Abstract Genomic evaluations have revolutionized dairy cattle breeding, and the demand for embryos produced from very young heifers with high genetic merit has increased over time. The combination of low oocyte recovery, young age of donors, and milk production status can make the in vitro embryo production (IVP) of Holstein cattle incredibly challenging. Several factors need to be coordinated to obtain a live calf from an IVP embryo, but the quality of the oocyte at the start of the process is one of the key factors. Aspects related to oocyte quality, laboratory quality control, embryo quality and recipient selection are addressed here, based on the measures that the RuAnn Genetics Laboratory (Riverdale, California, USA) adopted in the last 12 years, with the goal of improving production of live, healthy calves from Holstein embryos. Follicular wave synchronization and stimulation with follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) is necessary to improve oocyte quality and consequently embryo production. Laboratory quality control and the use of high-quality supplies are essential to reduce variability in production and facilitate identification of other factors that might interfere with embryo production. High pregnancy rates can be achieved with good quality embryos selected at optimal time and stage of development, transferred by an experienced embryo transfer (ET) technician, to well managed recipients 7 or 8 days after estrus. Attention to detail at every step of the process is crucial to success.

O uso do programa de Cornell indica a necessidade de estudos sobre a degradação dos diferentes componentes da matéria seca (MS). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a cinética ruminal da MS e das frações fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), proteína bruta (PB) e proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro (PIDN) de amostras de capim-Tanzânia (Panicum maximum Jacq.) obtidas por simulação de pastejo, coletadas em três épocas do ano (verão, outono e primavera), em pastagens irrigadas submetidas a três níveis de resíduo pós-pastejo (baixo, médio e alto). Para cada período de incubação, foram usados três animais fistulados no rúmen. Os tempos de incubação foram: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 30, 48, 60, 72, 96 horas. No resíduo do material incubado, foram determinados os teores de FDN, PB e PIDN, utilizando-se NIRS. O nível de resíduo baixo foi o tratamento que apresentou maior redução de degradabilidade potencial entre o verão (81,41%) e a primavera (74,96%). A fração prontamente solúvel da proteína pode ser maior que 40% da proteína degradável no rúmen (PDR), que variou entre 76,36 e 62,05% da PB. A fração indegradável da FDN (C) é maior que a estimada pelo CNCPS a partir dos teores de lignina/FDN multiplicados por 2,4. Os resultados deste trabalho indicam que o fator de multiplicação deve estar entre 2,91 e 3,35. A fração C do PIDN (12,11 a 17,08%) é maior que a calculada em laboratório como nitrogênio aderido à fibra em detergente ácido (N-FDA) (6,48 a 10,7%). Quanto maior o teor de PB e de PIDN, pior a degradabilidade da PB.

The objective of this work was to study DM, NDF, CP and IPND ruminal kinectics of irrigated Tanzaniagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.). Simulated grazed samples were collected on three periods of the year (spring, summer and fall), under three post grazed stubbles intensities (low, medium and high). Three rumen cannulated animals were assigned to a 3 x 3 Latin square design to determine the in situ degradability until 96 hours of incubation. NDF, CP and IPND were determined by NIRS in the residue remaining in the bags. Forage quality was the highest in the summer. The low post grazed stubble treatment showed the highest increase in degradability of all fractions from spring (74.96%) to summer (81.41%). The soluble protein fraction showed values up to 40% of the RDP, which ranged from 62 to 76% CP. NDF C fraction was underestimated by CNCPS. Data of this research suggest that the %lignin/%NDF should be multiplied by a factor from 2.91 to 3.35. CNCPS overestimated the IPND C fraction (12.11 to 17.08%), as compared to the wet lab analysis value, as regarded to be the N-ADF fraction (6.48 to 10.7%). CP and IPND degradability decreased, as the CP and IPND contents increased.