ABSTRACT. The evaluation of the carcass composition of livestock generates relevant information on the quality and final yield of the meat products. The objective of this work was to evaluate correlations the ultrasound measurements in vivo of the Longissimus lumborum with the physical-chemical components of one-year-old Santa Ines sheep bred in extensive systems. The ultrasound evaluation was performed of the rib eye area (USrea), loin depth (USld), loin width (USlw) and subcutaneous fat thickness (USsft). After slaughter, meat cuts were weighed and carcass yield was calculated. The 12th rib on the left side was separated from the carcass and dissected, after which individual bones, muscles and fat were separated and weighed. The components were regrouped, ground and collected for centesimal evaluation. Significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) were found between the ultrasound measurements and meat metrics, except for the loin length, which had low correlation. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between muscles and the measurements of USld, USrea and USsft. The correlations (p < 0.05) between the bones and USld and USrea were negative and significant. USsft presented correlation (p < 0.05) with carcass yield. Thus, the ultrasound measurements associated with the Longissimus lumborum could constitute a valuable tool for evaluating the physical-chemical components and carcass of one-year-old Santa Inês sheep created in extensive systems.

Abstract Searching for improvements in semen cryopreservation, natural substances are commonly studied focusing to improve the sperm quality. The aim of this study were evaluated the effect of adding orange, pineapple, and beet juices in different concentrations and combinations to the ram semen cryopreservation extender. Five ejaculates from five adult rams were used. The semen pool was diluted in egg yolk-based extender and mixed with the following 15 treatments (at a final concentration of 400.106 sptz/mL): orange 10% (O10) and 15% (O15); pineapple 10% (P10) and 15% (P15); beet 10% (B10) and 15% (B15); pineapple + orange 10% (PO10) and 15% (PO15); pineapple + beet 10% (PB10) and 15% (PB15); beet + orange 10% (BO10) and 15% (BO15); pineapple + beet + orange 10% (PBO10) and 15% (PBO15); and the control group (CON). Post-thaw in 0.25 mL straws semen quality analysis of cryopreserved semen was performed by CASA and flow cytometry. Analysis of variance (PROC GLM) was carried out and the averages were compared using the SNK test. Pearson's correlation test was also performed. No effect was noted in the addition of juices to the semen extender prior to cryopreservation. Post-thawed, although, statistically similar to the control group, the total motility of the B10 group reached acceptable standards of total motility. In addition, B10 group showed the highest values (p<0.05) of progressive motility than control group or other treatments. The addition of 10% beet juice to the ram semen extender can improve the cryopreservation of sperm motility.

Resumo Em busca de melhorias na criopreservação do sêmen, substâncias naturais são comumente estudadas com o objetivo de melhorar a qualidade do sêmen. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da adição de sucos de laranja, abacaxi e beterraba em diferentes concentrações e combinações ao diluidor de criopreservação de sêmen ovino. Foram utilizados cinco ejaculados de cinco carneiros adultos. O pool de sêmen foi diluído em diluente à base de gema de ovo e misturado com os seguintes 15 tratamentos (na concentração final de 400x10⁶ sptz/ml): laranja 10% (O10) e 15% (O15); abacaxi 10% (P10) e 15% (P15); beterraba 10% (B10) e 15% (B15); abacaxi + laranja 10% (PO10) e 15% (PO15); abacaxi + beterraba 10% (PB10) e 15% (PB15); beterraba + laranja 10% (BO10) e 15% (BO15); abacaxi + beterraba + laranja 10% (PBO10) e 15% (PBO15); e o grupo controle (CON). Pós-descongelação em palhetas de 0,25 ml a análise da qualidade do sêmen criopreservado foi realizada pelo CASA e citometria de fluxo. A análise de variância foi realizada e as médias comparadas pelo teste SNK. O teste de correlação de Pearson também foi realizado. Nenhum efeito foi observado na adição de sucos ao diluidor de sêmen antes da criopreservação. Após o descongelamento, embora estatisticamente semelhante ao grupo controle, a motilidade total do grupo B10 atingiu padrões aceitáveis de motilidade total. Além disso, o grupo B10 apresentou os maiores valores (p<0,05) de motilidade progressiva que o grupo controle ou os outros tratamentos. A adição de 10% de suco de beterraba ao diluente de sêmen ovino pode melhorar a criopreservação da motilidade espermática.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da restrição alimentar na resposta de fase aguda em equinos. Vinte cavalos foram submetidos à restrição alimentar por 48 h enquanto outros 12 animais (controle) tiveram livre acesso à água e alimento. Os animais foram monitorados, examinados e amostras de sangue foram coletadas no início (0) do estudo e com 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 horas de restrição alimentar. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância bidirecional com medidas repetidas e a significância estatística foi P ≤ 0,05. Os cavalos toleraram a restrição alimentar sem complicações clínicas relevantes. A restrição alimentar induziu uma resposta de fase aguda caracterizada pela elevação das concentrações séricas de α2-macroglobulina (24-38 h), ceruloplasmina (36-48 h), α1-antitripsina (30-48 h), α1-glicoproteína ácida (42-48 h) e haptoglobina (42-48 h). A privação de nutrientes eleva os níveis de cortisol circulante, que atua no sistema imunológico inato o qual, então induz a resposta de fase aguda. Em conclusão, a restrição alimentar é um fator estressor físico para equinos, capaz de induzir uma reação proteica de fase aguda, caracterizada pelo aumento na produção de α2-macroglobulina, ceruloplasmina, α1-antitripsina, α1-glicoproteína ácida e haptoglobina.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed restriction on acute-phase response in horses. Twenty horses were deprived of food for 48 h and others 12 animals (control) had free access to water and hay. They were closely monitored and examined, and blood samples were taken at the beginning (0) of the study and 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 hours afterward. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures and statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05. The horses tolerated feed restriction without serious clinical complications. Feed restriction induced an increase in the acute-phase response by elevating serum concentrations of α2-macroglobulin (24-38 h), ceruloplasmin (36-48 h), α1-antitrypsin (30-48 h), α1-acid glycoprotein (42-48 h) and haptoglobin (42-48 h). Nutrient deprivation raised the levels of circulating cortisol, which acts on the innate immune system, which then induces the acute-phase response. In conclusion, food restriction is a physical stressor for horses, capable of inducing an acute-phase protein reaction, characterized by increased production of α2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, α1- antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein and haptoglobin.

ABSTRACT The objective with this study was to evaluate the libido and sexual behavior of Pantaneiro stallions in Brazil in two periods, the rainy and dry seasons. Their sexual behavior was evaluated during mating with mares in estrus, and the libido was scored for statistical analysis. The reaction time and time to mount and ejaculate were 78.1±64.6 s and 289.0 s, respectively. The most relevant events of sexual behavior observed in the Pantaneiro stallions were mounting without erection, mounting without ejaculation, smelling, and vocalizing. In general, the season did not affect the libido of stallions. Even with the high temperatures and humidity, which could cause thermal stress, the stallions showed good libido score during most of evaluations, with some individual differences. Pantaneiro stallions are able to breed mares during the entire year and could facilitate the breeding management to raise the number of Pantaneiro horses of the herds and optimize the use of the stallions during the breeding season, with more females per male.

Resumen Antecedentes: El actual manejo reproductivo en poblaciones de bovinos de élite incluye la utilización de tecnologías de reproducción asistida (ARTs) con el fin de obtener mayor ganancia genética. Sin embargo, el uso inadecuado de las ART puede llevar a la pérdida de diversidad genética en los descendientes. Objetivo: Evaluar la diversidad genética en poblaciones de vacas de élite utilizadas en la producción comercial de embriones bovinos in vitro. Métodos: Utilizando abordajes de la genética y ecología de poblaciones basados en marcadores microsatélites, evaluamos la diversidad genética entre y dentro de poblaciones de vacas participantes de programas comerciales de producción de embriones in vitro en Brasil. Resultados: La endogamia dentro de las poblaciones varió de cero a 9,1%, mientras que la heterocigosidad entre poblaciones (FST) fue <0,05 en las diferentes interacciones de la población. El AMOVA mostró variación del 1% entre poblaciones, 8% entre individuos y 91% dentro de individuos. El método de reducción de dimensionalidad utilizado indicó una falta de estructura en las poblaciones analizadas, identificando dos grupos principales en las tres poblaciones. Conclusiones: Se evidenció una baja diversidad genética entre las poblaciones de vacas asociadas a programas comerciales de producción de embriones in vitro en Brasil. Se evidenciaron niveles variables de endogamia entre las poblaciones. Abordajes de la genética poblacional, así como de diversidad ecológica pueden ser implementados para estimar de manera más amplia la diversidad genética en poblaciones animales de interés pecuario.

Abstract Background: Current reproductive management of bovine elite populations involves the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), aiming to obtain the greatest genetic gain. However, inadequate use of ARTs may lead to loss of genetic diversity in the offspring. Objective: To assess the genetic diversity in elite female cattle populations used in commercial in vitro embryo production. Methods: Using genetic and ecological approaches for the study of populations based on microsatellite markers, we assessed the genetic diversity between and within populations of cows used in commercial in vitro embryo production programs in Brazil. Results: Endogamy within populations varied from zero to 9.1%, while heterozygosity between populations (FST) was <0.05 in the different population interactions. AMOVA showed 1% variation between populations, 8% between individuals and 91% within individuals. The dimensionality reduction method utilized indicated a lack of structure in the populations analyzed, identifying two main clusters in the three populations. Conclusions: Low genetic diversity between cow populations associated with commercial programs of in vitro embryo production in Brazil was evidenced. Variable levels of endogamy within the populations were observed. Approaches of population genetics as well as ecological diversity can be implemented to more thoroughly estimate genetic diversity in livestock populations.

Resumo Antecedentes: O atual manejo reprodutivo das populações de elite em bovinos envolve o uso de tecnologias de reprodução assistida (ARTs), visando obter o maior ganho genético. No entanto, o uso inadequado de ARTs pode levar à perda de diversidade genética na prole. Objetivo: Avaliar a diversidade genética em populações de vacas de elite utilizadas na produção comercial de embriões bovinos in vitro. Métodos: Utilizando abordagens da genética e ecologia de populações baseadas em marcadores microssatélites, foi avaliada a diversidade genética entre e dentro das populações de vacas participantes de programas comercias de produção in vitro de embriões. Resultados: A endogamia dentro das populações variou de zero a 9,1%, enquanto a heterozigosidade entre populações (FST) foi <0,05 nas diferentes interações populacionais. AMOVA mostrou variação de 1% entre populações, 8% entre indivíduos e 91% dentro de indivíduos. O método de redução de dimensionalidade utilizado indicou uma falta de estrutura nas populações analisadas, identificando dois clusters principais nas três populações. Conclusões: Baixa diversidade genética entre populações de vacas associadas a programas de produção in vitro de embriões foi evidenciada. Níveis de endogamia variáveis dentro das populações foram observados. Abordagens da genética populacional assim como de diversidade ecológica podem ser implementadas na tentativa de estimar de maneira mais abrangente a diversidade genética em populações animais de interesse pecuário.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of environment on follicular diameter and repeatability of the size of preovulatory follicles of mares. Temperature, rainfall, and photoperiod were measured, and their effects were evaluated on follicular dynamics. Data were studied by analysis of variance of follicular size and environment traits. During the five years, 7% double ovulations and 159 anovulatory follicles were recorded. Mean preovulatory follicle diameters of left and right ovaries were 39.3±3.8 and 39.2±3.5 mm respectively. There was no effect of evaluation year on follicular diameter. Reproduction season affected the right preovulatory follicle diameter. There was no effect of temperature and rainfall on follicular diameter. Repeatability values of the preovulatory follicular diameter were low. In the subtropical climate studied, temperature and rainfall caused no effect on follicular dynamics, and photoperiod had only a small effect on dominant preovulatory follicular diameter. Repeatability of follicular diameter was low, so this characteristic should be evaluated daily to predict ovulation and the optimal time to inseminate mares.

RESUMO: Este estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes concentrações de farinha de yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolia) sobre as características físico-químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais de quatro formulações de mortadelas (F1, F2, F3 e controle) preparadas com carne de ovinos, gordura suína e aditivos. Todas as formulações atenderam aos padrões físico-químicos e microbiológicos definidos nas regulamentações para produção de mortadela no Brasil. As formulações controle e F1 obtiveram as melhores pontuações de aceitação, em comparação com F2 e F3. Os julgadores declararam intenção de compra favorável para as formulações controle, F1 e F2. Os resultados mostram que a mortadela de carne ovina suplementada com farinha de yacon é uma alternativa promissora na fabricação de produtos cárneos mais saudáveis.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of different yacón meal concentrations (Smallanthus sonchifolia) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of four mortadella formulations (F1, F2, F3, and control) prepared with mutton, pork fat, and additives. All formulations met the physicochemical and microbiological standards defined in regulations for mortadella production in Brazil. Control and F1 were the formulations with better acceptance scores, compared with F2 and F3. The judges stated favorable purchase intention for the control, F1 and F2 formulations. Results showed that mutton mortadella supplemented with yacón meal is a promising alternative in the manufacture of healthier meat products.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to investigate the relationship between echogenicity, testicular biometry, and accessory gland biometry and evaluate the echogenicity pattern of these structures in Santa Ines rams. Fifty-four healthy Santa Ines sheep were classified into three age groups: group 1 - 3 to 5 months (pre-pubertal); group 2 - 7 to 11 months (pubertal); and group 3 - 13 to 28 months (sexually mature). The averages of testicular biometry and bulbourethral gland biometry were different among age groups. The testicular parenchyma was homogeneous with low echogenicity (pre-pubertal group) and medium echogenicity (pubertal and sexually mature groups), suggesting that testicular echogenicity can be a helpful tool to identify the start of puberty. The accessory glands were heterogeneous with low echogenicity in all age groups. Correlations were high between weight, biometry of testis and of bulbourethral gland and echogenicity of the accessory glands, indicating that sexually mature rams with higher body development have larger testicles and larger glands. We recommend the use of testicular biometry as a complementary evaluation of the reproductive efficiency of Santa Ines rams. The average values of echogenicity and the biometry of accessory glands are important parameters to assist the selection of breeding rams.

RESUMO Avaliação do tamanho dos testículos é muito importante na seleção de garanhões, uma vez que é um determinante indireto do seu potencial reprodutivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características de biometria testiculares, calcular o volume testicular e analisar a concentração sérica de testosterona de garanhões. Durante seis meses, foram medidos os testículos de garanhões Pôneis da raça Brasileiro adultos, criados no Norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. O comprimento a largura e a altura dos testículo (TL, TW e TH) foram mensurados. A partir dessas medidas, calculou-se o volume testicular total (TTV). Os dados foram avaliados por análise de variância e foram calculadas as correlações entre as características. A média geral das características de biometria testicular e volume testicular foram: TL 5,8 ± 0,6 cm; TW 3,8 ± 0,5 cm; TH 4,7 ± 0,4 cm e TTV 111.2 ± 27,7. A média de concentração sérica de testosterona foi de 0,89 ± 0,52 ng/dl. Altas correlações foram observadas entre as características de biometria testicular e volume testicular. Baixas a médias correlações entre as características testiculares com produção espermática e com concentração de testosterona foram observadas. O tamanho testicular pode ser uma importante característica que auxilia na predição do potencial reprodutivo do garanhão pôneis da raça Brasileira. Sugere-se que não há variações na concentração sérica de testosterona nos pôneis da raça Brasileira que poderia afetar em sua fertilidade.

SUMMARY Evaluation of the testis size is very important in stallions’ selection, since it is an indirect determinant of their reproductive potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biometric testicular traits, calculate the volume testicular and analyze the serum testosterone concentration of the stallion. During six months were measured the tests of adults Brazilian Ponies stallions from northern of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The length, the width and the height of the testicles (TL, TW and TH) were measured. From these measurements, the total testicular volume (TTV) was calculated. The serum testosterone concentration was also evaluated. The data were studied by analysis of variance and were calculated the correlations among the traits. The average of the testis biometry were TL 5.8 ± 0.6 cm; TW 3.8 ± 0.5 cm; TH 4.7 ± 0.4 cm and 111.2 ± 27.7 for TTV. Mean of serum testosterone concentration was 0.89 ± 0.52 ng/dl. High correlations between biometry testicular traits with testicular volume were observed and low to moderate correlations were observed for testicular traits, testosterone and sperm output. The testis size could be an important trait that assists to the prediction of stallion's reproductive potential of the Brazilian ponies stallions. It is suggested that there would be no fluctuation in serum testosterone concentration in Brazilian ponies stallions that coult afect on its fertility.

Antecedentes: genes candidatos y sus polimorfismos han sido asociados a características de interés económico en ganado, representando una excelente estrategia para el mejoramiento genético de características complejas. La proteína morfogénica ósea 4 (BMP4) es un miembro de la superfamilia del factor de crecimiento transformante beta (TGFβ); que controla innumerables eventos del desarrollo embrionario, fetal y de adultos en vertebrados. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el grado de asociación entre un polimorfismo en el gen BMP4 (guanina por timina-G>T-, SNP rs109778173) y el desempeño de donantes de ovocitos de la raza Gyr, incluyendo la tasa de complejos cummulus-oophorus obtenidos en cada sesión de aspiración folicular (OPU), el desarrollo embrionario y la tasa de preñez. Métodos: el ADN fue extraído del folículo piloso de 50 vacas Gyr donantes de ovocitos, el genotipado fue realizado por la técnica de reacción en cadena de polimerasa-polimorfismos de longitud de fragmentos de restricción (PCR-RFLP). Datos de 212 sesiones de OPU-IVP fueron colectados y las características a seguir fueron asociadas con el polimorfismo en el gen BMP4 (SNP rs109778173): número y tasa de complejos de Cumulus-oophorus viables, de embriones clivados al día 4 de cultivo, de embriones transferibles al día 7 de cultivo, y de preñeces a los días 30 y 60 posterior a la transferencia de los embriones. Resultados: el polimorfismo fue significativamente asociado (p<0,01) con número y tasa de complejos Cumulus-oophorus viables y tasa de preñez al día 30. Conclusión: el genotipo GT (SNP rs109778173) fue asociado a resultados inferiores relacionados con características de OPU-IVP. Este resultado sugiere posibles efectos genéticos del gen BMP4 sobre el desempeño de donadoras de oocitos de la raza Gyr, siendo necesarios estudios del gen BMP4 en relación a las alteraciones en el desarrollo embrionario subsecuentes a la mutación citada.

Background: candidate genes and their polymorphisms have been associated with traits of economic interest in cattle, representing an important strategy for genetic improvement of complex traits. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily, which is involved with several events of embryonic, fetal, and adult development in vertebrates. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of association between polymorphism in the BMP4 gene (guanine for thymine- G>T, SNP rs109778173) and the performance of Gyr oocyte donors, including the rate of Cumulus-oophorus complex obtained in each session of follicular aspiration (OPU), embryo development, and pregnancy rates. Methods: DNA was extracted from hair follicles from 50 oocyte donors and genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Data from 212 OPU-IVP sessions was collected, and the following traits were associated with BMP4 polymorphism (SNP rs109778173): number and ratio of viable Cumulus-oophorus complexes; number of cleaved embryos at day 4 of culture; number of transferable embryos at day 7 of culture, and pregnancies on days 30 and 60 after embryo transfer. Results: the studied BMP4 polymorphism was significantly associated (p<0.01) with the number and ratio of viable cumulus-oocyte complexes, and the ratio of pregnancies at 30 days. Conclusion: the GT genotype (SNP rs109778173) was associated with inferior performance regarding OPU-IVP traits. This finding suggests possible genetic effects of BMP4 on performance of Gyr oocyte donors. Studies are needed on the BMP4 gene regarding subsequent changes in embryonic development of said mutation.

Antecedentes: genes candidatos e seus polimorfismos têm sido associados a características de interesse econômico no gado bovino, representando uma importante estratégia para o melhoramento genético de características complexas. A proteína morfogênica óssea 4 (BMP4) é um membro da superfamília do fator de crescimento transformante beta (TGFβ); que controla diversos eventos do desenvolvimento embrionário, tanto fetal quanto adulto em vertebrados. Objetivo: avaliar o grau de associação entre um polimorfismo no gene BMP4 (guanina por timina-G>T-, SNP rs109778173) e o desempenho de doadoras de oócitos da raça Gyr, incluindo a taxa de complexos Cumulus-oophorus obtidos em cada sessão de aspiração folicular (OPU), o desenvolvimento embrionário e a taxa de prenhez dos embriões. Métodos: o DNA foi extraído do folículo piloso de 50 vacas Gyr doadoras de oócitos, e a genotipagem foi realizada pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase-polimorfismo no comprimento de fragmentos de restrição (PCR-RFLP). Dados de 212 sessões de OPU-IVP foram coletados, e as características a seguir foram associadas com o polimorfismo no gene BMP4 (SNP rs109778173): número e taxa de complexos Cumulus-oophorus viáveis dos embriões clivados no dia 4 de cultivo, dos embriões transferíveis no dia 7 de cultivo e de prenhezes no dia 30 e 60 após a transferência dos embriões. Resultados: o polimorfismo estudado foi significativamente associado (p<0,01) com o número e a taxa dos complexos Cumulus-oophorus viáveis e a taxa de prenhezes ao dia 30. Conclusão: o genótipo GT (SNP rs109778173) foi associado a resultados inferiores relacionados a características OPU-IVP. Este resultado sugere possíveis efeitos genéticos do gene BMP4 sobre o desempenho de doadoras de oócitos da raça Gyr, fazendo-se necessários estudos no gene BMP4 em relação às alterações no desenvolvimento embrionário subsequentes ao polimorfismo citado.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of period of the year, year of the birth, sex and age on morphometric indices, such as body capacity, body indices, body side indice, anamorphosis indice, compactness indice and body proportionality indice. The correlation between these characteristics was calculated. Santa Ines sheep offspring from the birth to 12 months-old, at the Estado do Rio de Janeiro were used. Measurements were obtained from animals under an extensive scheme within three years of study totaling 2,601 observations. In this work, the year of birth, sex, animal age and triple interaction between these effects have influenced (P<0.05) morphometric indices. According to body and compactness indices averages also was verified that the animals tended for a more compact conformation. Males were higher than females in all measurements and weight. Correlations between all measures were high and positive. The studied animals show a longilinear conformation, tending to compact.

Los efectos de la estación, año de nacimiento, edad y sexo sobre índices morfométricos como: capacidad del cuerpo, índice corporal, índice del cuerpo, índice de anamorfosis, índice de compacidad y índice de proporcionalidad corporal fueron evaluados y fueran estimadas las correlaciones entre ellos. Se utilizaron ovejas Santa Inés desde el nacimiento hasta los 12 meses de edad, criadas en el norte del Estado de Río de Janeiro. Las evaluaciones fueron realizadas durante un período de tres años, totalizando 2.601 observaciones. El año de nacimiento, el sexo, la edad del animal y la interacción entre ellos tuvo efectos (P<0,05) sobre los índices estudiados. A partir de las medidas corporales y de los niveles de compacidad se observó que los animales tienden a presentar conformación más compacta. Las correlaciones entre las medidas fueron altas y positivas. Los animales estudiados muestran una conformación longilínea, tendiendo a compacto.

A simulation model implemented in the programming software Delphi XE® was applied to evaluate sex selection in bovine. The hypothesis under investigation was that a dynamic model with stochastic and deterministic elements could detect the sexed semen technique to minimize pregnancy cost and to determine the adequate number of recipients required for in vivo (ET) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) in the proposed scenarios. Sex selection was compared through semen sexed using flow cytometry (C1) and density gradient centrifugation techniques (C2) in ET and IVP. Sensibility analyses were used to identify the adequate number of recipients for each scenario. This number was reinserted into the model to determine the biological and financial values that maximized ET and IVP using sexed semen (C1M and C2M). New scenarios showed that the density gradient technique minimized pregnancy cost based on the proposed scenarios. In addition, the adequate number of recipients (ET - C1M - 115 and C2M - 105)/(IVP - C1M - 145 and C2M - 140) per donor used was determined to minimize the pregnancy cost in all scenarios.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of genetic group and environmental factors, including farm of origin, season of calving and lactation number, on the individual lactation curves of 1,010 Holstein-Gyr, Guzerat-Holstein, Holstein-Nellore, and Holstein-Zebu F1 cows on the experimental farms of the Agricultural Research Company in Minas Gerais (Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais, EPAMIG). Least squares analysis and the incomplete gamma function were used to investigate differences in early milk yield, peak milk yield, time from onset to the lactation peak, persistency, total milk yield and lactation duration. The highest early yields were observed for Holstein-Gyr and Holstein-Zebu, and the lowest were observed for Holstein-Nellore cows. Early yield increased with lactation number, and the lactations that began in the late rainy and early dry seasons had the highest early yield. The time between lactation onset and the lactation peak was longer for primiparous Holstein-Gyr and Holstein-Guzerat cows. The lowest yields at the lactation peak were observed for the first lactation number. The highest values of persistency were observed for the first lactation number in Holstein-Guzerat cows. Total production from Holstein-Gyr and Holstein-Zebu cows were higher by approximately 14% and 29% compared with Holstein-Guzerat and Holstein-Nellore cows, respectively. The highest total yields were observed in lactations beginning in the dry season. Total yield increased with lactation number. The shortest lactation periods were observed in lactations beginning late in the rainy season. The incomplete gamma function was used to fit the individual curves from the genetic groups evaluated. The total yield differences were linked to early yields and yields at the peak of lactation.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas Santa Inês alimentadas com dieta suplementada com gordura protegida. Os intervalos do parto ao primeiro estro clínico e à concepção, a taxa de gestação, a prolificidade, o peso vivo e a condição corporal foram determinados. Depois do parto, 60 ovelhas e seus cordeiros foram pesados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos com base na idade, peso corporal e número de cordeiros nascidos. Os tratamentos consistiram de dieta controle ou da dieta controle mais 30 g de gordura protegida, do parto aos 25 dias pós-parto (Sup25), ou aos 60 dias pós-parto (Sup60). Das 60 ovelhas avaliadas, 93,3% retornaram ao estro, e 74,5% ficaram prenhes, com taxa de parição de 73,53% e intervalo de parto de 196,5 dias. O período médio do parto até o primeiro estro foi de 32,4, 27,2 e 35,5 dias, para as ovelhas alimentadas com a dieta controle, Sup25 e Sup60, respectivamente. Os intervalos do parto até a concepção foram de 45,2, 46,5 e 45,2 dias, e as dietas com suplementação não apresentaram diferenças em comparação ao tratamento controle. A suplementação com gordura protegida para ovelhas da raça Santa Inês, bem nutridas, não melhora seu desempenho reprodutivo.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes fed a diet supplemented with protected fat. Intervals from lambing to first clinical estrus and to conception, conception rate, prolificacy, live weight and body condition were determined. After lambing, 60 ewes and their offsprings were weighted and randomly assigned to three treatments, based on age, body weight and number of born lambs. Treatments consisted of: control diet, or control diet plus 30 g of protected fat, from lambing to day 25 of post-lambing (Sup25), or to day 60 of post-lambing (Sup60). Out of 60 evaluated ewes, 93.3% returned to estrus, and 74.5% got pregnant, with 73.53% lambing rate and 196.5 days lambing interval. The average periods from lambing to first estrus were 32.4, 27.2 and 35.5 days for ewes fed the control diet, Sup25, and Sup60, respectively. The intervals from lambing to conception were 45.2, 46.5 and 45.2 days, and the supplemented diets did not show differences in comparison to the control diet. Supplementation with protected fat to well-nourished Santa Inês ewes does not improve their reproductive performance.

O desenvolvimento do processo de rigor mortis nas carcaças dos animais de açougue influenciam diretamente a qualidade da carne. As características do processo de rigor mortis em carcaça de ovinos durante o processamento industrial para obtenção de carcaças resfriadas já foram estudadas em outros países e no Brasil em ovinos Santa Inês, mas ainda não estabelecidas em ovinos F1 Santa Inês x Dorper. Assim, objetivou-se neste trabalho caracterizar o processo de rigor mortis dos músculos Semitendinosus e Triceps brachii durante o resfriamento industrial e maciez da carne, em 10 carcaças ovinas. Foram escolhidos aleatoriamente 10 ovinos machos inteiros, sendo seis da raça Santa Inês e quatro F1 Santa Inês x Dorper, abatidos no Matadouro Frigorífico de Campos - Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro. Após a sangria, analisou-se temperatura, pH, comprimento de sarcômero em diferentes intervalos de tempo (4h; 6h; 8h; 10h; 12h; e 24h) e força de cisalhamento ou maciez às 48h, do músculo Semitendinosus. Paralelamente, foi realizada a correlação entre a análise sensorial e a análise instrumental desse músculo. A temperatura da câmara fria variou de 12,2°C (4h) a -0,5°C (24h) e a temperatura média das carcaças foi de 26,80°C e -0,20°C, respectivamente. O pH médio inicial do músculo Semitendinosus foi de 6,62 e o final 5,64 enquanto no músculo T. brachii foi de 6,50 (4h) e 5,68 (24h). A contração máxima do sarcômero do músculo Semitendinosus ocorreu na 12ªh(1,50mm) após a sangria e no músculo Triceps brachii, no intervalo entre a 10ªh e 24ªh (1,53 a 1,57mm). No músculo Semitendinosus a força de cisalhamento ou maciez foi semelhante entre cordeiros da raça Santa Inês e F1 Santa Inês x Dorper, demonstrando que o grupo genético não influencia na maciez da carne. O painel sensorial confirmou os resultados obtidos na análise instrumental. Na correlação da análise instrumental (força de cisalhamento) com a análise sensorial, quando comparadas diferentes grupos genéticos, observou-se uma boa correlação inversa (r = -0,87).

The development of rigor mortis process of butcher animal carcasses directly influencing the meat quality. The characteristics of rigor mortis process in ovine carcass during industrial chilling to obtain the chilled carcasses have been studied in other countries and in Brazil in Santa Ines sheep, but not yet established in F1 Dorper x Santa Inês. Thus, this research was designed to characterize the rigor mortis process of Semitendinosus and Triceps brachii muscles during the industrial chilling and meat tenderness in 10 ovine carcasses. Ten intact male ovines breed were randomly assembled, six of Santa Inês breed and four F1 Dorper x Santa Inês, slaughtered at Campos Slaughterhouse - Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro. After exsanguination, were measured temperature, pH and sarcomere length at different times (4h; 6h; 8h; 10h; 12h; and 24h) and shear force or tenderness (48h) of Semitendinosus muscle. In parallel was accomplished the sensorial analysis relationships to instrumental values of this muscle. The chilling room temperature varied between 12.2 °C (4h) and -0.5°C (24h) and the mean temperature of carcasses was 26.80°C and -0.20°C, respectively. The mean initial pH of Semitendinosus was 6.62 and final 5.64 and of Triceps brachii was 6.50 (4h) and 5.68 (24h). The maximum contraction of sarcomere of Semitendinosus occurred at 12th hour (1.50mm) after exsanguination whereas for the Triceps brachii,at the range of the 10th to 24th hours (1.53 to 1.57mm). Semitendinosus muscle shear force and tenderness was similar in lambs of Santa Ines breed and F1 Dorper x Santa Inês, demonstrating that the genetic group did not affect meat tenderness. The sensory panel confirmed the results obtained in instrumental analysis. The correlation of instrumental analysis (shear force) when compared different genetic groups, was found a good inversed correlation (r = -0.87).