Influência da salinidade e temperatura da água nas respotas comportamental e fisiológica de camarões marinhos Litopenaeus vannamei(BOONE 1931)

The shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei has been grown in highly variable environments, especially in relation to salinity and water temperature. The adjustment to such conditions mainly involves changes in behavior, physiology, particularly in the immune response. This may consequently reduce the welfare of these animals. Despite the widespread farming of the species, little is known about their behavioral and physiological responses under stressful conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of different salinities and temperatures in the behavior of the marine shrimp L. vannamei, and its relation to the total hemocytes count. In the laboratory, juvenile shrimp were kept in glass aquaria with a closed water recirculation system, continuous aeration and filtration, and under a 12:12 h light/dark cycle. Behavioral observations occurred 1, 4, 7 and 10 h after the start of each phase (light or dark). To assess the influence of salinity, shrimp were first acclimated and then observed at 2, 30 or 50 ppm salinity water, while temperatures tested were 18, 28 and 33 ° C. At the end of each experiment (30 days), shrimp hemolymph was collected for subsequent total hemocytes count (THC), a parameter used to assess stress. In general, feeding behavior was modified under lower salinity and temperature, with reduced values in feeding, exploration and digestive tract filling. Inactivity and burrowing were prevalent under extreme conditions water salinity and temperature, respectively: 2 and 50 ppm and 18 and 33 ° C; crawling was also less frequent under these conditions. In regards to light/dark cycle, shrimp were more active during the dark phase (crawling and swimming), while burrowing was higher during the light phase, regardless of salinity or temperature of the water. Inactivity behavior did not vary according to the light/dark cycle. Moreover, the total hemocytes count (THC) was reduced under 2 and 50 ppm salinity and 18 ° C temperature. Farming of L. vannamei under extremely low or high salinities and low temperatures is harmful. This suggests the species must be cultivated in salinities closer to those of the sea as well as at high temperatures, which seems to be ideal for a management focused on animal welfare, therefore, producing healthier shrimp

Aprendizado espacial-temporal em um ambiente complexo sem restrição alimentar em ratos

Timeplace learning is the capacity of organisms to associate both space and time with a biological relevant stimulus such as food. Experiments are usually done with food restricted animals due to the belief that food system activation is necessary for timeplace learning. Another line of thought suggest that, in addition to food system activation, response cost should be increased to effectively allow timeplace discrimination. The purpose of this experiment was to test whether a complex environment, which presumably implied in a heightened response cost, would facilitate timeplace association in satiated rats using a highly palatable food as reward. Nine rats were trained in a timeplace task for 30 nonconsecutive days. A large experimental box (1x1m) divided in four compartments was used. To access each compartment the animal had to overcome a series of obstacles such as ramps, staircases and mazes. Two feeders localized in opposite compartments were rewarded with sunflower seeds in two daily sessions. One feeder offered the reward during the morning sessions while the second feeder in afternoon sessions. After the 15th day of training, the animals began to show a preference for the correct feeder during the correct time of day expressed by increased frequency of visits as well as lower latency to access the feeders. These results suggest that satiated animals are also capable of learning a timespace task as far as the experimental context is complex enough to result in a higher response cost

Comportamento social e territorialidade alimentar na garça-azul, Egretta caerulea (L) = Feeding territoriality in the little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (L)

The use of habitat is an important part of a species biology. One resource of great importance for the survivor and reproduction of an individual is the food resource. Thus, the social interactions an animal has during the feeding activities are of extremely importance within its behavioral aspects, which represents the part of an organism trough which it interacts with the environment, adapting to changes and variations. Herons are known to form feeding aggregations of even more than thousands of individuals, in which social components of foraging have been identified and studied for several species. More profound studies of these aspects are yet to poor for the Little Blue Heron, Egretta caerulea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the social behavior (display postures, vocalizations and co-specific interactions) and the territoriality of the specie during the feeding period in an area of mud bank in the estuarine system of Cananéia, south coast of São Paulo state, Brazil. The defense of a fixed and exclusive area, closest to the mangrove, trough expulsion was observed; some thing that have not yet been registered with concrete data for the specie. Higher capture and success rates, and lower investment rates (steps/min and stabs/min) were registered for individuals foraging in areas corresponding to the defended territory. This could be one of possible reasons for the establishment of territories in the area. Four display postures were registered for the specie, two of then new in the literature, which are used in the interactions between individuals; one vocalization, that apparently is important in the social context of foraging for the specie and, possibly, has a function of advertising and proclaiming the dominance position of the territorial individual within the group. A territorial individual uses three behaviors, of the ones described: expulsion, vocalization and encounter (agonistic encounter between individuals, without physical aggression). Of these, the expulsion is apparently used in the actual defense, actively; while the other two behaviors are used in a more passive way, in the maintenance of the dominance position of the individual, helping it in the defense of its territory in a less direct manner. Therefore, with the results presented in here, new components of the social utilization of the feeding resource for the Little Blue Heron were identified, incorporating aspects of the territorial behavior for a future understanding of its possible adaptive significance. And it also reinforces the importance of the social interactions of herons foraging in great aggregations, in areas ecologically important

Hierarquia social e sucesso alimentar em callithrix jacchus (Primates, Callithrichidae), sob condições naturais

The competition for resources is one of the costs of group living. The scramble competition is considered an indirect type of competition, mainly associated with factors like group size and distribution of resources. Contest competition occurs when individuals compete directly for resources. In species that exibit this type of competition the establishment of dominance hierarchy can occur, resulting in differences on feeding and reproductive benefits for each member of the group. In these cases, aggressive and submissive behaviors are expected as a way to signal social status. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of social hierarchy over food ingestion in Callithrix jacchus. Data recording was from September/2006 to March/2007, eight days by month, at Floresta Nacional de Açu do Instituto Chico Mendes de Biodiversidade. The observation time started at 05:00 AM and finished after the last animal was on the sleeptree. Analyses of aggressive interactions, behavioral profile and diet, reveals a lot of advantages for dominat animals in the study group. Dominant individuals had higher intake of animal matter that subordinates. The last ones, consumed fruits, exsudate and, eventually, explored itens that were not common to the diet. We suggest that dominance hiearchy enable the reproductive female to assure priority on access to food resources, a important caracteristc to supply tha costs to maintain tha high reproductive taxa of the specie. We also suggest that reproductive male, due to the participation on food transfer, had the forage efficience reduced

Caracterização da neofobia alimentar em crianças de três a seis anos

Alimentation is essential in life. Concerning omnivores, characterized by the necessity of a varied diet to satisfy their metabolic needs, it is extremely advantageous the assumption of new foods. However, the assumption of new unknown foods is, potentially dangerous, because of possible intoxications. In this sense, one of the most important behaviors related to reducing risks is the so called food neophobia, characterized by the rejection of new foods and/or an ingestion of very little amounts. The aim of the present study was to investigate if age, sex and socio-economical status were able to influence food neophobia. The neophobia has been described in a range of 3-6 years old children taken both from public and private schools within the city of Natal-RN. Four different type of ice-creams, each one characterized by a different flavor, have been utilized. Two flavors were known to the young and the remaining two flavor were new. We didn't find significant differences between the investigated variables. However, the exploitation of data from the survey conducted showed that the ease or not to accept new foods obtained, was correlated with the variables under the same guidelines observed in literature. Aspects related to the stimulus used probably eased the neophobic answer. Then, it is suggested that the food neophobia can be influenced by sex, age and socioeconomic factors of individuaIs. Neophobia tends to be more common in girls, with ages between three to four years old and with a low leveI socioeconomic. In this sense, given the importance of kid neophobic reaction to the development of dietary patterns of other life's stages, it is necessary to make further studies to better explain this phenomenon. Given the pivotal role of food neophobia to the development of alimentary habits within all ages of life, other studies will be necessary for a better comprehension of such phenomena. Key-words: food neophobia; Evolutionary Psychology;children food intake; diet restriction; children's diet development

Uso de rotas na área de uso e a relação com comportamento alimentar em Callithrix jacchus

Callithrix jacchus are small primates that live in cooperative reproductive family groups. They explore their home range in search of fruits, exudates and animal prey. In this study we investigate the existence of traveling routes and its relation with the feeding habits in a group of Callithrix jacchus. The group was followed for 6 months in an area of Atlantic secondary Forest at the FLONA-ICMBio of Nísia Floresta, Rio Grande do Norte. Two observers in alternated days collected data referring to the group s location using a GPS navigation device, plotting data in 5 minute intervals, and with a position accuracy under 9 meters. All behavioral recordings were done through focal time samplings. The recording windows were 15 minutes with 1 minute intervals. The main activity was foraging, which propelled the animals to explore the environment with inconsistent intensity through the months, and correlated with the location of fruits, exudates and sleeping sites. From another standpoint, most activities were focused in the core areas that featured most sleeping sites, exudates trees and fruit trees. Insects, mostly Orthopterans, were hunted in all areas. The greater ratio of movement was registered during the last hours of sunlight, when animals returned to the sleeping sites and ate a greater number of fruits. The spatial and seasonal distribution of fruits forced the animals to travel long routes. The capacity to remember the location and navigate efficiently through feeding sources is important to save energy and time costs. Learning and familiarizing with the environment through the use of landmarks and acquisition of new information is extremely important to increase the chances of survival in a constantly changing environment

Transferência de alimento aos infantes de Callithrix jacchus em uma situação de escassez de recurso alimentar

The genus Callithrix, like other marmosets, presents a cooperative breeding system, characterized by the contribution of parents and non-breeding individuals of the social group in the care of infants. This care is provided through lactation, transport, supervision of infants and food transfers. In this study, we investigated the care of offspring in Callithrix jacchus through the food transfers in family groups under conditions of abundance and scarcity of food resources. We also attempted to verify the relationship between the participation of individuals in the transport of infants and in the food sharing. We observed four families at the Núcleo de Primatologia of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, in a total of seven infants, six twins and a single infant. Each infant was observed twice a week, from 1st to 20th week of life using the methods focal continuous and focal instantaneous sampling with one minute intervals. The observations were carried by 10 minutes and beginning with the supply of food for each family. Two families were tested under conditions of scarcity of food resources (experimental condition) and two others were subjected to conditions of abundant food, both conditions with restricted access to food supply. The condition of food scarcity did not influence the rate of food sharing with the infants that, in general, was considered low. All shares observed were passive sharings. Only one family showed higher levels of food begging, probably due to the loss of the mother during the period of lactation of her offspring. In this family, the dominant and subadult males were primarily responsible for the food sharing. The experimental condition influenced the distance of infants in relation to food source, so the infants in families that received abundant food remained closer to the source. However, it is believed that the place of food consumption was not influenced by experimental condition. There was no relationship between the participation of individuals in the transport and food sharing with their young. Therefore, it is suggested that, in general, the transfer of food in C. jacchus is characterized by tolerance to the demands of caregivers, represented by the passive sharing. Rates of sharing with infants were low, probably due to intra-group competition for food generated by the experiment.

Fatores que influenciam a neofobia alimentar em fêmeas e filhotes de sagüis (Callithrix jacchus)

Considering the constant environmental changes, the ability to introduce new food items in the diet is crucial to omnivore animal survival. For optimal nourishment and lessening of intoxication risks, the animals must detect signs that indicate which items are adequate for their intake. We investigate some factors that interfere in the responses to non familiar food, modulating their neophobic behavior, of marmosets Callithrix jacchus, an omnivore and generalist primate, native to Northeast Brazil, known for being cautious in ingesting not known food. We analyzed the influence of food taste (sweet or salty), pregnancy and sex in feeding behavior and neophobic responses in these animals. 10 captive females were first selected, 5 of them being then pregnant. The females, pregnant or not, ate more when presented to the sweet items than to the salty ones. Pregnant females, however, themselves were less neophobic to both tastes, being also strongly neophilic to the sweets. We verified then the influence of nourishment during pregnancy on young males and females post natal feeding behavior. We observed 10 young divided in two groups, one whose mother ate that food item during pregnancy and one whose mother had no contact to it. In the first group that food was more easily accepted by the young, suggesting that neofobia and feeding behavior had a pre natal influence. Female young also ingested more food and were less neophobic than males, a difference already observed in behavior of adults of these specie. These results suggest that the low neophobic behavior to sweet food showed by females can be adaptive, and might have bestowed more fitness to those who presented it

Ecologia alimentar e comportamento de forrageamento de Ameivula aff. ocellifera (Squamata: Teiidae) em área de caatinga do nordeste do Brasil

This study investigated the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the feeding ecology and foraging behavior of the whiptail lizard Ameivula aff. ocellifera, a new species widely distributed in the Brazilian Caatinga, and that is in process of description. In attendance to the objectives, the Dissertation was structured in two chapters, which correspond to scientific articles, one already published and the other to be submitted for publication. In Chapter 1 were analyzed the general diet composition, the relationship between lizard size and prey size, and the occurrence of sexual and ontogenetic differences in the diet. Chapter 2 contemplates a seasonal analysis of diet composition during two rainy seasons interspersed with a dry season, and the quantitative analysis of foraging behavior during two distinct periods. The diet composition was determined through stomach analysis of lizards (N = 111) collected monthly by active search, between September 2008 and August 2010, in the Estação Ecológica do Seridó (ESEC Seridó), state of Rio Grande do Norte. Foraging behavior was investigated during a rainy and a dry month of 2012 also in ESEC Seridó, by determining percent of time moving (PTM), number of movements per minute (MPM) and prey capture rate by the lizards (N = 28) during foraging. The main prey category in the diet of Ameivula aff. ocellifera was Insect larvae, followed by Orthoptera, Coleoptera and Araneae. Termites (Isoptera) were important only in numeric terms, having negligible volumetric contribution (<2%) and low frequency of occurrence, an uncommon feature among whiptail lizards. Males and females did not differ neither in diet composition nor in foraging behavior. Adults and juveniles ingested similar prey types, but differed in prey size. Maximum and minimum prey sizes were positively correlated with lizard body size, suggesting that in this population individuals experience an ontogenetic change in diet, eating larger prey items while growing, and at the same time excluding smaller ones. The diet showed significant seasonal differences; during the two rainy seasons (2009 and 2010), the predominant prey in diet were Insect larvae, Coleoptera and Orthoptera, while in the dry season the predominant prey were Insect larvae, Hemiptera, Araneae and Orthoptera. The degree of mobility of consumed prey during the rainy seasons was lower, mainly due to a greater consumption of larvae (highly sedentary prey) during these periods. Population niche breadth was higher in the dry season, confirming the theoretical prediction that when food is scarce, the diets tend to be more generalized. Considering the entire sample, Ameivula aff. ocellifera showed 61,0 ± 15,0% PTM, 2,03 ± 0,30 MPM, and captured 0,13 ± 0,14 per minute. Foraging mode was similar to that found for other whiptail lizards regarding PTM, but MPM was relatively superior. Seasonal differences were verified for PTM, which was significantly higher in the rainy season (66,4 ± 12,1) than in the dry season (51,5 ± 15,6). It is possible that this difference represents a behavioral adjustment in response to seasonal variation in the abundance and types of prey available in the environment in each season

Efeitos do substrato e da densidade populacional sobre as atividades comportamentais e níveis de homócitos em relação à densidade em Litopenaeus vannamei (BOONE, 1931)

Carciniculture in Brazil occupies world-wide prominence due to shrimp culture, and the state of Rio Grande do Norte has presented the best results in the culture of the Litopenaeus vannamei in the last decade. This species has been shown to adapt easily to different environments and is between the five most cultivated penaeids of the world. The ponds are usually constructed in areas close to water courses and estuaries. Stock density and substrate ponds can pollute environment, causing losses in the growth and survival of the shrimps, being considered stress factors. Shrimps in inadequate densities and substrates can result reduced productivity of the farm; and favor diseases. So, it is important to verify how these variables influence the development of the animals in the culture farms. Our objective was to study the influence of the type of substrate and the stock density on the behavior and haemocyte count of the L. vannamei. Individually marked juvenile shrimps were kept in aquaria with 30 L of seawater and continuous aeration, in 12L-12D photoperiod. They were observed through Ad libitum and focal sampling instantaneous methods during thirty days, five times per week, six times per day (8:00 to 18:00) in windows of 15 minutes every two hours. The marking of carapace permitted quantifying molting and the feeding was supplied three times a day. Two experiments were carried out: the first one tested animals in the three different substrates (fine sand, smaller rocks-SPP and biggest rocks-SGR) with 33 shrimp/m2. In the second one, the animals were tested in three stock densities (26, 52 and 66 shrimp/m2) in fine sand substrate. At the end of experiment, biometry (first and second ones) and haemocyte count (second one) were made. The behavior of the L. vannamei seems to have been influenced by substrate and stocking density. In low granulometry of the substrate; the exploratory behavior became more frequent and inactivity of the shrimps was reduced. Burrowing was registered in sand substrate, specially in the initial period of the day. Cleaning was gradually higher along the day, presenting the biggest levels as the dark phase approached. The ingestion of feeding was more frequent in low density, and the animals were bigger and heavier at the end of the experiment. In the fine sand condition, the animals presented better growth, probably associated with the burrowing. The molting was equivalent in all types of substrate, but it was more frequent in high densities. Mortality of the shrimps was more frequent in high densities, and cannibalism and diseases were also registered in that condition. The clinical signals were similar to the ones of infectious mionecrosis (IMNV), generally associated with environment and physical stress. The haemocyte count was low for the hematologic standards of the penaeid, which we attributed for greater dilution of haemolymph in the postmolting phase. Smaller shrimps presented lower levels of haemocytes in relation to the bigger animals, count was also low in 26 shrimp/m2 density. The study demonstrates that stocking density and the granulometry of the substrate can affect the welfare, the health and the behavior of the L. vannamei. The sand substrate and low stocking density can be important tools in the management systems of shrimp production

Aspectos da produtividade do feijão correlacionados com atributos físicos do solo sob elevado nível tecnológico de manejo

No ano agrícola de 2006/07, no município de Selvíria (MS), foi analisada a produtividade do feijão em função de alguns atributos físicos de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, cultivado nas condições de elevado nível tecnológico de manejo pelo sistema plantio direto irrigado com pivô central. O objetivo foi selecionar, entre os atributos pesquisados do solo, aquele com a melhor representatividade para explicar a variabilidade da produtividade agrícola. Foi instalada a malha geoestatística, para a coleta de dados do solo e da planta, com 117 pontos amostrais, numa área de 2.025 m² e declive homogêneo de 0,055 m m-1. do ponto de vista linear e espacial, a produtividade de feijão foi explicada em função da densidade de partículas e da umidade gravimétrica do solo, respectivamente. Assim, os valores de densidade de partículas entre 1,95 e 2,20 kg dm-3 e de umidade gravimétrica entre 0,205 e 0,239 kg kg-1; ambas coletadas na camada intermediária, resultaram em sítios com as mais elevadas produtividades (2.200-2.600 kg ha-1). Entretanto, para as condições do elevado nível tecnológico de manejo empregado, a produtividade média do feijão não atingiu seu máximo potencial, uma vez que o agravado estado de compactação no qual o solo se encontrava proporcionou à produtividade redução de 26,6 %. Dessa forma, os valores médios da densidade do solo e da resistência do solo à penetração, respectivamente nas faixas de 1,36-1,41 kg dm-3 e de 1,56-3,24 MPa, típicos de solos argilosos compactados, atestaram a substancial queda da produtividade de grãos de feijão.

Sucessão de culturas e sua influência nas propriedades físicas do solo e na produtividade do feijoeiro de inverno irrigado, em diferentes sistemas de manejo do solo

As propriedades físicas do solo podem ser alteradas mediante diferentes sistemas de manejo do solo e cultivo adotados. Assim, o presente trabalho foi desenvolvido em 2003/04, na região de Cerrado do Mato Grosso Sul, em Selvíria (MS), objetivando-se avaliar a produção de massa seca, porcentagem de recobrimento do solo e a influência de sucessões de culturas e sistemas de manejo nas propriedades físicas de um Latossolo Vermelho e na produtividade do feijoeiro de inverno irrigado. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualisados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com quatro blocos. As parcelas foram constituídas pelos sistemas de manejo do solo - grade pesada, escarificador e plantio direto, e as subparcelas por seis sucessões implantadas no verão - milho, milho + mucuna-preta, milho + braquiária, soja, arroz e Crotalaria juncea. A cultura do feijão foi semeada após a colheita/manejo das plantas cultivadas no verão. C. juncea, milho + mucuna-preta, milho + braquiária e milho, independentemente do manejo do solo utilizado, constituem adequadas opções de sucessão de culturas, mediante alta produção de massa seca e recobrimento do solo. No plantio direto, comparado aos demais sistemas de manejo estudados, é causada compactação na camada superficial, mediante redução da macroporosidade. Com exceção da macroporosidade na camada mais superficial (0-0,1 m), as propriedades umidade, macroporosidade, microporosidade e porosidade total do solo não são influenciadas pelos sistemas de manejo do solo. Apesar de efeitos diferentes em alguns componentes de produção do feijoeiro devido a determinado manejo do solo ou sucessão de culturas, isso não repercute na produtividade do feijoeiro de inverno irrigado.

Manejo de irrigação por aspersão com base no Kc e adubação mineral na cultura de arroz de terras altas

A irrigação por aspersão diminui bastante o risco de perda da lavoura por deficiência hídrica e aumenta a produtividade de grãos, incentivando maior uso de tecnologias como adubação mineral. Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes manejos da água da irrigação por aspersão com base no coeficiente de cultura (Kc) e da adubação mineral sobre a cultura do arroz cv. IAC 201, foram instalados dois experimentos em Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico, em Selvíria (MS). O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de precipitação pluvial natural e três manejos de água fornecidos por aspersão. O manejo (M2) foi realizado com base no Kc do arroz de terras altas. Os manejos M1 e M3 foram definidos como 0,5 e 1,5 vezes os Kcs utilizados em M2 respectivamente. em 1995/96, utilizou-se o esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo as subparcelas constituídas por dois níveis de adubação: AD1 - 12 kg de N, 90 kg de P2O5 e 30 kg de K2O ha-1, e AD2 - 24 kg de N, 180 kg de P2O5 e 60 kg de K2O ha-1. A deficiência hídrica da emergência da plântula até a diferenciação do primórdio da panícula provocou aumento do ciclo e redução do porte da planta. A deficiência hídrica entre os estádios de diferenciação do primórdio da panícula e os de emborrachamento reduziu o número de espiguetas por panícula. A utilização de 1,5 vezes os valores de Kc recomendados, no manejo da irrigação por aspersão proporcionou maior produtividade de grãos. Os níveis de adubação utilizados não influenciaram a resposta da cultura ao manejo da irrigação por aspersão.

Manejo de água em arroz de terras altas no sitema de plantio direto, usando o tanque classe A

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o efeito do manejo de água em cultivares de arroz de terras altas no sistema de plantio direto, usando o tanque Classe A. Os tratamentos consistiram na combinação de três manejos (sequeiro e duas lâminas) e duas cultivares (Confiança e Maravilha), com quatro repetições. A irrigação proporcionou aumento na altura de plantas, massa de 100 grãos, massa hectolítrica, produtividade de grãos, rendimento de benefício e redução do número de dias para o florescimento e ciclo total da cultura. Os valores adotados de coeficientes de cultura não influenciam nas características fenológicas e produtivas da cultura. A produtividade de grãos não diferiu entre as cultivares Confiança e Maravilha.

Manejo do solo, água e nitrogênio no cultivo de feijão

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