Physiological adaptability of pregnant doe Kacang goats in a dry-land-area of Indonesia

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the physiological adaptability of pregnant doe Kacang goats in a dryland area of Indonesia. Thirty pregnant doe Kacang goats aged 2-3 years were observed. The rearing system was semiintensive without giving concentrated feeds. Local grasses and legumes such as Leucaena leucocephala leaves, Gliricidia sepium leaves, Sesbania grandiflora leaves, and drinking water were offered ad libitum. Experimental data such as respiration rate, rectal temperature, adaptability coefficient, heart rate, and heat tolerance coefficient, were collected during 2-3 months of gestation. The mean and standard deviation were calculated using a descriptive analysis method. The average humidity in the morning and afternoon and the ambient temperature in the middle of the day were outside the normal range. The THI value indicates that the experimental animals are under medium heat stress. The average values of HTC, AC, RT, HR, and RR were still typical for goats. In conclusion, although the average ambient temperature at midday and humidity in the morning and afternoon were outside of the normal range, they did not cause any effects on feed and water intake, health, and fetus growth and development of pregnant doe Kacang goats. This happened because the Kacang goat is a local breed that can adapt well to extreme environments. Therefore, pregnant doe Kacang goats in Malaka District can be allowed to graze in the paddock throughout the day and housed at night.

Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions / Reprodução e comportamento reprodutivo do gambá neotropical, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902, em condições de cativeiro

Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.

O desenvolvimento de um sistema de criação em cativeiro para as espécies de gambá do Caribe amplamente caçadas, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, pode auxiliar bastante no manejo e conservação dessa espécie nos neotrópicos. Embora essa espécie possua características ideais para a criação em cativeiro nessa região (tolerância a altas temperaturas e umidade, alta taxa de reprodução e resistência a doenças), alguns fatores, como o seu comportamento agressivo e informações limitadas sobre seu comportamento reprodutivo, impediram o desenvolvimento de um sistema para D. m. insularis. O presente estudo descreve um sistema de criação e o comportamento reprodutivo dessa espécie em condições de cativeiro. Seis gambás adultos (1 macho e 5 fêmeas) foram mantidos para reprodução durante um período de 10 meses. O tamanho da ninhada em bolsa foi em média de 5 ± 2,5 com um intervalo de 2 a 8. A duração da gestação foi de 13,25 ± 0,96 dias, e 4 ninhadas (n = 23) foram desmamadas com sucesso de 11 a 13 semanas. Verificou-se que o macho D. m. insularis exibe comportamentos de interesse que podem servir como indicadores de receptividade da fêmea, e, em geral, essa espécie pode ser criada com sucesso em condições de cativeiro nos neotrópicos.

Elevated temperature-humidity index induces physiological, blood and milk alterations in Holstein cows in a more pronounced manner than in ½ and ¾ Holstein × Gir

Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus cattle subspecies present different capabilities in coping with situations of elevated temperatures, the latter being more tolerant to heat stress. Thus, some breeding programs crossed these subspecies to produce a high producing yet heat-tolerant breed (Girolando). Nineteen Holstein (H100) and 19 Girolando cows [(½ Holstein × Gir (H50) and ¾ Holstein × Gir (H75)] with similar milk production were used in a six-day experiment to evaluate the consequences of heat stress due to shade deprivation on their physiological, blood and milk traits. Cows were exposed to a non-shaded environment between morning (06:00h; GMT -3:00) and evening milking (14:30h; GMT -3:00) with access to water ad libitum. Procedures were conducted before morning and evening milkings. Physiological parameters related to mechanisms of heat dissipation were measured, as well as the milk composition. Blood traits were evaluated. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. Statistical procedures included analysis of variance, correlation, and principal factors. THI was elevated during the trial and negatively impacted physiological, milk, and blood parameters in H100, H75, and H50. Alterations in physiology, milk stability, milk composition, and blood traits were more pronounced in H100. Holstein cows presented changes in physiological parameters in a more pronounced manner and in some milk and blood traits related to the reduced capability of this breed in dealing with elevated THI. The similarity in milk production levels excludes this parameter as a justification for differences in heat tolerance, with genetic composition being the main reason for these results.(AU)

Brown Swiss cows are more heat resistant than Holstein cows under hot summer conditions of the continental climate of Ukraine

Finding livestock breeds that are resistant to high temperatures may be one of the strategies for mitigating the impact of global climate change on dairy farming. In this investigation, we studied the heat resistance of Holstein (HB) and Brown Swiss (BS) cows on two commercial dairy farms under the hot summer conditions of Ukraine. The physiological response of animals determined heat resistance by measuring rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR) in the morning (from 4:00 to 6:00) in comfortable conditions and the afternoon (from 14:00 to 16:00), during heat load. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was used to characterize weather conditions and microclimate in naturally ventilated rooms (NVBs). BS cows were found to be heat resistant. The reaction of HB cows to the heat was manifested by higher growth of RT and RR, and they suffered significant losses in the daily milk yield per cow in the summer. Further research will need to elucidate the biological and genetic mechanisms of the identified breed differences in heat tolerance of dairy cows.(AU)

Elevated temperature-humidity index induces physiological, blood and milk alterations in Holstein cows in a more pronounced manner than in ½ and ¾ Holstein × Gir

Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus cattle subspecies present different capabilities in coping with situations of elevated temperatures, the latter being more tolerant to heat stress. Thus, some breeding programs crossed these subspecies to produce a high producing yet heat-tolerant breed (Girolando). Nineteen Holstein (H100) and 19 Girolando cows [(½ Holstein × Gir (H50) and ¾ Holstein × Gir (H75)] with similar milk production were used in a six-day experiment to evaluate the consequences of heat stress due to shade deprivation on their physiological, blood and milk traits. Cows were exposed to a non-shaded environment between morning (06:00h; GMT -3:00) and evening milking (14:30h; GMT -3:00) with access to water ad libitum. Procedures were conducted before morning and evening milkings. Physiological parameters related to mechanisms of heat dissipation were measured, as well as the milk composition. Blood traits were evaluated. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. Statistical procedures included analysis of variance, correlation, and principal factors. THI was elevated during the trial and negatively impacted physiological, milk, and blood parameters in H100, H75, and H50. Alterations in physiology, milk stability, milk composition, and blood traits were more pronounced in H100. Holstein cows presented changes in physiological parameters in a more pronounced manner and in some milk and blood traits related to the reduced capability of this breed in dealing with elevated THI. The similarity in milk production levels excludes this parameter as a justification for differences in heat tolerance, with genetic composition being the main reason for these results.

Nano-selenium and nano-zinc oxide supplementation in syrup on laying area, population size and hsp gene expression of honey bees in hot climate

This study was designed to examine the protective effects of nano-selenium and nano-zinc oxide on queen and workers performance under heat stress condition and gene expression of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) as an index of heat tolerance. Sixty colonies were randomly assigned to five treatments with 12 replicates from June until early September. Sugar syrup (50%) containing no supplement or nano-selenium at levels of 50 and 100 µg L-1 or nano-zinc at levels of 100 and 200 µg L-1 was fed to colonies. Nano-selenium supplementations had no effect, but nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1 significantly decreased body malondialdehyde concentration. The highest bee population was seen in nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1 and the lowest one in control group. The lowest and the highest body weight, fat and protein deposition was found in group received nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1 and control, respectively. The highest gene expression was for group received nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1 In group received nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1, an increase in hsp70 gene expression was found. In conclusion, nano-zinc oxide at level of 100 µg L-1 could increase queen and worker performance and heat resistance of bees in the hot climate condition.(AU)

Nano-selenium and nano-zinc oxide supplementation in syrup on laying area, population size and hsp gene expression of honey bees in hot climate

This study was designed to examine the protective effects of nano-selenium and nano-zinc oxide on queen and workers performance under heat stress condition and gene expression of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) as an index of heat tolerance. Sixty colonies were randomly assigned to five treatments with 12 replicates from June until early September. Sugar syrup (50%) containing no supplement or nano-selenium at levels of 50 and 100 µg L-1 or nano-zinc at levels of 100 and 200 µg L-1 was fed to colonies. Nano-selenium supplementations had no effect, but nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1 significantly decreased body malondialdehyde concentration. The highest bee population was seen in nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1 and the lowest one in control group. The lowest and the highest body weight, fat and protein deposition was found in group received nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1 and control, respectively. The highest gene expression was for group received nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1 In group received nano-zinc at level of 100 µg L-1, an increase in hsp70 gene expression was found. In conclusion, nano-zinc oxide at level of 100 µg L-1 could increase queen and worker performance and heat resistance of bees in the hot climate condition.

Brown Swiss cows are more heat resistant than Holstein cows under hot summer conditions of the continental climate of Ukraine

Finding livestock breeds that are resistant to high temperatures may be one of the strategies for mitigating the impact of global climate change on dairy farming. In this investigation, we studied the heat resistance of Holstein (HB) and Brown Swiss (BS) cows on two commercial dairy farms under the hot summer conditions of Ukraine. The physiological response of animals determined heat resistance by measuring rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR) in the morning (from 4:00 to 6:00) in comfortable conditions and the afternoon (from 14:00 to 16:00), during heat load. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was used to characterize weather conditions and microclimate in naturally ventilated rooms (NVBs). BS cows were found to be heat resistant. The reaction of HB cows to the heat was manifested by higher growth of RT and RR, and they suffered significant losses in the daily milk yield per cow in the summer. Further research will need to elucidate the biological and genetic mechanisms of the identified breed differences in heat tolerance of dairy cows.

Caracterização do gene do choque térmico (HSP-70. 1) e sua relação com características de produção em bovinos leiteiros criados no semiárido brasileiro / Characterization of the thermal shock gene (HSP-70. 1) and its relationship with production characteristics in dairy cattle reared in the Brazilian semiarid

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a diversidade genética do gene HSP-70.1 e associar os polimorfismos encontrados com a performance de vacas leiteiras das raças Holandesa, Girolando (5/8H-G) e Sindi criadas em região do semiárido brasileiro. Os polimorfismos foram identificados e avaliados pela técnica de PCR-RFLP, usando-se a enzima de restrição EcoRII. Avaliou-se a variabilidade genética por meio do índice de diversidade padrão e da análise de variância molecular (AMOVA). Os polimorfismos identificados foram avaliados sobre as características de produção de leite. Foram identificados sete alelos, os quais demonstraram que houve polimorfismo para a região gênica analisada, e alguns alelos foram compartilhados entre os rebanhos. As raças bovinas Holandesa e Sindi foram similares geneticamente para o gene analisado. A AMOVA demonstrou que há variação genética entre os rebanhos e dentro deles, com a maior parte da variação ocorrendo dentro dos rebanhos para todos os grupos avaliados. Houve efeito dos alelos identificados sobre a produção de leite dos rebanhos das raças Holandesa (P<0,0001) e Girolando (P<0,0117). O gene HSP-70.1 foi polimórfico na população de bovinos leiteiros estudada, sendo, portanto, um marcador molecular promissor para avaliar a produção de leite de raças criadas em região semiárida.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the HSP-70.1 gene and to associate the polymorphisms found with the performance of Holstein, Girolando (5/8H-G) and Sindi dairy cows raised in region of the Brazilian semiarid. Polymorphisms were identified and evaluated using the PCR-RFLP technique using the EcoRII restriction enzyme. Genetic variability was evaluated using the standard diversity index and molecular variance analysis (AMOVA). The identified polymorphisms were evaluated on the characteristics of milk production. They were identified from the seven alleles, demonstrating that there was polymorphism for the analyzed gene region and some alleles were shared among the herds. The Holstein and Sindi bovine breeds were genetically like the analyzed gene. AMOVA demonstrated that there is genetic variation between and within the herds, with most of the variation occurring within the herds for all groups evaluated. There was effect of the alleles identified on the production of milk herds of Holstein and (P<0.0001) Girolando (P<0.0117) breeds. The HSP-70.1 gene was polymorphic in the population of dairy cattle studied, and therefore a promising molecular marker to evaluate milk production of breeds created in semiarid regions.(AU)

Caracterização do gene do choque térmico (HSP-70. 1) e sua relação com características de produção em bovinos leiteiros criados no semiárido brasileiro / Characterization of the thermal shock gene (HSP-70. 1) and its relationship with production characteristics in dairy cattle reared in the Brazilian semiarid

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a diversidade genética do gene HSP-70.1 e associar os polimorfismos encontrados com a performance de vacas leiteiras das raças Holandesa, Girolando (5/8H-G) e Sindi criadas em região do semiárido brasileiro. Os polimorfismos foram identificados e avaliados pela técnica de PCR-RFLP, usando-se a enzima de restrição EcoRII. Avaliou-se a variabilidade genética por meio do índice de diversidade padrão e da análise de variância molecular (AMOVA). Os polimorfismos identificados foram avaliados sobre as características de produção de leite. Foram identificados sete alelos, os quais demonstraram que houve polimorfismo para a região gênica analisada, e alguns alelos foram compartilhados entre os rebanhos. As raças bovinas Holandesa e Sindi foram similares geneticamente para o gene analisado. A AMOVA demonstrou que há variação genética entre os rebanhos e dentro deles, com a maior parte da variação ocorrendo dentro dos rebanhos para todos os grupos avaliados. Houve efeito dos alelos identificados sobre a produção de leite dos rebanhos das raças Holandesa (P<0,0001) e Girolando (P<0,0117). O gene HSP-70.1 foi polimórfico na população de bovinos leiteiros estudada, sendo, portanto, um marcador molecular promissor para avaliar a produção de leite de raças criadas em região semiárida.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the HSP-70.1 gene and to associate the polymorphisms found with the performance of Holstein, Girolando (5/8H-G) and Sindi dairy cows raised in region of the Brazilian semiarid. Polymorphisms were identified and evaluated using the PCR-RFLP technique using the EcoRII restriction enzyme. Genetic variability was evaluated using the standard diversity index and molecular variance analysis (AMOVA). The identified polymorphisms were evaluated on the characteristics of milk production. They were identified from the seven alleles, demonstrating that there was polymorphism for the analyzed gene region and some alleles were shared among the herds. The Holstein and Sindi bovine breeds were genetically like the analyzed gene. AMOVA demonstrated that there is genetic variation between and within the herds, with most of the variation occurring within the herds for all groups evaluated. There was effect of the alleles identified on the production of milk herds of Holstein and (P<0.0001) Girolando (P<0.0117) breeds. The HSP-70.1 gene was polymorphic in the population of dairy cattle studied, and therefore a promising molecular marker to evaluate milk production of breeds created in semiarid regions.(AU)

Heat tolerance level in dairy herds: a review on coping strategies to heat stress and ways of measuring heat tolerance

Tolerance to heat stress is worth noting considering the constant increase in the ambient temperature and high productivity that elevates the likelihood of heat stress in the dairy herd. Besides exposure to hot temperatures, increase in performance of dairy cows is positively related to heat loadwhich results in heat stress. This necessitates the need to incorporate heat tolerance in the breeding objectives. Measuring heat tolerance is still a challenge and might becomplex to assess in the dairy herd. Through regress ingphenotypic performance of temperature–humidity index(THI), heat tolerance can be assessed. However, the use of the same THI across region might not be effective due to the differences with in and among breeds in either same ordifferent herds. The reason being the differing cows (Bostaurus) adaptive and productive response to increasing THI value across different areas. There is vast information about the THI values from the tropics and the temperate regions, however, there is still a gap for THI values for semi and aridplaces under the pasture-based system. Understanding the coping strategies by the dairy cow to heat stress is important. Various studies have out lined much on the coping strategies but there is still a need to relate the homeostatic and acclimation responses to tolerance to heat stress. This review focusses on discussing the heat stress coping strategies in relation to heat stress tolerance and the ways of assessment ina dairy herd. (AU)

Heat tolerance level in dairy herds: a review on coping strategies to heat stress and ways of measuring heat tolerance

Tolerance to heat stress is worth noting considering the constant increase in the ambient temperature and high productivity that elevates the likelihood of heat stress in the dairy herd. Besides exposure to hot temperatures, increase in performance of dairy cows is positively related to heat loadwhich results in heat stress. This necessitates the need to incorporate heat tolerance in the breeding objectives. Measuring heat tolerance is still a challenge and might becomplex to assess in the dairy herd. Through regress ingphenotypic performance of temperature–humidity index(THI), heat tolerance can be assessed. However, the use of the same THI across region might not be effective due to the differences with in and among breeds in either same ordifferent herds. The reason being the differing cow’s (Bostaurus) adaptive and productive response to increasing THI value across different areas. There is vast information about the THI values from the tropics and the temperate regions, however, there is still a gap for THI values for semi and aridplaces under the pasture-based system. Understanding the coping strategies by the dairy cow to heat stress is important. Various studies have out lined much on the coping strategies but there is still a need to relate the homeostatic and acclimation responses to tolerance to heat stress. This review focusses on discussing the heat stress coping strategies in relation to heat stress tolerance and the ways of assessment ina dairy herd.

Seasonal variations in thermoregulatory patterns enable Morada Nova sheep to adapt to Brazilian semi-arid / A variação sazonal de características termorreguladoras permite a adaptação de ovelhas Morada Nova ao ambiente semiárido

The present study aimed evaluate possible modifications of thermoregulatory morphophysiological responses of Morada Nova sheep throughout the year in 4 properties of the nucleus of participatory genetic breeding. In the months of March, June, September and December, respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperatures (RT) and surface (ST) were recorded as well as the environmental variables air temperature (airT), relative humidity (RH) wind (Ws). Calculated the radiant heat load (RHL) and the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI). The coat thickness was measured and hair samples were collected and determined hair density, hair length and hair diameter. Blood collection was collected for determination of T3 and total T4 concentrations. In the rainy season, which includes the months of March and June, higher values of RR and RT, probably due to the combination of high RH, associated to RHL, BGHI and airT were recorded, as these hamper loss and heat. All values of RT independent of month and flocks remained within values considered normal for the species. September and December are inserted in the dry season, with a low RH factor that can facilitate heat loss through evaporation. In these months, lower values of RT and RR were observed when compared to the rainy season, lower values of RR were recorded between 40 and 60 mov.min-1. The secretion of thyroid hormones was greater in the environmental conditions considered more comfortable. The homeothermia was maintained by Morada Nova sheep at different times evaluated as indicated by the normal physiological parameters. The rainy season was considered the most stressful for the animals, since they used a more intense set of variables in order to thermoregulate and maintain the homeothermia, which justifies the importance of providing shelters, with the objective of reducing the overheating, even in view of their great adaptive capacity, already demonstrated in previous studies...(AU)

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar possíveis modificações de respostas morfofisiológicas termorreguladoras de ovelhas da raça Morada Nova, ao longo do ano, em 4 propriedades do núcleo de melhoramento genético participativo. Nos meses de Março, Junho, Setembro e Dezembro foram registradas as frequências respiratórias (FR), temperaturas retais (TR) e de superfície (TS) assim como as variáveis ambientais temperatura do ar (Tar), umidade relativa (UR) e velocidade do vento (Vv). Calculada a carga térmica radiante (CTR) e o índice de temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU). Foi medida a espessura da capa de pelame e amostras de pelo foram coletadas e determinadas a densidade numérica, o comprimento médio e o diâmetro médio. Coleta de sangue foi realizada a para a determinação das concentrações de T3 e T4 total. Na estação chuvosa que compreende os meses de Março e Junho, foram registrados maiores valores de FR e TR, provavelmente pela combinação de alta UR, associada a CTR, ITGU e Tar, pois estas dificultam a perda e calor. Todos os valores de TR independente de mês e rebanho mantiveram-se dentro de valores considerados normais para a espécie. Setembro e dezembro estão inseridos na estação seca, com baixa UR fator esse que pode facilitar as perdas de calor via evaporação. Nestes meses foram observados menores valores de TR e FR se comparados com o período chuvoso, foram registrados menores valores de FR entre 40 a 60 mov.min-1. A secreção dos hormônio tireoidianos foram maiores nas condições ambientais consideradas mais confortáveis. A homeotermia foi mantida pelos ovinos Morada Nova, nas diversas épocas avaliadas conforme indicado pelos parâmetros fisiológicos normais...(AU)

Seasonal variations in thermoregulatory patterns enable Morada Nova sheep to adapt to Brazilian semi-arid / A variação sazonal de características termorreguladoras permite a adaptação de ovelhas Morada Nova ao ambiente semiárido

The present study aimed evaluate possible modifications of thermoregulatory morphophysiological responses of Morada Nova sheep throughout the year in 4 properties of the nucleus of participatory genetic breeding. In the months of March, June, September and December, respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperatures (RT) and surface (ST) were recorded as well as the environmental variables air temperature (airT), relative humidity (RH) wind (Ws). Calculated the radiant heat load (RHL) and the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI). The coat thickness was measured and hair samples were collected and determined hair density, hair length and hair diameter. Blood collection was collected for determination of T3 and total T4 concentrations. In the rainy season, which includes the months of March and June, higher values of RR and RT, probably due to the combination of high RH, associated to RHL, BGHI and airT were recorded, as these hamper loss and heat. All values of RT independent of month and flocks remained within values considered normal for the species. September and December are inserted in the dry season, with a low RH factor that can facilitate heat loss through evaporation. In these months, lower values of RT and RR were observed when compared to the rainy season, lower values of RR were recorded between 40 and 60 mov.min-1. The secretion of thyroid hormones was greater in the environmental conditions considered more comfortable. The homeothermia was maintained by Morada Nova sheep at different times evaluated as indicated by the normal physiological parameters. The rainy season was considered the most stressful for the animals, since they used a more intense set of variables in order to thermoregulate and maintain the homeothermia, which justifies the importance of providing shelters, with the objective of reducing the overheating, even in view of their great adaptive capacity, already demonstrated in previous studies...

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar possíveis modificações de respostas morfofisiológicas termorreguladoras de ovelhas da raça Morada Nova, ao longo do ano, em 4 propriedades do núcleo de melhoramento genético participativo. Nos meses de Março, Junho, Setembro e Dezembro foram registradas as frequências respiratórias (FR), temperaturas retais (TR) e de superfície (TS) assim como as variáveis ambientais temperatura do ar (Tar), umidade relativa (UR) e velocidade do vento (Vv). Calculada a carga térmica radiante (CTR) e o índice de temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU). Foi medida a espessura da capa de pelame e amostras de pelo foram coletadas e determinadas a densidade numérica, o comprimento médio e o diâmetro médio. Coleta de sangue foi realizada a para a determinação das concentrações de T3 e T4 total. Na estação chuvosa que compreende os meses de Março e Junho, foram registrados maiores valores de FR e TR, provavelmente pela combinação de alta UR, associada a CTR, ITGU e Tar, pois estas dificultam a perda e calor. Todos os valores de TR independente de mês e rebanho mantiveram-se dentro de valores considerados normais para a espécie. Setembro e dezembro estão inseridos na estação seca, com baixa UR fator esse que pode facilitar as perdas de calor via evaporação. Nestes meses foram observados menores valores de TR e FR se comparados com o período chuvoso, foram registrados menores valores de FR entre 40 a 60 mov.min-1. A secreção dos hormônio tireoidianos foram maiores nas condições ambientais consideradas mais confortáveis. A homeotermia foi mantida pelos ovinos Morada Nova, nas diversas épocas avaliadas conforme indicado pelos parâmetros fisiológicos normais...

Effect of the environment and diet on the physiological variables of sheep in the Brazilian semi-arid region / Efeito do ambiente e dieta sobre as variáveis fisiológicas de ovinos no semiárido brasileiro

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the physiological variables of three sheep genotypes: Morada Nova, Somalis, and Dorper x Somalis crossbreed regarding the environment and diet in the Brazilian semi-arid region by using 30 animals (10 from each genetic group). Five of these animals had 30% of the tifton hay replaced by hairy woodrose hay. The temperature and relative air humidity were registered, the black globe temperature and humidity index (BGHI) was calculated, and the rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and surface temperature (ST) were measured in the morning and afternoon. The experimental design was a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme, which consisted of three genotypes, two diets, and two periods, and five replications each. BGHI presented values of 81 in the shade and 90 in the sun and a significant difference (P 0.05) was observed for the studied variables in relation to the periods, with higher values in the afternoon. The average ST was 35.48 C in the morning and 38.11 C in the afternoon. Morada Nova presented the lowest RT and RR (P 0.05) among the genetic groups, with a higher tolerance to heat. The 30% substitution of tifton hay by hairy woodrose hay did not negatively affect the thermoregulatory capacity of sheep. The studied genetic groups were adapted and tolerant to climate conditions of the Brazilian semi-arid region.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho, avaliar e comparar as variáveis fisiológicas de três grupos genéticos de ovinos: Morada Nova, Somalis e mestiços de Dorper x Somalis com relação ao ambiente e à dieta no semiárido brasileiro, utilizando-se 30 animais, 10 de cada grupo genético, sendo que cinco tiveram 30% do feno de tífton substituído por feno de jitirana. Foi coletada a temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, calculado o ITGU e aferidas a temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC) e temperatura superficial (TS), nos turnos manhã e tarde. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), e o esquema fatorial 3x2x2, sendo três grupos genéticos, duas dietas e dois turnos, com cinco repetições cada. Os valores para ITGU foram de 81 na sombra e 90 no sol e houve diferença (P < 0,05) para as variáveis estudadas com relação aos turnos, sendo mais elevados à tarde. A TS média dos ovinos foi de 35,48 pela manhã e 38,11oC à tarde, e Morada Nova apresentou TR e FR menor (P < 0,05) entre os grupos genéticos e demonstraram maior tolerância ao calor. A substituição de 30% de feno de tífton por feno de Jitirana, não repercutiu negativamente na capacidade termorregulatória dos ovinos. Os grupos genéticos estudados apresentaram-se adaptados e tolerantes às condições climáticas do semiárido brasileiro.(AU)

Germination and initial development of Simira gardneriana M.R. Barbosa & Peixoto (Rubiaceae) seedlings under different temperatures and salinity levels / Germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de Simira gardneriana M.R. Barbosa & Peixoto (Rubiaceae) em diferentes temperaturas e níveis de salinidade

Simira gardneriana M.R. Barbosa & Peixoto (Rubiaceae) is a species exclusive to the Caatinga biome. It is used as forage, firewood, and in the construction of fence posts. Species from this biome are constantly subjected to abiotic stresses, including salt and thermal stress. Thus, we evaluated the effect of irrigation water salinity on the germination and initial development of S. gardneriana seedlings at different temperatures. The experiment used seeds with an initial moisture content of about 12.32%, arranged in a factorial scheme with eight levels of salinity, obtained by the addition of sodium chloride (NaCl), diluted in distilled water at concentrations of 0.0 (control), 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5 dS m-1, and the four temperatures 25, 30, 35, and 20-30°C, in four replicates of 25 seeds each. Salinity and temperature effects were evaluated based on germination, germination speed index, seedling shoot length, root length, shoot dry matter, root dry matter, and total dry matter. Increasing water salinity levels interfered with all variables analyzed in the germination of S. gardneriana seeds, especially at a temperature of 35°C. At temperatures of 25 and 30°C, seed germination and initial development were less affected by salinity. Simira gardneriana seeds are sensitive to salinity caused by the increase in NaCl from 1.5 dS m-1, which indicates a low tolerance of this species to saline environments. Our results show that the negative effect on the germination and initial development of S. gardneriana seedlings can be explained by the increase in salt levels and temperature, reducing their capacity to absorb water and nutrients, which indicates sensitivity responses of this species to salinity and thermal stress.(AU)

Simira gardneriana M.R. Barbosa & Peixoto (Rubiaceae), é uma espécie exclusiva do bioma Caatinga, utilizada como forrageira, e a madeira usada para lenha e estacas na construção de cercas. Espécies desse bioma são submetidas, constantemente, a estresses abióticos, entre eles o salino e o térmico. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da salinidade da água de irrigação na germinação e no desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de S. gardneriana em diferentes temperaturas. Nesse estudo foram utilizadas sementes com teor de água inicial em torno de 12,32% às quais foram arranjadas em esquema fatorial com oito níveis de salinidades, obtidos a partir da adição de cloreto de sódio (NaCl) e diluídos em água destilada nas concentrações de 0,0 (testemunha); 1,5; 2,5; 3,5; 4,5; 5,5; 6,5 e 7,5 dS m-1 e quatro temperaturas de 25, 30, 35 e 20-30 °C, em quatro repetições de 25 sementes cada. Os efeitos da salinidade e da temperatura foram avaliados por meio da germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz, massa seca da parte aérea e da raiz e total de plântulas. O aumento dos níveis de salinidade da água interfere em todas as variáveis analisadas na germinação de sementes de S. gardneriana, principalmente sob a temperatura de 35 °C. Nas temperaturas de 25 e 30 °C a germinação e o desenvolvimento inicial das sementes são menos afetados pela salinidade. As sementes de S. gardneriana são sensíveis à salinidade causada pelo aumento do NaCl a partir de 1,5 dS m-1, o que indica baixa tolerância desta espécie em ambientes salinos. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho mostram que o efeito negativo na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de S. gardneriana pode ser explicado pelo aumento dos níveis salinos e temperatura, reduzindo o poder da planta em absorver água e nutrientes, o que indica respostas de sensibilidade dessa espécie a salinidade e ao estresse térmico.(AU)

Germination and initial development of Simira gardneriana M.R. Barbosa & Peixoto (Rubiaceae) seedlings under different temperatures and salinity levels / Germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de Simira gardneriana M.R. Barbosa & Peixoto (Rubiaceae) em diferentes temperaturas e níveis de salinidade

Simira gardneriana M.R. Barbosa & Peixoto (Rubiaceae) is a species exclusive to the Caatinga biome. It is used as forage, firewood, and in the construction of fence posts. Species from this biome are constantly subjected to abiotic stresses, including salt and thermal stress. Thus, we evaluated the effect of irrigation water salinity on the germination and initial development of S. gardneriana seedlings at different temperatures. The experiment used seeds with an initial moisture content of about 12.32%, arranged in a factorial scheme with eight levels of salinity, obtained by the addition of sodium chloride (NaCl), diluted in distilled water at concentrations of 0.0 (control), 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5 dS m-1, and the four temperatures 25, 30, 35, and 20-30°C, in four replicates of 25 seeds each. Salinity and temperature effects were evaluated based on germination, germination speed index, seedling shoot length, root length, shoot dry matter, root dry matter, and total dry matter. Increasing water salinity levels interfered with all variables analyzed in the germination of S. gardneriana seeds, especially at a temperature of 35°C. At temperatures of 25 and 30°C, seed germination and initial development were less affected by salinity. Simira gardneriana seeds are sensitive to salinity caused by the increase in NaCl from 1.5 dS m-1, which indicates a low tolerance of this species to saline environments. Our results show that the negative effect on the germination and initial development of S. gardneriana seedlings can be explained by the increase in salt levels and temperature, reducing their capacity to absorb water and nutrients, which indicates sensitivity responses of this species to salinity and thermal stress.

Simira gardneriana M.R. Barbosa & Peixoto (Rubiaceae), é uma espécie exclusiva do bioma Caatinga, utilizada como forrageira, e a madeira usada para lenha e estacas na construção de cercas. Espécies desse bioma são submetidas, constantemente, a estresses abióticos, entre eles o salino e o térmico. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da salinidade da água de irrigação na germinação e no desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de S. gardneriana em diferentes temperaturas. Nesse estudo foram utilizadas sementes com teor de água inicial em torno de 12,32% às quais foram arranjadas em esquema fatorial com oito níveis de salinidades, obtidos a partir da adição de cloreto de sódio (NaCl) e diluídos em água destilada nas concentrações de 0,0 (testemunha); 1,5; 2,5; 3,5; 4,5; 5,5; 6,5 e 7,5 dS m-1 e quatro temperaturas de 25, 30, 35 e 20-30 °C, em quatro repetições de 25 sementes cada. Os efeitos da salinidade e da temperatura foram avaliados por meio da germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento da parte aérea e da raiz, massa seca da parte aérea e da raiz e total de plântulas. O aumento dos níveis de salinidade da água interfere em todas as variáveis analisadas na germinação de sementes de S. gardneriana, principalmente sob a temperatura de 35 °C. Nas temperaturas de 25 e 30 °C a germinação e o desenvolvimento inicial das sementes são menos afetados pela salinidade. As sementes de S. gardneriana são sensíveis à salinidade causada pelo aumento do NaCl a partir de 1,5 dS m-1, o que indica baixa tolerância desta espécie em ambientes salinos. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho mostram que o efeito negativo na germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas de S. gardneriana pode ser explicado pelo aumento dos níveis salinos e temperatura, reduzindo o poder da planta em absorver água e nutrientes, o que indica respostas de sensibilidade dessa espécie a salinidade e ao estresse térmico.

Assessment of indices of thermal stress indicators among male buffaloes reared in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon / Variáveis de clima e fisiologia para explicar índices indicadores de estresse térmico de búfalos criados na Amazônia Oriental

This research aimed to determine the most appropriate thermal comfort index for buffaloesreared in the Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil. Twenty male Murrah buffaloes were used, and data on climatevariables, rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperature (BST), and respiratory rate (RR) wererecorded. Subsequently, the following indices were calculated: Temperature and Humidity Index (THI),Global Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI), Benezras Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI), IbériasHeat Tolerance Index (IHTI), the general, effective, and practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic ConditionsIndices (BCCCIg, BCCCIe, and BCCCIp, respectively) and the general, effective, and practical BuffaloEnvironmental Comfort Indices (BECIg, BECIe, and BECIp, respectively) in the morning and afternoon.Higher values for THI, GTHI, RT, BST, RR, BTCI, BCCCIg, BCCCIe, BCCCIp, BECIg, BECIe, andBECIp were observed in the afternoon, and the highest IHTI values were found in the morning. A positivecorrelation was found among the physiological variables and THI, GTHI, BTCI, BCCCIg, BECIg,BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp, BECIp, while a negative correlation was found for RT and BST with IHTI. Theindices THI, GTHI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp, and BECIp were determined to be veryefficient to assess the thermal comfort status of buffaloes under the conditions of the present research.(AU)

A pesquisa objetivou determinar o índice de conforto térmico mais adequado para búfaloscriados na Amazônia Oriental, Pará, Brasil. Foram utilizados vinte búfalos Murrah. Foram registradosdados de variáveis climáticas e temperatura retal (TR), temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC) efrequência respiratória (FR), e foram calculados os índices: Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU),Índice de Temperatura de Globo e Umidade (ITGU), Índice de Conforto Térmico de Benezra (ICB),Índice de Tolerância ao Calor de Ibéria (ITCI), Índice de Condições Climáticas de Conforto para búfalosgeral (BCCCIg), efetivo (BCCCIe) e prático (BCCCIp) e Índice de Conforto Ambiental para búfalos geral(BECIg), efetivo (BECIe) e prático (BECIp), nos períodos da manhã e da tarde. Foram observados valoresde ITU, ITGU, TR, TSC, FR, ICB, BCCCIg, BCCCIe, BCCCIp, BECIg, BECIe e BECIp mais elevados à tarde. Os maiores valores de ITCI foram encontrados de manhã. Houve correlação positiva entre as variáveis fisiológicas e ITU, ITGU, ITCI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIp, enquanto uma correlação negativa foi encontrada para TR e TSC com ITCI. Os índices THI, GTHI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp e BECIp são eficientes para avaliar o estado de conforto térmico dos búfalos na Amazônia Oriental.(AU)

Assessment of indices of thermal stress indicators among male buffaloes reared in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon / Variáveis de clima e fisiologia para explicar índices indicadores de estresse térmico de búfalos criados na Amazônia Oriental

This research aimed to determine the most appropriate thermal comfort index for buffaloesreared in the Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil. Twenty male Murrah buffaloes were used, and data on climatevariables, rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperature (BST), and respiratory rate (RR) wererecorded. Subsequently, the following indices were calculated: Temperature and Humidity Index (THI),Global Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI), Benezra’s Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI), Ibéria’sHeat Tolerance Index (IHTI), the general, effective, and practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic ConditionsIndices (BCCCIg, BCCCIe, and BCCCIp, respectively) and the general, effective, and practical BuffaloEnvironmental Comfort Indices (BECIg, BECIe, and BECIp, respectively) in the morning and afternoon.Higher values for THI, GTHI, RT, BST, RR, BTCI, BCCCIg, BCCCIe, BCCCIp, BECIg, BECIe, andBECIp were observed in the afternoon, and the highest IHTI values were found in the morning. A positivecorrelation was found among the physiological variables and THI, GTHI, BTCI, BCCCIg, BECIg,BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp, BECIp, while a negative correlation was found for RT and BST with IHTI. Theindices THI, GTHI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp, and BECIp were determined to be veryefficient to assess the thermal comfort status of buffaloes under the conditions of the present research.

A pesquisa objetivou determinar o índice de conforto térmico mais adequado para búfaloscriados na Amazônia Oriental, Pará, Brasil. Foram utilizados vinte búfalos Murrah. Foram registradosdados de variáveis climáticas e temperatura retal (TR), temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC) efrequência respiratória (FR), e foram calculados os índices: Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU),Índice de Temperatura de Globo e Umidade (ITGU), Índice de Conforto Térmico de Benezra (ICB),Índice de Tolerância ao Calor de Ibéria (ITCI), Índice de Condições Climáticas de Conforto para búfalosgeral (BCCCIg), efetivo (BCCCIe) e prático (BCCCIp) e Índice de Conforto Ambiental para búfalos geral(BECIg), efetivo (BECIe) e prático (BECIp), nos períodos da manhã e da tarde. Foram observados valoresde ITU, ITGU, TR, TSC, FR, ICB, BCCCIg, BCCCIe, BCCCIp, BECIg, BECIe e BECIp mais elevados à tarde. Os maiores valores de ITCI foram encontrados de manhã. Houve correlação positiva entre as variáveis fisiológicas e ITU, ITGU, ITCI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIp, enquanto uma correlação negativa foi encontrada para TR e TSC com ITCI. Os índices THI, GTHI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp e BECIp são eficientes para avaliar o estado de conforto térmico dos búfalos na Amazônia Oriental.

Crescimento comparativo e tolerância ao calor de cabritos de diferentes grupos genéticos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Comparative growth and heat tolerance of crossbred goats in Rio de Janeiro State

This study evaluated the comparative growth of 125 feedlot goats of distinct genetic groups (GG): 34 ½ Saanen (SA) + ½ Parda Alpine (PA), 33 ½ SA + ½ Anglo-Nubian (AN), 30 ¾ SA + » PA, and 28 three cross ½ Boer (BO) + » AN + » SA. There was a significative difference (P<0.01) in birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and slaughter weight (SW) between GG. The BW, WW and SW were significantly influenced (P<0.01) by kid sex and birth type. There was a significant difference (P<0.01) between pre-weaning and post-weaning daily weight gain. The weight gain during these periods was significantly influenced (P<0.01) by GG, kid sex and birth type. Pre-weaning aver-age daily weight gains were higher (P<0.01) compared to post-weaning. There was a difference in body temperature (BT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) between GG in the morning (P<0.05) and in the afternoon (P<0.01). The ½ SA + ½ AN and three cross goats had lower BT, RR and HR than ½ SA + ½ PA and ¾ SA + » PA animals. Application of the heat tolerance index proposed by Baccari Junior showed a higher index for ½ SA + ½ AN and three cross goats compared to ½ SA + ½ PA and ¾ SA + ½ PA animals, demonstrating that the former are more tolerant to the climate conditions of the Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro State.

Foi avaliado o crescimento comparativo de 125 cabritos de diferentes grupos genéticos (GG), sendo 34 ½ Saanen (SA) + ½ Parda Alpina (PA), 33 ½ SA + ½ Anglo-nubiana (AN), 30 ¾ SA + » PA e 28 three cross ½ Bôer (BO) + » AN » + » SA, confinados. A análise estatística revelou diferença (P<0,01) entre os GG, entre peso ao nascer (PN), a desmama (PD) e ao abate (PA). O PN, PD e PA foram influenciados (P<0,01) pelo sexo da cria e tipo de nascimento. Houve diferença (P<0,01) entre o ganho de peso diário no período pré e pós-desmama. Os ganhos de pesos nesses períodos foram influenciados (P<0,01) pelo GG, sexo da cria e tipo de nascimento (P<0,01). Os ganhos de peso médio diário no período pré-desmama foram maiores (P<0,01) em relação ao pós-desmama. Houve diferença na temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC) entre os GG, pela manhã (P<0,05) e a tarde (P<0,01). Os cabritos (½ SA + ½ AN) e o three cross apresentaram a TR, FR e FC mais baixas do que os (½ SA + ½ PA) e (¾ SA + » PA). Pela aplicação do índice de tolerância ao calor (ITC) proposto por Baccari Júnior, os cabritos ½ SA + ½ AN e o three cross obtiveram o ITC mais alto do que o ½ SA + ½ PA e o ¾ SA + ½ PA, revelando-se mais tolerantes às condições climáticas da Baixada Fluminense, Estado do Rio de Janeiro.