Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin on the reproductive efficiency of beef cows subjected to differently timed-artificial insemination protocols.

This study aimed to verify the reproductive efficiency of beef cows treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST). Study 1, Bos indicus cows were distributed (three groups). The control group (CG) was subjected: on day zero (d0), the animals received a CIDR and oestradiol benzoate (EB); on (d8, CIDR was removed, and PGF2α and oestradiol cypionate (EC) were administered; on d10, timed Artificial Insemination (TAI) was performed; on d45, pregnancy diagnosis was made. The rbST on d0 group (bST0G) was subjected to an identical protocol as CG, except for the addition of 250 mg rbST on d0. The rbST on d8 group (bST8G) was subjected to the same protocol as bST0G, except that the rbST was administered on d8 rather. In study 2, the animals followed the same design which was used in Bos taurus cows. The follicular growth rate (FGR) was calculated between d8 and d10. In study 1, pregnancy/artificial insemination (P/AI) did not differ among the treatments. FGR in bST8G was higher than in other groups. In study 2, bST0G showed higher Pregnancy/Artificial Insemination (P/AI) (p < .05) when compared with other groups. bST0G showed a different FGR (p < .0001) than the other groups. In conclusion, rbST (Bos indicus cows) did not increase P/AI, but it did promote follicular growth when administered on d8; the rbST administered on d0 improved P/AI (p < .05) and the FGR in Bos taurus cows.

Coat score. A possible explanation for the zebuine selective sweep located on bovine chromosome 5: 47,670,001-48,100,000 bp.

Over 65% of the world's cattle population resides in warm areas where heat stress conditions limit the breed of European taurine cattle. Composite breeds were developed to retain the main traits of both parental breeds. The skin plays a central role in animal response to heat stress. Research on the genetic architecture of skin traits has identified genes and regions related to warm resistance skin features. The aim of this study was to determine whether the indicine proportion accounted for coat type or whether there were genes of large effect segregating in Brangus. Bulls (n = 108) were genotyped using microarrays and their coat score and hair length were evaluated. Indicine-taurine genome-wide composition was estimated and GWAS was performed. Although significant correlations between indicine proportion and traits were not observed, four windows of SNPs on BTA4 and BTA5 explained more than 2% of the trait variance. The GWAS for coat score in summer showed the main peak on BTA5:46,941,446-48,030,219 bp, accounting for 4.65% of the variance. Our results suggest that the variation in coat score and undercoat hair length in Argentinian Brangus bulls is associated with the presence of some particular gene variants, rather than with the whole indicine genetic content.

Fertility analysis of bovine semen by in vitro fertilization.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of using in vitro fertilization to validate semen fertility for artificial insemination. Cryopreserved semen from ten bulls (five Nelore and five Brangus bulls) was evaluated using in vitro production of embryos (IVPE) and via fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). There was variation (p < 0.05) in the IVPE (20.9 to 53.7% of blastocyst production) and in the FTAI (42.0 to 56.0% of pregnant cows) results among the semen evaluated. According to the results, there was a positive correlation (rs = 0.8378; p = 0.0001) between the rate of blastocyst production (using IVPE) and the rate of pregnancy (using FTAI) using Nelore bull semen. Variation (p < 0.05) was also found using semen from Brangus bulls, in the rates of blastocyst production (36.5 to 47.0%) and pregnancy (45.6 to 52.2%) via FTAI. There was also a positive correlation (rs = 0.8786; p = 0.0001) between the rates of blastocyst production (IVPE) and pregnancy (FTAI) when using Brangus bull semen. According to the results, IVPE may be used in addition to conventional semen analysis to evaluate and validate the semen fertility of bulls for artificial insemination programs.

Estimating inbreeding depression for growth and reproductive traits using pedigree and genomic methods in Argentinean Brangus cattle.

Inbreeding depression reduces the mean phenotypic value of important traits in livestock populations. The goal of this work was to estimate the level of inbreeding and inbreeding depression for growth and reproductive traits in Argentinean Brangus cattle, in order to obtain a diagnosis and monitor breed management. Data comprised 359,257 (from which 1,990 were genotyped for 40,678 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) animals with phenotypic records for at least one of three growth traits: birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and finishing weight (FW). For scrotal circumference (SC), 52,399 phenotypic records (of which 256 had genotype) were available. There were 530,938 animals in pedigree. Three methods to estimate inbreeding coefficients were used. Pedigree-based inbreeding coefficients were estimated accounting for missing parents. Inbreeding coefficients combining genotyped and nongenotyped animal information were also computed from matrix H of the single-step approach. Genomic inbreeding coefficients were estimated using homozygous segments obtained from a Hidden Markov model (HMM) approach. Inbreeding depression was estimated from the regression of the phenotype on inbreeding coefficients in a multiple-trait mixed model framework, either for the whole dataset or for the dataset of genotyped animals. All traits were unfavorably affected by inbreeding depression. A 10% increase in pedigree-based or combined inbreeding would result in a reduction of 0.34 to 0.39 kg in BW, 2.77 to 3.28 kg in WW, and 0.23 cm in SC. For FW, a 10% increase in pedigree-based, genomic, or combined inbreeding would result in a decrease of 8.05 to 11.57 kg. Genomic inbreeding based on the HMM was able to capture inbreeding depression, even in such a compressed genotyped dataset.

Correlação entre as características de escores visuais com o peso à desmama em bovinos da raça Brangus / Correlation between traits of visual scores with weaning weight in Brangus cattle

A seleção genética através de programas baseados em avaliação dos escores visuais, tanto no período de desmame quanto ao sobreano, é um modo de controle e melhoramento do rebanho de fácil aplicação e baixo custo, capaz de gerar ganhos genéticos ao longo dos anos de utilização. No presente estudo foram utilizados dados de 93 machos desmamados no ano de 2017 pertencentes a Estância GAP São Pedro. Também foi calculada através do programa BioEstat 5.3, a correlação pelo método de Spearmann dos escores de P, M, U entre si e dos mesmos com o peso à desmama. Os resultados demonstraram a associação positiva entre o peso corporal e os escores de precocidade e musculatura.(AU)

Genetic selection through programs based on visual score evaluation, both during weaning and yearling, is a low cost and easy to apply herd control and genetic selection method, capable of generating genetic results in over the years. In the present study, data gathered from 93 weaned males were used in 2017, belonging to the Estância GAP São Pedro. It was also calculated through the program BioEstat 5.3, a correlation by the Spearmann method of the scores of Precocity, Musculature, Prepuce and each other with weight on weaning. The results demonstrated the positive association between body weight and precocity and musculature scores.(AU)

Correlação entre as características de escores visuais com o peso à desmama em bovinos da raça Brangus / Correlation between traits of visual scores with weaning weight in Brangus cattle

A seleção genética através de programas baseados em avaliação dos escores visuais, tanto no período de desmame quanto ao sobreano, é um modo de controle e melhoramento do rebanho de fácil aplicação e baixo custo, capaz de gerar ganhos genéticos ao longo dos anos de utilização. No presente estudo foram utilizados dados de 93 machos desmamados no ano de 2017 pertencentes a Estância GAP São Pedro. Também foi calculada através do programa BioEstat 5.3, a correlação pelo método de Spearmann dos escores de P, M, U entre si e dos mesmos com o peso à desmama. Os resultados demonstraram a associação positiva entre o peso corporal e os escores de precocidade e musculatura.

Genetic selection through programs based on visual score evaluation, both during weaning and yearling, is a low cost and easy to apply herd control and genetic selection method, capable of generating genetic results in over the years. In the present study, data gathered from 93 weaned males were used in 2017, belonging to the Estância GAP São Pedro. It was also calculated through the program BioEstat 5.3, a correlation by the Spearmann method of the scores of Precocity, Musculature, Prepuce and each other with weight on weaning. The results demonstrated the positive association between body weight and precocity and musculature scores.

Evidence of positive selection towards Zebuine haplotypes in the BoLA region of Brangus cattle.

The Brangus breed was developed to combine the superior characteristics of both of its founder breeds, Angus and Brahman. It combines the high adaptability to tropical and subtropical environments, disease resistance, and overall hardiness of Zebu cattle with the reproductive potential and carcass quality of Angus. It is known that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC, also known as bovine leucocyte antigen: BoLA), located on chromosome 23, encodes several genes involved in the adaptive immune response and may be responsible for adaptation to harsh environments. The objective of this work was to evaluate whether the local breed ancestry percentages in the BoLA locus of a Brangus population diverged from the estimated genome-wide proportions and to identify signatures of positive selection in this genomic region. For this, 167 animals (100 Brangus, 45 Angus and 22 Brahman) were genotyped using a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism array. The local ancestry analysis showed that more than half of the haplotypes (55.0%) shared a Brahman origin. This value was significantly different from the global genome-wide proportion estimated by cluster analysis (34.7% Brahman), and the proportion expected by pedigree (37.5% Brahman). The analysis of selection signatures by genetic differentiation (F st ) and extended haplotype homozygosity-based methods (iHS and Rsb) revealed 10 and seven candidate regions, respectively. The analysis of the genes located within these candidate regions showed mainly genes involved in immune response-related pathway, while other genes and pathways were also observed (cell surface signalling pathways, membrane proteins and ion-binding proteins). Our results suggest that the BoLA region of Brangus cattle may have been enriched with Brahman haplotypes as a consequence of selection processes to promote adaptation to subtropical environments.

High incidence of testicular hypoplasia in Brangus-Ibagé bulls in Mato Grosso do Sul state: case report / Alta incidência de hipoplasia testicular em touros Brangus-Ibagé no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul: relato de caso

This study describes a high incidence of testicular hypoplasia observed during breeding soundness examination conducted on a commercial farm in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Sixty-eight Brangus-Ibagé bulls aged between 36 and 48 months were evaluated and eight animals were diagnosed with testicular hypoplasia, which corresponded to an incidence of 11.8%. The hypoplastic animals presented flaccid testicular consistency and small size of scrotal circumference (mean of 28.9 cm) compared with the other animals evaluated, which presented a firm-elastic testicular consistency and mean scrotal circumference of 36.6 cm. In the semen evaluation of hypoplastic animals, low progressive motility (mean of 47%) and high percentage of major and total defects (means of 56% and 62%, respectively) were observed. The animals that were approved in the breeding soundness examination presented mean progressive motility, major defects and total defects of 68%, 17% and 23%, respectively. Given the genetic character of testicular hypoplasia, the immediate removal of hypoplastic animals from breeding was recommended. Finally, it was suggested to investigate the origin of these animals in order to avoid that new animals from this lineage are acquired by the owner.

Neste trabalho, relata-se um caso de alta incidência de hipoplasia testicular observada durante exame andrológico realizado em uma fazenda comercial no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram avaliados 68 touros Brangus-Ibagé com idade entre 36 e 48 meses e observou-se oito animais com hipoplasia testicular, o que correspondeu a uma incidência de 11,8% desta patologia. Os animais hipoplásicos apresentaram consistência testicular flácida, bem como tamanho médio do perímetro escrotal bastante reduzido (28,9 cm) em comparação aos demais animais avaliados, que apresentaram média do perímetro escrotal de 36,6 cm e consistência testicular firme-elástica. Na avaliação do sêmen dos animais com hipoplasia testicular, observou-se baixa motilidade progressiva (média de 47%) e alta porcentagem de defeitos maiores e totais (média de 56% e 62%, respectivamente). Nos demais animais aprovados no exame andrológico, a média de motilidade progressiva, defeitos maiores e defeitos totais foram 68%, 17% e 23%, respectivamente. Dado o caráter genético da hipoplasia testicular, recomendou-se o descarte ou retirada imediata destes animais da reprodução. Por fim, sugeriu-se a investigação da origem destes animais de modo a evitar-se que novos animais oriundos dessa linhagem genética sejam adquiridos pelo proprietário.

Efeito da idade sobre as principais características andrológicas de touros Brangus-Ibagé criados extensivamente no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul - Brasil / Effect of age on the andrological characteristics of Brangus-Ibagé bulls extensively reared in Mato Grosso do Sul state - Brazil

Bull fertility is extremely important for beef cattle production systems and has a multiplier impact on the economical and zootechnical indexes of the herd. Bulls raised in tropical conditions may present varied seminal characteristics due to, among other causes, different management practices and quality of pastures. Another factor that influences the semen characteristics is the age of the sire. The reproductive potential of bull evaluated through the andrological exam aims to ensure the semen quality and to improve the herd reproductive efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main semen parameters of Brangus- Ibagé bulls extensively reared in eastern Mato Grosso do Sul state and to verify the effect of age on the andrological characteristics analyzed. It was also evaluated the correlation between age, scrotal circumference, and physical and morphological sperm characteristics produced by the Brangus bulls.[...]

Efeito da idade sobre as principais características andrológicas de touros Brangus-Ibagé criados extensivamente no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul - Brasil / Effect of age on the andrological characteristics of Brangus-Ibagé bulls extensively reared in Mato Grosso do Sul state - Brazil

Bull fertility is extremely important for beef cattle production systems and has a multiplier impact on the economical and zootechnical indexes of the herd. Bulls raised in tropical conditions may present varied seminal characteristics due to, among other causes, different management practices and quality of pastures. Another factor that influences the semen characteristics is the age of the sire. The reproductive potential of bull evaluated through the andrological exam aims to ensure the semen quality and to improve the herd reproductive efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main semen parameters of Brangus- Ibagé bulls extensively reared in eastern Mato Grosso do Sul state and to verify the effect of age on the andrological characteristics analyzed. It was also evaluated the correlation between age, scrotal circumference, and physical and morphological sperm characteristics produced by the Brangus bulls.[...](AU)

Genetic characterization of a brangus-ibage cattle population: biochemical polymorphisms and reproductive efficiency

Biochemical techniques were used to investigate the genetic variability in a Brangus-Ibage population by determining allele frequencies of 18 blood protein systems: Hemogloin beta-Chain (Hb), Albumin (Alb), Amylase (Am), Transferrin (Tf), Carbonic Anhydrase (CA), Ceruloplasmin (Cp), Malic Enzyme (ME), Diaphorase I and II (Dia I and Dia II), Slow Alpha 2 Macroglobulin (Ap), Acid Phosphatase (ACP), Esterase B and D (EstB and EstD), Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase (PGD), Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), Glucose-Phosphate-Isomerase (GPI), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glyoxalase I (GLO). The percentage of polymorphic loci were estimated at 0.27, the mean number of alleles was 1.33 and the mean heterozygosity was 0.07. There was a good agreement between expected and observed heterozygosity values. The population was in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations in all systems. Reproductive records allowed to estimate three parameters of reproductive efficiency: mean age at first calving (1152.15 ± 166.60 days), mean calving interval (539.23 ± 124.10 days) and mean weight at first calving (391.02 ± 37.59kg). No relationship was found between reproductive efficiency and genetic systems.

Técnicas bioquímicas foram utilizadas para determinar a variabilidade genética numa população de bovinos da raça Brangus-Ibagé com relação a 18 sistemas protéicos sangüíneos: Hemoglobina - Cadeia beta (Hb), Albumina (Alb), Amilase (Am), Transferrina (Tf), Anidrase Carbônica (CA), Ceruloplasmina (Cp), Enzima Málica (ME), Diaforase I and II (Dia I and Dia II), Macroglobulina alfa2 lenta (Ap), Fosfatase Ácida (ACP), Esterase B and D (EstB and EstD), Fosfogliconato Desidrogenase (PGD), Glicose-6-Fosfato Desidrogenase (G-6-PD), Glicose-Fosfato-Isomerase (GPI), Superóxido Dismutase (SOD) e Glioxalase I (GLO). O percentual de locos polimórficos foi estimado em 0,27, o número médio de alelos foi 1,33 e a heterozigosidade média foi de 0,07. Houve boa concordância entre a heterozigosidade média observada e a esperada. A população apresentou-se em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg em todos os sistemas. Também foram determinados três parâmetros de eficiência reprodutiva: idade média ao primeiro parto (1152,15 ± 166,60 dias), intervalo médio entre partos (539,23 ± 124,10 dias) e peso médio da vaca ao primeiro parto (391,02 ± 37,59kg). Não se encontrou nenhuma associação entre os polimorfismos protéicos e os parâmetros de eficiência reprodutiva.

Genetic characterization of a brangus-ibage cattle population: biochemical polymorphisms and reproductive efficiency

Biochemical techniques were used to investigate the genetic variability in a Brangus-Ibage population by determining allele frequencies of 18 blood protein systems: Hemogloin beta-Chain (Hb), Albumin (Alb), Amylase (Am), Transferrin (Tf), Carbonic Anhydrase (CA), Ceruloplasmin (Cp), Malic Enzyme (ME), Diaphorase I and II (Dia I and Dia II), Slow Alpha 2 Macroglobulin (Ap), Acid Phosphatase (ACP), Esterase B and D (EstB and EstD), Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase (PGD), Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), Glucose-Phosphate-Isomerase (GPI), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glyoxalase I (GLO). The percentage of polymorphic loci were estimated at 0.27, the mean number of alleles was 1.33 and the mean heterozygosity was 0.07. There was a good agreement between expected and observed heterozygosity values. The population was in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations in all systems. Reproductive records allowed to estimate three parameters of reproductive efficiency: mean age at first calving (1152.15 ± 166.60 days), mean calving interval (539.23 ± 124.10 days) and mean weight at first calving (391.02 ± 37.59kg). No relationship was found between reproductive efficiency and genetic systems.

Técnicas bioquímicas foram utilizadas para determinar a variabilidade genética numa população de bovinos da raça Brangus-Ibagé com relação a 18 sistemas protéicos sangüíneos: Hemoglobina - Cadeia beta (Hb), Albumina (Alb), Amilase (Am), Transferrina (Tf), Anidrase Carbônica (CA), Ceruloplasmina (Cp), Enzima Málica (ME), Diaforase I and II (Dia I and Dia II), Macroglobulina alfa2 lenta (Ap), Fosfatase Ácida (ACP), Esterase B and D (EstB and EstD), Fosfogliconato Desidrogenase (PGD), Glicose-6-Fosfato Desidrogenase (G-6-PD), Glicose-Fosfato-Isomerase (GPI), Superóxido Dismutase (SOD) e Glioxalase I (GLO). O percentual de locos polimórficos foi estimado em 0,27, o número médio de alelos foi 1,33 e a heterozigosidade média foi de 0,07. Houve boa concordância entre a heterozigosidade média observada e a esperada. A população apresentou-se em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg em todos os sistemas. Também foram determinados três parâmetros de eficiência reprodutiva: idade média ao primeiro parto (1152,15 ± 166,60 dias), intervalo médio entre partos (539,23 ± 124,10 dias) e peso médio da vaca ao primeiro parto (391,02 ± 37,59kg). Não se encontrou nenhuma associação entre os polimorfismos protéicos e os parâmetros de eficiência reprodutiva.