ABSTRACT The environment is vital to the agricultural sector since it can cause adversities throughout the entire productive chain. This study evaluated the geographical distribution of zebu breeds in Brazil and correlated their occurrence with environmental variables and the human development index. Herds of purebred zebu cattle (Bos indicus) in Brazil were classified as beef, dairy, and dual-purpose breeds, and all breeds were spatialized in the ArcGIS program. Environmental (precipitation, temperature, relative humidity index) and the human development index (HDI) were examined. We conducted regression and logistic analyses. Zebu cattle showed a lower distribution in the Northeastern states compared to other locations, possibly due to harsh weather conditions, namely long periods of high temperatures and lower precipitation, directly affecting local livestock. Beef breeds were evenly spread throughout the country in regions influenced by environmental variables of higher precipitation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), temperature, relative humidity (RH), and temperature humidity index (THI), as well as properties without smallholder farmers and rivers and streams with riparian vegetation. The regions for dual-purpose and dairy breeds were predominantly cultivated with cutting forages (e.g., sugarcane - Saccharum officinarum), with the integration of crops, livestock and/or forestry (i.e., combining different activities in the same area) and areas with a rotational grazing system (i.e., grazing management), indicating a higher occupation in fertile lands. The Gir breed, the only dairy breed evaluated in this study, was seen in establishments with smallholder farmers, characterized by small to medium farms, and in regions at higher altitudes.

Abstract This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for jumping measures in the Brazilian Sport Horses breed, looking to see which jump characteristics can be evaluated early and that present favorable genetic correlations (ϒg) with measures of later sports performance. Data were available for the results of jumping competitions on the Brazilian Sport Horses. Two traits were calculated: Classification (CLASS) of the animal (taking into consideration obstacle height, number of competitors, type of competition (regional, national, international) and final score (SCOREF) taking into consideration the weight of the competition, height of the obstacles and score for the placement and type of event. Heritabilities were low for the full database (0.00 and 0.07 for CLASS and SCOREF, respectively), but higher when only young horses were considered (0.09 and 0.67, respectively). Genetic correlations between these traits and subjective functional traits (using a scale of 0 to 10) measured at stallion approval for reproduction showed that Power was favorable for indirect selection for both traits (-0.85 for CLASS and 1.00 for SCOREF). Jump also showed a favorable correlation for SCOREF (0.53) but unfavorable for CLASS (1.00). Considering the importance of Temperament and the absence of unfavorable genetic correlations between it and competition results it was concluded that this trait can be maintained among the selection objectives of Brazilian Sport Horses. Suggestions are made for further genetic studies with this breed, and possible modifications in the evaluation regulations to improve data quality.

Resumo Este estudo estimou parâmetros genéticos para avaliações de salto em cavalos da raça Brasileiro de Hipismo, buscando características passíveis de serem avaliadas precocemente e que estejam geneticamente correlacionadas (ϒg) com resultados posteriores em competições esportivas. Para os resultados de competições de salto duas características foram consideradas: Classificação (CLASS) do animal (considerando alturas dos obstáculos; número de competidores; tipo de competição: regional, nacional ou internacional) e escore final (SCOREF) (considerando peso da competição, altura dos obstáculos e escore para a colocação e tipo de evento). Herdabilidades foram baixas (0,00 e 0,07 para CLASS e SCOREF, respectivamente) quando o banco de dados foi considerado como um todo. Foram mais elevadas quando apenas a categoria Cavalos Novos foi considerada (0,09 e 0,67, respectivamente). Correlações genéticas entre estas características e avaliações funcionais subjetivas (em escala de 0 a 10) tomadas em aprovações de garanhões para reprodução mostraram relação genética favorável à seleção indireta entre Potência e resultados de competição (-0,84 para CLASS e 1,00 para SCOREF). Salto também apresentou correlação favorável com SCOREF (0,53), porém desfavorável com CLASS (1,00). Considerando a importância do Temperamento e ausência de correlações genéticas desfavoráveis desta com resultados de competição, conclui-se que esta característica deve ser mantida entre os objetivos de seleção de cavalos Brasileiro de Hipismo. Sugestões de estudos genéticos futuros para a raça e para possíveis modificações no regulamento das avaliações, foram feitas visando a melhoria da qualidade dos dados.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to explore spatial genetic structure patterns in cattle breeds adapted to local conditions in Brazil. We georeferenced 876 animals of ten breeds raised in Brazil kept in the Genebank of Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) by sample locations using the QGIS 2.4.0 software. The Mantel tests, spatial autocorrelation, and Monmonier tests were performed. The distances for spatial correlation tests ranged from 5 to 15 classes. The results indicated genetic discontinuities in cattle breeds from the Midwest, South, and Southeast of the country. Correlation between genetic and geographic distance was low, but significant. The Monmonier Maximum Distance Algorithm indicated an initial subdivision of Curraleiro and then Pantaneiro from the other breeds. In another subdivision, Criollo, Mocho Nacional, and Caracu were grouped. Genetic discontinuity was observed beyond 431 km, the minimum sampling distance between populations for conservation purposes.

ABSTRACT Traditional livestock productivity is hard to estimate, since it depends on a gamut of animal production indicators that are difficult to measure for many farms. Thus, we propose an analytical method for estimating productivity and understanding the importance of animal production indicators under different full-cycle cattle production systems in Brazil. To evaluate the impact of these indicators, equations were derived from a comutational model of herd evolution for estimating the output parameters of the system as follows: productivity per hectare (PH) and offtake rate (COR), as a function of the indicators; calving rate (CR), mating age (AM), age of slaughter (AS) and stocking rate (SR). For this analysis, twenty-seven scenarios (simulation data) of low to high productivity were used, resulting from the combination of the following factors and levels: 1) calving rate of 50, 65 and 80 %; 2) mating age of heifers of one, two and three, years of age; and 3) age at slaughter of one, two and three year old steers. The scenario with the highest impact for each parameter and the indicator of highest impact for each scenario were identified for the production conditions in the region. Under most scenarios, a reduction in mating age had a greater impact on the productivity indexes compared to a reduction in slaughter age. Appropriate management of available technologies enables farmers to compare the marginal impacts of specific indicators on full-cycle production systems for beef cattle.

Abstract The first horses were brought to Brazil by the colonizers after 1534. Over the centuries, these animals evolved and adapted to local environmental conditions usually unsuitable for exotic breeds, thereby originating locally adapted Brazilian breeds. The present work represents the first description of maternal genetic diversity in these horse breeds based on D-loop sequences. A D-Loop HSV-I fragment of 252 bp, from 141 horses belonging to ten Brazilian breeds / genetic groups (locally adapted and specialized breeds) were analysed. Thirty-five different haplotypes belonging to 18 haplogroups were identified with 33 polymorphic sites. Haplotype diversity (varying from 0.20 to 0.96) and nucleotide diversity (varying from 0.0039 to 0.0239) was lower for locally adapted than for specialized breeds, with the same pattern observed for FST values. Haplogroups identified in Brazilian breeds are in agreement with previous findings in South American samples. The low variability observed mainly in locally adapted breeds, indicates that, to ensure conservation of these breeds, careful reproductive management is needed. Additional genetic characterization studies are required to support accurate decision-making.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único (SNPs) em dados de ressequenciamento dos genes MC1R, ASIP e TYRP1, obtidos de ovelhas Crioulas (Ovis aries) com cores de pelagem distintas. Polimorfismos nos genes ASIP (agouti-signaling protein), MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor) e TYRP1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1) foram analisados em 115 ovinos, provenientes do núcleo de conservação da ovelha Crioula, da Embrapa. No total, 7.914 pb foram sequenciados por animal, e 14 SNPs foram identificados. Dois ensaios adicionais foram realizados para detectar duplicações e deleções no gene ASIP. Noventa e cinco por cento da variação de cor da pelagem foi explicada pelas interações epistáticas entre alelos específicos dos genes MC1R e ASIP. Evidências sugerem um importante papel das variantes TYRP1 para cor da lã, apesar das suas baixas frequências. O painel de marcadores usado foi eficiente em detectar alelos associados à coloração da pelagem nos animais estudados e, portanto, pode ser usado na implementação de um programa de seleção assistida por marcadores, no núcleo de conservação de ovinos da raça Crioula.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in resequencing data from MC1R, ASIP, and TYRP1 genes derived from Crioula sheep (Ovis aris) with different coat colors. Polymorphisms in the ASIP (agouti-signaling protein), MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor), and TRYP1 (tyrosinase-related protein 1) genes were analyzed in 115 sheep from Embrapa’s conservation nucleus of crioula sheep, in Brazil. A total of 7,914 bp were sequenced per animal, and 14 SNPs were identified. Two additional assays were performed to detect duplications and deletions in the ASIP gene. Ninety-five percent of the coat color variation was explained by epistatic interactions observed between specific alleles in the MC1R and ASIP genes. Evidence suggests an important role of TYRP1 variants for wool color, despite their low frequencies. The marker panel was efficient enough in predicting coat color in the studied animals and, therefore, can be used to implement a marker-assisted selection program in the conservation nucleus of sheep of the crioula breed.

RESUMO: A geleia de Wharton é uma fonte de células tronco mesenquimais (CTMs) que ainda não havia sido testada para a produção de embriões bovinos por transferência nuclear (TN). O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar, caracterizar e testar as CTMs derivadas da geleia de Wharton para produção de embriões e gestações por transferência nuclear em bovinos. O cordão umbilical foi coletado durante o nascimento e as células derivadas da geleia de Wharton (CGWs) foram isoladas por explante e cultivadas em Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium. Fibroblastos (FB) da pele foram isolados após 6 meses de vida. As análises morfológicas foram realizadas pelas microscopias de campo claro e eletrônica de varredura durante o cultivo celular. Caracterização fenotípica e genotípica por citometria de fluxo, imunocitoquímica, RT-PCR e indução da diferenciação em linhagens celulares foi realizada com as CGWs. No procedimento de TN, ovócitos no estágio de metáfase II foram enucleados usando micromanipuladores, fusionados com CGWs ou FB e então ativados artificialmente. Micrografias de microscopia de varredura revelaram que CGWs tiveram forma variada sob cultivo. Os marcadores mesenquimais de CTMs (CD29+, CD73+, CD90+ and CD105+) foram expressos em cultura de CGWs bovina, como evidenciado por citometria de fluxo, imunocitoquímica e RT-PCR. Quando induzidas, estas células diferenciaram-se em osteócitos, condrócitos e adipócitos. Após classificação, as CGWs foram utilizadas na TN. A taxa de formação de blastocistos por TN com CGWs no sétimo dia de cultivo foi de 25,80±0,03%, similar a produção de blastócitos por TN com fibroblastos de pele (19,00±0,07). Gestações foram obtidas e mostraram que CGWs constituem um novo tipo celular para ser usado na clonagem animal.

ABSTRACT: Wharton's jelly is a source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that had not yet been tested for bovine embryo production by nuclear transfer (NT). Thus, the objective of this study was to isolate, characterize and test MSCs derived from Wharton's jelly for embryo and pregnancy production by NT in cattle. The umbilical cord was collected during calving and cells derived from Wharton's jelly (WJCs) were isolated by explant and cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium. Skin Fibroblasts (FB) were isolated after 6 months of life. Morphological analysis was performed by bright field and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) during cell culture. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR and differentiation induction in cell lineages were performed for WJC. In the NT procedure, oocytes at the arrested metaphase II stage were enucleated using micromanipulators, fused with WJCs or FB and later activated artificially. SEM micrographs revealed that WJCs have variable shape under culture. Mesenchymal markers of MSCs (CD29+, CD73+, CD90+ and CD105+) were expressed in bovine-derived WJC cultures, as evidenced by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. When induced, these cells differentiated into osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes. After classification, the WJCs were used in NT. Blastocyst formation rate by NT with WJCs at day 7 was 25.80±0.03%, similar to blatocyst rate with NT using skin fibroblasts (19.00±0.07%). Pregnancies were obtained and showed that WJCs constitute a new cell type for use in animal cloning.

A indústria avícola normalmente tem pouco controle sobre a matéria-prima que chega à unidade de transformação. Este experimento teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade química e energética do milho obtida em uma fábrica de rações, antes e após a pré-limpeza. Vinte amostras de 30 kg de milho, foram retiradas de caminhões que entregavam milho para o moinho. Após os caminhões serem descarregados e o material passar por processo de pré-limpeza, outra amostra foi retirada. As amostras foram classificadas e as propriedades físicas foram avaliadas: densidade (g/L), percentagens de grãos de material estranho, impurezas, fragmentados, quebrados, chocho, danificados por insetos, queimados, fermentados, danificados,avariados e quirera, bem como análises de composição bromatológica: energia metabolizável aparente para aves (EMA), extrato etéreo (EE), fibra bruta (FB), amido (A), atividade de água (AA), proteína bruta (PB), lisina digestível e total, metionina, cistina, treonina, triptofano, valina, isoleucina, leucina, fenilalanina, histidina e arginina. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos (antes e após a pré-limpeza) e vinte repetições cada. Os dados foram analisados usando o programa SAS ® e as diferenças entre os tratamentos obtidos pelo teste F. Correlações e componentes principais foram calculados. Houve diminuição na densidade após o processo de pré-limpeza que foi provavelmente devido à remoção de terra e pedras em vez de grão e as suas fracções. Aumentos significativos foram encontrados para danos causados por insetos, grãos fermentados e danificados, enquanto o nível de queimados foi significativamente reduzido após o processo de pré-limpeza. O amido aumentou após a pré-limpeza já que contaminantes normalmente são pobres neste componente, porém os níveis de fibra também aumentaram. Os níveis de energia metabolizável aparente, aminoácidos, digestibilidade aparente (P <0,05) e total (P <0,05) da histidina, de lisina total e metionina (P <0,05) foram reduzidos após a pré-limpeza. A densidade foi maior quando havia menos impurezas, como a casca de palha ou grãos pequenos. A presença de milho quebrado foi positivamente correlacionada (P <0,05) com material estranho (0,63) e fragmentos (0,76), enquanto que a proporção do milho danificado foi positivamente correlacionado com material estranho (0,68), os fragmentos (0,58) e milho quebrado (0,83). Neste estudo, mesmo as amostras sendo classificadas como de excelente qualidade antes da pré-limpeza, o processo de pré-limpeza foi eficaz em reduzir a umidade e atividade da água, que ajuda a controlar o crescimento de fungos ou outros microorganismos nas rações. Os níveis de amido e fibra aumentaram após a pré-limpeza, enquanto que os níveis de energia metabolizável aparente não foram melhorados pela pré-limpeza.

The poultry industry normally has little control over the raw material that arrives at the processing plant. This experiment aimed to evaluate chemical and energetic quality of corn obtained in a feed mill before and after pre-cleaning. Twenty samples of 30 kg of corn each were taken from trucks delivering corn to the mill. The trucks were then unloaded and the material passed through a pre-cleaning process when another sample was taken. Samples were graded and physical properties evaluated: density (g/L), grain percentages of foreign material, impurities, fragments, broken, soft, insect damaged, fire-burnt, fermented, damaged, cracked and fine particles, as well as chemical composition analysis: Apparent metabolizable energy for poultry (AME), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), starch (STA), water activity (WA), crude protein (CP), digestible and total lysine, methionine, cystine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine and arginine. The experiment was a randomized design with two treatments (before and after pre-cleaning) and twenty replications. Data was analyzed using SAS ® and treatment differences obtained using F test. Correlations and principal components were calculated. There was a decrease in density after the pre-cleaning process, which was probably due to the removal of earth and stones rather than grain and its fractions. Significant increases were found for insect damage, fermented and damaged grain while fire-burn was significantly reduced after the pre-cleaning process. Starch increased after pre-cleaning which is a result of contaminants that normally are poor in this carbohydrate, but fiber levels increased too. Apparent metabolizable energy, aminoacids, digestible (P<0.05) and total (P<0.05) histidine, total lysine and methionine (P<0.1) levels were reduced after pre-cleaning. Density was higher when there were fewer impurities such as straw, husk or small grains. Broken corn was positively correlated (P<0.05) with foreign material (0.63) and fragments (0.76), while proportion of damaged corn was positively correlated with foreign material (0.68), fragments (0.58) and broken corn (0.83). In this study, even in samples classified as excellent quality before pre-cleaning, the pre-cleaning process was effective in reducing humidity and water activity which helps control the growth of fungi or other microorganisms. Starch and fiber levels increased after pre-cleaning while apparent metabolizable energy levels was not improved by pre-cleaning.

Longevity is a desirable trait in the dairy industry because of its relationship to profitability. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for longevity measurements related to productive life, or life in the herd, and linear type traits of Brazilian Holstein cows born between the years 1990 and 2008. The (co) variance components were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method. The heritability for measurements of longevity and linear type traits ranged from 0.05 to 0.07 and 0.08 to 0.39, respectively. The genetic correlations between measurements of longevity and linear type traits ranged from -0.39 to 0.31. Direct selection for longevity does not necessarily lead to long-lived cows, due to low heritability. Indirect genetic selection for udder depth, bone quality, udder height, rear teat placement and conformation traits showed the highest genetic correlations with measurements of time between birth and last milk record and time from first calving to last milk record.

O objetivo deste experimento é a identificação das demandas de melhorias para fazendas com diferentes níveis de competitividade no Oeste do RS. Entrevistaram-se 63 produtores grandes (área= +900 ha) por meio de um questionário semi-estruturado, dividido em quatro direcionadores: tecnologia (TEC), gestão (MAN), relações de mercado (MR) e ambiente institucional (IE). Utilizou-se o software SAS 2002, versão 9.0, para realização da análise de cluster, realizando a tipologia dos produtores. Nesta análise, formaram-se aleatoriamente três clusters, sendo denominados de baixo nível de competitividade (LCL), médio nível de competitividade (MCL) e alto nível de competitividade (HCL). Dividiram-se as 29 variáveis (subfatores) avaliadas na análise de cluster de acordo com nível de impacto na competitividade das fazendas de bovinos de corte, sendo classificadas em variáveis de alto, médio ou baixo impacto. Esta estratificação do ranking de demanda de melhorias foi realizada a partir dos pesos atribuídos pelos especialistas aos subfatores. Os pecuaristas com baixo nível de competitividade apresentaram status desfavorável para MAN, enquanto os pecuaristas pertencentes aos clusters MCL e HCL apresentaram, respectivamente, status neutro e favorável para o mesmo direcionador. Portanto, a gestão é determinante para definir o nível de competitividade das fazendas entrevistadas

The aim of this experiment was to identify improvement demands for farms with different levels of competitiveness in the west of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. A total of 63 owners of large farms were interviewed (farms with an area greater than 900ha) by applying a semi-structured questionnaire, guided by four drivers: technology (TEC), management (MAN), market relations (MR) and the institutional environment (IE).It was used the Statistical Analysis System 9.2 software to perform the cluster analysis and identify farmers' characteristics. Three random clusters with different levels of competitiveness were observed: low competitiveness level (LCL), middle competitiveness level (MCL) and high competitiveness level (HCL). The 29 variables (sub factors) were evaluated in the cluster analysis according to level of impact on competitiveness, being classified into variables of high, medium or low impact. Stratification was carried out, ranking demands for improvements from aspects attributed by experts in relation to sub factors. The farmers with low competitiveness level (LTL) had an unfavorable status for MAN, while the farmers belonging to clusters MCL and HCL have, respectively, favorable and neutral status for the same driver. The management characteristics determined the level of competitiveness of the farms surveyed

Objetivou-se com este experimento avaliar os efeitos de métodos alternativos de suplementação de cordeiros em aleitamento sobre seu desempenho e sobrevivência. Foram utilizados 84 cordeiros Santa Inês, 50 % machos e 50 % fêmeas, de partos simples e gemelares. Os animais foram divididos em três tratamentos: A (controle), B (200 mL de leite de vaca/animal/dia) e C (200 mL de leite de vaca, mais 20g de mistura múltipla/animal/dia). O experimento se inciou às três semanas de idade dos cordeiros e terminou ao desmame (2 meses). O peso dos ovinos ao desmame (PD) foi 10,90, 13,20 e 13,59 kg, para os tratamentos A, B e C respectivamente, e o ganho médio diário (GMD) foi de 126, 163 e 168 g/animal/dia, respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade foi maior (P< 0,05) no grupo A em relação aos grupos B e C. O sexo dos animais influenciou significativaente (P<0,05) o GMD e PD. GMD e PD foram menores para os ovinos que morreram em comparação aos que sobreviveram: 7,94 kg contra 13,51 kg e 77 g contra 165g, respectivamente. Os gêmeos apresentaram GMD e PD menores (P<0,05) que os de parto simples. A suplementação com ou sem a mistura múltipla se mostrou eficiente, podendo aumentar a produtividade do sistema de produção.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of alternative methods of feeding on the performance and mortality rate of suckling lambs. Eighty-four Santa Inês lambs, twins and singles, half male and half female, were used. The animals were divided into three groups: A (control), B (bovine milk) and C (bovine milk plus Multi-mixture). The experiment began when lambs were three weeks old and finished at weaning at 2 months of age. Each animal from group B received 200 mL of bovine milk daily; group C received 200 mL of bovine milk plus 20g of Multi-mixture daily. Weaning Weight (WW) was 10.90, 13.20 and 13.59 kg, respectively for groups A, B and C. Daily Weight Gain (DWG) was 126, 163 and 168 g.day-1 respectively. The mortality rate was higher (p<0.05) in group A than in group B and C. Gender influenced significantly (p<0.05) the DWG and WW. DWG and WW were lower for the animals that died compared to the animals that survived: 7.94 kg against 13.51 kg (WW) and 77 g against 165 g (DWG) respectively. The twins had lower (P<0.05) WW and DWG when compared to the singles. The use of milk-replacers with or without Multi-mixture is effective and it can increase the productivity of the system.

Este estudo comparou as características de adaptação em cruzamentos comuns de gado leiteiro mestiços no Brasil central. Foram utilizados vinte animais de cada um dos três grupos genéticos: Zebu (Bos indicus), Simental x Zebu (SZ) e Holandês x Zebu (HZ). Foi medida a variação da temperatura retal (RT), frequência respiratória (RR) e frequência cardíaca (HR) dos animais à sombra e depois da exposição ao sol, bem como a produção média diária de leite durante todo o período de lactação. O procedimento foi repetido três vezes. Houve interações significativas entre o grupo teste e grupo genético para as características investigadas e as correlações entre as características foram baixas. A RR dos grupos mestiços parece controlar a temperatura corporal de maneira que não cause um aumento na RT. A produção de leite influenciou RR em vacas mestiças expostas ao sol, o que confirma a adaptação mais pobre em comparação com vacas zebuínas. Observou-se que a adaptação pode ser medida em termos de produção dentro do mesmo grupo genético. Em conclusão, os cruzamentos com raças europeias produziram mais leite do que o zebu, apesar de terem sido influenciados pelo calor da radiação / solar.

This study compared the adaptation traits in common crosses of crossbred dairy cattle in central Brazil. Twenty animals of each of three genetic groups were used: zebu (Bos indicus), Simmental x Zebu (SZ) and Holstein x Zebu (HZ). The test measured variations in rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) of animals in the shade and after exposure to the sun, as well as mean daily milk production throughout the lactation period. The procedure was repeated three times. There were significant interactions between test group and genetic group for the traits investigated and the correlations among traits were low. The RR of the crossbred groups may be controlling body temperature in such a way as not to cause an increase in RT. Milk production influenced RR in crossbred cows exposed to the sun, confirming their poorer adaptation in comparison with zebu cows. We observed that the adaptation can be measured in terms of production within the same genetic group. In conclusion, the crosses with European breeds produced more milk than zebu, although they were influenced by heat/solar radiation.

Brazilian goats are generally kept in small herds and extensive rearing systems, mainly in the northeastern region of the country. Despite production improvement in recent years, the lack of pedigree control has affected genetic progress. This study aimed to validate a panel of 16 microsatellites for parentage testing in locally adapted and commercial goats breeds raised in Brazil, as well as to compare its efficiency with the panel recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supplies (MAPA) in 2004. The number of alleles and expected heterozygosity (He) per marker ranged from four to 18, and from 0.051 to 0.831, respectively. Using all markers, 100% of parentage cases of the validation dataset were resolved with a strict confidence level of 95%. The 16 microsatellites panel showed adequate exclusion power (99.99%) and identity accuracy (99.99%). Suggestions for improvement of the marker panel endorsed by MAPA are provided.

O experimento foi realizado em 8ha de pasto de Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania, com pastejo rotacionado de 7 dias de ocupação e 21 dias de descanso. Quatro tratamentos foram avaliados: bovinos pastejando isoladamente (BOV), ovinos pastejando isoladamente (OVI), bovinos e ovinos pastejando simultaneamente (SIM), e bovinos pastejando previamente aos ovinos (alternado - ALT). Vinte novilhas e 30 cordeiros Santa Inês foram utilizados. Contagem de ovos nas fezes (FEC) e coproculturas foram realizados. Sangue também foi colhido para examinar a série vermelha e branca, proteínas plasmáticas totais (TPP), albumina e hemoglobina. FEC e índice de patogenicidade estimada de nematoides nos ovinos foram menores no tratamento SIM. A proporção de Haemonchus spp. foi maior nos sistemas isolados de pastejo. Para os ovinos, os sistemas consorciados apresentaram redução na infecção endoparasitária, sendo SIM melhor que ALT. Para os bovinos, nenhuma diferença entre os sistemas de pastejo foi verificado. Entretanto, o pastejo simultâneo (ovinos e bovinos) pode ser uma ferramenta para reduzir a necessidade de tratamentos anti-helmínticos em ovinos.

This experiment was carried out on 8 ha of Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania pastures, with rotational grazing consisting of 7 days of occupation and 21 days of rest. Four treatments were evaluated: cattle grazing alone (BOV), sheep grazing alone (OVI), cattle and sheep grazing simultaneously (SIM) and cattle grazing followed by sheep (alternate - ALT). Twenty heifers and 30 male Santa Inês lambs were used. Fecal egg count (FEC) and fecal cultures were carried out. Blood was also collected to examine red and white cell series, total plasma protein (TPP), albumin and hemoglobin. FEC and estimated nematode pathogenicity index in sheep were lower in the SIM treatment. The Haemonchus spp. proportion was higher in isolated grazing systems. For sheep, mixed grazing was shown to reduce endoparasite infection, and SIM was better than ALT. For cattle, no difference between grazing systems was seen. Therefore, simultaneous grazing (sheep and cattle) may be a tool for reducing the need for anthelmintic treatments in sheep.

The objective of the present study consisted of describing dam and calf suckling behaviour of Curraleiro Pé Duro cattle. In this study, 38 mother-offspring pairs and one mother-offspring-orphan trio were observed for 10 hours daily during three consecutive days spaced every four months over a period of one year. After identification, the animals were observed under field conditions where calf posture and the number of suckling episodes (NS), mean suckling duration (MSD), total suckling duration per day (TSD) as well as natural weaning of these animals were recorded. The model assessed the effects of calf sex and age as well as feeding time. Suckling episodes (70.6%) had a duration of one to five minutes and the calf that suckled in the inverted parallel position had greater chances of success during suckling (99.5%); the younger animals had a shorter mean suckling duration (4.0±0.6 minutes) than the older ones (7.5±1.2 minutes) but they showed a higher number of suckling episodes (6.29±1.00 vs. 1.33±0.04 feeds in 10 hours for young and older calves). Only the factor age in the first three months was significant for NS, MSD, and TSD; males and females had similar suckling episode length and distribution. While these animals show some traits similar to other cattle breeds such as feeding their calves early in the morning and late in the afternoon, the dams spend large periods of the day away from their calves and suckling is more frequent but for shorter periods of time compared with other breeds. Other unique features such as allo-suckling and formation of day-long crèches are observed in this breed.