Factors intrinsic to handling and transport in pre-slaughter behavioural changes in beef cattle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate handling and transport variables as potential causes of disturbed behaviour in response to seeing a person on an overhead observation platform during pre-slaughter in batches of females and castrated males composed of pure or crossed Bos Taurus animals (Aberdeen Angus, Red Angus, Hereford and Charolais) with a maximum of 37.5% Bos indicus, and maturity at slaughter varying from zero to eight teeth, coming from pasture and confined systems. For the batches of castrated males, the independent variables included the distance covered on the trip, and the handling and facilities on the farms. For the female batches, the variables were travel time and waiting time prior to unloading. For both sexes, the presence of horns in the batches and the load density were included in the regression equations. Disturbed behaviour, the result of factors related to animal handling and transportation, is detrimental to satisfactory results in production systems. It is up to the managers in the production chain to seek alternatives in order to minimise inappropriate behaviour, which is one determinant of loss. Handling and transport are determining factors in the behaviour of beef cattle during the pre-slaughter period.

Trade and consumption of buffalo meat in Brazil.

Due to the lack of information concerning the buffalo production chain, the aim of this survey was to identify consumer behaviour, acceptance and trends in relation to buffalo meat. The survey research method was used, for which an online questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms, and distributed via digital platforms to Brazilian consumers. Using the exploratory technique of multivariate statistics, ordination was carried out by principal component analysis (PCA), where the words were grouped into dimensions. Of the respondents, 44.82% had already consumed buffalo meat; however, many did not know whether they had already tried it, since 50.24% of the respondents said they could not identify any difference between buffalo meat and beef. An identification and indication of the origin were considered important by 44.82% of respondents. The respondents cited 1130 different terms, the word 'quality' appearing in most responses. Principal component analysis explained 93.32% of the variations in the consumer perception of buffalo meat. A part of Brazilian consumers is unaware of the buffalo production chain, and have never had the opportunity to consume the meat. The creation and divulgation of a certificate of identification, together with the benefits to health from consuming buffalo meat is fundamental for consumer confidence, which, together with the ready availability of the product, would allow expansion, consolidation and improvement of the production chain. The results of the study show the potential for increasing the consumption of buffalo meat among Brazilian consumers, providing the product included a guarantee of origin, quality and healthiness.

Environmental factors on the probability of pregnancy in early or conventionally weaned beef cows.

Potential variables for the reproductive success of beef cows were evaluated. Included in the model were the age of the cow at calving; the interval between the Julian calving date and the end of the breeding season; the body weight and conditions at calving, at 75 days post-partum and at the end of the breeding season; and the mean daily variation in weight between these dates. Logistic regression was used in the analysis, with the parameters evaluated using the odds ratio statistic, estimating the chance of pregnancy. The mean rate of pregnancy was 84% and 55% for early and late-weaned cows, respectively. For early weaned cows, the regression variables were the Julian calving date, age of the cow, weight gain from calving to 75 days post-partum, and from 75 days post-partum to the end of the reproductive period. For late-weaned cows, there were only two regression variables, weight at calving and weight gain from calving to the end of the reproductive period. For every year above the average age of the herd, early weaned cows have an 80.9% greater chance of pregnancy, while a reduction of one year reduces the chance of pregnancy by 44.7%. In early weaned cows, every seven days after the mean Julian calving date reduces the chances of pregnancy by 22.6%, whereas every seven days before the mean calving date increases pregnancy by 29.2%. Greater gains in cow body weight, from calving to the end of the reproductive period, determine a greater probability of pregnancy.

Genetic structure and inbreeding in Romney Marsh sheep in Brazil / Estrutura genética e consanguinidade de ovinos Romney Marsh no Brasil

According to the last livestock census, Brazil has 17,976,367 head of sheep. Approximately 23.69% of this herd is located in the south region, where wool or wool and meat-producing breeds are predominately farmed. Inbreeding, or consanguinity, is defined as the mating of related individuals, which tends to occur when herds are small or originate from few parents. This study proposes to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of the Romney Marsh sheep herd in Brazil. The pedigree data used were obtained from the Brazilian Association of Sheep Breeders (ARCO), which keeps the sheep register database. For a more complete analysis, data from the Purebred Register Books were used. The population herein referred to as "total" comprised 22,833 individuals, whereas the population termed "reference" consisted of 17,053 records. Individual and average inbreeding coefficients, as well as overall frequencies, were calculated using SAS software. Demographic indicators were determined using ENDOG software. The average inbreeding coefficient found was 2.90% in the total population and 3.55% in the reference population. The minimum inbreeding value found in the studied population was 0.01% and the maximum was 43.47%. Inbred animals in the complete reference population were 10.31%. In 2018, inbred animals represented 82.55% of the registered population. The average generation interval was 4.0488 years. Due to the intensive use of few breeding lines and the high degree of genetic uniformity in the population, the Romney Marsh breed has narrow pedigree bottlenecks. The current population of the Romney Marsh breed has only two genetic origins, warranting the introduction of new genes to avoid genetic erosion and severe losses due to inbreeding.(AU)

O último censo pecuário informa que o Brasil possui 17.976.367 cabeças de ovinos. Aproximadamente 23,69% desse efetivo está localizado na região sul do país, onde predomina a criação de raças produtoras de lã, ou lã e carne. Endogamia ou consanguinidade é definida como o acasalamento de indivíduos relacionados, e tende a ocorrer quando os rebanhos são pequenos ou provenientes de poucos genitores. Este estudo teve como objetivo estudar a estrutura e a diversidade genética do rebanho ovino da raça Romney Marsh no Brasil. Os dados de pedigree utilizados foram obtidos na Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Ovinos (ARCO), que é a mantenedora do banco de dados de registro de ovinos. Para uma análise mais completa foram utilizados dados dos Livros de Registro Puro de Origem (PO). A população referida como "total" foi composta por 22.833 indivíduos, e a população referida como "referência" composta por 17.053 registros. Os coeficientes de consanguinidade individual e médio, bem como as frequências gerais, foram calculados usando o software SAS. Os indicadores demográficos foram determinados a partir do software ENDOG. O coeficiente de consanguinidade médio encontrado na população total foi de 2,90%, e na população de referência foi de 3,55%. O valor mínimo de consanguinidade encontrado na população estudada foi de 0,01% e o máximo, foi de 43,47%. Animais consanguíneos na população de referência completa foi de 10,31%. Em 2018 os animais consanguíneos representavam 82,55% da população cadastrada. Intervalo médio de gerações 4,0488 anos. Devido ao uso intensivo de poucas linhas de reprodutores e ao alto grau de uniformidade genética da população, a raça Romney Marsh apresenta estreitos gargalos nos pedigrees. A população atual da raça Romney Marsh provém de apenas duas origens genéticas, sendo necessário introduzir genes novos para evitar a erosão genética e perdas por consanguinidade acentuada.(AU)

Sex and animal behavior on yield and bruises in different beef cuts / Sexo e comportamento animal no rendimento e contusões em diferentes cortes de carcaça de bovinos

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of behavioral differences in cattle on bruising on different cuts and on carcass yield. A total of 4,061 lots of cattle were evaluated, which corresponded to 199,026 carcasses. Animal temperament was classified as calm, anxious, or excited. The following carcass cuts were evaluated: round, rump, shin, thin flank, tenderloin, and rib. Of the total number of slaughtered animals, 68.26% had at least one type of bruise with complete removal of the affected tissue. There was an interaction effect between sex and temperament on the occurrence of bruises on the different cuts and on carcass yield. In castrated males, bruises on the round, rump, shin, and tenderloin cuts did not differ between temperament classes, but the excited males showed more bruises on the thin flank and rib cuts. Among the females, for all cuts, the number of bruises was higher (P<0.05) in those with excited temperament than in the anxious and calm animals, which did not differ (P>0.05). Additionally, carcass yield relative to plant weight decreased (P<0.05), with the calm females exhibiting the highest values, followed by those with anxious and excited temperament. In the castrated males, however, although performance declined, those with anxious and excited temperament did not differ (P>0.05). Females and more reactive animals have more bruises on their carcass.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos das diferenças comportamentais dos bovinos e seus reflexos nas contusões nos diferentes cortes e nos valores de rendimento de carcaça. Foram avaliados 4.061 lotes de bovinos, perfazendo 199.026 mil carcaças. O temperamento animal foi classificado em calmo, ansioso e excitado. Foram avaliados os cortes das carcaças divididas em coxa, alcatra, dianteiro e lombo, vazio e costela. Do total de lotes de animais abatidos, 68,26% apresentaram pelo menos um tipo de contusão com remoção completa do tecido afetado. Ocorreu interação entre o sexo e temperamento animal para os diferentes cortes na ocorrência de contusões e no rendimento de carcaça. Nos machos castrados as contusões dos cortes da coxa, alcatra, dianteiro e lombo não diferiram entre as classes de temperamento, tendo os animais agressivos mais contusões nos cortes do vazio e costela. Nas fêmeas em todos os cortes, as quantidades de contusões verificadas foram superiores (P<0,05) para animais com comportamento excitado do que animais ansiosos e calmos, não ocorrendo diferença entre os mesmos (P>0,05). O rendimento de carcaça em relação do peso de frigorífico quanto as classes comportamentais, nas fêmeas foi decrescente (P<0,05) com maiores valores para animais calmos, seguidos dos animais ansiosos e com menores rendimentos para animais com temperamento excitado, enquanto nos machos castrados, embora o rendimento tenha sido decrescente, animais com temperamento ansioso e excitado não diferiram (P>0,05). Carcaças oriundas de fêmeas e de animais com maior reatividade apresentam mais lesões.(AU)

Probability and number of bruises in bovine carcasses according to animal type, handling and transport.

The aim of this study was to evaluate pre-slaughter risk factors on the probability of bruising and the number of bruises in different regions of the bovine carcass. The study evaluated the data from 4061 batches of slaughtered cattle, totalling 199,026 carcasses, from Hereford and Aberdeen Angus animals in crosses with continental European breeds and Zebu cattle. The factors that caused injury were sex, handling conditions (score), vehicle type, vehicle load density (kg/m2), travel time (minutes), travel distance (kilometres), physiological maturity (dentition), animal reactivity (score), and carcass fat (score). The type of vehicle had the greatest influence on the probability of carcass bruising and affected all carcass cuts. More bruising occurred in vehicles with a greater load capacity. A higher chance of bruising was seen in groups of older animals, those with an excitable temperament and, especially, in groups of females. Higher load densities during transport resulted in a greater chance of bruising occurring in all cuts except the hindquarters. Distance and travel time are unstable in the models, but also detrimental, increasing the probability of bruising and the number of bruises in the various cuts. The results of this study suggest that good practices in the welfare, handling and transport of the animals, as well as training the personnel responsible for their handling, should be adopted to minimise the risk of injury at different locations on the carcass.

Effect of the performance, calving date and lactation period on the probability of pregnancy in beef cows

Determining what and how much each environmental factor affects pregnancy is crucial to the sustainability and management of beef cow herds. The study evaluated through logistic regression the effect of environmental variables on the increase or reduction in the pregnancy rate of beef cows. The average pregnancy rate in the cows was 73 %, with an average age for the herd of 3.7 years. An increase in age of one year represented a 30 % increase in pregnancy, while a reduction of one year reduced the odds of pregnancy in the cows by 23 %. During the lactation period, an extra seven days' lactation reduced the odds of pregnancy by 12 %. For every seven days that weaning was brought forward, the cows' pregnancy odds increased by 14 %. An increase of 0.1 kg in average daily gain represented an increase of 17 % and 15 % in the odds of pregnancy during the first 60 days post-partum and 60 days to the end of the reproductive period. On the other hand, the loss of 0.1 kg in average daily gain resulted in a 14 % and 13 % reduction in the cows' pregnancy odds, respectively. Factors such as age, the precocity of calving in the calving season, the time the calf remains with the cow and better performance in cows between calving and the end of the mating are strategies that increase the chances of pregnancy in beef cows.(AU)

Environmental factors on the probability of pregnancy in early or conventionally weaned beef cows

Abstract Potential variables for the reproductive success of beef cows were evaluated. Included in the model were the age of the cow at calving; the interval between the Julian calving date and the end of the breeding season; the body weight and conditions at calving, at 75 days post-partum and at the end of the breeding season; and the mean daily variation in weight between these dates. Logistic regression was used in the analysis, with the parameters evaluated using the odds ratio statistic, estimating the chance of pregnancy. The mean rate of pregnancy was 84% and 55% for early and late-weaned cows, respectively. For early weaned cows, the regression variables were the Julian calving date, age of the cow, weight gain from calving to 75 days post-partum, and from 75 days post-partum to the end of the reproductive period. For late-weaned cows, there were only two regression variables, weight at calving and weight gain from calving to the end of the reproductive period. For every year above the average age of the herd, early weaned cows have an 80.9% greater chance of pregnancy, while a reduction of one year reduces the chance of pregnancy by 44.7%. In early weaned cows, every seven days after the mean Julian calving date reduces the chances of pregnancy by 22.6%, whereas every seven days before the mean calving date increases pregnancy by 29.2%. Greater gains in cow body weight, from calving to the end of the reproductive period, determine a greater probability of pregnancy.

Effect of good handling on stress indicators and behaviour in beef cattle / Efeito de boas práticas de manejo sobre indicadores de estresse e comportamento em bovinos de corte

Aspects related to good handling practices have significant impacts on animal behaviour with positive effects on the productivity and profitability of production systems. This study investigated the impact of good handling practices on the modification of stress indicators and the behaviour of beef cattle. Thirty-six male castrated bovines at the growth stage were evaluated for 490 days and submitted to two different production systems in Southern Brazil: good handling practices (GHP) and a traditional handling system of beef-cattle farming (THS). Body weight, reactivity indicators (flight distance and composite behaviour score), and blood indicators of stress (glucose and cortisol) were measured. An analysis of variance was carried out with measurements repeated over time, and Pearson's correlation applied between the variables mentioned above. No differences were found (P>0.05) for body weight in any of the evaluations, with initial weights of 196.2 and 196.3 kg and final weights of 431.0 and 413.8 kg for the GHP and THS steers, respectively. The GHP determined better values for the stress and behavioural indicators compared to THS (P<0.05). The flight distance of the GHP animals decreased from 11.33 to 5.22 metres from the first to the last evaluation, while in the THS animals the values were 10.17 and 11.89 metres, respectively. The behaviour composite score differed in the evaluations at 372 and 490 days, with values of 1.77 and 1.47 for GHP animals and values of 2.92 and 2.83 points for THS animals, respectively. Glucose and cortisol levels decreased with the advancing evaluations in GHP animals, with values from 94.80 to 74.22 mg/dL and from 6.08 to 3.68 µg/dL, respectively. In THS animals, glucose and cortisol levels were similar in the initial and final evaluations, with values of 89.30 and 91.28 mg/dL and 5.34 and 5.80 µg/dL, respectively. Regardless of the handling, the final body weight of the animals correlated negatively with the reactivity indicators and physiological stress indicators. The reactivity of the cattle is influenced by the quality of the human-animal interaction but has no effect on the performance of animals raised on pasture. Good handling practices reduce the reactivity and stress indicators of cattle.

Aspectos relacionados às boas práticas de manejo têm impactos significativos no comportamento animal com efeitos positivos na produtividade e lucratividade dos sistemas de produção. Este estudo investigou o impacto das boas práticas de manejo na modificação de indicadores de estresse e no comportamento de bovinos de corte. Trinta e seis bovinos, em fase de crescimento, foram avaliados por 490 dias e submetidos a dois diferentes sistemas de produção no sul do Brasil: boas práticas de manejo (BPM) e sistema de manejo tradicional da pecuária de corte (SMT). Foram avaliados o peso corporal, indicadores de reatividade (distância de fuga e escore composto de comportamento) e indicadores fisiológicos de estresse (glicose e cortisol no sangue). Foi realizada análise de variância com medidas repetidas ao longo do tempo e aplicada a correlação de Pearson entre as variáveis citadas anteriormente. Não foram encontradas diferenças para peso corporal em nenhuma das avaliações (P>0,05), com pesos iniciais de 196,2 e 196,3 kg e pesos finais de 431.0 e 413.8 kg para os novilhos BPM e SMT, respectivamente. O BPM determinou melhores valores para os indicadores fisiológicos de estresse e indicadores comportamentais em relação ao SMT (P<0,05). A distância de fuga dos animais BPM diminuiu de 11,33 para 5,22 metros da primeira avaliação para última avaliação, enquanto nos animais SMT os valores foram de 10,17 e 11,89 metros, respectivamente. O escore composto de comportamento diferiu nas avaliações aos 372 e 490 dias, com valores de 1,77 e 1,47 para animais BPM e valores de 2,92 e 2,83 pontos para animais SMT, respectivamente. Os níveis de glicose e cortisol diminuíram com o avanço das avaliações nos animais BPM com valores de 94,80 para 74,22 mg/dL e de 6,08 para 3,68 µg/dL, respectivamente. Nos animais SMT os níveis de glicose e cortisol foram semelhantes nas avaliações inicial e final com valores de 89,30 e 91,28 mg/dL e de 5,34 e 5,80 µg/dL, respectivamente. Independentemente do manejo ao qual os animais foram submetidos, o peso corporal final se correlacionou negativamente com os indicadores de reatividade e indicadores fisiológicos de estresse. A reatividade dos bovinos é influenciada pela qualidade da interação homem-animal, mas não tem efeito sobre o desempenho dos animais criados a pasto. Boas práticas de manejo reduzem a reatividade e os indicadores fisiológicos de estresse dos bovinos.

Carcass traits and meat quality of lambs slaughtered during different seasonal conditions.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of slaughtering feedlot Texel lambs during different climatic conditions on carcass and meat quality traits. Twenty castrated male Texel lambs (21.8 ± 0.62 kg) were distributed to two treatments according to the climatic conditions during the finishing period and at pre-slaughter: warm season (WS; mean temperature of 23.4 °C and 77.5% relative humidity) and cool season (CS; mean temperature of 14.9 °C and 79.5% relative humidity). During the pre-slaughter, thermal comfort was evaluated through the variables: respiratory frequency, rectal temperature, temperature of the ocular region, and temperature-humidity index (THI). After the finishing period, lambs were slaughtered, and carcass and meat quality traits were assessed. The THI values indicate that animals harvested in the WS spent 13 h of the day under potential thermal discomfort conditions in the week before slaughter and in the pre-slaughter period, whereas lambs harvested in the CS did not experience any thermal discomfort. Slaughter weight, carcass weight, carcass dressing, and backfat thickness were greater (P ≤ 0.03), whereas cooling losses were lower (P < 0.01) for lambs slaughtered in the CS. Moreover, thawing losses were lower (P < 0.01), whereas cooking losses were greater (P < 0.01) for lambs harvested in the CS. Lambs slaughtered in the CS also showed greater meat redness, yellowness, and chroma values (P < 0.05). Although carcass traits were affected by the greater thermal discomfort exposure, meat quality of lambs was less impacted by the climatic conditions at slaughter.

Body mass index at calving on performance and efficiency of Charolais cow herds.

This study evaluated the productive and reproductive performance of Charolais cows with different body mass index (BMI) at calving and the development of their calves. Seventy-two Charolais cows and their calves were grouped into BMI classes at calving, namely, low, moderate, and high. Body mass index was determined by dividing the cows' body weight by their body length and hip height and finally dividing the result by 10. Cows and their calves were weighed immediately after calving, at early weaning (63-day postpartum), and at pregnancy diagnosis (210-day postpartum). To evaluate milk production and quality, collections were performed at 21, 42, and 63 days after calving. Cows with high and moderate BMI were heavier (P < 0.05) than low-BMI cows from calving to the date of pregnancy diagnosis. Calves from low-BMI cows were heavier (P < 0.05) at 210-day postpartum than those born to cows with moderate and high BMI. The low- and moderate-BMI cows had higher pregnancy rates than those with a high BMI and were more efficient (P < 0.05) at calving and at weaning in kilograms of calf produced per kilogram of cow kept in the herd. High- and moderate-BMI cows had the highest milk production, whereas low-BMI cows produced milk with the highest concentrations of lactose and solids-not-fat (P < 0.05). Charolais cows with low and moderate BMI at calving are more efficient in production systems. The BMI may be considered a selection variable to improve the productive results of breeding herds.

Reabilitação oral utilizando prótese parcial removível associada a implantes osseointegrados: relato de caso / Oral rehabilitation using removable partial prosthesis associated with osseointegrated implants: case report

Introdução: As próteses parciais removíveis são alternativas amplamente utilizadas na reabilitação oral de pacientes parcialmente desdentados. Na atualidade os implantes dentais têm sido indicados para tratamento de pacientes edêntulos em associação com próteses parciais removíveis convencionais. Objetivo: Relatar um caso clínico utilizando uma prótese parcial removível convencional associada a implantes osseointegrados em paciente portador de Classe I de Kennedy. Relato de Caso: Paciente N.A.A.S., sexo feminino, 65 anos, procurou atendimento clínico no Instituto de Estudos da Saúde (IES) para reabilitação protética das arcadas dentais superior e inferior. A sua queixa principal era "dificuldade de mastigação". A paciente apresentava prótese total removível insatisfatória na maxila e não utilizava nenhum tipo de prótese dentária na mandíbula, que se apresentava parcialmente edêntula. O tratamento realizado foi a confecção de uma prótese total na arcada superior. Na arcada inferior foram inseridos dois implantes de hexágono externo nas regiões correspondentes às áreas dos dentes 34 e 44, após quatro meses a prótese parcial removível convencional foi confeccionada e incorporada aos implantes osseointegrados utilizando o sistema de retenção do tipo attachments Equator. Conclusão: Os resultados revelaram que a técnica de associação da prótese parcial removível convencional aos implantes osseointegrados demonstrou ser uma opção viável de tratamento com capacidade de devolver a função, a estética e manter a integridade dos dentes e tecidos periodontais(AU)

Introduction: Removable partial dentures are alternatives widely used in the oral rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients. Currently, dental implants have been indicated for the treatment of edentulous patients in association with conventional removable partial dentures. Objective: To report a clinical case using a conventional removable partial denture associated with osseointegrated implants in a patient with Kennedy Class I. Case Report: Patient N.A.A.S., female, 65 years old, sought clinical care at the Institute of Health Studies (HEI) for prosthetic rehabilitation of the upper and lower dental arches. His main complaint was "chewing difficulty". The patient had unsatisfactory removable total prosthesis in the maxilla and did not use any type of dental prosthesis in the mandible, which was partially edentulous. The treatment performed was the manufacture of a total prosthesis in the upper arch. In the lower arch, two external hexagon implants were inserted in the regions corresponding to the tooth areas 34 and 44, after four months the conventional removable partial denture was made and incorporated into the osseointegrated implants using the equator attachments retention system. Conclusion: The results revealed that the technique of associating conventional removable partial dentures with osseointegrated implants proved to be a viable treatment option with the ability to restore function, aesthetics and maintain the integrity of teeth and periodontal tissues(AU)

Weight at conception and gestational gains in the efficiency of beef cows and progeny performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of conception weight and gestational weight gain on performance and productive efficiency in beef cows and their calves. Eighty-eight primiparous, three-year old Braford females were used, divided according to weight at conception and gestational performance (High and Low): cows with a low conception weight and low gestational weight gain (LL), cows with low conception weight and high gestational weight gain (LH), cows with high conception weight and low gestational weight gain (HL), and cows with high conception weight and high gestational weight gain (HH). At calving, HH cows were heavier than LH and HL and these were heavier than LL cows. Male calves born to HH cows were superior in body weight to those born to LL cows at 150, 210 and 365 days. Female calves born to HH, HL or LH cows were superior to those born to LL cows in pregnancy at 14 months of age. The LL and HL cows were more efficient in calf production. Actual fertility was influenced by the nutritional level of the herd, where HH cows were superior than LL cows. Better cow herd nutrition increases the development and performance of the progeny.

Morphometric measurements of calves of beef cattle from different genetic groups up to one year of age

Heterosis plays an important role on yield and profitability of beef production systems. This study evaluates the morphometrics of purebred Nellore (N) and Charolais (C) animals and of the second (G2) and third (G3) generations of their alternating crosses, regarding the effects of genetic group and heterosis from birth to 365 days of age. The experiment comprised 159 calves (C = 29, N = 22, G2 - 3/4C 1/4N = 21, 3/4N 1/4C = 9, G3-5/8C 3/8N = 44 and 5/8N 3/8C = 34). The foreshank girth (FG), thoracic girth (TG), body length (BL), and hip height (HH) were measured after birth, and at 63, 210, and 365 days of age, and the total increases were calculated. The Charolais animals had greater FG, TG, and BL values than Nellore, while the latter had greater HH. For the offspring generations, the predominance of Charolais genes in the genotypes resulted in greater measurements for FG and TG in G2, whereas the predominance of Nellore genes resulted in higher HH values in both generations. The crossbred animals had greater values for all measurements than the purebreds, with more significant differences in FG, TG, and BL compared to Nellore purebreds and in HH compared to Charolais. Charolais animals show higher values for muscularity; while, Nellore animals are taller. Crossbred animals show greater development compared to purebreds, indicating a significant effect of heterosis.

Body mass index at calving on performance and efficiency of Zebu cow herds / Índice de massa corporal ao parto no desempenho e eficiência de rebanhos de vacas Zebuínas

This study examines the impact of the body mass index (BMI) at calving on the development and postpartum efficiency of cows of Zebu origin. The study involved 87 cows and their calves [pure Nellore (N) or predominant Nellore composition in a cross with Charolais (C) (3/4N1/4C and 5/8N3/8C)]. The mothers were grouped into classes according to their BMI at calving, namely, 'small', 'moderate' and 'large'. Body mass index was determined by dividing the body weight of the cows by their length and by hip height and then dividing the result by 10. Cows were weighed at calving, at weaning, at the end of the breeding period and at the diagnosis of pregnancy. Calves were weighed at birth, at early weaning (63 days) and at 210 of age. To evaluate milk yield and quality, milk was collected at 21, 42 and 63 days after calving. Milk yield was measured by the direct method, with manual milking, followed by analysis of the lactose, fat, total solids and crude protein contents. Pregnancy rate was similar between the three BMI groups; however, cows with a lower BMI were more efficient at calving in producing kilograms of calf per kilogram of cow kept. Higher BMI provide higher milk yields, without affecting its quality, as well as heavier calves at early weaning and at 210 days of age.(AU)

O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar o impacto do índice de massa corporal (IMC) ao parto no desenvolvimento e eficiência pós-parto de vacas de origem zebuína. Utilizou-se 87 vacas e seus bezerros [Nelore (N) puros ou com predominância em cruzamento com Charolês (C) (3/4N1/4C e 5/8N3/8C)], agrupadas em classes segundo o seu IMC ao parto, em 'pequenas', 'moderadas' e 'grandes'. O índice de massa corporal foi determinado através da divisão do peso corporal das vacas pelo seu comprimento e pela altura de quadril e posteriormente o resultado dividido por 10. As vacas foram pesadas no parto; ao desmame; final da monta e no diagnóstico de gestação. Os bezerros foram pesados ao nascimento, na desmama precoce (63 dias) e aos 210 dias de idade. Para a avaliação da produção e qualidade do leite das vacas foram realizadas três coletas aos 21, 42 e 63 dias após o parto. A medida da produção de leite foi realizada pelo método direto, com ordenha manual, seguida de análise do teor de lactose, gordura, extrato seco total e proteína bruta. A taxa de prenhez foi similar para os três índices de massa corporal, no entanto vacas de menor IMC foram mais eficientes ao parto na produção de quilogramas de bezerros por quilograma de vaca mantida. O IMC alto propicia maior produção de leite sem que a qualidade seja alterada e bezerros mais pesados no desmame precoce e no peso aos 210 dias.(AU)

Different prepartum feeding systems on ewe metabolic profile and lamb growth / Diferentes sistemas alimentares no pré-parto sob perfil metabólico das ovelhas e crescimento dos cordeiros

Identifying the metabolic profile of farm animals constitutes an important tool for the clinical diagnosis of metabolic diseases that can affect animal production performance. This study investigates the prepartum metabolic profile of ewes reared in two feeding systems native pasture and cultivated pasture of black oat and ryegrass and their effects on lamb development. Forty adult Texel ewes and their lambs were used and evaluated for metabolites representative of energy, protein, and mineral metabolism in the prepartum period. Ewes kept on cultivated pasture exhibited higher glucose levels than those kept on native pasture (59.67 vs. 31.98 mg/dL, respectively), whereas those kept on native pasture had higher serum Ca and P levels (7.62 and 4.58 mg/dL, respectively) than the ewes on cultivated pasture (6.21 and 3.73 mg/dL, respectively). Albumin was higher in the ewes with single pregnancy (2.92 vs. 2.76 g/dL), while urea levels were affected by the interaction between feeding system and type of pregnancy. Prepartum levels of glucose, phosphorus, and calcium in the blood of the ewes were correlated with lamb weight at 30 days. The feeding system influenced the metabolic profile of the ewes in the prepartum period, with lamb weight at 30 days of age being mainly associated with the mother's glucose level at the end of the gestation period.(AU)

A identificação do perfil metabólico em animais de produção apresenta-se como uma importante ferramenta no diagnóstico clínico de doenças do metabolismo que podem afetar no desempenho produtivo dos animais. Avaliou-se o perfil metabólico no pré-parto de ovelhas criadas em dois sistemas alimentares, a pasto (pastagem nativa) e pastagem cultivada de aveia preta e azevém e seus efeitos sobre o desenvolvimento dos cordeiros. Foram utilizadas 40 ovelhas adultas, da raça Texel, e seus respectivos cordeiros, nas quais foram mensurados no pré-parto os metabólitos representativos do metabolismo energético, proteico e mineral. Animais mantidos em pastagem cultivada apresentaram maiores valores de glicose em relação aos mantidos em pastagem nativa (59,67 vs 31,98 mg/dL, respectivamente), e os animais mantidos em pastagem nativa apresentaram maiores níveis séricos de Ca e P (7,62 e 4,58 mg/dL, respectivamente) do que os em pastagem cultivada (6,21e 3,73 mg/dL, respectivamente). A albumina foi maior nas ovelhas com gestação simples (2,92 vs 2,76 g/dL) enquanto os níveis de ureia sofreram efeito da interação sistema alimentar vs tipo de gestação. Os teores de glicose, fósforo e cálcio no sangue das ovelhas no pré-parto se mostraram correlacionados com o peso dos cordeiros aos 30 dias. O sistema alimentar influenciou o perfil metabólico das ovelhas no pré-parto sendo o peso dos cordeiros aos 30 dias de idade principalmente associado com o nível de glicose da mãe no final do período gestacional.(AU)

Análise do valor agregado em bovinos certificados para o programa de carne angus no sul do Brasil / Analysis of added value in bovines sold for the angus meat program in the south of Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a agregação e a desagregação de valores dos animais comercializados em busca das bonificações do programa Carne Angus no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram analisados os dados de 40.698 carcaças de bovinos abatidos em uma indústria frigorífica que realiza a certificação para o programa Carne Angus, durante o ano de 2014. A agregação de valor foi calculada pela diferença entre o preço base negociado para o lote e o preço final obtido pelo animal depois do processo de certificação. A desagregação foi calculada em função dos fatores que impediram os animais de serem enquadrados no programa de certificação. Os resultados mostram que o maior motivo para a desclassificação de animais com o padrão racial foi a dentição e o acabamento, os quais desclassificam, respectivamente, 34,3 e 12,7% dos animais com padrão racial. A desagregação de valor resultante de 7.177 animas que foram desclassificados por falta de acabamento ou por dentição avançada atingiu um valor de R$ 1.213.528,00, ou US$ 369.077,86 (US$ 51,43 por cabeça), quantia esta que deixou de ser repassada da indústria aos produtores rurais.

The objective of this work was to analyze price aggregation and disaggregation in commercialized animals searching for “Programa Carne Angus” benefits in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data from 40,698 carcasses with Angus cattle racial pattern, slaughtered in a meat industry that performs the “Programa Carne Angus ”certification, during the 2014 year were analyzed. The aggregated value was calculated by the difference between the negotiated base price for the lot and the final price obtained by animal after the certification process. The disaggregation was calculated based on the factors preventing the animals from being included in the certification program. The results show that the major disqualifying factor in males with the racial pattern was carcass fatness, and for females was the dentition, which disqualified 34.3 and 12.7% respectively. Value breakdown from 7,177 disqualified animals due to lack of finishing, or advanced dentition, reached R$ 1,213,528.00, or US$ 369,077.86 (US$ 51.43 per head), an amount that is no paid on from the industry to rural producers.

Analysis of added value in bovines sold for the angus meat program in the south of Brazil

Abstract The objective of this work was to analyze price aggregation and disaggregation in commercialized animals searching for Programa Carne Angus benefits in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data from 40,698 carcasses with Angus cattle racial pattern, slaughtered in a meat industry that performs the Programa Carne Angus certification, during the 2014 year were analyzed. The aggregated value was calculated by the difference between the negotiated base price for the lot and the final price obtained by animal after the certification process. The disaggregation was calculated based on the factors preventing the animals from being included in the certification program. The results show that the major disqualifying factor in males with the racial pattern was carcass fatness, and for females was the dentition, which disqualified 34.3 and 12.7% respectively. Value breakdown from 7,177 disqualified animals due to lack of finishing, or advanced dentition, reached R$ 1,213,528.00, or US$ 369,077.86 (US$ 51.43 per head), an amount that is no paid on from the industry to rural producers.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a agregação e a desagregação de valores dos animais comercializados em busca das bonificações do programa Carne Angus no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram analisados os dados de 40.698 carcaças de bovinos abatidos em uma indústria frigorífica que realiza a certificação para o programa Carne Angus, durante o ano de 2014. A agregação de valor foi calculada pela diferença entre o preço base negociado para o lote e o preço final obtido pelo animal depois do processo de certificação. A desagregação foi calculada em função dos fatores que impediram os animais de serem enquadrados no programa de certificação. Os resultados mostram que o maior motivo para a desclassificação de animais com o padrão racial foi a dentição e o acabamento, os quais desclassificam, respectivamente, 34,3 e 12,7% dos animais com padrão racial. A desagregação de valor resultante de 7.177 animas que foram desclassificados por falta de acabamento ou por dentição avançada atingiu um valor de R$ 1.213.528,00, ou US$ 369.077,86 (US$ 51,43 por cabeça), quantia esta que deixou de ser repassada da indústria aos produtores rurais.

Analysis of added value in bovines sold for the angus meat program in the south of Brazil / Análise do valor agregado em bovinos certificados para o programa de carne angus no sul do Brasil

The objective of this work was to analyze price aggregation and disaggregation in commercialized animals searching for "Programa Carne Angus" benefits in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data from 40,698 carcasses with Angus cattle racial pattern, slaughtered in a meat industry that performs the "Programa Carne Angus "certification, during the 2014 year were analyzed. The aggregated value was calculated by the difference between the negotiated base price for the lot and the final price obtained by animal after the certification process. The disaggregation was calculated based on the factors preventing the animals from being included in the certification program. The results show that the major disqualifying factor in males with the racial pattern was carcass fatness, and for females was the dentition, which disqualified 34.3 and 12.7% respectively. Value breakdown from 7,177 disqualified animals due to lack of finishing, or advanced dentition, reached R$ 1,213,528.00, or US$ 369,077.86 (US$ 51.43 per head), an amount that is no paid on from the industry to rural producers.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a agregação e a desagregação de valores dos animais comercializados em busca das bonificações do programa Carne Angus no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram analisados os dados de 40.698 carcaças de bovinos abatidos em uma indústria frigorífica que realiza a certificação para o programa Carne Angus, durante o ano de 2014. A agregação de valor foi calculada pela diferença entre o preço base negociado para o lote e o preço final obtido pelo animal depois do processo de certificação. A desagregação foi calculada em função dos fatores que impediram os animais de serem enquadrados no programa de certificação. Os resultados mostram que o maior motivo para a desclassificação de animais com o padrão racial foi a dentição e o acabamento, os quais desclassificam, respectivamente, 34,3 e 12,7% dos animais com padrão racial. A desagregação de valor resultante de 7.177 animas que foram desclassificados por falta de acabamento ou por dentição avançada atingiu um valor de R$ 1.213.528,00, ou US$ 369.077,86 (US$ 51,43 por cabeça), quantia esta que deixou de ser repassada da indústria aos produtores rurais.

Calving month and calf sex on the production and efficiency of herds / Mês do parto e sexo do bezerro na produção e eficiência dos rebanhos

The calving period influences productivity and reproductive efficiency the herds. The objective of this study was to evaluate two calving months (October and November) and their effect on the efficiency of a breeding herd for three consecutive years. A total of 298 Braford cows were evaluated at three, four, and five years of age, with their calves early-weaned at 148 days of age. The performance characteristics of the cow/calf pairs were evaluated with the calving month and calf sex as the independent variables. The animals were kept as a single group for the three years of observation. Cows calving in November were heavier and had a higher body condition score at calving. Cows calving in October were heavier and produced heavier calves at weaning. Male calves were heavier at birth and weaning than females (30.8 vs 28.6 kg and 118.9 vs 114.7 kg, respectively). The pregnancy rate was 82.35 and 69.23% for cows calving in October and November, respectively. Calving intervals were shorter in cows calving in November. Cows calving in October were more efficient compared with those calving in November, with a higher actual fertility rate. The production of kilograms of the calf/cow pair was higher for cows calving in October.(AU)

O período do parto influencia a produtividade e a eficiência reprodutiva dos rebanhos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar dois meses de parto (outubro e novembro) e seus efeitos sobre a eficiência de um rebanho de cria por três anos consecutivos. Foram realizadas 298 avaliações de vacas Braford aos três, quatro e cinco anos de idade, com seus bezerros desmamados aos 148 dias de idade. As características de desempenho dos pares vaca / bezerro foram avaliadas com o mês e o sexo do bezerro como variáveis independentes. Os animais foram mantidos em um único grupo nos três anos de observação. As vacas que pariram em novembro foram mais pesadas e tiveram maior escore de condição corporal no parto. As vacas que pariram em outubro foram mais pesadas e produziram bezerros mais pesados no desmame. Os bezerros machos foram mais pesados ao nascer e ao desmame do que as fêmeas (30,8 vs 28,6 kg e 118,9 vs 114,7 kg, respectivamente). A taxa de prenhez foi de 82,35 e 69,23% para as vacas que pariram em outubro e novembro, respectivamente. Os intervalos de partos foram mais curtos nas vacas paridas em novembro. As vacas que pariram em outubro foram mais eficientes quando comparadas com as que pariram em novembro, com maior taxa de fertilidade real. A produção de quilogramas do par bezerro / vaca foi maior em vacas que pariram em outubro.(AU)