Maria de Fátima Ávila Pires

Effect of body condition on reproductive efficiency of lactattng dairy cows receiving a timed insemination

Body condition may influence pregnancy rates to a timed insemination (Ovsynch/TAI) protocol and affect the economical performance of dairy farms. The objectives were to compare pregnancy rates using the Ovsynch/TAI protocol for the first service of lactating dairy cows with body condition scores < 2.5 (scale: 1 to 5, low BCS group) versus > or = 2.5 (control group) and to estimate the economic impact of the effect of body condition on reproductive performance. At 63 +/- 3 d post partum, cows were assigned to 2 experimental groups (low BCS = 81; control = 126), and were treated with GnRH at d 0 and with PGF2alpha 7 d later. At 48 h after PGF2alpha, cows received an injection of GnRH and were inseminated 16 h later. Pregnancy rates to the Ovsynch/TAI protocol were lower for the low BCS group than for the control group at 27 d (18.1 +/- 6.1% < 33.8 +/- 4.5%; P<0.02) and at 45 d (11.1 +/- 5.4% < 25.6 +/- 4.1%; P<0.02) after insemination. Economic analysis indicated that reducing the percentage of the herd in low body condition increases net revenues per cow per year. Body condition influenced pregnancy rates to the Ovsynch/TAI protocol.

Parâmetros fisiológicos de bovinos cruzados submetidos ao estresse calórico

The thermoregulation physiological responses in thermoneutrality and heat stress of crossbred calves (½Gir x ½Holstein), males and females, with age between 14 and 20 months were studied. The animals were submitted to thermoneutrality (22°C and 70% of relative humidity) and to heat stress (42oC and 60% of relative humidity) in summer and winter seasons in bioclimatic chamber. Rectal temperature (TR), respiratory rate (FR) and body surface temperature (BST) were registered at 6 AM and 4 PM. It was observed increase in TR, FR and BST in the heat stress period (P 0.05) was observed for BST.

Genome wide scan for quantitative trait loci affecting tick resistance in cattle (Bos taurus × Bos indicus).

BackgroundIn tropical countries, losses caused by bovine tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus infestation have a tremendous economic impact on cattle production systems. Genetic variation between Bos taurus and Bos indicus to tick resistance and molecular biology tools might allow for the identification of molecular markers linked to resistance traits that could be used as an auxiliary tool in selection programs. The objective of this work was to identify QTL associated with tick resistance/susceptibility in a bovine F2 population derived from the Gyr (Bos indicus) × Holstein (Bos taurus) cross.ResultsThrough a whole genome scan with microsatellite markers, we were able to map six genomic regions associated with bovine tick resistance. For most QTL, we have found that depending on the tick evaluation season (dry and rainy) different sets of genes could be involved in the resistance mechanism. We identified dry season specific QTL on BTA 2 and 10, rainy season specific QTL on BTA 5, 11 and 27. We also found a highly significant genome wide QTL for both dry and rainy seasons in the central region of BTA 23.ConclusionsThe experimental F2 population derived from Gyr × Holstein cross successfully allowed the identification of six highly significant QTL associated with tick resistance in cattle. QTL located on BTA 23 might be related with the bovine histocompatibility complex. Further investigation of these QTL will help to isolate candidate genes involved with tick resistance in cattle.

Características produtivas e nutricionais do pasto em sistema agrossilvipastoril, conforme a distância das árvores

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effects of trees arranged in rows on yield and nutritional characteristics of Urochloa decumbens and to identify the average distance in which there is a better use of moderate shading in an agrisilvipasture system. The treatments consisted of distances from measure points to tree rows (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 m) and were distributed in randomized blocks, with four replicates. The tiller density, forage mass, forage accumulation rate and chemical composition of pasture were evaluated. The tiller density, forage mass and rates of forage accumulation increased with the distance from tree rows, reaching the highest values of 392 tillers m-2, 1,347 kg ha-1 and 30.1 kg ha-1 per day, respectively, at 9.1, 10.4 and 8.8 m of distance. The contents of the neutral detergent fiber did not vary with distance, while the acid detergent fiber and lignin content varied, but without a clear pattern of response. The crude protein contents reduced quadratically with distance from tree rows and had the highest values under trees (9.8%) and the lowest at 13.5 m of distance (6.5%). The site of pasture, between 7 and 10 m of distance from the tree rows showed the highest benefits of moderate shading on pasture traits.

Sward characteristics and performance of dairy cows in organic grass-legume pastures shaded by tropical trees.

The silvopastoral system (SPS) has been suggested to ensure sustainability in animal production systems in tropical ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate pasture characteristics, herbage intake, grazing activity and milk yield of Holstein×Zebu cows managed in two grazing systems (treatments): SPS dominated by a graminaceous forage (Brachiaria decumbens) intercropped with different leguminous herbaceous forages (Stylosanthes spp., Pueraria phaseoloides and Calopogonium mucunoides) and legume trees (Acacia mangium, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala), and open pasture (OP) of B. decumbens intercropped only with Stylosanthes spp. Pastures were managed according to the rules for organic cattle production. The study was carried out by following a switch back format with 12 cows, 6 for each treatment, over 3 experimental years. Herbage mass was similar (P>0.05) for both treatments, supporting an average stocking rate of 1.23 AU/ha. Daily dry matter intake did not vary (P>0.05) between treatments (average of 11.3±1.02 kg/cow per day, corresponding to 2.23±0.2% BW). Milk yield was higher (P0.05) in subsequent years. The highest (P0.05) milk yields. Low persistence of Stylosanthes guianensis was observed over the experimental period, indicating that the persistence of forage legumes under grazing could be improved using adapted cultivars that have higher annual seed production. The SPS and a diversified botanical composition of the pasture using legume species mixed with grasses are recommended for organic milk production.

Parâmetros clínicos, hematológicos, bioquímicos e hormonais de bovinos submetidos ao estresse calórico

Clinical, haemathological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were characterized in 39 males and 32 females crossbred cattle (½ Holstein x ½ Gir), averaging 14 to 20 months of age, submitted to thermoneutrality (22oC and 70% of RH) and heat stress (42oC and 60% RH) in summer and winter in climatic chamber. At clinical examination, all animals presented salivation and ocular globe retraction. Under heat stress, animals increased erythrocytes count, hemoglobin total concentration, hematocrit, concentraction of total proteins, urea, creatinin, sodium, potassium, chlorides, cortisol, urinary pH and density, and dry matter of feces (P 0.05). It was concluded that hematology, biochemical, and hormonal parameters are important to characterize the heat stress in cattle.

Taxa de sudação e parâmetros histológicos de bovinos submetidos ao estresse calórico

Coat thickness, sweat rate, and histological parameters were characterized in 39 males and 32 females crossbred cattle (½ Holstein x ½ Gir), averaging 14 to 20 months of age, submitted to thermoneutrality (22oC and 70% of relative humidity - RH) and heat stress (42oC and 60% RH) in summer and winter in a climatic chamber. Fur length and coat thickness were significantly higher in summer than winter, 1.58 and 1.04cm and 5.31 and 3.91mm, respectively (P<0.05). Skin histology showed that sweat gland area and distance of gland to epithelium was shorter in summer than in winter, 2,589 and 4,051µm and 294 and 344µm, respectively (P<0.05). It was concluded that the season influenced the coat thickness, the sweat glands disposal and activity to maximize thermic homeostasis control.

Taxa de gestação em fêmeas da raça Holandesa confinadas em free stall, no verão e inverno

The gestation rate was used to evaluate the reproductive performance of dairy cows and heifers confined in a free stall barn during the winter and summer seasons of 1993, 1994 and 1995. The temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) were monitored daily during the summer (December, January, February and March) and winter (June, July and August). The rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were measured weekly at 9AM and 3 and 9PM, in each season, in 50% of the animals randomly selected and sorted in four groups based on their milk production. The averages of T and the temperature and humidity index (THI) were higher in the summer (25.6oC e 75.8) than in the winter (19.0oC e 65.3), while the RH were the same in both seasons (80.0%). The averages of RT and RR were always higher in the summer and at 3PM when compared to 9AM RT and RR (39.47oC and 64.76 mov/min vs 38.89oC and 44.21 mov/min). Gestation rate for milking cows was smaller in summer than in the winter. Conversely 85.4% of heifers became pregnant during the summer and 78.5% during the winter season.

Desempenho, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamento de bezerros mantidos em diferentes instalações: época chuvosa

The objective of this trial was to evaluate performance, thermal comfort and behavior of crossbred Holstein x Zebu dairy calves kept in different housing systems during the rainy season (December to April). Twenty-four calves were raised from birth to 70 days of age in one of the following housing systems: hutches; shadecloth; or no shelter. Rectal temperature and respiratory rate measurements were taken twice a day (8:00 AM and 3:00 PM) when calves were 1, 4 and 9 weeks old. Respiratory rate was measured counting the number of respiratory movements per minute and rectal temperatures were taken with clinical thermometers. Behavior evaluation was done by visual observation of the animals every 10 min for a period of 24 h. There were no differences among the housing systems on body weight, average daily weight gain, starter intake and feed efficiency. Calves raised with no shelter showed increased rectal temperatures at the afternoon. It can be concluded that use of hutches might not be necessary considering that calves spent most of their time outside. Calves raised with no shelter had higher rectal temperatures and respiratory rates and were unable to maintain these variables under physiological conditions. Calves performance was satisfactory in all three housing systems evaluated.

Dinâmica da serapilheira em pastagens de braquiária em sistema silvipastoril e monocultura

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da introducao de leguminosas arboreas e eucalipto em pastagens de braquiaria (Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk), na dinâmica da serapilheira. O estudo foi realizado em sistema silvipastoril e em monocultura, em 12 meses. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com seis repeticoes e cinco animais por piquete. Foram avaliadas a serapilheira existente e a depositada. A serapilheira existente teve media anual de 5.038 e 3.944 kg ha-1, no sistema silvipastoril e na monocultura, respectivamente. O sistema silvipastoril causou um acrescimo significativo na serapilheira depositada. A quantidade de nitrogenio da serapilheira depositada foi maior no sistema silvipastoril, do que na monocultura, respectivamente, 228 kg ha-1 por ano e 107 kg ha-1 por ano. A presenca de leguminosas e de eucalipto em sistema silvipastoril proporcionou aumentos nas quantidades de nitrogenio, comprovados pela analise isotopica de 13C, e materia seca de serapilheira. Incrementos na producao de serapilheira rica em nitrogenio pode contribuir para a sustentabilidade das pastagens de braquiaria a longo prazo.