Africanization of Melliferous Bees (Apis mellifera.L.) Bibliographic Review

Context: The hybridization process (Africanization) of European bees with African bees is a problem for apiculture farmers in the Americas, due to high swarming levels and defensiveness. The latter hinders colony handling, and has caused accidents to people and animals, increasing the risks of beekeeping. In this sense, there is a need for genetic breeding of melliferous bees, and previous identification of subspecies. Aim: To evaluate the origin of melliferous bees (Apis mellifera), and the process of Africanization and dispersion of Africanized bees throughout the Americas, as well as methods of identification. Methods: The databases of Sciencedirect, Google-Scholar, Scopus, and NCBI were reviewed under the following key words, Apis mellifera, Apis, Africanized bees, geometric morphometrics, mitochondrial DNA. Special emphasis was paid to papers published within the last five years. Results: The origin and distribution of melliferous bees, and the Africanization and dispersion processes of Africanized bees were described. Additionally, the evolution of methods for the characterization of Apis mellifera species were updated. Conclusions: Africanization can be considered the most important process in the transformation of conduct and morphological features of melliferous bees, which allowed for their rapid dispersion in the Americas. The identification methods based on parents are essential to know possible process of genetic erosion, and to present strategies for bee conservation and breeding in every region

Africanización de la abeja melífera (Apis mellifera L.). Revisión de Literatura

Contexto: El proceso de hibridación (africanización) de la abeja europea con abejas de origen africanos es un problema para los apicultores del continente americano, por su alta enjambrazón y defensividad, esta última dificulta en buena medida el manejo de las colonias y ha provocado accidentes en el caso de personas y anímales, lo que hace de la apicultura una actividad riesgosa. En este sentido, se ve la necesidad de mejoramiento genético de la abeja melífera para lo cual es esencial la identificación de subespecies. Objetivo: Evaluar el origen de la abeja mellifera (Apis mellifera), así como el proceso de africanización y dispersión de las abejas africanizadas a través del continente americano y métodos de identificación. Métodos: Se revisaron las bases de datos de Sciencedirect, Google-Scholar, Scopus y NCBI con el empleo de las palabras claves: Apis mellifera, Apis, abejas africanizadas, morfometría geométrica, ADN mitocondrial. Se enfatizó en los artículos de los últimos cinco años. Resultados: Se describen el origen y distribución de la abeja melífera, así como el proceso de africanización y dispersión de la abeja africanizada. Además, se actualiza sobre la evolución de los métodos de caracterización de subespecies de Apis mellifera. Conclusiones: La africanización puede considerarse el proceso más importante en la transformación de las características conductuales y morfológicas de la abeja melífera, las que permitieron su rápida dispersión a través del continente americano. Los métodos de identificación tanto vía materna como paterna son esenciales para conocer posibles procesos de erosión genética y para plantear estrategias de conservación y mejoramiento de las abejas a nivel de cada región

Comportamiento de algunos indicadores productivos y económicos de corderos Pelibuey con ensilaje de maíz (Zea mays. L.)

Background: The Cuban economic hardships have made it necessary to raise food production. To demonstrate the maize (Zea mays. L.) silage effect on the behavior of some production and economic indicators of Pelibuey sheep fed maize (Zea mays. L.) silage. Methods: The study took place at El Hoyo Sheep Farm, in Jimaguayu, Camaguey. A total of 40 ovine males were selected at random, at six months of age, and approximately 16 ± 0.5 kg, then they were distributed into two groups. One of the groups was administered the maize (Zea mays. L.) silage. The mean daily gain (MDG), feed consumption in the pen (FCP) and while grazing, were calculated. The economic analysis was performed according to the fix and variable costs. Data normality was corroborated through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. And SPSS, 21 for Windows (2012). Results: The production indicators of the sheep that consumed the maize (Zea mays L.) silage showed significantly higher values (p≤0.5) than the control group, reaching 23.3 kg at 60 days, and total increases of 7.2 kg, in terms of feed consumption and conversion. Concerning the economic side, there was a 12.2% increase over the costs of the process. Conclusions: The results demonstrated the positive effect of the maize (Zea mays. L.) silage administered to the animals. key words: consumption, gains, sheep (Source: AGROVOC)Antecedentes: La difícil situación económica por la que atraviesa Cuba se hace necesario aumentar la producción de alimentos. Objetivo. Demostrar el efecto del ensilaje de maíz (Zea mays. L.) en el comportamiento de algunos indicadores productivos y económicos de ovinos Pelibuey en crecimiento. Métodos: El trabajo se desarrolló en la unidad ovina “El Hoyo”, de Jimaguayú. Se seleccionaron al azar 40 machos ovinos de la raza Pelibuey, con seis meses de edad y un peso aproximado a 16 ± 0,5 kg, los que fueron divididos en dos grupos. A uno se le suministró ensilaje de maíz (Zea mays. L.). Se calculó la ganancia media diaria (GMD) el consumo de alimento en el corral (CMS) y en pastoreo. El análisis económico se realizó en base a los costos fijos y variables. Se comprobó la normalidad de los datos mediante el test de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Utilizando el programa SPSS versión 21 para Windows (2012). Resultados y discusión: los indicadores productivos de los corderos que consumieron el ensilaje de maíz (Zea mays. L.) mostraron valores significativamente mayores (p≤0,5) que los del grupo control, alcanzando pesos a los 60 días de 23,3 kg e incrementos totales de 7,2 kg. Así ocurrió con el consumo y la conversión de alimentos. En cuanto a lo económico se obtuvo una ganancia de un 12,2 % superior a los costos incurridos en el proceso. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos demuestran el efecto positivo del suministro de ensilaje de maíz (Zea mays. L.). Palabras clave: consumo, ganancias, ovinos (Fuente: AGROVOC

Relaciones entre producción melífera, defensividad y diámetro de celdas de cría de Apis mellifera L., en el altiplano Ecuatoriano

Aim: The purpose of the investigation was to analyze the relationships between the defensiveness, diameter of the worker's baby cell and the production of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in the highlands of Ecuador. Methods: 75 bee colonies were evaluated in the months of March-April, May-July (during the production stage) and September, at altitudes between 2 600 and 3 274 m a.s.l. To each colony the defense was determined through the flag technique, the diameter of the cells was obtained through the measurement of ten cells of the worker's honeycomb and the honey production was determined by difference of weight. Results: An average value of 14 stingers/min was found, the maximum and minimum values for this behavioral trait were 47 and 4 stingers/min; for the diameter of the 10 cells, an average of 5.28 cm was found, with maximum and minimum values of 5.50 and 4.95 cm, respectively. A significant correlation was identified (-0.358 **), which indicates that colonies with greater defensiveness had a smaller cell diameter. The production showed an average of 25.08 kg of honey / colony, unrelated to the variables under study. Conclusions: There were no relationships between production and the other variables under study, so it would be possible to select less defensive colonies and with larger cell diameters, without affecting honey production.Objetivo: El propósito de la investigación fue analizar las relaciones entre la defensividad, diámetro de la celda de crías de obreras y la producción de miel de abejas (Apis mellifera) en el altiplano del Ecuador. Métodos: Se evaluaron 75 colonias de abejas en los meses de marzo-abril, mayo-julio (durante la etapa de producción) y septiembre, en altitudes comprendidas entre los 2 600 y 3 274 m s.n.m. A cada colonia se le determinó la defensividad a través de la técnica de la banderilla, el diámetro de las celdas se obtuvo a través de la medición de diez celdas del panal de cría de obrera y la producción de miel se determinó por diferencia de peso. Resultados: Se encontró un valor medio de 14 aguijones/min, los valores máximos y mínimos para este rasgo conductual fueron de 47 y 4 aguijones/min; para el diámetro de las 10 celdas se halló una media de 5,28 cm, con valores máximos y mínimos de 5,50 y 4,95 cm, respectivamente. Se identificó una correlación significativa (-0,358**), lo que indica que las colonias con mayor defensividad tenían menor diámetro de celda. La producción mostró una media de 25,08 kg de miel/colonia, sin relación con las variables en estudio. Conclusiones: No se apreciaron relaciones entre la producción y las otras variables en estudio, por lo que sería posible la selección de colonias menos defensivas y con diámetros de celdas mayores, sin afectar la producción de miel

Africanization of Melliferous Bees (Apis mellifera.L.) Bibliographic Review

Context: The hybridization process (Africanization) of European bees with African bees is a problem for apiculture farmers in the Americas, due to high swarming levels and defensiveness. The latter hinders colony handling, and has caused accidents to people and animals, increasing the risks of beekeeping. In this sense, there is a need for genetic breeding of melliferous bees, and previous identification of subspecies. Aim: To evaluate the origin of melliferous bees (Apis mellifera), and the process of Africanization and dispersion of Africanized bees throughout the Americas, as well as methods of identification. Methods: The databases of Sciencedirect, Google-Scholar, Scopus, and NCBI were reviewed under the following key words, Apis mellifera, Apis, Africanized bees, geometric morphometrics, mitochondrial DNA. Special emphasis was paid to papers published within the last five years. Results: The origin and distribution of melliferous bees, and the Africanization and dispersion processes of Africanized bees were described. Additionally, the evolution of methods for the characterization of Apis mellifera species were updated. Conclusions: Africanization can be considered the most important process in the transformation of conduct and morphological features of melliferous bees, which allowed for their rapid dispersion in the Americas. The identification methods based on parents are essential to know possible process of genetic erosion, and to present strategies for bee conservation and breeding in every region

Balance forrajero, de energía y nitrógeno en pastizales arborizados con Algarrobo (Prosopis juliflora (S.W.) DC.) bajo pastoreo de vacas lecheras

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Algarroba (Prosopis juliflora (S.W.) DC.) trees on nitrogenenergy forage contents, on Ecuadorian dairy farms grasslands. The study was made at ESPAM bovine facility, 15meters above sea level, in Manabí, 00º49’23’’, south latitude, and 80º11’01” west longitude, with 962.4 mm annual precipitatio n, between September 2011 and December 2014. The stocking rate was 1.09 LU/ha. There were 1-4 algarroba trees/ha by 2011, and 8-35 trees/ha, in 2014. Evaluations of forage nitrogen and energy were based on the effects of arborization. As a result, 52 t of DM were estimated in 2014, in comparison to the 21 t of 2011. Nitrogen was higher with increased arborization between 2011 (60.9 kg/ha), with greater nutrient intake from external sources, and 2014 (39.3 kg/ha), with less input of supplements and mineral fertilizers, and greater N2 contribution by arborization. Energy was higher in 2014, with an increase in algarroba population/ha. The increase of trees/ha favored forage yields, with improved N2 and energy efficiency, which was linked to the benefits acquired by the grassland, the contribution of livestock to the ecosystem, and the reduction in feeds and fertilizer

Evaluación de la eficiencia en la ceba de toros en pastoreomediante análisis envolvente de datos de panel

A five-year study (2008-2012) was made to determine the bioproductive and financial behavior derived from the structures and resources available on ten private rustic farms, in the province of Ciego de Avila, Cuba. The pastureand forage yields were estimated for evaluation of their contribution and efficiency. Decomposition of seasonal time series was performed to determine the annual behavior of births, through a multiplicative model. Variance analysis for farm comparison was based on efficiency of dairy production, and financial indicators (SPSS, 15.0. 2006). Overall, the availability and quality of pastures and forages was insufficient, with negative annual forage balances. The farms evidenced birth seasonability, particularly farm No. 7 (April-May). However, the general birth rates were very low, as a result of inadequate reproduction management. The best productive and financial results were observed on farm No. 7 (1 061 kg/milk/ha/year, and $ 0.87 CUP/kg of milk produced, respectively

Milk production in response to fertilization and irrigation in andean ecosystem farms in Ecuador

In order to evaluate the effect of fertilizer and irrigation applications on milk production in Andean farms in Ecuador, a study was carried out on 535 farms with an altitude of 2550 m and temperatures between 7 and 25 ° C in montane ecosystems (Montano, Montano Alto and Montano Low). Factors such as fertilization and irrigation and the production of milk with a botanical composition of Ryegrass - Kikuyo as grasses and Clover White and Red as legumes were considered. The milk production was taken from the records corresponding to the day after the occupation of the paddock. A simple ADEVA was applied within each ecosystem. The dry matter availability of the grass was between 1.65 t / ha in Montano Bajo and 2.81 t / ha in Montano Alto. There were significant differences (P <0.05) in milk yields in Montano and Montano Alto with fertilized pastures (6.5 and 9.7 kg / cow) compared to lower values in non - fertilized. In relation to irrigation effects, significant differences (P <0.05) were in favor of sprinkler irrigation in Montano and Montano Alto with 8.7 and 10.8 kg / cow and higher values in production / ha. It was concluded that the responses in milk yield to fertilizer and sprinkler irrigation were significant (P <0.05) in the Montano and Montano Alto ecosystems compared to Low Montano, with values between 6,5 and 8,7 and 9,7 and 10 , 8 kg / cow / day and higher yields per area, explained by the greater availability of dry matter of the pasture in both ecosystems as an effect of applied agro technical activitie

Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy (EAGLE): pragmatic, batched stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial in 64 countries

Background Anastomotic leak affects 8 per cent of patients after right colectomy with a 10-fold increased risk of postoperative death. The EAGLE study aimed to develop and test whether an international, standardized quality improvement intervention could reduce anastomotic leaks. Methods The internationally intended protocol, iteratively co-developed by a multistage Delphi process, comprised an online educational module introducing risk stratification, an intraoperative checklist, and harmonized surgical techniques. Clusters (hospital teams) were randomized to one of three arms with varied sequences of intervention/data collection by a derived stepped-wedge batch design (at least 18 hospital teams per batch). Patients were blinded to the study allocation. Low- and middle-income country enrolment was encouraged. The primary outcome (assessed by intention to treat) was anastomotic leak rate, and subgroup analyses by module completion (at least 80 per cent of surgeons, high engagement; less than 50 per cent, low engagement) were preplanned. Results A total 355 hospital teams registered, with 332 from 64 countries (39.2 per cent low and middle income) included in the final analysis. The online modules were completed by half of the surgeons (2143 of 4411). The primary analysis included 3039 of the 3268 patients recruited (206 patients had no anastomosis and 23 were lost to follow-up), with anastomotic leaks arising before and after the intervention in 10.1 and 9.6 per cent respectively (adjusted OR 0.87, 95 per cent c.i. 0.59 to 1.30; P = 0.498). The proportion of surgeons completing the educational modules was an influence: the leak rate decreased from 12.2 per cent (61 of 500) before intervention to 5.1 per cent (24 of 473) after intervention in high-engagement centres (adjusted OR 0.36, 0.20 to 0.64; P &lt; 0.001), but this was not observed in low-engagement hospitals (8.3 per cent (59 of 714) and 13.8 per cent (61 of 443) respectively; adjusted OR 2.09, 1.31 to 3.31). Conclusion Completion of globally available digital training by engaged teams can alter anastomotic leak rates. Registration number: NCT04270721 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)