Evaluating Thermal Infrared Drone Flight Parameters on Spider Monkey Detection in Tropical Forests.

Geoffroy's spider monkeys, an endangered, fast-moving arboreal primate species with a large home range and a high degree of fission-fusion dynamics, are challenging to survey in their natural habitats. Our objective was to evaluate how different flight parameters affect the detectability of spider monkeys in videos recorded by a drone equipped with a thermal infrared camera and examine the level of agreement between coders. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the impact of flight speed (2, 4, 6 m/s), flight height (40, 50 m above ground level), and camera angle (-45°, -90°) on spider monkey counts in a closed-canopy forest in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our results indicate that none of the three flight parameters affected the number of detected spider monkeys. Agreement between coders was "substantial" (Fleiss' kappa coefficient = 0.61-0.80) in most cases for high thermal-contrast zones. Our study contributes to the development of standardized flight protocols, which are essential to obtain accurate data on the presence and abundance of wild populations. Based on our results, we recommend performing drone surveys for spider monkeys and other medium-sized arboreal mammals with a small commercial drone at a 4 m/s speed, 15 m above canopy height, and with a -90° camera angle. However, these recommendations may vary depending on the size and noise level produced by the drone model.

Relationships between temperament, meat quality, and carcass traits in Nellore cattle1.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between temperament in Nellore bulls with carcass and meat quality traits. In total, 1,400 bulls were studied, and temperament was assessed using two measurements: movement score (MOV) and flight speed test (FS). Both MOV and FS were measured at two time points, with background (MOVb and FSb) temperament measured at yearling age, ~550 d after birth, and the preslaughter (MOVps and FSps) temperament measured at the end of the feedlot period. The change of temperament resulting in an increase or decrease in reactivity was also used to measure meat quality. The traits used to define carcass and meat quality included carcass bruises (BRU), hot carcass weight (HCW, kg), ribeye area (REA, cm2), backfat thickness (BFT, cm), marbling score (MS), meat pH after thawing (pH), presence or absence of dark cutters, color parameters of luminosity (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), cooking loss (CL, %), and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF, kg). A principal component (PC) analysis was initially applied to the carcass and meat quality traits, followed by logistic regression models and linear mixed models to evaluate the effects of temperament on carcass and meat quality. The risks of carcass bruises and dark cutters did not differ as a function of any temperament trait (P > 0.05). In turn, animals classified as high MOVb (reactive) had lower PC3 values (P = 0.05), CL (P = 0.02), and tended to have lower MS (P = 0.08). In addition, animals classified as high FSb (faster and reactive cattle) produced carcasses with smaller REA (P < 0.01), higher meat pH (P < 0.01), lower color gradients (L*, P = 0.04; b*, P < 0.01), and lower PC1 and PC4 scores (P < 0.01) when compared with the low FSb class. For preslaughter temperament, high MOVps was related to lower color a* (P = 0.04), whereas high FSps was related to lower HCW, MS, and PC2 (P < 0.01) than the calmer ones (low FSps). The reduction in MOV was related to more tender meat, and the reduction in FS to heavier carcass and brighter meat. We conclude that excitable temperament in Nellore cattle may have negative effects in some of the carcass and meat quality attributes assessed, mainly those related to muscle deposition on carcass and color gradients. Measurement of temperament before the cattle entered the feedlot was a better predictor of carcass and meat quality traits, compared with temperament assessment at the end of the feeding period.

Lairage time effect on meat quality in Hereford steers in rangeland conditions

This study evaluated lairage time effects on carcass and meat quality traits of Hereford steers. Thirty Hereford steers fed on pasture were assigned to two treatments according to lairage time: 3 h (n = 15) and 12 h (n = 15). Individual temperament was assessed using crush score and flight speed. pH decline, glycogen content, meat color, and shear force were measured. pH was not different between treatments at any time point, showing a normal decline rate. Meat color and shear force did not differ between treatments, but muscle glycogen was lower in treatment with 3 h, not enough to affect quality but suggesting a higher level of stress in 3 h lairage time. Temperament did not have any impact on carcass and meat quality traits. No differences were found in pH, color, and tenderness between treatments, but the lower muscle glycogen concentrations for the shorter lairage suggest a higher risk regarding meat quality.(AU)

Polymorphisms of the Dopamine beta-hidroxylase gene and its association with bovine temperament / Polimorfismos del gen Dopamina beta hidroxilasa y su asociación con temperamento bovino / Polimorfismos no gene dopamina beta hidroxilase e sua associação com temperamento bovino

Temperament in bovines is defined as behavior in response to human handling and is influenced by the sympatheticadrenal system. The bovine Dopamine beta-hidroxylase (DBH) gene is located on chromosome 11 and codes for the Dopamine beta hidroxylase enzyme, essential por the synthesis of this neurotransmitter. Simple nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been identified on exon 12, possibly associated with changes in bovine temperament. The aim of this study was to find polymorphisms in this region and associate them with temperament traits in BON (Blanco Orejinegro - Bos taurus taurus), fighting bulls (Bos taurus taurus) and Brahman (Bos taurus indicus) cattle breeds. A total of 80 individuals were used to evaluate chute behavior (CB) and flight speed (VS), and in 52 of them a 702bp fragment in exon 12 of the gene was sequenced, identifying 22 haplotypes. The mínimum number of haplotypes (4), the lowest nucleotide diversity (0,0012±0,0011) and the highest fixed loci number were found on fighting bulls. Moderate differentiation between the populations was observed with the lowest genetic distance (FST=0.03309) between Bos taurus taurus breeds. Differences in VS were observed (p<0.05) being lower in BON males than in Brahman (1.45±0.61 and 2.02±0.74 respectively) and in Brahman females than in Fighting bull females (1.05±0.58 y 2.23±0.80 respectively). Even though no association with the genetic plymorphisms was found, a posible influence of selection in exon 12 is suggested which may influence in other behavioral characteristics.

El temperamento en bovinos se define como el comportamiento en respuesta a la manipulación humana y está influenciado por el sistema simpático adrenal. El gen DBH (Dopamina beta hidroxilasa) bovino está ubicado en el cromosoma 11 y codifica para la Dopamina beta hidroxilasa (DBH), enzima indispensable para la síntesis de este neurotransmisor. Se han identificado polimorfismos de nucleótido simple en el exón 12, posiblemente asociados a cambios en el temperamento en bovinos. El objetivo de este estudio fue encontrar polimorfismos en dicha región y asociarlos con rasgos de temperamento en las razas Blanco orejinegro (BON - Bos taurus taurus), de lidia (Bos taurus taurus) y brahman (Bos taurus indicus). Se utilizaron 80 individuos para evaluar comportamiento en brete (CB) y velocidad de salida (VS), y en 52 de ellos se secuenció un fragmento de 702 pb en el exón 12 del gen identificando 22 haplotipos. El menor número de haplotipos (4), la menor diversidad nucleotídica (0,0012±0,0011) y el mayor número de loci fijos se presentaron en bovinos de Lidia. Hubo moderada diferenciación entre las poblaciones con la menor distancia genética (FST=0,03309) presente entre las razas Bos taurus. Se presentaron diferencias (p <0,05) en VS, siendo ésta menor en machos BON que en Brahman (1,45±0,61 y 2,02±0,74 respectivamente) y en hembras Brahman que en hembras de Lidia (1,05±0,58 y 2,23±0,80 respectivamente). Aunque no se presentó asociación con los polimorfismos genéticos encontrados, se sugiere una posible influencia de fuerzas de selección en el exón 12 que podría influir en otras características comportamentales.

O temperamento em bovinos se define como o comportamento em resposta a manipulação humana e está influenciado pelo sistema simpático adrenal. O gene DBH bovino está localizado no cromossomo 11 e codifica para a dopamina beta hidroxilase (DBH), enzima indispensável para a síntese de este neurotransmissor. Tem se identificado polimorfismos de nucleotídeo simples no éxon 12, possivelmente associados a mudanças no temperamento em bovinos. O objetivo de este estudo foi buscar possíveis polimorfismos no éxon 12 do gene DBH e avaliar sua associação com características de temperamento nas raças Blanco Orejinegro (BON - Bos taurus taurus), de Lídia (Bos taurus taurus e zebu Brahman (Bos taurus indicus). Se utilizaram 80 indivíduos para avaliar o comportamento no curral (CB) e velocidade de saída (VS). Em 52 deles sequenciou-se um fragmento de 702 pb no éxon 12 do gene DBH identificando 22 haplotipos. O menor número de haplótipo (4), a menor diversidade nucleotídica (0,0012±0,0011) e o maior número de loci fixos apresentaram-se em bovinos de Lídia. Houve moderada diferenciação entre as populações com a menor distancia genética (FST=0,03309) presente entre as raças Bos Taurus. Apresentaram-se diferenças (p <0,05) em VS, sendo esta menor em machos BON que em Brahman (1,45±0,61 e 2,02±0,74 respectivamente) e em fêmeas Brahman que de Lídia (1,05±0,58 y 2,23±0,80 respectivamente). Ainda que não se apresentou associação com os polimorfismos genéticos encontrados, sugere-se uma possível influência de forças de seleção no éxon 12 que poderia influenciar em outras características comportamentais..

Genetic associations between temperament and performance traits in Nellore beef cattle.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic associations between temperament and performance traits. Temperament was evaluated in yearling male and female Nellore cattle, using four traits: temperament score (TS), for assessing animals' reactions in a corral pen (n = 25,691); movement score (MOV), for animals' movements recorded inside the crush; crush score (CS), for animal's general reactivity inside the crush; and flight speed (FS), for the speed (in m/s) at which the animals exited the crush (n = 11,697, for the last three methods); for all the temperament traits, lower scores indicate animals with calmer temperament. Performance traits were visual scores for conformation (C), finishing precocity (P) and muscling (M) evaluated at yearlings, and average daily gain (ADG) was estimated from weaning to yearling. Bayesian inference using Gibbs sampling was applied to estimate (co)variance components and genetic and phenotypic parameters. Heritability estimates for the temperament traits ranged from 0.07 (CS) to 0.28 (FS). Genetic correlations of the temperament traits with ADG and C, P and M were negative and ranged from -0.02 to -0.31. Phenotypic correlations were negative and consistently lower than the genetic, ranging from -0.08 to -0.02. It was concluded that the temperament traits assessed had favourable genetic correlation estimates with the performance traits studied. However, indirect responses in temperament when selecting for higher ADG and visual scoring system of C, P and M, will be low.

Reatividade, temperatura corporal e taxa de concepção em fêmeas da raça Nelore submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo / Reactivity, body temperature and rate conception in Nellore females submitted to fixed-time artificial insemination

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as respostas comportamentais e fisiológicas, em novilhas e vacas Nelore, submetidas à protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) de três manejos. Foram utilizadas 426 fêmeas bovinas nulíparas, primíparas e multíparas, com 30 à 90 dias de período pós-parto. O estudo decorreu entre os meses de novembro de 2011 e março de 2012, durante a estação reprodutiva. As variáveis registradas foram: velocidade de fuga (VS) em metros por segundo (m/s) e através de escores; escore de movimentação, respiração, coices e mugidos, no brete de contenção, para determinação do escore composto de reatividade (ECR); temperatura do ar, umidade do ar e temperatura do globo negro à sombra, para cálculo do índice de temperatura de globo negro e umidade (ITGU); escore de condição corporal (ECC); temperatura retal (TR); e diagnóstico de gestação (DG). O ECC, escore de VS e ECR foram analisados por testes não paramétricos. Os dados de ITGU, VS em m/s-1, TR e DG, foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey. Correlação de Pearson foi empregada entre VS em m/s-1 e VS por escore e a correlação de Spearman para escore de VS e ECR. As médias de ITGU foram maiores para o período da tarde (P0,05). No segundo e terceiro manejo, houve alta correlação entre VS em m/s-1 e em escore (P<0,0001). Houve aumento do ECR do primeiro para o segundo dia de manejo, com estabilização do segundo para o terceiro (P<0,05). Novilhas foram mais reativas que as vacas no dia da inseminação artificial (P<0,0001). O ITGU influenciou na reatividade, sendo que, quanto maior o ITGU, maior foi o ECR (P<0,05). Também houve correlação positiva entre escore de VS e ECR (P<0,003). Novilhas apresentaram melhor ECC que as vacas (P<0,0012). O ITGU também influenciou a TR (P<0,01). Quanto maior o ITGU maior foi a TR dos animais. Novilhas apresentaram maiores TR que as vacas (P<0,01). O ECR não teve efeito sobre a TR (P=0,5550). Não houve efeito dos lotes, categoria animal, ECC, ITGU, TR, ECR e VS em escore, sobre a taxa de concepção de vacas e novilhas. Conclui-se que a reatividade pode ser influenciada pelo manejo, idade do animal e pelo conforto térmico. Nas condições que este experimento foi realizado, a taxa de concepção não foi influenciada pela condição corporal, ITGU no momento da inseminação artificial, reatividade e nem pelo escore de velocidade de fuga.

The objective of the present study was to assess the behavioral and physiological responses in Nellore heifers and cows submited to fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) of three handling. We used a total of 426 cows and heifers nulliparous, primiparous and multiparous, 30 to 90 days postpartum. The study occurred between the months of November 2011 and March 2012, during the breeding season. The variables recorded were: exit velocity (EV) in meters per second (m/s-1) and by scores: movements, respiratory rate, kicking and mooing in squeeze chute, to determine the reactivity score (RS), air temperature, air humidity and black globe temperature in the shade, to calculate the index of black globe temperature and humidity (BGHI), body condition score (BCS), rectal temperature (RT), and pregnancy diagnosis (PD). The BCS, EV score and RS were analyzed by nonparametric tests. Data from BGHI, EV m/s-1, RT and PD were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey test. Pearson correlation was used between EV m/s-1 and score of EV and the Spearman correlation was used for EV and RS. The average of BGHI were higher for the afternoon (P0.05). In the second and third handling, there was a high correlation between EV in m/s-1 and score (P<0.0001). An increase of the RS from the first to the second day of handling, stabilizing the second to the third (P<0.05). Heifers were more reactive than cows on the day of artificial insemination (P<0.0001). The BGHI influence the reactivity, and the greater the BGHI, the higher the RS (P<0.05). There was also a positive correlation between EV and reactivity score (P<0.003). Heifers had better BCS cows (P<0.0012). The BGHI also influenced RT (P<0.01). The largest BGHI, causes increases in RT of the animals. Heifers had higher RT than cows (P<0.01). The RS had no effect on the RT (P=0.5550). No effect of lots, animal category, BCS, BGHI, RT, RS and EV in score on the conception rate of cows and heifers. It is concluded that the reactivity can be influenced by handling, age and the thermal comfort. Under the conditions that this experiment was conducted, the conception rate was not influenced by body condition, BGHI at the time of artificial insemination, reactivity and score of exit velocity.