Abstract This study aimed to assess the cortisol, body and reproductive development of prepubertal Holstein and Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers at 27 months of age maintained in an integrated livestock-forest (ILF) system for 60 summer days compared to the monoculture system in full sun (FS). The ILF system promoted changes (P=0.02) in the cortisol levels of Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers and did not affect weight gain in any of the breed groups studied. Animals in ILF system presented a lower (P=0.006) vulvar development for the rima height parameter and similar for the vulva width parameter. The ovarian follicular population of Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers in the ILF system was lower (P=0.004); however, for the Holstein heifers, no statistical difference was found, and numbers were higher (P=0.08) in the ILF system. None of the other ovarian parameters studied had any changes, and we also found important racial differences. Weight gain (P=0.003), vulvar development (P<0.001), and mean follicular size (P=0.008) were higher in the Holstein-Gir ¾ animals. Based on such results, the effect of the ILF system at 27 months of age on stress and reproductive parameters in the Holstein breed is considered positive, although negative effects have been detected on reproductive parameters in the Holstein-Gir ¾ breed.

Abstract Hormonal methodologies to control small ruminants’ estrous cycle are worldwide used and evolved, adjusting the application to the precise female physiological moments to enhance reproductive performance. The estrous cycle can be induced and/or synchronized, aiming for fixed-time artificial insemination, or based on estrus behavior signs for insemination, natural or guided mating. Successive protocols can be performed to resynchronize ovulation and increase reproductive outcomes in females that failed to conceive. These recently developed treatments aim to resynchronize the ovulation as earlier as non-pregnancy is detected. The present review aimed to summarize the recent advances and main findings regarding resynchronization protocols used in small ruminants. Lastly, we present future perspectives and new paths to be studied in the subject. The resynchronization treatment is still a growing field in small ruminant reproduction, nevertheless, some enhancements are found in the reproductive outcome, showing that such protocols can be successfully used in sheep and goat production. ruminants evolved performance andor synchronized fixedtime fixed time insemination mating conceive nonpregnancy non pregnancy detected Lastly subject reproduction nevertheless outcome production

RESUMO: Ainda não há consenso sobre qual é o protocolo mais apropriado para a produção in vivo de embriões em ovinos, apesar do crescente conhecimento. Uma abordagem para mitigar a variabilidade de resposta de ovelhas à superovulação (SOV) é iniciar a aplicação de gonadotrofinas em uma condição ovariana favorável. O presente estudo comparou três tratamentos em delineamento do tipo crossover: protocolo de SOV tradicional (TRAD) e “Dia 0” D0 SOV sem (D0-GnRH) ou com GnRH (D0+GnRH). Quinze ovelhas Santa Inês foram superovuladas com 200 mg de FSH em seis doses decrescentes e receberam PGF2α na quinta dose de FSH. As ovelhas foram submetidas a monta natural com carneiros férteis e os embriões colhidos por via cirúrgica. O número de embriões viáveis não diferiu entre os tratamentos (TRAD = 6,0 ± 4,7; D0-GnRH = 3,8 ± 6,4; D0+GnRH = 7,5 ± 6,5). Independentemente do tratamento, ovelhas com folículos ≤ 4 mm na primeira dose de FSH produziram mais embriões viáveis (9,6 ± 6,0; P < 0.05) quando comparadas aos animais que apresentavam folículos > 4 mm no início da SOV (2,9 ± 3,1 embriões viáveis). Os grupos TRAD e D0+GnRH apresentaram menor número de animais com folículos grandes (> 4 mm), no momento da primeira dose de FSH, quando comparados ao grupo D0-GnRH (P < 0,05). Em conclusão, os protocolos TRAD e D0+GnRH induziram uma condição ovariana mais favorável (folículos ≤ 4 mm) para a SOV. No entanto, os três tratamentos apresentaram eficiência semelhante em ovelhas Santa Inês.

ABSTRACT: There is still no consensus regarding the best protocol for in vivo embryo production in sheep despite increasing studies in this area. Moreover, there is variability in the response of ewes to superovulation (SOV). An approach to mitigate this inconsistency is to initiate gonadotropin administration under favorable ovarian conditions. The present study compared three treatments in a crossover design: a traditional SOV protocol (TRAD) and “Day 0” D0 SOV protocol with (D0+GnRH), or without Lecilerin (D0-GnRH). Fifteen Santa Inês ewes received 200 mg of FSH at six decreasing doses and PGF2α with the fifth dose of FSH. They were naturally mated with fertile rams and subjected to surgical embryo collection. The number of viable embryos was similar among the different treatments (TRAD = 6.0 ± 4.7; D0-GnRH = 3.8 ± 6.4; D0+GnRH = 7.5 ± 6.5). Regardless of the treatment method, ewes with follicles ≤ 4 mm, at the first FSH dose, produced more viable embryos (9.6 ± 6.0, P < 0.05) compared to ewes that had follicles > 4 mm at the beginning of the SOV (2.9 ± 3.1, viable embryos). Both the TRAD and D0+GnRH groups had fewer animals with large follicles (> 4 mm) at the first FSH dose than the D0-GnRH group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both the TRAD and D0+GnRH treatments induced a more favorable ovarian condition (follicles ≤ 4 mm) for adequate SOV; although, all three treatments exhibited similar efficacies in Santa Inês sheep.

Abstract Resynchronization protocols have been proposed as a way of shortening females’ unproductive time in the flock, with good results in cattle and sheep. In goats, initial studies have shown that a second progestogen device inserted before luteolysis and pregnancy diagnosis does not interfere with the corpus luteum lifespan or functionality. This study aimed to evaluate the follicular growth, ovulation pattern and pregnancy rate after insertion of a second and new progestogen device for resynchronizing, with or without equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin (eCG), submitted to natural mating (NM) or artificial insemination (AI) to propose a viable resynchronization protocol for dairy goats. A total of 38 multiparous Saanen goats underwent a short-term progesterone protocol [six days exposed to medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) intravaginal sponges + 200 IU eCG and 0.12 mg of cloprostenol sodium on the 5th day + 0.025 mg of lecirelin 34 hours after sponge withdrawal] and, on day 16th after the ovulation, received a new MAP device which was retained until day 21. At this moment females were split into four groups: GeCG+NM – 100 IU eCG with NM; GSal+NM – saline solution with NM; GeCG+AI – 100 IU eCG with AI; and GSal+AI – saline solution with AI. Ultrasound scans were performed every 12 h from sponge withdrawal (day 21) until 108 h after sponge withdrawal (day 25) for follicular dynamics evaluation, at 240 h (day 31) for assessing the presence of active corpus luteum, and on day 60 for pregnancy diagnosis. No differences were found regarding ovulation time, synchronization and follicle size. However, GeCG+NM presented a greater estrus manifestation rate (100%) and pregnancy rate (62.5%) when compared to GSal+AI. In conclusion, resynchronization protocols in dairy goats may present satisfactory results.

RESUMO Avaliou-se a inseminação artificial por retração cervical usando sêmen fresco ou congelado disponível comercialmente. Ovelhas Santa Inês foram divididas em cinco grupos. A monta natural (MN) correspondeu ao grupo controle. Quatro grupos foram submetidos a um tratamento hormonal e inseminação artificial por retração cervical (CRI) ou laparoscopia (LAI) usando sêmen fresco ou congelado. Para a CRI, ovelhas foram mantidas em estação. O tempo para penetrar o canal cervical e realizar a CRI foi mensurado, bem como o local de deposição do sêmen e intensidade de reação da ovelha (fraca, moderada, forte). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para dosagem de progesterona aos dias 0, 3, 5, 12 e 17 (dia 0 = inseminação ou monta). Foram avaliadas as taxas de não retorno ao estro (NRE), gestação (ao dia 35) e fertilidade (nascimento / ovelhas acasaladas). O tempo médio para penetração cervical foi de 52,8 ± 21,2s e para a CRI foi de 3:26min ± 47s. A intensidade de reação à CRI foi fraca ou moderada em 92,3% das ovelhas. Os níveis séricos de progesterona após CRI, LAI e MN foram similares. NRE das ovelhas inseminadas foi similar, exceto em ovelhas com CRI e sêmen congelado, que foi inferior (P<0,05). As taxas de fertilidade foram semelhantes entre CRI e LAI (35,4% e 42,2%, respectivamente). A inseminação artificial por retração cervical com ovelhas em estação se mostrou prática e não alterou o perfil de progesterona, possibilitando índices reprodutivos similares à laparoscopia. No entanto, o uso desta técnica com sêmen disponível comercialmente apresentou baixa taxa de fertilidade.

SUMMARY The artificial insemination (AI) by cervical retraction using fresh or commercially available frozen semen was evaluated. Santa Inês ewes (n=151) were assigned in five groups. Natural mating (NM) composed the control group. Four groups were submitted to hormonal treatment and timed insemination by cervical retraction (CRI) or laparoscopy (LAI), using fresh or frozen semen. To perform CRI, the ewes were kept in standing position. The time required to penetrate the cervical canal and to perform CRI were recorded; local deposition of semen and the reaction intensity of the ewe (weak, moderate or strong) were measured. Blood samples were collected to perform the progesterone dosage at days 0, 3, 5, 12 and 17 (day 0 = AI/NM). Non-return to estrus rate (NRE), pregnancy (at D35) and fertility (birth / mated ewes) were evaluated. Mean time for cervical penetration and CRI were 52.8 ± 21.2s and 3:26min ± 47s, respectively. Reaction intensity to CRI was weak or moderate in 92.3% of the ewes. Serum levels of progesterone after CRI, LAI or NM were similar. NRE of the inseminated ewes were similar, except for CRI with frozen semen, which was lower (P<0.05). Fertility rates were similar between CRI and LAI (35.4% and 42.2%, respectively). Artificial insemination by cervical retraction with ewes in a standing position is practical, and does not change the progesterone profile, providing reproductive rates similar to laparoscopy. However, the use of this technique along with commercial frozen semen presents low fertility rate.

RESUMO: A eficiência reprodutiva é um dos principais elementos para qualquer sistema de produção de leite ser bem-sucedida. Neste contexto, o manejo reprodutivo deve ser planejado adequadamente e a identificação das principais desordens reprodutivas que afetam o rebanho é essencial para a tomada de decisão. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar os principais problemas reprodutivos que acometem rebanhos leiteiros no Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brasil. Dados relacionados com a raça, idade, ocorrência de problema reprodutivo e o sistema de acasalamento foram individualmente coletados de vacas leiteiras criadas em 25 fazendas localizadas no RJ. A ocorrência de desordens reprodutivas foi relatada em 37% dos animais estudados. A repetição de estro (76,2%) e abortamento (15,6%) foram os problemas reprodutivos mais frequentemente relatados. A repetição de estro foi mais comum em animais mais velhos (>6 anos). Contudo, uma associação entre abortamento e idade do animal não foi observada, nem uma associação entre o sistema de acasalamento e a ocorrência abortamento. Os presentes resultados demonstraram que a repetição de estro é o principal obstáculo para a eficiência reprodutiva nos rebanhos leiteiros do RJ, e que a substituição de animais mais velhos por novilhas é um importante ponto dentro do manejo reprodutivo de um rebanho leiteiro.

ABSTRACT: Reproductive efficiency is one of the key elements for any milk production system to be successful. In this regard, reproductive management must be planned properly and the identification of the main reproductive disorders that affect the herd is primordial for decision-making. The aim of the present study was to identify the main reproductive problems that affect dairy herds on Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. Data regarding breed, age, reproductive disorder occurrence, and breeding system were individually collected from dairy cows raised at 25 farms located at RJ. The occurrence of reproductive disorders was reported in 37% of the studied animals. Estrous repetition (76.2%) and abortion (15.6%) were the most frequent reproductive problems reported. Estrous repetition was more common in older animals (>6 years old). However, an association between abortion and age of animal was not observed, nor an association between breeding system and occurrence of abortion. The present results demonstrated that estrous repetition is the main obstacle to the reproductive efficiency in dairy herds at RJ, and that the replace of older cows by heifers is an important point within reproductive management of a dairy herd.

RESUMO: Este estudo avaliou a presença de vaginite e contagem bacteriana associada ao uso de diferentes dipositivos intravaginais em ovelhas. Vinte e quatro fêmeas Dorper e mestiças foram alocadas em três grupos e receberam implante intravaginal contendo 0,3g de progesterona (CIDR(r)), 60mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) ou esponjas sem progesterona (CONTROLE) por seis dias. Posteriormente, as ovelhas tratadas com CIDR e MAP receberam 12,5mg de dinoprost e 300 UI de eCG. Amostras do muco vaginal foram coletadas em quatro momentos: antes da inserção do dispositivo, no dia de sua retirada, 24 e 48 horas após. As amostras foram cultivadas e as colônias foram contadas (UFC mL-1) e identificadas. Os resultados obtidos da contagem das UFC mL-1 foram submetidos ao teste do qui-quadrado, com P<0,05 sendo considerado significativo. Antes da inserção do dispositivo, 68,2% das amostras continham Staphylococcus spp., sendo 60,0% delas Staphylococcus aureus. Após a remoção do implante, 100% das ovelhas apresentaram sinais clínicos de vaginite. Entretanto, o grau de infecção local nas ovelhas do grupo CONTROLE foi menor (P>0.05), em comparação com as ovelhas recebendo CIDR e MAP. Durante a ocorrência da vaginite, os isolados predominantes pertenciam ao grupo dos coliformes, principalmente Escherichia coli (72,7%). Tal infecção não foi determinada pelos membros da microbiota vaginal, que estavam presentes antes da inserção dos dispositivos, e a microbiota normal foi reestabelecida entre 24 e 48 horas após sua remoção.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the presence of vaginitis and the bacterial load associated with different intravaginal implants in ewes. Twenty-four Dorper and crossbred ewes were allocated into three groups and received intravaginal implant containing 0.3g progesterone (CIDR(r)), 60mg MAP or sponges without progesterone (CONTROL) for six days. Then, CIDR and MAP treated-ewes received 12.5mg dinoprost and 300IU eCG. Vaginal mucus samples were collected at four times: before device insertion, at the day of its removal, 24 and 48 hours after. The samples were cultured and the colonies were counted (CFU/mL) and identified. The results obtained from the counting of CFU mL-1 were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis H test, with P<0.05 being considered significant. Before device insertion, 68.2% of the samples yielded Staphylococcus spp. and 60.0% of them were Staphylococcus aureus. After implant removal, 100% of ewes had clinical signs of vaginitis. However, the level of local infection in the CONTROL-ewes was lower (P>0.05) in comparison with MAP and CIDR-treated ewes. During the occurrence of vaginitis, the predominant isolates belonged to the coliform group, mainly Escherichia coli (72.7%). Such infection was not determined by the members of the vaginal microbiota that were present before implant insertion and normal microbiota was restored between 24 to 48 hours after insert removal.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of hormonal treatment duration through the use of intravaginal sponges impregnated with 60 mg MAP for 6 (G6; n = 10), 9 (G9; n = 10) or 12 (G12; n = 10) days. All nulliparous (n = 15) and lactating (n = 15) Saanen goats received 37.5 µg d-cloprostenol and 200 IU eCG 24 hours before sponge removal during the nonbreeding season. After sponge removal, estrus was monitored twice a day (06h00 and 18h00) by the use of fertile bucks. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed after device removal until ovulation detection. All goats were bred by artificial insemination (AI) or natural breeding (NB). All females received 250 IU hCG 5 d after AI or NB. No difference was observed among groups G6, G9 and G12 for: estrous response (90.0, 100.0 and 100.0%, respectively); interval from sponge removal to estrus (26.7±5.6, 25.2±2.8 and 25.2±3.3 hours), duration of estrus (28.5±7.1; 21.6±3.0 and 25.2±6.1 hours); ovulation rate (80.0, 100.0 and 70.0%); number of ovulations (1.9±0.2, 1.5±0.2 and 1.4±0.2); and pregnancy rate (60.0, 80.0 and 50.0%). Interval from sponge removal to ovulation was shorter in animals from G6 (44.6±2.2 hours) than for animals from G9 (52.8±2.7 hours) and G12 (60.0±4.5 hours). All treatments were effective in the induction of synchronized estrus in Saanen goats during the nonbreeding season, but ovulation occurred earlier when goats received sponges for 6 days.

The effect of the utilization of three semen protocols (Inra 82®, Merck Gema and Botu-crio®) and two filling techniques (0.25 and 0.50 mL straws) in Mangalarga Marchador stallions were studied in this experiment. Sperm parameters were assessed during processing and post-freezing. No interactions between the protocols and type of filling were observed, so they were assessed separately. Sperm parameters were not altered when the extender was added to the centrifugation; however, there was reduction of motility and strength when freezing extenders were added. The Botu-crio® protocol preserved the parameters of total and progressive sperm motility, smoothed path velocity (µm/s), straight line velocity (µm/s), track velocity (µm/s) and the average and fast spermatozoa percentage better than the others. No difference between the extenders for the percentage of sperm integrity was observed. There was no difference in the responses studied on the filling techniques. The stallions presented better freezing with the use of the Botu-crio® protocol. The best post-freezing viability results were found for semen frozen using the Botu-crio® protocol and there were no differences concerning the sperm quality comparing 0.25 and 0.50 mL straws.

The objective of this study was to verify the effects of GnRH on ovulation and pregnancy of ewes subjected to a short-term synchronization of estrus. Santa Inês and crossbred Santa Inês/Dorper ewes received 60 mg MAP sponges during 6 days plus 300 IU eCG and 30 µg d-cloprostenol 24 h prior to sponge withdrawal (SW). Ewes were assigned to receive 0.9% NaCl solution (Tcontrol; n = 32) or 25 µg GnRH (licerelin, T GnRH; n = 34) 24 hours after SW. Each group was assigned to intrauterine insemination by laparoscopy (n = 25) or to natural mating (n = 41). Artificial insemination was performed with a single dose of fresh semen. For controlled mating, females were exposed to males 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after SW. Ten females per treatment were subjected to transrectal ultrasound examination at 12-hour intervals (SW to 60 hours after). Estrous response (100.0% vs 95.2%), interval from SW to estrus (32.9±7.4 vs 29.8±6.9 hours), estrous length (37.4±9.0 vs 31.5±10.4 hours), pregnancy rates (57.0% vs 41.0%), ovulation rate (100.0% vs 90.0%), number of ovulations/ewe (1.1±0.3 vs 1.2±0.4), maximum follicular diameter (6.4±0.7 vs 6.1±0.6 mm), interval from SW to ovulation (59.1±3.5 vs 58.4±3.5 hours) did not differ between Tcontrol and T GnRH, respectively. Administration of GnRH 24 hours after SW does not improve ovulation or pregnancy rate in estrous synchronization in ewes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of cyclic and acyclic progesterone-treated recipient mares in a commercial embryo transfer program. Acyclic recipients were treated with decreasing amounts of estradiol cypionate (ECP® - Pfizer Saúde Animal, São Paulo, Brazil), followed by 1500 mg of a sustained-release progesterone injection (P4LA150® - Laboratórios B.E.T., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Out of all 1506 embryo recovery attempts performed, 59.36% were positive (894/1506). Pregnancy rates of cyclic and acyclic mares were, respectively, 44.12% (319/723) and 57.68% (139/241) - higher in acyclic recipients under progesterone treatment. Embryo loss was similar between groups (9.72% 31/319 vs. 11.51% - 16/139). When fertility data on acyclic mares treated with long-action progesterone were grouped in relation to the interval of the beginning of the treatment with progesterone to the embryo transfer, there was no difference in pregnancy rates at 12 days (51.28% - 20/39; 58.92% - 33/56; 60.52% - 46/76 and 58.57% - 41/70 for embryos transferred 3 (P3), 4 (P4), 5 (P5) and 6 (P6) days after the beginning of the treatment with progesterone). Groups P3, P4, P5 and P6 showed embryo loss rates of 20.00% (4/20), 12.12% (4/33), 2.17% (1/46) and 17.07% (7/41), respectively. These rates were similar in groups P3, P4 and P6. Pregnant recipients submitted to an embryo transferring procedure on P5 showed lower embryo mortality rates than on P3 and P6. P4 recipients tended to suffer higher embryo mortality rates than P5. Acyclic recipient mares under progesterone treatment can be satisfactoryly used in embryo transfer programs.

Objetivou-se neste estudo estabelecer as características morfológicas e endócrinas da dinâmica luteal em cabras. Foram utilizadas fêmeas da raça Toggenburg que manifestaram estro natural em um intervalo de 48 horas. Após o estro, foram realizadas avaliações ultrassonográficas diárias dos ovários durante 21 dias, utilizando-se um aparelho portátil (5 MHz). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para dosagem de progesterona (P4) no plasma. Os corpos lúteos foram detectados pela primeira vez no D5 e aumentaram progressivamente de tamanho até o D9 (1,26 ± 0,08 cm²), não havendo variação nos dias subsequentes. Nas fêmeas com uma ovulação, a primeira visualização do corpo lúteo foi mais precoce que naquelas com ovulação múltipla (4,54 ± 0,18 vs 5,74 ± 0,25 dias). No momento da primeira visualização, a área luteal foi menor nos animais com uma ovulação. A concentração plasmática de P4 aumentou progressivamente até o D9 e não apresentou aumento significativo até o momento da luteólise, caracterizada por uma acentuada queda da concentração de P4, atingindo valores inferiores a 1 ng/mL em um intervalo de 24 horas. A área luteal diminuiu de forma lenta e gradual. Foi observada uma correlação positiva significativa entre a área e a concentração de P4 durante a lutegêonese e a luteólise (r = 0,63 e r = 0,50; respectivamente). No dia em que o corpo lúteo atinge sua área máxima (D9), as fêmeas com mais de um corpo lúteo, com maior área de tecido luteal, não apresentaram concentração de P4 superior à daquelas com uma ovulação (5,92 ± 0,59 vs 7,04 ± 0,79 ng/mL). Esses resultados indicam que a dinâmica luteal em caprinos da raça Toggenburg segue padrões semelhantes aos observados em outras raças e em outras espécies e que o crescimento de tecido luteal refletiu positivamente na funcionalidade do corpo lúteo.

The aim of this study was to establish the morphologic and endocrine characteristics of luteal dynamics in goats. It was used Toggenburg female goats that showed natural estrus in a 48-hour interval. After estrus, ultrasonographic evaluations of the ovaries were daily performed during 21 days using a portable device (5MHz probe). Blood sample was collected for plasma progresterone (P4) determination. Corpora lutea were detected for the first time on day 5 and progressively increased in size until D9 (1.26 ± 0.08 cm²), with no variation on subsequent days. In females with one ovulation, the first visualization of the corpora lutea was earlier than in those with multiple ovulation (4.54 ± 0.18 vs 5.74 ± 0.25 days). At the moment of the first visualization, luteal area was smaller in animals with single ovulation. Plasma P4 concentration progressively increased until day 9 and it did not show significant increase until luteolysis, characterized by a sharp decrease in P4 concentration, reaching values below 1 ng/mL in 24 hours. The luteal area slowly and gradually decreased in size. It was observed a significant positive correlation between P4 concentration and area during luteogenesis and luteolysis (r = 0.63 and r = 0.50, respectively). When corpus luteum reached its maximum size (D9), female with more than one corpora lutea, with a greater luteal tissue area, did not show P4 concentration higher than those with one ovulation (5.92 ± 0.59 vs 7.04 ± 0.79 ng/mL). These results show that luteal dynamics in Toggenbur goats follow a similar pattern to those observed in other goat breeds and luteal tissue growth was positively correlated with corpora lutea functionality.

Verificou-se a influência do número de ordenhas diárias sobre a produção de leite, a duração da lactação, a incidência de mastite e o desempenho dos bezerros. Foram utilizadas 63 vacas primíparas e multíparas mestiças (Holandês-Zebu) com boa condição corporal ao parto, distribuídas ao acaso, por meio de sorteio, em três grupos experimentais com número igual de repetições, representadas pelo número de ordenhas diárias: vacas ordenhadas uma vez por dia; vacas ordenhadas duas vezes ao dia; vacas ordenhadas alternadamente a cada 14 dias, uma ou duas vezes ao dia. A saúde da glândula mamária não foi influenciada pela diminuição do número de ordenhas diárias. Não houve efeito do número de ordenhas sobre o desempenho dos bezerros, mesmo daqueles submetidos a uma mamada diária. A duração da lactação não foi influenciada pela adoção de duas ordenhas diárias. A adoção da segunda ordenha diária aumentou em 24,54% a produção de leite de vacas com potencial produtivo para 2.500 a 2.800 L por lactação.

This trial was conducted to study the effects of daily milking frequency on milk yield, duration of lactation, incidence of mastitis, and calves body weight gain. Sixty-three crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows were equally and randomly assigned to three experimental groups according to the frequency of daily milkings as follows: once a day milking, twice a day milking, or alternating once or twice a day milking every 14 days. The duration of lactation, mammary gland health, and calf production did not differ among treatments in this study. However, cows milked twice a day yielded 24.54% more milk per lactation (699.9 kg) compared to the other milking regimes.

Sessenta e duas fêmeas eqüinas foram distribuídas ao acaso em dois grupos experimentais de acordo com o intervalo da penúltima à última inseminação artificial de cada ciclo (48h ou 72h). As éguas foram rufiadas e inseminadas às segundas, quartas e sextas-feiras, a partir do momento em que apresentavam um folículo de 3,0 a 3,5 cm de diâmetro, com sêmen de apenas um garanhão de fertilidade comprovada, diluído para um volume inseminante de 10 mL com diluidor de mínima contaminação. As taxas de concepção referentes ao primeiro ciclo, para os intervalos de 48h e 72h foram de 66,67% (24/36) e 65,22% (15/23), respectivamente, sendo as taxas de concepção/ciclo de 53,45% (31/58) e 56,76% (21/37), na mesma ordem anterior. Com base nos resultados obtidos, recomendam-se inseminações às segundas, quartas e sextas-feiras, sem perda da fertilidade.

Sixty two mares were randomly assigned to two experimental group, according to two intervals between the penultimate and the ultimate artificial insemination (48 or 72h). The mares were teased and inseminated on monday, wednesday and friday, when a follicle size was equal or greater than 3.0 cm in diameter, with semen from a stallion of proven fertility diluted with minimum contamination extender. The conception rates for the first cycle for the 48h and 72h intervals were 66.67% (24/36) and 65.22% (15/23) respectively, and the conception/cicle were 53.45% (31/58) and 56.76% (21/37), in the same order. Based on these results, one should consider recommending inseminations on monday, wednesday and friday, without fertility loss.