Nutrient Intake, Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Cost Analysis of Sheep Submitted to Intermittent Supplementation on Masai Grass Pastures.

This study aimed to assess nutrient intake, performance, intake behavior, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of sheep managed on Masai grass pastures along with intermittent concentrate supplementation, in addition to the economic impacts of applying that strategy. A sample of 24 Santa Inês sheep (12 males and 12 females) was kept for 80 days on Panicum maximum cv. Massai pastures and was supplemented daily or every other day. The voluntary intake of dry matter and nutrients was estimated. Mean daily weight gain and total weight gain were calculated and intake behavior parameters were assessed. The males were slaughtered and the weight and yield of the carcasses and meat cuts were assessed. The meat was analyzed for cooking losses, shear force, and color. The gross margin of the system was estimated from the difference between total income and operational cost. No effect was seen of the interaction between supplementation frequency and sex for any parameter assessed (p > 0.05). Intermittent supplementation of Santa Inês sheep managed with Masai grass is recommended since the strategy does not impact nutrient intake, performance, intake behavior, carcass characteristics, or meat quality, but lowers the costs of producing 1 kg of meat by 15%.

Prediction of dry matter intake by meat sheep on tropical pastures.

This study was undertaken to determine whether equations for prediction of dry matter intake (DMI) by meat sheep are valid for animals raised solely on tropical pastures and to propose a new equation to predict the DMI of sheep raised on tropical pastures. The DMI prediction from published equations was evaluated by regressing the predicted and observed values, using the F test, for the identity of the parameters (ß0 = 0 and ß1 = 1) of the regression of predicted on observed data. If the null hypothesis is not rejected, the tested equation accurately estimates DMI. The proposed equation was evaluated in the same way as the published equations. The animal performance and pasture structure and chemical composition data used originated from an experiment conducted with 32 Santa Inês sheep raised on tropical pastures. In the analysis of model adequacy, the null hypothesis was rejected (P < 0.001) and the equations generated predictions that differ (ß0 = 0 and ß1 = 1) from the DMI observed under practical feeding conditions for grazing sheep. The proposed equation, DMI (%LW) = 7.16545 (± 0.76522) - 0.21799 (± 0.01812) * LW + 0.00273 (± 0.00034) * LW2-0.00688 (± 0.00299) * GT + 0.000007 (± 0.000002) * GT2 + 0.00271 (± 0.00108) * GHA, where LW is live weight (kg), GT is grazing time (min/day), and GHA is green herbage allowance (kg DM/100 kg LW), should be used to more accurately predict DMI by grazing sheep.

Insecticidal efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto®) against Triatoma brasiliensis, a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Triatomines are responsible for the vector transmission of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Triatoma brasiliensis is the main vector of the parasite in Brazil, and dogs are an important reservoir of the parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of fluralaner (Bravecto®) on T. brasiliensis after a blood meal in treated dogs. METHODS: Healthy mongrel dogs (n = 8) were recruited from the Zoonoses Control Center (ZCC) in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and randomized into two groups, a fluralaner (Bravecto®)-treated group (n = 4) and a control group (n = 4). Colony-reared third-, fourth- and fifth-instar nymphs of T. brasiliensis nymphs (n = 10) were allowed to feed on dogs from both groups for 30-40 min, once monthly, for up to 12 months. Bug mortality was observed up to 5 days after each blood meal. RESULTS: Mortality in triatomines which had a blood meal on fluralaner (Bravecto®)-treated dogs was 100% for up to 7 months after treatment, with mortality decreasing to 66.4% after 8 months, 57% after 9 months, 35% after 10 months, 10% after 11 months and 0% after 12 months. The mortality of triatomines that fed on non-treated control dogs was always ≤ 2.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that fluralaner (Bravecto®) treatment of dogs induces long-term mortality of T. brasiliensis after the blood meal. This is a potential approach to be used to control vector transmission of T. cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, especially in endemic areas.

Insecticidal efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto®) against Triatoma brasiliensis, a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil

Background: Triatomines are responsible for the vector transmission of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Triatoma brasiliensis is the main vector of the parasite in Brazil, and dogs are an important reservoir of the parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal efect of furalaner (Bravecto®) on T. brasiliensis after a blood meal in treated dogs. Methods: Healthy mongrel dogs (n=8) were recruited from the Zoonoses Control Center (ZCC) in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and randomized into two groups, a furalaner (Bravecto®)-treated group (n=4) and a control group (n=4). Colony-reared third-, fourth- and ffth-instar nymphs of T. brasiliensis nymphs (n=10) were allowed to feed on dogs from both groups for 30­40 min, once monthly, for up to 12 months. Bug mortality was observed up to 5 days after each blood meal. Results: Mortality in triatomines which had a blood meal on furalaner (Bravecto®)-treated dogs was 100% for up to 7 months after treatment, with mortality decreasing to 66.4% after 8 months, 57% after 9 months, 35% after 10 months, 10% after 11 months and 0% after 12 months. The mortality of triatomines that fed on non-treated control dogs was always ≤ 2.5%. Conclusions: Our results suggest that furalaner (Bravecto®) treatment of dogs induces long-term mortality of T. brasiliensis after the blood meal. This is a potential approach to be used to control vector transmission of T. cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, especially in endemic areas.

Insecticidal efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto®) against Triatoma brasiliensis, a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil

Background: Triatomines are responsible for the vector transmission of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Triatoma brasiliensis is the main vector of the parasite in Brazil, and dogs are an important reservoir of the parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of fluralaner (Bravecto®) on T. brasiliensis after a blood meal in treated dogs. Methods: Healthy mongrel dogs (n = 8) were recruited from the Zoonoses Control Center (ZCC) in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and randomized into two groups, a fluralaner (Bravecto®)-treated group (n = 4) and a control group (n = 4). Colony-reared third-, fourth- and fifth-instar nymphs of T. brasiliensis nymphs (n = 10) were allowed to feed on dogs from both groups for 30-40 min, once monthly, for up to 12 months. Bug mortality was observed up to 5 days after each blood meal. Results: Mortality in triatomines which had a blood meal on fluralaner (Bravecto®)-treated dogs was 100% for up to 7 months after treatment, with mortality decreasing to 66.4% after 8 months, 57% after 9 months, 35% after 10 months, 10% after 11 months and 0% after 12 months. The mortality of triatomines that fed on non-treated control dogs was always ≤ 2.5%. Conclusions: Our results suggest that fluralaner (Bravecto®) treatment of dogs induces long-term mortality of T. brasiliensis after the blood meal. This is a potential approach to be used to control vector transmission of T. cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, especially in endemic areas.

Avaliação dos impactos ambientais e sociais gerados pela utilização do kit Embrapa de ordenha manual na produção de leite de cabra / Evaluation of environmental impacts and social generated by milking kit embrapa use manual in goat milkproduction

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as expectativas sócio-ambientais dos produtores e aavaliação ex-ante e ex-post dos impactos sócio-ambientais do uso do kit Embrapa de ordenha manual pelosprodutores da agricultura familiar. Dois estudos foram conduzidos: o primeiro estudo foi realizado em 37propriedades distribuídas entre os municípios Monteiro/PB, Quixadá/CE e Afonso Bezerra/RN e o segundoestudo foi realizado em 14 propriedades do município Monteiro/PB. A avaliação de desempenho sócioambientalocorreu através da aplicação do Sistema de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental de InovaçõesTecnológicas Agropecuárias (Ambitec-Agro), no qual foram aplicados dois módulos: Ambitec-Produção Animale Ambitec-Social. Para o estudo dois, os dados foram obtidos por meio de questionários aplicados aos produtoresrurais, que atribuíram a cada variável estudada um valor específico que representou a alteração proporcionadapela implementação da tecnologia. A expectativa dos produtores pela adoção do kit Embrapa de ordenha manuallevou a índices gerais de impactos sócio-ambientais positivos, sendo Monteiro o único município a apresentardiferença estatística (p > 0,05). A adoção do kit gerou impactos sociais e ambientais positivos em todas aspropriedades estudadas, indicando que esta tecnologia é adequada e poderá ser apropriada em sistemas deagricultura familiar(AU)

This study aimed to assess the social and environmental expectations of producers and the exanteand ex-post evaluation of the environmental and social impacts of using Embrapa`s milking kit for dairygoats in agricultural family farmers. Two studies were conducted: the first study was conducted in 37 propertiesdistributed between the municipalities of Monteiro/PB, Quixadá/CE e Afonso Bezerra/RN and the second studywas conducted on 14 properties in the city of Monteiro/PB. This evaluation of social and environmental impactwas done using the methodology of the “Sistema de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental de Inovações TecnológicasAgropecuárias” (Ambitec-Agro), which were implemented two modules: Ambitec-Animal Production andWelfare. For the study two the data used in this study were obtained through questionnaires and interview withfarmers, whose had attributed to each variable a specific value that represents the change provided by theimplementation of that technology. The farmers expects that the adoption of Embrapa`s Milking Kit led tooverall rates of positive environmental and social impacts, with the Monteiro region, the county showing astatistical difference at 5% level. The adoption of the Embrapa kit has generated positive environmental andsocial impacts on all properties, indicating that this technology is suitable and may be appropriate in family farming systems(AU)

Avaliação dos impactos ambientais e sociais gerados pela utilização do kit Embrapa de ordenha manual na produção de leite de cabra / Evaluation of environmental impacts and social generated by milking kit embrapa use manual in goat milkproduction

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as expectativas sócio-ambientais dos produtores e aavaliação ex-ante e ex-post dos impactos sócio-ambientais do uso do kit Embrapa de ordenha manual pelosprodutores da agricultura familiar. Dois estudos foram conduzidos: o primeiro estudo foi realizado em 37propriedades distribuídas entre os municípios Monteiro/PB, Quixadá/CE e Afonso Bezerra/RN e o segundoestudo foi realizado em 14 propriedades do município Monteiro/PB. A avaliação de desempenho sócioambientalocorreu através da aplicação do Sistema de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental de InovaçõesTecnológicas Agropecuárias (Ambitec-Agro), no qual foram aplicados dois módulos: Ambitec-Produção Animale Ambitec-Social. Para o estudo dois, os dados foram obtidos por meio de questionários aplicados aos produtoresrurais, que atribuíram a cada variável estudada um valor específico que representou a alteração proporcionadapela implementação da tecnologia. A expectativa dos produtores pela adoção do kit Embrapa de ordenha manuallevou a índices gerais de impactos sócio-ambientais positivos, sendo Monteiro o único município a apresentardiferença estatística (p > 0,05). A adoção do kit gerou impactos sociais e ambientais positivos em todas aspropriedades estudadas, indicando que esta tecnologia é adequada e poderá ser apropriada em sistemas deagricultura familiar

This study aimed to assess the social and environmental expectations of producers and the exanteand ex-post evaluation of the environmental and social impacts of using Embrapa`s milking kit for dairygoats in agricultural family farmers. Two studies were conducted: the first study was conducted in 37 propertiesdistributed between the municipalities of Monteiro/PB, Quixadá/CE e Afonso Bezerra/RN and the second studywas conducted on 14 properties in the city of Monteiro/PB. This evaluation of social and environmental impactwas done using the methodology of the “Sistema de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental de Inovações TecnológicasAgropecuárias” (Ambitec-Agro), which were implemented two modules: Ambitec-Animal Production andWelfare. For the study two the data used in this study were obtained through questionnaires and interview withfarmers, whose had attributed to each variable a specific value that represents the change provided by theimplementation of that technology. The farmers expects that the adoption of Embrapa`s Milking Kit led tooverall rates of positive environmental and social impacts, with the Monteiro region, the county showing astatistical difference at 5% level. The adoption of the Embrapa kit has generated positive environmental andsocial impacts on all properties, indicating that this technology is suitable and may be appropriate in family farming systems

Qualidade do leite bovino nas diferentes estações do ano no estado do Rio Grande do Norte / Quality of milk in different seasons in the Rio Grande do Norte State

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar indicadores da qualidade do leite cru de tanques de expansão em dois períodos do ano (seco e chuvoso) na região agreste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de leite cru diretamente do tanque de expansão de oito propriedades no período de janeiro de 2010 a março de 2012. Os índices mensais médios de precipitação foram coletados do banco de dados da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à composição, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT). A composição do leite não foi influenciada pela estação do ano (P>0,05) e apresentou médias de 3,53% para gordura, 3,30% para proteína e 12,19% para estrato seco total. Apesar do aumento na precipitação (P<0,05), não houve influencia da estação do ano (P>0,05) sobre os valores de CCS e CBT do leite nos tanques de expansão. A contagem bacteriana total variou de 795 a 505 mil UFC/mL de leite para o período seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. A estação do ano não influenciou na composição, CCS e CBT do leite bovino armazenado em tanques de expansão no agreste do Rio Grande do Norte.

The objective of this study was to evaluate indicators of the quality of raw milk from bulk tanks in two seasons (dry and rainy ) in the wild in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. For this, we collected samples of raw milk directly from the expansion tank eight properties in the period January 2010 to March 2012. The average monthly rainfall indices were collected from the database of the Agricultural Research Company of Rio Grande do Norte. The samples were analyzed for composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). Milk composition was not affected by season (P > 0.05) and showed an average of 3.53% for fat, protein and 3.30% to 12.19% for total dry stratum. Despite the increased precipitation (P <0.05), there was no influence of season (P> 0.05) on the values of the milk SCC and TBC in the expansion tank. The total bacterial count ranged 795-505 mil CFU / ml of milk to the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The season does not influence the composition, SCC and TBC bovine milk stored in bulk tanks in rural Rio Grande do Norte

Qualidade do leite bovino nas diferentes estações do ano no estado do Rio Grande do Norte / Quality of milk in different seasons in the Rio Grande do Norte State

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar indicadores da qualidade do leite cru de tanques de expansão em dois períodos do ano (seco e chuvoso) na região agreste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de leite cru diretamente do tanque de expansão de oito propriedades no período de janeiro de 2010 a março de 2012. Os índices mensais médios de precipitação foram coletados do banco de dados da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à composição, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT). A composição do leite não foi influenciada pela estação do ano (P>0,05) e apresentou médias de 3,53% para gordura, 3,30% para proteína e 12,19% para estrato seco total. Apesar do aumento na precipitação (P0,05) sobre os valores de CCS e CBT do leite nos tanques de expansão. A contagem bacteriana total variou de 795 a 505 mil UFC/mL de leite para o período seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. A estação do ano não influenciou na composição, CCS e CBT do leite bovino armazenado em tanques de expansão no agreste do Rio Grande do Norte.

The objective of this study was to evaluate indicators of the quality of raw milk from bulk tanks in two seasons (dry and rainy )in the wild in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. For this, we collected samples of raw milk directly from the expansion tank eightproperties in the period January 2010 to March 2012. The average monthly rainfall indices were collected from the database of theAgricultural Research Company of Rio Grande do Norte. The samples were analyzed for composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). Milk composition was not affected by season (P > 0.05) and showed an average of 3.53% for fat, protein and 3.30% to 12.19% for total dry stratum. Despite the increased precipitation (P 0.05) on the values of the milk SCC and TBC in the expansion tank. The total bacterial count ranged 795-505 mil CFU / ml of milk to the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The season does not influence the composition, SCC and TBC bovine milk stored in bulk tanks in rural Rio Grande do Norte.

Qualidade do leite bovino nas diferentes estações do ano no estado do Rio Grande do Norte / Quality of milk in different seasons in the Rio Grande do Norte State

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar indicadores da qualidade do leite cru de tanques de expansão em dois períodos do ano (seco e chuvoso) na região agreste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de leite cru diretamente do tanque de expansão de oito propriedades no período de janeiro de 2010 a março de 2012. Os índices mensais médios de precipitação foram coletados do banco de dados da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à composição, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT). A composição do leite não foi influenciada pela estação do ano (P>0,05) e apresentou médias de 3,53% para gordura, 3,30% para proteína e 12,19% para estrato seco total. Apesar do aumento na precipitação (P<0,05), não houve influencia da estação do ano (P>0,05) sobre os valores de CCS e CBT do leite nos tanques de expansão. A contagem bacteriana total variou de 795 a 505 mil UFC/mL de leite para o período seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. A estação do ano não influenciou na composição, CCS e CBT do leite bovino armazenado em tanques de expansão no agreste do Rio Grande do Norte.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate indicators of the quality of raw milk from bulk tanks in two seasons (dry and rainy )in the wild in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. For this, we collected samples of raw milk directly from the expansion tank eightproperties in the period January 2010 to March 2012. The average monthly rainfall indices were collected from the database of theAgricultural Research Company of Rio Grande do Norte. The samples were analyzed for composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). Milk composition was not affected by season (P > 0.05) and showed an average of 3.53% for fat, protein and 3.30% to 12.19% for total dry stratum. Despite the increased precipitation (P <0.05), there was no influence of season (P> 0.05) on the values of the milk SCC and TBC in the expansion tank. The total bacterial count ranged 795-505 mil CFU / ml of milk to the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The season does not influence the composition, SCC and TBC bovine milk stored in bulk tanks in rural Rio Grande do Norte.(AU)

Partial replacement of corn by sorghum in pig feeding at the nursery, growing and finishing phases / Substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na alimentação de suínos nas fases de creche, crescimento e terminação

The study evaluated the effect of partial substitution of corn by sorghum in diet of castrated pigs and the effects on performance, carcass traits and economic feasibility. It were used 27 crossbred barrows from commercial line with 19.66 ± 2,92kg of initial live weight, divided in three groups with increasing rates of sorghum - 0%, 25% and 50% - replacing corn, distributed in a completely randomized design. The trial evaluated: daily weight gain, daily feed intake and feed:gain ratio, backfat thickness and blood biochemical parameters urea, total proteins, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. For carcass traits it was evaluated: hot and cold carcass weight, hot and cold carcass yield, pH and temperature in hot and cold carcasses and industrial weight cuts. For economy feasibility was calculated the cost of feed consumed, cost of pig kg, average cost index and economy efficiency rate. It was used regression analysis to evaluate the productive variables. No effects were found for performance data and carcass traits. For the biochemical variables, the effects were linear for urea and total protein, with animals in control group (0% of sorghum) showing higher rates. The bioeconomical performance showed that 50% sorghum had the lowest cost and the highest rate of economic efficiency.

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na dieta de suínos castrados sobre as características de desempenho, carcaça e avaliação econômica. Foram utilizados 27 machos híbridos, oriundos de linhagem comercial, com 19,66 2,92kg de peso inicial, distribuídos em três tratamentos com porcentagens crescentes de sorgo granífero - 0%, 25% e 50% - em substituição ao milho, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram avaliados: ganho diário de peso, consumo diário de ração, conversão alimentar, espessura de toucinho e parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos - ureia, proteínas totais, creatinina, glicose, triglicerídeos e colesterol. Para as características de carcaça foram avaliados: peso nas carcaças quente e fria, rendimento nas carcaças quente e fria, pH e temperatura nas carcaças quente e fria e peso de cortes industriais. Para o desempenho econômico foi calculado o custo da ração, custo do kg suíno e índices de custo médio e de eficiência econômica. Foi utilizada análise de regressão para as variáveis produtivas. Não foram encontrados efeitos para o desempenho e características de carcaça. Nas variáveis bioquímicas, foram encontrados efeitos lineares para a ureia e proteínas totais, com os animais com 0% de sorgo apresentando os maiores valores.

Body condition score (BCS) and calving order on milk production and composition in zebu cattle / Escore de condição corporal (ECC) e ordem de parto sobre a produção e composição de leite de vacas zebuínas

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) and calving order on milk production and composition in zebu cattle participating in an official dairy cow tournament. We analyzed milk samples from 47 Gyr, Guzerat and Red Sindhi cows, distributed into classes with respect to lactation stage, milk production, and body condition score. Means for milk composition were within standard ranges for zebu cattle, with the greatest variation recorded for fat and protein content. Fat content was higher for animals in the first month of lactation, with a mean of 5.69%, and protein content was highest after 60 days with an average of 3.55%. A positive correlation of 0.38% (p < 0.05) was observed between milk fat and protein content. First calving animals exhibited lower mean of milk production than those in their second calving or more. Animals with a BCS in class II demonstrated higher daily production up to 30 days of lactation. Body condition score influenced the milk production of zebu cows participating in a dairy cow competition up to the 30th day of lactation.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do escore de condição corporal (ECC) e da ordem de parto (OP) sobre a produção e composição do leite de vacas de raças zebuínas participantes do torneio leiteiro oficial. Foram analisadas amostras de leite proveniente de 47 fêmeas das raças Gir, Guzerá e Sindi, distribuídas em classes quanto ao período de lactação, produção de leite e escore de condição corporal. As médias de composição do leite se encontram dentro dos padrões das raças zebuínas, sendo a maior variação observada para os teores de gordura e proteína. O teor de gordura foi maior para os animais no primeiro mês de lactação, com média de 5,69% e o de proteína após os 60 dias, com média de 3,55%. Houve correlação positiva entre o teor de gordura e proteína no leite que foi de 0,38% (P < 0,05). Os animais de primeira ordem de parto apresentaram média de produção de leite inferior aos de segunda ou mais. Os animais com ECC da classe II apresentaram superioridade para produção diária até os 30 dias de lactação. O escore de condição corporal influenciou a produção de leite de vacas zebu participantes do torneio leiteiro até os 30 dias de lactação.(AU)

Body condition score (BCS) and calving order on milk production and composition in zebu cattle / Escore de condição corporal (ECC) e ordem de parto sobre a produção e composição de leite de vacas zebuínas

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) and calving order on milk production and composition in zebu cattle participating in an official dairy cow tournament. We analyzed milk samples from 47 Gyr, Guzerat and Red Sindhi cows, distributed into classes with respect to lactation stage, milk production, and body condition score. Means for milk composition were within standard ranges for zebu cattle, with the greatest variation recorded for fat and protein content. Fat content was higher for animals in the first month of lactation, with a mean of 5.69%, and protein content was highest after 60 days with an average of 3.55%. A positive correlation of 0.38% (p < 0.05) was observed between milk fat and protein content. First calving animals exhibited lower mean of milk production than those in their second calving or more. Animals with a BCS in class II demonstrated higher daily production up to 30 days of lactation. Body condition score influenced the milk production of zebu cows participating in a dairy cow competition up to the 30th day of lactation.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do escore de condição corporal (ECC) e da ordem de parto (OP) sobre a produção e composição do leite de vacas de raças zebuínas participantes do torneio leiteiro oficial. Foram analisadas amostras de leite proveniente de 47 fêmeas das raças Gir, Guzerá e Sindi, distribuídas em classes quanto ao período de lactação, produção de leite e escore de condição corporal. As médias de composição do leite se encontram dentro dos padrões das raças zebuínas, sendo a maior variação observada para os teores de gordura e proteína. O teor de gordura foi maior para os animais no primeiro mês de lactação, com média de 5,69% e o de proteína após os 60 dias, com média de 3,55%. Houve correlação positiva entre o teor de gordura e proteína no leite que foi de 0,38% (P < 0,05). Os animais de primeira ordem de parto apresentaram média de produção de leite inferior aos de segunda ou mais. Os animais com ECC da classe II apresentaram superioridade para produção diária até os 30 dias de lactação. O escore de condição corporal influenciou a produção de leite de vacas zebu participantes do torneio leiteiro até os 30 dias de lactação.

Partial replacement of corn by sorghum in pig feeding at the nursery, growing and finishing phases / Substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na alimentação de suínos nas fases de creche, crescimento e terminação

The study evaluated the effect of partial substitution of corn by sorghum in diet of castrated pigs and the effects on performance, carcass traits and economic feasibility. It were used 27 crossbred barrows from commercial line with 19.66 ± 2,92kg of initial live weight, divided in three groups with increasing rates of sorghum - 0%, 25% and 50% - replacing corn, distributed in a completely randomized design. The trial evaluated: daily weight gain, daily feed intake and feed:gain ratio, backfat thickness and blood biochemical parameters urea, total proteins, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. For carcass traits it was evaluated: hot and cold carcass weight, hot and cold carcass yield, pH and temperature in hot and cold carcasses and industrial weight cuts. For economy feasibility was calculated the cost of feed consumed, cost of pig kg, average cost index and economy efficiency rate. It was used regression analysis to evaluate the productive variables. No effects were found for performance data and carcass traits. For the biochemical variables, the effects were linear for urea and total protein, with animals in control group (0% of sorghum) showing higher rates. The bioeconomical performance showed that 50% sorghum had the lowest cost and the highest rate of economic efficiency.(AU)

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na dieta de suínos castrados sobre as características de desempenho, carcaça e avaliação econômica. Foram utilizados 27 machos híbridos, oriundos de linhagem comercial, com 19,66 2,92kg de peso inicial, distribuídos em três tratamentos com porcentagens crescentes de sorgo granífero - 0%, 25% e 50% - em substituição ao milho, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram avaliados: ganho diário de peso, consumo diário de ração, conversão alimentar, espessura de toucinho e parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos - ureia, proteínas totais, creatinina, glicose, triglicerídeos e colesterol. Para as características de carcaça foram avaliados: peso nas carcaças quente e fria, rendimento nas carcaças quente e fria, pH e temperatura nas carcaças quente e fria e peso de cortes industriais. Para o desempenho econômico foi calculado o custo da ração, custo do kg suíno e índices de custo médio e de eficiência econômica. Foi utilizada análise de regressão para as variáveis produtivas. Não foram encontrados efeitos para o desempenho e características de carcaça. Nas variáveis bioquímicas, foram encontrados efeitos lineares para a ureia e proteínas totais, com os animais com 0% de sorgo apresentando os maiores valores.(AU)

Influência do estádio de lactação sobre a composição do leite de búfalas / Influence of the stage of lactation on the composition of milk of water buffalo

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do período de lactação sobre a contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e os teores de gordura, proteína e sólidos totais (ST) no leite de búfalas da raça Murrah no Agreste do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Foram utilizadas 519 observações de lactação de 119 búfalas da raça Murrah provenientes do controle leiteiro de um rebanho comercial. As análises do leite foram realizadas ao longo da lactação dos animais, analisando-se as seguintes variáveis: contagem de células somáticas (CCS), gordura, proteína e sólidos totais (ST). As búfalas, no terço final de lactação, produzem leite mais rico em sólidos totais.

The objective of this research was evaluating the influence of stage of lactation on the somatic cell count (CCS) and the levels of fat, protein and total solids (ST) in milk of Murrah buffaloes in the "Agreste" region of "Rio Grande do Norte" state. It was used 519 records from 119 lactating Murrah breed water buffalo from milk recording data sheets of commercial farm. Analyses were performed in milk during the lactation animals, by analyzing the following variables: somatic cell count (SCC), fat, protein and ST. The buffalo milk yield richer in total solids in the final third of lactation.

Efeito da produção diária e da ordem de parto na composição físico-química do leite de vacas de raças zebuínas / Effect in the milk production and post-partum performance on the physicochemical composition of cow milk from Zebu breeds

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da produção de leite e da ordem de parto sobre acomposição físico-química do leite de vacas de raças zebuínas. Foram analisadas amostras de leite coletadas durante o Torneio Leiteiro de Raças Zebuínas da 46a Exposição Agropecuária, na cidade de Parnamirim-RN. As coletas de leite para análise foram realizadas individualmente, durante os três dias do evento, em frascos plásticos estéreis e analisadas para composição (gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais, extrato seco desengordurado), nitrogênio uréico e contagem de células somáticas. Para análise do banco de dados, os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos de acordo com a produção média diária obtida durante o período de avaliação e analisados utilizando-se o pacote estatístico SAS. Não houve diferença significativa (P<0,05) para as médias de gordura e contagem de células somáticas entre os grupos. As médias de proteína e lactose do grupo I foram menores (P<0,05) em relação aos grupos II e III. Foram determinadas correlações entre os constituintes do leite, contagem de células somáticas e nitrogênio uréico do leite com a produção de leite diária e a ordem de parto. A ordem de parto apresentou a maior correlação positiva (r= 0,2245) com a produção de leite. Na correlação com a ordem de parto, o nitrogênio uréico (r= 0,4981) foi a variável mais correlacionada positivamente. Observou-se que a produção de leite diária e a ordem de parto tiveram efeito na composição físico-química do leite.

This study aims to evaluate the influence of the milk production and parturiation order on the physicochemical composition of milk from Zebu breeds. The milk samples were collected during the Zebu Breed Milk Tournament of the 46th Agricultural Exhibition in Parnamirim, state of Rio Grande do Norte, and subsequently analyzed. The sampling of milk for the analysis was performed during the three days of the tournament. All samples were stocked individually in sterilized plastic flasks. Each flask was analyzed the composition (fat, protein, lactose, total solids, defatted dry extract), ureic nitrogen and somatic cell count. To analyze the database, the cows were divided into three different groups according to their average production level during the three days of the tournament. This analysis was done using the SAS Statistical Software. There was not significant difference (P>0.05) between the average fat and somatic cell count among the groups. The milk average levels of protein and lactose of group I were significantly smaller (P<0.05) than the ones of groups II and III. Fat concentration, protein, lactose, total solids, somatic cells and ureic nitrogen were positively correlated to daily milk production and paturiation order. The parturiation order presented the highest positive correlation (r=0.2245) when compared to milk production, while ureic nitrogen exhibits the highest correlation with parturiation order (r=0.4981). Parturiation order and daily milk production affect physicochemical composition of milk.

Evaluation of reference genes for real-time PCR studies of Brazilian Somalis sheep infected by gastrointestinal nematodes.

Precise normalization with reference genes is necessary, in order to obtain reliable relative expression data in response to gastrointestinal nematode infection. By using sheep from temperate regions as models, three reference genes, viz., ribosomal protein LO (RPLO), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA), were investigated in the abomasum, abomasal lymph nodes and small intestine of Brazilian Somalis sheep, either resistant or susceptible to gastrointestinal nematodes infections. Real time PCR was carried out by using SYBR Green I dye, and gene stability was tested by geNorm. RPLO was an ideal reference gene, since its expression was constant across treatments, presented lower variation, and was ranked as the most stable in abomasum and lymph node tissues. On the other hand, SDHA was the most stable in the small intestine followed by RPLO and GAPDH. These findings demonstrate the importance of correctly choosing reference genes prior to relative quantification. In addition, we determined that reference genes used in sheep from temperate regions, when properly tested, can be applied in animals from tropical regions such as the Brazilian Somalis sheep.

Evaluation of reference genes for real-time PCR studies of Brazilian Somalis sheep infected by gastrointestinal nematodes

Precise normalization with reference genes is necessary, in order to obtain reliable relative expression data in response to gastrointestinal nematode infection. By using sheep from temperate regions as models, three reference genes, viz., ribosomal protein LO (RPLO), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA), were investigated in the abomasum, abomasal lymph nodes and small intestine of Brazilian Somalis sheep, either resistant or susceptible to gastrointestinal nematodes infections. Real time PCR was carried out by using SYBR Green I dye, and gene stability was tested by geNorm. RPLO was an ideal reference gene, since its expression was constant across treatments, presented lower variation, and was ranked as the most stable in abomasum and lymph node tissues. On the other hand, SDHA was the most stable in the small intestine followed by RPLO and GAPDH. These findings demonstrate the importance of correctly choosing reference genes prior to relative quantification. In addition, we determined that reference genes used in sheep from temperate regions, when properly tested, can be applied in animals from tropical regions such as the Brazilian Somalis sheep.

Influência da ordem de parto sobre a produção de leite de vacas zebuínas / Influence of parity on milk yield of Zebu cows

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da ordem de parto sobre a produção de leite em vacas de raças zebuínas (Gir, Guzerá e Sindi), participantes de torneio leiteiro. Foram obtidos dados de controle leiteiro oficial durante o Torneio Leiteiro de raças zebuínas da 46ª exposição agropecuária na cidade de Parnamirim-RN. Os registros de ordem de partos foram obtidos junto à Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Zebu (ABCZ), escritório regional de Natal-RN, referentes a matrizes das raças zebuínas Gir, Guzerá e Sindi, com informações relativas ao nome do animal, data de parto, ordem de parto e produção de leite. Os dados coletados foram analisados através da regressão linear Y= A + BX, onde Y corresponde a produção de leite, A é o coeficiente linear, B é o coeficiente angular e X representa a ordem de parto, a qual foi significativa a 5% de probabilidade. A ordem de parto influenciou significativamente a produção de leite das vacas de raças zebuínas (Gir, Guzerá e Sindi), participantes do torneio leiteiro. No presente estudo ocorreu uma elevação da produção de leite até a sexta ordem de parto, e até onde devemos fazer estimativas, com a equação de regressão linear.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of parity on milk production in cows Zebu (Gir, Sindhi and Guzerá) in response to milk match. Data were collected from dairy control officer during the Tournament of Dairy Zebu of agricultural exposition of the 46th Exhibition the city of Parnamirim-RN. The order of records of births were obtained from the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders (ABCZ) regional office in Natal, Brazil, referring to arrays of Zebu Gir, Sindhi and Guzera with information on the animal's name, date of birth, order of birth and milk production. The collected data were analyzed using linear regression Y = A + BX, where Y is milk yield, A is the linear coefficient, B is the slope and X is the order of birth, which was significant at 5% probability. The order of birth significantly influenced the milk yield of Zebu cows (Gir, Guzerá and Sindhi), participants of the tournament milk. In the present study was an increase in milk production to the sixth order of birth, and how far we must make estimates, with the linear regression equation.

Influência da raça, ordem e ano de parto sobre a produção de leite caprino / Influence of breed, year and parturition on the production of goats milk

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o efeito da raça, ordem e ano de parto sobre a produção de leite de cabra. Foram utilizados dados da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do RN - EMPARN, no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, município de Cruzeta, coletados durante o período de outubro de 2004 a julho de 2008. Os dados referem-se a lactações de 51 cabras, sendo 22 da raça Saneen, 11 Pardo Alpina, 8 Alpina americana, 6 Toggenburg e 4 mestiças. As cabras eram de diferentes ordens de parto, sendo 49 de 1ª ordem de parto, 20 de 2ª, 7 de 3º e 3 de 4ª, com produção média de 1,37kg de leite/dia. Não houve efeito significativo (P>0.05) da ordem de parto sobre a produção de leite. Quanto a raça, os animais das raças Toggenburg e Parda Alpina apresentaram produção média de leite/dia superior às demais raças com médias de 1,64 e 1,51 kg/dia contra 1,22, 1,29 e 1,18 kg/dia para as raças Mestiças, Saanen e Alpina Americana. O ano de parição influenciou significativamente (P< 0,05) a produção média de leite, o ano de 2005 apresentou uma média de 1,60 kg/dia superior aos demais anos que ficaram abaixo de 1,37 kg/dia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breed, order and year of parturition on the production of goat milk. We used data from the Agricultural Research Corporation of the RN - EMPARN in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, municipality of Cruzeta, recorded during the period of October 2004 to July 2008. The data refer to the lactation of 51 female goats (22 Saneen breed, 11 Alpine Brown, 8 Alpine American, 6 Toggenburg and 4 crossbreed). The goats were of different orders of parturition, 49 animals from the 1st. order of parturition, 20 from the 2nd., 7 of the 3rd. and 3 from the 4th., with mean production of 1.37 kg of milk per day. There was no significant effect (P>0.05) of parturition on milk production. The breeds Toggenburg and Alpine Brown had an average production of milk per day higher than the other breeds with medium of 1.64 and 1.51 kg/day versus 1.22, 1.29 and 1.18 kg/ days for the crossbreed, Saanen and Alpine American breeds. The year of calving affected significantly (P <0.05) the average milk production, the year 2005 showed an average of 1.60 kg/day higher than the other years that were below 1.37 kg/day.