In this dissertation, I report new information that is necessary for future mating system studies in a little studied species, the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum). I studied female mating behavior, sexual selection, and the consequences of polyandry for individual females and salamander populations. I also compared the performance of several statistical approaches for analyzing genetic mating system data. The first chapter summarizes the characteristics of several novel microsatellite DNA loci as well as cross-amplified loci for marbled salamanders and mole salamanders that may be used for future studies. In the second chapter, I report estimates of sire number for 13 marbled salamander clutches based on microsatellite data from 32 hatchlings per clutch. Females mated with as many as three different males as indicated by conservative techniques. Less than half of females mated with multiple males. Based on comparative analyses, I recommend the parental reconstruction approach with the computer program GERUD for assessing multiple paternity. The third chapter describes an experiment designed to study sexual selection. As expected, in breeding mesocosms, the potential for sexual selection was much higher for males than for females. Size was unrelated to variance in male reproductive fitness. Only opportunity for selection and Morisita’s index conformed to theoretical expectations of the relationship between operational sex ratio and the potential for sexual selection among males. Because opportunity for selection has intuitive links to formal sexual selection theory, I recommend its continued use. In the fourth chapter, I compared polyandrous and monandrous females to explore the potential fitness consequences of multimale mating. No fitness measure at the egg or hatchling stage (clutch size, hatching success, hatchling size, etc.) differed between the two types of clutches. Size of metamorphs was not different, but polyandrous clutches had significantly higher survival to metamorphosis. In the fifth chapter, I analyzed effects of increased polyandry and male availability on genetic diversity, effective population size (Ne), and fitness of experimental populations. Although no analyses were significant, some effects were moderate to high in size. Ne was higher when estimated from hatchlings than with metamorphs.

Em diferentes programas de melhoramento genético, o acompanhamento do progresso genético é essencial para possibilitar ajustes necessários à sua utilização. No Brasil, além de ser considerada uma das raças mais utilizadas para a produção de fêmeas mestiças leiteiras, a raça Gir Leiteiro lidera a lista das raças exportadoras de sêmen. Por conta disso, este estudo objetivou estimar os parâmetros e as tendências genéticas para vinte características de produção, conformação e manejo de animais puros da raça, integrantes do Programa Nacional de Melhoramento do Gir Leiteiro, além das tendências fenotípicas e das tendências genéticas para quatro trajetórias de seleção para produção de leite e de gordura. A metodologia utilizada foi a da Máxima Verossimilhança Restrita em um modelo animal. As tendências genéticas para todas as características foram obtidas via regressão linear das médias dos valores genéticos em função do ano de nascimento dos animais, que em geral, variou de 1935 a 2013. As herdabilidades foram de 0,23 (leite), 0,10 (gordura) e variaram de 0,01 a 0,53 para as características lineares de conformação e manejo. Para produção de leite em 305 dias, houve favorável progresso genético ao longo do tempo, para fêmeas mensuradas (14,04 kg/ano), fêmeas (8,27 kg/ano) e machos (6,12 kg/ano), quanto para as quatro trajetórias de seleção (pais de touros, pais de vacas, mães de touros e mães de vacas). As tendências genéticas para produção de gordura em 305 dias, embora positivas, foram de baixa magnitude. As mudanças genéticas nas características lineares foram em geral, variáveis e inexpressivas, sugerindo que a seleção no Gir Leiteiro tenha sido direcionada essencialmente para maior produção de leite. A provável maior adesão pelos criadores ao uso de reprodutores comprovadamente geneticamente superiores e as melhorias ambientais (nutrição e manejo), possibilitaram incrementos fenotípicos nas produções de leite (55,38 kg/ano) e de gordura (0,91 kg/ano) em bovinos puros da raça Gir Leiteiro no Brasil. / In different breeding programs for genetic improvement, the monitoring of genetic progress is essential to allow for the necessary adjustments to its use. In Brazil, besides being considered one of the most used breeds for the production of crossbred dairy females, the Dairy Gir breed leads the list of semen export breeds. The objective of this study was to estimate parameters and genetic trends for nineteen traits of production, conformation and management of purebred animals of the National Breeding Program for Dairy Gir, in addition to the phenotypic trends and genetic trends for four selection trajectories for the milk yield and fat yield productions. The methodology used was that of Restricted Maximum Likelihood in an animal model. The genetic trends for all traits were obtained through linear regression of the means of genetic values according to the year of birth of the animals, which generally varied from 1935 to 2013. The heritabilities were 0.23 (milk), 0.10 (fat) and ranged from 0.01 to 0.53 for the linear conformation and management traits. The milk yield in 305 days presented favorable genetic progression over time for both mensured females (14.04 kg/year), females (8.27 kg/year) and males (6.12 kg/year), and for the four selection trajectories. The genetic trends for fat yield production in 305 days, although positive, were of low magnitude. The genetic changes in the linear characteristics were in general, variable and inexpressive, suggesting that the selection in Dairy Gir has been directed essentially to a greater milk yield. The probable higher adhesion by breeders to the use of genetically superior breeding herds and environmental improvements (nutrition and management), allowed for phenotypic increases in the milk yield (55.38 kg/year) and fat yield (0.91 kg/year) in the Dairy Gir cattle in Brazil.

Submitted by EDUARDO PINHEIRO HENRIQUES null (eduardopinheirohenriques@gmail.com) on 2017-02-06T22:32:27Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Final1 com aprov e ficha.pdf: 2417094 bytes, checksum: bda3581bb8106d9b208aba3daac23763 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-02-09T19:37:40Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 henriques_ep_dr_bot.pdf: 2417094 bytes, checksum: bda3581bb8106d9b208aba3daac23763 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-09T19:37:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 henriques_ep_dr_bot.pdf: 2417094 bytes, checksum: bda3581bb8106d9b208aba3daac23763 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-14 / Testes de Progênies de polinização aberta ou controlada são técnicas que permitem ao melhorista orientar o seu programa de melhoramento com base no potencial genético do material de que dispõe. Na atualidade são empregados programas computacionais avançados com base em modelos matemáticos de genética quantitativa. A partir dos dados dos parâmetros genéticos quantitativos, parâmetros moleculares calculados com dados de DNA, avaliações aos 2, 5 e 7 anos de idade dos caracteres altura das plantas (ALT) (m), diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) (cm), volume individual das árvores (VOL) (m), genotipagem de 33 genitores femininos e 41 masculinos, quando foram analisados 14 locos microssatélites SSR, pode-se traçar a linha de trabalho de melhoramento com segurança nos resultados almejados. O objetivo deste estudo foi (i) formar um pomar de recombinação, (ii) formar um pomar de hibridação com as melhores progênies das famílias, (iii) identificar as famílias excepcionais para propagação seminal e clonal, (iv) selecionar as 10 melhores progênies para clonagem e (v) formar um Pomar de Semente Testada com as populações genitoras feminina e masculina. O delineamento experimental do teste foi de blocos casualisados com 286 tratamentos (cruzamentos), em 8 repetições de parcelas lineares de 6 plantas. O teste da razão de verossimilhança (LTR) revelou diferenças de alta significância, ao nível de 1% de probabilidade (p<0,001), entre todos os caracteres avaliados e em todas as idades de avaliação. A herdabilidade individual entre os sexos no sentido restrito (h2 a) foi de aproximadamente o dobro da herdabilidade dos efeitos de dominância entre machos e fêmeas (h2 dom). A herdabilidade individual entre os sexos nos sentido amplo, ou seja, dos efeitos genotípicos totais (h2 g) foi de 0,4 aos dois anos, 0,34 aos cinco anos e de 0,21, para o caráter altura aos sete anos de idade. Estes valores indicam sucesso na seleção dentro da população. As acurácias geral de machos (Acgm), geral de fêmeas (Acgf) e geral dos cruzamentos (Acgcruz) são altas, tendo em vista que se 2 situam acima de 0,75 para todos os caracteres em todas as idades estudadas. Isto indica que a seleção a ser realizada terá garantia de acerto acima de 70%. Os parâmetros moleculares evidenciaram não haver endogamia, coancestria e nem parentesco entre os indivíduos das populações dos genitores. A identidade genética é da ordem de 0,800 e a distância de 0,222. As populações de genitores compartilham apenas duas estruturas genéticas do genoma. Foram selecionadas (i) 32 famílias excepcionais e nelas (ii) 256 indivíduos para formação do pomar de recombinação, com produtividade média de 74,24 m³ ha-1 ano-1, (iii) 65 progênies para estabelecimento do pomar de hibridação com a mesma produtividade média. No “ranking” de indivíduos foram selecionados os melhores, para clonagem, com produtividade média de 86,08 m³ ha-1 ano-1. / Progeny tests of open or controlled pollination are techniques that allow the breeder to guide its improvement program based on the genetic material of the available material. At the present time advanced computer programs based on mathematical models of quantitative genetics are used. From data of the quantitative genetic parameters, molecular parameters calculated with DNA data, evaluations at 2, 5 and 7 years of age of characters, height of plants (HGT) (m), diameter at breast height (DBH) (cm), individual volume of trees (VOL) (m) and genotyping of 33 female and 41 male parents, when fourteen SSR microsatellite loci were analyzed, it is possible to draw the working line for safely improving the desired results. The objective of this study is (i) forming a recombination orchard, (ii) forming a hybridization orchard with the best progenies of the families, (iii) identifying exceptional families to seed and clonal propagation, (iv) selecting the 10 best progenies for cloning and (v) creating an Orchard of Tested Seeds with female progenitor population. The experimental design of the test was the one of randomized blocks with 286 treatments (crossings) in eight repetitions of linear parcels of 6 plants. The likelihood ratio test (LRT) revealed differences of high significance, at the level of 1% of probability (p<0.001), between all evaluated characters and in all evaluating ages. Individual heritability between sexes in the restricted sense (h2 a) was approximately the double or the heritability of dominance effects between males and females (h2 dom). Individual heritability between sexes in the broad sense, in other words, of total phenotypic effects (h2 g) was 0.4 at two years, 0.34 at five years and 0.21 at seven years of age. Those values indicate success of population selection. General accuracy of males (Gacm), general accuracy of females (Gafm) and general accuracy of plant breeding (Gacgcross) are high, considering that they are over 0.75 for all characters in all studied ages. This indicates that the selection to be performed will have a guaranteed accuracy over 70%. Molecular parameters evidenced that there are no endogamy and no relatedness between individuals from the genitors’ 4 populations. Genetic identity is in the order of 0.800 and distance 0.222. Genitors’ populations shared only two genetic structures of the genome. Thirty-two exceptional families (i) were selected and from them (ii) 256 individuals for formation of recombination orchard, with mean production of 74.24 m³ ha-1 year-1, (iii) 65 progenies for establishment of hybridization orchard with the same average production. In the ranking of individuals, the best ones were selected, for cloning, with mean productivity of 86.08 m³ ha-1 year-1.

The cytokine environment of early pregnancy is known to be a key determinant of the development of the pre-implantation embryo, and its subsequent implantation and growth. Factors in male seminal fluid have been identified as regulators of the expression of cytokines in the female tract of mice, humans and other mammalian species, with insemination eliciting a cascade of molecular and cellular events, reminiscent of a classic inflammatory response. In humans, perturbations in seminal fluid signalling have been proposed to predispose to pathologies of pregnancy including implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia. Seminal transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is identified as one key molecule present in seminal fluid responsible for inducing the female post-mating cytokine response in mice. Research in humans however, has shown the seminal TGFβ content of fertile versus infertile couples to be similar, while the content of other known seminal constituents such as interferon-gamma (IFNγ), correlate with reproductive success. This project aimed to investigate the nature of active factors present in seminal fluid in mice, and their interactions in regulating the uterine cytokine environment during early pregnancy, utilising a variety of in vitro and in vivo experimental strategies. Further, the effect of perturbation in the peri-conception cytokine environment on short and long term pregnancy and postnatal outcomes was investigated. Evaluation of uterine fluids from estrous and mated mice showed a marked upregulation of a number of cytokines following mating, including granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the chemokine KC (rodent IL-8 homologue). Increased production of factors such as GM-CSF and subsequent generation of a receptive uterine environment is thought to be crucial for optimal embryo development and placentation. It has previously been shown that seminal factors such as TGFβ contribute to the uterine post-mating inflammatory response, however other moieties present in seminal fluid, for instance cytokines induced in response to infection such as IFNγ or products from the mucosal microflora, may also play a regulatory role. Using uterine epithelial cells cultured in vitro, it was shown that a variety of immune modulators including the cytokines TGFβ and IFNγ, as well as bacterial products, gram negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and gram positive lipoteichoic acid (LTA), can alter basal cytokine production. IFNγ, a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by activated natural killer cells and T-cells, is known to interfere with TGFβ signalling in other contexts. Independently TGFβ, LPS and LTA stimulate GM-CSF production while differentially regulating IL-6 and KC production. Conversely IFNγ inhibits GM-CSF production, without effecting IL-6 or KC. Pair wise combinations of TGFβ, LPS and LTA resulted in additive stimulation of GM-CSF, while addition of IFNγ to cultures in conjunction with any of these molecules downregulated GM-CSF and KC stimulation. These in vitro studies indicate factor-specific interactions between seminal fluid constituents and highlight the complex nature of seminal fluid signalling. Consequently we propose that the relative ratio of seminal signalling factors is likely to be more important than the absolute concentration of various regulators, in determining the optimal female reproductive tract response. Using the mouse as an in vivo model, I have in addition demonstrated that LPS and LTA instilled into an estrous uterus can elicit cytokine production comparable to that observed following insemination. Further, these studies have shown that IFNγ instilled into the uterus of a recently mated mouse can reduce the post-copulatory GM-CSF and KC surge. However administration of IFNγ had no effect on near term pregnancy outcomes including fetal or placental weights, fetal crown-rump length, or implantation or resorption rates. The ‘developmental origins of adult disease hypothesis’ proposes the idea that the early uterine environment encountered by the conceptus contributes toward the risk of metabolic disorders in adulthood, hence a long term study of progeny conceived after IFNγ administration was also undertaken. Neo-natal outcomes, such as birth weight, litter size and gestation length were unaltered, as was growth trajectory to 22 weeks of age. Adult metabolic markers, glucose tolerance, organ weight, muscle weight, adiposity and systolic blood pressure were not affected by the perturbation of peri-conceptual cytokine parameters. This work has examined the potential regulatory role of a number of seminal fluid signalling agents in directing the post-mating cytokine response, and has furthermore shown the relatively resilient nature of the early cytokine environment to subtle perturbation. Delineating the identity and roles of seminal fluid factors in early pregnancy brings us closer to an understanding of the key physiological events of early pregnancy and assists in identifying potential risk factors for human pregnancy pathologies. / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, 2008

In long term, to discover the genes responsible for wood production, genetic control of wood specific gravity (WSG) in Pinus brutia Ten. (Turkish red pine) open pollinated Ceyhan progeny trial, which was established with the seeds collected from 168 clones originated from six clonal Turkish red pine seed orchards was studied. Wood samples were taken by destructive sampling during the rouging of this trial at the age of seven. Specifically / (1) to examine the magnitude of family differences and its components for wood specific gravity (WSG) and growth traits (height, diameter and stem volume) / (2) to determine WSG inheritance and its genetic correlation with growth traits / and (3) to estimate breeding values of 168 families for the WSG and to predict genetic gain if selection is based on phenotypic, rouged and genotypic seed orchard by reselecting the best parents with respect to WSG. Differences among the 168 families for mean WSG was large (ranged from 0.35 to 0.44), as indicated by high individual (0.42+0.07) and family mean (0.55+0.03) heritabilities. Family differences and high heritabilities were also observed for all growth traits. Genetic correlations between WSG and growth traits were statistically insignificant (near zero), while low and insignificant negative phenotypic correlations among the same traits were observed. Realized genetic gain for single trait selection at age seven was insignificant (0.37 %) for WSG and 8.4 % for stem volume in phenotypic seed orchards. Average genetic gain in breeding zone after roguing, by leaving the best 20 clones in each seed orchard, reached 1.7 % for WSG and 16.1 % for stem volume. Genetic gain (relative to controls) at the age of seven obtained from the first generation genotypic seed orchards consisting the best 30 clones was estimated 5.2 % for WSG and 35 % for stem volume. Multi-trait selection was also proposed in this study for the same traits. Selection of best 10 families for the highest WSG and stem volume breeding values produce 5.6 % genetic gain for WSG and 27.7 % genetic gain for stem volume. For the future, the 168 families with known phenotypic and genotypic values regarding to WSG will be screened for the genes responsible for wood production.

Magistro darbe tiriama paprastosios eglės kilmių ir rinktinių medžių palikuonių šeimų genetinis–selekcinis įvertinimas bandomuosiuose želdiniuose. Darbo objektas – Ąžuolų Būdos girininkija, 55 kv., 6 skl. Augavietė Lc. Įveisti 1985 m. keturmečiais sodinukais. Plotas 1,5 ha. Darbo tikslas – atlikti paprastosios eglės kilmių ir rinktinių medžių šeimų genetinį–selekcinį įvertinimą bandomuosiuose želdiniuose. Atrinkti pranašiausius genotipus (rinktinius medžius ir individus palikuonių šeimose) antros kartos miško sėklinėms plantacijoms veisti ir įvertinti selekcinį efektą. Darbo metodai – atlikti 50-ties medžių medienos kietumo ir aukščio matavimai kiekviename variante ir kiekvieno medžio skersmens, stiebo tiesumo, dvistiebiškumo, pleištinių šakų įvertinimai. Medienos kietumas išmatuotas Pylodin prietaisu, aukštis – aukštimačiu, skersmuo – žerglėmis. Registruotos žuvusių medžių vietos ir apskaičiuotas išsilaikymas. Kokybiniai požymiai įvertinti pagal genetiniuose–selekciniuose tyrimuose naudojamą vizualaus medžių kokybinių požymių įvertinimo metodiką. Matavimų metu medelių amžius buvo 32 metai. Duomenų sisteminimas ir jų analizė atlikta, naudojant statistinių duomenų tvarkymo paketą Microsoft Excell, o duomenų statistiškai patikimi skirtumai nustatyti STEPDISC SAS analizės testu. Darbo rezultatai. Gauti rezultatai atskleidė, kad 71 % bandomų šeimų augimu pralenkė vietinę kilmę. Šiek tiek mažesnė dalis šeimų buvo pranašesnės už vietinę kilmę pagal pleištinių šakų proporciją. Ir... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Master's Thesis includes the study of Norway spruce provenances and plus trees progeny in the Ažuolų Būda field trial. The object of the study – Ažuolų Būda Forest District, block No. 55, plot No. 6. Site Lc. The field trial was established with 4 year old seedlings in 1985. The field area is 1.5 ha. Objective of the study – to perform genetic evaluation of Norway spruce provenances and plus trees progeny in the Ažuolų Būda field trial and select the best genotypes (parental plus trees and trees in progeny families) for the second generation seed orchards. Material and methods – wood hardness and total height of 50 trees was measured in each replicate. Diameter, stem straightness, multiple leader shoots, spike knots were registered for all the trees in the trial. Pilodyn 6J was used for measuring wood hardness, Vertex IV – for height, electronic Haglof callipers- for diameter. Survival was calculated by registering empty planting places. Quality traits were assessed using well known scales applied in tree breeding studies. At a time of assessment age of trees was 32 years. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SAS 9.3 statistical package (SAS Mixed and Corr procedures). Study results. The results showed that 71% of tested families grew better than the local origin. Slightly smaller amount of families were better by proportion of spike knots. And only two families were less hardy by wood compared to local one. Population variance component was the largest for... [to full text]

The cytokine environment of early pregnancy is known to be a key determinant of the development of the pre-implantation embryo, and its subsequent implantation and growth. Factors in male seminal fluid have been identified as regulators of the expression of cytokines in the female tract of mice, humans and other mammalian species, with insemination eliciting a cascade of molecular and cellular events, reminiscent of a classic inflammatory response. In humans, perturbations in seminal fluid signalling have been proposed to predispose to pathologies of pregnancy including implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage and pre-eclampsia. Seminal transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is identified as one key molecule present in seminal fluid responsible for inducing the female post-mating cytokine response in mice. Research in humans however, has shown the seminal TGFβ content of fertile versus infertile couples to be similar, while the content of other known seminal constituents such as interferon-gamma (IFNγ), correlate with reproductive success. This project aimed to investigate the nature of active factors present in seminal fluid in mice, and their interactions in regulating the uterine cytokine environment during early pregnancy, utilising a variety of in vitro and in vivo experimental strategies. Further, the effect of perturbation in the peri-conception cytokine environment on short and long term pregnancy and postnatal outcomes was investigated. Evaluation of uterine fluids from estrous and mated mice showed a marked upregulation of a number of cytokines following mating, including granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the chemokine KC (rodent IL-8 homologue). Increased production of factors such as GM-CSF and subsequent generation of a receptive uterine environment is thought to be crucial for optimal embryo development and placentation. It has previously been shown that seminal factors such as TGFβ contribute to the uterine post-mating inflammatory response, however other moieties present in seminal fluid, for instance cytokines induced in response to infection such as IFNγ or products from the mucosal microflora, may also play a regulatory role. Using uterine epithelial cells cultured in vitro, it was shown that a variety of immune modulators including the cytokines TGFβ and IFNγ, as well as bacterial products, gram negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and gram positive lipoteichoic acid (LTA), can alter basal cytokine production. IFNγ, a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by activated natural killer cells and T-cells, is known to interfere with TGFβ signalling in other contexts. Independently TGFβ, LPS and LTA stimulate GM-CSF production while differentially regulating IL-6 and KC production. Conversely IFNγ inhibits GM-CSF production, without effecting IL-6 or KC. Pair wise combinations of TGFβ, LPS and LTA resulted in additive stimulation of GM-CSF, while addition of IFNγ to cultures in conjunction with any of these molecules downregulated GM-CSF and KC stimulation. These in vitro studies indicate factor-specific interactions between seminal fluid constituents and highlight the complex nature of seminal fluid signalling. Consequently we propose that the relative ratio of seminal signalling factors is likely to be more important than the absolute concentration of various regulators, in determining the optimal female reproductive tract response. Using the mouse as an in vivo model, I have in addition demonstrated that LPS and LTA instilled into an estrous uterus can elicit cytokine production comparable to that observed following insemination. Further, these studies have shown that IFNγ instilled into the uterus of a recently mated mouse can reduce the post-copulatory GM-CSF and KC surge. However administration of IFNγ had no effect on near term pregnancy outcomes including fetal or placental weights, fetal crown-rump length, or implantation or resorption rates. The ‘developmental origins of adult disease hypothesis’ proposes the idea that the early uterine environment encountered by the conceptus contributes toward the risk of metabolic disorders in adulthood, hence a long term study of progeny conceived after IFNγ administration was also undertaken. Neo-natal outcomes, such as birth weight, litter size and gestation length were unaltered, as was growth trajectory to 22 weeks of age. Adult metabolic markers, glucose tolerance, organ weight, muscle weight, adiposity and systolic blood pressure were not affected by the perturbation of peri-conceptual cytokine parameters. This work has examined the potential regulatory role of a number of seminal fluid signalling agents in directing the post-mating cytokine response, and has furthermore shown the relatively resilient nature of the early cytokine environment to subtle perturbation. Delineating the identity and roles of seminal fluid factors in early pregnancy brings us closer to an understanding of the key physiological events of early pregnancy and assists in identifying potential risk factors for human pregnancy pathologies. / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, 2008

Orientador: Mario Luiz Teixeira de Moraes / Resumo: A aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) é uma espécie dioica e se encontra na lista de espécies ameaçadas de extinção, devido ao seu alto valor econômico e à destruição do seu habitat. Dessa forma, se faz necessária a adoção de estratégias para a conservação ex situ dessa espécie arbórea nativa, de tal modo que a variabilidade genética das populações seja mantida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a proporção sexual, a sobrevivência e a variação genética do diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP), em seis testes de progênies de M. urundeuva provenientes de seis populações distintas originárias de três biomas (Caatinga, Cerrado e Mata Atlântica). O delineamento utilizado, em cada teste de progênies, foi o de bloco casualizado. As estimativas de componentes de variância e parâmetros genéticos, para os caracteres quantitativos para os caracteres quantitativos, DAP e sobrevivência, foram realizadas pelo método REML/BLUP (máxima verossimilhança restrita / melhor predição linear não viciada). O tamanho efetivo da população foi calculado com base no número de indivíduos com flores masculinas e femininas, em um modelo que não há controle de gametas (RS). Verificou-se com base nas estimativas dos parâmetros genéticos que as procedências de Itarumã e Seridó expressam maior variação genética para o caráter DAP, o que possibilita sua utilização na conservação e no melhoramento genético. Foram encontrados altos percentuais de sobrevivência o que caracteriza uma ótima adaptação da espécie no l... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) is a dioecious species and is on the list of endangered species due to its high economic value and the destruction of its habitat. That way, becomes necessary the adoption of strategies for the ex situ conservation of native tree species, such that the genetic variability of populations is maintained. The objective of this work was to quantify the sex ratio, the survival and the genetic variation of the diameter at breast height (DBH), on six test progenies of Myracrodruon urundeuva from six distinct populations originating three biomes (Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest). The design used, in each progeny test, was a randomized block design. Estimates of variance components and genetic parameters, for quantitative traits DBH and survival, were obtained by REML / BLUP method (restricted maximum likelihood / best linear prediction untainted). The effective population size was calculated based on the number of individuals with male and female flowers in the population, in a model that there is no control of gametes (RS). It was verified based on the estimates of the genetic parameters that the Itarumã and Seridó provenances express greater genetic variation for the DBH character, which allows their use in conservation and genetic improvement. High survival percentages were found, which characterizes an optimal adaptation of the species at the planting site. The sex ratio was biased, with predominance of male flowering plants (3♂:1♀), but ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The development of new feed additives has improved poultry performance. Potassium Diformate (KD) is one of the most recent product used in the animal production, especially in pork industry, however for poultry few data are available up to now. Two trials were done, with the objective to evaluate KD effect on broiler breeder productive and reproductive performance. The experiments were carried out at the Poultry Science Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. For Trial 1, was used Cobb Breeder from 46th to 54th weeks old were used. Second Trial, Ross Breeder was with 41th to 49th weeks old were used. Birds were submitted to diets with increasing levels of KD. The parameters measured with brioler were: body weight, body weight gain, egg production, egg weight and specific gravity, relative weight of egg shell, yolk and albumen. At hatchery, measured parameters were percentage of alive hatched chick, hatchability, day-old chick weight, percentage of first and second grade chick, and embriodiagnosis. With the progeny, body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded. A complete randomized design was used. For Trial 1, three treatments were used (0; 0.15 and 0.30% of KD), with four replicates with 45 female and 5 males per floor pen. For Trial 2, four treatments were used (0; 0.1; 0.2 and 0.3% of KD) with five replicates. Each replicate was composed by 23 females and two males by floor pen. Data were submitted to ANOVA and regression analysis. When statistically different (P< 0.5), Tukey test was used for mean comparison. Based on the current experiments, it can be concluded that KD fed to broiler breeder, resulted in negative effect on hatchery parameters, however positive effect on progeny performance were observed. Doing to the exploratory character of the trials, more research should be done, elucidating KD applicability and mode of action on broiler breeder. / O desenvolvimento de novos aditivos para rações tem contribuído na melhoria da produtividade das aves, como o Diformiato de Potássio (DK), que têm demonstrado eficiência no desempenho de suínos, entretanto, existem poucos estudos na área avícola. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos com objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do DK sobre o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de matrizes de corte. Os experimentos foram conduzidos no Laboratório de Avicultura da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS. Foram utilizadas matrizes de corte da linhagem comercial Cobb da 41a a 49a semanas de idade, para o Experimento 1 e, linhagem Ross da 46a a 54a semanas de idade para o Experimento 2. As matrizes foram submetidas aos tratamentos com adição de DK às dietas. Foi avaliado peso corporal, ganho de peso corporal, taxa de postura, gravidade específica, peso médio de ovos, e, peso percentual de clara, gema e casca. No incubatório foram avaliados percentagem de nascimento, eclodibilidade, peso de pintos, percentagem de pintos de primeira e segunda, e embriodiagnóstico. Nas progênies foram avaliados, peso corporal, ganho de peso corporal, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado. Para o Experimento 1, utilizouse três tratamentos (0,00%, 0,15% e 0,30% de DK) com quatro repetições de 45 fêmeas e 5 machos por unidade experimental. Para o experimento 2, utilizou-se quatro tratamentos (0,0%, 0,1%, 0,2% e 0,3% de DK) com cinco repetições de 23 fêmeas e 2 machos por unidade experimental. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e análise de regressão. Onde ocorreram diferenças ao nível de 5% de significância, foi aplicado o teste de Tukey para comparação de médias. Nas condições em que foram realizados os experimentos, conclui-se que a adição de DK na alimentação de matrizes de corte implicou em efeitos negativos a nível de incubatório, entretanto, promoveu efeitos positivos no desempenho zootécnico de progênie. Contudo, em virtude do trabalho realizado ser inédito, se faz necessário mais estudos para elucidar a aplicabilidade e os mecanismos de ação do DK que possam beneficiar ou prejudicar o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de matrizes de corte.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the consumption of aflatoxins and adsorbents (esterifid glucomannan) for broiler breeders on productive and reproductive aspects addition to verify the residual effects on the progeny. Four experiments were conducted, with the first consisting of 240 broiler breeders feed with increasing levels of aflatoxins, according to the treatment: T1 free aflatoxins diet and treatments T2, T3 and T4, dies containing 0.250, 0.500 and 0.750mg the aflatoxins/kg of diet. The second experiment was composed of 300 broiler breeders submitted to diets containing aflatoxins, in the presence or not of adsorbent as treatments: T1 breeders feed free aflatoxins diets, T2 breeders feed diets containing 0.500mg of aflatoxins / kg of diet, T3 breeders submitted to the same level of aflatoxins in T2, but with 0.10% of adsorbent, T4 consists of breeders feed diets containing 0.750mg of aflatoxins/kg of diet and treatment T5 breeders submitted to the same level of aflatoxins of T4, but with 0.10% of adsorbent. The third and fourth experiments were composed of chicks from broiler breeder belonging to the first and second experiment, respectively. The parameters evaluated in the broiler breeders were: body weight, egg production, mass of eggs, egg weight, specific gravity, hatchability and chicks quality, and the study involving progeny were evaluated body weight, weight gain, feed conversion by weight gain, blood protein and albumin and liver and bursa weights in the first day of age. The performance of breoiler breeders subjected to diets containing increasing levels of aflatoxins, as well, broiler breeders subjected to diets containing levels of aflatoxins and adsorbent in the throws was not influenced. The progeny performance, in the same way, does not show the effect of the treatments applied on the broiler breeder hens. / Este estudo foi realizado para investigar o efeito do consumo de aflatoxinas e adsorventes (glucomananos esterificados) por matrizes de corte sobre aspectos produtivos e reprodutivos, além de verificar os efeitos residuais sobre a progênie. Foram realizados quatro experimentos, sendo o primeiro composto por 240 matrizes submetidas a níveis crescentes de aflatoxinas, segundo os tratamentos: T1 - dieta isenta de aflatoxinas, T2, T3 e T4, matrizes submetidas à dietas contendo 0,250, 0,500 e 0,750mg de aflatoxinas/kg de dieta. O segundo experimento foi composto por 300 matrizes submetidas à dietas contendo aflatoxinas, com presença ou não de adsorvente, conforme os tratamentos: T1 - matrizes submetidas à dietas isentas de aflatoxinas; T2 - aves alimentadas com dietas contendo 0,500mg de aflatoxinas/kg de dieta; T3 - aves submetidas ao mesmo nível de aflatoxinas do T2, porém com 0,10% de adsorvente, T4 - constituído por aves alimentadas com dietas contendo 0,750mg de aflatoxinas/kg de dieta e o tratamento e T5 - aves submetidas ao mesmo nível de aflatoxinas do T4, porém, com 0,10% de adsorvente. O terceiro e o quarto experimentos foram compostos por pintos oriundos de matrizes pertencentes ao primeiro e segundo experimento, respectivamente. Os parâmetros avaliados nas matrizes de corte foram: peso corporal, taxa de postura, massa de ovos, peso de ovos, gravidade específica, eclodibilidade e qualidade de pintos, e no estudo envolvendo a progênie foram avaliados peso corporal, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, proteína e albumina sanguíneos e pesos de fígado e bursa ao primeiro dia de idade. O desempenho de matrizes de corte submetidas à dietas contendo níveis crescentes de aflatoxinas, bem como, de matrizes submetidas a dietas contendo níveis de aflatoxinas e adsorvente na deita não foi influenciado. Os índices zootécnicos da progênie, da mesma forma, não evidenciaram efeito dos tratamentos aplicado às matrizes de corte.