Geographical distribution of zebu breeds and their relationship with environmental variables and the human development index

The environment is vital to the agricultural sector since it can cause adversities throughout the entire productive chain. This study evaluated the geographical distribution of zebu breeds in Brazil and correlated their occurrence with environmental variables and the human development index. Herds of purebred zebu cattle (Bos indicus) in Brazil were classified as beef, dairy, and dual-purpose breeds, and all breeds were spatialized in the ArcGIS program. Environmental (precipitation, temperature, relative humidity index) and the human development index (HDI) were examined. We conducted regression and logistic analyses. Zebu cattle showed a lower distribution in the Northeastern states compared to other locations, possibly due to harsh weather conditions, namely long periods of high temperatures and lower precipitation, directly affecting local livestock. Beef breeds were evenly spread throughout the country in regions influenced by environmental variables of higher precipitation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), temperature, relative humidity (RH), and temperature humidity index (THI), as well as properties without smallholder farmers and rivers and streams with riparian vegetation. The regions for dual-purpose and dairy breeds were predominantly cultivated with cutting forages (e.g., sugarcane - Saccharum officinarum), with the integration of crops, livestock and/or forestry (i.e., combining different activities in the same area) and areas with a rotational grazing system (i.e., grazing management), indicating a higher occupation in fertile lands. The Gir breed, the only dairy breed evaluated in this study, was seen in establishments with smallholder farmers, characterized by small to medium farms, and in regions at higher altitudes.

Bovine landscape genetics in Brazil

The aim of this study was to explore spatial genetic structure patterns in cattle breeds adapted to local conditions in Brazil. We georeferenced 876 animals of ten breeds raised in Brazil kept in the Genebank of Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) by sample locations using the QGIS 2.4.0 software. The Mantel tests, spatial autocorrelation, and Monmonier tests were performed. The distances for spatial correlation tests ranged from 5 to 15 classes. The results indicated genetic discontinuities in cattle breeds from the Midwest, South, and Southeast of the country. Correlation between genetic and geographic distance was low, but significant. The Monmonier Maximum Distance Algorithm indicated an initial subdivision of Curraleiro and then Pantaneiro from the other breeds. In another subdivision, Criollo, Mocho Nacional, and Caracu were grouped. Genetic discontinuity was observed beyond 431 km, the minimum sampling distance between populations for conservation purposes.

Bovine landscape genetics in Brazil

The aim of this study was to explore spatial genetic structure patterns in cattle breeds adapted to local conditions in Brazil. We georeferenced 876 animals of ten breeds raised in Brazil kept in the Genebank of Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) by sample locations using the QGIS 2.4.0 software. The Mantel tests, spatial autocorrelation, and Monmonier tests were performed. The distances for spatial correlation tests ranged from 5 to 15 classes. The results indicated genetic discontinuities in cattle breeds from the Midwest, South, and Southeast of the country. Correlation between genetic and geographic distance was low, but significant. The Monmonier Maximum Distance Algorithm indicated an initial subdivision of Curraleiro and then Pantaneiro from the other breeds. In another subdivision, Criollo, Mocho Nacional, and Caracu were grouped. Genetic discontinuity was observed beyond 431 km, the minimum sampling distance between populations for conservation purposes.(AU)

Temporal and spatial patterns in the detection of veterinary drug residues in poultry and swine in Brazil / Padrões temporais e espaciais na detecção de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em aves e suínos no Brasil

Food Safety is an important topic for public health and international trade in food. Residues of veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants in animal products can cause diseases and acute toxicity in organisms exposed to these substances. This study evaluated official monitoring data of veterinary drug residues from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply in tissues of poultry and swine in the period between 2002 and 2014 to check for hidden patterns in the occurrence of six common drugs (Closantel, Diclazuril, Nicarbazin, Sulfaquinoxaline, Doxycycline and Sulfamethazinein). The analysis of data was performed by using two machine learning methods: decision tree and neural networks, in addition to visual evaluation through graphs and maps. Contamination rates were low, varying from 0 to 0.66%. A spatial distribution pattern of detections of substances by region was identified, but no pattern of temporal distribution was observed. Nevertless, regressions showed an increase in levels when these substances were detected, so monitoring should continue. However, the results show that the products monitored during the study period presented a low risk to public health.(AU)

A Segurança Alimentar é um tema importante para a saúde pública e o comércio internacional de alimentos. Resíduos de medicamentos veterinários e contaminantes ambientais em produtos de origem animal podem causar doenças e toxicidade aguda em organismos expostos a essas substâncias. Este estudo avaliou dados oficiais de monitoramento de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento em tecidos de aves e suínos no período de 2002 a 2014 para verificar padrões ocultos na ocorrência de seis medicamentos comuns (Closantel, Diclazuril, Nicarbazina, Sulfaquinoxalina, Doxiciclina e Sulfametazina). A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de dois métodos de aprendizado de máquina: árvore de decisão e redes neurais, além da avaliação visual por meio de gráficos e mapas. As taxas de contaminação foram baixas, variando de 0 a 0,66%. Foi identificado um padrão de distribuição espacial das detecções de substâncias por região, mas nenhum padrão de distribuição temporal foi observado. No entanto, as regressões mostraram um aumento nos níveis quando essas substâncias foram detectadas, portanto, o monitoramento deve continuar. No entanto, os resultados mostram que os produtos monitorados durante o período do estudo apresentaram baixo risco à saúde pública.(AU)

Bovine landscape genetics in Brazil

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to explore spatial genetic structure patterns in cattle breeds adapted to local conditions in Brazil. We georeferenced 876 animals of ten breeds raised in Brazil kept in the Genebank of Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) by sample locations using the QGIS 2.4.0 software. The Mantel tests, spatial autocorrelation, and Monmonier tests were performed. The distances for spatial correlation tests ranged from 5 to 15 classes. The results indicated genetic discontinuities in cattle breeds from the Midwest, South, and Southeast of the country. Correlation between genetic and geographic distance was low, but significant. The Monmonier Maximum Distance Algorithm indicated an initial subdivision of Curraleiro and then Pantaneiro from the other breeds. In another subdivision, Criollo, Mocho Nacional, and Caracu were grouped. Genetic discontinuity was observed beyond 431 km, the minimum sampling distance between populations for conservation purposes.

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)

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.

Carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of Santa Inês lamb fed banana leftovers

The use of new feed resources, particularly local agroindustrial byproducts, such as banana, may be an option for replacing those traditionally used for sheep feed to reduce production costs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary effects of replacing corn bran with banana leftovers on performance, carcass, non-carcass components, meat traits, and fatty acid profile of Santa Inês lambs. Twenty-four Santa Inês female lambs with an average weight of 23.73 kg were fed diets containing 60 % coast cross hay and 40 % concentrate (30 % corn bran and 10 % soybean meal). Treatments consisted of corn bran replaced by banana leftovers at rates of 0, 25, 50, and 75 % on a dry matter basis. The experiment lasted 120 days. Animals were slaughtered and carcasses and non-carcass components were evaluated. The half-carcasses were weighed and sectioned into commercial cuts. The 12th and 13th ribs were dissected to collect bones, muscle and fat proportions. Cooking loss, color, shear force and sarcomere length were measured. Fatty acid profiles were obtained by gas chromatography. Hot and cold carcass weight, leg, neck, lung, loin eye area, fat thickness, initial sample weight of the 12th and 13th ribs, fat and bone, presented a negative linear effect of banana leftovers replacing corn in the diet. Loin, fat thickness, cooking loss and carcass redness showed a negative quadratic effect, while full and empty abomasum, full omasum, sarcomere length and yellowness presented a positive quadratic effect. Replacement of up to 75 % of corn bran by banana leftovers did not interfere in the intake, performance, meat traits and the fatty acid profile of lambs. The use of banana leftovers may be an alternative for reducing animal production costs.

Genetic material from buffalo and cattle: crucial importance in the formalization of bilateral trade between India and Brazil

The trade in live animals between India and Brazil dates from the late nineteenth century when European travellers traded animals of Indian origin for display in zoos. Considering the origin of coffee and sugar cane, as well as the expertise related to mineral evaluation, we need to consider that India was involved in important economic cycles of Brazil, even indirectly. This virtuous flow of trade has been maintained and intensified throughout modern history, especially after these two nations gained political independence from their colonisers, thereby becoming independent in mercantile affairs. This paper addresses the main points related to the use of animals of Indian origin in Brazil. We revisit some of the historical aspects of the process of colonisation of Brazil, as well as the importation of animals from India. The restrictions imposed on this process due to the occurrence of diseases in cattle and buffalo in India will be examined. At the end of the text, emphasis will be given to the risks of introducing exotic diseases into Brazil.

Carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of Santa Inês lamb fed banana leftovers

The use of new feed resources, particularly local agroindustrial byproducts, such as banana, may be an option for replacing those traditionally used for sheep feed to reduce production costs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary effects of replacing corn bran with banana leftovers on performance, carcass, non-carcass components, meat traits, and fatty acid profile of Santa Inês lambs. Twenty-four Santa Inês female lambs with an average weight of 23.73 kg were fed diets containing 60 % coast cross hay and 40 % concentrate (30 % corn bran and 10 % soybean meal). Treatments consisted of corn bran replaced by banana leftovers at rates of 0, 25, 50, and 75 % on a dry matter basis. The experiment lasted 120 days. Animals were slaughtered and carcasses and non-carcass components were evaluated. The half-carcasses were weighed and sectioned into commercial cuts. The 12th and 13th ribs were dissected to collect bones, muscle and fat proportions. Cooking loss, color, shear force and sarcomere length were measured. Fatty acid profiles were obtained by gas chromatography. Hot and cold carcass weight, leg, neck, lung, loin eye area, fat thickness, initial sample weight of the 12th and 13th ribs, fat and bone, presented a negative linear effect of banana leftovers replacing corn in the diet. Loin, fat thickness, cooking loss and carcass redness showed a negative quadratic effect, while full and empty abomasum, full omasum, sarcomere length and yellowness presented a positive quadratic effect. Replacement of up to 75 % of corn bran by banana leftovers did not interfere in the intake, performance, meat traits and the fatty acid profile of lambs. The use of banana leftovers may be an alternative for reducing animal production costs.(AU)

Genetic material from buffalo and cattle: crucial importance in the formalization of bilateral trade between India and Brazil

The trade in live animals between India and Brazil dates from the late nineteenth century when European travellers traded animals of Indian origin for display in zoos. Considering the origin of coffee and sugar cane, as well as the expertise related to mineral evaluation, we need to consider that India was involved in important economic cycles of Brazil, even indirectly. This virtuous flow of trade has been maintained and intensified throughout modern history, especially after these two nations gained political independence from their colonisers, thereby becoming independent in mercantile affairs. This paper addresses the main points related to the use of animals of Indian origin in Brazil. We revisit some of the historical aspects of the process of colonisation of Brazil, as well as the importation of animals from India. The restrictions imposed on this process due to the occurrence of diseases in cattle and buffalo in India will be examined. At the end of the text, emphasis will be given to the risks of introducing exotic diseases into Brazil.(AU)

Modelling beef cattle production systems from the Pampas in Brazil to assess intensification options

Traditional livestock productivity is hard to estimate, since it depends on a gamut of animal production indicators that are difficult to measure for many farms. Thus, we propose an analytical method for estimating productivity and understanding the importance of animal production indicators under different full-cycle cattle production systems in Brazil. To evaluate the impact of these indicators, equations were derived from a comutational model of herd evolution for estimating the output parameters of the system as follows: productivity per hectare (PH) and offtake rate (COR), as a function of the indicators; calving rate (CR), mating age (AM), age of slaughter (AS) and stocking rate (SR). For this analysis, twenty-seven scenarios (simulation data) of low to high productivity were used, resulting from the combination of the following factors and levels: 1) calving rate of 50, 65 and 80 %; 2) mating age of heifers of one, two and three, years of age; and 3) age at slaughter of one, two and three year old steers. The scenario with the highest impact for each parameter and the indicator of highest impact for each scenario were identified for the production conditions in the region. Under most scenarios, a reduction in mating age had a greater impact on the productivity indexes compared to a reduction in slaughter age. Appropriate management of available technologies enables farmers to compare the marginal impacts of specific indicators on full-cycle production systems for beef cattle.

Modelling beef cattle production systems from the Pampas in Brazil to assess intensification options

Traditional livestock productivity is hard to estimate, since it depends on a gamut of animal production indicators that are difficult to measure for many farms. Thus, we propose an analytical method for estimating productivity and understanding the importance of animal production indicators under different full-cycle cattle production systems in Brazil. To evaluate the impact of these indicators, equations were derived from a comutational model of herd evolution for estimating the output parameters of the system as follows: productivity per hectare (PH) and offtake rate (COR), as a function of the indicators; calving rate (CR), mating age (AM), age of slaughter (AS) and stocking rate (SR). For this analysis, twenty-seven scenarios (simulation data) of low to high productivity were used, resulting from the combination of the following factors and levels: 1) calving rate of 50, 65 and 80 %; 2) mating age of heifers of one, two and three, years of age; and 3) age at slaughter of one, two and three year old steers. The scenario with the highest impact for each parameter and the indicator of highest impact for each scenario were identified for the production conditions in the region. Under most scenarios, a reduction in mating age had a greater impact on the productivity indexes compared to a reduction in slaughter age. Appropriate management of available technologies enables farmers to compare the marginal impacts of specific indicators on full-cycle production systems for beef cattle.(AU)

Feeding effects of cottonseed and its co-products on the meat proteome from ram lambs

Gossypol easily pairs with lysine side chains and enzymes involved in the cellular growth process. The effect of gossypol (a compound present in cotton co-products) in ruminant metabolism and meat quality is not yet clear. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of cotton co-products in lamb muscle proteome. Twenty-four Santa Inês ram lambs, 5-months old (20.6 ± 1.9 kg), were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (without cottonseed), whole cottonseed, cottonseed meal and high oil cottonseed meal. At 95 days into the experiment, lambs were slaughtered and samples from Longissimus dorsi were collected. Proteins were extracted and analyzed by 2-D electrophoresis. Spots showing a significant effect from the treatment (the “treatment effect”) and present in more than 90 % of the samples were identified using mass spectrometry. Cotton co-products decreased the abundance of aldehyde and malate dehydrogenases, creatine kinase M-type and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase. They also increased four proteins related to muscle contraction. Thus, feeding cotton co-products to lambs changed the abundance of important muscle proteins. A cotton co-product diet induced a negative impact on the energy supply of muscle cells and, consequently, the abundance of ATP dependent proteins (contractile apparatus) increased, probably in order to offset and maintain muscle function. These proteomic changes can promote our understanding of alterations in the sensorial properties of meat due to cotton co-product diets in further investigations.

Allometric growth in Brazilian naturalized pigs / Crescimento alométrico de suínos brasileiros naturalizados

The allometric growth of male and female naturalized pig breeds (Nilo, Piau, Moura, and Monteiro) was evaluated regarding hip height, snout length, and head length using the allometric equation. Body measurements generally show later growth in relation to the snout length and earlier growth in relation to the head length and hip height. When comparing breeds of pigs, female Moura animals showed later growth of the characteristics linked to muscle (thoracic circumference, body length, and longitudinal diameter) than of head length. Nilo females showed characteristics such as shoulder length, rump length and interschiadic distance earlier than snout length. There were differences between the breed and gender in terms of development times for the different parts of the body, showing that breeding systems and use of these animals have to be specific for each breed.

O crescimento alométrico de raças de suínos naturalizados (Nilo, Piau, Moura e Monteiro), machos e fêmeas, foi avaliado em relação à altura do quadril, comprimento do focinho e comprimento da cabeça, usando-se a equação alométrica. As medidas do corpo geralmente apresentam um crescimento mais tardio em relação ao comprimento do focinho e precocemente em relação ao comprimento da cabeça e altura do quadril. Ao comparar as raças de suínos, as fêmeas da raça Moura apresentaram características relacionadas com o crescimento muscular (circunferência torácica, comprimento do corpo e diâmetro longitudinal) mais tardiamente ao comprimento da cabeça. Fêmeas Nilo apresentaram características do comprimento do ombro, comprimento da garupa e a distância interesquiática mais precoce em relação ao comprimento do focinho. Foram encontradas diferenças entre a raça e o sexo no tempo de desenvolvimento para as diferentes partes do corpo, mostrando que os sistemas de criação e utilização desses animais devem ser específicos para cada raça.

Allometric growth in Brazilian naturalized pigs / Crescimento alométrico de suínos brasileiros naturalizados

The allometric growth of male and female naturalized pig breeds (Nilo, Piau, Moura, and Monteiro) was evaluated regarding hip height, snout length, and head length using the allometric equation. Body measurements generally show later growth in relation to the snout length and earlier growth in relation to the head length and hip height. When comparing breeds of pigs, female Moura animals showed later growth of the characteristics linked to muscle (thoracic circumference, body length, and longitudinal diameter) than of head length. Nilo females showed characteristics such as shoulder length, rump length and interschiadic distance earlier than snout length. There were differences between the breed and gender in terms of development times for the different parts of the body, showing that breeding systems and use of these animals have to be specific for each breed.(AU)

O crescimento alométrico de raças de suínos naturalizados (Nilo, Piau, Moura e Monteiro), machos e fêmeas, foi avaliado em relação à altura do quadril, comprimento do focinho e comprimento da cabeça, usando-se a equação alométrica. As medidas do corpo geralmente apresentam um crescimento mais tardio em relação ao comprimento do focinho e precocemente em relação ao comprimento da cabeça e altura do quadril. Ao comparar as raças de suínos, as fêmeas da raça Moura apresentaram características relacionadas com o crescimento muscular (circunferência torácica, comprimento do corpo e diâmetro longitudinal) mais tardiamente ao comprimento da cabeça. Fêmeas Nilo apresentaram características do comprimento do ombro, comprimento da garupa e a distância interesquiática mais precoce em relação ao comprimento do focinho. Foram encontradas diferenças entre a raça e o sexo no tempo de desenvolvimento para as diferentes partes do corpo, mostrando que os sistemas de criação e utilização desses animais devem ser específicos para cada raça.(AU)

Feeding effects of cottonseed and its co-products on the meat proteome from ram lambs

Gossypol easily pairs with lysine side chains and enzymes involved in the cellular growth process. The effect of gossypol (a compound present in cotton co-products) in ruminant metabolism and meat quality is not yet clear. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of cotton co-products in lamb muscle proteome. Twenty-four Santa Inês ram lambs, 5-months old (20.6 ± 1.9 kg), were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (without cottonseed), whole cottonseed, cottonseed meal and high oil cottonseed meal. At 95 days into the experiment, lambs were slaughtered and samples from Longissimus dorsi were collected. Proteins were extracted and analyzed by 2-D electrophoresis. Spots showing a significant effect from the treatment (the “treatment effect”) and present in more than 90 % of the samples were identified using mass spectrometry. Cotton co-products decreased the abundance of aldehyde and malate dehydrogenases, creatine kinase M-type and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase. They also increased four proteins related to muscle contraction. Thus, feeding cotton co-products to lambs changed the abundance of important muscle proteins. A cotton co-product diet induced a negative impact on the energy supply of muscle cells and, consequently, the abundance of ATP dependent proteins (contractile apparatus) increased, probably in order to offset and maintain muscle function. These proteomic changes can promote our understanding of alterations in the sensorial properties of meat due to cotton co-product diets in further investigations.(AU)

Carcass and cut traits in nulliparous and lambed female sheep of different ages and genetic group / Características da carcaça e dos cortes de fêmeas ovinas prenhes e não prenhes de diferentes idades e grupos genéticos

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of genetic group, pregnancyand animal age on the carcass traits and commercial cut patterns of sheep carcasses. In the first experiment,the effect of pregnancy and genetic group were evaluated on 61 eleven month old Santa Inês ewes and theircrosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France. Experiment 2 was carried out with 132 Santa Inêsnulliparous or lambed ewes slaughtered with ages ranging from 6 to 48 months to evaluate the influence ofage on carcass traits. For both experiments, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, carcass yield, coldcarcass yield and carcass length were measured, as well as the yields and percentages of shoulder, neck, loin,belly, ribs, leg and leg length and perimeter. In experiment 1, the Santa Inês breed presented similar carcassand cut traits compared to the others genetic groups evaluated, except for fasting body weight. Lambedanimals had lower body condition score than nulliparous females. In experiment 2, fasting body weight,loin, rib and leg weights, as well as the leg perimeter, presented a quadratic effect with increasing age. Idealslaughter age is before 16 months to obtain more expensive cuts.(AU)

Foram realizados dois experimentos para se avaliar a influência do grupo genético, da prenheze da idade do animal sobre as características da carcaça e dos cortes comerciais de ovelhas. No primeiroexperimento foi avaliado o efeito da prenhez e do grupo genético em 61 ovelhas Santa Inês e seuscruzamentos com Texel, Dorper e Ilê de France. O experimento 2 foi conduzido com 132 ovelhas SantaInês prenhes e não prenhes abatidas com idades entre 6 a 48 meses para avaliar a influência da idade sobreas características da carcaça. Em ambos os experimentos foram realizadas medidas de peso de carcaçaquente, peso de carcaça fria, rendimento de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça fria e comprimento dacarcaça, assim como o rendimento e a percentagem da paleta, pescoço, lombo, fralda, costela e pernil, alémdo comprimento e perímetro do pernil. No experimento 1, a raça Santa Inês apresentou similaridade paraas características da carcaça e dos cortes com os outros grupos genéticos avaliados, exceto para o peso decorpo vazio. As fêmeas que pariram apresentaram menor escore de condição corporal que as fêmeasnulíparas. No experimento 2, o peso vivo em jejum, os pesos do lombo, costela e pernil, bem como acircunferência do pernil apresentaram efeito quadrático com o aumento da idade. A idade de abate idealsitua-se antes dos 16 meses de idade para a obtenção de cortes mais caros.(AU)

Crossbreeding locally adapted hair sheep to improve productivity and meat quality

ABSTRACT: The use of lambs from crossing of local with specialized sheep breeds for meat production may lead to higher meat deposition and a smaller fat amount in the carcass, with a more adequate nutritional profile for human consumption. This study investigated the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of lambs from the Morada Nova and Santa Inês locally adapted hair breeds and crosses between Dorper × Morada Nova and Dorper × Santa Inês slaughtered at approximately 35 kg. Morada Nova lambs showed lower (p 0.05) performance compared to the other genetic groups resulting in a higher age at slaughter (p 0.05). Crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês and Dorper × Morada Nova lambs showed better characteristics for meat production with better (p 0.05) conformation as well as leg and carcass compacteness index. Dorper × Santa Inês have a fatty acid profile that is more suitable for human consumption than Dorper × Morada Nova lambs do (p 0.05); however, both had lower (p 0.05) intramuscular lipid content (as measured by ether extract levels from Longíssimus lumborum) compared with purebred lambs. Therefore, when the objective is to obtain lean meat, with improved nutritional profile to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, the use of breeds and crosses that reduce animal slaughter age, such as the ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês crossbred, is an interesting alternative.

Spatial distribution of productive, environmental, and socioeconomic factors to discriminate dairy cattle production in the south of Brazil / Espacialização dos fatores produtivos, ambientais e socioeconômicos para discriminar a produção de bovinos leiteiros no sul do Brasil

The South region of Brazil differs from the others due to its high milk production rates. Production heterogeneity, climate and soil diversity, and environmental and socioeconomic circumstances contribute to differentiate political-administrative regions. In this study, we aimed to spatialize the production, environmental, and socioeconomic factors that best discriminate bovine milk production in the states of the South of Brazil. Multivariate analyses were performed to discriminate both the studied variables and the mesoregion and cities of these states. The Western Catarinense and Northwestern Rio-grandense mesoregions showed the highest production indices, but they were discriminated at a low level (35.76 %). The formation of clusters showed that Casca, Marau, and Santo Cristo from the Northwestern Rio-grandense and Concordia, Coronel Freitas, Palmitos, and São Lourenço do Oeste from the Western Catarinense mesoregion had higher production indices. The municipal clusters were discriminated at a high level by production (98.24%) and by environmental and socioeconomic (72.75%) factors. Production variables were the most important for local clusters discrimination. The specificities and peculiarities to each region were evidenced through the heterogeneity of production and environmental and socioeconomic factors. Therefore, it is necessary to design and implement specific technological innovations to each region to maximize productive efficiency and minimize adverse environmental effects in dairy herds.

A região Sul se diferencia das demais por ter maior produtividade de leite. A heterogeneidade da produção, a diversidade edafoclimática e ambiental, e as distintas realidades socioeconômicas contribuem para diferenciar as regiões político-administrativas. Objetivou-se espacializar os fatores produtivos e os fatores ambientais e socioeconômicos que melhor discriminam a produção de leite de vaca nos estados do Sul do Brasil. Análises multivariadas foram realizadas para discriminar tanto as variáveis em estudo quanto as mesorregiões e municípios destes estados. As mesorregiões Oeste Catarinense e Noroeste Rio-grandense apresentaram os melhores índices de produção, mas foram discriminadas em baixo nível (35,76%). A formação de cluster por municípios mostrou que Casca, Marau e Santo Cristo da mesorregião Noroeste Rio-grandense e Concórdia, Coronel Freitas, Palmitos e São Lourenço do Oeste da mesorregião Oeste Catarinense apresentaram melhores índices produtivos. Os clusters municipais foram discriminados em alto nível pelos fatores produtivos (98,24%) e pelos fatores ambientais e socioeconômicos (72.75%). As variáveis produtivas foram as mais importantes na discriminação dos clusters municipais. As especificidades e peculiaridades específicas a cada região foram evidenciadas por meio da heterogeneidade dos fatores produtivos, ambientais e socioeconômicos. Portanto, faz-se necessário conceber e implementar inovações tecnológicas específicas à cada região para maximizar a eficiência produtiva e minimizar os efeitos ambientais adversos em rebanhos leiteiros.