Nutritional and productive performance of purebred Nellore heifers and crossed with Brangus and Braford finished in a feedlot system.

This study evaluated the nutritional and productive performance of Nellore purebred heifers and crossbred Brangus x Nellore (BGNE) and Braford x Nellore (BFNE) in a feedlot system. Thirty heifers (10 of each genetic group) with an average age of 18 months and an initial body weight of 261 kg were used. The experiment was structured and conducted according to a completely randomized design, with three treatments. Heifers received two diets (60 days each) during the experimental period. The experiment lasted 120 days with four experimental periods. Nellore heifers had a lower intake than crossbred heifers (P <0.05). There were no differences between BGNE and BFNE heifers, which had higher final body weight, average daily gain, feed efficiency, hot carcass weight and carcass length than NE heifers. Crossed heifers presented better fat cover than NE heifers. However, NE heifers had higher carcass dressing Despite presenting lower carcass yields than Nellore heifers, crossed heifers are more efficient and have higher performance and better fat cover on the carcass than purebred Nellore heifers. Crossbreeding synthetic breeds, such as Brangus and Braford breeds, with the Nellore breed is an effective way to increase the productivity and efficiency of feedlot heifers in tropical regions.

Thermographic Profiles in Livestock Systems under Full Sun and Shaded Pastures during an Extreme Climate Event in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil: El Niño of 2023.

The El Niño represents a substantial threat to pastures, affecting the availability of water, forage and compromising the sustainability of grazing areas, especially in the northern region of Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the thermographic profile of three production systems in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The study was conducted on a rural cattle farm in Mojuí dos Campos, Pará, Brazil, between August and November 2023. The experiment involved livestock production systems, including traditional, silvopastoral and integrated, with different conditions of shade and access to the bathing area. An infrared thermographic (IRT) camera was used, recording temperatures in different zones, such as areas with trees, pastures with forage and exposed pastures. The highest mean temperatures (p = 0.02) were observed in pastures with full sun from August to November. On the other hand, the lowest average temperatures were recorded in areas shaded by chestnut trees (Bertholletia excelsa). The highest temperature ranges were found in sunny areas and the lowest were recorded in shaded areas. The highest temperatures were observed in the pasture in full sun, while the lowest were recorded in areas shaded by chestnut trees (p < 0.0001). The interaction between the systems and treatments revealed significant temperature differences (p < 0.0001), with the native trees showing an average temperature of 35.9 °C, lower than the grasses and soil, which reached 61.2 °C. This research concludes that, under El Niño in the Eastern Amazon, areas shaded by Brazil nut trees had lower temperatures, demonstrating the effectiveness of shade. Native trees, compared to grasses and soil, showed the ability to create cooler environments, highlighting the positive influence on different species such as sheep, goats and cattle.

Perspectives of economic losses due to condemnation of cattle and buffalo carcasses in the northern region of Brazil.

The work aims to study the economical losses of the condemnation of bovine and buffalo carcasses, in order to estimate the losses in animals slaughtered in Santarém-Pará, Brazil, between 2016 and 2018, with data obtained from the Municipal Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Sex, age, origin, total number of animals slaughtered and causes of condemnation of carcasses were considered. All analyzes were performed in RStudio version 1.1.463. In this study, 71,277 bovine carcasses and 2,016 buffalo carcasses were inspected, of which 300 bovine and 71 buffalo were condemned. The highest prevalence of causes of condemnation in cattle was recorded for brucellosis (0.0020%) and tuberculosis (0.0019%). In buffaloes, tuberculosis (0.0307%) peritonitis (0,0019%) were the main causes of condemnations. Economical losses were more evident in females, for both species. The projection of economical losses related to the condemnation of carcasses showed a sharp growth for the next three years, if the average growth remains constant. The biggest projected loss was for bovine females, with an accumulated projection of $ 5,451.44. The smallest estimated loss was for buffalo males, projected at more than thirty-two thousand reais. The most important causes of condemnation report the diseases brucellosis and tuberculosis, as the ones with the greatest impact. In the buffalo species this was even more accentuated, even though the number of buffaloes slaughtered is more than 35 times smaller than the number of cattle.

Mixed Models in Nonlinear Regression for Description of the Growth of Nelore Cattle.

Body weight records were used to characterize the growth curve of Nelore cattle. Body weight was regressed as a function of age, for both sexes, by using nonlinear models through the functions of Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, Richards, Meloun 1, Von Bertalanffy, and Von Bertalanffy. The quality of the model arrangements was evaluated by employing Akaike and Bayesian Schwarz information criteria. The Brody function provided the best adaptations by the evaluators and, considering the asymptotic weight and the maturation rate as random, a reduction in residual variance of 79% for males and 83% for females was obtained in relation to the models under fixed contexts. In males, the absolute and relative growth rates ranged from 0.921 to 0.261 kg/day and 2.39 to 0.08%, respectively. For the same rates, under another approach, females ranged from 0.922 to 0.198 kg/day and 2.55 to 0.06%, respectively. Males showed greater growth acceleration at the beginning of the growth trajectory, being equal to females at 397 days of age and from that age onward they presented lower estimates. The nonlinear regression model approach under the mixed-models context allows reduction of residual variance, increasing model accuracy.

The effect of transport density and gender on skin temperature and carcass and meat quality in pigs / Efeito da densidade de transporte e de gênero na temperatura da pele e qualidade de carcaça e carne em suínos

Pre-slaughter handling of pigs established properly is very important, not only from the point of view of welfare, but also for the quality of meat. The aim of present research was to evaluate the effect of gender and density of pigs during their transport to the abattoir on the skin temperature and carcass and meat quality. Were used 192 (115.54 ± 6.03 kg) finishing pigs to investigate the effects of gender (barrows and gilts) and transport densities for slaughter (236, 251, and 275 kg/m²) on the skin temperature and carcass and meat quality. Average skin temperature between genders and transport densities at any point of time during pre-slaughter did not differ. Skin temperatures before unloading had the highest average value relative to all other time points, followed by immediately after unloading and remaining the same for the next 2 h. Lowest skin temperature value was registered on pigs at the pre-slaughter time followed by farm and at loading times. Pigs transported with different densities did not show differences for the skin carcass lesions. Meat from pigs transported at 275 kg/m² presented higher frequency of red, soft, exudative (RSE) and lower of red, firm, non-exudative (RFN) classes as compared to those for other densities. Animals transported at 236 and 251 kg/m² did not differ as the frequency of RSE and RFN meat. Skin temperature of pigs oscillate along the pre-slaughter times and the pre-slaughter transport of pigs at 236 and 251 kg/m² generates less frequency classes of faulty pork, although difference in the densities did not have any effect on the skin temperature and skin lesions.

O manejo pré-abate estabelecido adequadamente é importante, não apenas do ponto de vista de bemestar, mas também para qualidade da carne. O objetivo com o presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito do gênero e da densidade de transporte de suínos para o abatedouro sobre a temperatura da pele, qualidade de carcaça e carne de suínos. Foram utilizados 192 (115,54 ± 6,03 kg) suínos em terminação para avaliar os efeitos de gênero (machos castrados e fêmeas) e densidades de transporte para abate (236, 251, e 275 kg / m²) sobre a temperatura da pele e qualidade de carcaça e carne de suínos. Os valores médios de temperatura da pele entre os gêneros e densidades de transporte não diferiram no pré-abate. A temperatura da pele dos animais antes do descarregamento foi maior, seguidos pelo momento imediatamente após a descarga e mantendo o mesmo para as próximas duas horas. O menor valor de temperatura da pele foi registrado em suínos no momento pré-abate seguido pelos momentos à granja e ao carregamento. Os suínos transportados com diferentes densidades não apresentaram diferenças para as lesões na carcaça. Carne de suínos transportados a 275 kg / m² apresentaram maior frequência de carne vermelha, flácida e exsudativa (RSE) e menores de carne vermelha, firme e nãoexsudativa (RFN) em comparação com outras densidades. Os animais transportados à 236 e 251 kg/m² não diferem quanto a frequência de carne RSE e RFN. A temperatura de pele de suínos oscila ao longo dos momentos pré-abate, e transporte de suínos pré-abate com 236 e 251 kg/m² geram menor frequência de classes anormais de carne, embora diferenças nas densidades não tiveram efeitos sobre a temperatura da pele e lesões de pele.

Uso da torta de dendê na alimentação de ruminantes / Uso de la torta de aceite de palma en alimentación de rumiantes / Use of palm kernel cake as ruminants? feed

A utilização da torta de dendê na alimentação de ruminantes tem despertado grande interesse, principalmente em relação aos fatores favoráveis ao cultivo do dendê, alta produtividade, mercado em expansão, aproveitamento na produção de biodiesel e baixo impacto ambiental. Esse alimento pode ser uma alternativa prática e até mesmo econômica para a dieta dos animais. Nesta revisão serão discutidas as características, importância, valor nutricional, indicações de uso da torta de dendê, bem como resultados de ensaios experimentais de digestibilidade e consumo.

The use of palm kernel cake as ruminants? feed has caused interest especially regarding the favorable factors for palm kernel cultivation, high productivity, market expansion, exploitation of biodiesel production, and low environmental impact. This feed can be an alternative practice, and even an economic one, for animal feeding. This review discusses the characteristics, importance, nutritional value, utilization indications of palm kernel cake, as well as results of experimental tests of digestibility and intake.

La utilización de la torta de aceite de palma en alimentación de rumiantes ha despertado gran interés, principalmente en relación a los factores favorables al cultivo de la palma, alta productividad, mercado en expansión, aprovechamiento en producción de biodiesel y bajo impacto ambiental. Ese alimento puede ser una alternativa práctica y hasta misma económica para la dieta de animales. En esta revisión serán discutidos las características, importancia, valor nutricional, indicaciones de uso de la torta de aceite de palma, bien como resultados de ensayos experimentales de digestibilidad y consumo.

Efeito do laser terapêutico de baixa potência no gânglio da raiz dorsal L5 de camundongos submetidos ao esmagamento do nervo ciático / Effect of low-power laser therapy in L5 dorsal root ganglion of mice submitted to sciatic nerve crush injury

Avaliou-se o efeito o efeito da terapia laser de baixa potência (TLBP) na regeneração de neurônios periféricos de animais adultos. O nervo ciático direito de doze camundongos machos adultos foi esmagado com pinça hemostática durante 30 segundos. Os animais foram divididos aleatória e equitativamente em quatro grupos: HeNe, AsGa, NR e NOR. O grupo HeNe recebeu irradiação laser HeNe (3J/cm²). Os animais do grupo AsGa receberam radiação laser AsGa (30 mJ) e os animais remanescentes (NR) não foram radiados. A radiação transcutânea sobre o gânglio da raiz dorsal L5 foi realizada uma vez ao dia, por 21 dias. Outros quatro animais não foram operados e serviram como controle de normalidade (NOR). Decorridos 21 dias, fragmentos do nervo ciático foram coletados para avaliação morfológica e contagem do número de axônios. O gânglio da raiz dorsal L5 foi removido para a avaliação morfológica e contagem dos neurônios sensitivos sobreviventes à lesão. Os grupos que sofreram esmagamento do nervo sofreram redução no número de axônios quando comparados ao grupo não operado (NOR). O gânglio da raiz dorsal L5 também foi removido e seccionado em série para a contagem e mensuração dos neurônios sensitivos. Não se observou diferença entre os grupos quando considerada a área do pericário e o número de neurônios. Os resultados indicam que a TLBP não estimulou a regeneração de nervos em camundongos. A TLBP não teve ação neuroprotetora sobre os neurônios após a lesão dos seus axônios.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of low-power laser therapy (LPLT) on the regenerating peripheral neurons in adult animals. The right sciatic nerve of twelve mice adults was experimentally crushed with a Halstead forceps during 30 seconds. Animals were randomly distributed into three: HeNe, GaAs and NR. HeNe group received radiation laser HeNe (3 J/cm2). The animals of the GaAs group received GaAs laser irradiation (30 mJ) and the remnant animals (NR) were not radiated. The radiation was daily transcutaneously applied to L5 dorsal root ganglion, for 21 days. Other four non-operated animals served as normal controls (NOR). After 21 days, the sciatic nerve was collected and processed for histological assessment and axonal counting. The L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was also removed for morphologic and morphometric evaluation of sensory surviving neurons. No difference was found in the number and size of DRG neurons among the experimental groups. The results indicate that LPLT did not improve regeneration of peripheral nerves in mice. LPLT had no neuroprotective effect on neurons after axonal lesion.

Conforto ambiental de bezerros bubalinos (Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus, 1758) em sistemas silvipastoris na Amazônia Oriental / Environmental comfort of buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus, 1758) on silvopastoral systems in the Eastern Amazon

Foi analisado o efeito de dois sistemas silvipastoris nos índices de conforto ambiental e alterações nos parâmetros fisiológicos de bezerros bubalinos criados na Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém-PA (clima Afi), no Período 1 (abril a setembro/2007) e Período 2 (outubro/2007 a março/2008). Foram inseridos onze bezerros no Sistema Silvipastoril 1 (SSP1), que apresentava sombreamento útil nas pastagens de 18 a 21%, e oito no Sistema Silvipastoril 2 (SSP2), sem sombreamento, com lago para banho. Foram mensuradas as variáveis fisiológicas: temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura da pele (TP), e calculados o Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) e Índice de Conforto de Benezra (ICB), nos dois períodos experimentais, comparados pelo Teste Tukey (P < 0,05). O ITU apresentou diferença estatística entre horários (P < 0,05) e período do ano (P < 0,05), e oscilou de 73,5 ± 1,3 até 82,2 ± 0,8. A TR apresentou diferença estatística entre horários e períodos do ano (P < 0,05), com amplitude de 38,3 ± 0,26 a 39,3 ± 0,38 °C. A FR apresentou diferença significativa entre horários (P < 0,05), com amplitude de 32,2 ± 9,2 a 56,5 ± 19,0 mov min-1, consideradas acima dos níveis normais, enquanto a TP foi diferente estatisticamente entre períodos e horários (P < 0,05) e variou de 23,6 ± 8,3 a 31,7 ± 5,4 °C. Nos Períodos 1 e 2 e nos dois SSP's, os ICBs estiveram acima do valor ideal, variando de 2,46 ± 0,33 a 3,31 ± 0,62 (SSP1) e 2,42 ± 0,30 a 3,45 ± 0,66 (SSP2).

This aim of the study was evaluating effects of two different silvopastoral systems on environmental comfort and changes in physiological parameters of buffalo calves bred in the Eastern Amazon. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém-PA, (Afi climate type) in two periods of the year: Period 1 (April to Sep/2007) and Period 2 (Oct/2007 to March/2008). Eleven calves were included in the Silvopastoral System 1 (SSP1), with a useful shaded pasture area of 18 to 21%; and eight calves were included in the Silvopastoral System 2 (SSP2), without shading, but with a lake for swimming. Physiological status of animals bred in the two SSP's were measured (rectal temperature-RT; respiratory frequency-RF and skin temperature-ST). The Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and Benezra´s Animal Comfort Index (ACI) were calculated, in two phases of the year, and were compared by the Tukey test (P < 0.05). THI ranged from 73.5 ± 1.3 to 82.2 ± 0.8. RT was 38.3 ± 0.26 to 39.3 ± 0.38 °C, but within the normal range for buffalo. RF ranged from 32.2 ± 9.2 to 56.5 ± 19.0 mov min-1, above the levels considered normal, and ST ranged from 23.6 ± 8.3 and 31.7 ± 5.4 °C. In both periods of the year and the two SSP's, ACIs were considered higher than ideal, ranging from 2.46 ± 0.33 to 3.31 ± 0.62 (SSP1) and 2.42 ± 0.30 to 3.45 ± 0.66 (SSP2).

Dinâmica da eliminação de ovos por nematódeos gastrintestinais, durante o periparto de vacas de corte, no Estado do Pará / Parasitic dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infection in the periparturient period of beef cattle in the State of Para

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar a dinâmica da infecção por nematódeos gastrintestinais em vacas no periparto. Utilizaram-se 106 vacas de corte, divididas em dois grupos: o grupo 1 (G1), constituído por 42 vacas de primeira e segunda cria; e o grupo 2, (G2) por 76 vacas de terceira cria ou mais. A partir dos 120 dias do pré-parto até os 90 dias pós-parto, coletaram-se fezes para contagens de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) e sangue para determinação do volume globular e hemoglobina de cada um dos animais a intervalos mensais. Nos mesmos intervalos, avaliaram-se os escores de condição corporal (ECC). Os valores médios ± desvios-padrão de OPG para os animais do grupo 1 foram iguais a 19,4 ± 42,9, enquanto para os do grupo 2 foram de 31,1 ± 68,0 não havendo diferenças significativas entre eles, tampouco entre os valores hematológicos que permaneceram nos padrões normais para ambos os grupos. Maiores contagens de OPG foram observadas no período pós-parto, com médias de 32,5 ± 55,5 e 51,5 ± 84,8 para os grupos G1 e G2, respectivamente. Observou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,05) nos parâmetros estudados, quando foram comparados os períodos pré e pós-parto dentro de cada um dos grupos, com diminuição dos valores hemáticos e escore corporal e aumento dos valores de OPG no pós-parto. Os resultados sugerem que as vacas podem estar mais susceptíveis à infecção por nematoides desde o parto até os 90 dias pós-parto; todavia, vacas adultas, quando bem manejadas, não constituem fator importante na epidemiologia das verminoses gastrintestinais, mesmo no período pós-parto.

The experiment was conducted to investigate the dynamics of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes during the periparturition period in cows. One hundred and six beef cows were divided into two groups: G1 was formed by 42 cows of one and two parturitions, and G2 by 76 cows of three or more parturitions. From the 120 days pre partum until the 90 days post partum, feces were collected for faecal egg counts (EPG) while blood was collected to determine the packed cell volume and hemoglobin levels of each animal, with monthly intervals. In the same intervals the body condition scores (BCS) were evaluated. The mean values ± standard deviation of the EPG for G1 were equal to 19.4 ± 42.9, and for G2 31.1 ± 68.0. No significant differences were observed between G1 and G2 in relation to EPG and hematological parameters, which remained within normal patterns for both groups. The two groups had higher counts of EPG in the post partum period than in the pre partum period, with averages of 32.5 ± 55.5 and 51.5 ± 84.8 for groups G1 and G2, respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in the parameters was observed when comparing the pre and post partum within each group studied resulting in declining values of blood and body score and an increase in EPG in the post partum. The results suggest that the cows may be more susceptible to infection by nematodes from giving birth up to 90 days post partum. However, adult cows, when well-managed, are not an important factor in the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes, even in the post partum period.

Eficiência produtiva de búfalos no estado do pará em diferentes condições de suplementação mineral / Productive efficiency of buffalos in the state of pará in different conditions of mineral supplementation

O monitoramento do consumo de diferentes misturas minerais foi avaliado em 84 búfalos mestiços distribuídos em duas fazendas (1 e 2) localizadas na Meso-região do Nordeste Paraense para a avaliação do custo benefício de cada produto. As fazendas apresentavam pastagens do tipo Brachiaria brizantha, cv. Marandú onde os animais foram mantidos durante 14 meses. Os animais foram divididos em dois lotes. O lote 1 de cada fazenda recebeu um produto comercial de suplementação mineral recomendado para bubalinos (Topbúfalo Matsuda®) e o lote 2, o produto comercial de suplementação mineral convencional da propriedade, no qual era indicado para a espécie bovina. Na fazenda 1, o consumo da mistura mineral a ser testada foi inferior ao consumo da mistura mineral convencional e na fazenda 2, o consumo de ambos os lotes foi semelhante. O produto comercial recomendado para búfalos em regime de pastagem, em ambos os sistemas, promoveu um melhor desempenho no ganho de peso dos búfalos quando comparado a produtos comerciais recomendados para a espécie bovina. O peso médio da carcaça quente dos animais que consumiram a mistura mineral a ser testada foi superior a dos animais que receberam a mistura mineral convencional. O gasto com a suplementação mineral foi superior com os produtos convencionais em ambas as fazendas, com rendimentos líquidos menores do que a suplementação a ser testada. Conclui-se que a eficiência produtiva dos animais utilizando uma suplementação recomendada para bubalinos em regime de pastagem supera a eficiência produtiva de búfalos quando se utiliza uma suplementação recomendada para bovinos.

The monitoration of the consumption of different minerals mixtures was evaluated in 84 crossbred buffaloes distributed in two farms (1 and 2) located in Meso-area of Paraense's Northeast for the evaluation of the cost benefit of each product. The farms presented pastures of the type Brachiaria brizantha, cv. Marandú where the animals were maintained for 14 months. The animals were divided in two lots. The lot 1 of each farm received a commercial product of mineral supplementation recommended for buffalos (Topbúfalo Matsuda®) and the lot 2, the commercial product of conventional mineral supplementation of the property, in which was indicated for the bovine species. In Finance 1, the consumption of the mineral mixture to be tested was inferior to the consumption of the conventional mineral mixture and in Finance 2, the consumption of both lots was similar. The commercial product recommended for buffalos in pasture regime, in both systems, it promoted a better acting in the earnings of weight of the buffalos when compared to commercial products recommended for the bovine species. The medium weight of the hot carcass of the animals that consumed the mineral mixture to be tested was superior the one of the animals that received the conventional mineral mixture. The expense with the mineral supplementation was superior with the conventional products in both farms, with smaller net yields than the supplementation to be tested. Was ended that the productive efficiency of the animals using a recommended supplementation for buffalos in pasture regime overcomes the productive efficiency of buffalos when a supplementation is used recommended for bovine.

Genetic trends in the performance and reproductive traits of pigs

The selection and evaluation of breeds and purebred lines to be used as the parental stock is an important step for the success of any animal breeding program. In this study, the feed:gain ratio, backfat thickness corrected for 100 kg, age to 100 kg, average daily gain, and age of sow at first farrowing were used to evaluate the genetic trends for direct and maternal additive genetic values in Large White pigs. The total number of piglets born or born alive and the litter weight at birth were used as indicators of the genetic trends for the direct additive values. The genetic trends were calculated by regression of the average predicted genetic values per year for each trait versus the offspring's year of birth (for performance traits) or versus the dam year of birth (for reproduction traits). The genetic trend estimates for direct effects showed that selection decisions made during the breeding program effectively improved the performance traits. However, for reproductive traits, the regression estimates showed no definite trend. The genetic trends for the maternal effects were generally positive but of low magnitude.

Maternal effects on the genetic evaluation of Tabapuã beef cattle

The aim of this investigation was to study the influence of maternal effects on the genetic evaluation of sire production in Tabapuã beef cattle. Single and multiple trait analyses were done with adjusted animal weights at 120, 240 and 420 days of age. Antagonism was observed between additive direct and maternal genetic effects, with the maternal effect being higher until weaning. The inclusion of maternal effects in the models removed part of the additive variance only in single trait analyses and resulted in smaller means and standard deviations for the sire breeding values. The use of maternal effect associated with single or multiple traits may affect sire ranking. The contradictory results of the single and multiple trait analyses for additive direct and maternal effects indicate that caution is needed when considering recommendations about the importance of maternal effects in Tabapuã beef cattle.