Population structure of pond-raised Macrobrachium amazonicum with different stocking and harvesting strategies

The effect of size-grading of juveniles prior to stocking, as well as selective harvesting, on the population structure of pond-raised Macrobrachium amazonicum was studied. A randomized-complete-blocks design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates was used. The treatments were: upper size-graded juveniles, lower size-graded juveniles, ungraded juveniles (traditional), and ungraded juveniles with selective harvesting. Twelve 0.01 ha earthen ponds were stocked at 40 juveniles m(-2), according to the relevant treatment. Every three weeks, random samples from each pond were obtained for biometry, and after 3.5 months, the ponds were drained and completely harvested. Animals were then counted, weighed, and sexed; males were sorted as Translucent Claw (TC), Cinnamon Claw (CC), Green Claw 1 (GC1), and Green Claw 2 (GC2), and females as Virgin (VF), Berried (BE), and Open (OF). The prawns developed rapidly in the ponds. attaining maturity and differentiating into male morphotypes after about 2 months in all treatments. The fast-growing juveniles (upper grading fraction) mostly did not constitute the dominant males (CC] and GC2) in the adult population. Population development was slower in ponds stocked with Lower prawns, whereas selective harvesting increased the frequency of GC1 and reduced the final mean weight of GC2 males. The proportion of males increased throughout the culture period, but was generally not affected by the stocking or harvesting strategies. Grading juveniles and selective harvesting slightly altered the population dynamics and structure, although the general population development showed similar patterns in ponds stocked with upper, lower, and ungraded juveniles, or selectively harvested. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The frequency of follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene polymorphisms in Iranian infertile men with azoospermia

Background: Azoospermia is the medical condition of a man not having any measurable level of sperm in his semen. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a member of the glycoprotein hormone family that plays an important role in human reproduction because of its essential role in normal spermatogenesis. Various Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) have been reported within FSH receptor (FSHR) gene that may affect the receptor function. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between two FSHR SNPs at positions A919G, A2039G, and susceptibility to azoospermia in a group of Iranian azoospermic men. The association between FSH levels within the sera and A919G and A2039G alleles and genotypes were also investigated. Materials and Methods: This case control study was performed on 212 men with azoospermia (126 non-obstructive and 86 obstructive) and 200 healthy Iranian men. Two FSHR gene SNPs were genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. The relationship between FSH levels within the sera and A919G and A2039G alleles and genotypes were also investigated. Results: Statistical analysis indicated that at A919G position, AA genotype and A allele were more frequent in obstructive azoospermia cases compared to non- obstructive or normal men (p=0.001). Regarding A2039G polymorphisms, no significant difference was observed between both azoospermia groups and the controls. The mean level of serum FSH was higher in the non-obstructive men compared to the obstructive patients (23.8 versus 13.8, respectively, p= 0.04). Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that the genetic polymorphisms in the FSHR gene might increase the susceptibility to azoospermia in Iranian men.

Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol and their correlation with sperm DNA damage in normospermic and infertile men

Background: Oxidative stress in reproductive system leads to sperm DNA damage and sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility, especially in idiopathic cases. Antioxidants such as carotenoids function against free radical damages. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol in serum and their relationship with sperm DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in infertile and normospermic males. Materials and Methods: Sixty two infertile men and 71 normospermic men participated in this study. Blood and semen samples were collected from all subjects. Sperm DNA damage was measured using TUNEL method. Carotenoids, retinol, and malonedildehyde in serum were also determined. Results: DNA fragmentation was higher in infertile group comparing to control group. Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and, vitamin A in infertile men were significantly lower than normospermic men (p< 0.001, =0.005, and =0.003 respectively). While serum MDA was not significantly different between two groups, MDA in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than control group (p< 0.001). Conclusion: We concluded that lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol can reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation through their antioxidant effect. Therefore the DNA fragmentation assay and determination of antioxidants factors such as lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol, along with sperm analysis can be useful in diagnosis and treatment of men with idiopathic infertility.

Abundância e distribuição sazonal de espécies autóctones de camarões peneídeos no canal de abastecimento do sistema primar de aquicultura orgânica (Laguna de Guaraíras, Tibau do Sul, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil)

Guaraíras lagoon, located in Tibau do Sul in the eastern littoral of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil), presents a permanent connection to the sea, which guarantees the occurrence of a rich biodiversity, which includes the autochthonous shrimp species Litopenaeus schmitti, Farfantepenaeus subtilis and Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis. In spite of being subject to a strong human intervention in the last decade, mainly related to the installation of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farms, the lagoon is still scarcely studied. The present study aims at characterizing the populations of the three autochthonous penaeid shrimp species inhabiting Guaraíras, taking into consideration their abundance and seasonal distribution in the inflow channel of Primar System of Organic Aquaculture (Tibau do Sul, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). Twelve monthly samples were carried out from May 2005 to April 2006 with the aid of a circular cast net in the inflow channel, which is daily supplied with water from Guaraíras. Sampling months were grouped in trimesters according to the total pluviosity, thus comprising four trimesters. Water salinity was monitored twice a week and temperature values registered on a daily basis at noon, during the study period. The daily pluviosity data from the municipality of Tibau do Sul were supplied by Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte (EMPARN). Collected shrimp were identified, weighted, measured and sexed. L. schmitti specimens (0.2 g to 17.8 g) were distributed in 1.3 g weight classes intervals. From the eighth sampling month (December 2005) onwards, males were classified into three categories, in accordance with the development of their petasm: (a) rudimentary petasm, (b) partially formed petasm, and (c) completely formed petasm. Among the ecological variables, rainfall showed the greatest dispersion (s.d.=187.74Rainfall and abundance of L. schmitti were negatively correlated (r = -0.85) whereas its abundance and water salinity were positively correlated (r = 0.63). Among 1,144 collected individuals, 1,127 were L. schmitti, 13 were F. subtilis and 4 were F. brasiliensis, which corresponded to 98.51%, 1.14% and 0.35% of the total of collected individuals. L. schmitti occurred in 100 % of all samples. Differently, the presence of F. subtilis and F. brasiliensis was restricted to 33% and 17% of the collected samples, respectively. The present study confirmed the occurrence of L. schmitti, F. brasiliensis and F. subtilis in Guaraíras. However, this lagoon seems to be primarily inhabited by juvenile Litopenaeus schmitti. The population of L. schmitti analysed showed a seasonal pattern of distribution. In general, in the months of high salinity and absence of rain, the number of individuals was higher than in the wet months. Further studies on the reproductive biology and ecology of L. schmitti, F. brasiliensis and F. subtilis may elucidate questions referring to the abundance, period, and phase of occurrence of these shrimp genera in Guaraíras. Finally, the risks associated to the establishment of L. vannamei in the lagoon provide a novel outlet for studies in this biotope

Effects of the spermatozoa: oocyte ratio, water volume and water temperature on artificial fertilization and sperm activation of cascudo-preto

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of water volume and water temperature on the sperm motility duration and the number of spermatozoa, and the water volume on the fertilization rates of oocytes of Rhinelepis aspera. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of semen dilutions (1.74×10-5, 1.74×10-4, 1.74×10-3, 1.74×10-2, 1.74×10-1 and 1.00 mL of sperm.mL-1 of water) and water temperature (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 ºC) on spermatozoa motility duration. In addition, the effects of insemination dose (7×10³, 7×10(4), 7×10(5), 7×10(6) and 7×10(7) spermatozoa.oocyte-1) and water volume (1.0, 30.0, 60.0, 90.0 and 120.0 mL water.2.0 mL-1 oocytes) on the artificial fertilization rates of oocytes were evaluated. The longest sperm motility duration were observed for the semen dilution of 1.74×10-5 mL semen.mL-1 water and in water at 5 ºC. The highest fertilization rates were obtained for insemination doses between 7.00×10³ and 1.23×10(7) spermatozoa. oocyte-1 and water volume of 28.11 mL water.2.0 mL-1 oocytes.

Girolando breed genetic improvement program - Genetic evaluation of cows - June/2016.

The Girolando breed progeny test was established in 1997, as a result of the partnership between Girolando and Embrapa Dairy Cattle. In 2007, the Programa de Melhoramento Genético da Raça Girolando? PMGG (Genetic Improvement Program of the Girolando Breed) was implemented. Besides interacting with previously existing initiatives of the Girolando Breeders Association, such as the genealogical register service, the progeny test and the dairy control service, the PMGG launched the Linear Evaluation System (SLAG). The main objectives of the PMGG comprises identification of genetically superior individuals, the technically-oriented multiplication of genetics, the evaluation of economic traits and the promotion of sustainable dairy activities. The program have yielded impressive results. The Girolando breed semen sales increases faster than any other breed in Brazil.

Lilith y sus descendientes: trayectoria del mito de la "femme fatale" en las literaturas europeas

En las páginas que conforman este trabajo hemos pretendido dibujar la línea que define el arquetipo de la mujer fatal encarnado en el personaje parabíblico de Lilith. Durante más de 3000 años, primero a través de relatos mitológicos, representaciones artísticas ornamentales o rituales, y narraciones folclóricas, y después desde la literatura y la pintura, la imagen arquetípica de la femme fatale ha estado presente en el imaginario colectivo occidental. A lo largo de todos estos milenios, Lilith y su arquetipo han reunido en sí una serie de mitemas o características que podemos dividir en dos tipos o niveles: estructurales, que son aquellos sin cuya presencia no es posible hablar del arquetipo mítico de la mujer fatal, a saber, la sexualidad visible y agresiva y su deseo de dañar a otros, principalmente a los hombres; y en segundo lugar, los mitemas ornamentales o circunstanciales, muchas veces propios de un paradigma determinado (clásico o romántico, por ejemplo) que pueden fluctuar en su representación y que nos ayudan a situar el arquetipo en el tiempo y el espacio. Hemos concretado el mito original de Lilith como la encarnación de una lección moral simbólicamente relatada. Pese a que los matices de significado que este mito revela pueden tener mínimas variaciones a lo largo del tiempo (a las que que hemos denominado mitemas circunstanciales u ornamentales), la base sobre la que se desarrolla es pétreamente invariable: la mujer fuerte es peligrosa para el hombre y para la sociedad en la que vive. Con respecto a los mitemas estructurales, Lilith se define desde los inicios como la representación conceptual de lo que de agresivo existe en la psique femenina. Tanto desde sus inicios como las terribles diosas mesopotámicas Istar o Inanna, representaciones de mujeres guerreras y sanguinarias, como en su desarrollo dentro del mito hebreo, del que conocemos un mayor número de detalles con respecto a sus hábitos de devoradora de niños y semen y cruel torturadora de hombres, hasta sus herederas en la literatura clásica, claros ejemplos de crueldad (Medea, Clitemnestra...)...

Clínica de animais exóticos

Este relatório de estágio descreve as atividades desenvolvidas no estágio curricular e desenvolve o tema ―Inseminação artificial em Python regius‖. O estágio de seis meses foi realizado na Exoclinic – clínica veterinária de aves e exóticos, permitindo consolidar conhecimentos através da prática clínica e agregar-lhes a área da medicina de animais exóticos, dedicando especial atenção à medicina de répteis. Desenvolvem-se os casos mais frequentes: medicina preventiva nas várias classes de animais, patologia dentária em roedores e lagomorfos, doença do bico e das penas dos psitacídeos e anorexia em répteis. Na monografia aborda-se a anatomofisiologia e o comportamento reprodutivos das cobras e a sua influência no maneio reprodutivo em cativeiro, métodos de avaliação de reprodutores e técnicas de inseminação artificial. Realizou-se um ensaio prático com seis animais, realizando colheitas de sémen, avaliação de alguns parâmetros do sémen, controlo folicular por ecografia e inseminação artificial. Apresentam-se os métodos, os resultados e respetiva discussão; Abstract: Exotic animal medicine This traineeship report describes the activities during the traineeship and develops the theme "Artificial insemination in Python regius." The six-month internship was held in Exoclinic - clínica veterinária de aves e exóticos, consolidating knowledge through clinical practice and adding the medical field of exotic animals, with special attention to reptiles. The most frequent clinical cases are developed: preventive medicine in the various classes of animals, dental pathology in rodents and lagomorphs, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease in birds and anorexia in reptile. The monograph addresses the anatomy, physiology and reproductive behavior of snakes and their influence on reproductive management in captivity, methods for reproductors selection and evaluation and artificial insemination techniques. Implementation of a field trial with six animals, performing semen crops and evaluation of some of its parameters, follicular monitoring by ultrasound and artificial insemination. Methods and results are presented and discussed.

Correlations between testicular surface temperatures measured by infrared thermography and seminal parameters in rams of distinct genotypic groups.

The aim of this study was to correlate the testicular surface temperature with rectal temperature and semen quality in rams of different genotypic groups.

Produtividade de duas cultivares de milho submetidas ao tratamento de sementes com bioestimulantes fertilizantes líquidos e Azospirillum sp.

Objetivou-se verificar o desempenho agronômico da cultura do milho em função do tratamento de semen-tes com o inoculante Azo Total® composto de Azospirillum sp., com o bioestimulante Stimulate® e com o fertilizante líquido Cellerate®, individualmente e em combinação. O experimento foi conduzido a campo em Sete Lagoas, MG, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e tratamentos dispostos em esquema fatorial 2x8, sendo duas cultivares de milho (P30F53 e P30F53 YH) e sete tratamentos de sementes mais a testemeunha (T1 = Testemunha; T2 = Azo Total®; T3 = Stimulate®; T4 = Cellerate®; T5 = Azo Total® + Stimulate®; T6 = Azo Total® + Cellerate®; T7 = Stimulate® + Cellerate®; T8 = Azo Total® + Cellerate® + Stimulate®). Para a análise do desempenho agronômico, foram avaliadas as características: altura de planta; altura de espiga; número de espigas; produtividade; diâmetro do colmo; análise foliar; estande final; índice de espiga; e peso de 1.000 grãos. Nas condições de realização deste trabalho, a cultivar P30F53YH proporciona maior produtividade de grãos quando tratada com os produtos Azo Total®, Stimulate® e Cellerate®. Tratamentos de sementes de milho com os produtos comerciais Azo Total®, Stimulate® e Cellerate® não incrementam significativamente a produtividade de grãos. Tratamento de sementes com Azo Total®, Stimulate® e Cellerate® não influenciam os teores foliares de nutrientes em plantas de milho.