Thermoregulatory responses of goats in hot environments

Notwithstanding the solar radiation is recognized as a detrimental factor to the thermal balance and responses of animals on the range in tropical conditions, studies on the amount of thermal radiation absorbed by goats therein associated with data on their production and heat exchange are still lacking. Metabolic heat production and the heat exchange of goats in the sun and in the shade were measured simultaneously, aiming to observe its thermal equilibrium. The results showed that black goats absorb twice as much as the white goats under intense solar radiation (higher than 800 W m(-2)). This observation leads to a higher surface temperature of black goats, but it must not be seen as a disadvantage, because they increase their sensible heat flow in the coat-air interface, especially the convection heat flow at high wind speeds. In the shade, no difference between the coat colours was observed and both presented a lower absorption of heat and a lower sensible heat flow gain. When solar radiation levels increases from 300 to 1000 W m(-2), we observed an increase of the heat losses through latent flow in both respiratory and cutaneous surface. Cutaneous evaporation was responsible for almost 90 % of the latent heat losses, independently of the coat colour. Goats decrease the metabolic heat production under solar radiation levels up to 800 W m(-2), and increase in levels higher than this, because there is an increase of the respiratory rate and of the respiratory flow, but the fractions of consumed oxygen and produced carbon dioxide are maintained stable. The respiratory rate of black goats was higher than the white ones, under 300 W m(-2) (55 and 45 resp min(-1)) and 1000 W m(-2) (120 and 95 resp min(-1), respectively). It was concluded that shade or any protection against solar radiation levels above 800 Wm(-2) is critical to guarantee goat's thermal equilibrium. Strategies concerning the grazing period in accordance with the time of the day alone are not appropriate, because the levels of radiation depend on the latitude of the location.

The effects of temperature and busulfan (Myleran) on the yellowtail tetra Astyanax altiparanae (Pisces, Characiformes) spermatogenesis

We aimed to standardize a protocol to suppress spermatogenesis in the characiform fish, Astyanax altiparanae, for future use as a host in germ cell transplant research, opening opportunities for a range of studies, such as spermatogenesis analyses and transgenesis because this species presents livestock characteristics to be used as a biological model. The effects of the chemotherapeutic busulfan (formulated as Myleran), which is used as medicine, therefore not as toxic to humans manipulation as analytical grade busulfan (Fluka) used in previous studies, were evaluated at physiological temperature of 28 °C, ideal for growth and reproduction of A altiparanae, and also at increased temperature 35 °C. The temperature groups were divided into three treatment groups: busulfan, DMSO only, and an untreated control. Macroscopic, histologic, stereological, and ultrastructure analysis showed that, at 28 °C, busulfan did not cause depletion of germ cells in A altiparanae. However, at 35 °C, sterilization was observed 3 weeks after the initial application. Similar results were obtained with maintenance of fish at 35 °C for a longer period with no accompanying Myleran treatment. This procedure allows reduction in stress and lower mortality resulting from manipulation during busulfan injection and is also suitable for mass treatment because large numbers of fish can be incubated in warm water.

Assessment of broiler surface temperature variation when exposed to different air temperatures

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the air temperature variation on the mean surface temperature (MST) of 7-to 35-day-old broiler chickens using infrared thermometry to estimate MST, and to study surface temperature variation of the wings, head, legs, back and comb as affected by air temperature and broiler age. One hundred Cobb(R) broilers were used in the experiment. Starting on day 7, 10 birds were weekly selected at random, housed in an environmental chamber and reared under three distinct temperatures (18, 25 and 32 degrees C) to record their thermal profile using an infrared thermal camera. The recorded images were processed to estimate MST by selecting the whole area of the bird within the picture and comparing it with the values obtained using selected equations in literature, and to record the surface temperatures of the body parts. The MST estimated by infrared images were not statistically different (p > 0.05) from the values obtained by the equations. MST values significantly increased (p < 0.05) when the air temperature increased, but were not affected by bird age. However, age influenced the difference between MST and air temperature, which was highest on day 14. The technique of infrared thermal image analysis was useful to estimate the mean surface temperature of broiler chickens.

Regulation of the abundance and turnover of copepod species by temperature, turbidity and habitat type in a large river basin

Freshwater copepods were sampled in the La Plata River basin to identify the processes that affect beta diversity and to determine the main factors influencing their geographical distribution and patterns of endemism. Beta diversity patterns exhibited strong dissimilarity between locations; the turnover process was predominant and indicated a replacement of species along the basin. Redundancy analysis indicated the presence of two large sets of species separated geographically by a boundary zone, with several associated variables. Northern species were associated with water transparency and temperature, mean air temperature, mean air temperature during winter and minimum air temperature of coldest month, indicating that these species are not tolerant to low temperatures and are abundant in reservoirs that are common in the upper stretch of the Paraná River basin. Southern species were related with amplitude of air temperature, turbidity, total phosphorus and total suspended matter, indicating that these species are polythermic and have adapted to live in river stretches. From 20 environmental variables analyzed in our study, partial least squares analysis indicated four variables with increased retention of effects on copepod abundance: air temperature, minimum temperature of coldest month, turbidity and transparency. Because almost all of the species found in this study occurred across a wide range of habitat types, the cause of the separation between river and reservoir species could be considered to be more anthropogenic than natural, and it primarily affected species abundance. For certain members of the northern group of copepod species, distribution was dependent on high temperatures, whereas the distribution of the southern group indicated that the species were polythermic.

Growth potential of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in nine types of ready-to-eat vegetables stored at variable temperature conditions during shelf-life

Growth potential (delta) is defined as the difference between the population of a microorganism at the end of shelf-life of specific food and its initial population. The determination of 6 of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in RTE vegetables can be very useful to determine likely threats to food safety. However, little is known on the behavior of these microorganisms in several RTE vegetables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the delta of both pathogens in nine different types of RTE vegetables (escarole, collard green, spinach, watercress, arugula, grated carrot, green salad, and mix for yakisoba) stored at refrigeration (7 degrees C) and abuse temperature (15 degrees C). The population of aerobic microorganisms and lactic acid bacteria, including those showing antimicrobial activity has been also determined. Results indicated that L monocytogenes was able to grow (delta >= 0.5 log(10)) in more storage conditions and vegetables than Salmonella. Both microorganisms were inhibited in carrots, although a more pronounced effect has been observed against L monocytogenes. The highest 5 values were obtained when the RTE vegetables were stored 15 degrees C/6 days in collard greens (delta=3.3) and arugula (delta=3.2) (L monocytogenes) and arugula (delta=4.1) and escarole (delta=2.8) (Salmonella). In most vegetables and storage conditions studied, the counts of total aerobic microorganisms raised significantly independent of the temperature of storage (p<0.05). Counts of lactic acid bacteria were higher in vegetables partially or fully stored at abuse temperature with recovery of isolates showing antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, the results of this study show that Salmonella and L monocytogenes may grow and reach high populations in RTE vegetables depending on storage conditions and the definition of effective intervention strategies are needed to control their growth in these products. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A crucial role for IL-6 in the CNS of rats during fever induced by the injection of live E. coli

Interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6 have been established as important mediators of fever induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria. Whether these pro-inflammatory cytokines are also important in mediating fever induced by live bacteria remains less certain. We therefore investigated the following: (1) the synthesis of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 during E. coli-induced fever and (2) the effect of blocking the action of cytokines within the brain on E. coli-induced fever. Body or tail skin temperature (bT or Tsk, respectively) was measured by biotelemetry or telethermometry, every 30 min, during 6 or 24 h. Depending on the number of colony-forming units (CFU) injected i.p., administration of E. coli induced a long-lasting increase in bT of male Wistar rats. The duration of fever did not correlate with the number of CFU found in peritoneal cavity or blood. Because 2.5 x 10(8) CFU induced a sustained fever without inducing a state of sepsis/severe infection, this dose was used in subsequent experiments. The E. coli-induced increase in bT was preceded by a decrease in Tsk, reflecting a thermoregulatory response. TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 were detected at 3 h in serum of animals injected i.p. with E. coli. In the peritoneal exudates, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 were detected at 0.5 and 3 h after E. coli administration. Moreover, both IL-1 beta and IL-6, but not TNF-alpha, were found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and hypothalamus of animals injected with E. coli. Although pre-treatment (i.c.v., 2 mu l, 15 min before) with anti-IL-6 antibody (anti-IL-6, 5 mu g) reduced E. coli-induced fever, pre-treatment with either IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra, 200 mu g) or soluble TNF receptor I (sTNFRI, 500 ng) had no effect on the fever response. In conclusion, replicating E. coli promotes an integrated thermoregulatory response in which the central action of IL-6, but not IL-1 and TNF, appears to be important.

Social cost of stray animals

Máster en Economía del Turismo, Transporte y Medio Ambiente

Low-temperature thermochronological evolution of the Menderes and Alanya massifs (Turkey)

The application of two low-temperature thermochronometers [fission-track analysis and (U-Th)/He analyses, both on apatite] to various tectonostratigraphic units of the Menderes and Alanya Massifs of Turkey has provided significant new constraints to the understanding of their structural evolution. The Menderes Massif of western Anatolia is one of the largest metamorphic core complexes on Earth. The integration of the geochronometric dataset presented in this dissertation with preexisting ones from the literature delineates three groups of samples within the Menderes Massif. In the northern and southern region the massif experienced a Late Oligocene-Early Miocene tectonic denudation and surface uplift; whereas data from the central region are younger, with most ages ranging between the Middle-Late Miocene. The results of this study are consistent with the interpretation for a symmetric exhumation of the Menderes Massif. The Alanya Massif of SW Anatolia presents a typical nappe pile consisting of thrust sheets with contrasting metamorphic histories. Petrological and geochronological data clearly indicate that the tectonometamorphic evolution Alanya started from Late Cretaceous with the northward subduction of an ‘Alanya ocean’ under the Tauride plate. As an effect of the closure of the İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan ocean, northward backthrusting during the Paleocene-Early Eocene created the present stacking order. Apatite fission-track ages from this study range from 31.8 to 26.8 Ma (Late Rupelian-Early Chattian) and point to a previously unrecognized mid-Oligocene cooling/exhumation episode. (U-Th)/He analysis on zircon crystals obtained from the island of Cyprus evidentiate that the Late Cretaceous trondhjemites of the Troodos Massif not recorded a significant cooling event. Instead results for the Late Triassic turbiditic sandstones of the Vlambouros Formation show that the Mamonia mélange was never buried enough to reach the closure temperature of the ZHe radiometric system (ca. 200°C), thus retaining the Paleozoic signature of a previous sedimentary cycle.

Preparation and functional characterisation of recombinant silicatein-alpha from the sponge Suberites domuncula

The marine world is an immense source of biodiversity that provides substances with striking potentials in medicinal chemistry and biotechnology. Sponges (Porifera) are marine animals that represent the most impressive example of organisms possessing the ability to metabolise silica through a family of enzymes known as silicateins. Complex skeletal structures (spicules) made of pure biogenic silica (biosilica) are produced under physiological conditions. Biosilica is a natural material comprising inorganic and organic components with unique mechanical, optical, and physico-chemical properties, including promising potential to be used for development of therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine. Unravelling the intimate physiological mechanisms occurring in sponges during the construction of their siliceous spicules is an on-going project, and several questions have been addressed by the studies proposed by our working group. In this doctoral work, the recombinant DNA technology is exploited for functional and structural characterisation of silicatein. Its precursors are produced as fusion proteins with a chaperone tag (named TF-Ps), and a robust method for the overexpression of native soluble proteins in high concentrations has been developed. In addition, it is observed and proven experimentally that the maturation of silicatein is an autocatalytic event that: (i) can be modulated by rational use of protease inhibitors; (ii) is influenced by the temperature of the environment; (iii) only slightly depends on the pH. In the same experimental framework, observations on the dynamics in the maturation of silicateins allow a better understanding of how the axial filaments form during the early stages of spicule construction. In addition, the definition of new distinct properties of silicatein (termed “structure-guiding” and “structure-forming”) is introduced. By homology models and through comparisons with similar proteins (the cathepsins), domains with significant surface hydrophobicity are identified as potential self-assembly mediators. Moreover, a high-throughput screening showed that TF-Ps could generate crystals under certain conditions, becoming promising for further structural studies. With the goal of optimise the properties of the recombinant silicatein, implementation of new production systems are tried for the first time. Success in the expression of silicatein-type proteins in insect and yeast cells, constitute a promising basis for further development, towards the establishment of an efficient method for the production of a high-value pure and soluble protein.

Habitat use of migrating dwarf minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata subspecies) in Tasmanian waters

The Great Barrier Reef hosts the only known reliable aggregation of dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata subspecies) in Australian waters. While this short seasonal aggregation is quite predictable, the distribution and movements of the whales during the rest of their annual cycle are poorly understood. In particular, feeding and resting areas on their southward migration which are likely to be important have not been described. Using satellite telemetry data, I modelled the habitat use of seven whales during their southward migration through waters surrounding Tasmania. The whales were tagged with LIMPET satellite tags in the GBR in July 2013 (2 individuals) and 2014 (5 individuals). The study area around Tasmania was divided into 10km² cells and the time spent by each individual in each cell was calculated and averaged based on the number of animals using the cell. Two areas of high residency time were highlighted: south-western Bass Strait and Storm Bay (SE Tasmania). Remotely sensed ocean data were extracted for each cell and averaged temporally during the entire period of residency. Using Generalised Additive Models I explored the influence of key environmental characteristics. Nine predictors (bathymetry, distance from coast, distance from shore, gradient of sea surface temperature, sea surface height (absolute and variance), gradient of current speed, wind speed and chlorophyll-a concentration) were retained in the final model which explained 68% of the total variance. Regions of higher time-spent values were characterised by shallow waters, proximity to the coast (but not to the shelf break), high winds and sea surface height but low gradient of sea surface temperature. Given that the two high residency areas corresponded with regions where other marine predators also forage in Bass Strait and Storm Bay, I suggest the whales were probably feeding, rather than resting in these areas.

Temperature effects on larval growth and survival in five species of Caribbean Echinoids

Under the global change scenario, the possible effects of ocean warming were investigated on the larvae of five species of Caribbean Echinoids: Echinometra lucunter, Echinometra viridis, Clypeaster rosaceus, Tripneustes ventricosus and Lytechinus williamsi. Their thermal tolerance was evaluated rearing them for six days under different temperature regimes (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36°C). The larval sensitivity to the treatments was evaluated on the base of survival and growth. The rearing at higher temperatures has revealed a great suffering state of the larvae by inducing both reduction of live larvae and abnormality in their development. The extent of impact of the treatments varied from species to species, evidencing different levels of thermal tolerance. Anyway, higher temperature treatments have shown a general lethal threshold at about 34°C for most of the species. As an exception, the lethal threshold of Echinometra species was 36°C, few larvae of which being still capable of survive at the temperature of 34°C. The studies have also analyzed the effect of water warming on the larvae growth in terms of size and symmetry. The results put in evidence the presence of a critical upper temperature (about 32°C) at which the larvae of all species reveal a great suffering state that translates in the reduction of size (i.e., of body, stomach and postero-dorsal arm) and abnormalities (i.e., strong difference in the lengths of the two postero-dorsal arms). As sea surface temperatures are predicted to increase of 4-5°C by 2100, the high percentage of abnormal larvae and their scarce survival observed at 32- 34°C treatments indicate that the early stages of these species could be affected by future global warming.

Cloning of farm animals: impact on animal health and welfare and implications in trade

The commercial use of animal cloning for breeding food producing animals has been limited so far by biological and technical constraints such as adverse effects on the health and welfare of animals, especially high perinatal and postnatal disease and mortality of clones. However, the improvement of the technique may overcome those problems in future and contribute to the spread of cloning in agricultural production, which raises concern not only on health and welfare aspects but also on food safety and ethics. This may cause conflict in international trade. The present article reviews these topics on the basis of up-to-date scientific opinions.

An Analysis of Capacities, Moral Hierarchies, and the Moral Status of Non-Human Animals in Contemporary Animal Rights Work

The primary objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the pernicious impact that moral hierarchies have on our perception and subsequent treatment of non-human animals. Moral hierarchies in general are characterized by a dynamic in which one group is considered to be fundamentally superior to a lesser group. This thesis focuses specifically on the moral hierarchies that arise when humans are assumed to be superior to non-human animals in virtue of their advanced mental capabilities. The operative hypothesis of this thesis is essentially that moral hierarchies thwart the provision of justice to non-human animals in that they function as a justification for otherwise impermissible actions. When humans are assumed to be fundamentally superior to non-human animals then it becomes morally permissible for humans to kill non-human animals and utilize them as mere instrumentalities. This thesis is driven primarily by an in-depth analysis of the approaches to animal rights that are provided by Peter Singer, Tom Regan, and Gary Francione. Each of these thinkers claim that they overcome anthropocentrism and provide approaches that preclude the establishment of a moral hierarchy. One of the major findings of this thesis, however, is that Singer and Regan offer approaches that remain highly anthropocentric despite the fact that each thinker claims that they have overcome anthropocentrism. The anthropocentrism persists in these respective approaches in that each thinkers gives humans Regan and Singer have different conceptions of the criteria that are required to afford a being moral worth, but they both give preference to beings that have the cognitive ability to form desires regarding the future.. As a result, a moral hierarchy emerges in which humans are regarded to be fundamentally superior. Francione, however, provides an approach that does not foster a moral hierarchy. Francione creates such an approach by applying the principle of equal consideration of interests in a consistent manner. Moreover, Francione argues that mere sentience is both a necessary and sufficient condition for being eligible and subsequently receiving moral consideration. The upshot of this thesis is essentially that the moral treatment of animals is not compatible with the presence of a moral hierarchy. As a result, this thesis demonstrates that future approaches to animal rights must avoid the establishment of moral hierarchies. The research and analysis within this thesis demonstrates that this is not a possibility, however, unless all theories of justice that are to accommodate animals abandon the notion that cognition matters morally.

Routine phenotypic identification of bacterial species of the family Pasteurellaceae isolated from animals

Pasteurellaceae are bacteria with an important role as primary or opportunistic, mainly respiratory, pathogens in domestic and wild animals. Some species of Pasteurellaceae cause severe diseases with high economic losses in commercial animal husbandry and are of great diagnostic concern. Because of new data on the phylogeny of Pasteurellaceae, their taxonomy has recently been revised profoundly, thus requiring an improved phenotypic differentiation procedure to identify the individual species of this family. A new and simplified procedure to identify species of Actinobacillus, Avibacterium, Gallibacterium, Haemophilus, Mannheimia, Nicoletella, and Pasteurella, which are most commonly isolated from clinical samples of diseased animals in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, is presented in the current study. The identification procedure was evaluated with 40 type and reference strains and with 267 strains from routine diagnostic analysis of various animal species, including 28 different bacterial species. Type, reference, and field strains were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rrs) and rpoB gene sequencing for unambiguous species determination as a basis to evaluate the phenotypic differentiation schema. Primary phenotypic differentiation is based on beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (beta-NAD) dependence and hemolysis, which are readily determined on the isolation medium. The procedure divides the 28 species into 4 groups for which particular biochemical reactions were chosen to identify the bacterial species. The phenotypic identification procedure allowed researchers to determine the species of 240 out of 267 field strains. The procedure is an easy and cost-effective system for the rapid identification of species of the Pasteurellaceae family isolated from clinical specimens of animals.

Public health risks of enterobacterial isolates producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases or AmpC β-lactamases in food and food-producing animals: an EU perspective of epidemiology, analytical methods, risk factors, and control options

The blaESBL and blaAmpC genes in Enterobacteriaceae are spread by plasmid-mediated integrons, insertion sequences, and transposons, some of which are homologous in bacteria from food animals, foods, and humans. These genes have been frequently identified in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from food animals, the most common being blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-14, and blaCMY-2. Identification of risk factors for their occurrence in food animals is complex. In addition to generic antimicrobial use, cephalosporin usage is an important risk factor for selection and spread of these genes. Extensive international trade of animals is a further risk factor. There are no data on the effectiveness of individual control options in reducing public health risks. A highly effective option would be to stop or restrict cephalosporin usage in food animals. Decreasing total antimicrobial use is also of high priority. Implementation of measures to limit strain dissemination (increasing farm biosecurity, controls in animal trade, and other general postharvest controls) are also important.