Non-synonymous mutations mapped to chromosome X associated with andrological and growth traits in beef cattle

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Densidade de estocagem em camarões da espécie Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) na fase juvenil

Among the species of freshwater shrimp being cultivated, Macrobrachium rosenbergii stands out. Knowledge about the behavior of this species and the influence of certain factors on its development can help optimize management practices and minimize the likely impacts shrimp farming has on the environment and the animals themselves. The objective of this study was to characterize the species' behavior during early stages of development under different stocking densities over a 24-hour cycle. Ten day old postlarvae were transferred from the Jundiaí School of Agriculture (EAJ - Escola Agrícola de Jundiaí) in Macaíba (RN), Brazil to the Shrimp Behavior Laboratory (LSPR - Laboratório de Estudos do Comportamento do Camarão) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), where they were weighed and measured. Eight aquaria with constant temperature, aeration and filtration, and subjected to a12 h light/12 h dark cycle were used for each experiment. Each aquarium also contained two shelters made of bricks and the water quality was monitored weekly. Behavioral observations were made at two densities: 25 individuals/m-² and 40 individuals/m-². The methods for recording behaviors were: behavioral sampling – enter and leave the shelter, exploring on the substrate, exploring in the water column, move away, attack, pursuit and cannibalism; scan sampling - inactivity, feeding, exploration, digging, swimming, cleaning and staying in the shelter. Observations were made during a 15 minute period/per aquarium at a frequency of 4 times daily, for 4 days/week, and over 4 weeks. Food was provided 2 times/day for each aquarium population, immediately before the 1st and 3rd observation periods. Our results demonstrate that at high density, there is an increased frequency of agonistic behavior; during the light phase, there is a greater frequency of behaviors that result in less exposure (inactivity, cleaning and staying in the shelter); during the dark phase, there is an increased frequency of behaviors that result in greater exposure (feeding, exploration, swimming and digging); at times of feed offer, there is an increased frequency of leaving the shelter, moving away, pursuit, feeding, exploration and swimming. At low density, the animals showed a lower frequency of agonistic behaviors, greater weight gain and higher growth rates, which indicates that this is a more favorable growing environment for cultivation and when applied, can generate better living conditions, favor survival rates and increase management success

Influência do tipo de abrigo e da frequência de oferta alimentar no comportamento do camarão Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man 1879)

Macrobrachium rosenbergii is a freshwater prawn which presents agonistic behavior and heterogeneous growth. It is known that captive conditions can intensify agonism causing injuries and decreased survival, generating a condition of poor welfare. Based on this, we aim to investigate the behavior of M. rosenbergii in the juvenile phase according to different types of shelter and frequencies of feed offer, emphasizing their agonistic behavior. For this, juveniles were observed in the laboratory in three steps. At step I we characterized the behavioral profile; prawns were kept in eight aquariums (27 prawns/m2 ), identified and observed four times along both phases of 24 h light cycle. At step II (2 experiments), we evaluated the use of shelters (brick or polyethylene rolls) and their influence on agonism by the animals. For classification of animals in dominance rank, the method used was David's Score. At step III (3 experiments), we evaluated different frequencies of feed offer on the behavior of individuals, in particular agonism. Results showed that juveniles do not present a pattern activity/inactivity between the phases of the light cycle. We identified a dominance hierarchy among individuals taking advantage of access to food by the dominant, which showed greater weight gain although the frequency of intake did not differ between individuals. The type of shelter influenced the behavior of animals. Brick shelter generated a higher frequency of permanence and a reduction in the frequency of agonistic interactions. The distribution of food more frequently throughout the day, decreased the motivation of animals for food, as well as to fight. Prawns fed four times showed lower frequency of feed intake and agonistic interactions. Thus, we conclude the shelters which reduce animal’s detection by coespecifics and offer the food four times along the day reduce agonistic behavior. This result causes na improvement in life quality of the prawns and also in its quality as final product.

Desempenho zootécnico dos camarões: Litopenaeus vannamei e Macrobrachium rosenbergii em tanques rede e aquicultura familiar na comunidade de Bebida-Velha, RN

The study aims to evaluate the performance and identify lesions of agonistic interactions of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in different densities cages (chapter 1); compare the growth performance of shrimp M. rosenbergii and Litopenaus vannamei cages (chatper 2); in addition the study aimed at identifying the knowledge and practices of a traditional community of farmers Bebida-Velha, in the city of Pureza / RN, practicing rural family and aquaculture, as well as tracing the community socioeconomic profile and evaluate the management that these farmers use in shrimp farming Macrobrachium rosenbergii (chapter 3). To perform the experiments (chapter 1 and 2) shrimp species L. vannamei and M. rosenbergii were weighed on a digital scale and transferred to cultures in cages. The cages had 1m³, with 5mm mesh between us and were closed on top with screen to avoid predators (birds, insects). The animals remained in adaptation for fifteen days before the start of data collection (each experiment). Both experiments lasted seventy days, totaling eighty-five days cultivation. During the cultures, animals were fed pelleted feed for shrimp at 10% of their biomass with 35% crude protein, offered in feed trays twice a day during the hours (7:00 am and 14:00 pm). The remnants in the tray were removed after 2h of permanence to calculate intake. To determine the performance parameters, some samples were taken every 10 days. The results of both experiments were analyzed using the STATISTIC 7.0 (2004). In Chapter 1 experiment were applied5 treatments were applied with 5 replications each: D5 - 5 animals/m2 ; D10 - 10 animals/m2 ; D15 - 15 animals/m2 ; D20 - 20 animals/m2 ; D25 - 25 animals/m2 . To this, were distributed 25 cages randomly in two masonry nurseries. The end of the experiment the lesions were verified and quantified. The chapter 2 experiment began when the shrimp reached the same age (eighty-four days) and was used the density of 25 shrimp / m2 with 4 repetitions. For the realization of chapter 3 were applied semi-structured interviews by direct approach of Bebida Velha of settlers practicing aquaculture activity, tilapia producers and community shrimp. Data were tabulated and analyzed according to the responses obtained by the participants. Therefore, the amount of damage increased with increasing stocking density. The density of 10 freshwater shrimp/m² showed the best conditions for a better performance in cages. It can be concluded that in cages, the cultivation of species of fresh water shrimp M. rosenbergii had better zootechnical indexes than the cultivation of marine shrimp species L. 9 vannamei. It was possible to verify that the activities of which the interviewees practice guarantee a good quality of life and income for them. We find that respondents have traditional and local knowledge, and also may be interested in the cultivation of the species M. rosenbergii.

Genetic associations between accumulated productivity, and reproductive and growth traits in Nelore cattle

The total meat yield in a beef cattle production cycle is economically very important and depends on the number of calves born per year or birth season, being directly related to reproductive potential. Accumulated Productivity (ACP) is an index that expresses a cow`s capacity to give birth regularly at a young age and to wean animals of greater body weight. Using data from cattle participating in the ""Program for Genetic Improvement of the Nelore Breed"" (PMGRN - Nelore Brasil), bi-trait analyses were performed using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood method based on an ACP animal model and the following traits: age at first calving (AFC), female body weight adjusted for 365 (BW365) and 450 (BW450) days of age, and male scrotal circumference adjusted for 365 (SC365), 450 (SC450), 550 (SC550) and 730 (SC730) days of age. Median estimated ACP heritability was 0.19 and the genetic correlations with AFC, BW365, BW450, SC365, SC450, SC550 and SC730 were 0.33, 0.70, 0.65, 0.08, 0.07, 0.12 and 0.16, respectively. ACP increased and AFC decreased over time, revealing that the selection criteria genetically improved these traits. Selection based on ACP appears to favor the heaviest females at 365 and 450 days of age who showed better reproductive performance as regards AFC. Scrotal circumference was not genetically associated with ACP. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Genetic associations between carcass traits measured by real-time ultrasound and scrotal circumference and growth traits in Nelore cattle

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic correlations among real-time ultrasound carcass, BW, and scrotal circumference (SC) traits in Nelore cattle. Carcass traits, measured by real-time ultrasound of the live animal, were recorded from 2002 to 2004 on 10 farms across 6 Brazilian states on 2,590 males and females ranging in age from 450 to 599 d. Ultrasound records of LM area (LMA) and backfat thickness (BF) were obtained from cross-sectional images between the 12th and 13th ribs, and rump fat thickness (RF) was measured between the hook and pin bones over the junction between gluteus medius and biceps femoris muscles. Also, BW (n = 22,778) and SC ( n = 5,695) were recorded on animals born between 1998 and 2003. The BW traits were 120, 210, 365, 450, and 550-d standardized BW (W120, W210, W365, W450, and W550), plus BW (WS) and hip height (HH) on the ultrasound scanning date. The SC traits were 365-, 450-, and 550-d standardized SC (SC365, SC450, and SC550). For the BW and SC traits, the database used was from the Nelore Breeding Program-Nelore Brazil. The genetic parameters were estimated with multivariate animal models and REML. Estimated genetic correlations between LMA and other traits were 0.06 (BF), -0.04 ( RF), 0.05 (HH), 0.58 (WS), 0.53 (W120), 0.62 (W210), 0.67 (W365), 0.64 ( W450 and W550), 0.28 (SC365), 0.24 (SC450), and 0.00 ( SC550). Estimated genetic correlations between BF and with other traits were 0.74 ( RF), -0.32 (HH), 0.19 (WS), -0.03 (W120), -0.10 (W210), 0.04 (W365), 0.01 (W450), 0.06 ( W550), 0.17 (SC365 and SC450), and -0.19 (SC550). Estimated genetic correlations between RF and other traits were -0.41 (HH), -0.09 (WS), -0.13 ( W120), -0.09 ( W210), -0.01 ( W365), 0.02 (W450), 0.03 (W550), 0.05 ( SC365), 0.11 ( SC450), and -0.18 (SC550). These estimates indicate that selection for carcass traits measured by real-time ultrasound should not cause antagonism in the genetic improvement of SC and BW traits. Also, selection to increase HH might decrease subcutaneous fat as correlated response. Therefore, to obtain animals suited to specific tropical production systems, carcass, BW, and SC traits should be considered in selection programs.

Genetic parameters for growth traits in pigs estimated using third degree polynomial functions

Selostus: Sian kasvuominaisuuksien perinnölliset tunnusluvut arvioituna kolmannen asteen polynomifunktion avulla

An SH2 domain-containing 5' inositolphosphatase inhibits insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation and growth factor-induced actin filament rearrangement.

Tyrosine kinase receptors lead to rapid activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 kinase) and the subsequent formation of phosphatidylinositides (PtdIns) 3,4-P2 and PtdIns 3,4, 5-P3, which are thought to be involved in signaling for glucose transporter GLUT4 translocation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and DNA synthesis. However, the specific role of each of these PtdIns in insulin and growth factor signaling is still mainly unknown. Therefore, we assessed, in the current study, the effect of SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) expression on these biological effects. SHIP is a 5' phosphatase that decreases the intracellular levels of PtdIns 3,4,5-P3. Expression of SHIP after nuclear microinjection in 3T3-L1 adipocytes inhibited insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation by 100 +/- 21% (mean +/- the standard error) at submaximal (3 ng/ml) and 64 +/- 5% at maximal (10 ng/ml) insulin concentrations (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). A catalytically inactive mutant of SHIP had no effect on insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation. Furthermore, SHIP also abolished GLUT4 translocation induced by a membrane-targeted catalytic subunit of PI3 kinase. In addition, insulin-, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)-, and platelet-derived growth factor-induced cytoskeletal rearrangement, i.e., membrane ruffling, was significantly inhibited (78 +/- 10, 64 +/- 3, and 62 +/- 5%, respectively; P < 0.05 for all) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In a rat fibroblast cell line overexpressing the human insulin receptor (HIRc-B), SHIP inhibited membrane ruffling induced by insulin and IGF-I by 76 +/- 3% (P < 0.001) and 68 +/- 5% (P < 0.005), respectively. However, growth factor-induced stress fiber breakdown was not affected by SHIP expression. Finally, SHIP decreased significantly growth factor-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and DNA synthesis. Expression of the catalytically inactive mutant had no effect on these cellular responses. In summary, our results show that expression of SHIP inhibits insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation, growth factor-induced membrane ruffling, and DNA synthesis, indicating that PtdIns 3,4,5-P3 is the key phospholipid product mediating these biological actions.

Alterações na qualidade do camarão de água doce Macrobrachium rosenbergii durante estocagem em gelo

Sendo escassos os estudos sobre a conservação pós-captura do Macrobrachium rosenbergii e insuficientes os conhecimentos existentes, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar alterações na sua qualidade quando armazenado inteiro, em gelo, durante 10 dias. Foram comparadas duas condições de armazenamento: com e sem contato direto com o gelo. Em ambos os tratamentos foram observados aumentos (P<0,05) nos valores de Nitrogênio Não-Protéico, Nitrogênio de Bases Nitrogenadas Voláteis, Substâncias Reativas ao Ácido Tiobarbitúrico e pH. Não foram encontrados coliformes fecais no músculo do camarão. As contagens para coliformes totais e para bactérias psicrotróficas encontradas no período de estocagem não ultrapassaram os limites permitidos para o consumo. Foi observada perda nos atributos sabor e odor nos dois tratamentos. As análises de textura tátil e oral demonstraram diminuição rápida e significativa nos primeiros dias de estocagem, o mesmo ocorrendo com a força de compressão, medida instrumentalmente. O Macrobrachium rosenbergii manteve-se apto ao consumo até o 4º dia de armazenamento em gelo, em contato direto ou embalado em saco de polietileno.

Efeito do fornecimento de ração complementada com semente de linhaça sobre os macronutrientes e colesterol em tecidos de camarões da Malásia (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a composição centesimal dos camarões alimentados com dieta complementada com semente de linhaça. Foram utilizados 800 camarões pós-larvas, divididos em 2 tratamentos: 1) grupo teste à base de caseína complementada com linhaça; e 2) grupo caseína. Os valores médios de umidade (79,8 ± 0,82; 78,9 ± 1,68), cinzas (0,62 ± 0,07; 0,68 ± 0,2), carboidratos (2,63 ± 0,13; 1,58 ± 0,7) e proteínas (15,6 ± 1,02; 16,0 ± 0,58) dos grupos controle e teste, respectivamente, não apresentaram diferença significativa ao final do experimento. Entretanto, a concentração de lipídio total sofreu uma redução significativa (p < 0,05) ao longo do estudo, em ambos os grupos, sendo mais pronunciada no grupo controle (74%), estando ao final do experimento o teor de lipídio mais elevado ( < 0,05) no grupo teste (1,87 ± 0,03) do que no grupo controle (1,12 ± 0,021). Contudo, o teor de colesterol no grupo teste (0,115 ± 0,004) apresentou-se inferior ao do grupo controle (0,1306 ± 0,001), embora sem diferença estatística significativa. Conclui-se que a semente de linhaça na ração parece aumentar o lipídio dos camarões, sugerindo que esse aumento não implica em elevação do colesterol. Havendo, ainda, a possibilidade de ser devido à maior incorporação dos ácidos graxos poliinsaturados.

Uso de feromonas y aminas biogénicas como atractantes en alimento para langostinos, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Tesis (Maestría en Ciencias con Especialidad en Recursos Alimenticios y Producción Acuícola) UANL

Extraction of Glucan from Acremonium Diospyri and Its Application in Macrobrachium Rosenbergii Larval Rearing System Along With Bacterians as Microspheres

Present work is aimed at development of an appropriate microbial technology for protection of larvae of macrobrachium rosenbergii from disease and to increase survival rate in hatcheries. Application of immunostimulants to activate the immune system of cultured animals against pathogen is the widely accepted alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture. The most important immunostimulant is glucan. Therefore a research programme entitled as extraction of glucan from Acremonium diospyri and its application in macrobrachium rosenbergii larval rearing system along with bacterians as microspheres. The main objectives of the study are development of aquaculture grade glucan from acremonium diospyri, microencapsulated drug delivery system for the larvae of M. rosenbergii and microencapsulated glucan with bacterian preparation for the enhanced production of M. rosenbergii in larval rearing system. Based on the results of field trials microencapsulated glucan with bacterin preparation, it is concluded that the microencapsulated preparation at a concentration of 25g per million larvae once in seven days will enhance the production and quality seed of M. rosenbergii.

Antibody Based Diagnostic for Detection Of Vibrios and their Biological Control using Antagonistic Bacteria in Macrobrachium Rosenbergii Larval Rearing Systems

The main objective of the work undertaken here was to develop an appropriate microbial technology to protect the larvae of M.rosenbergii in hatchery from vibriosis. This technology precisely is consisted of a rapid detection system of vibrios and effective antagonistic probiotics for the management of vibrios. The present work was undertaken with the realizations that to stabilize the production process of commercial hatcheries an appropriate, comprehensive and fool proof technology is required primarily for the rapid detection of Vibrio and subsequently for its management. Nine species of Vibrio have been found to be associated with larvae of M. rosenbergii in hatchery. Haemolytic assay of the Vibrio and Aeromonas on prawn blood agar showed that all isolates of V. alginolyticus and Aeromonas sp., from moribund, necrotized larve were haemolytic and the isolates of V.cholerae, V.splendidus II, V.proteolyticus and V.fluvialis from the larvae obtained from apparently healthy larval rearing systems were non-haemolytic. Hydrolytic enzymes such as lipase, chitinase and gelatinase were widespread amongst the Vibrio and Aeromonas isolates. Dominance of V.alginolyticus among the isolates from necrotic larvae and the failure in isolating them from rearing water strongly suggest that they infect larvae and multiply in the larval body and cause mortality in the hatchery. The observation suggested that the isolate V. alginolyticus was a pathogen to the larvae of M.rosenbergii. To sum up, through this work, nine species of Vibrio and genus Aeromonas associated with M.rosenbergii larval rearing systems could be isolated and segregated based on the haemolytic activity and the antibodies (PA bs) for use in diagnosis or epidemiological studies could be produced, based on a virulent culture of V.alginolyticus. This could possibly replace the conventional biochemical tests for identification. As prophylaxis to vibriosis, four isolates of Micrococcus spp. and an isolate of Pseudomonas sp. could be obtained which could possibly be used as antagonistic probiotics in the larval rearing system of M.rosenbergii.