analysis using the principal components F1 and F2 confirmed the Pearson correlations allowing a proper interpretation of results. / A bovinocultura leiteira ? uma atividade de grande valor do setor agropecu?rio e desempenha fun??o relevante no desenvolvimento econ?mico e social do Brasil. Do ponto de vista sanit?rio e zoot?cnico, a produ??o de leite ? repleta de desafios, sendo necess?rios estudos que visem correlacionar os diversos fatores que podem constituir em obst?culos ao crescimento do setor leiteiro. A pesquisa objetivou correlacionar sete vari?veis: a produ??o de leite, as infesta??es parasit?rias por Haematobia irritans, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e larvas de Dermatobia hominis; o escore da condi??o corporal, o grupamento gen?tico e a ordem de parto em f?meas Holandesas Mesti?as pertencentes ? Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecu?ria do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - Esta??o Experimental de Serop?dica - RJ. Foram utilizados 58 animais lactantes Holand?s x Zebu no per?odo de novembro de 2007 a outubro de 2008. As pesagens das produ??es de leite, as contagens de ectoparasitos e a avalia??o dos escores da condi??o corporal foram realizadas a cada sete dias. O grupamento gen?tico e a ordem de parto foram obtidos a partir dos arquivos da Empresa. Para a an?lise estat?stica dos dados procedeu-se a correla??o de Pearson (P < 0,05) e an?lise multivariada utilizando-se a t?cnica dos componentes principais. Foi observada correla??o positiva entre a produ??o de leite e n?mero de moscas, produ??o de leite e n?mero de bernes e produ??o de leite e ordem de parto dos animais. A vari?vel escore da condi??o corporal apresentou correla??o negativa com o n?mero de carrapatos e correla??o positiva com as vari?veis grupamento gen?tico e ordem de parto. Verificou-se correla??o positiva entre o n?mero de moscas e a ordem de parto dos animais. Entre as vari?veis n?mero de carrapatos e grupamento gen?tico foi observada correla??o negativa. O emprego da An?lise Multifatorial utilizando os componentes principais F1 e F2 confirmou as correla??es de Pearson permitindo uma apropriada interpreta??o dos resultados.

The study investigated biological and ecological parameters controlling and influencing the production and distribution of the free-swimming larval stages of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer, 1838), and to a lesser extent Caligus elongatus Nordmann 1832, in the natural environment The reproductive output of L. salmonis was influenced by seasonal effects. The number of eggs produced per brood showed an inverse relationship with increasing temperature. The number of eggs per brood was also influenced by adult female body size (cephalothorax length), which in itself exhibited an inverse relationship with increasing temperature. Photoperiod had no significant effect upon the number of eggs produced or on adult female size. Mean egg size of L. salmonis varied significantly over the year; larger eggs were produced during the summer months and smaller eggs over the winter. However, factors controlling the size of the eggs were not elucidated. The proportion of viable eggs per L. salmonis ovisac remained constant throughout the year. Large variations in egg number per egg string were found in both L. salmonis and C elongatus populations sampled at one point in time. These were attributed in part to phenotypic variation in adult female size and also the number of broods individual females had produced. Egg viability was not correlated with brood size, but mean egg size was related to the number of eggs per brood. Experimental studies indicated that hatching and development of L. salmonis was highly variable. The percentage of eggs hatched and the time period over which hatching occurred varied markedly, even when held under constant and optimal environmental conditions. Temperature did not affect hatching success or viability of the nauplius I stage, although at higher temperatures the period over which hatching occurred was reduced. Low and medium salinities caused a significant decrease in both hatching success and nauplius viability. Photoperiod had no effect on initiation of hatching. Hatching occurred in a manner similar to that observed in free-living copepods. The nauplii were enclosed by two egg membranes, the outer one bursting within the ovisac, the inner one after the ovisac membrane has split. Swelling of the egg and its subsequent hatching was attributed to osmotic effects, with water being taken up from the external environment. Development was also highly dependent upon both temperature and salinity. At 5'C, nauplius 11 stages failed to enter the moult to the copepodid stage. At 7.5'C, although moulting was initiated, in a large proportion of cases it was not successfully completed. At I O'C, development to the copepodid stage was successful. Nauplii only developed successfully to the copepodid stage at salinities of 25%o or greater. Copepodids raised under optimal conditions then exposed to a range of salinities had a greater salinity tolerance than nauplii. Biochemical analysis of the eggs of L. salmonis revealed that lipids constituted a large proportion of their dry weight. Naupliar stages contained a discrete area containing lipid which decreased in size over time, suggesting that the free-swimming larval stages utilised this as an energy reserve. Rate of depletion was faster in nauplii held at higher temperatures. Longevity, activity and infectivity of the infective stage decreased with age. However, both spontaneous and stimulus dependent activity ceased many hours before death and both activity and longevity were affected by temperature. Infectivity of I day old L. salmonis copepodids was higher than 7 day old larvae, and was considered to be related to the size of the energy reserves. The settlement and distribution pattern of copepodids did not change with age of copepodid, the majority being recorded from the fins. All three L. salmonis free-swimming larval stages demonstrated a &quot;hop and sink&quot; swimming pattern. The velocity and duration of both passive sinking and active swimming was recorded for both nauplii and copepodids. Although greater periods of time were spent passively sinking, the speeds obtained during both upward spontaneous and stimulated swimming meant that a net upward movement of larvae in the water column occurred. At higher temperatures spontaneous swimming activity increased, whilst low salinities caused a cessation of such ability. L. salmonis larvae were positively phototactic and negatively geotactic. As well as their positive responses to light intensity, the nauplius 11 and copepodid stages reacted positively to blue-green spectral wavelengths. Moulting times were relatively short, although the larvae were not able to swim during such periods. No relationship was found between the level of lipid reserves and the overall buoyancy of the larvae. Naupliar stages of both L. salmonis and C. elongalus were obtained from the water column as a result of a plankton sampling programme at a commercial Atlantic salmon farm. No copepodid stages of either species were found. There was no difference in the vertical distribution of the two L. salmonis naupliar stages. Live larvae tended to aggregate between 0 and 5m in depth, with no diurnal vertical migration. Dead nauplii, and those with low lipid reserves, were found deeper in the water column. Naupliar stages, and in particular the first larval stage, were concentrated in number within cages indicating that the cages have a retentive characteristic. A novel control method in the form of a commercially available light lure was tested. Though increasing the numbers of free-living copepods captured, it had no effect on the numbers of L. salmonis naupliar or copepodid stages obtained in plankton samples. The present study has therefore provided valuable data concerning the biology and ecology of the free-swimming larval stages of sea lice, in what was a comparatively poorly understood area.