Model for prediction of estrus in confined dairy cows

Orientador: Irenilza de Alencar NaasTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia AgricolaResumo: A carência existente no setor da pecuária leiteira brasileira, tanto de aumentar a produtividade, quanto de diminuir os custos de produção, tem induzido os produtores a buscarem novos conhecimentos. Desta forma, as relações entre fatores ambientais e respostas fisiológicas do gado leiteiro são de extrema importância durante o processo produtivo. Assim, informações como a época correta de ocorrência do estro não deve ser analisada como uma variável absoluta, já que fatores ambientais, sistema de criação e tipologia das instalações influenciam nas reações fisiológicas do animal. Se a exposição climática pode influenciar no ciclo estral do bovino leiteiro, então qualquer informação que facilite a identificação correta do cio é de grande valia, pois significa diminuição do trabalho e aumento do número de inseminações com sucesso, possuindo assim, valor econômico significativo. A hipótese verificada nesse trabalho foi que é possível minimizar o erro na estimativa de estro em bovino leiteiro, empregando um modelo multivariável com a utilização de tecnologia da informação. O objetivo geral foi estimar a possibilidade de presença de estro em vacas leiteiras utilizando recursos computacionais. Os objetivos específicos foram o levantamento das situações de campo relacionadas ao manejo e condições ambientais de alojamento que influenciem na detecção de estro, o desenvolvimento de um modelo utilizando a lógica fuzzy, para estimar a presença de cio e seu respectivo teste. Foram utilizadas informações pertinentes a gado holandês alojados em confinamento total com intervalos de idade, peso e produção prédefinidos. Serviram como variáveis de entrada o Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU), período após ultimo cio (PAUC) e número de indícios de estro (NCO). Como variável de saída foi considerada a Taxa de Detecção de Cio (TDC). Após o término deste trabalho, concluiu-se que é possível a construção de um modelo baseado na lógica fuzzy e dados de ambiência, além de informações fornecidas por especialista, que estime a taxa de detecção de cio para diversos cenários. Além disso, sugere-se melhor treinamento da mão-de-obra destinada ao manejo reprodutivo e observação mais atenta dos animaisAbstract: The existing gap in the Brazilian dairy sector for both increase in productivity, and decrease in production costs has induced producers to search for new knowledge. In this way the relation between environmental factors and dairy cattle physiological responses are of extreme importance during the production process. Therefore information such as time of estrus occurrence should not be analyzed as an absolute variable as environmental factors, rearing system and constructions¿ typology influence in the animal¿s physiological response. If the climatic exposition may influence the dairy cows estrus cycle then any information that improve the correct estrus identification is of great value, as it means decrease in losses and increase in success in the process, and meaning significant economical gain. The hypothesis verified in this research was that it is possible to minimize the error in estimating estrus incidence in dairy cows by describing a multivariable model using information technology. This research aimed mainly to estimate the possibility of estrus detection in dairy cows, and the specific objectives were to identify field management conditions and environmental housing scheme that may influence the estrus detection, as well as the development of a model using fuzzy logic for estimating estrus presence, and its respective test. Information pertinent to totally confined Holstein dairy cattle was used such as age interval, weight and pre-defined milk production. Input variables used were the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI), period since last estrus (PSLE) and the number of estrus signals (NES). As output variable there was the estrus detection index (EDI). After this research it was concluded that it was possible the construction of a model based on fuzzy logic and using environmental data, besides the specialist information that helps detecting estrus for several scenarios. Beside that it is suggested better labor training for the workers involved with reproduction management as well as more attention to the animals observationDoutoradoConstruções Rurais e AmbienciaMestre em Engenharia Agrícol

The use of conflict mediation by the Sergipe River Basin Committee as a tool for implementing decentralised water resource management

Parallel to the growing demand for multiple uses of water, conflicts between its users appear, contributing to the increase in the number of cases submitted to the Judiciary. This study aimed at analyzing the existence of mediation as a method of resolving possible conflicts related to water resources in the Sergipe River Basin. The qualitative approach research was developed based on a bibliographic survey, by means of consultations with books, pertinent legislation, articles in scientific and non-scientific journals and, documental, through the analysis of the minutes of the meetings of the Sergipe River Basin Committee, its Internal Regulations and the Climatological Report that analyses the rainfall variability by regions in Sergipe, from 2000 to 2017. The results revealed that despite moving towards recognizing mediation as a method for resolving conflicts, the Committee faced several difficulties in carrying out decentralized management of water resources, especially with regard to the resolution of water disputes. Possible solutions to some of the problems faced by the Committee can be pointed out, such as training its members in water resource management and conflict management, in addition to making them aware of participating frequently in Committee meetings and also stimulating the participation of the population in these meetings

Thermal Comfort in Swine: Basic Concepts for Better Production

Com o crescimento do mercado consumidor, diversos países vêm desenvolvendo tecnologias de gestão mais eficientes e sustentáveis para reduzir os efeitos nocivos do estresse térmico na produção de suínos, fato ainda mais importante em países com climas tropicais como o Brasil. O suíno produzido no Brasil é um animal que, de diferentes formas, foi importado de outros países relativamente frios. Portanto, eles foram geneticamente adaptados ao clima tropical. Assim, devido aos efeitos nocivos das altas temperaturas, melhorar o ambiente de produção é a forma mais eficiente de mitigar o estresse térmico. Esta revisão tem como objetivo abordar as principais complicações que o estresse térmico pode causar aos suínos e identificar abordagens de manejo adequadas para reduzir a suscetibilidade a curto prazo ao desconforto. Tais informações buscam incentivar práticas de manejo sadio voltadas para o conforto térmico dos animais e consequente ganho de eficiência produtiva

EFEITO TOXICOLÓGICO DE QUATRO PRODUTOS QUÍMICOS UTILIZADOS NA PROFILAXIA DE PEIXE ORNAMENTAL AMAZÔNICO

The objective of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs used to diseases control in ornamental fish cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi). The fish were exposed to four chemicals: formalin, oxytetracycline, copper sulfate and malachite green. Four experiments were performed, distributed in a completely randomized design with seven concentrations of product test (formalin, oxytetracycline, copper sulfate and malachite green), a control and three repetitions. A static system with five fish per recipient containing 2 L of water for 96 hours was used. The estimated lethal concentration 50% (LC initial (I) 50-96h) were 67.94 mg.L-1, 3.83 mg.L-1, 1.65 mg.L-1 and 0.85 mg.L-1 to formalin, oxytetracycline, copper sulfate and malachite green, respectively. Thus the present study considered the formalin low toxicity for the cardinal tetra and the copper sulfate, oxytetracycline and malachite green are moderately toxic.Keywords: ornamental fish; fish diseases; chemotherapeutic; concentration lethal.O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a toxicidade aguda de fármacos quimioterápicos utilizados para o controle de doenças em peixes cardinais ornamentais (Paracheirodon axelrodi). Os peixes foram expostos a quatro produtos químicos: formalina, oxitetraciclina, sulfato de cobre e verde malaquita. Foram realizados quatro experimentos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente aleatorizado com sete concentrações do produto teste (formalina, oxitetraciclina, sulfato de cobre e verde malaquita), um controle e três repetições. Utilizou-se um sistema estático com cinco peixes por recipiente contendo 2 L de água durante 96 horas. Foram estimadas as concentrações letais 50% (LC inicial (I) 50-96h) de 67,94 mg.L-1, 3,83 mg.L-1, 1,65 mg.L-1 e 0,85 mg.L-1 para formalina, oxitetraciclina, sulfato de cobre e verde de malaquita, respectivamente. Assim, no presente estudo a formalina foi considerada de baixa toxicidade para o tetra cardinal e o sulfato de cobre, oxitetraciclina e verde malaquita são moderadamente tóxicos.Palavras-chave: Peixe ornamental, doenças de peixes, quimioterápicos, concentração letal

Aprendizaje por Proyectos en la Enseñanza Fundamental: estrategia para entendimiento de la pirámide alimentaria

Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o conhecimento sobre a pirâmide alimentar por ano escolar dos alunos das séries finais do ensino fundamental, assim como, o quanto uma proposta por aprendizagem de projetos pode influenciar na aquisição desses conceitos pelos estudantes. Trata-se de um estudo de caso realizado na cidade de Santa Maria/RS, com escolares do 6º ao 9º ano de uma escola estadual pública, totalizando 158 alunos. Os alunos responderam a duas questões sobre como imaginavam ser a pirâmide alimentar. Foram encontradas, em ambas as respostas, um melhor resultado no 6º e 8º ano; porém, o entendimento dos alunos do 6º ano obteve uma melhora acentuada no pós-teste, podendo isso indicar que os projetos desenvolvidos pelas professoras nessas duas turmas tenham obtido uma melhor aprendizagem significativa por parte dos alunos.This study aims to assess the knowledge of the food pyramid for school year the students of final grades of primary school, as well as a proposal for how learning designs can influence the acquisition of these concepts by students. This is a case study in the city of Santa Maria / RS, with students from 6th to 9th grade of a public state school, totaling 158 students. The students answered two questions about the food pyramid be imagined. In both responses, found a better result on the 6th and 8th grade, but students' understanding of the 6th year achieved a marked improvement in post-test, and this could indicate that the projects developed by teachers in these two groups have obtained best meaningful learning by students.Este trabajo tiene por objetivo evaluar el conocimiento sobre la pirámide alimentaria por año escolar de los alumnos de las series finales de la enseñanza fundamental, así como, cuánto una propuesta por aprendizaje de proyectos puede influir en la adquisición de esos conceptos por los estudiantes. Se trata de un estudio de caso realizado en la ciudad de Santa Maria / RS, con escolares del 6º al 9º año de una escuela estatal pública, totalizando 158 alumnos. Los alumnos respondieron a dos preguntas sobre cómo imaginaban ser la pirámide alimentaria. Se encontraron, en ambas respuestas, un mejor resultado en el 6º y 8º año; pero el entendimiento de los alumnos del sexto año obtuvo una mejora acentuada en el post-test, pudiendo eso indicar que los proyectos desarrollados por las profesoras en estas dos clases obtuvieron un mejor aprendizaje significativo por parte de los alumnos

Chemical Exposure Hazardous for Fish Hyphessobrycon eques through the Incorrect Release of Oil in Amazon Region

Incorrect discard of oil used by fishing ship in the brazilian north region has become a common activity. Despite the possible hazard to the aquatic organisms, still missing scientific data about their toxicity. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the stress and lethality caused by lubricant oil (FSAOLU) on fish Hyphessobrycon eques. Therefore, it was used six different concentration diluted in water (0, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32% of oil) and three replaces during 96 hours. At the end or during the experiment (with dying fish), it was collected blood samples (cutting the caudal fin) to determine physiological changes. The FSAOLU showed mean lethal dose (LD50-96h) of 27.36%, classified as toxic causing alterations in glucose values from the 26%. The greater dilution of FSAOLU (32%) increased 115% in glucose values when compared to the control. Thus, lubricant oil when discarded in water, it present hazard to the aquatic organisms causing stress and mortality for fish being necessary adequate management to discard of this residue

Yield parameters and water productivity of tropical and overseeded winter forages

Intensive pasture exploitation with tropical forages is one of the most efficient forms ruminant production. However, the results depends on the knowledge about these forages and the experience in its management. The objective of this work was to evaluate water productivity (WP) and yield parameters of Megathyrsus maximum cv. Mombaça “Guinea grass” and Cynodon spp. “Bermuda grass”, in single culture and overseeded with oats + ryegrass in autumn/winter period. Irrigation management was done considering a depletion factor of 0.3 (70% of the humidity the field capacity). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications, in which the forages are the treatments with evaluation at the time of the cycles. For all evaluated parameters, the best results were obtained with the Guinea grass in exclusive cultivation. The TFP (Total Forage Productivity) of Guinea grass was superior to Bermuda grass (59.3 and 30.2 Mg ha-1, respectively), in accordance with its average LAI (Leaf area index) values of 4.8 and 2.5, respectively. The most efficient use of water occurred for Guinea grass in exclusive cultivation, and the intercropped crops did not present increases in the WP. In the autumn/winter period, the accumulated TFP of the exclusive crop of Guinea grass was higher than the other crops. However, the SDM of Bermuda grass was higher than the other crops. In winter, the highest LAI occurred in Guinea grass in exclusive cultivation, followed by the overseeded Guinea grass, 4.8 and 4.5, respectively. Consortia did not increase forage yield during the winter. The consortiums did not increase forage yield during the winter

Influence of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the characteristics of seeds of Jatropha

Agronomic information on the cultivation of Jatropha plants (Jatropha curcas L.) in the field is still uncommon in the literature, especially under conditions of water and nutritional stress. Thus, this field study aimed to evaluate the effects of irrigation depths (735; 963; 1,191; 1,418 and 1,646 mm) and nitrogen fertilization (0; 25; 50 and 75 kg ha-1) on the characteristics of seeds of Jatropha. Nitrogen fertilization did not influence the production components of Jatropha. The seeds have an elongated aspect, where the length is always greater than the width and thickness. The highest values of seed thickness obtained in plants under the lowest irrigation depth. Plants under the highest irrigation depth showed the highest values of seed length, total number of seeds per plant and productivity of seeds

Evaluation of the rational use of agricultural space for better human occupation

Changes in microclimates in urbanized areas are due to direct human interference, such as the replacement of wooded areas by paving and construction in inadequate locations. For the study of environments, climatic variables interpreted in isolation have little informative content because its exist in set. Considering the expansion of urban areas over the rural environment, the characterization of anthropized environments has been an important tool for feeding urban projects that, in order to be sustainable, have used comfort indexes in your evaluations. Another resource currently used are decision support systems, such as those that use fuzzy logic, as they assist in the observation of conflicting situations such as those involving environmental issues. Thus, in this research, the human discomfort index (HDI) was used to assess 6 different microclimates and to verify the degree of interference of rural anthropization in human thermal comfort and with the observed information build a mathematical model based on fuzzy logic, relating climatic variables and microenvironments, in which the response variable were levels of human well-being. In the end, it was possible to conclude that the urbanization process in rural areas influences the microclimate and quality of the environments, reflecting human thermal comfort. In addition, the Fuzzy model constructed estimated the observed scenarios in a coherent manner, serving to assist in the management of agricultural environments and decision making

Construction and calibration of Time Domain Reflectometry probes for assessing soil humidity in distropheric red latosol

Among the indirect methods of assessing soil moisture, Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) stands out, which uses the soil dielectric constant to provide volumetric moisture efficiently, quickly and non-destructively. Despite a practical and precise method, TDR has a high cost due to the probes and its Data Logger. In view of this, the present work aims to build and calibrate TDR probes to assess moisture in a Dystrophic Red Latosol. The present work was carried out in the experimental area of the hydraulics laboratory of the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), located in Dourados-MS, at latitude 22⁰ 12 \u27south, longitude 54⁰ 59\u27 west and altitude of 434 meters. Each probe built consisted of 3 stainless steel rods (Ø = 3 mm; L = 230 mm) RG 98 cable with 90% mesh and 50 ohm impedance, 4.7 pF ceramic capacitor and BNC connector. The construction procedures followed the following steps: 1- Making the cable, 2- Preparing the rods, 3- Welding the rods to the wires, 4 -Operating test and 5 - finishing phase. After construction, they were calibrated with the characteristic soil of the Region, proceeding with the Probe Reading in two depths (10 and 30 cm) and simultaneous collection of deformed soil samples to determine the moisture based on mass in Laboratory. Subsequently, calibrations with cubic polynomial adjustment were performed. The results showed adjustments with high determination coefficients, and the probes developed showed satisfactory performances