Welfare for captive animals in laboratory, farm, companion and zoo settings is difficult to assess and subject to interpretation. The perceived needs of animals change over time and according to budget, fashion and policy. The assessment of the value of environmental enrichment for captive animals is hampered by the lack of consistent, quantitative, objective and methodical research. Enrichment devices and other welfare improvement strategies lack long-term assessment or implementation. The concept of cognitive enrichment, or enabling captive animals to use their cognitive abilities to solve problems and meet challenges in their environment, is in the initial stages of development. Preliminary findings indicate that cognitive enrichment seems to be an effective method of improving captive animal welfare. In the research described in this thesis, several welfare measurement techniques including changes in activity budget, stereotypic behaviour and cognitive bias were compared and used to measure the effects of cognitive enrichment upon captive pigeons and dogs in order to obtain a useable cognitive enrichment paradigm that can be extrapolated to many types of captive animals. Key findings were that cognitive enrichment improved captive group-housed pigeon welfare and individually-kennelled dog welfare, indicated by significant changes in activity budget, increases in ‘optimism’, and reduction of stereotypic behaviour in subjects. Subjects used both low-tech and high-tech cognitive enrichments as intended and showed no sign of habituation. It is hoped that these findings will be used to improve captive animal welfare, and that the cognitive enrichment and cognitive bias paradigms developed will add to this field of research.

Facilities housing non-human primates are required to make provisions for their psychological wellbeing, which may include monitoring animals for signs of decreased wellbeing such as the presence of abnormal behaviors or alopecia. By analyzing archival behavioral data collected by the Behavior Management Unit at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), I aimed to identify behavioral predictors of self-wounding and alopecia and to evaluate the effectiveness of current treatments in reducing abnormal behavior and alopecia in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). The behaviors of self-biting and hair plucking (conditional logistic regression, p < .05) as well as floating limb and self-oral behaviors (Mantel-Haenszel chi-square tests, p < .05) were identified as behavioral predictors of self-wounding. Fear behaviors were associated with an increased risk of developing alopecia (Mantel-Haenszel chi square, p < .05). An inverse relationship was found between alopecia and stereotypic locomotor behaviors such as pacing, with animals who displayed these behaviors being less likely to develop significant hair loss (conditional logistic regression, p < .05). Overall, the type of treatment provided (e.g., additional foraging opportunities, the provision of toys, or the provision of visual barriers) did not predict improvement in levels of abnormal behavior or alopecia (logistic regression, p > .05). The results of these analyses add to the literature on self-wounding and alopecia and will allow refinement of the quantitative behavioral monitoring system at YNPRC such that more at-risk animals can be identified and treated prior to the development of abnormal or harmful behaviors.

Research in animal personality has been increasing over the last decade, as scientists realise its importance to a variety of health outcomes. In particular, personality has been shown to have an effect on immune function, stress, infant survival, overall well-being, morbidity, and mortality. Because of this, personality can play an important role in captive management, especially as stress is often a problem for captive animals. Research has already shown that personality affects captive breeding efforts, enclosure grouping, and stress regulation in some species. Only a few studies have focused on felids, but these have shown that there are possible applications for personality in that taxon. Because most felids are endangered, and because many of them face special challenges in captivity due to their size and biology, this work aimed to increase knowledge on felids, using personality as a framework, with implications for captive management as a target. Focusing on five species, I assessed the personality of domestic cats, Scottish wildcats, clouded and snow leopards, and African lions, and the well-being of the four latter species. With the exception of the domestic cat, there has been little to no personality work in these species, and none on well-being. I then compared the data within and among these species. I found three main personality factors among the species, including dimensions I labelled Neuroticism, Dominance, and Impulsiveness, with some differences, including an Agreeableness factor in some species, and elements of Openness. As in other species, well-being was negatively related to Neuroticism in most of the study species. Taking into consideration each species’ biology, natural history, and genetics, I discuss the implications and importance of using these species’ personality and well-being assessments in both captive management and conservation efforts. The results indicate that, like in humans, a targeted, individual approach to care is the best use of personality for captive animals.

The genetic status of the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pulla) was analyzed using 2009 studbook data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managed captive breeding and release program. Microsatellite DNA data provided information on shared founder genotypes, allowing for refined analysis of genetic variation in the population, and informed breeding recommendations. The genetic variation observed in the Mississippi sandhill crane was contrasted with variation observed in the Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis). Results show far less variation in the Mississippi population. Results also suggest that while gene flow no longer occurs between the two populations, the introduction of cranes from the Florida population would help to increase the observed genetic diversity of the Mississippi sandhill crane population.

Considerando a importância comercial da perdiz (Rhynchotus rufescens), implantou-se algumas biotecnologias reprodutivas. Trinta animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: controle (sem selênio orgânico) e tratamento (com 0,2 a 0,8mg de selênio em 1000kgs de ração ), provenientes da FCAV-UNESP/Jaboticabal (2007-2008). Coletou-se semên por excitação manual que foram aliquotados em pools com 150&micro;L. Após a avaliação do volume, motilidade, vigor, números de espermatozóides, concentração e morfologia espermática, diluiu-se 20&micro;l de sêmen em 300&micro;l de solução fisiológica para testar a Integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática e avaliação da atividade mitocondrial. Uma outra alíquota de 20&micro;l foi utilizada para testar a resistência dos espermatozóides ao estresse oxidativo, induzido (vitamina C + sulfato ferroso), por meio da dosagem de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). A amostra restante foi congelada diretamente em nitrogênio líquido para a realização do teste da integridade do DNA espermático e para medir a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes Catalase e Glutationa Peroxidase. Contou-se 200 células, para avaliação da integridade acrossomal e de membrana, atividade mitocondrial e ensaio cometa e classificou-as: 1) Acrossomo Íntegro: cor lilás e Não-Íntegro: róseo; 2)Células Vivas (não coradas) e Mortas (coradas), 3) Classes de I a IV, sendo Classe I (todas as mitocôndrias íntegras) com a peça intermediária totalmente corada e Classe IV (todas as mitocôndrias comprometidas) com a peça intermediária totalmente descorada e 4) Cometa I a IV, sendo Cometa I (DNA íntegro): células com halo ao seu redor e núcleo corado, porém sem cauda de cometa evidente e Cometa IV (DNA altamente fragmentado): célula com núcleo completamente descorado e apenas a cauda do cometa, respevtivamente. Os dados foram analisados pelo SAS, System for Windows. Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada para volume, motilidade, vigor, número de espermatozóides, concentração, integridade acrossomal, integridade da membrana plasmática, Classes I e III da atividade mitocondrial, Cometa I,II e IV, TBARS e atividade da Glutationa. Foram encontradas diferenças nas Classes II (Se=33,39±2,93 e Controle=44,39±2,59, p=0.0125 e IV (Se=3,44±0,09 e Controle=1,50±0,38, p=0.0401) e Cometa III (Se=16,00 ± 0,82 e Controle=34,75 ± 1,44, p=<.0001), respectivamente. A diferença encontrada no DAB II pode ser devido aos danos causados na arquitetura da peça intermediária pela deficiência de selênio, o que compromete a mobilidade e a capacidade de fecundação do espermatozóide. Para o DAB IV, não era esperado esse resultado, que pode ser devido aos pequenos valores encontrados para essa variável (Se=3,44% e Controle=1,50%) em relação ao total das classes e que poderia não ser significante se levássemos em consideração as classes juntas. Em relação a porcentagem mais baixa de espermatozóides do grupo suplementado com selênio para a classe III do Ensaio Cometa, pode sugerir um efeito de proteção desta substância, possivelmente devido a um índice mais elevado da Glutationa Peroxidase. / Considering the commercial value of the partridges (Rhynchotus rufescens), the employment of reproductive biotechnologies has been attempted. Thirty animals were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (no selenium) and treatment group (supplemented with 0,2 a 0,8mg selenium/ 1000kgs ration). Animals were allocated at the FCAV - UNESP/Jaboticabal (2007-2008). Semen collections were performed by digital manipulation and divided in pools of at least 150&micro;L. After the immediate evaluation of volume, motility, vigour, concentration and morphology, an aliquot of 20&micro;L was diluted in 300&micro;L of physiologic solution in order to test acrosome and membrane integrities and mitochondrial activity. Another aliquot of 20 &micro;L was used to test the resistance of sperm against the induced oxidative stress (Vitamin C + ferrous sulphate), followed by the measurement of TBARS. The remaining semen sample was frozen directly in liquid nitrogen in orther to perform the comet assay and to measure the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Cells were evaluated respectively for acrosome and membrane integrities, mitochondrial activity and comet assay as follows: 1) Intact acrosome: lilac acrosome; Non-intact acrosome: pink acrosome; 2) Live cells: non stained; Dead: stained; 3) Classes I to IV, being Class I (full mitochondrial potential): midpiece totally stained and class IV (no mitochondrial potential): midpiece not stained; 4) Classes I to IV, being Class I (intact DNA): nucleus with intense fluorescence with no comet tail; Class IV (highly fragmented DNA): no nucleus, only a comet tail. Data was statistically anlysed using the SAS System for Windows. No differences were found on volume, motility, vigour, number of spermatozoa, concentration, acrosomal and membrane integrity, Classes I and III of mitochondrial activity, Comets I, II and IV, TBARS and Glutathione activity. Differences were found on as DAB Classes II (Se=33.39±2.93 and control=44.39±2.59, p=0.0125) and IV (Se=3.44±0.09 and control=1.50±0.38, p=0.0401) and comet class III (Se=16.00 ± 0.82 and control=34.75 ± 1.44, p=<.0001), respectively. The difference found on DAB II may be due to the damages caused by the selenium deficiency to the architecture of the midpiece, which compromises sperm mobility and fertilization capacity. On the other hand, the unexpected difference found on DAB IV may be due to the small values found for this variable in all animals (Se=3.44% and control=1.50%), which would be not significant taking into account all classes. The decreased percentage of sperm showing DNA fragmentation Class II found on the selenium supplemented group may suggest a protective effect of this substance on sperm DNA, possibly due to a higher GPx content.

A ema (Rhea americana), é uma ave nativa da América do Sul, e pertence ao grupo das Ratitas. Considerando a importância comercial desse animal foram implantadas algumas biotecnologias reprodutivas, como coleta e avaliação de sêmen que ajudariam na preservação da espécie, assim como na disseminação de material genético. Nesse estudo utilizou-se 107 animais, dentro e fora da estação reprodutiva, com idade entre 3 e 4 anos, que encontravam-se no Estado de São Paulo, durante os anos de 2001, 2002 e 2003. Observou-se os animais para identificação de dominância. Os machos foram contidos em caixa de madeira adaptada e capuz preto. Após a contenção realizou-se a coleta de sêmen através de massagem digital. Os falos foram analisados quanto ao tamanho e formação de espiral. Alguns parâmetros seminais foram avaliados: volume, motilidade, concentração e número de espermatozóides por ejaculado. Foi coletado sangue da veia metatarsal, de animais dentro e fora da estação reprodutiva para dosagem de nível plasmático de testosterona. Dos 69 animais em estação reprodutiva, 44 apresentaram falos grandes e desses, 26 formaram espiral. A coleta de sêmen através de massagem digital mostrou-se eficiente para esses animais. O sêmen foi analisado quanto ao volume (0,68±0,14), motilidade (61,11±11,54%), concentração (3,29±1,33x109sptz/ml) e número por ejaculado (2,40±1,38x109sptz/ml) e foram descritas algumas patologias espermáticas. Encontrou-se diferença estatística significante (p=0,0161) de níveis plasmáticos de testosterona em animais dentro e fora da estação reprodutiva (53,28±18,41ng/ml e 5,57±3,81ng/ml, respectivamente). Foram relatadas variações de tamanho de falos em animais dentro e fora da estação e animais em estação reprodutiva. Observou-se que animais que apresentavam falos maiores e níveis plasmáticos de testosterona foram os considerados dominantes através de observações comportamentais. Os resultados do presente experimento confirmam a possibilidade de coleta de sêmen de emas e o seu uso em futuras biotecnologias como a inseminação artificial. / The rhea (Rhea americana), a native bird from South America, belongs to the Ratite group. Considering the commercial significance of this animal were standardize some techniques such as semen collection. These techniques aim to optimize the reproductive traits of this animal and to allow the dissemination and preservation of the genetic material of this endangered specie. In this study, 107 male rheas were used. The animals were around 3 and 4 years old and were raised in São Paulo’s State commercial breeding. Semen collections were performed during breeding and non breeding seasons of 2001, 2002 and 2003. Animals were observed in order to detect hierarchic behavior. Contention was performed using a box and a black hood. Semen collection was performed through a digital pressure in the base of the phallus, which were observed in order to detect size and spiral shape. Immediately after collection semen samples were evaluated for volume, motility, sperm concentration and morphology. In a limited number of animals, blood samples were collected by the metatarsal vein in order to measure testosterone levels. Among 69 animals in breeding season, 44 showed larger phallus and among those, 26 showed spiral shape. The method of semen collection showed good results. Semen was then evaluated for volume (0.68±0.14 ml), motility ( 61.11±11.54%), sperm concentration (3,29±1,33x109sptz/ml) and number of spermatozoa per ejaculate (2.40±1.38x109sptz/ml). Morphological abnormalities were analyzed and accounted. Statistical differences (p=0.0161) were found for testosterone levels between animals during breeding and non-breeding season (53.28±18.41ng/ml e 5.57±3.81ng/ml, respectively). It was observed that animals showed variations in phallus size during breeding and non-breeding seasons. A relationship was found between animals with larger phallus and higher testosterone levels and dominant behavior. Results of the present experiment confirmed the possibility of collecting semen from rheas in order to use it in future biotechnologies such as artificial insemination.

A ema (Rhea americana), é uma ave nativa da América do Sul, e pertence ao grupo das Ratitas. Considerando a importância comercial desse animal foram implantadas algumas biotecnologias reprodutivas, como coleta e avaliação de sêmen que ajudariam na preservação da espécie, assim como na disseminação de material genético. Nesse estudo utilizou-se 107 animais, dentro e fora da estação reprodutiva, com idade entre 3 e 4 anos, que encontravam-se no Estado de São Paulo, durante os anos de 2001, 2002 e 2003. Observou-se os animais para identificação de dominância. Os machos foram contidos em caixa de madeira adaptada e capuz preto. Após a contenção realizou-se a coleta de sêmen através de massagem digital. Os falos foram analisados quanto ao tamanho e formação de espiral. Alguns parâmetros seminais foram avaliados: volume, motilidade, concentração e número de espermatozóides por ejaculado. Foi coletado sangue da veia metatarsal, de animais dentro e fora da estação reprodutiva para dosagem de nível plasmático de testosterona. Dos 69 animais em estação reprodutiva, 44 apresentaram falos grandes e desses, 26 formaram espiral. A coleta de sêmen através de massagem digital mostrou-se eficiente para esses animais. O sêmen foi analisado quanto ao volume (0,68±0,14), motilidade (61,11±11,54%), concentração (3,29±1,33x109sptz/ml) e número por ejaculado (2,40±1,38x109sptz/ml) e foram descritas algumas patologias espermáticas. Encontrou-se diferença estatística significante (p=0,0161) de níveis plasmáticos de testosterona em animais dentro e fora da estação reprodutiva (53,28±18,41ng/ml e 5,57±3,81ng/ml, respectivamente). Foram relatadas variações de tamanho de falos em animais dentro e fora da estação e animais em estação reprodutiva. Observou-se que animais que apresentavam falos maiores e níveis plasmáticos de testosterona foram os considerados dominantes através de observações comportamentais. Os resultados do presente experimento confirmam a possibilidade de coleta de sêmen de emas e o seu uso em futuras biotecnologias como a inseminação artificial. / The rhea (Rhea americana), a native bird from South America, belongs to the Ratite group. Considering the commercial significance of this animal were standardize some techniques such as semen collection. These techniques aim to optimize the reproductive traits of this animal and to allow the dissemination and preservation of the genetic material of this endangered specie. In this study, 107 male rheas were used. The animals were around 3 and 4 years old and were raised in São Paulo’s State commercial breeding. Semen collections were performed during breeding and non breeding seasons of 2001, 2002 and 2003. Animals were observed in order to detect hierarchic behavior. Contention was performed using a box and a black hood. Semen collection was performed through a digital pressure in the base of the phallus, which were observed in order to detect size and spiral shape. Immediately after collection semen samples were evaluated for volume, motility, sperm concentration and morphology. In a limited number of animals, blood samples were collected by the metatarsal vein in order to measure testosterone levels. Among 69 animals in breeding season, 44 showed larger phallus and among those, 26 showed spiral shape. The method of semen collection showed good results. Semen was then evaluated for volume (0.68±0.14 ml), motility ( 61.11±11.54%), sperm concentration (3,29±1,33x109sptz/ml) and number of spermatozoa per ejaculate (2.40±1.38x109sptz/ml). Morphological abnormalities were analyzed and accounted. Statistical differences (p=0.0161) were found for testosterone levels between animals during breeding and non-breeding season (53.28±18.41ng/ml e 5.57±3.81ng/ml, respectively). It was observed that animals showed variations in phallus size during breeding and non-breeding seasons. A relationship was found between animals with larger phallus and higher testosterone levels and dominant behavior. Results of the present experiment confirmed the possibility of collecting semen from rheas in order to use it in future biotechnologies such as artificial insemination.

Considerando a importância comercial da perdiz (Rhynchotus rufescens), implantou-se algumas biotecnologias reprodutivas. Trinta animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: controle (sem selênio orgânico) e tratamento (com 0,2 a 0,8mg de selênio em 1000kgs de ração ), provenientes da FCAV-UNESP/Jaboticabal (2007-2008). Coletou-se semên por excitação manual que foram aliquotados em pools com 150&micro;L. Após a avaliação do volume, motilidade, vigor, números de espermatozóides, concentração e morfologia espermática, diluiu-se 20&micro;l de sêmen em 300&micro;l de solução fisiológica para testar a Integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática e avaliação da atividade mitocondrial. Uma outra alíquota de 20&micro;l foi utilizada para testar a resistência dos espermatozóides ao estresse oxidativo, induzido (vitamina C + sulfato ferroso), por meio da dosagem de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). A amostra restante foi congelada diretamente em nitrogênio líquido para a realização do teste da integridade do DNA espermático e para medir a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes Catalase e Glutationa Peroxidase. Contou-se 200 células, para avaliação da integridade acrossomal e de membrana, atividade mitocondrial e ensaio cometa e classificou-as: 1) Acrossomo Íntegro: cor lilás e Não-Íntegro: róseo; 2)Células Vivas (não coradas) e Mortas (coradas), 3) Classes de I a IV, sendo Classe I (todas as mitocôndrias íntegras) com a peça intermediária totalmente corada e Classe IV (todas as mitocôndrias comprometidas) com a peça intermediária totalmente descorada e 4) Cometa I a IV, sendo Cometa I (DNA íntegro): células com halo ao seu redor e núcleo corado, porém sem cauda de cometa evidente e Cometa IV (DNA altamente fragmentado): célula com núcleo completamente descorado e apenas a cauda do cometa, respevtivamente. Os dados foram analisados pelo SAS, System for Windows. Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada para volume, motilidade, vigor, número de espermatozóides, concentração, integridade acrossomal, integridade da membrana plasmática, Classes I e III da atividade mitocondrial, Cometa I,II e IV, TBARS e atividade da Glutationa. Foram encontradas diferenças nas Classes II (Se=33,39±2,93 e Controle=44,39±2,59, p=0.0125 e IV (Se=3,44±0,09 e Controle=1,50±0,38, p=0.0401) e Cometa III (Se=16,00 ± 0,82 e Controle=34,75 ± 1,44, p=<.0001), respectivamente. A diferença encontrada no DAB II pode ser devido aos danos causados na arquitetura da peça intermediária pela deficiência de selênio, o que compromete a mobilidade e a capacidade de fecundação do espermatozóide. Para o DAB IV, não era esperado esse resultado, que pode ser devido aos pequenos valores encontrados para essa variável (Se=3,44% e Controle=1,50%) em relação ao total das classes e que poderia não ser significante se levássemos em consideração as classes juntas. Em relação a porcentagem mais baixa de espermatozóides do grupo suplementado com selênio para a classe III do Ensaio Cometa, pode sugerir um efeito de proteção desta substância, possivelmente devido a um índice mais elevado da Glutationa Peroxidase. / Considering the commercial value of the partridges (Rhynchotus rufescens), the employment of reproductive biotechnologies has been attempted. Thirty animals were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (no selenium) and treatment group (supplemented with 0,2 a 0,8mg selenium/ 1000kgs ration). Animals were allocated at the FCAV - UNESP/Jaboticabal (2007-2008). Semen collections were performed by digital manipulation and divided in pools of at least 150&micro;L. After the immediate evaluation of volume, motility, vigour, concentration and morphology, an aliquot of 20&micro;L was diluted in 300&micro;L of physiologic solution in order to test acrosome and membrane integrities and mitochondrial activity. Another aliquot of 20 &micro;L was used to test the resistance of sperm against the induced oxidative stress (Vitamin C + ferrous sulphate), followed by the measurement of TBARS. The remaining semen sample was frozen directly in liquid nitrogen in orther to perform the comet assay and to measure the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Cells were evaluated respectively for acrosome and membrane integrities, mitochondrial activity and comet assay as follows: 1) Intact acrosome: lilac acrosome; Non-intact acrosome: pink acrosome; 2) Live cells: non stained; Dead: stained; 3) Classes I to IV, being Class I (full mitochondrial potential): midpiece totally stained and class IV (no mitochondrial potential): midpiece not stained; 4) Classes I to IV, being Class I (intact DNA): nucleus with intense fluorescence with no comet tail; Class IV (highly fragmented DNA): no nucleus, only a comet tail. Data was statistically anlysed using the SAS System for Windows. No differences were found on volume, motility, vigour, number of spermatozoa, concentration, acrosomal and membrane integrity, Classes I and III of mitochondrial activity, Comets I, II and IV, TBARS and Glutathione activity. Differences were found on as DAB Classes II (Se=33.39±2.93 and control=44.39±2.59, p=0.0125) and IV (Se=3.44±0.09 and control=1.50±0.38, p=0.0401) and comet class III (Se=16.00 ± 0.82 and control=34.75 ± 1.44, p=<.0001), respectively. The difference found on DAB II may be due to the damages caused by the selenium deficiency to the architecture of the midpiece, which compromises sperm mobility and fertilization capacity. On the other hand, the unexpected difference found on DAB IV may be due to the small values found for this variable in all animals (Se=3.44% and control=1.50%), which would be not significant taking into account all classes. The decreased percentage of sperm showing DNA fragmentation Class II found on the selenium supplemented group may suggest a protective effect of this substance on sperm DNA, possibly due to a higher GPx content.

Doenças relacionadas ao manejo estão entre as principais causas de perdas na criação de aves silvestres ou ornamentais em cativeiro. Apesar da urgência em dominar a conservação de espécies em cativeiro, pouco se sabe sobre os fatores limitantes a esses projetos. O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever a ocorrência de enfermidades em aves silvestres em cativeiro, por meio da análise anatomopatológica, microbiológica, molecular, imuno-histoquímica, apresentando os fatores predisponentes observados. Os três artigos apresentados nesse trabalho abordam as causas de perdas em criatórios ou em iniciativas independentes de reabilitação de aves silvestres. O primeiro trabalho discute a casuística de perdas em um plantel de uma diversidade de aves silvestres, incluindo passeriformes, galiformes e musofagiformes. Foram registradas 28 mortes em cinco anos de estudo, em que se constatou que as categorias de maior risco foram as aves jovens e as recém introduzidas, com 40% e 28% das mortes, respectivamente. Além disso, se observou que, quanto à causa, 21% das mortes foram secundárias a infestações parasitárias, e que, excetuando-se três casos de mortes decorrentes de doenças da senescência, todas as demais puderam ser atribuídas a inadequações do manejo. O segundo trabalho relata a ocorrência de um surto de micoplasmose por Mycoplasma gallisepticum afetando 12 perdizes chukar, 12 pavões, 19 galinhas ornamentais e 46 exemplares de quarto espécies de faisões, dentre as quais, 36 aves morreram, em um grande aviário comercial. Em um outro evento no mesmo plantel, foi diagnosticada motalidade de 19 perdizes chukar em um grupo de 27, decorrente de histomoníase. Identificaram-se, em ambos os surtos, falhas na realização de quarentena, administração de anti-helmínticos, vacinação, assim como superlotação e higiene inadequada dos recintos. No último trabalho são apresentados casos de osteodistrofia de origem nutricional em cinco aves de rapina jovens, sendo um urubude- cabeça-preta, um carcará e três suindaras. Todas as aves foram abondonadas pelos pais e mantidas em cativeiro por criadores leigos, que lhes ofertaram exclusivamente carne desossada ou comida caseira. O diagnóstico dos casos apresentados foi baseado no histórico clínico, nos achados de necropsia e histopatologia, aliado a técnicas complementares. Tendo em vista os resultados obtidos, é possível concluir que o diagnóstico de doenças em aves silvestres em cativeiro e a manutenção de registros sanitários dos planteis pode auxiliar na implementação de programas de conservação de aves silvestres bem estruturados e com grandes chances de sucesso. / Management-related diseases are among the main causes of losses in wild or ornamental bird propagatig projects. Despite the urgency in dominate the conservation of species in captivity, still little is known about the limiting factors to these initiatives. The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of diseases in wild birds in captivity through the anatomopathological, microbiological, molecular and immunohistochemical analysis, relating them to the predisposing factors. The three papers presented in this study address the causes of losses in aviaries or independent wild bird rehabilitation initiatives. The first study discusses the bird losses in a varied flock of wild birds, including passerines, galliformes and musofagiformes. Twentyeight deaths were recorded in five years of study, where the highest risk categories were young and newly introduced birds, with 40% and 28% of deaths, respectively. In addition, it was observed that 21% of the deaths were secondary to parasitic infestations, and that, except for three cases of deaths due to senescence diseases, all the others were attributed to management inadequacies. The second study reports the occurrence of an outbreak of mycoplasmosis by Mycoplasma gallisepticum affecting 12 chukar partridges, 12 peacocks, 19 ornamental chickens and 46 specimens of four species of pheasants, of which 36 birds died in a large commercial aviary. In another event in the same establishment, the morality of 19 chukar partridges was diagnosed in a group of 27, due to histomoniasis. Failure to perform quarantine, administration of anthelmintics, vaccination, as well as overcrowding and inadequate hygiene of the enclosures were identified in both outbreaks. In the last study, five cases of nutritional osteodystrophy in birds of prey are reported in chicks of a black-headed vulture, a caracara and three barn owls. All the birds were abandoned by the parents and kept in captivity by lay creators, who fed them an all-meat diet or homemade food. The diagnosis of all cases presented in this study was based on the clinical history, on necropsy and hitopathology findings, allied to complementary techniques. Considering the results, we conclude that the diagnosis of diseases in wild birds in captivity and to mantain a sanitary record of the flocks can help in the implementation of well planned and successfull wild bird conservation programs.

Towing-tank experiments are performed for a surface combatant as it undergoes static and dynamic planar motion mechanism maneuvers in calm water. The data includes global forces/moment/motions and phase-averaged local flow-fields, and uncertainty assessment. The geometry is DTMB model 5512, which is a 1/46.6 scale geosym of DTMB model 5415, with L = 3.048 m. The experiments are performed in a 3.048 × 3.048 × 100 m towing tank. The measurement system features a custom designed planar motion mechanism, a towed stereoscopic particle image velocimetry system, a Krypton contactless motion tracker, and a 6-component loadcell. The forces/moment and UA are conducted in collaboration with two international facilities (FORCE and INSEAN), including test matrix and overlapping tests using the same model geometry but with different scales. Quality of the data is assessed by monitoring the statistical convergence, including tests for randomness, stationarity, and normality. Uncertainty is assessed following the ASME Standards (1998 and 2005). Hydrodynamic derivatives are determined from the forces/moment data by using the Abkowitz (1966) mathematical model, with two different 'Multiple-Run (MR)' and 'Single-Run (SR)' methods. The results for reconstructions of the forces/moment indicate that usually the MR method is more accurate than the SR. Comparisons are made of the hydrodynamic derivatives across different facilities. The scale effect is small for sway derivatives, whereas considerable for yaw derivatives. Heave, pitch, and roll motions exhibit cross-coupling between the motions and forces and moment data, as expect based on ship motions theory. Hydrodynamic derivatives are compared between different mount conditions. Linear derivatives values are less sensitive to the mounting conditions, whereas the non-linear derivatives are considerably different. Phase-averaged flowfield results indicate maneuvering-induced vortices and their interactions with the turbulent boundary layer. The tests are sufficiently documented and detailed so as to be useful as benchmark EFD data for CFD validation.