Phenotypic characterization and weight prediction of crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês ewes / Caracterização fenotípica e predição do peso de ovelhas mestiças Dorper × Santa Inês

The objective was to determine zoometric indices, correlate, and predict body weight based on the biometric measurements of F1 Dorper × Santa Inês (F1 D × SI) ewes created extensively. Were 25 F1 D × SI sheep monitored, with ages varying from 2 to 9 months. Body weight, thoracic perimeter, belly perimeter, body length, withers height, rump height, rump width, and rump length were measured on a monthly basis and zoometric indices were estimated from them. Descriptive data analysis, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were performed. The biometric measurements and zoometric indices of F1 D × SI ewes indicate an animal of aptitude for cutting, with good conformation. In addition, they demonstrate favorable aspects for reproduction, a fundamental characteristic in the selection of matrices. Body weight has a high and positive correlation for all characteristics analyzed, with values ranging from 0.74 of the rump length to 0.88 of the thoracic perimeter. The regressions for all biometric measurements were highly significant (P 0.0001) with an emphasis on the thoracic perimeter that has the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.77), the other measures presented below 0.70. It was concluded that F1 Dorper × Santa Inês ewes have characteristics for meat production and for reproduction. Also, of the biometric measurements, the thoracic perimeter can be used to predict the body weight of F1 Dorper × Santa Inês ewes.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar índices zoométricos, correlacionar e predizer o peso corporal a partir das medidas biométricas de fêmeas F1 Dorper × Santa Inês (F1 D × SI) criadas extensivamente. Foram acompanhadas 25 fêmeas ovinas F1 D × SI, com idades variando de 2 a 9 meses. Mensurou-se mensalmente o peso corporal, perímetro torácico, perímetro de barriga, comprimento corporal, altura de cernelha, altura de garupa, largura de garupa, comprimento de garupa e a partir dos mesmos estimou-se os índices zoométricos. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados, correlação de Pearson e análise de regressão. As medidas biométricas e os índices zoométricos das fêmeas F1 D × SI indicam um animal de aptidão para corte, com boa conformação, além disso, demonstram aspectos favoráveis para reprodução, característica fundamental na seleção de matrizes. O peso corporal apresenta correlação alta e positiva para todas as características analisadas, com valores variando de 0,74 do comprimento de garupa a 0,88 de perímetro torácico. As regressões para todas as medidas biométricas foram altamente significativas (P 0,0001) com destaque para o perímetro torácico que apresenta o maior coeficiente de determinação (R² = 0,77), as demais medidas apresentaram abaixo de 0,70. Conclui-se que as fêmeas F1 Dorper × Santa Inês apresentam características para produção de carne e para reprodução. E que das medidas biométricas, o perímetro torácico, pode ser utilizado para predição do peso corporal das fêmeas F1 Dorper × Santa Inês.(AU)

Phenotypic characterization and weight prediction of crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês ewes / Caracterização fenotípica e predição do peso de ovelhas mestiças Dorper × Santa Inês

The objective was to determine zoometric indices, correlate, and predict body weight based on the biometric measurements of F1 Dorper × Santa Inês (F1 D × SI) ewes created extensively. Were 25 F1 D × SI sheep monitored, with ages varying from 2 to 9 months. Body weight, thoracic perimeter, belly perimeter, body length, withers height, rump height, rump width, and rump length were measured on a monthly basis and zoometric indices were estimated from them. Descriptive data analysis, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were performed. The biometric measurements and zoometric indices of F1 D × SI ewes indicate an animal of aptitude for cutting, with good conformation. In addition, they demonstrate favorable aspects for reproduction, a fundamental characteristic in the selection of matrices. Body weight has a high and positive correlation for all characteristics analyzed, with values ranging from 0.74 of the rump length to 0.88 of the thoracic perimeter. The regressions for all biometric measurements were highly significant (P 0.0001) with an emphasis on the thoracic perimeter that has the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.77), the other measures presented below 0.70. It was concluded that F1 Dorper × Santa Inês ewes have characteristics for meat production and for reproduction. Also, of the biometric measurements, the thoracic perimeter can be used to predict the body weight of F1 Dorper × Santa Inês ewes.

Objetivou-se determinar índices zoométricos, correlacionar e predizer o peso corporal a partir das medidas biométricas de fêmeas F1 Dorper × Santa Inês (F1 D × SI) criadas extensivamente. Foram acompanhadas 25 fêmeas ovinas F1 D × SI, com idades variando de 2 a 9 meses. Mensurou-se mensalmente o peso corporal, perímetro torácico, perímetro de barriga, comprimento corporal, altura de cernelha, altura de garupa, largura de garupa, comprimento de garupa e a partir dos mesmos estimou-se os índices zoométricos. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados, correlação de Pearson e análise de regressão. As medidas biométricas e os índices zoométricos das fêmeas F1 D × SI indicam um animal de aptidão para corte, com boa conformação, além disso, demonstram aspectos favoráveis para reprodução, característica fundamental na seleção de matrizes. O peso corporal apresenta correlação alta e positiva para todas as características analisadas, com valores variando de 0,74 do comprimento de garupa a 0,88 de perímetro torácico. As regressões para todas as medidas biométricas foram altamente significativas (P 0,0001) com destaque para o perímetro torácico que apresenta o maior coeficiente de determinação (R² = 0,77), as demais medidas apresentaram abaixo de 0,70. Conclui-se que as fêmeas F1 Dorper × Santa Inês apresentam características para produção de carne e para reprodução. E que das medidas biométricas, o perímetro torácico, pode ser utilizado para predição do peso corporal das fêmeas F1 Dorper × Santa Inês.

Behavioral and physiological responses of crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows and their interaction with the milker in two milking systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioral and physiological responses of dairy cows and their interaction with the milker in two types of milking systems. The experiment was conducted in two farms, in the Coração de Jesus city, Brazil, where the surface temperature (TS, °C), rectal temperature (TR, °C), respiratory rate (RR, breaths.min-1) and heart rate (HR, beats.min-1) of 44 crossbred cows during the morning shift on twelve days of data collection at each farm. It was monitored the meteorological variables: the black globe temperature (TGN, °C), air temperature (TAR, °C), relative humidity (RH, %) and wind speed (V, m.s-1). Observations about human behavior, negative patterns (tapping, yelling, and pushing) and positive patterns (talking, groping, and naming) were made without people being aware of their nature. The behavioral data observed in the animals were: vocalization (VOC), defecation (DEF), micturition (MIC) and movement (MOV) and milking time (TOR) was also recorded. The physiological variables were significant among farms, except heart rate. The talking, naming, pushing and shouting actions were not significant, only groping and hitting. The behavior occurrences VOC, MIC, and MOV of cows were low. The TO presented a positive correlation (P <0.01) with TS, TR, and HR and negative correlation (P <0.01) with RR. Under the conditions of this experiment, the type of milking system influenced the physiological responses. The milking system of type "bucket at the bottom" provided greater contact between the milker and the cow, leading to a greater negative interaction reflected by the defecation behavior.

Behavioral and physiological responses of crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows and their interaction with the milker in two milking systems

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioral and physiological responses of dairy cows and their interaction with the milker in two types of milking systems. The experiment was conducted in two farms, in the Coração de Jesus city, Brazil, where the surface temperature (TS, °C), rectal temperature (TR, °C), respiratory rate (RR, breaths.min-1) and heart rate (HR, beats.min-1) of 44 crossbred cows during the morning shift on twelve days of data collection at each farm. It was monitored the meteorological variables: the black globe temperature (TGN, °C), air temperature (TAR, °C), relative humidity (RH, %) and wind speed (V, m.s-1). Observations about human behavior, negative patterns (tapping, yelling, and pushing) and positive patterns (talking, groping, and naming) were made without people being aware of their nature. The behavioral data observed in the animals were: vocalization (VOC), defecation (DEF), micturition (MIC) and movement (MOV) and milking time (TOR) was also recorded. The physiological variables were significant among farms, except heart rate. The talking, naming, pushing and shouting actions were not significant, only groping and hitting. The behavior occurrences VOC, MIC, and MOV of cows were low. The TO presented a positive correlation (P <0.01) with TS, TR, and HR and negative correlation (P <0.01) with RR. Under the conditions of this experiment, the type of milking system influenced the physiological responses. The milking system of type "bucket at the bottom" provided greater contact between the milker and the cow, leading to a greater negative interaction reflected by the defecation behavior.(AU)

Biophysical responses of Santa Inês and crossbred Santa Inês-Dorper (F1) ewes to a hot environment

This study aimed to evaluate the biophysical responses of Santa Inês ewes and crossbred Santa Inês-Dorper ewes in a hot environment. Physiological parameters were measured: rectal temperature, respiratory rate, coat surface temperature, skin surface temperature, and heart rate. Biophysical parameters were also calculated: heat exchanges by cutaneous convection and radiation, as well as heat storage and thermal conduction in fleece. Throughout the collection period, meteorological variables were similarly monitored. The statistical design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 2 (two genotypes and two shifts). According to meteorological variables, the afternoon shift introduced itself with greater heat stress compared with the morning shift. The effect of interaction between genotypes and shifts for respiratory rate, rectal temperature, skin surface temperature, and hair coat surface temperature showed that genotypes exhibit different physiological behavior under similar heat stress situations. Heart rate had the effect of two sources of variation. As for the biophysical parameters, radiation and conduction exchanges in fleece presenting with the shift effect. Heat storage was slightly higher in Santa Inês ewes than in their crossbred Santa Inês-Dorper ewes. It was therefore concluded that crossbred ewes use physiological mechanisms more vigorously to perform heat exchanges, similar to Santa Inês ewes, which have become more adapted to a hot environment.

Biophysical responses of Santa Inês and crossbred Santa Inês-Dorper (F1) ewes to a hot environment

This study aimed to evaluate the biophysical responses of Santa Inês ewes and crossbred Santa Inês-Dorper ewes in a hot environment. Physiological parameters were measured: rectal temperature, respiratory rate, coat surface temperature, skin surface temperature, and heart rate. Biophysical parameters were also calculated: heat exchanges by cutaneous convection and radiation, as well as heat storage and thermal conduction in fleece. Throughout the collection period, meteorological variables were similarly monitored. The statistical design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 2 (two genotypes and two shifts). According to meteorological variables, the afternoon shift introduced itself with greater heat stress compared with the morning shift. The effect of interaction between genotypes and shifts for respiratory rate, rectal temperature, skin surface temperature, and hair coat surface temperature showed that genotypes exhibit different physiological behavior under similar heat stress situations. Heart rate had the effect of two sources of variation. As for the biophysical parameters, radiation and conduction exchanges in fleece presenting with the shift effect. Heat storage was slightly higher in Santa Inês ewes than in their crossbred Santa Inês-Dorper ewes. It was therefore concluded that crossbred ewes use physiological mechanisms more vigorously to perform heat exchanges, similar to Santa Inês ewes, which have become more adapted to a hot environment. (AU)

Morphological characteristics of hair coat in crossbred animals / Características morfológicas do pelame de vacas mestiças

The objective was to evaluate annual variation the morphological characteristics of the hair coat of the cows crossbred Holstein x Gir, ½ and ¾ of the Holstein in Salinas Minas Gerais region. The morphological characteristics of the hair coat were: coat thickness, hair length, number of hair/cm2. Hair coat samples were held in each season (spring, summer, autumn and winter). The climatic characterization of the seasons was obtained from data provided by National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Data for hair coat characteristics were subjected to variance analysis of according to a completely randomized factorial design (two degrees of blood and four seasons). The season effect showed that haircoat of the crossbred cows adjusted with environmental variables. And the length and number of hair/cm2 were higher in animals ¾ Holstein. It was concluded that crossbred animals have short hair coat, very dense and well seated, especially in summer. ½ Holstein showed less dense hair coat and shorter than ¾ Holstein.

O objetivo foi avaliar a variação anual das características morfológicas de pelame de vacas mestiças Holandesas x Gir, ½ e ¾ de Holandês da região de Salinas Minas Gerais. As características morfológicas do pelame estudadas foram: espessura da capa, comprimento médio dos pelos e densidade numérica. A coleta de pelos foi realizada em cada estação climática (primavera, verão, outono e inverno). A caracterização climática das estações do ano foram obtidas a partir dos dados disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (Inmet). Os dados para as características morfológicas do pelame foram submetidos à análise de variância seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial (dois graus de sangue e quatros estações climáticas). Encontrou-se efeito de estação do ano, demonstrando que o pelame das vacas mestiças se ajusta com as variáveis ambientais. E o comprimento e número de pelos/cm2 apresentaram-se maiores nos animais ¾ Holandês. Conclui-se que os animais mestiços estudados possuem pelame curto, pouco denso e bem assentado, principalmente no verão. Os animais ½ Holandês apresentaram pelame menos denso e mais curto que os animais ¾ Holandês.

Morphological characteristics of hair coat in crossbred animals / Características morfológicas do pelame de vacas mestiças

The objective was to evaluate annual variation the morphological characteristics of the hair coat of the cows crossbred Holstein x Gir, ½ and ¾ of the Holstein in Salinas Minas Gerais region. The morphological characteristics of the hair coat were: coat thickness, hair length, number of hair/cm2. Hair coat samples were held in each season (spring, summer, autumn and winter). The climatic characterization of the seasons was obtained from data provided by National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Data for hair coat characteristics were subjected to variance analysis of according to a completely randomized factorial design (two degrees of blood and four seasons). The season effect showed that haircoat of the crossbred cows adjusted with environmental variables. And the length and number of hair/cm2 were higher in animals ¾ Holstein. It was concluded that crossbred animals have short hair coat, very dense and well seated, especially in summer. ½ Holstein showed less dense hair coat and shorter than ¾ Holstein.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar a variação anual das características morfológicas de pelame de vacas mestiças Holandesas x Gir, ½ e ¾ de Holandês da região de Salinas Minas Gerais. As características morfológicas do pelame estudadas foram: espessura da capa, comprimento médio dos pelos e densidade numérica. A coleta de pelos foi realizada em cada estação climática (primavera, verão, outono e inverno). A caracterização climática das estações do ano foram obtidas a partir dos dados disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (Inmet). Os dados para as características morfológicas do pelame foram submetidos à análise de variância seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial (dois graus de sangue e quatros estações climáticas). Encontrou-se efeito de estação do ano, demonstrando que o pelame das vacas mestiças se ajusta com as variáveis ambientais. E o comprimento e número de pelos/cm2 apresentaram-se maiores nos animais ¾ Holandês. Conclui-se que os animais mestiços estudados possuem pelame curto, pouco denso e bem assentado, principalmente no verão. Os animais ½ Holandês apresentaram pelame menos denso e mais curto que os animais ¾ Holandês.(AU)