RESUMO
This study establishes the serological frequency against Neospora caninum on day zero and the presence of N. caninum DNA surveyed throughout the gestation of Bubalus bubalis females in a bovine buffalo system in the central zone of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Blood samples were taken from 11 females in 6 different sampling periods and analyzed for N. caninum antibodies detection on day zero. DNA detection by PCR was performed on all sampling periods. The gestation months of the females were recorded for five trimesters by ultrasonography, as well as births and pregnancy losses. Recorded seropositivity and positivity for agent DNA were 90.9% (95% CI 58.7-9.7) and 36.3% (95% CI 10.9-69.2), respectively, on day zero. N. caninum DNA was detected between 18.1% (95% CI 2.3-51.7) and 45.4% (95% CI 16.7-76.6) over the five trimesters of observation, with three births and three abortions recorded. The studied water buffalo population had a high presence of N. caninum antibodies; however, the detection of N. caninum DNA remained below 47% in the females. The association was only observed in the detection of DNA with pregnant females (P 0.007). Our results support the hypothesis of the resistance of water buffaloes to infection and the onset of clinical signs against infection by N. caninum even upon a high possibility of infection and reinfection described in this production system in Mexico.
RESUMO
Crossbred dairy cows differ in productive and reproductive traits compared to purebred Holsteins. The objectives of this study were to breed Holstein, Jersey, Montbeliarde and Swedish Red using a breed rotational crossbreeding system and evaluate some productive and reproductive performance. Imported Holstein cows were used H (n = 200) as the basis for crossbreeding. The genetic groups obtained in first lactation were: 1) H (n = 44); 2) F1J (50% Holstein and 50% Jersey, n = 58); 3) F1M (50% Holstein and 50% Montbeliarde, n = 72); 4) HJS (25% Holstein, 25% Jersey and 50% Swedish Red, n = 53). Percentage of cows removed was higher (P = 0.05) in H (15%) than crossbred cows (5%). Days open period was greater (P = 0.03) in H (160.8 ± 21.7) than F1J (108.6 ± 9.5), F1M (121.6 ± 9.1) and HJS (121.6 ± 11.8) Projected calving interval was higher (P = 0.03) in H (443.8 ± 21.7 days) than F1J (388.4 ± 9.4), F1M (401.0 ± 8.8), HJS (402.9 ± 13.7). Holstein cows (10,040.9 ± 232.2 kg) produced more milk (P = 0.0001) than F1J (9.050 ± 161.4), F1M (8,866.0 ± 157.4) and HJS cows (8,856.3 ± 160.0). All variables were similar between the crosses (P = 0.10) Services per conception were similar (P = 0.10) in all groups. In conclusion, crossbred cows, regardless of the genotype, had lower percentage of cows removed from the herd, less days open and calving interval than Holstein. However, Holstein cows produced more milk than crossbreds.
La heterosis en ganado lechero cambia los parámetros productivos y reproductivos comparados con el ganado Holstein puro. El objetivo fue realizar cruzamientos rotativos con Holstein, Jersey, Montbeliarde y Sueco rojo y medir algunos rendimientos productivos y reproductivos. En los cruzamientos se usaron como base, vacas Holstein importadas (H; n = 200). Los grupos genéticos obtenidos de primera lactancia fueron: 1) H (n = 44), 2) F1J (50% Holstein y 50% Jersey; n = 58), 3) F1M (50% Holstein y 50% Montbeliarde; n = 72), 4) HJS (25% H, 25% J y 50% Sueco rojo S; n = 53). El porcentaje de vacas destinadas al rastro fue mayor (P = 0.05) en H (15%) que en las cruzas (5%). El periodo de días abiertos se prolongó (P = 0.03) en vacas H (160.8 ± 21.7), comparadas con las F1J (108.6 ± 9.5), F1M (121.6 ± 9.1) y HJS (121.6 ± 11.8). El intervalo de partos proyectado se incrementó (P = 0.03) en H (443.8 ± 21.7 días), comparado con las cruzas F1J (388.4 ± 9.4), F1M (401.0 ± 8.8), HJS (402.9 ± 13.7). Las vacas H (10,040.9 ± 232.2 kg) produjeron más (P = 0.0001) leche que las F1J (9,050 ± 161.4), F1M (8,866.0 ± 157.4) y HJS (8,856.3 ± 160.0). Todas las variables fueron similares entre las cruzas (P = 0.10). Los servicios por concepción fueron similares (P = 0.10) en todos los grupos. En conclusión, las vacas con heterosis, sin importar el genotipo, tuvieron un menor porcentaje de rastro, días abiertos e intervalo de partos que las Holstein, aunque éstas tuvieron una mayor producción.
