Antral follicle count classification selects fertile heifers without influencing the carcass traits / A classificação da contagem folicular antral seleciona novilhas mais férteis sem influenciar as características da carcaça

This study aimed to evaluate the ovarian structure, estrus intensity, ultrasound carcass measurements, and pregnancy rate of Nelore breed heifers and cows in accordance with antral follicle counts (AFCs). We evaluated 503 heifers and 565 Nelore cows, with a mean age of 15.5±2.2 and 69.8±36.1 months, respectively, submitted to a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. On day zero, all bovine females were examined using ultrasound to determine the AFC. The mean AFC of the heifers and cows were 20±8.6 and 22.5±8.4, respectively. The rib-eye area (REA) and fat thickness (FT) of the heifers (n = 119 for REA and n = 219 for FT) were measured using ultrasound imaging. The average conception rates at the first FTAI and at the end of the breeding season were 35.8% and 57.5%, respectively, for heifers and 45.1% and 78.9%, respectively, for cows. We demonstrated that the probability of pregnancy at the first FTAI and at the end of the breeding season for both young heifers and cows increased as the AFC decreased (P>0.001 and P=0.0123, respectively). FT and REA showed no correlation with AFC in heifers. The intensity of estrus expression was negatively correlated with AFC (−0.46; P<0.0001). In conclusion, Nelore heifers and cows with low AFC had a high probability of pregnancy during the entire breeding season. Thus, AFC can be used as a tool to select heifers with increased fertility without affecting carcass traits (REA and FT).

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as estruturas ovarianas, intensidade do cio, medidas de carcaça por ultrassonografia e taxa de gestação de novilhas e vacas da raça Nelore com diferentes contagens de folículos antrais (CFA). Avaliamos 503 novilhas e 565 vacas Nelore, com idade média de 15,5 ± 2,2 e 69,8 ± 36,1 meses, respectivamente, submetidas a um protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). No dia zero, todas as fêmeas foram examinadas por ultrassom para determinar a CFA. A CFA média das novilhas foi de 20 ± 8,6 e a das vacas foi de 22,5 ± 8,4 folículos. A área de olho de lombo (AOL) e a espessura de gordura (EG) das novilhas (n = 119 para AOL e n = 219 para EG) foram medidas utilizando imagens ultrassonográficas. As taxas médias de concepção na primeira IATF e no final da estação de monta foram de 35,8% e 57,5% e 45,1% e 78,9% para as novilhas e vacas, respectivamente. Demonstramos que a probabilidade de gestação na primeira IATF e no final da estação de monta, tanto para novilhas jovens quanto para vacas, foi maior quando a CFA era menor (P>0,001 e P=0,0123, respectivamente). A espessura da gordura e a AOL não mostraram nenhuma correlação com a CFA. A intensidade da expressão do cio foi negativamente correlacionada com o CFA (-0,46; P < 0,0001). Em conclusão, novilhas jovens e vacas da raça Nelore com menor CFA apresentam maior probabilidade de prenhez durante toda a estação de monta. Nenhuma relação entre a CFA e as características de carcaça foram observadas em novilhas Nelore. A CFA pode ser usada como uma ferramenta de seleção de novilhas com maior fertilidade sem influenciar as características de carcaça (AOL e EG).

Idiopathic subfertility in stallions. Clinical approaches to a complex problem

At least 30-40% of stallions in commercial breeding programs are moderately fertile and 8-12% are subfertile (0.5-3% with severe subfertility). From the total reported cases of the subfertility, in 2-20% of the stallions the cause is unknown or was not established. The objective of this work is to present the concept of subfertile stallion based on the current state of knowledge and advanced molecular diagnostic technologies. Low pregnancy rates have been reported in stallions with normal semen quality after conventional evaluation. Acrosome reaction (AR) is necessary for natural fertilization and impaired acrosome reaction (IAR) leads to subfertility or infertility in horses, however, AR test is not included in routine semen analysis. Genome-wide association study identified FKBP6 as a strong candidate gene responsible for this failure. The gene encodes for FK506 binding protein 6 (FKBP6) which is involved in sperm development and functions. We could conclude that the evaluation of the acrosomal status is essential in cases of stallions with good motility, concentration, morphology and viability but unexplained (idiopathic) subfertility or infertility. It is important to highlight the recent increase in reports of fertility problems in stallions related to disorders of genetic origin.(AU)

The effect of Gonadotropin releasing hormone administration on fertility and embryonic loss in goats during the anoestrus period

Following the induction of oestrus out of season in small ruminants, low fertility and variations in fertility rates are associated with embryonic losses. One of the main causes of embryonic loss is luteal dysfunction. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) supports the luteal structure, and increasing progesterone levels may be beneficial in terms of promoting embryonic life. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of GnRH administration following an oestrus induction protocol in the anoestrus season for preventing embryonic loss in goats having failure to conceive during the season. In the study, 106 Damascus goats aged 3-5 years and weighing 45-60 kg were used. The oestrus of 106 goats in the anoestrous group was stimulated with progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) treatment. Out of breeding season, goats were divided into the 4 following groups: GnRH0 (n = 27), GnRH7 (n = 26), GnRH0+7 (n = 27) and control (n = 26). In each goat, an intravaginal sponge (IS) containing 20 mg of fluorogestone acetate (FGA) was placed into the vagina and left for 9 days. With the withdrawal of the sponge, 550IU PMSG and 125 µg of d-cloprostenol were injected intramuscularly. Oestrus detection was made via teaser bucks for 3 days starting 24 h after withdrawal of the IS. Eighteen bucks known to be fertile were used for breeding. Goats in the oestrus period were mated via natural breeding. The GnRH analogue lecirelin was injected intramuscularly at breeding in the GnRH0 group, on day 7 post-breeding in the GnRH7 group, and both at breeding and on day 7 post-breeding in the GnRH0+7 group. No injections were given to the control group. Blood samples for progesterone measurement were taken by jugular vena puncturing on days 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19 after breeding from 10 randomly chosen goats in all groups. The goats with a level of > 3.5 ng/mL of progesterone on day 21 post-breeding were evaluated as pregnant. Pregnancy was also viewed on day 50 after breeding by real-time ultrasonography (USG) with a 5-7.5 MHz convex probe. The oestrus rate was 96.23% (102/106) in the goats. The rates of onset of oestrus between 36-48 h, 48-60 h and 60 h and beyond were 38.7% (41/106), 21.7% (23/106) and 35.8% (38/106), respectively. The total pregnancy rate was 35.8% (38/106). There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) found for the pregnancy rate, embryonic death rate or progesterone concentration of the groups. However, serum progesterone levels were statistically different in the GnRH7 group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). After synchronisation, various anti-luteolytic strategies can be used to support corpus luteum development and elevate progesterone concentration in the luteal phase to decrease embryonic loss and increase reproductive performance. Therefore, application of GnRH to support the luteal structure and to increase progesterone levels may be beneficial in terms of supporting embryonic life. The results showed that GnRH treatment on the day 7 post-breeding following oestrus induction, including FGA and PMSG, can increase serum progesterone levels in Damascus goats in the anoestrus period. However, following oestrus induction in the anoestrus period, it was seen that GnRH treatment at breeding or on day 7 after breeding did not have any positive effect on embryonic loss or reproductive performance. In conclusion, it was considered that this protocol could be implemented successfully, yielding a 35% pregnancy rate in Damascus goats in the anoestrus period, but embryonic loss must be deeply studied in detail.(AU)

Mitos e realidades sobre a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) em bovinos de corte / Myths and realities of timed artificial insemination in beef cattle

O sistema de cria é um dos principais setores da bovinocultura de corte, com impactos diretos na ocupação da terra (70% das pastagens são ocupadas pela cria) e na produtividade da cadeia da carne. O número e o peso dos bezerros produzidos por matriz e a idade das novilhas ao primeiro parto influenciam diretamente a eficiência do setor. As biotecnologias da reprodução, com destaque para a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), têm colaborado significativamente para o desenvolvimento de um sistema de produção cada vez mais eficiente e sustentável. Em 2020 foram comercializadas no Brasil 23,7 milhões de doses de sêmen e 21,3 milhões de protocolos de IATF (90% das inseminações foram realizadas por IATF). Em 2002 eram utilizados apenas 100 mil procedimentos de IATF, que representavam somente 1% das inseminações realizadas. Nesse mesmo período (2002 a 2020), o percentual de matrizes inseminadas passou de 5% para 20% (acréscimo de 400%), com aumento de 213 vezes no empego da IATF. Os programas de IATF oferecem uma abordagem organizada e prática para o uso da IA, além de melhorarem a eficiência reprodutiva, genética e produtiva dos rebanhos. O uso da IATF antecipa a prenhez na estação de monta e a idade a primeira concepção das novilhas, aumentando significativamente a eficiência reprodutiva, produtiva e o retorno econômico do setor. Recentes estudos evidenciaram que os sistemas de cria que utilizam a IATF apresentam redução de 37,7% na emissão de CO2 equivalentes (produz mais bezerros de qualidade genética com menos matrizes que a monta natural), colaborando com a sustentabilidade da pecuária. Evidencia-se, também, que a nutrição, além de outros fatores, exerce papel importante na reprodução e afeta diretamente o desempenho da IATF. Entretanto, ainda existem mitos e realidades sobre os fatores que podem afetar o sucesso desta biotecnologia. O objetivo dessa revisão é apresentar e discutir os principais temas que impactam a eficiência da IATF em rebanhos de corte.

The cow-calf operation system is one is one of the main sectors of beef production, with direct impacts on land occupation (70% of pastures are occupied by the cow-calf operation system) and on the productivity of the meat chain. The number and the weight of calves produced per cow and the age of the heifer at first calving directly impact the efficiency of the sector. Reproductive biotechnologies, with emphasis on fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), have significantly contributed to the development of an efficient and sustainable production system. In 2020, 23.7 million doses of semen and 21.3 million FTAI protocols were marketed in Brazil (90% of inseminations were performed by FTAI). In 2002, only 100,000 FTAI procedures were used (a 213-fold increase in 19 years), which represented only 1% of the inseminations performed. During this same period (2002 to 2020), Brazil went from 5% to 20% of inseminated cow and heifers (increase of 400%). FTAI programs provide an organized and practical approach to the use of AI, as well as improve the reproductive, genetic and productive efficiency of the herds. The use of the FTAI anticipates the conception of cows in the breeding season and the age of the first conception of heifers, significantly increasing the reproductive and productive efficiency and the economic return of livestock. Recent studies have shown that breeding systems that use FTAI present a reduction of 37.7% in the emission of CO2 equivalents (it produces more calves of genetic quality with fewer dams than natural service), collaborating and with the sustainability of livestock. It is also evident that nutrition plays an important role in reproduction and directly affects the FTAI performance. However, there are still myths and realities about the factors that can affect the success of this biotechnology. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the main topics that impact the efficiency of FTAI in beef herds.

Synchronization with estradiol benzoate in the presence of the corpus luteum in Wagyu cows increases the number of medium follicles but does not interfere with in vitro production of embryos / Sincronização com benzoato de estradiol na presença do corpo lúteo em vacas de Wagyu aumenta o número de folículos médios, mas não interfere com a produção in vitro de embriões

Reproductive biotechnologies are emerging as an important element for livestock; however, some strategies must be modified to adapt to different breeding systems, such as the use of follicular synchronization protocols. This study aimed to evaluate follicular synchronization using estradiol benzoate (EB), in the presence of the corpus luteum (CL) from Wagyu oocyte donors in in vitro embryo production (IVEP). Rounds of IVEP were performed in heifers and cows (n=19) that were classified into three groups: G1/CL - animals with CL, G2/WCL - animals without CL, and G3/CL + EB - animals with CL that were subjected to follicular synchronization with EB at D0. The groups G1/CL and G2/WCL were considered the control and undertook the natural process of follicular dynamics. The results showed that the synchronization of the follicular wave with the application of EB in the presence of CL, presented a smaller number of small (6.05 ± 0.55) and large follicles (0.45 ± 0.15), but increased (P < 0.05) the number of medium-sized follicles (16.20 ± 0.90). However, the results of ovum pick up showed that regardless of whether or not EB was applied, and regardless of the presence or absence of CL in the Wagyu donor, there was no difference among the groups (P > 0.05) concerning the number of viable oocytes and the viability rate. It was concluded that follicular synchronization using EB in Wagyu oocyte donors that presented a CL, increased the number of medium-sized follicles. However, there was no improvement in the efficiency of ovum pick up, in vitro embryo production, and pregnancy rate.(AU)

As biotecnologias reprodutivas estão emergindo como um elemento importante para a pecuária, entretanto, algumas estratégias devem ser modificadas para se adaptar a diferentes sistemas de criação, como o uso de protocolos de sincronização folicular. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a sincronização folicular utilizando benzoato de estradiol (BE), na presença do corpo lúteo (CL) de doadoras de oócitos Wagyu na produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE). Sessões de PIVE foram realizadas em novilhas e vacas (n=19) que foram classificadas em três grupos: G1/CL - animais com CL, G2/SCL - animais sem CL e G3/CL+BE - animais com CL que foram submetidos para sincronização folicular com BE em D0. Os grupos G1/CL e G2/ SCL foram considerados o controle e realizaram o processo natural da dinâmica folicular. Os resultados mostraram que a sincronização da onda folicular com a aplicação de BE na presença de CL, apresentou um menor número de folículos pequenos (6,05 ± 0,55) e grandes (0,45 ± 0,15), mas aumentou (P < 0,05) o número de folículos de tamanho médio (16,20 ± 0,90). No entanto, os resultados da ovum pick up mostraram que independente da aplicação ou não de BE, e independente da presença ou ausência de CL na doadora Wagyu, não houve diferença entre os grupos (P > 0,05) quanto ao número de oócitos viáveis e a taxa de viabilidade. Concluiu-se que a sincronização folicular por meio de BE em doadoras de oócitos Wagyu que apresentaram CL, aumentou o número de folículos de tamanho médio. No entanto, não houve melhora na eficiência da ovum pick up, na produção in vitro de embriões e na taxa de prenhez.(AU)

Do hydroelectric dams affect the abundance and population structure of freshwater shrimps?

Freshwater shrimps play an important role in many ecological processes since they are epibenthic detritivores but also prey on other invertebrates and are predated by fishes. The knowledge about their biology allow the development of management strategies to improve the use of natural resources by avoiding overfishing and enhancing productivity. Here we evaluated the population structure of the shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum in the river Rio Grande, upstream of the Água Vermelha hydroelectric dam. They were captured monthly from October 2017 until March 2018, in six sites along the river. The first site was ∿1000 m distant from the dam and the sixth was ∿4000 m distant. A sac-like sieve and traps were used to capture the shrimps. The sieve was dragged three times for 180o. The traps were left by the river margins for six hours. In the laboratory, the shrimps were sexed and measured (carapace length; CL). In total, 6455 individuals were captured: 4499 females (294 breeding), 1445 males, and 217 juveniles. Female mean size was 7.50 ± 3.47 mm, male mean size was 7.44 ± 2.40 mm, and juvenile mean size was 3.24 ± 1.10 mm. The smallest individual was found in site III and it was a juvenile of 1.08 mm. The largest had 20 mm and was found in site II. The smallest breeding female had 3.8 mm CL. The largest individuals were more abundant in the sites near the dam, whereas the smallest were more abundant in the farthest sites. The highest abundance was seen in sites III and IV, and the lowest, in site VI. Unlike males and juveniles, females (both breeding and non-breeding) were more abundant (Anova, p < 0.01) near the dam. By knowing the population structure of M. amazonicum it is possible to understand how they are being affected by the environmental changes caused by the hydroelectric dam

Do hydroelectric dams affect the abundance and population structure of freshwater shrimps?

Freshwater shrimps play an important role in many ecological processes since they are epibenthic detritivores but also prey on other invertebrates and are predated by fishes. The knowledge about their biology allow the development of management strategies to improve the use of natural resources by avoiding overfishing and enhancing productivity. Here we evaluated the population structure of the shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum in the river Rio Grande, upstream of the Água Vermelha hydroelectric dam. They were captured monthly from October 2017 until March 2018, in six sites along the river. The first site was ∿1000 m distant from the dam and the sixth was ∿4000 m distant. A sac-like sieve and traps were used to capture the shrimps. The sieve was dragged three times for 180o. The traps were left by the river margins for six hours. In the laboratory, the shrimps were sexed and measured (carapace length; CL). In total, 6455 individuals were captured: 4499 females (294 breeding), 1445 males, and 217 juveniles. Female mean size was 7.50 ± 3.47 mm, male mean size was 7.44 ± 2.40 mm, and juvenile mean size was 3.24 ± 1.10 mm. The smallest individual was found in site III and it was a juvenile of 1.08 mm. The largest had 20 mm and was found in site II. The smallest breeding female had 3.8 mm CL. The largest individuals were more abundant in the sites near the dam, whereas the smallest were more abundant in the farthest sites. The highest abundance was seen in sites III and IV, and the lowest, in site VI. Unlike males and juveniles, females (both breeding and non-breeding) were more abundant (Anova, p < 0.01) near the dam. By knowing the population structure of M. amazonicum it is possible to understand how they are being affected by the environmental changes caused by the hydroelectric dam(AU)

Potencial reprodutivo (PR) de touros Nelore avaliados por parâmetros andrológicos e comportamento sexual. Classificação por pontos: nova proposição / [Reproductive potential of Nelore bulls evaluated by andrological parameters and sexual behavior. Classification by points - a new proposition]

Este estudo teve por objetivo comparar variações de parâmetros andrológicos e comportamentais de touros Nelore de diferentes faixas etárias, calcular seu potencial reprodutivo (PR) e propor uma nova tabela de classificação por pontos, de acordo com as médias atualmente alcançadas por eles nas características estudadas. Foram utilizados dados de 6162 exames andrológicos de touros da raça Nelore, entre 12 e 80 meses de idade, em regime de monta natural. O número de touros classificados como aptos consistiu em 88,9% dos animais avaliados (n=5480), sendo 51,6% desses considerados excelentes (n=2827), 41,2% muito bons (n=2257) e 7,2% considerados bons (n=394). Entre os animais questionáveis (n=682; 11,1%), 79,6% foram classificados como inaptos temporários (n=542) e 20,4% (n=139) como animais descarte, de acordo com o exame andrológico, independentemente do teste da libido. O número de touros classificados como excelentes se reduziu para 752 (12,2%) quando dados de comportamento sexual foram incluídos para definição do seu PR. Concluiu-se que o uso de tabelas de classificação andrológica por pontos com atualizações técnicas beneficia a seleção mais apurada de touros Nelore. O teste da libido é ferramenta importante para a determinação do PR, o qual permite melhor aproveitamento dos reprodutores.(AU)

This study aimed to compare variations of andrological and behavioral parameters from Nelore bulls of different ages, to calculate their reproductive potential (RP) and propose a new classification table by points, considering current averages in each reproductive trait studied. Data were collected from 6162 breeding soundness examinations of Nelore bulls aged between 12 and 80 months, under natural mating. According to andrological parameters, regardless of the libido test, the number of bulls classified as approved was 88.9% (n= 5480), being 51.6% considered as excellent (n= 2827), 41.2% very good (n= 2257) and 7.2% considered as good (n= 394). Among the animals considered as questionable (n= 682; 11.1%), 79.6% were classified as temporarily reproved (n= 542) and 20.4% (n= 139) as discarded animals. The number of bulls classified as excellent decreased to 752 (12.2%) when sexual behavior data were included to define their RP. It was concluded that the use of tables for andrological classification by points with technical updates improves the reproductive selection of Nelore bulls. The libido test is an important tool for RP determination which provides better utilization of the sires.(AU)

Potencial reprodutivo (PR) de touros Nelore avaliados por parâmetros andrológicos e comportamento sexual. Classificação por pontos: nova proposição / [Reproductive potential of Nelore bulls evaluated by andrological parameters and sexual behavior. Classification by points - a new proposition]

Este estudo teve por objetivo comparar variações de parâmetros andrológicos e comportamentais de touros Nelore de diferentes faixas etárias, calcular seu potencial reprodutivo (PR) e propor uma nova tabela de classificação por pontos, de acordo com as médias atualmente alcançadas por eles nas características estudadas. Foram utilizados dados de 6162 exames andrológicos de touros da raça Nelore, entre 12 e 80 meses de idade, em regime de monta natural. O número de touros classificados como aptos consistiu em 88,9% dos animais avaliados (n=5480), sendo 51,6% desses considerados excelentes (n=2827), 41,2% muito bons (n=2257) e 7,2% considerados bons (n=394). Entre os animais questionáveis (n=682; 11,1%), 79,6% foram classificados como inaptos temporários (n=542) e 20,4% (n=139) como animais descarte, de acordo com o exame andrológico, independentemente do teste da libido. O número de touros classificados como excelentes se reduziu para 752 (12,2%) quando dados de comportamento sexual foram incluídos para definição do seu PR. Concluiu-se que o uso de tabelas de classificação andrológica por pontos com atualizações técnicas beneficia a seleção mais apurada de touros Nelore. O teste da libido é ferramenta importante para a determinação do PR, o qual permite melhor aproveitamento dos reprodutores.(AU)

This study aimed to compare variations of andrological and behavioral parameters from Nelore bulls of different ages, to calculate their reproductive potential (RP) and propose a new classification table by points, considering current averages in each reproductive trait studied. Data were collected from 6162 breeding soundness examinations of Nelore bulls aged between 12 and 80 months, under natural mating. According to andrological parameters, regardless of the libido test, the number of bulls classified as approved was 88.9% (n= 5480), being 51.6% considered as excellent (n= 2827), 41.2% very good (n= 2257) and 7.2% considered as good (n= 394). Among the animals considered as questionable (n= 682; 11.1%), 79.6% were classified as temporarily reproved (n= 542) and 20.4% (n= 139) as discarded animals. The number of bulls classified as excellent decreased to 752 (12.2%) when sexual behavior data were included to define their RP. It was concluded that the use of tables for andrological classification by points with technical updates improves the reproductive selection of Nelore bulls. The libido test is an important tool for RP determination which provides better utilization of the sires.(AU)

Induction of puberty in Bos indicus heifers in the western Amazon region / Indução da puberdade em novilhas Bos indicus na região oeste da Amazônia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and cost of two distinct hormonal protocols forinduction of puberty in Bos indicus heifers in the western Amazon region. Nelore prepubertal heifers (n= 127) aged 20 to 24 months (21 ± 0.3 months) and weighing 300 to 340 kg (318 ± 7 kg) were submittedto two distinct protocols for induction of cyclicity. Females were previously submitted to two ovarianultrasound examinations (12-day interval) to verify the absence of the corpus luteum (CL). Then, theheifers were divided into two experimental groups: G-CIDR/EC (n = 54) and G-P4/EC (n = 73). TheG-CIDR/EC group utilized a CIDR® for 12 days and on the day of its withdrawal, 0.6 mg of estradiolcypionate (IM) was administered. The G-P4/EC group received 150 mg of injectable progesterone (IM)and one injection of 0.6 mg EC 12 days after the progesterone injection. Twelve days after the end ofthe hormonal protocols, the heifers were submitted to another ultrasound evaluation for identificationof cyclicity (ovulatory follicle or CL). These females were then submitted to a conventional protocol ofsynchronization of ovulation for timed artificial insemination (TAI). Only heifers responsive to pubertyinduction (G-CIDR/EC (n=30) and G-P4/EC (n=51)) were included in the TAI protocol. After sevendays of insemination, both groups were exposed to natural breeding. In addition, an economic analysiswas performed to evaluate cyclicity induction, the TAI protocol, and pregnancy in both groups. TheG-CIDR/EC group showed 81.48% (44/54) of females responsive to induction of cyclicity (presence ofCL) while the G-P4/EC group obtained 86.3% (63/73; p=0.463). Regarding the conception rate to TAIand to bull (natural breeding), the G-CIDR/EC group displayed 43.33% (13/30) and 33.33% (10/30),respectively, and the G-P4/EC group exhibited 54.9% (28/51) and 39.22% (20/51), respectively. Theoverall pregnancy rate (TAI+Bull) was 76.67% (23/30) [...].

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência e o custo de dois protocolos hormonais distintos paraindução da puberdade em novilhas Bos indicus na região oeste da Amazônia. Novilhas pré-púberesNelore (n = 127) com idades entre 20 a 24 meses (21 ± 0,3 meses) e peso de 300 a 340 kg (318 ± 7 kg)foram submetidas a dois protocolos distintos para indução de ciclicidade. As fêmeas foram submetidaspreviamente a dois exames ultrassonográficos dos ovários (intervalo de 12 dias) para verificar a ausênciado corpo lúteo (CL). Em seguida, as novilhas foram divididas em dois grupos experimentais: G-CIDR/ EC (n = 54) e G-P4 / EC (n = 73). O grupo G-CIDR / EC utilizou um CIDR® por 12 dias e no dia desua retirada, foram administrados 0,6 mg de cipionato de estradiol (IM). O grupo G-P4 / EC recebeu150 mg de progesterona injetável (IM) e após 12 dias da administração de progesterona, administrouse 0,6 mg de EC. Doze dias após o término dos protocolos hormonais, as novilhas foram submetidasa outra avaliação ultrassonográfica para identificação da ciclicidade (folículo ovulatório ou CL). Essasfêmeas foram submetidas a um protocolo convencional de sincronização da ovulação para inseminaçãoartificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Apenas novilhas responsivas à indução da puberdade (G-CIDR / EC(n = 30) e G-P4 / EC (n = 51)) foram incluídas no protocolo de IATF. Após sete dias da inseminação,ambos os grupos foram expostos à monta natural. Além disso, uma análise econômica foi realizada paraavaliar a indução da ciclicidade, o protocolo IATF e a prenhez nos dois grupos. O grupo G-CIDR / CEapresentou 81,48% (44/54) de fêmeas responsivas à indução da ciclicidade (presença de CL) enquantoo grupo G-P4 / EC obteve 86,3% (63/73; p = 0,463). Em relação à taxa de concepção de IATF e de touro(monta natural), o grupo G-CIDR / CE apresentou 43,33% (13/30) e 33,33% (10/30), respectivamente,e o grupo G-P4 / EC exibiu 54,9 % (28/51) e 39,22% (20/51), respectivamente. [...].

Induction of puberty in Bos indicus heifers in the western Amazon region / Indução da puberdade em novilhas Bos indicus na região oeste da Amazônia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and cost of two distinct hormonal protocols forinduction of puberty in Bos indicus heifers in the western Amazon region. Nelore prepubertal heifers (n= 127) aged 20 to 24 months (21 ± 0.3 months) and weighing 300 to 340 kg (318 ± 7 kg) were submittedto two distinct protocols for induction of cyclicity. Females were previously submitted to two ovarianultrasound examinations (12-day interval) to verify the absence of the corpus luteum (CL). Then, theheifers were divided into two experimental groups: G-CIDR/EC (n = 54) and G-P4/EC (n = 73). TheG-CIDR/EC group utilized a CIDR® for 12 days and on the day of its withdrawal, 0.6 mg of estradiolcypionate (IM) was administered. The G-P4/EC group received 150 mg of injectable progesterone (IM)and one injection of 0.6 mg EC 12 days after the progesterone injection. Twelve days after the end ofthe hormonal protocols, the heifers were submitted to another ultrasound evaluation for identificationof cyclicity (ovulatory follicle or CL). These females were then submitted to a conventional protocol ofsynchronization of ovulation for timed artificial insemination (TAI). Only heifers responsive to pubertyinduction (G-CIDR/EC (n=30) and G-P4/EC (n=51)) were included in the TAI protocol. After sevendays of insemination, both groups were exposed to natural breeding. In addition, an economic analysiswas performed to evaluate cyclicity induction, the TAI protocol, and pregnancy in both groups. TheG-CIDR/EC group showed 81.48% (44/54) of females responsive to induction of cyclicity (presence ofCL) while the G-P4/EC group obtained 86.3% (63/73; p=0.463). Regarding the conception rate to TAIand to bull (natural breeding), the G-CIDR/EC group displayed 43.33% (13/30) and 33.33% (10/30),respectively, and the G-P4/EC group exhibited 54.9% (28/51) and 39.22% (20/51), respectively. Theoverall pregnancy rate (TAI+Bull) was 76.67% (23/30) [...].(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência e o custo de dois protocolos hormonais distintos paraindução da puberdade em novilhas Bos indicus na região oeste da Amazônia. Novilhas pré-púberesNelore (n = 127) com idades entre 20 a 24 meses (21 ± 0,3 meses) e peso de 300 a 340 kg (318 ± 7 kg)foram submetidas a dois protocolos distintos para indução de ciclicidade. As fêmeas foram submetidaspreviamente a dois exames ultrassonográficos dos ovários (intervalo de 12 dias) para verificar a ausênciado corpo lúteo (CL). Em seguida, as novilhas foram divididas em dois grupos experimentais: G-CIDR/ EC (n = 54) e G-P4 / EC (n = 73). O grupo G-CIDR / EC utilizou um CIDR® por 12 dias e no dia desua retirada, foram administrados 0,6 mg de cipionato de estradiol (IM). O grupo G-P4 / EC recebeu150 mg de progesterona injetável (IM) e após 12 dias da administração de progesterona, administrouse 0,6 mg de EC. Doze dias após o término dos protocolos hormonais, as novilhas foram submetidasa outra avaliação ultrassonográfica para identificação da ciclicidade (folículo ovulatório ou CL). Essasfêmeas foram submetidas a um protocolo convencional de sincronização da ovulação para inseminaçãoartificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Apenas novilhas responsivas à indução da puberdade (G-CIDR / EC(n = 30) e G-P4 / EC (n = 51)) foram incluídas no protocolo de IATF. Após sete dias da inseminação,ambos os grupos foram expostos à monta natural. Além disso, uma análise econômica foi realizada paraavaliar a indução da ciclicidade, o protocolo IATF e a prenhez nos dois grupos. O grupo G-CIDR / CEapresentou 81,48% (44/54) de fêmeas responsivas à indução da ciclicidade (presença de CL) enquantoo grupo G-P4 / EC obteve 86,3% (63/73; p = 0,463). Em relação à taxa de concepção de IATF e de touro(monta natural), o grupo G-CIDR / CE apresentou 43,33% (13/30) e 33,33% (10/30), respectivamente,e o grupo G-P4 / EC exibiu 54,9 % (28/51) e 39,22% (20/51), respectivamente. [...].(AU)

Recent advances in goat artificial insemination in Brazil / Recentes avanços da inseminação artificial de caprinos no Brasil

Esta revisão reporta os recentes avanços da Inseminação Artificial em caprinos (IA) no Brasil nas últimas duas décadas. Estes avanços foram pautados primariamente no estudo e conhecimento dos eventos reprodutivos de cabras submetidas a diferentes formas de controle do ciclo estral e ovulação. Estas abordam principalmente o desenvolvimento e caracterização precisa de protocolos de indução e sincronização de estro em cabras durante a estação de anestro fisiológico e de acasalamento natural. Paralelamente, foi desenvolvida a Técnica Embrapa de IA cervical em caprinos por meio da imobilização cervical. Associadamente, os estudos caracterizaram a relação do muco cervical e o momento ideal para execução da IA com diferentes tipos de sêmen. Protótipos e um Kit de IA foram desenvolvidos e testados em condições de laboratório e de campo no âmbito do programa nacional de melhoramento genético de caprinos leiteiros CapraGene®. Fatores que interferem na taxa de gestação após a IA foram identificados e classificados. Estudos com base em ultrassonografia transretal revelaram a prevalência de desordens reprodutivas caracterizando os principais problemas associados à subfertilidade ou infertilidade na cabra. Todos estes estudos permitiram consolidar uma das mais produtivas e aplicadas coleções de conhecimento sobre IA em caprinos dos últimos 20 anos no Brasil.(AU)

This review reports the advances of goat Artificial Insemination (AI) in Brazil in the last two decades. These advances were based primarily on the study and knowledge of the reproductive events of goats subjected to different methods of control of the estrous cycle and ovulation. These approaches are mainly related to the development and precise characterization of protocols of estrus induction and synchronization in goats during either the natural breeding or nonbreeding season. In parallel, the Embrapa Technique of cervical AI through cervical immobilization in goats was developed. In association, the studies characterized the cervical mucus and the ideal moment for AI execution with different types of semen. Prototypes and an AI kit were developed and tested at both laboratory and field conditions in the national dairy goat breeding program - CapraGene®. Factors affecting the pregnancy rate after AI were identified and classified. Studies based on transrectal ultrasonography have revealed the prevalence of reproductive disorders characterizing the major problems associated with subfertility or infertility in the goat. All these studies allowed to consolidate one of the most productive and applied collections of AI knowledge in goats of the last 20 years in Brazil.(AU)

Recent advances in goat artificial insemination in Brazil / Recentes avanços da inseminação artificial de caprinos no Brasil

Esta revisão reporta os recentes avanços da Inseminação Artificial em caprinos (IA) no Brasil nas últimas duas décadas. Estes avanços foram pautados primariamente no estudo e conhecimento dos eventos reprodutivos de cabras submetidas a diferentes formas de controle do ciclo estral e ovulação. Estas abordam principalmente o desenvolvimento e caracterização precisa de protocolos de indução e sincronização de estro em cabras durante a estação de anestro fisiológico e de acasalamento natural. Paralelamente, foi desenvolvida a Técnica Embrapa de IA cervical em caprinos por meio da imobilização cervical. Associadamente, os estudos caracterizaram a relação do muco cervical e o momento ideal para execução da IA com diferentes tipos de sêmen. Protótipos e um Kit de IA foram desenvolvidos e testados em condições de laboratório e de campo no âmbito do programa nacional de melhoramento genético de caprinos leiteiros – CapraGene®. Fatores que interferem na taxa de gestação após a IA foram identificados e classificados. Estudos com base em ultrassonografia transretal revelaram a prevalência de desordens reprodutivas caracterizando os principais problemas associados à subfertilidade ou infertilidade na cabra. Todos estes estudos permitiram consolidar uma das mais produtivas e aplicadas coleções de conhecimento sobre IA em caprinos dos últimos 20 anos no Brasil.

This review reports the advances of goat Artificial Insemination (AI) in Brazil in the last two decades. These advances were based primarily on the study and knowledge of the reproductive events of goats subjected to different methods of control of the estrous cycle and ovulation. These approaches are mainly related to the development and precise characterization of protocols of estrus induction and synchronization in goats during either the natural breeding or nonbreeding season. In parallel, the Embrapa Technique of cervical AI through cervical immobilization in goats was developed. In association, the studies characterized the cervical mucus and the ideal moment for AI execution with different types of semen. Prototypes and an AI kit were developed and tested at both laboratory and field conditions in the national dairy goat breeding program - CapraGene®. Factors affecting the pregnancy rate after AI were identified and classified. Studies based on transrectal ultrasonography have revealed the prevalence of reproductive disorders characterizing the major problems associated with subfertility or infertility in the goat. All these studies allowed to consolidate one of the most productive and applied collections of AI knowledge in goats of the last 20 years in Brazil.

Distribution, threats and conservation of the White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi, Accipitridae), the most threatened raptor in the Neotropics

The White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) is an endemic and threatened raptor of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Here we present the known records of the species, describe the vegetation types where it was found and show Ecological Niche Models generated using Maxent algorithm. Most of the presence data were recorded in open ombrophilous forest and seasonal semideciduous forest in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco. Maxent model had a good performance (AUC = 0.982 ± 0.004 SD), showing higher suitability for the species from Paraíba to Alagoas states. Maxent average model revealed a distribution range of 20,344 km² and an area of occupancy of 1,636.89 km². The most suitable areas for the species are those near watercourses and streams. We suggest the creation of protected areas, including private ones, and possible restoration actions to connect the most suitable forest fragments, along with the captive breeding, as the most appropriate strategies for the conservation of the White-collared Kite.

Distribution, threats and conservation of the White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi, Accipitridae), the most threatened raptor in the Neotropics

The White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) is an endemic and threatened raptor of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Here we present the known records of the species, describe the vegetation types where it was found and show Ecological Niche Models generated using Maxent algorithm. Most of the presence data were recorded in open ombrophilous forest and seasonal semideciduous forest in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco. Maxent model had a good performance (AUC = 0.982 ± 0.004 SD), showing higher suitability for the species from Paraíba to Alagoas states. Maxent average model revealed a distribution range of 20,344 km² and an area of occupancy of 1,636.89 km². The most suitable areas for the species are those near watercourses and streams. We suggest the creation of protected areas, including private ones, and possible restoration actions to connect the most suitable forest fragments, along with the captive breeding, as the most appropriate strategies for the conservation of the White-collared Kite.(AU)

Evolução e perspectivas da inseminação artificial em bovinos / Evolution and perspectives of timed artificial insemination in cattle

A inseminação artificial (IA) em bovinos tem sido aplicada em todo o mundo com o intuito de melhorar o ganho genético e a eficiência reprodutiva dos rebanhos. Com o objetivo de facilitar a utilização da IA foram desenvolvidos protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) que promovem o controle do crescimento folicular e da ovulação e permitem a aplicação da IA em dias predeterminados, sem a necessidade de detecção de estro e com elevadas taxas de prenhez. Nos últimos 20 anos, vários protocolos de sincronização para IATF foram estudados para atender diferentes realidades de manejo, raças e categorias de animais. Atualmente, 86% das inseminações no Brasil estão sendo realizadas por IATF (13,6 milhões de IATF de um total de 15,4 milhões de doses de sêmen comercializadas em 2018). Com a colaboração dessa tecnologia, verificou-se que o percentual de fêmeas em idade reprodutiva inseminadas artificialmente passou de 5,8% em 2002 para 13,1% em 2018. O aumento de uso da IATF representa considerável incremento de produtividade quando comparado com a monta natural, maximizando o retorno econômico para as fazendas de corte e de leite.(AU)

Artificial insemination in cattle has been used worldwide to improve the genetic gain and reproductive efficiency of the herds. In order to facilitate the use of AI, several protocols for timed artificial insemination (TAI) have been developed, which promote the control of follicular growth and ovulation, allowing the use of AI in predetermined days, without the necessity of estrus detection and with satisfactory pregnancy rates. In the last 20 years, a wide variety of protocols have been studied to address different management realities, breeds and animal categories. Currently, 86% of artificial inseminations in Brazil are performed using TAI (13.6 million TAI of 15.4 million batches of semen commercialized in 2018). The percentage of females in reproductive age inseminated in Brazil went from 5.8% in 2002 to 13.1% in 2018. Reproductive programs that use TAI present increase in productivity when compared to natural breeding, maximizing the economic gain for beef and dairy properties.(AU)

Evolução e perspectivas da inseminação artificial em bovinos / Evolution and perspectives of timed artificial insemination in cattle

A inseminação artificial (IA) em bovinos tem sido aplicada em todo o mundo com o intuito de melhorar o ganho genético e a eficiência reprodutiva dos rebanhos. Com o objetivo de facilitar a utilização da IA foram desenvolvidos protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) que promovem o controle do crescimento folicular e da ovulação e permitem a aplicação da IA em dias predeterminados, sem a necessidade de detecção de estro e com elevadas taxas de prenhez. Nos últimos 20 anos, vários protocolos de sincronização para IATF foram estudados para atender diferentes realidades de manejo, raças e categorias de animais. Atualmente, 86% das inseminações no Brasil estão sendo realizadas por IATF (13,6 milhões de IATF de um total de 15,4 milhões de doses de sêmen comercializadas em 2018). Com a colaboração dessa tecnologia, verificou-se que o percentual de fêmeas em idade reprodutiva inseminadas artificialmente passou de 5,8% em 2002 para 13,1% em 2018. O aumento de uso da IATF representa considerável incremento de produtividade quando comparado com a monta natural, maximizando o retorno econômico para as fazendas de corte e de leite.

Artificial insemination in cattle has been used worldwide to improve the genetic gain and reproductive efficiency of the herds. In order to facilitate the use of AI, several protocols for timed artificial insemination (TAI) have been developed, which promote the control of follicular growth and ovulation, allowing the use of AI in predetermined days, without the necessity of estrus detection and with satisfactory pregnancy rates. In the last 20 years, a wide variety of protocols have been studied to address different management realities, breeds and animal categories. Currently, 86% of artificial inseminations in Brazil are performed using TAI (13.6 million TAI of 15.4 million batches of semen commercialized in 2018). The percentage of females in reproductive age inseminated in Brazil went from 5.8% in 2002 to 13.1% in 2018. Reproductive programs that use TAI present increase in productivity when compared to natural breeding, maximizing the economic gain for beef and dairy properties.

Sincronização do cio e fertilidade de vacas de corte tratadas com acetato de melengestrol e cipionato de estradiol / Estrous synchronization and fertility of beef cows treated with melengestrol acetate and estradiol cypionate

O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar o grau de sincronização do cio e a taxa de prenhez de vacas de corte tratadas com acetato de melengestrol (MGA) e cipionato de estradiol (ECP). Quarenta vacas lactantes Caracu (uma raça taurina local) mantidas em pastagens de Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania e suplementadas com silagem de milho, receberam o equivalente a 0,5 mg/animal/dia de MGA durante 14 dias. No dia 5, os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo 1 (n=21) recebeu uma injeção i.m. de 2,0 mg de ECP enquanto que o grupo 2 (n=19) recebeu 1 ml de solução salina. O cio (detecção visual) foi registrado em todos os animais no período de 120 horas após a retirada do MGA, mas somente os animais do grupo 1 foram inseminados. Os animais do grupo 2 receberam 150 μg do análogo de PGF2α, cloprostenol 17 dias após a retirada do MGA e inseminados no cio induzido. Em ambos grupos, as vacas não detectadas no cio durante o dia foram colocadas com um touro durante a noite para uma eventual cobertura. O diagnóstico de prenhez foi realizado, por ultrassonografia, 40 dias após a IA. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Qui-quadrado. Oito (38,1%) animais do grupo 1 e 7 (36,8%) do grupo 2 apresentaram cio após a retirada do MGA (P>0,05). A taxa de concepção dos animais inseminados foi de 37,5% e 50,0% para os grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente (P>0,05). Esse índice aumentou para 58,3% (grupo 1) e 64,3% (grupo 2) quando foram consideradas as vacas cobertas pelo touro durante a noite. Esses resultados sugerem que é possível aproveitar o primeiro cio de fêmeas tratadas com ECP no dia 5 de um tratamento com MGA durante 14 dias. Adicionalmente, considerando o elevado número de animais cobertos pelo touro durante a noite, recomenda-se o uso de ferramentas auxiliares para identificar os animais que apresentam cio noturno ou, ainda, utilizar a monta natural em associação com a IA.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate estrous synchronization responses and pregnancy rates of beef cows treated with melengestrol acetate (MGA) and estradiol cypionate (ECP). Forty lactating Caracu cows (a locally adapted Bostaurus taurus breed) grazing on Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania and supplemented with corn silage received the equivalent of 0.5 mg/animal/day of MGA for 14 days. On day 5, the animals were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group 1 (n=21) received an im injection of 2.0 mg ECP and group 2 (n=19) received 2 ml saline. Animals of group 1 that exhibited estrus within 120 hours after withdrawal of MGA were inseminated (AI), while animals of group 2 were treated with cloprostenol 17 days after MGA removal and were inseminated during induced estrus. In both groups, cows without estrus detection during the day stayed with a bull at night for possible mating. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound examination 40 days after AI. Chi-square analyses were used to detect differences between groups. Eight (38.1%) animals of group 1 and 7 (36.8%) of group 2 showed estrus after withdrawal of MGA (P>0.05). The conception rates in groups 1 and 2 were, respectively, 37.5% and 50.0% for inseminated cows and 58.3% and 64.3% for for inseminated cows in addition to mated by the bull at night (P>0.05). These results suggest that it is possible to use the first estrus of females treated with ECP on day 5 of a 14-day MGA treatment. Furthermore, considering the large number of cows mated by the bull at night, it is recommended to use estrus detection tools as an aid for the identification of such animals or to combine AI and bulls for breeding.

Sincronização do cio e fertilidade de vacas de corte tratadas com acetato de melengestrol e cipionato de estradiol / Estrous synchronization and fertility of beef cows treated with melengestrol acetate and estradiol cypionate

O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar o grau de sincronização do cio e a taxa de prenhez de vacas de corte tratadas com acetato de melengestrol (MGA) e cipionato de estradiol (ECP). Quarenta vacas lactantes Caracu (uma raça taurina local) mantidas em pastagens de Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania e suplementadas com silagem de milho, receberam o equivalente a 0,5 mg/animal/dia de MGA durante 14 dias. No dia 5, os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo 1 (n=21) recebeu uma injeção i.m. de 2,0 mg de ECP enquanto que o grupo 2 (n=19) recebeu 1 ml de solução salina. O cio (detecção visual) foi registrado em todos os animais no período de 120 horas após a retirada do MGA, mas somente os animais do grupo 1 foram inseminados. Os animais do grupo 2 receberam 150 μg do análogo de PGF2α, cloprostenol 17 dias após a retirada do MGA e inseminados no cio induzido. Em ambos grupos, as vacas não detectadas no cio durante o dia foram colocadas com um touro durante a noite para uma eventual cobertura. O diagnóstico de prenhez foi realizado, por ultrassonografia, 40 dias após a IA. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Qui-quadrado. Oito (38,1%) animais do grupo 1 e 7 (36,8%) do grupo 2 apresentaram cio após a retirada do MGA (P>0,05). A taxa de concepção dos animais inseminados foi de 37,5% e 50,0% para os grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente (P>0,05). Esse índice aumentou para 58,3% (grupo 1) e 64,3% (grupo 2) quando foram consideradas as vacas cobertas pelo touro durante a noite. Esses resultados sugerem que é possível aproveitar o primeiro cio de fêmeas tratadas com ECP no dia 5 de um tratamento com MGA durante 14 dias. Adicionalmente, considerando o elevado número de animais cobertos pelo touro durante a noite, recomenda-se o uso de ferramentas auxiliares para identificar os animais que apresentam cio noturno ou, ainda, utilizar a monta natural em associação com a IA.(AU)

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate estrous synchronization responses and pregnancy rates of beef cows treated with melengestrol acetate (MGA) and estradiol cypionate (ECP). Forty lactating Caracu cows (a locally adapted Bostaurus taurus breed) grazing on Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania and supplemented with corn silage received the equivalent of 0.5 mg/animal/day of MGA for 14 days. On day 5, the animals were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group 1 (n=21) received an im injection of 2.0 mg ECP and group 2 (n=19) received 2 ml saline. Animals of group 1 that exhibited estrus within 120 hours after withdrawal of MGA were inseminated (AI), while animals of group 2 were treated with cloprostenol 17 days after MGA removal and were inseminated during induced estrus. In both groups, cows without estrus detection during the day stayed with a bull at night for possible mating. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound examination 40 days after AI. Chi-square analyses were used to detect differences between groups. Eight (38.1%) animals of group 1 and 7 (36.8%) of group 2 showed estrus after withdrawal of MGA (P>0.05). The conception rates in groups 1 and 2 were, respectively, 37.5% and 50.0% for inseminated cows and 58.3% and 64.3% for for inseminated cows in addition to mated by the bull at night (P>0.05). These results suggest that it is possible to use the first estrus of females treated with ECP on day 5 of a 14-day MGA treatment. Furthermore, considering the large number of cows mated by the bull at night, it is recommended to use estrus detection tools as an aid for the identification of such animals or to combine AI and bulls for breeding.(AU)

Rust effect estimation in soybean crosses for tolerance to Asian rust / Estimativa do efeito ferrugem em cruzamentos de soja para tolerância à ferrugem asiática

Asian soybean rust is an important disease that has deeply troubled farmers and researchers since it was first reported. The causal agent, biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow & P. Sydow, has found extremely favorable conditions for its dissemination in Brazil. The most characteristic symptom of infection appears in the leaves, initially on the adaxial leaf surface, as small angular points less than 1mm in diameter, together with gray-colored uredospores (spores). Management involves a set of practices that guarantee coexistence between the plant and the pathogen without significant damage to the crop. The objective of this research was to evaluate tolerance to Asian rust by estimating losses caused by natural infection in the field. Experiments with generation F4 (2014/15) plants were established in a randomized blocks design with four replicates, with two types of genotypes (crosses and parents) and two schemes for disease management using fungicides. For analysis of the data, a test was applied on two dependent samples to verify the significance of the estimate of the rust effect. With regard to grain yield and tolerance, the most outstanding crosses were 104 (USP14-01-20 × EMGOPA313) and 149 (USP93-05.552 × EMGOPA313). Crosses 147 (USP93-05552 × PI153.282) and 137 (USP70.108 × PI153.282) were graded as tolerant in the evaluation of both yield reduction and seed size. We found evidence of tolerance to Asian rust in both crosses and parents. The statistical test revealed the significance of the rust effect estimates in soybean.(AU)

A ferrugem asiática da soja é a doença que mais tem preocupado os produtores e pesquisadores desde sua primeira evidência. Ela é causada pelo fungo biotrófico Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow & P. Sydow que encontrou condições extremamente favoráveis para a sua disseminação no Brasil. O sintoma mais característico apresenta-se nas folhas, inicialmente na face adaxial, como pequenos pontos angulares com menos de um milímetro de diâmetro, juntamente com os uredósporos (esporos) de coloração acinzentada. O manejo se dá por meio de um conjunto de práticas que garanta a boa convivência entre a planta e o patógeno e sem que ocorra danos significativos à lavoura. O trabalho objetivou avaliar a tolerância à ferrugem asiática estimando as perdas causadas pela infestação natural a campo. Os experimentos com a geração F4 (2014/15) foram delineados em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Foram realizadas categorias de experimentos, envolvendo dois tipos de genótipos (cruzamentos e genitores) e dois tipos de manejos de doenças com fungicidas. Para a análise dos dados foi aplicado um teste, para duas amostras dependentes, a fim de verificar a significância da estimativa do efeito ferrugem. Considerando a produtividade e a tolerância, os cruzamentos mais importantes foram 104 (USP 14-01-20 x EMGOPA 313) e 149 (USP 93-05.552 x EMGOPA 313). Os cruzamentos 147 (USP 93-05.552 x PI 153.282) e 137 (USP 70.108 x PI 153.282) foram tolerantes tanto na avaliação de redução da produtividade e do tamanho de semente. Houveram evidências de tolerância à ferrugem asiática nos cruzamentos e nos genitores. O teste estatístico revelou a significância das estimativas de efeito ferrugem em soja.(AU)