Fontes de dieta líquida no aleitamento artificial e seu impacto no desenvolvimento ponderal de bezerras leiteiras: revisão de literatura / Sources of liquid diet in artificial feeding and its impact on the ponderal development of dairy calves: literature review

A criação de bezerras é uma das atividades mais complexas em uma propriedade leiteira. Desde o nascimento, o desempenho máximo deve ser priorizado, pois o sucesso no aleitamento leva ao aumento do peso vivo ao desmame e à futura produção de leite. Existem diferentes formas de fornecer leite aos bezerros, e uma delas é o aleitamento artificial, onde os animais recebem a dieta líquida em baldes, mamadeiras ou recipientes semelhantes. Neste tipo de aleitamento, diferentes fontes de dieta líquida podem ser utilizadas como o leite integral, os sucedâneos lácteos e o leite não comercializável ou leite de descarte. Independentemente do método de aleitamento, a quantidade de leite a ser oferecida deverá atender às exigências do animal para melhor desempenho futuro. A presente revisão de literatura avaliou as diferentes fontes de dieta líquida empregadas no aleitamento artificial de bezerras e o seu impacto no desenvolvimento ponderal desses animais na fase de cria.(AU)

Raising calves is one of the most complex activities on a dairy farm. From birth, maximum performance should be prioritized, since successful breastfeeding leads to an increase in live weight at weaning and the future milk production. There are different ways for providing milk to calves, one of them is artificial feeding, where animals are fed the liquid diet in buckets, bottles, or similar. In this type of breastfeeding, there are several sources of liquid diet that could be applied as whole milk, dairy substitutes, and non-marketable milk or waste milk. Regardless of the breastfeeding method, the amount of milk to be offered must meet the requirements of the animal, for the best future performance. This literature review evaluated different sources of liquid diet in artificial feeding and its impact on the weight development of dairy calves in this rearing phase.(AU)

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and genome editing to support a sustainable livestock

This article provides an overview of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and genome engineering to improve livestock production systems for the contribution of global sustainability. Most ruminant production systems are conducted on grassland conditions, as is the case of South American countries that are leaders in meat and milk production worldwide with a well-established grass-feed livestock. These systems have many strengths from an environmental perspective and consumer preferences but requires certain improvements to enhance resource efficiency. Reproductive performance is one of the main challenges particularly in cow-calf operations that usually are conducted under adverse conditions and thus ART can make a great contribution. Fixed-time artificial insemination is applied in South America in large scale programs as 20 to 30% of cows receive this technology every year in each country, with greater calving rate and significant herd genetic gain occurred in this region. Sexed semen has also been increasingly implemented, enhancing resource efficiency by a) obtaining desired female replacement and improving animal welfare by avoiding newborn male sacrifice in dairy industry, or b) alternatively producing male calves for beef industry. In vitro embryo production has been massively applied, with this region showing the greatest number of embryos produced worldwide leading to significant improvement in herd genetics and productivity. Although the contribution of these technologies is considerable, further improvements will be required for a significant livestock transformation and novel biotechnologies such as genome editing are already available. Through the CRISPR/Cas-based system it is possible to enhance food yield and quality, avoid animal welfare concerns, overcome animal health threats, and control pests and invasive species harming food production. In summary, a significant enhancement in livestock productivity and resource efficiency can be made through reproductive technologies and genome editing, improving at the same time profitability for farmers, and global food security and sustainability.(AU)

How does reproduction account for dairy farm sustainability?

Sustainability - the new hype of the 21st century has brought discomfort for the government and society. Sustainable agriculture is essential to face our most concerning challenges: climate change, food security, and the environmental footprint, all of which add to consumers' opinions and choices. Improvements in reproductive indexes can enhance animal production and efficiency, guaranteeing profit and sustainability. Estrus detection, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), estrus synchronization (ES), and multiple ovulations are some strategies used to improve animal reproduction. This review highlights how reproductive strategies and genetic selection can contribute to sustainable ruminant production. Improved reproductive indices can reduce the number of nonproductive cows in the herd, reducing methane emissions and land use for production while preserving natural resources.(AU)

Efeito da progesterona na sincronização de vacas de leite / Effect of progesterone on synchronization of dairy cows

Diversos fatores impactam os índices reprodutivos em vacas leiteiras, como a produção de leite, o manejo nutricional e o programa reprodutivo implementado. Em vacas leiteiras de alta produção, o maior catabolismo de esteróides, como a progesterona, devem ser levados em consideração ao escolher o tratamento hormonal a ser realizado. Assim, estratégias com a suplementação de progesterona previamente e ao início do protocolo foram desenvolvidas e descritas.(AU)

Milk production, nutritional management and the implemented reproductive program impact reproductive rates in dairy cows. The greater catabolism of steroids such as progesterone in high producing dairy cows must be considered when choosing the hormonal treatment to be used. Thus, strategies with progesterone supplementation before and at the beginning of the protocol were developed and described.(AU)

In vitro evaluation of probiotic and technological properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal cheese produced in the Serra Geral - Minas Gerais - Brazil / Avaliação in vitro de propriedades probióticas e tecnológicas de bactérias ácido-láticas isoladas de queijo artesanal da Serra Geral (MG)

O presente estudo avaliou o potencial probiótico in vitro de bactérias ácido-láticas (BAL) isoladas de queijo artesanal da Serra Geral (MG), com 14 e 21 dias de maturação, leite cru e pingo, utilizados em sua elaboração, e de bancadas de produção. As bactérias foram submetidas aos testes de antibiograma, à tolerância a ácido gástrico artificial e a sais biliares e ao antagonismo contra micro-organismos indicadores. Levilactobacillus brevis (Q521) e Lactococcus lactis (LLSG) apresentaram os melhores resultados e foram selecionados para a produção de leite fermentado. Apenas LLSG foi capaz de fermentar o leite. O produto apresentou qualidade microbiológica e físico-química adequada, exceto para os teores de proteína, segundo a legislação vigente para leites fermentados, demonstrando potencial tecnológico. A partir dos resultados apresentados, sugere-se que testes in vivo sejam realizados para que LLSG possa vir a ser utilizado como probiótico.

Applying assisted reproductive technology and reproductive management to reduce CO2-equivalent emission in dairy and beef cattle: a review

Methane emission from beef and dairy cattle combined contributes around 4.5-5.0% of total anthropogenic global methane. In addition to enteric methane (CH4) produced by the rumen, cattle production also contributes carbon dioxide (CO2) (feed), nitrous oxide (N2O) (feed production, manure) and other CH4 (manure) to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) budget of beef and dairy production systems. The relative contribution in standard dairy systems is typically enteric CH4 58%, feed 29% and manure 10%. Herds with low production efficiency can have an enteric CH4 contribution up to 90%. Digestibility of feed can impact CH4 emission intensity. Low fertility herds also have a greater enteric CH4 contribution. Animals with good feed conversion efficiency have a lower emission intensity of CH4/kg of meat or milk. Feed efficient heifers tend to be lean and have delayed puberty. Fertility is a major driver of profit in both beef and dairy cattle, and it is highly important to apply multi-trait selection when shifting herds towards improved efficiency and reduced CH4. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified for feed efficiency in cattle and are used in genomic selection. SNPs can be utilized in artificial insemination and embryo transfer to increase the proportion of cattle that have the attributes of efficiency, fertility and reduced enteric CH4. Prepubertal heifers genomically selected for favourable traits can have oocytes recovered to produce IVF embryos. Reproductive technology is predicted to be increasingly adopted to reduce generation interval and accelerate the rate of genetic gain for efficiency, fertility and low CH4 in cattle. The relatively high contribution of cattle to anthropogenic global methane has focussed attention on strategies to reduce enteric CH4 without compromising efficiency and fertility. Assisted reproductive technology has an important role in achieving the goal of multiplying and distributing cattle that have good efficiency, fertility and low CH4.(AU)

Artificial intelligence applied to enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose: improving the control of industrial processes / Inteligência artificial aplicada a hidrólise enzimática da lactose: melhorando o controle dos processos industriais

Lactose is the main carbohydrate in milk, and its absorption occurs via enzymatic hydrolysis, generating glucose and galactose. Lactose intolerance is the reduction of intestinal hydrolysis capacity due to hypolactasia, which results in the need to consume dairy foods with low levels of this carbohydrate. ß-galactosidase enzymes are used in dairy industries to hydrolyze lactose, thereby allowing intolerant consumers access to dairy products without the negative health implications. Alternative and official analytical methods are used to quantify the carbohydrate content resulting from enzymatic hydrolysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the enzymatic hydrolysis of two distinct industrial enzymes produced by the microorganisms Bacillus licheniformis and Kluyveromyces lactis using three analytical methods: enzymatic method, cryoscopy, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using artificial intelligence to improve the control of the industrial processes. After adding the enzymes to skim milk, time kinetics was performed by collecting samples at time 0, every 10 min for 1 h, and every 30 min until the end of 5 h of hydrolysis. In 97% of the cases, a decrease in lactose concentration was observed by HPLC, followed by the deepening of the cryoscopic point. Glucose measurements by absorbance and HPLC quantification were correlated (r = 0.79; p < 0.01) but not concordant (p < 0.01). It was concluded that by means of artificial intelligence, it was possible to indirectly estimate lactose concentration using an algorithm that associates cryoscopy and glucose concentration.(AU)

O principal carboidrato do leite é a lactose e a sua absorção ocorre devido à hidrólise enzimática, gerando glicose e galactose. A intolerância à lactose é a redução da capacidade de hidrólise intestinal devido à hipolactasia, gerando a necessidade do consumo de alimentos lácteos com baixo teor deste carboidrato. As enzimas ß-galactosidase são utilizadas nas indústrias de laticínios para hidrolisar a lactose, proporcionando ao consumidor intolerante a possibilidade de ingerir os produtos lácteos sem prejuízos à saúde. Para quantificar o conteúdo de carboidratos resultante da hidrólise enzimática, são utilizados métodos analíticos alternativos e oficiais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a hidrólise enzimática de duas enzimas industriais distintas produzidas pelos microrganismos Bacillus licheniformis e Kluyveromyces lactis, por meio de três métodos analíticos: método enzimático, crioscopia e HPLC. A inteligência artificial foi utilizada para melhorar o controle dos processos industriais. Após a adição das enzimas ao leite desnatado, foi realizada a cinética de tempo coletando as amostras no tempo 0, a cada 10 minutos, até completar 1 hora de reação, e a cada 30 minutos até serem atingidas 5 horas de reação de hidrólise. Em 97% dos casos, a diminuição da concentração de lactose por HPLC acompanhou o aprofundamento do ponto crioscópico. As medições de glicose por absorbância e HPLC foram correlacionadas (r = 0,79; p < 0,01), mas não concordantes (p < 0,01). Concluiu-se que, por meio da inteligência artificial, é possível estimar indiretamente a concentração de lactose a partir de um algoritmo que associa a crioscopia e a concentração de glicose.(AU)

Outbreak of abomasal bloat in goat kids due to Clostridium ventriculi and Clostridium perfringens type A

We described an outbreak of abomasal bloat in goat kids. Increased mortality with a history of abdominal bloating, dullness, and death was reported. Postmortem exanimation revealed dehydration, pale mucosa, ascites, abomasal tympanism and intestinal meteorism and congestion, and emphysematous abomasitis. Cytological evaluation from abomasum revealed gram-positive bacteria with a cuboid shape suggestive of Clostridium ventriculi, gram-positive bacilli suggestive of Clostridium perfringens, and ovoid basophilic yeasts. C. ventriculi and C. perfringens type A were confirmed by anaerobic culture and molecular tests. Histopathological findings revealed emphysematous abomasitis, necrosis of the gastric and intestinal walls, gastroenteritis, and intestinal thromboembolism. The possible associated factor was erroneous use of the milk replacer associated with inadequate kid management. Finally, the prophylactic measures suggested such as hygiene care, proper use of milk replacer, clostridial vaccination plan, and a good colostrum management were able to control the outbreak.(AU)

Characterization of dystocia in a herd of Holstein dairy cows in Brazil / Caracterização da distocia em um rebanho de vacas da raça Holandesa no Brasil

The objective of this study was to characterize calvings with low and high difficulty based on the productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows. Calvings were grouped in no calving assistance, calving with low assistance, and calving with high assistance. The original data set comprised 1,902 calving records obtained from a large dairy farm in Southeast Brazil. Factor analysis was applied using the SAS® Studio 3.8 statistical program through the factor procedure, considering the Multivariate Analysis category. Milk fat (0.92-0.79) and total solids (0.91-0.80) were strongly correlated with Factor 1. Calving interval (0.87- 0.68) and the number of AI (artificial inseminations) per conception (0.87-0.71) showed high correlations with Factor 2. Milk yield (0.84-0.76) and accumulated milk yield (0.84-0.77) were strongly correlated with Factor 3. Based on the results, we conclude that the three calving scenarios were characterized by well-defined and independent factors. Cows which required a high assistance at calving showed a lower variance explained by the model for milk fat and total solids contents, calving interval, and the number of AIs per conception.

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os partos com leve ou severa dificuldade e diferenciá-los com base no desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de vacas leiteiras. Os partos foram agrupados em partos sem assistência, partos com baixa assistência e partos com elevada assistência. O banco de dados original continha 1902 registro de partos que foram obtidos de uma grande fazenda comercial localizada no Sudeste do Brasil. A análise fatorial foi aplicada através do programa estatístico SAS® Studio 3.8 por meio de procedimento fatorial, considerando a categoria de análise multivariada. Os teores de gordura do leite (0,92- 0,79) e de sólidos totais (0,91-0,80) foram altamente correlacionados com o fator 1. Intervalo entre partos (0,87-0,68) e número de IA (inseminações artificiais) por concepção (0,87-0,71) apresentaram alta correlação com o fator 2. Produção de leite (0,84-0,76) e produção acumulada de leite (0,84-0,77) foram altamente correlacionados com o fator 3. Baseados nos resultados, é possível concluir que as três situações de parto foram caracterizadas por fatores independentes e bem definidos. Vacas que necessitaram de alta assistência ao parto apresentaram menor variância explicada pelo modelo para teores de gordura e sólidos totais do leite, intervalo entre partos e número de IA por concepção.

Artificial neural networks in the prediction of fraud in integral milk powder by adding whey powder / Redes neurais artificiais na predição de fraude em leite em pó integral pela adição de soro lácteo em pó

This research was performed to ascertain the most suitable Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to quantify the degree of fraud in powdered milk through the addition of powdered whey via regular standard physicochemical analyses. In this study, an evaluation was done on 103 samples with different quantities of added whey powder to whole milk powder. Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy the fat, cryoscopy, total solids, defatted dry extract, lactose, protein and casein were analyzed. The hyperbolic tangent transformation function was used with 45 topologies, and the Holdback and K-fold validation methods were tested. In the Holdback method, 75% of the database was employed for training, while 25% was used for validation. In the K-fold method, the database was categorized into five equal sized subsets, which alternated between training and validation. Of the two methods, the K-fold method was proven to have superior efficiency. Next, analysis was done on three models of multilayer perceptron networks with feedforward architecture. In Model 1, the input layer contained all the physicochemical analyses conducted, in model 2 the casein analysis was excluded, and in model 3 the routine analyses performed for dairy products was done (fat, defatted dry extract, cryoscopy and total solids). From Model 3 an ANN was derived which could satisfactorily predict fraud calculated from using the routine and standard analyses for dairy products, containing 64 nodes in the hidden layer, with R² of 0.9935 and RMSE of 0.5779 for training, and R² of 0.9964 and RMSE of 0.4358 for validation.

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar o melhor modelo de rede neural artificial (RNA) para quantificar fraude em leite em pó, pela adição de soro em pó, por meio de analises físico-químicas de rotina. Foram avaliados 103 níveis de adição de soro lácteo em pó em leite em pó integral. As análises de gordura, crioscopia, sólidos totais, extrato seco desengordurado, lactose, proteína e caseína foram realizadas por espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier. A função de transformação utilizada foi a tangente hiperbólica, em que testou-se 45 topologias e dois métodos de validação: holdback e k-fold. Para o método holdback, 75% do banco de dados foi utilizado para o treinamento e 25% para a validação. Para o método k-fold, o banco de dados foi dividido em cinco subconjuntos de mesmo tamanho que se alternavam entre treinamento e validação. O método k-fold se mostrou mais eficiente. Três modelos de redes perceptron de múltiplas camadas com arquitetura feedforward foram analisados. No modelo 1 a camada de entrada constituía todas as análises físico-químicas realizadas, no modelo 2 excluiu-se a análise de caseína e no modelo 3 utilizou-se as análises de rotina em laticínios (gordura, extrato seco desengordurado, crioscopia e sólidos totais). O modelo 3 obteve uma RNA capaz de predizer satisfatoriamente a fraude avaliada a partir de análises consideradas de rotina em laticínios com uma RNA contendo 64 nodos na camada oculta, R² de 0,9935 e RMSE de 0,5779 para treinamento, R² de 0,9964 e RMSE de 0,4358 para validação.

Parâmetros espermáticos do sêmen suíno conservado a 10 e 17o C, em diluentes comerciais e alternativos / Spermatic parameters of swine semen conserved at 10 and 17o C, in commercial and alternative extenders

O uso de diluentes adequados é importante para o sucesso da inseminação artificial. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência de diluentes em diferentes temperaturas. Foram utilizados os seguintes diluentes: Beltsville Thwaing Solution (BTS); TRIS (Tris-hidroximetil-aminometano - H2NC(CH2OH)3); TRIS + gema de ovo (TGO) e Leite em pó desnatado (LPD). Cinquenta ejaculados foram analisados quanto ao vigor, à motilidade, à funcionalidade de membrana e à atividade mitocondrial. Os diluentes TGO e LPD mantiveram os maiores valores para vigor e motilidade a 10 °C, em comparação aos demais tratamentos (p<0,05). A 17 °C, esses diluentes apresentaram resultados melhores de vigor e motilidade em relação aos demais, somente até D1 (p<0,05). A partir de D2, o BTS mostrou-se como o melhor diluente para a preservação dessas características. Maior percentual de espermatozoides com membrana funcional foi observado no TGO a 10 °C, seguido do LPD, BTS e TRIS (p<0,05). A 17 °C, o BTS manteve essa característica, exceto em D0, em que o TGO e o LPD apresentaram melhores resultados. Quanto a atividade mitocondrial, maiores valores foram observados a 10 °C no TGO em todos os dias de análise e em D0 à temperatura de 17 °C. O diluente TRIS + gema de ovo mostrou-se como uma alternativa para conservação do sêmen suíno a 10 °C, assim como o LPD. Além disso, esses mesmos diluentes constituem alternativas para conservação a curto prazo a 17 °C.

The use of suitable extenders is important to artificial insemination success. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of extenders at different temperatures. The following extenders were used: Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS); TRIS (Tris-hidroximetil-aminometano - H2NC(CH2OH)3); TRIS + egg yolk (TGO), and skim powdered milk (SPM). Fifty ejaculates were analyzed regarding sperm vigor, motility, membrane functionality, and mitochondrial activity. The TGO and SPM extenders maintained the highest values for vigor and motility at 10 °C, in comparison to the other treatments (p<0.05). At 17 °C, these extenders showed better results of vigor and motility compared to the others, only until D1 (p<0.05). From D2, BTS proved to be the best extender to preserve these characteristics. A higher percentage of sperm with a functional membrane was observed for TGO at 10 °C, followed by SPM, BTS, and TRIS (p<0.05). At 17 °C, BTS maintained this characteristic, except for DO, which showed better results for TGO and SPM. Regarding the mitochondrial activity, higher values were observed at 10 °C for TGO on all days of analysis and D0 at a temperature of 17 °C. The extender TRIS + egg yolk was shown as an alternative for the conservation of swine semen at 10 °C, as well as the SPM. In addition, these same extenders are alternatives for short-term conservation at 17 °C.

Sperm cell capacitation status of ram semen after cooling

Background: The use of conventional artificial insemination (AI) in sheep production is usually associated with lower fertility rates when frozen semen is used. Cooled ram semen has been an alternative over frozen semen due to the higher viability, seminal quality and fertility rates following AI. The semen preservation process promotes sperm cell modifications similar to capacitation (capacitation-like) that causes cell damage affecting viability and seminal quality, but such effects are unclear for cooled semen. The aim of this study was to determine the status of sperm cell capacitation (CA) and acrosome reaction (AR) during ram semen processing and cooling under different extenders, dilution factors, and aerobiosis conditions as a function of storage time at 5o C. Materials, Methods & Results: Two consecutive ejaculates per day per male were collected from 2 adult rams by artificial vagina at 48-72 h intervals, in three replications. After macro- and microscopic evaluations, semen was segregated into groups under 3 extenders (Tris-egg yolk or TY, citrate-egg yolk or CY, skimmed milk or SM), 2 dilution factors (1 x 109 or Bi, 100 x 106 or Mi cells/mL), and 2 aerobiosis conditions (aerobic or A, semi-anaerobic or SA). Diluted semen was cooled to 5ºC and stored for up to 72 h, with evaluations every 24 h. Aliquots of fresh ejaculates and of each cooled diluted subgroup, according to extender, dilution, and aerobiosis, were collected at times T0 and T72 for determination of acrosome status and membrane integrity by the chlortetracycline (CTC) and trypan blue-Giemsa stainings, respectively. No differences were detected in sperm cell motility (M) and motility vigor (V) between fresh and diluted semen. After cooling, a significant decrease in M was observed after 48 h in CY and SM compared with fresh semen and 0 h of cooling, while V started to decrease after 24 h in CY compared with TY. Likewise, M/V from different dilutions and aerobic conditions decreased more significantly after 48 and 24 h of cooling, respectively. The sperm capacitation status did not show differences in the proportion of non-capacitated (NCA), CA and AR sperm cells between TY, CY, and SM extenders (NCA: 75.0%, 71.3%, 74.0%; CA: 15.7%, 17.2%, 15.9%; AR: 9.3%, 11.5%, 10.2%) or between Bi and Mi dilutions (NCA: 74.0%, 72.9%; CA: 15.9%, 16.6%; AR: 10.1%, 10.5%), respectively. However, differences (P < 0.05) were observed between A and SA aerobic conditions, with CA (17.0% vs. 15.5%) and AR (11.9% vs. 8.7%) rates being higher in A than SA, respectively, with no differences in NCA (71.1% vs. 75.8%), irrespective of the storage time. Sperm cell viability decreased after 48 h, especially in CY (P < 0.05). Discussion: Ram sperm cells can suffer irreversible damage due to thermal shock during cooling. Egg yolk-based extenders provide phospholipids and cholesterol to protect the sperm cell membrane during the thermal shock caused by the change in temperature. In this study, sperm cells had irreversible decreases in M/V, with increase in acrosome and plasma membrane damage after cooling to 5ºC. The largest and smallest decreases in M and V over time were observed in the CY and TY extenders, respectively. In addition to the extender type, the semen preservation method and storage time promoted changes in the capacitation status, AR and in sperm cell viability, which per se were associated with a decrease in semen fertility. In fact, the proportions of CA and/or AR sperm cells gradually increased over time after dilution and storage at 5ºC, with a negative correlation between sperm cell viability and M/V over time. In summary, extender and cooling time affected mostly M/V, while aerobiosis condition and dilution factor were more associated with acrosome status and sperm survival, with the extender having less impact on the acrosome status as a function of time.

Uso da IATF em pequenos rebanhos leiteiros como experiência de extensão rural no estado do Maranhão / Use of FTAI in small milk herbs as an experience jf rural extension in the state of Maranhão

In 2019, Brazil reached the third place in the world milk production ratio, preceded by the United States of America and India. However, most of the milk consumed by Brazilians is still imported, with export potential increasing as milk production is optimized. In Maranhão, dairy farming has grown over the past 20 years, being mainly composed of small dairy farmers. In order for there to be an improvement in production, an increase in the breeder's income and the productivity of the place, zootechnical, sanitary and reproductive control of the animals on the properties must be carried out. The inclusion of reproductive biotechnologies, such as Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI), is an important step that raises the technical level of the producer based on genetic improvement, however, the animals must have good nutritional, health and behavioral conditions to be able to use them. Therefore, in this work, the FTAI technique was included in the dairy cows of small breeders in the municipality of Lagoa Grande do Maranhão, in which they fit the required standards. The FTAI hormonal protocol was adopted in 44 dairy cows from 6 farms located in the municipality of Maranhão, in order to favor local milk productivity.

Relationship between metabolic profile, diseases, productive and reproductive performance in highproducing Holstein cows in the postpartum period / Relação entre o perfil metabólico, doenças, desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de vacas Holandesas recém-paridas de alta produção

The present study aimed to monitor Holstein cows in the postpartum period, and to evaluate the occurrence of clinical diseases and their relationship with metabolic profile, milk yield and composition, and reproductive performance. One hundred and five Holstein cows, 32 primiparous and 73 multiparous, from two dairy herds in Arapoti, Paraná State, were clinically monitored up to ten days after calving. The clinical occurrences diagnosed were: dystocia, metritis, retained placenta, clinical hypocalcemia, displaced abomasum, mastitis, pneumonia, and digital dermatitis. Blood samples were collected at one, two, five, and ten days postpartum for analysis of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and total calcium. Individual milk yield was measured up to 100 days in milk (DIM), and the first test-day was evaluated for milk composition. Statistical analyses were conducted using the MIXED procedure of SAS, and the fixed effects of farm (A and B), parity (primiparous and multiparous), and occurrence of clinical diseases (sick and healthy cows) were included. Forty-eight cows (45.7%) had one or more clinical occurrences. In these sick cows, the BHB concentration at five DIM was higher (P = 0.06) than in healthy cows; 0.78 and 0.57 mmol L-1, respectively. Regarding milk yield, cows with one or more clinical occurrences had lower (P < 0.01) daily milk yield up to 30 DIM, and had a tendency of lower (P = 0.09) accumulated production up to 100 DIM than healthy cows. Sick cows had a tendency to show lower (P = 0.08) milk total solids content than healthy cows; 12.04 and 12.60%, respectively. There were no significant differences between sick and healthy animals in the remaining milk components, or the reproductive parameters assessed. The differences observed for days in the first artificial insemination (AI), AI number, and days open occurred due to the effect of the herd.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar vacas Holandesas no pós-parto e avaliar a ocorrência de doenças clínicas e sua relação com o perfil metabólico, a produção de leite e sua composição e o desempenho reprodutivo. Foram monitoradas clinicamente durante 10 dias após o parto, 105 vacas da raça Holandesa, 32 primíparas e 73 multíparas, de dois rebanhos leiteiros em Arapoti, Paraná. As ocorrências clínicas diagnosticadas foram: distocia, metrite, retenção de placenta, hipocalcemia clínica, deslocamento de abomaso, mastite, pneumonia e dermatite digital. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias 1, 2, 5 e 10 após o parto para análises de ácidos graxos não-esterificados (AGNE), ß-hidroxibutirato (BHB) e cálcio total. A produção de leite individual foi mensurada até 100 dias em leite (DEL) e para a composição do leite foi avaliado o primeiro controle leiteiro oficial após o parto. As análises estatísticas foram conduzidas pelo procedimento MIXED do SAS e foram incluídos os efeitos fixos de fazenda (A e B), paridade (primíparas e multíparas) e ocorrência de doenças clínicas (vacas doentes e saudáveis). Quarenta e oito vacas (45,7%) apresentaram uma ou mais doenças clínicas. Nestas vacas doentes a concentração de BHB no 5o dia pós-parto foi superior (P = 0,06) a de vacas saudáveis; 0,78 e 0,57 mmol L-1, respectivamente. Em relação a produtividade, vacas com uma ou mais doenças clínicas apresentaram menores (P < 0,01) produções diárias até 30 DEL e tendência de menores (P = 0,09) produções acumuladas até 100 DEL em relação a vacas sadias. Vacas doentes apresentaram uma tendência de menor (P = 0,08) porcentagem de sólidos totais no leite do que vacas saudáveis; 12,04 e 12,60%, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças significativas entre animais doentes e saudáveis para os outros componentes do leite, bem como nos parâmetros reprodutivos avaliados. As diferenças observadas para dias até a primeira inseminação artificial (IA), número de IA e dias abertos ocorreram devido ao efeito de rebanho.(AU)

Evaluation of production systems and economic analysis of baby goats raised in the semiarid region of Paraíba / Avaliação de sistemas de produção e análise econômica de cabritos lactentes criados na região semiárida da Paraíba

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and economic indicators of baby goats region submitted to different feeding systems in the Semiarid. A total of 30 baby goats of breed Parda Alpina × without defined racial pattern (SPRD) with initial weight of 3.35 kg ± 0.65 kg and final weight of 12.3 kg ± 0.5 kg were used, distributed in a completely randomized design in three breastfeeding systems with ten replicates each: traditional system (with natural breastfeeding), intensive breastfeeding system without concentrated supplementation, and intensive breastfeeding with concentrated supplementation. Goats submitted to the intensive artificial feeding system without concentrated supplementation showed a similar weight gain (121 g/day) when compared to the goats submitted to the system of suckling with concentrated supplementation (126 g/day). The highest income was provided by the animals submitted to the intensive system of suckling with concentrate. The gross margin for the two centenarians was positive, that is, revenues are higher than the effective operating cost, allowing us to conclude that the activity is paying off and will survive, at least in the short term. The diet of kids using concentrate provided better dry matter intake, greater weight gain and consequently presented better economic indicators.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho e indicadores econômicos de cabritos mamão submetidos a diferentes sistemas de alimentação na região semiárida. Foram utilizados 30 cabritos da raça Parda Alpina × sem padrão racial definido (SPRD) com peso inicial de 3,35 kg ± 0,65 kg e peso final de 12,3 kg ± 0,5 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em três sistemas de aleitamento com dez repetições cada: sistema tradicional (com aleitamento natural), sistema intensivo de aleitamento artificial sem suplementação concentrada, e sistema intensivo de aleitamento artificial com suplementação concentrada. Os cabritos submetidos ao sistema intensivo de aleitamento artificial sem suplementação concentrada destacaram-se por apresentarem similar ganho de peso (121 g/dia) quando comparados aos cabritos submetidos ao sistema de aleitamento com suplementação concentrada (126 g/dia). A maior receita foi pro-porcionada pelos os animais submetidos ao sistema intensivo de aleitamento com concentrado. A margem bruta para os dois centenários foi positiva, ou seja, as receitas são superiores ao custo operacional efetivo, permitindo concluir que a atividade está se remunerando e sobreviverá, pelo menos em curto prazo. O sistema de alimentação de cabritos com uso de concentrado proporcionou melhor consumo de matéria seca, maior ganho de peso e consequentemente apresentou melhores indicadores econômicos.

Evaluation of production systems and economic analysis of baby goats raised in the semiarid region of Paraíba / Avaliação de sistemas de produção e análise econômica de cabritos lactentes criados na região semiárida da Paraíba

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and economic indicators of baby goats region submitted to different feeding systems in the Semiarid. A total of 30 baby goats of breed Parda Alpina × without defined racial pattern (SPRD) with initial weight of 3.35 kg ± 0.65 kg and final weight of 12.3 kg ± 0.5 kg were used, distributed in a completely randomized design in three breastfeeding systems with ten replicates each: traditional system (with natural breastfeeding), intensive breastfeeding system without concentrated supplementation, and intensive breastfeeding with concentrated supplementation. Goats submitted to the intensive artificial feeding system without concentrated supplementation showed a similar weight gain (121 g/day) when compared to the goats submitted to the system of suckling with concentrated supplementation (126 g/day). The highest income was provided by the animals submitted to the intensive system of suckling with concentrate. The gross margin for the two centenarians was positive, that is, revenues are higher than the effective operating cost, allowing us to conclude that the activity is paying off and will survive, at least in the short term. The diet of kids using concentrate provided better dry matter intake, greater weight gain and consequently presented better economic indicators.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho e indicadores econômicos de cabritos mamão submetidos a diferentes sistemas de alimentação na região semiárida. Foram utilizados 30 cabritos da raça Parda Alpina × sem padrão racial definido (SPRD) com peso inicial de 3,35 kg ± 0,65 kg e peso final de 12,3 kg ± 0,5 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em três sistemas de aleitamento com dez repetições cada: sistema tradicional (com aleitamento natural), sistema intensivo de aleitamento artificial sem suplementação concentrada, e sistema intensivo de aleitamento artificial com suplementação concentrada. Os cabritos submetidos ao sistema intensivo de aleitamento artificial sem suplementação concentrada destacaram-se por apresentarem similar ganho de peso (121 g/dia) quando comparados aos cabritos submetidos ao sistema de aleitamento com suplementação concentrada (126 g/dia). A maior receita foi pro-porcionada pelos os animais submetidos ao sistema intensivo de aleitamento com concentrado. A margem bruta para os dois centenários foi positiva, ou seja, as receitas são superiores ao custo operacional efetivo, permitindo concluir que a atividade está se remunerando e sobreviverá, pelo menos em curto prazo. O sistema de alimentação de cabritos com uso de concentrado proporcionou melhor consumo de matéria seca, maior ganho de peso e consequentemente apresentou melhores indicadores econômicos.(AU)

Using vaginal discharge score (VDS) grading system to evaluate the effect of clinical endometritis on reproductive performance of dairy cows in China

Abstract Clinical endometritis (CE) is a major cause in affecting the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the prevalence of CE and to evaluate the effect of CE on reproductive performance in dairy cows using vaginal discharge score (VDS) grading system. 803 dairy cows were examined by vaginoscope with 4-point VDS at 26 ± 3 days in milk (DIM) and classified into six groups: non-endometritis with VDS 0 (control; CON), endometritis with VDS 1 (MEM), non-treated endometritis with VDS 2 (NTME), treated endometritis with VDS 2 (TME), non-treated endometritis with VDS 3 (NTPE), and treated endometritis with VDS 3 (TPE). Cows in TME and TPE groups were treated with 200 mL of 50% dextrose solution by intrauterine infusion. The prevalence of CE was 33% at 26 ± 3 DIM. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed cows in MEM, NTME and NTPE groups had a less likelihood of first artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy than those in CON group (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curves for days open were statistically different (P = 0.004). In Cox regression model, cows in NTME and NTPE groups had a reduced pregnancy rate than those in CON group (P < 0.05). The hazard of pregnancy in NTME group was lower than that in TME group (P = 0.044). Similarly, it was lower for the hazard of pregnancy in NTPE group than in TPE group (P = 0.048). Cows in MEM, NTME, and NTPE groups required more services per pregnancy than those in CON group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CE examined by the VDS grading system impaired reproductive performance, and mild endometritis with VDS 1 should be treated in the early postpartum period to ameliorate fertility in dairy herds.

Influência de alguns fatores sobre o período de gestação no rebanho Girolando da Pesagro (1990-2019) / Influence of some factors on the gestation period in the Girolando Pesagro herd (1990-2019)

O rebanho Girolando tem crescido substancialmente nas últimas décadas no Brasil, tornando a raça uma das mais selecionadas e visadas para a exploração de leite entre os criadores. No entanto, é sabido a importância do manejo das fêmeas para evitar perdas durante a gestação, sendo elevado os abortos e as distocias no periparto, por desconhecimento da previsão de partos. Mas para estabelecer uma tabela de previsão de partos é necessário conhecer o período de gestação de raça explorada. Neste contexto, este estudo envolveu observações de três décadas (1990 a 2019) de avaliação dos efeitos de alguns fatores (ano de parto, sexo da cria, grupo sanguíneo materno, raça paterna e ordem de parto) sobre os períodos de gestação (PG) do rebanho Girolando do Centro Estadual de Pesquisa em Agricultura Orgânica (CEPAO), da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Pesagro-Rio). Para isso, foram utilizados os dados dos registros do rebanho dos sistemas de fichários e software Gera leite® , relativos aos PG (dia) de vacas Girolando, segundo as variáveis (1) ano, (2) sexo, (3) grupo sanguíneo materno, (4) raça paterno e (5) ordem de parto, tabulados e submetidos a análises descritivas, a anova one-way e teste Bonferroni no software Bioestat. Os métodos reprodutivos utilizados foram as inseminações, realizadas com a observação do estro, seguindo o sistema tradicional de Trimberg e, na última década, também a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), com a utilização de protocolos hormonais para sincronização da ovulação. Os resultados médios, da avaliação de 2.104 partos não mostraram diferenças significativas (p>0,05), nos efeitos dos fatores analisados sobre os períodos de gestação. Assim, a média geral de 283,2±6,5 dias, pode ser considerada como uma estimativa dos partos esperados para o rebanho Girolando da Pesagro, a fim de proporcionar manejo e assistência adequados durante o parto, evitando distocias e perdas de mortalidade no periparto.(AU)

The Girolando herd has grown substantially in recent decades in Brazil, making the breed one of the most selected and targeted for milk exploration among breeders. However, it is known the importance of handling females to avoid losses during pregnancy, with abortions and dystocia in the peri-parturition, being high due to the lack of birth prediction. However, to establish a birth prediction table, it is necessary to know the gestation period of the exploited race. In this context, this study involved observations from three decades (1990 to 2019) to assess the effects of some factors (year of birth, sex of offspring, maternal blood group, paternal race and birth order), on gestation periods (PG) of the Girolando herd of the Centro Estadual de Pesquisa Agricultura Orgânica (CEPAO) of Pesagro-Rio. It is located in the municipality of Seropédica, RJ, in the Baixada Fluminense region, where in general the climate presents high temperatures (maximum ± 30oC) and relative air humidity (maximum < 60%). For this, data from the herd records of the binder systems and Gera leite® software were used, related to the PG (day) of Girolando cows, according to (1) year, (2) sex, (3) maternal blood group, (4) paternal race and (5) birth order were tabulated and submitted to descriptive analyzes, the one-way anova and Bonferroni test in the Bioestat software. The reproductive methods used were inseminations, performed with the observation of estrus, following the traditional Trimberg system and, in the last decade, also artificial insemination in fixed time (TAI), with the use of hormonal protocols for synchronization of ovulation). The results of the evaluation did not show significant differences (p>0.05), in the effects of the analyzed factors, on the gestation periods. Thus, the general average of 283.2±6.5 days can be considered as an estimate of expected deliveries for the Pesagro Girolando herd, in order to provide adequate management and assistance during childbirth, avoid dystocias and mortality losses in the peripartum.(AU)

Diagnosis and management strategies for urospermia in stallions / Diagnóstico e estratégias de manejo na urospermia em garanhões

Urospermia, contaminação do sêmen com urina durante a ejaculação, é considerada a segunda causa mais frequente de disfunção ejaculatoria em garanhões. A presença de urina no sêmen pode afetar drasticamente a fertilidade através do pH alcalino e alta osmolaridade da urina, além de causar uma potencial inflamação uterina após a cobertura ou inseminação artificial. Esta condição pode estar associada a outras doenças como cistite, herpesvírus equino-1 e paralisia periódica hipercalêmica; no entanto, causas idiopáticas são as mais comuns. Por esse motivo, o tratamento da urospermia pode ser frustrante e o prognóstico para a resolução completa dessa condição costuma ser desfavorável. Garanhões que sofrem de urospermia são frequentemente diagnosticados após resultados frustrantes de fertilidade e baixa qualidade do sêmen. O diagnóstico de urospermia é baseado na aparência amarela e odor típico, presença de cristais de urina, pH alcalino, além do aumento da creatinina e níveis de nitrogênio. O tratamento da urospermia é desafiador, já que a maioria dos casos é idiopática, limitando as opções terapêuticas. No entanto, quando uma condição primária é diagnosticada, ela deve ser tratada para tentar resolver a causa da urospermia. Na maioria dos casos, as terapias direcionadas à redução da contaminação da urina incluem a redução da quantidade de urina na bexiga antes da cobertura ou coleta de sêmen, tratamento farmacológico para auxiliar o fechamento do colo da bexiga durante a ejaculação, ou a coleta apenas da porção rica em esperma através da coleta fracionada do ejaculado. O método mais simples e estabelecido para o manejo da urospermia é encorajar o garanhão a urinar antes da coleta de sêmen ou cobertura natural. No entanto, quando a coleta de sêmen livre de urina não é possível, o sêmen contaminado com urina pode ser processado para minimizar os efeitos adversos do pH e da osmolaridade ao esperma. O sêmen contaminado com urina deve ser diluído com diluente à base de leite no intuito de diminuir os efeitos deletérios da urina sobre os espermatozoides. A centrifugação com gradiente de densidade a fim de selecionar os espermatozoides com características superiores também é uma alternativa nesses casos. Além disso, a criopreservação de sêmen contendo baixos níveis de contaminação com urina pode ser realizada.

Urospermia is the contamination of semen with urine during ejaculation. Urospermia is the second most frequent ejaculatory dysfunction of stallions. It can drastically affect fertility mediated by alkaline pH, the high osmolarity of urine, and presumably excessive post-breeding inflammatory response. This condition can be associated with many other diseases (i.e., cystitis, equine herpesvirus-1, and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis); however, idiopathic causes appear to be predominant. For this reason, the treatment of urospermia can be frustrating, and the prognosis for complete resolution of this condition is often poor. Stallions suffering from urospermia are usually diagnosed after poor semen quality and fertility results. Diagnosis of urospermia is based on the yellow appearance, urine smell, urine crystal, alkaline pH, increased creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels. The treatment for urospermia is challenging. Most cases are idiopathic, thereby limiting therapeutic options. However, when a primary condition is diagnosed, it should be treated to solve the cause of urospermia. In most cases, therapies directed at reducing urine contamination include reducing the amount of urine in the bladder before breeding, pharmacological treatments to enhance bladder neck closure during ejaculation, or collecting only the sperm-rich portion of the ejaculate using an open-ended artificial vagina are used to manage stallions with urospermia. The simplest and most established method for managing urospermia is to encourage the stallion to urinate before semen collection or natural breeding. However, when the collection of semen free from urine is not possible, urine-contaminated semen can be processed to minimize the adverse effects of pH and osmolarity on the sperm. Semen contaminated with urine should be immediately extended with a milk-based extender to mitigate the deleterious effects of urine on the sperm. Single-layer gradient centrifugation can also be used to select sperm with superior traits for low urine contamination. In addition, semen cryopreservation can be performed in stallion semen with a low level of urine contamination.

Prostaglandin F2α as ovulatory stimulus in dairy cows and buffaloes raised in the Amazon biome / Prostaglandina F2α como estímulo ovulatório em vacas e búfalas leiteiras criadas no bioma Amazônia

This study evaluated the effect of a prostaglandin F2? (PGF) analogue as an ovulatory stimulus in dairy cows and buffaloes raised in the Amazon biome. To this end, three experiments were performed in the state of Rondônia, located in the Amazon biome. In Experiment 1, 22 lactating dairy buffaloes received 2 mg of intramuscular (I.M.) estradiol benzoate (EB) on day 0 and an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR) from day 0 to day 9 of the protocol. On days 8 and 9, all cows were given 500 ?g of I.M. d-cloprostenol (PGF analogue). On day 10, buffaloes were divided into two groups to receive 500 ?g of PGF (PGF group, n = 8) or no treatment (CTL group, n = 14), respectively. In Experiment 2, 16 lactating crossbred dairy cows (Holstein x Gir) received 2 mg of EB on day 0 and a CIDR insert from day 0 to day 8. On days 7 and 8, all cows were given 500 ?g of d-cloprostenol. On day 9, cows were divided into two groups to receive 500 ?g of d-cloprostenol (PGF group, n = 8) or no treatment (CTL group, n = 8), respectively. In Experiment 3, 16 lactating crossbred dairy cows (Holstein x Gir) were handled and treated similarly as in Experiment 2, although cows did not receive d-cloprostenol on day 8. Single-point outcome variables were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), while proportions with dichotomous outcomes were analyzed with the chi-square test.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um análogo de prostaglandina F2α (PGF) como indutor ovulatório em vacas leiteiras e búfalas. Para este fim, três experimentos foram realizados no estado de Rondônia, localizado no bioma Amazônia. No Experimento 1, 22 búfalas leiteiras em lactação receberam 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol (EB) im, no Dia 0 e um dispositivo intravaginal de liberação de progesterona (CIDR) do Dia 0 ao Dia 9 do protocolo. Nos Dias 8 e 9, todas as vacas receberam 150μg de d-Cloprostenol (análogo PGF), im. No Dia 10, as búfalas foram divididas em dois grupos para receber 150μg de PGF (Grupo PGF, n = 8) ou nenhum tratamento (Grupo CTL, n = 14). No experimento 2, 16 vacas leiteiras mestiças (Holandês x Gir) receberam 2 mg de EB no Dia 0 e um dispositivo intravaginal (CIDR) do Dia 0 ao Dia 8. Nos Dias 7 e 8 todas as vacas receberam 150μg de d-Cloprostenol. No Dia 9, as vacas foram divididas em dois grupos para receber 150μg de d-Cloprostenol (Grupo PGF, n = 8) ou nenhum tratamento (Grupo CTL, n = 8). No Experimento 3, 16 vacas leiteiras mestiças (Holandês x Gir) foram tratadas da mesma forma que no Experimento 2, porém, as vacas não receberam d-Cloprostenol no Dia 8. Variáveis quantitativas foram analisados por análise de variância - one-way ANOVA e variáveis dicotômicas foram analisados pelo teste do qui-quadrado. No Experimento 1, não houve diferença (P = 0,30) na taxa de ovulação entre os grupos, em média 68% das búfalas ovularam após o tratamento. Além disso, não houve diferença entre os grupos no intervalo de ovulação (P = 0,61) e no diâmetro do folículo pré-ovulatório (P = 0,47). No Experimento 2, apenas uma vaca do Grupo PG não ovulou. Não houve diferenças no intervalo de ovulação entre os grupos CTL e PG (P = 0,69). Em média, a ovulação ocorreu 82 horas após a remoção do CIDR. No Experimento 3, vacas tratadas com PGF ovularam antes do Grupo CTL (62,5 ± 5,8 vs 94,5 ± 13,5 h; P = 0,05). Coletivamente, esses resultados sugeriram que a PGF antecipa a ovulação em vacas leiteiras em lactação, porém seu efeito não foi observado em búfalas.(AU)