Relationship between FAMACHA© scores and zootechnical indicators of a sheep production system / Relação entre os graus FAMACHA© e indicadores zootécnicos de um sistema de produção de ovinos

In Brazil, lamb producers face challenges raising their animals because of high anthelmintic resistance and loss of productivity due to parasites. It is well known that parasitic infections can reduce the performance of sheep. However, until the publication of this work, no research was found that quantified the effects that anemia reflected by FAMACHA© scores can exert on other zootechnical indicators in a lamb production system. The objective of this study was to use the FAMACHA© scores to quantify the impacts of anemia in ewes at breeding and lambing on the productive and reproductive performance of a meat sheep flock. The variables evaluated were i) FAMACHA© score of ewes at breeding and lambing, ii) body condition score of ewes at breeding and at lambing, iii) average daily gain of lambs until weaning, iv) ewe's age, v) birth weights per individual lamb and litter, vi) weaning weight, vii) ewe's weight, viii) litter size and ix) pre-weaning survival. The treatments evaluated corresponded to the FAMACHA© score of the ewes during breeding and lambing. Quantitative responses were submitted to analyses of variance and compared by Duncan's test. In contrast, qualitative or discrete responses were evaluated by the Kruskal & Wallis test and compared to Dunn's test. The Wilcoxon test was performed to compare the FAMACHA©scores of ewes at breeding and lambing. All statistical analyzes were performed using the R-Studio software version 4.2.0 at a 5% significance level. The FAMACHA© score of breeding ewes was related to the body condition score at breeding, ewe weight, pre-weaning survival, ewe age, litter size, and birth weight. Furthermore, the FAMACHA© score of ewes at lambing was related to the body condition score at lambing, ewe weight, pre-weaning survival, birth weight per lamb and litter, pre-weaning average daily gain, weaning weight, and age of the ewe. There was no significant difference between the test times of the FAMACHA© scores of the ewes, indicating that an ewe will present a similar score at both stages. It was concluded that ewes with FAMACHA© scores of 4 and 5 and their offspring showed the worst productive and reproductive performances. Conversely, the ewes with FAMACHA© 1 obtained the opposite result, demonstrating better technical performance.(AU)

No Brasil, produtores de cordeiros enfrentam desafios na criação de seus animais devido à alta resistência anti-helmíntica e perda de produtividade devido a parasitoses. Sabe-se que as infecções parasitárias podem reduzir o desempenho de matrizes ovinas, contudo, até a elaboração desse trabalho não foram encontradas pesquisas que mensuraram os efeitos que a anemia refletida pelos graus FAMACHA© podem exercer sobre outros indicadores zootécnicos em um sistema de produção de cordeiros. Sendo assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi quantificar os impactos das verminoses em matrizes ovinas, representadas pelo grau FAMACHA©, durante a estação de monta e a parição, no desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de um rebanho ovino de corte. As variáveis avaliadas foram: i) grau FAMACHA© das matrizes à monta e ao parto, ii) escore de condição corporal das matrizes à monta e ao parto, iii) ganho médio diário até o desmame, iv) idade da matriz, v) pesos dos cordeiros ao nascer individual e por parto, vi) peso ao desmame, vii) peso da matriz, viii) prolificidade e ix) sobrevivência pré-desmame. Os tratamentos avaliados corresponderam ao grau FAMACHA© das matrizes durante a monta e parto. As respostas quantitativas foram submetidas à análise de variância e comparadas pelo teste de Duncan, já as respostas qualitativas ou discretas foram avaliadas pelo teste de Kruskal & Wallis e comparadas pelo teste de Dunn. Realizou-se o teste de Wilcoxon para comparar os graus FAMACHA© das matrizes nos momentos de monta e parto. Todas as análises estatísticas foram realizadas no software R-Studio versão 4.2.0 ao nível de 5% de significância. O grau FAMACHA© das matrizes à monta foi relativo ao escore de condição corporal à monta, peso da matriz, sobrevivência pré-desmame, idade da matriz, prolificidade e peso ao nascer coletivo por parto. Já o grau FAMACHA© das matrizes ao parto foi relativo ao escore de condição corporal ao parto, peso da matriz, sobrevivência pré-desmame, pesos ao nascer individual e coletivo por parto, ganho médio diário pré-desmame, peso ao desmame e idade da matriz. Não houve diferença significativa entre os momentos dos graus FAMACHA© das matrizes, indicando que uma ovelha manterá um grau FAMACHA© similar em ambas as fases. Conclui-se que ovelhas com graus FAMACHA© 4 e 5, assim como suas crias, apresentaram os piores desempenhos produtivos e reprodutivos. Em contrapartida, as matrizes com FAMACHA©1 obtiveram o resultado oposto, mostrando indicadores zootécnicos com valores mais eficientes ao sistema de produção.(AU)

Identify the Phenotypic Indicators for Prognostic of Hypothetical Litter Size of Black Bengal Goat

The present investigation recorded that the average litter size was 2.03 per doe and the prolificacy rate being 202.92%. The result indicates that the litter size proportion for single, twin and triplet were 28.3%, 40.4% and 31.3% respectively. The present study revealed substantial phenotypic variations among the goats bearing single, twin and triplet foetus. Based on stepwise discriminant function to find out month wise phenotypic descriptors, some important linear traits namely Punch girth (PG), Body Weight (BW), Rump Length (RL), Croup Height (CrH), Clearance of Sternum (CS), Distance between Tuber coxae (DTC), Distance between Trochanter major (DTM), Head-Rump Length (HRL), Body Length (BL), Curved Head-Rump Length (HRCL), Heart girth (HG, Pelvic Triangle (PLVT) and Wither Height (WH); were identified to be significant in discriminating the foetal numbers between groups. Out of these, HRL measurement might be considered as one of the best indicator for higher Litter Size (LZ) during the second, third, fourth, fifth parity. Other best suitable phenotypic descriptors like BL, CS, PG, PLVT and BW could be used to predict probable kidding size.

Bayesian threshold analysis of litter size in sheep

Background: Litter size at birth (LSB) is one of the most important economic traits in sheep and could be used in genetic improvement schemes for meat production. LSB is inherently a categorical trait and should be analysed with threshold models. Objective: Bayesian threshold models were used to analyze sheep LSB to estimate genetic parameters. Methods: Data was based on 7,901 LSB records from 14,968 dams and 682 sires collected from 1986 to 2012 at Makouie Sheep Breeding Station in Iran. Means of posterior distributions (MPDs) of LSB's genetic parameters were estimated, and the best-fitted models were selected using the deviance information criterion. Results: In the repeated measurement analysis, the estimated direct and maternal heritabilities, and permanent environmental effect (±SE), according to the best-fitted model (model 5), were 0.01 (0.010), 0.02 (0.014), and 0.01 (0.011), respectively. In the univariate analysis, the best estimates of direct and maternal heritabilities were 0.12 (0.064) and 0.08 (0.045), respectively. An increasing trend for direct and maternal heritabilities was observed in parity 2 (0.15 (0.082) and 0.25 (0.083), respectively). In the bivariate analysis, the best estimates of direct and maternal heritabilities for LSB were 0.03 (0.027) and 0.22 (0.041), respectively. The direct and maternal genetic correlations among parities were 0.25 (0.054) and 0.12 (0.021), respectively. Conclusions: The results showed a considerable influence of environmental factors on LSB in each parity of sheep; also, statistically different genetic parameters (p<0.05) were obtained from one parity to another, indicating the different and large influences of genetic and environmental factors for each parity.

Antecedentes: El tamaño de la camada al nacer (LSB) es inherentemente un rasgo categórico y debe analizarse con modelos de umbral. El LSB es uno de los rasgos de producción de carne más importantes en las ovejas y podría usarse en esquemas de mejora genética para la producción de carne. Objetivo: Se utilizaron modelos de umbral bayesiano para analizar el tamaño de la camada de ovejas al nacer (LSB) y estimar parámetros genéticos. Métodos: Los datos se basaron en 7.901 registros de LSB de 14.968 ovejas y 682 carneros recolectados de 1986 a 2012 en la estación de cría de ovejas Makouie en Irán. Se estimaron las medias de distribuciones posteriores (MPD) de los parámetros genéticos de LSB y se seleccionaron los modelos mejor ajustados utilizando el criterio de información de desviación. Resultados: En los análisis de medición repetida, la heredabilidad materna y directa estimada y el efecto ambiental permanente (±SE), según el modelo mejor ajustado (modelo 5), fueron 0,01 (0,010), 0,02 (0,014) y 0,01 (0,011), respectivamente. En el análisis univariado, las mejores estimaciones de heredabilidad directa y materna fueron 0,12 (0,064) y 0,08 (0,045), respectivamente. Se observó una tendencia creciente de heredabilidades directas y maternas en la paridad 2 (0,15 (0,082) y 0,25 (0,083), respectivamente). En el análisis bivariado, las mejores estimaciones de heredabilidad directa y materna para LSB fueron 0,03 (0,027) y 0,22 (0,041), respectivamente. Las correlaciones genéticas directas y maternas entre partos fueron 0,25 (0,054) y 0,12 (0,021), respectivamente. Conclusiones: Los resultados mostraron una influencia considerable de los factores ambientales sobre el LSB en cada parto de las ovejas; además, se obtuvieron parámetros genéticos estadísticamente diferentes (p<0.05) de un parto a otro, indicando las diferentes y grandes influencias de factores genéticos y ambientales para cada parto en ovejas. Los resultados de este estudio se pueden precisar aún más utilizando datos de SNP de todo el genoma sobre diferentes partes para manejar una amplia gama de problemas relacionados con la interacción del entorno genético del rasgo LSB.

Antecedentes: O tamanho da ninhada ao nascer (LSB) é inerentemente uma característica categórica e deve ser analisada com modelos de limiar. LSB é uma das características mais importantes de produção de carne em ovinos e pode ser usado em esquemas de melhoramento genético para a produção de carne. Objetivo: Modelos de limiar bayesiano foram usados para analisar o tamanho da ninhada de ovelhas ao nascer (LSB) para estimar parâmetros genéticos. Métodos: Os dados foram baseados em 7.901 registros LSB de 14.968 ovelhas e 682 carneiros coletados de 1986 a 2012 na Estação de Criação de Ovinos Makouie no Irã. Médias de distribuições posteriores (MPDs) dos parâmetros genéticos de LSB foram estimadas e os modelos mais bem ajustados foram selecionados usando o critério de informação de desvio. Resultados: Nas análises de medidas repetidas, as herdabilidades diretas e maternas estimadas e o efeito do ambiente permanente (±SE), de acordo com o modelo mais bem ajustado (modelo 5), foram 0,01 (0,010), 0,02 (0,014) e 0,01 (0,011), respectivamente. Na análise univariada, as melhores estimativas das herdabilidades direta e materna foram 0,12 (0,064) e 0,08 (0,045), respectivamente. Uma tendência crescente para as herdabilidades direta e materna foi observada na paridade 2 (0,15 (0,082) e 0,25 (0,083), respectivamente). Na análise bivariada, as melhores estimativas de herdabilidades direta e materna para LSB foram 0,03 (0,027) e 0,22 (0,041), respectivamente. As correlações genéticas diretas e maternas entre os partos foram 0,25 (0,054) e 0,12 (0,021), respectivamente. Conclusões: Os resultados mostraram uma influência considerável dos fatores ambientais na LSB em cada paridade de ovelhas; também, parâmetros genéticos estatisticamente diferentes (p<0,05) foram obtidos de uma paridade para outra, indicando as diferentes e grandes influências de fatores genéticos e ambientais para cada paridade em ovinos. Os resultados deste estudo podem ser ainda mais definidos usando dados SNPs de todo o genoma em diferentes partes para lidar com uma ampla gama de problemas relacionados à interação do ambiente genético do traço LSB.

Maternal Gestation Induced-stress Alters Reproductive Outcome in Adult Female Rats, Offspring Survival Rate and Sex–ratio

@#Introduction: Investigations relating to the effect of stress on reproductive outcome, offspring survival rate and chances of still births are currently attracting global concern. The present study evaluated the effect of maternal gestation induced-stress in the altered reproductive outcome of adult female Wistar rats, offspring sex – ratio and survival following exposure to different stress models. Methods: The study protocol involved two parts. Seventy-eight adult healthy female Wistar rats aged between 12 – 14 weeks and weighing between 150-180g were procured and utilized for part 1 study. The rats were exposed to three stressors; restraint, mirror and intruder, respectively, for three hours per day for three weeks. For part 2 experiment twenty-four female offspring rats from the part 1 study were used. Results: Exposure of rats to the varying stressors increased gestate on length, decreased mean pup weights and litter size at birth especially when the rats were stressed by exposure to restraint or intruder stressor. The effect of stress on gestation period, pup weights and litter size were largely variable and dependent on the nature of stressor applied. There was significant (p<0.05) reduction in the survival rates of offspring of rats exposed to the different nature of stressors especially when stressed with restraint or intruder stressors. The stressors’ impact was greatest when the rats were exposed to the varying stressors up to the end of the 2nd trimester and beyond. Furthermore, the male sex ratio of offspring of stressed rats was significantly (p<0.05) reduced than the females. Conclusion: Stressful maternal condition tends to compromise the fetal outcome, sex ratio specificity and the survival rate of offspring.

Cathepsin D knockdown regulates biological behaviors of granulosa cells and affects litter size traits in goats / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Cathepsin D (CTSD), the major lysosomal aspartic protease that is widely expressed in different tissues, potentially regulates the biological behaviors of various cells. Follicular granulosa cells are responsive to the increase of ovulation number, hence indirectly influencing litter size. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of CTSD on the behaviors of goat granulosa cells has not been fully elucidated. This study used immunohistochemistry to analyze CTSD localization in goat ovarian tissues. Moreover, western blotting was applied to examine the differential expression of CTSD in the ovarian tissues of monotocous and polytocous goats. Subsequently, the effects of CTSD knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and the expression of candidate genes of the prolific traits, including bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB (

Genetic evaluation of survival and productivity traits in Arman crossbred sheep / Evaluación genética de las características de supervivencia y productividad en ovinos cruzados Arman / Avaliação genética de características de sobrevivência e produtividade em ovinos mestiços Arman

Abstract Background: Arman sheep breed was synthesized by crossing several breeds, including Baluchi, Ghezel, Chios, and Suffolk. Objective: To estimate the (co)variance components and genetic parameters using the restricted maximum likelihood via twelve animal models for lamb survival and four animal models for ewe productivity traits. Methods: Data and pedigree information were collected at Abbasabad Sheep Breeding Station, Khorasan Razavi province, north-east of Iran, from 1999 to 2011. The traits studied were lamb survival rate (LSR), litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter mean weight per lambing (LMWL), litter mean weight per lamb weaned (LMWLW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Moreover, multivariate analyses were performed to estimate covariance between the traits. Results: Direct heritability estimates (h2a) for LSR was 0.081 and increased to 0.253 after correcting. Maternal genetic effects (h2m) and common litter effects (l2) accounted for 4 and 11.3% of the phenotypic variance for LSR, respectively. The estimations of h2a were 0.131, 0.080, 0.111, 0.190, 0.118, and 0.150 for LSB, LSW, LMWL, LMWLW, TLWB, and TLWW, respectively. The estimated fractions of variance -attributed to permanent environmental effects on ewe, (pe2) were 0.038, 0.050, 0.071, 0.060, and 0.050 for LSB, LSW, LMWL, TLWB, and TLWW, respectively. Service sire effects (S2) were significant for LSW, LMWL, and TLWB, being 0.038, 0.030, and 0.049, respectively. Direct genetic correlations showed a vast range from 0.13 for LSB-LMWL to 0.91 for LMWL-TLWW. Conclusion: Results indicate that genetic change not only depends on the heritability of traits, but also on the observed phenotypic variation; therefore, improvement of non-genetic factors should be included in the breeding programs.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las ovejas Arman fueron sintetizadas a través del cruzamiento de varias razas, incluyendo Baluchi, Ghezel, Chios y Suffolk. Objetivo: Estimar los componentes de (co)varianza y parámetros genéticos por máxima verosimilitud restringida a través de doce modelos animales para la sobrevivencia de los corderos y cuatro modelos para características de productividad. Métodos: Los datos y la información de pedigrí se recogieron en la Estación de Cría Abbasabad, provincia de Khorasan Razavi, noreste de Irán, entre 1999 y 2011. Las características estudiadas fueron la tasa de supervivencia de los corderos (LSR), tamaño de la camada al nacimiento (LSB), tamaño de la camada al destete (LSW), peso promedio de la camada por parto (LMWL), peso promedio de la camada por cordero destetado (LMWLW), peso total de la camada al nacer (TLWB), y peso total de la camada al destete (TLWW). Además, se realizaron análisis multivariados para estimar la covarianza entre los rasgos. Resultados: La estimacion de heredabilidad directa (h2 ) para LSR2a fue 0,081 y aumentó a 0,253 después de la corrección. Los efectos genéticos maternos (h m) y los efectos comunes de la camada (l2) representaron el 4 y el 11,3% de la varianza fenotípica para LSR, respectuvamente. Las estimaciones de h2 fueron 0,131, 0,080, 0,111, 0,190, 0,118 y 0,150 para LSB, LSW, LMWL, LMWLW, TLWB y TLWW, respectivamente. Las fracciones estimadas de varianza -atribuidas a los efectos ambientales permanentes en las ovejas, (pe2) fueron 0,038, 0,050, 0,071, 0,060 y 0,050 para LSB, LSW, LMWL, TLWB y TLWW, respectivamente. Los efectos del servicio de carneros (S2) fueron significativos para LSW, LMWL y TLWB, siendo 0,038, 0,030 y 0,049, respectivamente. Las correlaciones genéticas directas mostraron un amplio rango de 0,13 para LSB-LMWL a 0,91 para LMWL-TLWW. Conclusión: Los resultados indicaron que el cambio genético no sólo depende de la heredabilidad de los caracteres, sino también de la variación fenotípica observada; por lo tanto, el mejoramiento de los factores no genéticos debe ser incluido en las programas de mejora.

Resumo Antecedentes: Arman ovelhas foi sintetizado pelo cruzamento de quatro raças incluindo Balúchi, Ghezel, Chios e Suffolk. Objetivo: Estimar os componentes de (co)variância e parâmetros genéticos por máxima verossimilhança restrita através de doze modelos animais para a sobrevivência dos cordeiros e quatro modelos animais para características de produtividade. Métodos: Os dados e as informações de pedigree foram coletadas no Abbāsābād Estação de Criação, província de Khorasan Razavi, nordeste do Irã desde 1999 a 2011. As características estudadas foram a taxa de sobrevivência de cordeiro (LSR), tamanho de leitegada ao nascimento (LSB), tamanho de leitegada ao desmame (LSW), peso médio da leitegada por entrega (LMWL), peso médio da leitegada por cordeiro desmamado (LMWLW), o peso total da leitegada ao nascimento (TLWB) e peso total da leitegada ao desmame (TLWW). Além disso, as análises multivariadas foram realizadas para estimar a covariância entre as características. Resultados: As estimativas de herdabilidade direta (h2 ) para 2a LSR foi 0,081 e aumentada até 0,253 após correcção. Os efeitos genéticos maternos (h m) e os efeitos comuns de leitegada (l2) representaram 4 e 11,3% da variância fenotípica de LSR, respectivamente. Estimativas de 2 foram 0,131, 0,080, 0,111, 0,190, 0,118 e 0,150 para a LSB, LSW, LMWL, LMWLW, TLWB e TLWW, a2 respectivamente. As fracções de variância -atribuídos aos efeitos ambientais permanentes em ovelhas, (pe ) foram 0,038, 0,050, 0,071, 0,060 e 0,050 para a LSB, LSW, LMWL, TLWB e TLWW. Os efeitos de serviço de carneiros (s2) foram significativos para LSW, LMWL e TLWB sendo 0,038, 0,030 e 0,049, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas diretas mostrou uma gama de 0,13-0,91 LSB-LMWL para LMWL-TLWW. Conclusão: Os resultados indicaram que a modificação genética não só depende da hereditariedade de traços, mas também da variação fenotípica observada; portanto, a melhoria dos fatores não-genéticos devem ser incluídos em nos programas de melhoramento.

Effect of environmental factor on some litter traits of sows in the tropics Mexican / Efecto de factores ambientales sobre algunas características de la camada de cerdas en el trópico de México

Objective. To determine the effect of environmental factors on litter traits at birth and weaning, and their repeatabilities in four farms in the sub-humid tropics of Mexico. Materials and methods. Data from 46.249 to 50.316 litters for litter size at birth (LSB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), litter weight at birth (LWB), number of piglets weaned (NPW) and litter weight at weaning (LWW) were used. The statistical model for LSB, NBA and LWB included the effects of farm, farrowing year, farrowing season, parity number, simple interactions, random effects of sow and the error term. NPW and LWW were analyzed using the previous model plus the linear and quadratic effects of lactation length (LL). Results. The means for LSB, NBA, LWB, NPW and LWW were 11.7 piglets, 11.0 piglets, 16.1 kg, 10.3 piglets and 61.3 kg, respectively. All effects in the model affected the litter traits. Farrowing year x season interaction was significant for NPW, LWB and LWW. The dry season had the highest LSB, NBA y NPW. First parity sows had higher LSB and NBA means than for second parity sows. Parity increase until parity 4 to decrease thereafter. LL had a quadratic effect on NPW and LWW. Repeatability estimates for LSB, NBA, and LWB were 0.12, 0.12 and 0.14, respectively. Conclusions. All traits studied were influenced by the environmental factors studied. Repeatabilities for LSB, NBA and LWB were low.

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de factores ambientales sobre características de la camada al nacer y al destete, y sus repetibilidades en cuatro granjas en el trópico sub-húmedo de México. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron los datos de 50.316 a 46.249 camadas para el total de lechones nacidos (LSB), lechones nacidos vivos (NBA) y peso de la camada al nacimiento (LWB), lechones destetados (NPW) y peso de la camada al destete (LWW). El modelo estadístico para LSB, NBA y LWB incluyen los efectos de granja, año, época, número de parto, interacciones simples, efecto aleatorio de cerda y error. El modelo para NPW y LWW incluyó los factores anteriores y además, los efectos lineal y cuadrático de largo de lactación (LL). Resultados. Las medias para LSB, NBA, LWB, NPW y LWW fueron 11.7 lechones, 11.0 lechones, 16.1 kg, 10.3 lechones y 61.3 kg, respectivamente. Todos los factores estudiados afectaron las características de la camada. La interacción de año x época fue significativa para NPW, LWB y LWW. La época seca presentó las mayores medias de LSB, NBA y NPW. Las cerdas primer parto obtuvieron medias de LSB y NBA superiores que las cerdas del segundo parto. Las medias por número de parto incrementaron hasta el cuarto, para después disminuir. La LL obtuvo un efecto cuadrático sobre NPW y LWW. Las repetibilidades estimadas para LSB, NBA, y LWW fueron 0.12, 0.12 y 0.14, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Todos los factores ambientales estudiados afectaron las características de la camada al nacer y al destete. Las repetibilidades estimadas fueron bajas.

Parâmetros genéticos para características de prolificidade nas raças Landrace e Large White / Genetic parameters for prolificacy in Landrace and Large White breeds

Dados de suínos das raças Landrace (LD) e Large White (LW) foram utilizados para estimar componentes de variância para número total de leitões nascidos (NTN), nascidos vivos (NV) e de leitões vivos ao quinto dia (LV5). Usou-se o método da máxima verossimilhança restrita (REML) para estimar componentes de variância. O modelo misto incluiu os efeitos fixos de mês e ano de nascimento e da inseminação da porca e ordem de parto. Análises unicaracterísticas incluíram os efeitos genético direto, genético materno e de ambiente permanente. Análises multicaracterísticas foram feitas para estimar correlações genéticas. Os modelos unicaracterísticas foram comparados e o que continha apenas o efeito genético direto foi considerado o mais adequado. As estimativas de herdabilidade para NTN foram de 0,15 para LW e de 0,08 a 0,12 para LD, dependendo do modelo, para NV foram de 0,14 para LW e de 0,05 a 0,12 para LD, e para LV5, variaram de 0,11 a 0,12 para LW e de 0,03 a 0,08 para LD. As correlações fenotípicas e genéticas entre as três características foram altas e favoráveis. Conclui-se que a seleção para aumento do LV5 pode ser uma via interessante para o aumento do tamanho da leitegada, da sobrevivência de leitões e da habilidade materna em suínos.

Data from Landrace (LD) and Large White (LW) sows were analyzed to estimate variance components for total number of piglets born (NTN), number of piglets born alive (NV) and number alive on day 5 after birth (LV5). REML mixed model equations included the fixed effects of sow´s month and year of birth and insemination and farrowing order. Univariate analyses included, alternatively, direct genetic, maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects. Multiple trait analysis was performed to estimate genetic correlations among the traits. Comparisons between univariate models indicated that the model containing only direct genetic effect was the most appropriate for parameter estimation. Estimates of heritability for NTN were 0.15 in LW and ranged from 0.08 to .12 in LD, 0.14 in LW, from 0.05 to 0.12 in LD for NV, from 0.11 to 0.12 in LW, and from 0.03 to 0.08 in LD for LV5. Phenotypic and genetic correlations among traits were high and favorable. Results suggest that selection for LV5 is an interesting alternative way to increase litter size, piglet survival and maternal ability in swine.

Sows' parity and coconut oil postnatal supplement on piglets performance / Número de partos y la suplementación de aceite de coco para lechones recién nacidos

Objective. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sows' of different parities and the supplement of coconut oil for piglets, on the development of litter. Materials and methods. A total of 51 sows of different parities and their 642 piglets were used in the trial. Each piglet was weighed and identified at birth in a sequential order. They were randomly distributed in two treatments (CG=control group and TG=test group). TG piglets had the first access to a dosage of 3.0 ml of coconut oil 12 hours after birth, and the second at 36 h after the first. Piglets were weighed at 21 days. In order to analyze the effect of the coconut oil supplement as a function of the weight at birth, piglets were grouped according to their weight (0.600 to 0.900 kg; 1.000 to 1.499kg; 1.500 to 1.999 kg; and 2.000 to 2.499 kg). Results. Sows parity affected the number and weight of born piglets. Sows in 4th, 5th and 7th parity had a larger litter than those from the 2nd parity. Sows from 2nd and 3rd parity had a lower number of piglets but heavier litter. No effect of the coconut oil supplement on neonatal piglets' performance was found. Conclusions. The coconut meal was neither beneficial to neonatal piglets nor to those with low weight at birth, which usually present low body energy.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto del número de partos y el suplemento de aceite de coco en lechones recien nacidos. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 51 cerdas de diferentes partos y sus 642 lechones. Cada lechón se pesó y se identificó al nacer en orden secuencial. Fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en dos grupos (CG = control y TG=tratamiento). Lechones TG tenían el primer acceso a una dosis de 3.0 ml de aceite de coco 12 horas después del nacimiento, y el segunda a las 36 h después de la primera. Los lechones fueron pesados a los 21 días. Con el fin de analizar el efecto de los suplementos de aceite de coco con relación al peso al nacer. Los lechones fueron agrupados de acuerdo con su peso (0.600 a 0.900 kg; 1.000 a 1.499 kg; 1.500 a 1.999 kg y 2.000 a 2.499 kg). Resultados. El número de partos afectó el peso y el número de lechones nacidos. Cerdas en cuarto, quinto y séptimo parto, tuvieron una camada mayor que las de segundo parto. Las cerdas de segundo y tercer parto tuvieron menor número de lechones y con peso mayor. No se encontró efecto del suplemento de aceite de coco en el desarrollo de los lechones recién nacidos. Conclusiones. Lo aceite de coco no es favorable para los lechones recién nacidos, tampoco para aquellos con el bajo peso al nacer, que normalmente presentan la energía corporal baja.

Effect of body development from first insemination to first weaning on performance and culling until the third farrowing of Landrace x Large White swine females / Efeito do desenvolvimento corporal desde a primeira inseminação até o primeiro desmame no desempenho e descarte até o terceiro parto de fêmeas suínas Landrace x Large White

The aim of this study was to verify the association of sow body weight development until the 1st weaning with reproductive performance, piglet production and culling rate until the 3rd farrowing in 196 primiparous sows using logistic regression models. Each 10kg increase in weight gain in the 1stpregnancy (OR= 0.63), weight at 1st farrowing (OR= 0.70), weight at the 1st weaning (OR= 0.73) or weight gain from the 1startificial insemination (AI) to the 1st weaning (OR= 0.67) decreased the percentage of primiparous sows with long weaning-to-oestrus interval - WOI (>5 days). An increasing lactation length and an increase in the number of weaned piglets were responsible for respectively decreasing (OR= 0.77-0.80, per day of lactation) and increasing (OR= 1.52-1.59, per piglet weaned) the percentage of sows with long WOI. Sows with <159.5kg at weaning had higher odds of non-farrowing (NFR) compared to sows with >170kg (OR= 4.73). Sows with <17.5kg of gain from the 1st AI to the 1st weaning had higher odds (OR= 4.88) of NFR than sows gaining >30kg. Each additional lactation day decreased the NFR (OR= 0.74). Females weighing <139kg at the 1st AI had higher percentages of small numbers of total born in the second parity (STB2, OR= 2.00) and over three parities (OR= 3.28) compared to those weighing ≥139kg. Sows with weight gain <25kg at the 1st pregnancy had higher odds of STB2 (OR= 3.01) compared to sows gaining >35kg. Each 10kg of increase in weight at the 1st weaning or in weight gain from the 1st AI to the 1st weaning decreased the total culling rate (OR= 0.71 and 0.73, respectively) and culling for reproductive reasons (OR= 0.57 and 0.61, respectively). The culling rate until the 3rdfarrowing was also increased in sows with a smaller first litter size. The results show that not only reaching a minimum weight at the 1st AI but also having an adequate body weight gain until the 1st weaning is important for the reproductive performance, productivity and retention of Landrace x Large White Danbred sows in the herd.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar, com modelos de regressão logística, a associação entre características de desenvolvimento corporal até o 1º desmame com o desempenho reprodutivo, produção de leitões e taxa de remoção até o 3º parto de 196 fêmeas suínas primíparas. Houve redução nas chances de as fêmeas terem intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) longo (>5 dias) a cada 10kg de aumento no ganho de peso na 1ª gestação - GPG1 (razão de chance - RC = 0,63), peso no 1º parto - PP1 (RC= 0,70), peso no 1º desmame - PD1 (RC= 0,73) ou ganho de peso da 1ª inseminação artificial (IA) ao 1º desmame - GPIAD1 (RC= 0,67). O percentual de porcas com IDE longo reduziu com o aumento da duração da lactação (RC= 0,77-0,80, por dia de lactação) e aumentou com o aumento no número de leitões desmamados (RC= 1,52-1,59, por leitão desmamado). Porcas com <159,5kg ao desmame tiveram maior chance de não parir (NP) em comparação a porcas com >170 kg (RC= 4,73). Porcas com <17,5kg de GPIAD1 tiveram maior chance (RC= 4,88) de NP do que porcas ganhando >30kg. O aumento da duração da lactação reduziu a chance de NP (RC= 0,74, para cada dia). Fêmeas com <139kg na 1ª IA tiveram maior chance de terem leitegada pequena no segundo parto - LPSP (RC= 2,00) ou ao longo de 3 partos (RC= 3,28), em comparação às fêmeas com ≥139kg. Fêmeas com GPG1 <25kg tiveram maior chance de LPSP (RC= 3,01) do que fêmeas com >35kg. Houve diminuição na taxa geral de descarte (RC= 0,71 e 0,73, respectivamente) e descarte por causas reprodutivas (RC= 0,57 e 0,61, respectivamente) para cada 10kg de aumento no PD1 e GPIAD1. A taxa de descarte até o 3º parto também aumentou nas porcas com menor leitegada no primeiro parto. Os resultados mostram que, além de atingir um peso mínimo na 1ª IA, o ganho de peso entre a 1ª IA e o primeiro desmame é importante para o desempenho reprodutivo, produtividade e retenção de fêmeas Danbred Landrace x Large White no rebanho.(AU)

Breed and environmental factors of sows and their repeatabilities in central Mexico / Factores raciales y ambientales que afectan características reproductivas de las cerdas y sus repetibilidades en México central / Fatores raciais e ambientais que afetam características reprodutivas das porcas e suas repetibilidades em México central

Background: reproductive traits influence lifetime productivity of sows.Objective: to determine the effects of year and season of farrowing, parity number, and breed, on litter size at birth, weaning to service interval (WSI), farrowing to service interval (FSI), and to estimate their repeatabilities. Methods: data from years 1998 to 2008 from a farm in La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico, were used. Sow breeds were Camborough 22 (PIC), Yorkshire (Y), F1 Landrace x Yorkshire (F1 LY), and ¼ Landrace x ¾ Yorkshire (LY3/4). The studied traits were total pigs born at birth (TPB, n = 45,798), number of pigs born alive (PBA, n = 45,798), WSI (n = 41,156), and FSI (n = 41,156). The statistical model for TPB and PBA included the effects of farrowing year, farrowing season, parity number, breed, and year/season interaction. The model for WSI and FSI included the above factors plus the linear and quadratic effects of lactation length. Results: the overall means for TPB, PBA, WSI, and FSI were 9.31 pigs, 8.60 pigs, 7.87 days, and 29.9 days, respectively. All effects included in the statistical models were significant (p<0.05), except season for TPB and PBA. TPB and PBA increased up to parity 4 and decreased thereafter. The LY3/4 and PIC breed groups had the highest litter size means. The shortest WSI and FSI corresponded to the fall season and the largest to the summer season. WSI and FSI decreased with parity. The Y breed had the shortest and the F1 LY sows had the highest WSI and FSI. The repeatability estimates for TPB, PBA, WSI, and FSI were 0.13, 0.12, 0.14, and 0.14, respectively. Conclusion: year, parity, breed, and lactation length affected litter size, WSI, and FSI. Repeatabilities were low, suggesting that environmental factors are more important than genetic factors for improving the reproductive traits.

Antecedentes: las características reproductivas afectan el tiempo de vida productivo de la cerda. Objetivo: determinar el efecto del año de parto, época de parto, número de parto y grupo racial sobre características de la camada al nacimiento, intervalo destete servicio (WSI), intervalo parto servicio (FSI), y estimar sus repetibilidades. Métodos:se utilizaron los datos de 1998 a 2008 de una granja en La Piedad, Michoacán, México. Las cerdas pertenecían a los grupos raciales Camborough línea 22 (PIC), Yorkshire (Y), F1 Landrace x Yorkshire (F1LY), y ¼ Landrace ¾ x Yorkshire (LY3/4). Las características estudiadas fueron el total de lechones nacidos (TPB, n = 45.798), número de lechones nacidos vivos (PBA, n = 45.798), intervalo destete a servicio (WSI, n = 41.156) e intervalo parto a servicio (FSI, n = 41.156). El modelo estadístico para TPB y PBA incluyó los efectos de año de parto, época de parto, número de parto, grupo racial, y la interacción de año por época. El modelo para WSI y FSI incluyó además los efectos lineal y cuadrático de duración de la lactación. Resultados: las medias para TPB, PBA, WSI y FSI fueron 9,31 lechones, 8,60 lechones, 7,87 días y 29,9 días, respectivamente. Todos los efectos incluidos en los modelos fueron significativos (p<0,05), excepto época para TPB y PBA. TPB y PBA aumentaron hasta el cuarto parto para disminuir posteriormente. Los grupos raciales LY3/4 y PIC tuvieron las mayores medias para tamaño de camada. Los WSI y FSI más cortos correspondieron a la época de otoño. WSI y FSI disminuyeron con el número de parto. La raza Y tuvo los WSI y FSI más cortos y el grupo F1 LY los intervalos más largos. Las repetibilidades para TPB, PBA, WSI y FSI fueron: 0,13, 0,12, 0,14 y 0,14, respectivamente. Conclusión: el año, número de parto, grupo racial y duración de la lactación afectaron los tamaños de camada, WSI y FSI. Las repetibilidades fueron bajas, lo que sugiere que los factores ambientales son más importantes que los factores genéticos cuando se quiere mejorar las características reproductivas.

Antecedentes: as características reprodutivas afetam a produtividade de por vida da porca. Objetivo: determinar o efeito de ano de parto, época de parto, número de parto e grupo racial sobre características da ninhada ao nascimento, intervalo desmama serviço (WSI), intervalo parto serviço (FSI) e estimar suas repetibilidades. Objetivo: o presente trabalho objetivou-se adaptar e validar o método Saraz para determinar o fluxo de NH3 (SMDAE) emitida dos galpões avícolas submetidos à ventilação natural. Métodos: utilizaram-se os dados de 1998 a 2008 de uma granja em La Piedad, Michoacán, México. As porcas pertenciam aos grupos raciais Camborough línea 22 (PIC), Yorkshire (Y), F1 Landrace x Yorkshire (F1 LY) y ¼ Landrace ¾ x Yorkshire (LY3/4). As características estudadas foram o total de leitões nascidos (TPB, n = 45.798), número de leitões nascidos vivos (PBA, n = 45.798), WSI (n = 41.156) e FSI (n = 41.156). O modelo estadístico para TPB e PBA inclui os efeitos de ano de parto, época de parto, número de parto, grupo racial e a interação de ano por época. O modelo para WSI e FSI inclui ademais os efeitos lineais e quadráticos do largo de lactação. Resultados: as medias para TPB, PBA, WSI e FSI foram 9,31 leitões, 8,60 leitões, 7,87 dias e 29,9 dias, respectivamente. Todos os efeitos incluídos em os modelos foram significativos (p<0,05), exceto época para TPB e PBA. TPB e PBA aumentaram hasta o quarto parto para diminuir posteriormente. Os grupos raciais LY3/4 e PIC mostraram as maiores meias para tamanho de ninhada. Os WSI e FSI mais curtos corresponderam má a época de outono. WSI e FSI diminuíam com o número de parto. A raça Y tubo os WSI e FSI mais curtos e os grupo F1LY os intervalos mais largos. As repetibilidades para TPB, PBA, WSI e FSI fórum: 0,13, 0,12, 0,14 e 0,14, respetivamente. Conclusão:o ano, número de parto, grupo racial e largo de lactação afetaram o tamanho de ninhada WSI e FSI. As repetibilidades foram baixas, o que sugere que os fatores ambientais são mais importantes que os fatores genéticos em a melhora das características reprodutivas.

Efeito do flushing sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas Morada Nova e Santa Inês submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo / The effect of flushing on the reproductive performance of Morada Nova and Santa Inês ewes submitted to fixed time artificial insemination

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o efeito do flushing, do protocolo hormonal para sincronização de estro e da IATF sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas Morada Nova (MN) e Santa Inês (SI). Foram utilizadas 27 ovelhas SI e 24 ovelhas MN suplementadas com concentrado (1% do peso vivo, em média) durante 75 dias de estação reprodutiva. Após 30 dias de suplementação, as ovelhas foram sincronizadas com protocolo hormonal (PH) à base de progestágeno, eCG e cloprostenol. A observação de estro foi realizada após 12, 24, 36 e 48 horas do término do PH, com o auxílio de dois rufiões, e a IATF foi realizada aproximadamente 55 horas após o final do PH. Do 20º ao 45º dia após o início do PH, realizou-se o repasse com um reproduto Dorper. O diagnóstico de prenhez foi realizado 70 dias após a IATF. Foi analisado o peso, escore da condição corporal (ECC), taxa de apresentação de estro, taxa de prenhez e prolificidade, testando-se os efeitos da raça, semana de suplementação (SS) e classe de ECC. O peso e ECC das ovelhas variaram em função da SS. Foi observada taxa de estro de 88,2%, sendo que 43,2% das ovelhas apresentaram estro até 24 horas do final do PH. A taxa de prenhez por IATF foi de 31,4% e a de prenhez após repasse foi de 50,0%, sendo que a classe de ECC interferiu nas taxas de prenhez. Obteve-se maior porcentagem de partos múltiplos de ovelhas prenhes por IATF do que por monta natural no repasse. Conclui-se que o flushing resultou em ganho de peso e aumento do ECC, o que garantiu a padronização do rebanho para a estação reprodutiva e, consequentemente, melhorou o desempenho reprodutivo. O PH utilizado aumentou a prolificidade e adiantou o início do estro; porém, não foi eficiente na sincronização de ovelhas deslanadas...

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of flushing on the reproductive performance of Morada Nova (MN) and Santa Inês (SI) ewes submitted to fixed time artificial insemination (TAI). Twenty seven SI and 24 MN supplemented with concentrate (1% of live weight, on average), for 75 days during the breeding season. After 30 days of supplementation, ewes were synchronized with the aid of a hormonal protocol (HP) based on progesterone, eCG and cloprostenol. The estrus observation was conducted at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after the end of HP with the aid of two ruffians. TAI was done 55 h after the end of HP. From 20 to 45 days after the beginning of the HP ewes were exposed to rams (natural breeding). The pregnancy diagnosis was evaluated 70 days after TAI. We analyzed the weight, body condition score, estrus rate, pregnancy rate and prolificacy testing the effects of race, week of supplementation and body condition score class. The weight and body conditions of ewes varied according to the week of supplementation, with higher values in the first two weeks following TAI. The estrus rate was 88.2% and 43.2% of the ewes showed estrus up to 24 hours of the end of the HP. The pregnancy rate per TAI was 31.3% and the pregnancy rate after natural breeding was 50.0%. It was observed that body condition score classes interfered in pregnancy rates. There was a higher percentage of multiple births by pregnancy by TAI than by natural breeding. It was concluded that the flushing resulted in weight gain and better body conditions ensuring the standardization of the herd for breeding season, which therefore improved reproductive performance. The HP used advanced the onset of estrus and increased prolificacy, but was inefficient in the synchronization of woolless sheep...

Efectos de la selección y de la superovulación en las pérdidas gestacionales de ratonas CF1 / Effects of selection and superovulation on gestational losses in CF1 mice

En un par de líneas de ratones seleccionadas para alto (s') y bajo peso (s), originadas a partir de una población no seleccionada de la cepa CF1 (t), se modificó la estructura ovárica. El diámetro de los folículos ováricos y el número de folículos y de cuerpos lúteos se incrementaron en las hembras de la línea s', sin expresarse en un mayor tamaño de camada al nacimiento, posiblemente, por un aumento de las pérdidas gestacionales. Se probó si los efectos conjuntos de la selección de peso a largo plazo y de la estimulación ovárica incrementaban las pérdidas gestacionales. Se utilizaron dos grupos de hembras por línea: sin y con estimulación ovárica (5UI de eCG y 5UI de hCG). Las hembras se sacrificaron a las 56-72 hs y a los 7 días postservicio y después de la primera parición. Se observaron los números de cuerpos lúteos (CL), embriones (E) y sitios de implantación (SI) y el tamaño de camada al nacimiento (TC). Se estimaron las pérdidas totales (PT) y las pérdidas de cuerpos lúteos (PCL), de embriones (PE) y de fetos (PF). Los promedios de CL, E, SI y TC variaron en el mismo sentido de la selección practicada y fueron significativamente mayores (P<0,05) para las hembras estimuladas, a excepción de TC. La línea s' tuvo un potencial reproductivo superior pero un mayor costo biológico (mayor PT y más tardía) cuando se la comparó con las otras líneas. La estimulación ovárica produjo menores eficiencias reproductivas totales para las tres líneas y pérdidas gestacionales mayores y más tardías, principalmente de SI. Las hembras de la línea no seleccionada (t), no estimuladas, con pesos intermedios, parieron un mayor número de crías, partiendo de un número intermedio de CL, E y SI, con una menor y más temprana mortalidad embrionaria, demostrando ser las más eficientes desde el punto de vista reproductivo y productivo.

The ovarian structure was modified as a consequence of weight selection in a pair of mouse lines selected for high (s') and low weight (s). Lines were founded from an unselected population of CF1 strain (t). The follicle diameter and the number of the ovarian follicles and the corpora lutea were higher in s' females, but they did not reach a larger litter size at birth, may be, by an increase in the gestational losses. In these lines, the co-effects of long-term weight selection and ovarian stimulation were tested to evaluate if they increased gestational losses. Two groups of females per line were employed: without and with ovarian stimulation (5UI of eCG and 5UI of hCG). Females were slaughtered at 56-72hs and at 7 days post-breeding and after first parturition. The number of corpora lutea (CL), embryos (E) and implantation sites (SI), and litter size at birth (TC) were observed. Total losses (PT) and corpora lutea (PCL), embryo (PE) and fetus (PF) losses were estimated. Mean CL, E, SI and TC varied in the same direction of the selection made and they were significantly higher (P<0.05) in stimulated females, though not for TC. Line s' had a higher reproductive potential but a greater biological cost (higher and later gestational mortality) when compared with the other lines. Ovarian stimulation produced lower total reproductive efficiencies for the three lines and higher and later gestational losses, mainly for implantation sites. Females from unselected line (t), without ovarian stimulation, with intermediate weights, bore larger litters, starting from an intermediate number of CL, E and SI, with a lower and earlier embryo mortality, showing to be the most efficient from a reproductive and productive point of view.

The association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in growth hormone (GH) gene with litter size and superovulation response in goat-breeds

Two active mutations (A 781 G and A 1575 G) in growth hormone (GH) gene, and their associations with litter size (LS), were investigated in both a high prolificacy (Matou, n = 182) and a low prolificacy breed (Boer, n = 352) by using the PCR-RFLP method. Superovulation experiments were designed in 57 dams, in order to evaluate the effect of different genotypes of the GH gene on superovulation response. Two genotypes (AA and AB, CC and CD) in each mutation were detected in these two goat breeds. Neither BB nor DD homozygous genotypes were observed. The genotypic frequencies of AB and CC were significantly higher than those of AA and CD. In the third parity, Matou dams with AB or CC genotypes had significantly larger litter sizes than those with AA and CD (p < 0.05). On combining the two loci, both Matou and Boer dams with ABCD genotype had the largest litter sizes when compared to the other genotypes (p < 0.05). When undergoing like superovulation treatments, a significantly higher number of corpora lutea and ova, with a lower incidence of ovarian cysts, were harvested in the AB and CC genotypes than in AA and CD. These results show that the two loci of GH gene are highly associated with abundant prolificacy and superovulation response in goat breeds.

Notes on gestation periods and litter size in the arenicolous buthid scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

The following notes on gestation periods and litter size in seven specimens of Leiurus quinquestriatus are presented as observational data. Specimens of Leiurus quinquestriatus from southern Egypt and southern Israel were mated in the laboratory during 2007; afterwards, gestation periods and litter sizes of all females were recorded. Previous studies on this species reported that the gestation period ranged from 150 to 155 days and that litter size was between 12 and 99 offspring. In the present study, gestation periods in specimens from both geographic regions varied from 155 to 227 days and litter sizes were between 35 and 87 offspring. The current contribution expands on previously published data on gestation periods and supports previously reported litter size in Leiurus quinquestriatus.(AU)