Population-level dynamics are affected by temporal variation in individual vital rates of survival and reproduction, which are in turn influenced by habitat-specific processes. Variation in habitat quality within a population’s range can drive movement of individuals between different areas, and so there may be a relationship between variation in vital rates and spatial heterogeneity in population growth (λ). I investigated this relationship for the feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) of Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, from 2008−2010. The horses (n = 484 in September 2010) form a closed population that is free from human interference and predation. I analyzed annual population growth using age-structured projection matrix models parameterized with survival and fertility data collected from almost every female (98.7% of females). I found some evidence of temporal variation in growth during the two years I studied the population (λ2008−2009 = 1.065, λ2009−2010 = 1.117). Age structure appears to have converged to a stable age distribution, suggesting this growth rate has been sustained in the years leading up to the end of my study. Variation in vital rates of adult fertility and foal survival made the largest contribution to annual variation in population growth. Future growth is predicted to be most influenced by proportional changes in adult survival, which remained relatively unchanged between 2008 and 2010. The population can be stratified into three spatially distinct subunits found across a west−east longitudinal gradient of water resources (access to permanent ponds vs. ephemeral water sources and holes dug in sand). I assessed the existence of source-sink dynamics to determine if individual movements between subunits could explain spatial heterogeneity in population growth. I found that spatial heterogeneity in growth appears to be most influenced by immigration and emigration events between subunits. Evidence suggests that current growth of the overall Sable Island horse population is made possible by individual emigration from more productive into less productive subunits; in particular, a source presented in the west of the island where permanent water ponds are located.

A tonometria é de extrema importância durante o exame oftálmico, pois auxilia no diagnóstico e no acompanhamento do glaucoma e de inflamações intraoculares. No entanto, os valores da pressão intraocular podem sofrer influência do momento do dia em que o exame é realizado. Objetivou-se avaliar a pressão intraocular (PIO) com tonômetro de rebote em equinos hígidos da raça Crioula em diferentes horários do dia. Foram avaliados ambos os olhos de 25 cavalos da raça Crioula, machos ou fêmeas, subdivididos em três categorias de diferentes idades designadas por GI: nove animais (3-5 anos de idade), GII: oito animais (6-8 anos de idade) e GIII: oito animais (9-16 anos de idade). Previamente à tonometria foram realizados teste lacrimal de Schirmer, biomicroscopia com lâmpada de fenda, prova da fluoresceína e oftalmoscopia indireta em todos os equinos. Num mesmo dia foram realizadas sete aferições da PIO (às 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 e 24 horas). A avaliação estatística utilizou o teste T de Student quando haviam dois grupos de comparações, e o teste de análise de variância (ANOVA) para as variáveis PIO, horário de aferição (tempo) e categoria de idade. O valor médio da pressão intraocular obtido foi de 28,4±3,7 mmHg considerando todos os animais avaliados. Os valores médios da pressão intraocular para os equinos de GI, GII e GIII foram 29,2±3,5 mmHg, 28,4±4,3 mmHg e 27,7±3,2 mmHg, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os olhos direito e esquerdo (p= 0,257), nem entre sexos (p= 0,284). Quando comparadas as idades, a PIO média foi significativamente maior nos indivíduos jovens (p= 0,012). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os diferentes horários do dia (p= 0,560). Os valores da PIO aferidos com o tonômetro de rebote em equinos da raça Crioula sofreram influência da idade. Os valores da pressão intraocular média obtidos com tonômetro de rebote em equinos hígidos não variaram em diferentes horários ao longo do dia. / The tonometry is extremely important during ophthalmic examination, because assists in the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma and intraocular inflammation. However, intraocular pressure values may be influenced by the moment of the day it is measured. The objective was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) with Rebound Tonometer in healthy horses of the Crioula breed at different times of the day. Twenty five horses, male or female, were divided into three groups by age: Group I: nine horses (3-5 years old), Group II: eight horses (6-8 years old), and Group III: eight horses (9-16 years old). Ophthalmic examination was performed previously by Schirmer Tear Test, slit lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein test and indirect ophthalmoscopy in all horses. Seven measurements of intraocular pressure were assessed on the same day (at 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 hours).The Student’s T Test statistical analysis was used when there was two groups of comparisons, and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for variables IOP, measurement time and age category. The average value of intraocular pressure was 28.4 ± 3.7 mmHg considering all the animals evaluated. The mean intraocular pressure for groups I, II and III were 29.2 ± 3.5 mmHg, 28.4 ± 4.3 mmHg and 27.7 ± 3.2 mmHg, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between right and left eyes (p = 0.257), nor between genders (p = 0.284). When compared to the ages, the average IOP was significantly higher in young animals (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant result between the different times of the day (p = 0.560). The IOP values measured with rebound tonometer in Crioula horses were influenced by age. The average intraocular pressure values obtained with rebound tonometer in healthy horses did not change with time of day.

A tonometria é de extrema importância durante o exame oftálmico, pois auxilia no diagnóstico e no acompanhamento do glaucoma e de inflamações intraoculares. No entanto, os valores da pressão intraocular podem sofrer influência do momento do dia em que o exame é realizado. Objetivou-se avaliar a pressão intraocular (PIO) com tonômetro de rebote em equinos hígidos da raça Crioula em diferentes horários do dia. Foram avaliados ambos os olhos de 25 cavalos da raça Crioula, machos ou fêmeas, subdivididos em três categorias de diferentes idades designadas por GI: nove animais (3-5 anos de idade), GII: oito animais (6-8 anos de idade) e GIII: oito animais (9-16 anos de idade). Previamente à tonometria foram realizados teste lacrimal de Schirmer, biomicroscopia com lâmpada de fenda, prova da fluoresceína e oftalmoscopia indireta em todos os equinos. Num mesmo dia foram realizadas sete aferições da PIO (às 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 e 24 horas). A avaliação estatística utilizou o teste T de Student quando haviam dois grupos de comparações, e o teste de análise de variância (ANOVA) para as variáveis PIO, horário de aferição (tempo) e categoria de idade. O valor médio da pressão intraocular obtido foi de 28,4±3,7 mmHg considerando todos os animais avaliados. Os valores médios da pressão intraocular para os equinos de GI, GII e GIII foram 29,2±3,5 mmHg, 28,4±4,3 mmHg e 27,7±3,2 mmHg, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os olhos direito e esquerdo (p= 0,257), nem entre sexos (p= 0,284). Quando comparadas as idades, a PIO média foi significativamente maior nos indivíduos jovens (p= 0,012). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os diferentes horários do dia (p= 0,560). Os valores da PIO aferidos com o tonômetro de rebote em equinos da raça Crioula sofreram influência da idade. Os valores da pressão intraocular média obtidos com tonômetro de rebote em equinos hígidos não variaram em diferentes horários ao longo do dia. / The tonometry is extremely important during ophthalmic examination, because assists in the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma and intraocular inflammation. However, intraocular pressure values may be influenced by the moment of the day it is measured. The objective was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) with Rebound Tonometer in healthy horses of the Crioula breed at different times of the day. Twenty five horses, male or female, were divided into three groups by age: Group I: nine horses (3-5 years old), Group II: eight horses (6-8 years old), and Group III: eight horses (9-16 years old). Ophthalmic examination was performed previously by Schirmer Tear Test, slit lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein test and indirect ophthalmoscopy in all horses. Seven measurements of intraocular pressure were assessed on the same day (at 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 hours).The Student’s T Test statistical analysis was used when there was two groups of comparisons, and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for variables IOP, measurement time and age category. The average value of intraocular pressure was 28.4 ± 3.7 mmHg considering all the animals evaluated. The mean intraocular pressure for groups I, II and III were 29.2 ± 3.5 mmHg, 28.4 ± 4.3 mmHg and 27.7 ± 3.2 mmHg, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between right and left eyes (p = 0.257), nor between genders (p = 0.284). When compared to the ages, the average IOP was significantly higher in young animals (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant result between the different times of the day (p = 0.560). The IOP values measured with rebound tonometer in Crioula horses were influenced by age. The average intraocular pressure values obtained with rebound tonometer in healthy horses did not change with time of day.

A tonometria é de extrema importância durante o exame oftálmico, pois auxilia no diagnóstico e no acompanhamento do glaucoma e de inflamações intraoculares. No entanto, os valores da pressão intraocular podem sofrer influência do momento do dia em que o exame é realizado. Objetivou-se avaliar a pressão intraocular (PIO) com tonômetro de rebote em equinos hígidos da raça Crioula em diferentes horários do dia. Foram avaliados ambos os olhos de 25 cavalos da raça Crioula, machos ou fêmeas, subdivididos em três categorias de diferentes idades designadas por GI: nove animais (3-5 anos de idade), GII: oito animais (6-8 anos de idade) e GIII: oito animais (9-16 anos de idade). Previamente à tonometria foram realizados teste lacrimal de Schirmer, biomicroscopia com lâmpada de fenda, prova da fluoresceína e oftalmoscopia indireta em todos os equinos. Num mesmo dia foram realizadas sete aferições da PIO (às 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 e 24 horas). A avaliação estatística utilizou o teste T de Student quando haviam dois grupos de comparações, e o teste de análise de variância (ANOVA) para as variáveis PIO, horário de aferição (tempo) e categoria de idade. O valor médio da pressão intraocular obtido foi de 28,4±3,7 mmHg considerando todos os animais avaliados. Os valores médios da pressão intraocular para os equinos de GI, GII e GIII foram 29,2±3,5 mmHg, 28,4±4,3 mmHg e 27,7±3,2 mmHg, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os olhos direito e esquerdo (p= 0,257), nem entre sexos (p= 0,284). Quando comparadas as idades, a PIO média foi significativamente maior nos indivíduos jovens (p= 0,012). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os diferentes horários do dia (p= 0,560). Os valores da PIO aferidos com o tonômetro de rebote em equinos da raça Crioula sofreram influência da idade. Os valores da pressão intraocular média obtidos com tonômetro de rebote em equinos hígidos não variaram em diferentes horários ao longo do dia. / The tonometry is extremely important during ophthalmic examination, because assists in the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma and intraocular inflammation. However, intraocular pressure values may be influenced by the moment of the day it is measured. The objective was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) with Rebound Tonometer in healthy horses of the Crioula breed at different times of the day. Twenty five horses, male or female, were divided into three groups by age: Group I: nine horses (3-5 years old), Group II: eight horses (6-8 years old), and Group III: eight horses (9-16 years old). Ophthalmic examination was performed previously by Schirmer Tear Test, slit lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein test and indirect ophthalmoscopy in all horses. Seven measurements of intraocular pressure were assessed on the same day (at 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 hours).The Student’s T Test statistical analysis was used when there was two groups of comparisons, and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for variables IOP, measurement time and age category. The average value of intraocular pressure was 28.4 ± 3.7 mmHg considering all the animals evaluated. The mean intraocular pressure for groups I, II and III were 29.2 ± 3.5 mmHg, 28.4 ± 4.3 mmHg and 27.7 ± 3.2 mmHg, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between right and left eyes (p = 0.257), nor between genders (p = 0.284). When compared to the ages, the average IOP was significantly higher in young animals (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant result between the different times of the day (p = 0.560). The IOP values measured with rebound tonometer in Crioula horses were influenced by age. The average intraocular pressure values obtained with rebound tonometer in healthy horses did not change with time of day.

Environmental impacts of feral horses (Equus caballus) are a subject of conservation concern and controversial national policy. In North America, feral horses are considered an invasive species where they impact rangelands of the arid and semi-arid western United States. The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a native sagebrush obligate bird species that relies on sagebrush habitats to sustain viable population levels. Recent literature suggests that feral horse presence can have a notable effect on the fitness of native and sagebrush obligate species throughout the arid and semi-arid western United States. The purpose of this thesis was to assess the potential impact of feral horses on population patterns and on late-brood rearing habitat of greater sage-grouse throughout the Great Basin. This was accomplished by pairing known sage-grouse use sites (leks and late brood-rearing habitat) to random sites for comparison. Within each pair, one site was located within Herd Management Area (HMA) boundaries (with assumed horse presence) while the other was located outside (with assumed horse absence). We then assessed lek attendance throughout the state of Nevada and compared attendance rates to known horse population estimates. Furthermore, paired late brood-rearing habitat sites were compared to one another to assess the effect of horse and cattle presence on habitat quality and characteristics. We determined that mean sage-grouse population size at leks is higher (9.14 ± 1.04 males) within HMA boundaries compared to areas outside of HMA boundaries (6.55 ± 0.74 males). Considering late brood-rearing habitat, we determined that statistical differences have occurred between horse and non-horse use sites in the following comparisons: annual grass frequency, percent annual grass cover, dung frequency, total plant height, vegetative height, and horse and cattle dung density. We suggest that feral horse presence can impact sage-grouse habitat, however, a more clear understanding of horse effects on rangeland wildlife habitat is needed to assess actual impacts on wildlife populations in consideration of multiple use management decisions.

Feral horses occupy 31.6 million acres throughout western North America. Feral horses share similar habitats with a wide range of animal species, including pronghorn. Since horses are larger and often more aggressive than other animals of this region, they are generally socially dominant over all other native ungulate species. Pronghorn share water sources with horses in areas where both occur. In situations where horses exclude pronghorn from water, pronghorn fitness may be impaired, especially during the hottest months of the year when water is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate interference competition between pronghorn and feral horses at water sources. During spring and summer 2010-11, we placed motion-sensitive cameras at water sources across the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in northwest Nevada. Cameras were used to examine the overlap of water use by pronghorn and horses and to determine the occurrence of spatial or temporal partitioning of water between these species. Additionally, we made direct observations of horses and pronghorn at high-use water sources to record the occurrences and outcomes of pronghorn/horse interactions as well as differences in pronghorn behavior in the presence and absence of horses. Pronghorn spent more time on vigilance behavior and less time foraging or drinking in the presence of horses than in their absence. Nearly half of pronghorn/horse interactions at water resulted in pronghorn exclusion from water. Our data also suggest that temporal partitioning of water between horses and pronghorn on an hourly basis may be occurring.

Mammal species often live in social groups, but the factors that promote group cohesion can be difficult to analyze due to the prevalence of strong group affiliations. Feral horses maintain stable harems of one or two males and several females, and harem stability is strongly related to individual fitness. Anecdotal evidence and an early study in the non-breeding season suggest that management of the Shackleford Banks island horses with immunocontraception reduces harem stability in the population, providing an opportunity to study the factors that influence harem stability. I investigated the effects of the immunocontraceptive PZP on harem stability during the breeding season and examined mare activity budgets and harassment rates to determine if these factors influence harem stability. I hypothesized that 1) immunocontraception would increase the rates at which mares changed harems during the breeding season 2) activity budgets of contracepted individuals would differ significantly from those of uncontracepted individuals, and 3) contracepted mares would experience greater levels of harassment associated with changing harems than uncontracepted mares. I found that the immunocontraceptive does increase harem changes during the breeding season. I also found that contracepted mares have different activity budgets than uncontracepted mares; as predicted, contracepted mares grazed less and moved more than uncontracepted controls. The factors that influence mare activity budgets included immunocontraception, harem stallion, number of individuals in the harem, number of mares in the harem and body condition of the mare, as well as some interactions between factors. I found that high harassment rates by both harem stallions and other mares in the harem are correlated with higher harem change rates and that contracepted mares are harassed more than uncontracepted mares. These results indicate that the immunocontraceptive does influence harem stability in this feral horse population, potentially through alterations in activity budgets and harassment rates.

O Brasil é um dos países com o maior número de transferências de embriões de equinos do mundo, mas as éguas receptoras são escassas e caras. Uma alternativa é usar mulas acíclicas como receptoras de embriões equinos. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar pela primeira vez o desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal precoce em mulas e éguas receptoras do 10º ao 60º dia de gestação. Este estudo foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental Gralha Azul da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná. Cinco éguas de doadores de embriões com idades entre 4 e 10 anos foram utilizadas. Foram utilizados dois grupos de receptores: 10 éguas cíclicas com idades entre 4 e 15 anos (grupo controle) e 7 mulas acíclicas com idades entre 6 e 12 anos. Os animais foram mantidos em piquetes e/ou estábulos e tiveram acesso a água e sal mineral ad libitum, bem como a uma fonte de volumoso e concentrado. As éguas doadoras foram monitoradas diariamente por ultrassonografia transretal (transdutor linear de 5 MHz, A6V Sonoscape, China) após o início do estro. As éguas foram inseminadas artificialmente usando sêmen fresco de um garanhão com fertilidade comprovada. A coleta de embriões das éguas foi realizada 8 dias após a ovulação. Antes da transferência do embrião, as éguas receptoras cíclicas eram examinadas diariamente por ultrassonografia para usar a melhor sincronia com a ovulação da doadora. As mulas acíclicas foram preparadas antes da transferência do embrião com a administração de 17 beta-estradiol (10 mg/mL, 1 mL, im) no dia da ovulação da doadora, e após 2 dias quando a presença de edema uterino foi confirmada, com a administração de Altrenogest (60 mg/mL, 5 mL, im). O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado por ultrassonografia, 10 dias após a ovulação da doadora. Quando o diagnóstico foi confirmado, a avaliação ultrassonográfica foi realizada diariamente até o 60º dia de gestação. O primeiro dia de detecção da vesícula embrionária foi o Dia 10 por ultrassonografia em ambas as espécies e Dia 20,9 ± 1,3 (Média ± DP) e 21,9 ± 0,9 por palpação transretal em mulas e éguas respectivamente. A fixação da vesícula ocorreu em média no dia 15,7 ± 1,1 em mulas e 16,6 ± 1,7 em éguas. O embrião propriamente dito foi detectado pela primeira vez em mulas (no dia 19,9 ± 1,1) em comparação com as éguas (20,4 ± 1,3). O batimento cardíaco foi observado posteriormente em muares (23,4 ± 1,4) do que em éguas (22,6 ± 0,8). O saco alantóide foi detectado pela primeira vez entre os dias 23 e 26 (25,3 ± 1,1 e 24,6 ± 1,0 em mulas e éguas, respectivamente) e o cordão umbilical foi detectado pela primeira vez no dia 39 (39,7 ± 2,1 x 39,6 ± 1,5 em mulas e éguas, respectivamente). Os diâmetros ovarianos para os ovários esquerdo e direito foram semelhantes para as mulas (21,4 ± 0,4 vs. 21,8 ± 0,4 mm) e para as éguas (45,1 ± 0,4 vs 46,0 ± 0,4). Entretanto, o diâmetro ovariano das éguas (45,5 ± 0,3 mm) foi duas vezes maior (P <0,0001) que as mulas (21,6 ± 0,3 mm). Apenas duas mulas apresentaram o CL acessório que foi observado pela primeira vez nos dias 49 e 51. Dentro dos grupos não houve diferenças entre os cornos esquerdo e direito, gravídicos e não-gravídicos. A média geral não foi diferente entre as mulas (24,6 ± 3,1 mm) e as éguas (25,4 ± 0,1 mm). Como conclusão, de acordo com o nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo comparativo sobre desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal precoce entre mulas acíclicas e éguas receptoras de embriões equinos. Numerosas semelhanças foram encontradas nos aspectos estudados. Tais achados, associados ao fato de que potros vivos e sadios foram produzidos, sugerem que o uso de mulas acíclicas pode ser considerado como uma alternativa para aumentar a disponibilidade de receptoras em programas equinos de TE. / Brazil is one of the countries with the largest number of equine embryo transfers in the world, but recipients mares are scarce and expensive. One alternative is to use acyclic mules as recipients for equine embryos. The aim of this study was to compare for the first time the embryonic and early fetal development in recipient mules and mares from day 10 to 60 of pregnancy. This study was conducted at the Experimental Farm Gralha Azul of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. Five embryo donor mares aged 4 to 10 years were used. Two groups of recipients were used: 10 cyclic mares aged 4 to 15 years (control group), and 7 acyclic mules aged 6 to 12 years. Animals were kept in paddocks and/or stables and had access to water and mineral salt ad libitum, as well as to a source of roughage and concentrate. Donor mares were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography (5-MHz linear transducer, A6V Sonoscape, China) after the beginning of estrus. The mares were artificially inseminated using fresh semen from a stallion with proven fertility. Embryo collection from the mares was performed 8 days after ovulation. Before embryo transfer, cyclic recipient mares were examined daily by ultrasonography to use the most synchronous with the donor's ovulation and have not received any hormonal treatment. The acyclic mules were prepared before the embryo transfer with the administration of 17 beta-estradiol (10 mg/mL, 1 mL, i.m.) on the day of the donor's ovulation, and after 2 days when the presence of uterine edema was confirmed, with the administration of Altrenogest (60 mg/mL, 5 mL, i.m.). The pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by ultrasonography 10 days after ovulation in the donor. When the diagnosis was confirmed, ultrasonographic assessment was carried out daily until day 60 of pregnancy. The first day of detection of an embryonic vesicle was Day 10 by ultrasound in both species and day 20.9 ± 1.3 (Mean ±SD), and 21.9 ± 0.9 by transrectal palpation in mules and mares respectively. Fixation of the vesicle occurred on mean day 15.7 ± 1.1 in mules and 16.6 ± 1.7 in mares. The embryo proper was first detected in mules (on day 19.9 ± 1.1) compared to mares (20.4 ± 1.3) The heart beat was observed later in mules (23.4 ± 1.4) than in mares (22.6 ± 0.8). The allantoic sac was first detected between days 23 and 26 (25.3 ± 1.1 and 24.6 ± 1.0 in mules and mares, respectively) and the umbilical cord was first detected on day 39 (39.7 ± 2.1 x 39.6 ± 1.5 in mules and mares, respectively). The ovarian diameters for left and right ovaries were similar for mules (21.4 ± 0.4 vs. 21.8 ± 0.4 mm) and for mares (45.1 ± 0.4 vs. 46.0 ± 0.4). However, the ovarian diameter of the mares (45.5 ± 0.3 mm) was two times larger (P<0.0001) than the mules (21.6 ± 0.3 mm). Within groups there were no differences between left and right and gravid and non-gravid horns. Data were combined for comparison of the endometrial diameter between mules and mares. The overall mean was not different between mules (24.6 3.1 ± 0.1 mm) and mares (25.4 ± 0.1 mm). However, day (P<0.003) and group-by-day (P<0.0001) effects were detected. Only two mules presented accessory CL that was observed for the first time on days 49 e 51. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first comparative study on embryo and early fetal development between noncycling mules and mares used as ET recipients of horse-horse embryos. Numerous similarities in embryo and early fetal development, and endocrinology aspects were seen. The findings of this study in mules, associated with the fact that alive and healthy offspring were produced, the use of mules may be considered as an alternative to increase the availability of recipients in equine ET programs.

A detomidina é um agonistas α2 adrenérgicos amplamente empregado para sedação, analgesia e medicação pré-anestésica em equinos. A ativação dos receptores α2 distribuídos no Sistema Nervoso Central e Periférico provoca uma série de alterações fisiológicas, tais como bradicardia, bloqueio átrio-ventricular, diminuição do débito cardíaco, bradipnéia, inibição da secreção de insulina, hiperglicemia, diminuição da motilidade gastrointestinal, relaxamento da musculatura esquelética, diminuição da secreção de ACTH e ADH, hipnose e sedação. Para investigar a interferência da detomidina sobre alguns parâmetros fisiológicos e metabólicos, seis equinos foram mantidos em estação e submetidos a uma hora de infusão contínua de detomidina na dose de 20 μg.kg-1.h-1 , servindo como seus próprios controles. Foram avaliados frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), pressão arterial média (PAM), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), tempo de preenchimento capilar (TPC), temperatura retal (TR), hemogasometria sanguínea, glicose e lactato plasmáticos, insulina sérica, proteína plasmática total (PPT), hematócrito (Ht), hemoblobina (Hb), saturação de oxigênio (SO2), bicarbonato, sódio, potássio, e cálcio ionizado sanguíneos, glicogênio e lactato muscular e realizada urinálise, antes da infusão contínua de detomidina (T0), 20 minutos após (T20), 40 minutos após (T40) e 60 minutos após (T60), quando a infusão foi descontinuada. Uma hora após o término da infusão, foi realizada uma última coleta (T120). As variáveis foram submetidas à ANOVA, teste t de Student, teste de Tukey e teste de Friedman de acordo com o tipo de variável com nível de confiança de 95%. Os resultados indicaram diminuição estatisticamente significativa da FC, FR, Ht, Hb, cálcio ionizado e glicogênio muscular, além de aumento significativo da glicose, lactato e bicarbonato sanguíneos. Não houve diferença estatística significativa nas variáveis TPC, TR, PAM, PAS, PAD, PaO2, PaCO2, pH arterial, SO2, insulina sérica, PPT, lactato muscular e variáveis urinárias. A utilização de uma infusão contínua de detomidina na dose preconizada neste estudo promoveu um período de sedação prolongada em equinos em estação, com ocorrência de efeitos adversos moderados e sem significância clínica em animais hígidos. A hipoinsulinemia provocada por esta droga de fato influencia o metabolismo energético através da mobilização de reservas observada e do aumento de lactato sérico. / The detomidine is an α2 adrenergic agonist widely used for sedation, analgesia and premedication in horses. The activation of α2 receptors distributed in Central and Peripheral Nervous System causes a series of changes, such as bradycardia, atrioventricular block, decreased cardiac output, bradypnea, inhibition of insulin secretion, hyperglycemia, decreased gastrointestinal motility, relaxation of skeletal muscle, decreased secretion of ACTH and ADH, hypnosis and sedation. To investigate the interference of detomidine on some physiological and metabolic parameters, six horses were subjected to one hour of continuous rate infusion of detomidine at a dose of 20 μg.kg-1.h-1 and served as their own controls. We assessed heart rate (FC), respiratory rate (FR), mean arterial pressure (PAM), systolic blood pressure (PAS), diastolic blood pressure (PAD), capillary refill time (TPC), rectal temperature (TR), blood gases, blood glucose, plasma lactate, serum insulin, total plasma protein (PPT), hematocrit (Ht), hemoblobin (Hb), oxygen saturation (SO2), bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, muscle glycogen and muscle lactate, and urinalysis performed before the infusion of detomidine (T0), after 20 minutes (T20), 40 minutes after (T40) and 60 minutes after (T60), when the infusion was discontinued. One hour after the infusion was performed a last collection (T120). The variables were submitted to ANOVA, Student's t test, Tukey’s test and Friedman’s test according to the type of variable with a confidence level of 95%. The continuous rate infusion of detomidine resulted in a significant decrease in FC, FR, Ht, Hb, ionized calcium and muscle glycogen, and a significant increase in glucose, plasma lactate and bicarbonate. There was no statistically significant difference in the variables TPC, TR, PAM, PAS, PAD, blood gases, serum insulin, PPT, muscle lactate and urinary variables. The use of a continuous rate infusion of detomidina in the recommended dose in this study promoted a prolonged sedation, with moderate adverse effects with no clinical significance in healthy animals. The hypoinsulinemia caused by this drug did influence energetic metabolism through the mobilization of reserves and the observed increase in plasma lactate.

La Grotte du Portel-ouest située en Ariège sur la commune de Loubens a été fouillée de 1949 à 1987 par Joseph et JeanVézian. Les fouilleurs ont identifié 20 couches réparties en quatre ensembles archéo-stratigraphiques : un ensemble de base, un premier ensemble moustérien, un deuxième ensemble moustérien et un ensemble du paléolithique supérieur correspondants aux stades isotopiques 5, 4, 3, début 2. Le remplissage a livré 34 restes humains néandertaliens et plus de 200000 vestiges correspondants à de l’industrie, de la macrofaune et de la microfaune. L’étude paléontologique a porté sur les 4495 restes de Bovinae et d’Equidae ; l’étude paléo-environnementale a été réalisée à partir des 12963 restes de macro faune et de 896 rongeurs (NMI) enregistrés à ce jour. L’étude paléontologique des Bovinae (1486 restes) a permis d’identifier deux genres : Bos et Bison. Les comparaisons diachroniques et synchroniques ont conduit à la détermination de Bison priscus mediator et de Bos primigenius primigenius. L’étude paléontologique des Equidae a permis de confirmer la première détermination : Equus caballus germanicus (Gardeisen, 1998). Les comparaisons synchroniques et diachroniques avec les tests statistiques associés (Analyse en Composantes Principales, Classification Ascendante Hiérarchique, et le Test de k means) ont permis de rapprocher ce cheval de ceux de Combe Grenal (couches 1 à 35) et de la Grotte Tournal (niveaux II moyen et II B). Quelques restes trouvés dans le paléolithique supérieur ont pu être attribués à Equus caballus gallicus ; ce cheval est proche des chevaux de Camiac et de Jaurens (Würm récent inférieur) et aussi de Solutré (niveau aurignacien) L’étude paléo-environnementale a révélé à la base du sondage un paysage semi-ouvert, plutôt forestier tempéré correspondant au stade isotopique 5 (interglaciaire Riss-Würm et début Würm ancien) ; le stade 4 est très peu représenté. L’occupation principale du site (F à D) correspond au stade isotopique 3 caractérisé par de très forts changements climatiques avec une succession d’événements de Heinrich (H4, H5) et de phases de réchauffement ou de refroidissement des cycles de Dansgaard-Oeschger (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) dans un paysage très ouvert. La couche B présentant une industrie gravettienne et de l’aurochs correspond certainement à la phase de réchauffement du cycle de Dansgaard-Oeschger 2. / The West cave of the Portel located in Ariége in the commune of Loubens has been excavated between 1949 and 1987 byJoseph and Jean Vézian. The excavators identified 20 layers spread in 4 archeologically stratified groups : the basic group, the first Mousterian group and the second Mousterian group and an ensemble of the superior Paleolithic group corresponding to the isotopic stages 5, 4, 3, beginning 2. The contents excavated from this cave gave us 34 Neanderthal human remains and more than 200 000 artifacts corresponding to the industry, the macrofauna and the microfauna. Paleontological studies have been realized on the 4495 Bovinae and Equidae remains. Environmental Paleolithic studies have been completed from 12963 remains of the macrofuna and from 896 rodents registered to this day (NMI). Bovinae paleontological studies (1486 remains) allowed identification of two genre : Bos and Bison. The diachronic and synchronic comparisons have led to determination of Bison priscus mediator and Bos primigenius primigenius. Equidae paleontological studies have allowed confirmation of the first determination: Equus caballus germanicus (Gardeisen,1998).The diachronic and synchronic comparisons with the statistical tests associated (ACP, CAH, and the test of k means)allowed to bring closer the horse from the Portel to those of the Combe Grenal (layers 1 to 35) and the horses of the Tournal cave (stages II middle and II B). Some remains found in the superior Paleolithic have been attributed to Equus caballus gallicus. This horse resembles the horses of Camiac, of Jaurens (inferior recent Würm) and of Solutré (stage of the Aurignacian). Environmental Paleolithic studies has shown, at the bottom of the contents excavated, a landscape semi open, rather temperate forest corresponding to the isotopic stage 5 (interglacial Riss-Würm and to the beginning or ancient Würm). The isotopic stage 4 is rarely represented. The principal occupation of the site by Neanderthal (F à D) is during the isotopic stage 3 characterized by very great climatic changes with a succession of Heinrich events (H4, H5) and phases of warming or cooling phases of the cycle Dansgaard-Oeschger (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) in a landscape very open, far reaching and vast. The layer B presents one gravettian industry and some Bos, and certainly corresponds to the phase of warming of the cycle Dansgaard-Oeschger 2.