Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Rabbitry'

[ES] Cualquier mejora en el conocimiento de la nutrición y el manejo de los futuros conejos reproductores debe considerarse como prioritario en la producción cunícola. Sin embargo, los principales esfuerzos en investigación se han centrado en estos animales durante la fase de reproducción propiamente dicha. La hipótesis inicial de esta tesis fue que alcanzar un desarrollo temprano adecuado durante la gestación, lactancia, engorde y recría, con la ayuda de programas ajustados de alimentación en algunos de estos períodos, mejoraría el rendimiento reproductivo y la vida útil de los futuros conejos reproductores. Para evaluar esta hipótesis, se llevaron a cabo dos tipos de ensayos, tanto en conejos hembra de líneas maternas como en machos de líneas seleccionadas por velocidad de crecimiento y destinadas a la inseminación artificial. El primero de estos ensayos se centró en los diferentes patrones de crecimiento, desde el nacimiento hasta el final de la fase de recría, y su influencia en la carrera reproductiva y la vida útil del conejo. En el segundo tipo de pruebas, se evaluó el efecto del uso de diferentes dietas o programas de alimentación durante el período de recría en la productividad a corto y medio plazo. Los resultados muestran dos fases importantes en el desarrollo temprano, de acuerdo con sus efectos sobre el rendimiento reproductivo y la vida útil. Mostrar un mayor desarrollo corporal desde el nacimiento hasta los 63 días de vida parece tener una influencia positiva en el grado de madurez y la productividad al comienzo de su vida reproductiva, además de poder mejorar su supervivencia a corto plazo, pero con posibles efectos negativos en la esperanza de vida a largo plazo. Sin embargo, el desarrollo durante el período de recría (desde los 63 días de vida hasta el comienzo de la carrera reproductiva) parece tener un mayor impacto en la productividad y la esperanza de vida de nuestros futuros conejos reproductores. Las hembras más engrasadas en la primera inseminación tuvieron tamaños de camada más pequeños y un mayor riesgo de ser sacrificadas que las magras (P<0.05). Además, los machos que mostraron una mayor ganancia media diaria durante el período de recría tuvieron un número y porcentaje de eyaculados viables más bajos a lo largo de su vida productiva y mayor riesgo de muerte o sacrificio. Estos resultados podrían indicar que la clave para llevar a cabo un desarrollo adecuado durante el período de recría debería basarse tanto en conseguir que los conejos alcancen un grado de madurez apropiado, tanto fisiológica como reproductivamente, así como evitar un excesivo engrasamiento al inicio de su vida productiva. En los ensayos destinados a evaluar los programas de alimentación durante la recría, el uso de una restricción alimentaria en hembras, y especialmente el uso de dietas fibrosas (de 8.5 a 10 MJ ED/kg MS) permiten un desarrollo corporal gradual y adecuado a la edad de cubrición, con suficientes reservas corporales para afrontar el comienzo de la vida reproductiva y mejorando tanto su rendimiento reproductivo como su vida útil. El éxito de estos programas de alimentación de recría depende del momento y la duración de la aplicación de estos, mejorándose con la aplicación de un cambio a un pienso enriquecido energéticamente alrededor del primer apareamiento. En los machos, se observó que un programa de alimentación durante la recría adecuado debería adaptarse a la capacidad de ingesta de estos y a sus necesidades nutricionales en períodos concretos de la recría, consiguiendo así mejoras en algunos parámetros del semen al inicio de su vida reproductiva. En conclusión, tanto un desarrollo temprano adecuado desde la gestación hasta el comienzo de su vida reproductiva, como el uso de programas adecuados de alimentación durante la recría podrían mejorar significativamente el rendimiento reproductivo futuro, así como la esperanza de vida, tanto en conejos he<br>[CAT] Qualsevol millora en el coneixement tant de la nutrició com del maneig dels futurs conills de criança ha de considerar-se com a prioritari en la producció de conills. No obstant açò, els principals esforços en investigació s'han centrat en aquests animals durant la fase de reproducció pròpiament dita. La hipòtesi inicial d'aquesta tesi va ser que aconseguir un desenvolupament primerenc adequat durant la gestació, lactància, engreix i criança, amb l'ajuda de programes ajustats d'alimentació en alguns d'aquests períodes, milloraria el rendiment reproductiu i la vida útil dels futurs conills reproductors. Per a avaluar aquesta hipòtesi, es van dur a terme dos tipus d'assajos, tant en conills femella de línies maternes, com en mascles de línies seleccionades per a la velocitat de creixement i destinades a la inseminació artificial. El primer d'aquests assajos es va centrar en els diferents patrons de creixement, des del naixement fins al final de la fase de criança, i la seua influència en la carrera reproductiva i la vida útil del conill. En el segon tipus de proves, es va avaluar l'efecte de l'ús de diferents dietes o programes d'alimentació durant el període de criança, en la productivitat a curt i mig termini. Els resultats obtinguts semblen indicar que podríem diferenciar dues fases en el desenvolupament primerenc, d'acord amb els seus efectes sobre el rendiment reproductiu i la vida útil. Mostrar un major desenvolupament corporal des del naixement fins als 63 dies de vida sembla tenir una influència positiva en el grau de maduresa i la productivitat al començament de la seua vida reproductiva, a més de poder millorar la seua supervivència a curt termini, però amb possibles efectes negatius en l'esperança de vida a llarg termini. No obstant açò, el desenvolupament durant el període de sembla tenir un major impacte en la productivitat i l'esperança de vida dels nostres futurs conills reproductors. Les femelles més greixades en la primera inseminació van tenir grandàries de ventrada més xicotets (tant nascuts com deslletats) i un major risc de ser sacrificades que les magres (P<0.05). A més, els mascles que van mostrar un major guany mitjà diari durant el període de criança van tenir un nombre i percentatge d'ejaculats viables més baixos al llarg de la seua vida productiva i major risc de mort o sacrifici. Aquests resultats podrien indicar que la clau per a dur a terme un desenvolupament adequat durant el període de criança hauria de basar-se tant a aconseguir que els conills aconseguisquen un grau de maduresa apropiat, per a afrontar els futurs desafiaments productius, com evitar un excessiu greixatge a l'inici de la seua vida productiva. En els assajos destinats a avaluar els programes d'alimentació durant la criança, l'ús d'una restricció alimentària en femelles, i especialment l'ús de dietes fibroses (de 8.5 a 10 MJ ED/kg MS) permeten un desenvolupament corporal gradual i adequat a l'edat de cobriment, amb suficients reserves corporals per a afrontar el començament de la vida reproductiva i millorant tant el seu rendiment reproductiu com la seua vida útil. L'èxit d'aquests programes d'alimentació de criança depèn del moment i la durada de l'aplicació d'aquests, millorant-se amb l'aplicació d'un canvi a un pinso enriquit energèticament al voltant del primer cobriment. En els mascles, es va observar que un programa d'alimentació durant la criança adequat hauria d'adaptar-se a la capacitat d'ingesta d'aquests i a les seues necessitats nutricionals en períodes concrets de la criança, aconseguint així millores en alguns paràmetres del semen a l'inici de la seua vida reproductiva. En conclusió, tant un desenvolupament primerenc adequat des de la gestació fins al començament de la seua vida reproductiva, com l'ús de programes adequats d'alimentació durant la criança podrien millorar significativament el rendiment reproductiu futur, així com l'esperança<br>[EN] Any improvement on the knowledge of both nutrition and management of the future rabbit breeders should be considered as crucial. However, main research efforts have been focused on animals during reproduction phase. The initial hypothesis of this thesis was that achieving an adequate early development during young rabbits' gestation, lactation, fattening and rearing, with the help of fitted feeding programmes in some of these periods, would be improved reproductive performance and lifespan of the future breeding rabbits. To evaluate this hypothesis, two types of trials, both in rabbit females from maternal lines selected for litter size at weaning and males from paternal lines selected for growth rate and intended on artificial insemination, were carried out. The first of these trials were mainly focused on the different growth patterns, from birth to the end of the rearing age, and their influence on rabbit's reproductive career and lifespan. In a second type of trials, the effect of the use of different diets or feeding programs during the rearing period in the performance in the short- medium-term was evaluated. The results obtained from the evaluation of the different growth patterns trials seem to indicate that, we could differentiate two parts on the early development according to their effects on reproductive performance and lifespan. To show a greater body development from birth to 63 days of life seems to have a positive influence on the maturity degree and productivity at the beginning of their reproductive life, as well as being able to improve their survival in the short-term, but it could be even negative for long-term lifespan. However, the development during the rearing period (from 63 days of life to the beginning of reproduction career) seems to have a higher impact on the productivity and lifespan of our rabbit breeders. Fatter rabbit females at first insemination had smaller litter sizes (born and weaned) and a higher risk of being culled (+13% per positive change in mm of perirenal fat) than lean ones (P<0.05). Also, rabbit males that showed a greater average daily gain during rearing period had a lower number and percentage of profitable ejaculates through it productive life (-10.1 and -4.9% per each 10 g of daily gain increase, respectively; P<0.05) and higher risk of death or culling (+16.2% per each increase in one standard deviation unit on live weight; P<0.05). These results could indicate that the key to carrying out an adequate development during the rearing period should allow the rabbits to reach an appropriate degree of physiological and reproductive maturity to face the future productive challenges, avoiding an excessive fatness at the beginning of their productive life. The use of a feeding restriction in rabbit females, and especially the use of fibrous diets (from 8.5 to 10 MJ DE/ kg DM) lead a gradual and adequate body development at mating, with enough body reserves to face the beginning of reproduction life and improving their whole reproductive performance and lifespan. The success of these rearing feeding programs depends in the moment and duration of application of them and improved with the application of a nutritional flushing around first mating. In rabbit males, it was observed that an adequate rearing feeding program should adapt it to the male's intake capacity and their nutritional requirements rearing period, especially to their high DP needs at the beginning of rearing period or when their requirements were close to maintenance, to improve some semen parameters at the beginning of their reproduction life. In conclusion, both the adequate early development of future rabbit breeders, from their own gestation to the beginning of their reproductive life, and the use of appropriate rearing feeding programs could significantly improve their future reproductive performance, as well as their life expectancy, both in rabbit females and males.<br>Martínez Paredes, EM. (2019). Rearing programmes for breeding rabbits. Effect of early development and feeding on future reproductive performance of rabbit females and males [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/124969<br>TESIS

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, 2000.<br>A thesis presented to the University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, December, 2000. Includes bibliographical references.

The experiments described in this thesis were designed to assess changes in pasture dynamics (biomass and species composition of pasture) of grazing land on the Southern Tablelands of ACT and NSW, after 16 combinations of rabbit control treatments had been applied. The rabbit control performed by CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology consisted of all combinations of presence-absence of Poisoning (using sodium monofluoroacetate, 1080: POIS), Ripping (ripping warrens using a tractor fitted with ripping tynes: RIP), Fumigation (pressure fumigation using chloropicrin: FUM) and repeated follow-up fumigation (using phostoxin pellets one, six and eighteen months after completion of the initial treatment: ANN). The pasture was assessed before treatments were applied, and every six months after rabbit control treatments. Treatment combinations were assigned randomly in a 24 factorial design on a total of 32 sites. There was a significant increase of pasture biomass at the RIP+ANN treatment at post-treatment sample 5. The analysis of covariance did not detect any other significant increase or decrease of pasture biomass for any rabbit control treatment, at any posttreatment sample. A significant increase of grass species occurred for the treatments of POIS+RIP+FUM, POIS and RIP+ANN for the post-treatment samples of 1, 3 and 5 respectively. There was a significant increase of thistles at the rabbit control treatments of POIS+RIP+FUM+ANN (post-treatment sample 1), RIP, ANN, RIP+FUM, RIP+FUM+ANN and POIS+RIP+FUM+ANN (post-treatment sample 3) and RIP and FUM+ANN (post-treatment sample 5). A significant increase of weeds occurred at FUM (post-treatment sample 3) and at FUM+ANN (post-treatment sample 5). No significant changes in the amount of herbs or legumes was apparent for any rabbit control treatment or post-treatment sample. There were no significant decreases for any species group. Except for the significant results for post-treatment sample 1, all significant increases of biomass for any species group occurred during spring (post-treatment sample 3 and 5) which suggests a growth phase during spring then subsequent dieback (particularly for thistles and weeds), as any change was not detected in the following autumn sample. No strong trend is evident for any particular rabbit control treatments, or any combination of treatments. Analysis of covariance revealed that the rabbit control treatment of RIP+ANN showed significant increases in both total biomass of pasture and grass biomass during post-treatment sample 5. This treatment reduced the number of active entrances the most. Significant positive correlations were found between pasture biomass (total) with grass, herb, legume, thistle and weed species groups. Significant negative correlations between grass biomass and the number of active entrances were found when the rabbit control had been highly effective in reducing the number of active entrances. When rabbit control had not been very successful, there was a significant positive but low correlation with the number of active entrances. There was no significant relationship between the number of active entrances with the weight of rabbit dung pellets. It is reasoned that they are different measures of rabbit abundance. More rabbit dung pellets were found closer to the warren than further away from the warren, but there was no correlation between rabbit dung and pasture biomass. Rainfall was above average for most of the experiment, biomass increased accordingly, and rabbit control was highly successful. The resulting changes in the pasture were difficult to detect, although some increases in species composition groups occurred. It is reasoned that the changes observed are partly attributable to seasonal conditions, and to high rainfall. Grazing by domestic animals, sheep and cattle, had been found to be consistent throughout the experiment.

Two populations of rabbits (Oryctolaqus cuniculus) were investigated to see whether polygynous, multi-male groups formed in the absence of large multi-entranced warrens. They did not. Rabbits neither gathered in space nor time. The small warrens were spread out evenly across homogeneous patches and the females were well spaced out. Monogamy, distinguished by a battery of tests, was prevalent, with the more dominant males as 'mate' rabbits. That the polygyny frequently mentioned in the literature was a result of male dominance and female defense was considered. The genetic structure of each population was investigated by taking blood from rabbits and having it analysed electrophoretically and for immunoglobulins. A method for assessing relatedness between groups of pairs of animals was implemented, then validated and developed with Monte Carlo simulations. With the seven polymorphic allele obtained, no non-zero relatedness was found but it was sometimes possible to exclude high relatedness. The bearing of sociality on vigilance during feeding was investigated. Although a rabbit's vigilance decreased as its 'mate' approached, the presence of other rabbits was correlated with increased vigilance. It was concluded that the need for social vigilance outweighed the benefit of 'many eyes' watching for predators. This conclusion was tested by experiment, using stuffed animals as stimuli. Rabbits increased their vigilance during grazing bouts both by increasing the length and frequency of scans. Scans could be short or long: the probability of ending a scan decreased sharply at a certain point; a form of positive feedback. The durations of short 'maintenance' scans were dependent on chewlength (the amount of food in the mouth). This fitted a timesharing definition as supported by experiment. Long scans in response to a visible threat did not involve chewing.

Olfactory behaviour in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been studied extensively under laboratory and semi-natural conditions. Results of observations on aspects of the olfactory behaviour of a free-living population of rabbits are presented. To facilitate interpretation of these results, considerable preliminary information about the population was collected. The study was conducted over a three year period on the Isle of May off the east coast of Scotland. A total of 326 rabbits were trapped and marked to permit identification in the field, and data on sex, age and social status of these individuals was collated. Data on the overall structure and fluctuations in the population are presented. The social organisation and home ranges of rabbits at four study sites throughout the three years are described. Observations indicate that the social organisation of free-living populations is more complex and variable than previous descriptions of semi-natural populations would have led us to expect. The reproductive performance of the population was investigated and intra and interwarren variations are analysed with respect to warren and group size. Results indicate an inverse relationship between warren size and reproductive success. The most frequently observed group composition (2 males, 2 females) was also the most reproductively successful. Daily and seasonal activity patterns of different age, sex and social status classes of rabbits are described. Olfactory communication was investigated by analysis of the frequency, daily and seasonal variation, and behavioural context of odour related activities performed by members of different age, sex and social status classes. The importance of using appropriate methods for the sampling of behaviour in field studies of olfaction is stressed. The present study concentrates on behaviour related to latrines; chin marking of the substrate and of conspecifics; enurination and urine squirting; and pawscraping. The results suggest that different scent products may carry similar information but analysis of variations in the frequency and context of odour deposition suggests that the deposition of scent fulfills a variety of functions.

A small number of framed prints can be seen on approach to the exhibition. They are black and white — the predominant colours of the entire exhibition. Viewers will walk into a dimly lit room and see a frail, house-shaped structure made out of Perspex plates. The plates have images scratched into them, some with the residue of ink. Inside the house is an old iron rabbit trap as well as lighting which casts imprecise shadows into the surroundings. Around the walls are a series of charcoal drawings on paper. Most of the images are of a single object or figure. Circling around the room and weaving in and out of the viewers will be Pam on an old pushbike.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2007.<br>"May, 2007." Includes bibliographical references. Online version available on the World Wide Web. Library also has microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [2007]. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm.

El objetivo de esta tesis ha sido estudiar la respuesta directa a la selección por tasa de ovulación en conejo y las respuestas correlacionadas en tamaño de camada y tasas de supervivencia. Los animales pertenecían a una línea de conejos seleccionada por tasa de ovulación durante 10 generaciones. La selección se realizó en base al valor fenotípico de la hembra, que se midió el día 12 de la segunda gestación mediante laparoscopia. Se creó una línea control a partir de la recuperación de aproximadamente 470 embriones de 50 hembras donantes de la generación base. Los embriones fueron vitrificados y almacenados en nitrógeno líquido hasta su transferencia al final del experimento de selección (generación 10 de la línea seleccionada). Se midieron los siguientes caracteres: tamaño de camada (LS), estimada como el número total de gazapos al parto en un máximo de 5 partos; tasa de ovulación (OR), estimada como el número de cuerpos lúteos en los dos ovarios; tasa de ovulación derecha y tasa de ovulación izquierda (ROR y LOR); el número de embriones implantados totales (IE), en el lado derecho (RIE) y en el lado izquierdo (LIE); la diferencia ovulatoria (OD), definida como la diferencia entre ROR y LOR, expresada en valor absoluto; la diferencia de implantación (ID), definida como la diferencia entre RIE y LIE, expresada en valor absoluto; la supervivencia embrionaria (ES), calculada como IE/OR; la supervivencia fetal (FS), calculada como LS/IE; la supervivencia prenatal (PS), calculada como LS/OR. Se utilizó metodología bayesiana para analizar los datos. Las estimas de las heredabilidades de OR, LS, ES, FS y PS fueron 0.16, 0.09, 0.09, 0.24 y 0.14, respectivamente. Las estimas de las correlaciones fenotípicas de OR con LS, ES, FS y PS fueron 0.09, -0.07, -0.26 and -0.28, respectivamente. Las estimas de las correlaciones genéticas de OR con LS y ES tuvieron una baja precisión, y no se pudo concretar su signo. Las estimas de las correlaciones genéticas de OR con FS y PS fueron negativas (probabilidad de ser negativa de 1.00 y 0.98, respectivamente). Las correlaciones fenotípicas y genéticas entre LS y las tasas de supervivencias fueron positivas (probabilidad de ser positivas de 1.00).<br>Laborda Vidal, P. (2011). Selection for ovulation rate in rabbits [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/14121<br>Palancia

Dissertação (Mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Comunicação e Expressão.<br>Made available in DSpace on 2012-10-17T09:55:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0Bitstream added on 2016-01-08T22:55:44Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 142580.pdf: 1676142 bytes, checksum: 55542addd9531c74750a58f5796442dc (MD5)

The mechanism of rabbit skeletal muscle phosphoglucomutase (EC.2.7.5.1) has been investigated using fluorinated and deoxygenated substrate analogues. Each of the analogues in which the non-acceptor hydroxyls are replaced by fluorine or hydrogen are substrates of the enzyme. The kinetic constants of these substrates are reported. The rate of the mutase reaction of each substrate analogue in the presence of glucose 1,6-diphosphate is the same as that of the half reaction involving production of the fluorinated and deoxygenated glucose 1,6-diphosphate species. The exceptions are 3-fluoro- and 3-deoxy-glucose 1-phosphate, in which cases the rates of the half reactions are 8 times that of the overall mutase reaction. The Km of 3-fluoro-glucose 1,6-diphosphate is approximately 90 times that of glucose 1,6-diphosphate and the other deoxy and fluoro analogues. The inhibition of phosphoglucomutase by fluorinated and deoxygenated substrate analogues has been investigated. The synthesis of a series of novel disubstituted inhibitors (based on glucose 1-phosphate) in which the C-6 hydroxyl is replaced by fluorine and a sugar ring hydroxyl is replaced by either hydrogen or fluorine is described. The inhibition constants show that the hydroxyl distal to the acceptor hydroxyl is most important in the formation of a strong enzyme-inhibitor complex. The synthesis is described of three phosphorofluoridate analogues of glucose phosphate substrates. These analogues were found to only weakly inhibit phosphoglucomutase. No evidence of any phosphoryl transfer between the phosphoenzyme and the phosphorofluoridate analogues could be detected. Thus phosphoglucomutase has a strict requirement for a doubly negatively charged substrate phosphate group. The interaction of phosphoglucomutase with fluorinated substrates and inhibitors has been investigated by ¹⁹Fnmr. Large downfield changes in the chemical shifts of the inhibitors 6-fluoro-glucose 1-phosphate and α-glucosyl fluoride 6-phosphate were found to accompany binding to the phosphoenzyme. The effects of the binding of activating and non-activating metal ions on these spectra were investigated. The different effects observed may be directly related to the chemical basis for the metal induced activation of the enzyme. ¹⁹Fnmr data consistent with a 10² to 10³ fold increase in the tenacity with which phosphoglucomutase binds substrates and inhibitors in the presence of Li⁺ were observed in the spectra of the phosphoenzyme with difluorinated glucose 1-phosphate inhibitors. Two enzyme bound species were detected in the ¹⁹Fnmr spectra of the complexes formed by reaction of the Cd²+ phosphoenzyme with 2- and 3-fluoro-glucose phosphates. These species are tentatively assigned as the fluoro-glucose 1,6-diphosphate species bound in two different modes to the dephosphoenzyme. Only one bound species was observed in the case of 4-fluoro-glucose phosphates. The environment of each substrate glucose hydroxyl in the active site was probed using ¹⁹Fnmr and the fluorinated glucose phosphate substrates. Data inconsistent with a minimal motion type of mechanism (W.J. Ray, A.S. Mildvan & J.W. Long, Biochemistry 1973,12, 3124) were obtained. The results of the nmr and kinetic studies are consistent with an exchange type of mechanism in which the C-3 hydroxyl plays an important role in the reorientation of the glucose 1,6-diphosphate. The data also suggest that there are two distinct glucose binding sites, one for each substrate and glucose 1,6-diphosphate bound in the same mode.<br>Science, Faculty of<br>Chemistry, Department of<br>Graduate

The meniscus is essential for normal knee function. Previously considered unimportant, removal was performed when injured. This frequently led to degenerative arthritic changes. Today surgeons attempt to repair or minimally resect torn menisci, however many patients are encountered with irreparable tears or previously removed menisci. In these patients meniscale transplantation may prevent degenerative arthritis from developing.<br>Problems facing transplantation are ability to store tissues and prevent disease transmission. To overcome this, freezing and irradiation effects were examined on 60 rabbits undergoing medial meniscal transplantation. Fresh, frozen, and frozen-irradiated allografts were followed up to 17 months, 10 other rabbits underwent meniscectomy alone.<br>Zero-time studies revealed that freezing with or without irradiation rendered cells non-viable with no changes in mechanical properties. At long term follow-up, all grafts healed, and showed repopulation with metabolically active cells determined radioautographically. Mechanical properties were unchanged, except for a decreased time constant in the frozen group. Degenerative changes were not significantly different among groups.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico<br>Two experiments were conducted, the first to determine the chemical and digestible energy of dried brewers grain (DBG) and the second to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of this ingredient in the feeding of growing rabbits on performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and economic viability. For the digestibility assay a total of 28 males rabbits were used, White New Zealand x California, with 50 days of age with an initial weight of 1.400Â0.100 kg, distributed on a completely randomized block design, with two treatments and fourteen replications, using the total of feces method. The treatments were: basal diet (BD) and ration test (RT) comprised 60% of basal diet and 40% dried brewers grain. The dried brewers grain showed 90.43% of dry matter, 37.94% of crude protein, 51.72% of neutral detergent fiber, 22.08% of acid detergent fiber, 8.06% of ether extract, 5.30% of mineral matters and 3371.24 kcal of digestible energy/kg. To test the performance, a total of eighty rabbits (40 males and 40 females), White New Zealand x California, in the period from 40 to 90 days of age, allocated in a completely randomized block design in a 5x2 factorial arrangement, considering five levels of inclusion of the DBG (0, 7, 14, 21 e 28%), and sex (male and female), with four replicates of two animals. No effects were observed on the performance, however, it was observed that the carcass weight decreased linearly, while the pÃncreas weight increased, due to the higher level of inclusion of the DBG. The weight of the liver of animals fed with DBG over 14% was lower than in animals that received feed without this ingredient. There was no effect of treatments on quality characteristics of meat rabbits. No effects were observed on relation meat/bone and qualitative meat characteristics. Considering the lower cost value of feed and better economic efficiency and cost indexes, the DBG may be included up to 28% in growing rabbits diets.<br>Foram realizados dois ensaios, sendo o primeiro para determinar a composiÃÃo quÃmica e a energia digestÃvel do resÃduo desidratado de cervejaria (RDC) e o segundo para avaliar o efeito da inclusÃo deste ingrediente na dieta de coelhos em crescimento sobre o desempenho, caracterÃsticas da carcaÃa, qualidade da carne e viabilidade econÃmica. Para o ensaio de digestibilidade foram utilizados 28 coelhos machos com 50 dias de idade e peso inicial de 1,400Â0,100 kg, distribuÃdos no delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e quatorze repetiÃÃes, utilizando mÃtodo de coleta total de fezes. Os tratamentos foram: raÃÃo referÃncia (RR) e raÃÃo teste (RT) composta por 60% da raÃÃo referÃncia e 40% de resÃduo desidratado de cervejaria. O resÃduo desidratado de cervejaria apresentou 90,43% de matÃria seca, 37,94% de proteÃna bruta, 51,72% de fibra em detergente neutro, 22,08% de fibra em detergente Ãcido, 8,06% de extrato etÃreo, 5,30% de matÃria mineral e 3371,24 kcal de energia digestÃvel/kg. Para o ensaio de desempenho foram utilizados 80 coellhos (40 machos e 40 fÃmeas) oriundos do cruzamento das raÃas Nova ZelÃndia Branco x CalifÃrnia, no perÃodo de 40 a 90 dias de idade, distribuÃdos no delineamento em blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 5x2, considerando cinco nÃveis de inclusÃo do RDC (0, 7, 14, 21 e 28%) e o sexo (macho e fÃmea), com quatro repetiÃÃes de dois animais. NÃo houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o desempenho dos coelhos, no entanto, observou-se que o peso de carcaÃa decresceu linearmente enquanto o peso do pÃncreas aumentou, em funÃÃo do maior nÃvel de inclusÃo do RDC. O peso do fÃgado dos animais alimentados com raÃÃes contendo RDC acima de 14% foi menor em relaÃÃo aos animais que receberam raÃÃo sem este ingrediente. NÃo houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre a relaÃÃo carne/osso e caracterÃsticas qualitativas da carne avaliadas. Em funÃÃo do menor valor de custo com alimentaÃÃo bem como dos melhores Ãndices de eficiÃncia econÃmica e de custo, o RDC pode ser incluÃdo em atà 28% em raÃÃes para coelhos em crescimento.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2003.<br>Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 100 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 91-96).

Patterns of connectivity among local populations influence the dynamics of regional systems, but most ecological models have concentrated on explaining the effect of connectivity on local population structure using dynamic processes covering short spatial and temporal scales. In this study, a model was developed in an extended spatial system to examine the hypothesis that long term connectivity levels among local populations are influenced by the spatial distribution of resources and other habitat factors. The habitat heterogeneity model was applied to local wild rabbit populations in the semi-arid Mitchell region of southern central Queensland (the Eastern system). Species' specific population parameters which were appropriate for the rabbit in this region were used. The model predicted a wide range of long term connectivity levels among sites, ranging from the extreme isolation of some sites to relatively high interaction probabilities for others. The validity of model assumptions was assessed by regressing model output against independent population genetic data, and explained over 80% of the variation in the highly structured genetic data set. Furthermore, the model was robust, explaining a significant proportion of the variation in the genetic data over a wide range of parameters. The performance of the habitat heterogeneity model was further assessed by simulating the widely reported recent range expansion of the wild rabbit into the Mitchell region from the adjacent, panmictic Western rabbit population system. The model explained well the independently determined genetic characteristics of the Eastern system at different hierarchic levels, from site specific differences (for example, fixation of a single allele in the population at one site), to differences between population systems (absence of an allele in the Eastern system which is present in all Western system sites). The model therefore explained the past and long term processes which have led to the formation and maintenance of the highly structured Eastern rabbit population system. Most animals exhibit sex biased dispersal which may influence long term connectivity levels among local populations, and thus the dynamics of regional systems. When appropriate sex specific dispersal characteristics were used, the habitat heterogeneity model predicted substantially different interaction patterns between female-only and combined male and female dispersal scenarios. In the latter case, model output was validated using data from a bi-parentally inherited genetic marker. Again, the model explained over 80% of the variation in the genetic data. The fact that such a large proportion of variability is explained in two genetic data sets provides very good evidence that habitat heterogeneity influences long term connectivity levels among local rabbit populations in the Mitchell region for both males and females. The habitat heterogeneity model thus provides a powerful approach for understanding the large scale processes that shape regional population systems in general. Therefore the model has the potential to be useful as a tool to aid in the management of those systems, whether it be for pest management or conservation purposes.

In the past decades, a series of small peptides, Protein Transduction Domain (PTD), were discovered to be able to facilitate the delivery of small proteins into living cells. With the specific feature, researchers have successfully delivered some functional proteins into living cells. To fully explore and understand the functions and structures of intracellular proteins, more powerful tools are under demand. Recently, an increasing number of rabbit monoclonal antibodies (RabMAbs) have been approved to able to recognize subtle distinctions between the changes of intracellular proteins status. They could be good tools for researchers with the ability to traverse through cell membrane into living cells. In this dissertation, a novel delivery technology for RabMAbs was established. Transcriptional activator of transcription (TAT) peptide was utilized as a delivery carrier for RabMAbs. It was demonstrated that RabMAbs could be delivered into living cells by conjugating with TAT peptide. Different cell lines, including adherent and suspension cells, were tested for the delivery of RabMAbs. The delivery process was studied in terms of incubation concentration and time, and an optimal delivery condition was established. To investigate the biological function of delivered RabMAbs inside cytoplasm, three RabMAbs against actin, procaspase-3 and NF-κB respectively were studied. Their binding activities after delivery were verified via sandwich-ELISA data. The immunofluorescent staining of the delivered RabMAb against actin showed it specifically bound to the actin filament in its native morphology. The quantitative analysis of the delivered RabMAb against procaspase-3 showed that approximately 60% of delivered antibody bound to the antigen proteins. The delivered RabMAb against NF-KB apparently blocked the nuclear translocation of NF-KB introduced by TNF-a. The success of delivering the three rabbit monoclonal antibodies with binding or inhibiting functions demonstrated the feasibility of delivering various RabMAbs into living cells by TAT peptide for studying the biological functions of intracellular proteins. Furthermore, to overcome the efficiency and cost issues of the RabMAb delivery system, a universal delivery platform for RabMAbs was developed. This platform uses goat-anti-rabbit polyclonal antibody conjugated with TAT peptide as delivery vehicle. It was confirmed that the goat-anti-rabbit polyclonal antibody modified with TAT peptide was able to capture RabMAbs and deliver RabMAbs into living cells by the conjugated TAT peptide. The results provide a promising delivery platform for all RabMAbs.

Thesis (Ing. Agropecuario)--Universidad Técnica del Norte, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias Agropecuarias y Ambientales, Escuela de Ingeniería Agropecuaria, 2006.<br>Reproduced from copy at BYU's Benson Institute. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 75-76).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.<br>The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Vita. "December 2006" Includes bibliographical references.