The objectives were to 1) evaluate genetic relationships of sex-specific indicators of carcass merit obtained by using ultrasound with carcass traits of steers; 2) estimate genetic parameters needed to implement combined analyses of carcass and indicator traits to produce unified national cattle evaluations for LM area, subcutaneous fat depth (SQF), and marbling (MRB), with the ultimate goal of...

Three hundred twenty Cobb 500 broiler breeder pullets at 21 wk of age were selected from a flock fed according to Cobb Breeder Management Guide specifications. One hundred sixty pullets at 21 wk of age were switched to ad libitum feeding, and the remaining 160 pullets continued to be control-fed. The pullets were photostimulated at 22 wk and maintained until 36.5 wk. Plasma samples were obtaine...

Welfare problems, such as hunger, frustration, aggression, and abnormal sexual behavior, are commonly found in broiler breeder production. To prevent or reduce these welfare problems, it has been suggested to provide stimulating enriched environments. We review the effect of the different types of environmental enrichment for broiler breeders, which have been described in the scientific literat...

The poorly known winter foraging ecology of the king penguin, a major Southern Ocean consumer, was investigated at the subantarctic Crozet Islands where the largest global population breeds. Blood δ13C and δ15N values were used as proxies of the birds' foraging habitat and diet, respectively, and circulating prolactin levels helped in determining the birds' reproductive status. Plasma prolactin...

The wildlife trade is becoming increasingly more relevant in discussions concerning conservation biology and the sustainable management of natural resources. The aim of this study was to document the trade and breeding of wildlife in Santa Catarina state, in southern Brazil. Data was collected from annual reports (1996-2008) of wildlife breeders which were sent to IBAMA. By the end of 2008, the...

An 8-wk experiment using 180 Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders was conducted to investigate the effect of different sources of Se on the concentration and gene expression of selenoprotein P (SEPP1) in broiler breeders and their offspring. After receiving a low-Se basal diet for 8 wk, broiler breeders were randomly allocated to 3 treatments (6 replicates per treatment) and fed corn-soy-based diets...