Evaluación de la palatabilidad de Eugenia myrtifolia, justicia carnea y monstera deliciosa con potencial para la alimentación de marimonda (Ateles fusciceps robustus), en la fundación zoológico Santacruz, Cundinamarca

Tesis (Zootecnista). -- Universidad de La Salle. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Programa de Zootecnia, 2013

Ecologia e comportamento de Callitrichidae (Primates) no Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro

Espécies exóticas são consideradas a segunda maior ameaça ao meio ambiente, sendo um risco às espécies nativas devido à predação, competição, hibridação e transmissão de patógenos. Callithrix jacchus e Callithrix penicillata são espécies exóticas amplamente difundidas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. No presente estudo, dados comportamentais e ecológicos foram amostrados entre Setembro de 2008 e Agosto de 2009 usando-se o método animal focal com amostragem instantânea, acompanhando sete grupos mistos de Callithrix spp. no arboreto do Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (JBRJ). A densidade dos saguis foi estimada em cerca de 130 indivíduos por Km2. Na dieta, foram identificadas 51 espécies arbóreas fontes de exsudatos e 39 espécies fontes de frutos, folhas, flores e néctar. Os saguis se alimentaram também de invertebrados, pequenos vertebrados, e alimentos direta ou indiretamente fornecidos por visitantes do JBRJ. O consumo de exsudatos foi maior na estação mais seca, e de frutos e insetos na estação mais chuvosa. Os saguis utilizaram mais os estratos verticais intermediários e sub-bosque nas suas atividades diárias, e áreas protegidas por epífitas no dossel de 30 espécies diferentes de árvores como locais de dormida. Os saguis apresentaram relações interespecíficas harmônicas, neutras e desarmônicas com diversas espécies de aves e mamíferos. A dispersão de sementes de árvores exóticas e o uso exagerado de espécimes vegetais para gomivoria pelos saguis podem afetar a integridade da coleção do JBRJ. A alta densidade de saguis e predação de espécies da fauna local podem afetar o equilíbrio da comunidade faunística. Com base nas observações in situ, as espécies alóctones C. jacchus e C. penicillata causam danos e necessitam de manejo, que deve ser estudado e implementado para o controle criterioso de suas populações.

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

A Need for FSH in Maintaining Fertility of Adult Male Subhuman Primates

Adult fertile male bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata) were continuously deprived of endogenous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) support for 240 days by injecting them with 1 ml of characterized monkey antiserum to oFSH every 48 hr; control monkeys received during the same period normal monkey serum instead. Testicular function was assessed at periodic intervals by (a) carrying out differential counting of sperm in the ejaculate obtained and (b) determining the hyaluronidase activity as well as in vitro 3H thymidine incorporation into DNA of testicular tissue removed at biopsy. Both the quality (viability and motility) of the sperms voided and the total sperm counts showed marked decreases as a function of time of immunization, the first significant reduction being noted by 100 days. FSH deprivation affected both the biochemical parameters used to test testicular functionality they being reduced at ∼200 days by 50%-60%. The fertility of these monkeys was evaluated at periodic times after 90 days of treatment by means of mating studies. FSH deprivation had rendered the monkeys incapable of impregnating any of the females used. Testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels remained unchanged following FSH antiserum injection. With cessation of antiserum treatment testicular function and fertility were completely restored to normalcy, indicating that the observed effect was specifically due to FSH deprivation. This study thus provides conclusive evidence for the involvement of FSH in maintenance of testicular function and fertility in the adult male primate.

Mitochondrial and nuclear markers suggest Hanuman langur (Primates: Colobinae) polyphyly: Implications for their species status

Recent molecular studies on langurs of the Indian subcontinent suggest that the widely-distributed and morphologically variable Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus) are polyphyletic with respect to Nilgiri and urple-faced langurs. To further investigate this scenario, we have analyzed additional sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome b as well as nuclear protamine P1 genes from these species. The results confirm Hanuman langur polyphyly in the mitochondrial tree and the nuclear markers suggest that the Hanuman langurs share protamine P1 alleles with Nilgiri and purple-faced langurs. We recommend provisional splitting of the so-called Hanuman langurs into three species such that the taxonomy is consistent with their evolutionary relationships.

Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of langurs and leaf monkeys of South Asia (Primates: Colobinae)

The two recently proposed taxonomies of the langurs and leaf monkeys (Subfamily Colobinae) provide different implications to our understanding of the evolution of Nilgiri and purple-faced langurs. Groves (2001) [Groves, C.P., 2001. Primate Taxonomy. Smithsonian Institute Press, Washington], placed Nilgiri and purple-faced langurs in the genus Trachypithecus, thereby suggesting disjunct distribution of the genus Trachypithecus. [Brandon-Jones, D., Eudey, A.A., Geissmann, T., Groves, C.P., Melnick, D.J., Morales, J.C., Shekelle, M., Stewart, C.-B., 2003. Asian primate classification. Int. J. Primatol. 25, 97–162] placed these langurs in the genus Semnopithecus, which suggests convergence of morphological characters in Nilgiri and purple-faced langurs with Trachypithecus. To test these scenarios, we sequenced and analyzed the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and two nuclear DNA-encoded genes, lysozyme and protamine P1, from a variety of colobine species. All three markers support the clustering of Nilgiri and purple-faced langurs with Hanuman langur (Semnopithecus), while leaf monkeys of Southeast Asian (Trachypithecus) form a distinct clade. The phylogenetic position of capped and golden leaf monkeys is still unresolved. It is likely that this species group might have evolved due to past hybridization between Semnopithecus and Trachypithecus clades.

Relative ability of ovine follicle stimulating hormone and its beta-subunit to generate antibodies having bioneutralization potential in nonhuman primates

The relative ability of ovine follicle stimulating hormone and its beta-subunit, two potential candidates for male contraceptive vaccine, to generate antibodies in monkeys capable of bioneutralizing follicle stimulating hormone was assessed using in vitro model systems. Antiserum against native ovine follicle stimulating hormone was found to be highly specific to the intact form with no cross-reactivity with either of the two subunits while the antiserum against beta-subunit of follicle stimulating hormone could bind to the beta-subunit in its free form as well as when it is combined with alpha-subunit to form the intact hormone. Both antisera could block the binding of the hormone to the receptor if the hormone was preincubated with the antibody. However, the follicle stimulating hormone beta-antisera could only inhibit the binding of the hormone partially (33 percent inhibition) if the antibody and receptor were mixed prior to the addition of the hormone, while antisera to the native follicle stimulating hormone could block the binding completely (100 percent inhibition) in the same experiment. Similarly antisera to the native follicle stimulating hormone was significantly effective in blocking (100 percent) response to follicle stimulating hormone but not the beta-subunit antisera (0 percent) as checked using an in vitro granulosa cell system. Thus the probability of obtaining antibodies of greater bioneutralization potential is much higher if intact hormone is used as an antigen rather than its beta-subunit as a vaccine.

A model for tool-use traditions in primates: implications for the coevolution of culture and cognition

Inspired by the demonstration that tool-use variants among wild chimpanzees and orangutans qualify as traditions (or cultures), we developed a formal model to predict the incidence of these acquired specializations among wild primates and to examine the evolution of their underlying abilities. We assumed that the acquisition of the skill by an individual in a social unit is crucially controlled by three main factors, namely probability of innovation, probability of socially biased learning, and the prevailing social conditions (sociability, or number of potential experts at close proximity). The model reconfirms the restriction of customary tool use in wild primates to the most intelligent radiation, great apes; the greater incidence of tool use in more sociable populations of orangutans and chimpanzees; and tendencies toward tool manufacture among the most sociable monkeys. However, it also indicates that sociable gregariousness is far more likely to produce the maintenance of invented skills in a population than solitary life, where the mother is the only accessible expert. We therefore used the model to explore the evolution of the three key parameters. The most likely evolutionary scenario is that where complex skills contribute to fitness, sociability and/or the capacity for socially biased learning increase, whereas innovative abilities (i.e., intelligence) follow indirectly. We suggest that the evolution of high intelligence will often be a byproduct of selection on abilities for socially biased learning that are needed to acquire important skills, and hence that high intelligence should be most common in sociable rather than solitary organisms. Evidence for increased sociability during hominin evolution is consistent with this new hypothesis. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Typical and atypical domain combinations in human protein kinases: functions, disease causing mutations and conservation in other primates

Ser/Thr and Tyr protein kinases orchestrate many signalling pathways and hence loss in this balance leads to many disease phenotypes. Due to their high abundance, diversity and importance, efforts have been made in the past to classify kinases and annotate their functions at both gross and fine levels. These kinases are conventionally classified into subfamilies based on the sequences of catalytic domains. Usually the domain architecture of a full-length kinase is consistent with the subfamily classification made based on the sequence of kinase domain. Important contributions of modular domains to the overall function of the kinase are well known. Recently occurrence of two kinds of outlier kinases-''Hybrid'' and ``Rogue'' has been reported. These show considerable deviations in their domain architectures from the typical domain architecture known for the classical kinase subfamilies. This article provides an overview of the different subfamilies of human kinases and the role of non-kinase domains in functions and diseases. Importantly this article provides analysis of hybrid and rogue kinases encoded in the human genome and highlights their conservation in closely related primate species. These kinases are examples of elegant rewiring to bring about subtle functional differences compared to canonical variants.

Primates, Provisioning and Plants: Impacts of Human Cultural Behaviours on Primate Ecological Functions

Human provisioning of wildlife with food is a widespread global practice that occurs in multiple socio-cultural circumstances. Provisioning may indirectly alter ecosystem functioning through changes in the eco-ethology of animals, but few studies have quantified this aspect. Provisioning of primates by humans is known to impact their activity budgets, diets and ranging patterns. Primates are also keystone species in tropical forests through their role as seed dispersers; yet there is no information on how provisioning might affect primate ecological functions. The rhesus macaque is a major human-commensal species but is also an important seed disperser in the wild. In this study, we investigated the potential impacts of provisioning on the role of rhesus macaques as seed dispersers in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, India. We studied a troop of macaques which were provisioned for a part of the year and were dependent on natural resources for the rest. We observed feeding behaviour, seed handling techniques and ranging patterns of the macaques and monitored availability of wild fruits. Irrespective of fruit availability, frugivory and seed dispersal activities decreased when the macaques were provisioned. Provisioned macaques also had shortened daily ranges implying shorter dispersal distances. Finally, during provisioning periods, seeds were deposited on tarmac roads that were unconducive for germination. Provisioning promotes human-primate conflict, as commensal primates are often involved in aggressive encounters with humans over resources, leading to negative consequences for both parties involved. Preventing or curbing provisioning is not an easy task as feeding wild animals is a socio-cultural tradition across much of South and South-East Asia, including India. We recommend the initiation of literacy programmes that educate lay citizens about the ill-effects of provisioning and strongly caution them against the practice.

Determinación preliminar de los principales alimentos que conforman la dieta de las gallinas criadas en libertad, en comunidades rurales del Municipio del Sauce, Departamento de León, Nicaragua

El estudio se realizo en tres comunidades rurales del Municipio del Sauce. León, Nicaragua, con el objetivo de determinar de manera preliminar, los principales alimentos que de manera espontánea consumen las gallinas criadas en libertad por los campesinos. A través de análisis estereoscópicos de las heces, se determinaron las principales clases de plantas y ordenes de insectos consumidos. El estudio se realizó en dos fases, una de observación de muestras recolectadas en el campo y otra consistente en la revisión de excretas procedentes de pruebas de alimentación controladas. Esto último se realizo para fijar patrones de comparación y obtener valores a ser utilizados en la determinación de factores de ajustes que se emplearon en las determinaciones de las proporciones de peso seco de los alimentos en la dieta. Lo anterior se apoyo con observaciones in situ y observaciones de los contenidos de los buches de individuos que fueron sacrificados para la identificación de las principales especies de plantas que las aves consumen durante el pastoreo. Con los porcentajes de fragmentos cuantificados por comarca y época del año, de los alimentos que se encontraron constantes en la dieta de las gallinas, se realizo un análisis de varianza. Se encontró que las gallinas consumen unas 20 especies de plantas dicotiledóneas, y 10 especies de monocotiledóneas .Referente a los insectos se identificaron seis ordenes y dentro de ellos 24 especies, siendo los ordenes Coleópteros y Himenópteros, los que permanente mente forman parte de la dieta de las gallinas. Se registro también el consumo por parte de las gallinas, de otros animales como arácnidos, moluscos y mamíferos. En las proporciones de peso seco dentro de la dieta, correspondió a las monocotiledóneas el mayor porcentaje relativo por año con 1.9%, (dentro de los cuatro alimentos principales identificados), que por comarcas alcanzo 3.07 % en Los Panales y por época 2.8 % en el periodo de lluvias. Tales porcentajes en los insectos fueron mayores en los formícidos (Himenóptera), los cuales, en la comarca El Guayabo, llegaron a 0.25 %, por época alcanzaron en el verano 0.32 % y durante el año en promedio 0.14 %. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas significativas por época, y por comarca en cuanto a la presencia de fragmentos de plantas monocotiledóneas y dicotiledóneas, al igual que insectos del orden Coleóptero. En el caso de Formícidos del orden Himenóptera, se encontraron diferencias altamente significativas entre épocas, ( α = 0.0.1). La prueba de separación de medias de Tukey indico que estos insectos tienen mayor presencia en la época de verano.

Disponibilidad y acceso a los alimentos de pobladores rurales del municipio de San José de Cusmapa, Madriz en el año 2008

El tema disponibilidad y acceso se enmarca dentro de la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional; específicamente, es un análisis de las variables disponibilidad, acceso y aprovechamiento de alimentos de los pobladores rurales del Municipio de San José de Cusmapa (El Mojón, El Rodeo, Los Llanitos, Los á n geles I, II III, San Francisco de Imires y La Fuente). En el estudio se planteó disponer de información respecto a la situación alimentaria de la localidad, para que los decisores orienten líneas, políticas y estrategias en función de mejorar la calidad de vida de los pobladores rurales del municipio. La metodología utilizada fue participativa con pobladores rurales de San José, líderes comunales, representantes de ONG’s, autoridades municipales, del Ministerio de Educación y Salud. Ellos brindaron información que fue recopilada a través de la observación, encuestas y entrevistas que luego, fue analizada y presentada ante las autoridades locales de las cuales surgieron sugerencias que fueron incorporadas al estudio. Se seleccionó a las comunidades de San José de Cusmapa porque representan el 87.1% de extrema pobreza, según mapa de pobreza de Nicaragua realizado en el 2001. Con relación a la variable disponibilidad, los resultados demostraron que el 71.4% de la población no logra satisfacer sus necesidades alimenticias, cifra coincidente con el estudio de pobreza del 2001. Respecto al acceso a los alimentos, sólo un 10.2% de pobladores tiene un acceso pleno y suficiente a los mismos; el 79.6% sólo a medias lo logra, y el 10.2% lo hace de forma insuficiente. Sobre higiene uso y aprovechamiento de los alimentos, un 93.9% de la población conoce y hace uso adecuado de los mismos. Ello se explica porque la mayoría de los pobladores han recibido capacitación al respecto. San José de Cusmapa presenta una aguda situación de inseguridad alimentaria, debido a que solo un 28.6% de sus pobladores dispone de alimentos seguros y estables; un 10.2% tiene acceso a los alimentos y el 90% aprovecha y utiliza higiénicamente los alimentos poco disponible y accesible. Los factores de riesgos de la seguridad alimentaria están asociados a las prolongadas sequías, insuficientes factores de producción, bajo rendimiento de cultivos, alta incidencia de plagas y enfermedades, escasez de fuentes de agua y semillas, poca presencia y apoyo de organizaciones y los altos precios de los alimentos.

Inocuidad de los alimentos

La Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA), pone en manos de la comunidad educativa superior nicaragüense y en manos de la sociedad en general, el libro de texto Inocuidad de los alimentos, cuya autoría corresponde a la médico veterinaria Varinia Paredes V. MSc., miembro del claustro de profesores de la Facultad de Ciencia Animal. El documento está en correspondencia con las temáticas que se abordan en el Curso Inocuidad de los Alimentos, de la Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria de la facultad en mención. La profesora Paredes ha sido una estudiosa de principios generales que rigen la inspección veterinaria de los alimentos, las enfermedades que pueden ser transmitidas por éstos y la inocuidad de los productos de origen animal. En su obra analiza las causas de las alteraciones a la salud provocadas por los alimentos y las alteraciones de los mismos. Nos pone en perspectiva los métodos para la conservación de los alimentos y luego analiza cada uno de los productos alimenticios de origen animal enfatizando en las buenas prácticas para la obtención de productos inocuos durante la industrialización de los mismos. Al final del texto, la autora incluye información sobre normas internacionales básicas para la industria de los alimentos, enfatizando sobre la importancia y beneficio de dichas normas.