Estação do ano ao parto e o desempenho reprodutivo de vacas leiteiras mestiças / Season of the year at calving and reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da estação do ano ao parto sobre a taxa de concepção à primeira inseminação pós-parto e o intervalo parto-concepção de vacas leiteiras mestiças. O estudo foi conduzido em sete fazendas localizadas em Ituiutaba/MG. O manejo reprodutivo foi realizado a cada 30 dias para avaliação ginecológica e diagnóstico de gestação. Na primeira cobertura pós-parto, as vacas detectadas em estro eram submetidas à inseminação artificial (IA) 12 horas após a detecção ou colocadas com touro (monta controlada ­ MC). As vacas não detectadas em estro até os 60 dias pós-parto eram submetidas à inseminação em tempo fixo (IATF). Os serviços subsequentes seguiam os critérios de cada fazenda. Foram avaliados 841 partos de 581 vacas ocorridos de janeiro de 2011 a junho de 2014. Os dados foram analisados pelo PROC GLIMMIX do SAS (p<0,05), sendo incluídos no modelo a fazenda, a estação do ano ao parto, o tipo da primeira inseminação pós-parto e possíveis interações. As vacas que receberam MC apresentaram taxa de concepção à primeira IA pós-parto maior do que as vacas submetidas à IA convencional e à IATF (p<0,001). Não foi detectada interação entre o tipo de serviço e a estação do ano ao parto (p=0,2989) na taxa de concepção. A estação do ano ao parto não interferiu na taxa de concepção à primeira IA pós-parto de vacas leiteiras mestiças (p=0,36). No entanto, vacas que pariram na primavera-verão tiveram esse intervalo maior em relação às que pariram no outono-inverno (p=0,0044). Desta forma, concluiu-se que vacas leiteiras mestiças cujos partos ocorrem nas estações mais quentes e úmidas do ano apresentam um comprometimento da eficiência reprodutiva subsequente.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of the season of the year at calving on the conception rate at the first insemination post-partum and the calving-conception interval of crossbred dairy cows. The study was conducted on seven farms located in Ituiutaba/MG. The reproductive management was performed every 30 days for gynecologic evaluation and pregnancy diagnostic. At the first post-partum service, cows detected in estrus were submitted to artificial insemination (AI) 12 hours after estrus detection or bred by the sire (controlled breeding ­ CB). Cows that were not detected in estrus until 60 days after calving were submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI). The subsequent services followed the criteria of each farm. A total of 841 parturitions from 581 cows occurred from January 2011 to June 2014 were evaluated. Data were analyzed by PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (p<0.05), including the farm, the season of the year at calving, the type of the first insemination post-partum and, possible interactions in the model. Cows submitted to CB presented a higher conception rate at first insemination post-partum than cows submitted to conventional AI and TAI (p<0.001). There was no interaction between the service type and the season of the year at calving (p=0.2989) on the conception rate. The season of the year at calving did not influence the conception rate at first insemination post-partum of crossbred dairy cows (p=0.36). However, cows that calved during spring-summer had a prolonged interval in relation to cows that calved during autumn-winter (p=0.0044). In conclusion, crossbred dairy cows whose calving occurs in the hottest and wettest seasons of the year show a subsequent impairment of their reproductive performance.

Plasma metabolite changes in anestrous dairy cows with negative energy balance identified using 1H NMR technology / [Alterações do metabólito plasmático em vacas leiteiras com balanço energético negativo identificado usando a tecnologia 1H NMR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the different plasma metabolites between anestrus and estrus postpartum dairy cows and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention of anestrus in dairy farm cows. In the experiment, one hundred and sixty-seven Holstein dairy cows were selected with similar age and parity. According to the concentration of ß-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose in plasma during 14 to 21 days in milk, all dairy cows were determined as having a status of energy balance. According to the results of clinical symptom, rectal and B ultrasound examination at 60 to 90 days postpartum, these cows were divided into twenty estrus and twenty-four anestrus group, other dairy cows were removed. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance technology was utilized to detect the plasma metabolites changes and screen different plasma metabolites between anestrus and estrus cows. Ten different metabolites including alanine, glutamic acid, asparagine, creatine, choline, phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein were significantly decreased in anestrous cows compared with estrous cows. Metabolic pathway analyses indicated that differential metabolites were primarily involved in amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. These metabolites and their enrichment pathways indicate that reduced steroid hormone synthesis precursors result in lower levels of estradiol and progesterone and cause anestrus in negative energy balance. These data provide a better understanding of the changes that may affect estrus of postpartum dairy cows at NEB status and lay the ground for further research.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os diferentes metabolitos do plasma entre o cio e o cio pós-parto de vacas leiteiras e fornecer uma base teórica para a prevenção do cio de vacas em fazendas de leite. No experimento, foram selecionadas 127 vacas leiteiras Holstein com idade e paridade similares. De acordo com a concentração de ß- ácido hidroxibutírico, ácidos graxos não esterificados e glicose no plasma entre 14 e 21 dias no leite, todas as vacas leiteiras foram determinadas em estado de equilíbrio energético. De acordo com os resultados dos sintomas clínicos, do exame de ultra-som retal e B aos 60 a 90 dias pós-parto, estas vacas foram divididas em vinte cios e vinte e quatro grupos de cio, outras vacas leiteiras foram removidas. A tecnologia de ressonância magnética nuclear 1H foi utilizada para detectar as alterações dos metabólitos plasmáticos e para triar diferentes metabólitos plasmáticos entre as vacas do cio e do cio. Dez diferentes metabólitos incluindo alanina, ácido glutâmico, asparagina, creatina, colina, fosfocholina, glicerofosfocolina, lipoproteína de baixa densidade e lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade foram significativamente diminuídos nas vacas antróficas em comparação com as vacas estro. As análises da via metabólica indicaram que os metabólitos diferenciais estavam principalmente envolvidos no metabolismo de aminoácidos e glicerofosfolipídios. Estes metabólitos e suas vias de enriquecimento indicam que a redução dos precursores da síntese de hormônios esteróides resulta em níveis mais baixos de estradiol e progesterona e causa anestros no balanço energético negativo. Estes dados fornecem uma melhor compreensão das mudanças que podem afetar o cio das vacas leiteiras pós-parto no estado de NEB e preparam o terreno para mais pesquisas.(AU)

Is bluetongue virus a risk factor for reproductive failure in tropical hair sheep in Brazil?

Background: Bluetongue is a vector-borne viral disease transmitted by midges from the genus Culicoides. The disease caninfect most of the ruminant and camelid species, but the severe disease is most often seen in european wool and muttonsheep breeds. In this sense, there is a gap in the knowledge on BTV infection in hair sheep breeds from tropical zones.Thus, this study aimed at establishing whether exposure to BTV is a risk factor for reproductive failure in Santa Inês ewes,a hair sheep breed, reared under tropical conditions in Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in sheep farms in São Paulo state,Brazil, after the rainy season. Serum samples from 110 Santa Inês ewes with a history of reproductive disorders, in the last6 months, which were included: abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, retention of placenta, infertility, estrus repetition, fetalmalformation, weak lamb birth and neonatal death were collected. The presence of antibodies against BTV was assessedby agar gel immunodiffusion method (AGID). Serology to the infectious agents Brucela ovis, Lepstopira spp., Toxoplasmagondii, Neospora caninum and Campylobacter sp. were also assessed. Bivariate associations between the outcome andindividual explanatory variables were assessed using the Fisher’s exact test. Abortion was the most common reproductive disorder (53%; 74/139) observed, followed by estrus repetition (12%; 17/139) and infertility (11%; 15/139). Otherdisorders related to the conceptus totaled nearly one fourth of the reported disorders. A total of 20% (22/110) of the eweswere seropositive to BTV. A higher frequency of BTV seropositive than BTV seronegative ewes with a history of abortionwas found. Also, abortion with seroreactivity to BTV was tested for prevalence ratio that showed 1.38 [95% CI 1.10-1.74;P = 0.030]. With regards to the abortion involvement of other infectious diseases associated with the seropositive ewes to...

Is bluetongue virus a risk factor for reproductive failure in tropical hair sheep in Brazil?

Background: Bluetongue is a vector-borne viral disease transmitted by midges from the genus Culicoides. The disease caninfect most of the ruminant and camelid species, but the severe disease is most often seen in european wool and muttonsheep breeds. In this sense, there is a gap in the knowledge on BTV infection in hair sheep breeds from tropical zones.Thus, this study aimed at establishing whether exposure to BTV is a risk factor for reproductive failure in Santa Inês ewes,a hair sheep breed, reared under tropical conditions in Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in sheep farms in São Paulo state,Brazil, after the rainy season. Serum samples from 110 Santa Inês ewes with a history of reproductive disorders, in the last6 months, which were included: abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, retention of placenta, infertility, estrus repetition, fetalmalformation, weak lamb birth and neonatal death were collected. The presence of antibodies against BTV was assessedby agar gel immunodiffusion method (AGID). Serology to the infectious agents Brucela ovis, Lepstopira spp., Toxoplasmagondii, Neospora caninum and Campylobacter sp. were also assessed. Bivariate associations between the outcome andindividual explanatory variables were assessed using the Fishers exact test. Abortion was the most common reproductive disorder (53%; 74/139) observed, followed by estrus repetition (12%; 17/139) and infertility (11%; 15/139). Otherdisorders related to the conceptus totaled nearly one fourth of the reported disorders. A total of 20% (22/110) of the eweswere seropositive to BTV. A higher frequency of BTV seropositive than BTV seronegative ewes with a history of abortionwas found. Also, abortion with seroreactivity to BTV was tested for prevalence ratio that showed 1.38 [95% CI 1.10-1.74;P = 0.030]. With regards to the abortion involvement of other infectious diseases associated with the seropositive ewes to...(AU)

Relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu-type cows (Bos indicus)

To determine a possible relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu cows, 30 cow-calf pairs were estrus synchronized at 25 days post-partum. No differences were observed in the number of cows displaying estrus or ovulating between those cows reacting to more calves with higher intensity, and the rest of the herd (P > 0.05). However, significant negative correlations were found between cows reacting to more calves and the presence of follicles (-0.39; P = 0.03), and cows displaying a more intense reaction toward their calf and estrous display (-0.46; P = 0.01). Current results suggest that protective maternal components might affect some reproductive variables.(AU)

Relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu-type cows (Bos indicus)

To determine a possible relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu cows, 30 cow-calf pairs were estrus synchronized at 25 days post-partum. No differences were observed in the number of cows displaying estrus or ovulating between those cows reacting to more calves with higher intensity, and the rest of the herd (P > 0.05). However, significant negative correlations were found between cows reacting to more calves and the presence of follicles (-0.39; P = 0.03), and cows displaying a more intense reaction toward their calf and estrous display (-0.46; P = 0.01). Current results suggest that protective maternal components might affect some reproductive variables.(AU)

Relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu-type cows (Bos indicus)

To determine a possible relationship between protective maternal behavior and some reproductive variables in zebu cows, 30 cow-calf pairs were estrus synchronized at 25 days post-partum. No differences were observed in the number of cows displaying estrus or ovulating between those cows reacting to more calves with higher intensity, and the rest of the herd (P > 0.05). However, significant negative correlations were found between cows reacting to more calves and the presence of follicles (-0.39; P = 0.03), and cows displaying a more intense reaction toward their calf and estrous display (-0.46; P = 0.01). Current results suggest that protective maternal components might affect some reproductive variables.

Reproductive disorders in does experimentally infected by Toxoplasma gondii / Distúrbios reprodutivos em cabras experimentalmente infectadas por Toxoplasma gondii

The aim of this study was to describe the reproductive disorders related to experimental infection by artificial insemination with semen contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii of four goats in the chronic phase of the infection. In the end of the study, the does were submitted to necropsy, and PCR and histopathological evaluations were performed. Among infected does that exhibited embryonic loss, two were in anestrus and two exhibited repeated estrus. One of the latter animals exhibited clinical signs of estrus at seven-day intervals, whereas the other had a 21-day estrous cycle. However, both does were naturally mated on subsequent natural estrous and were not able to get pregnant until the end of the experiment (90 d). Two of the goats exhibited abnormalities in the ultrasound examinations, one of which was an ovarian cyst, while the other was a hydrosalpinx, both of which were confirmed in the post-mortem examination. The main microscopic injuries in this group were neutrophilic infiltration of the lungs, interstitial glomerulonephritis and neutrophilic infiltration of the liver. T. gondii DNA was found in the organs (heart and brain) of three does. In conclusion, does infected with Toxoplasma gondii in semen at the time of artificial insemination display reproductive disorders in the chronic phase of infection that might be associated with toxoplasmosis.

Objetivou-se descrever os distúrbios reprodutivos associados à infecção experimental por Toxoplasma gondii através da inseminação artificial com sêmen contaminado em quatro cabras no estágio crônico da infecção. As características do trato reprodutor foram avaliadas através de ultrassonografia transretal, visando o diagnóstico gestacional ou de desordens reprodutivas, após a infecção experimental. Ao final do experimento, os animais foram necropsiados e avaliações histopatológicas e PCR foram realizados. Dentre os animais infectados que exibiram mortalidade embrionária, duas apresentaram anestro e duas apresentaram repetição de estro, sendo que destas uma apresentou intervalos entre estros reduzido (sete dias) e outra em intervalo regular (21 dias). Todavia, ambas foram submetidas a monta natural durante os estros naturais subsequentese não foi confirmada gestação até o final do experimento (90 dias). Duas cabras exibiram alterações nos exames de ultrassonografia, sendo identificadas um cisto ovariano, e uma hidrossalpinge, ambas confirmadas no exame post-mortem. As principais lesões microscópicas nesse grupo foram infiltração neutrofílica dos pulmões, glomerulonefrite intersticial e infiltração neutrofílica do fígado. O DNA de T. gondii foi encontrado nos órgãos (coração e cérebro) de três cabras. Em conclusão, cabras infectadas comsêmen contendoT. gondii no momento da inseminação artificial apresentam distúrbios reprodutivos na fase crônica da infecção que podem estar associados à toxoplasmose.

Cardiovascular evaluation in bitches in oestrus, pregnancy and puerperium

Background: Pregnancy may change maternal hemodynamic, which is considered a physiological mechanism for adaptation. Cardiac output tends to be influenced by reductions in vascular resistance and increases in uterine vasculature, as well as reduced autonomic tone combined with gestational physiological anaemia and increased blood volume due to increased plasma volume and hormonal mechanisms. In bitches, few studies have been conducted investigating the changes of the system and the clinical implications for the mother and foetuses due to poor cardiac adaptation during pregnancy.Materials, Methods & Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP), electrocardiographic and Doppler echocardiographic measurements and serum sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels were evaluated in six bitches of reproductive age. An evaluation was performed in oestrus (M0), followed by evaluations at 25 (M1), 45 (M2), and 60 days (M3) after the last natural or artificial insemination and 15 days after delivery (M4). For the statistical analysis, the means, medians and the standard deviation were calculated. The data were analysed using ANOVA and the Tukey test, with significance level of 5%. A descriptive analysis was performed for color Doppler in echocardiogram evaluation, cardiac axis and rhythm in electrocardiogram evaluation. In the electrolytic evaluation, significant differences were found only in the serum levels of Na, noticed as a reduction in M0-M1 and M3-M2 and an increase in M1-M2 and M3-M4. No significant differences were observed in the SBP, although there was a tendency to SBP reduction. ECG parameters were not significantly different, with no rhythm or conduction disturbances. There was not a significant difference in HR. Four animals (66.6%) had axis deviation to the right when comparing the oestrous phase with the final quarter of pregnancy. The echocardiographic parameters did not show significant changes.[...]

Cardiovascular evaluation in bitches in oestrus, pregnancy and puerperium

Background: Pregnancy may change maternal hemodynamic, which is considered a physiological mechanism for adaptation. Cardiac output tends to be influenced by reductions in vascular resistance and increases in uterine vasculature, as well as reduced autonomic tone combined with gestational physiological anaemia and increased blood volume due to increased plasma volume and hormonal mechanisms. In bitches, few studies have been conducted investigating the changes of the system and the clinical implications for the mother and foetuses due to poor cardiac adaptation during pregnancy.Materials, Methods & Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP), electrocardiographic and Doppler echocardiographic measurements and serum sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels were evaluated in six bitches of reproductive age. An evaluation was performed in oestrus (M0), followed by evaluations at 25 (M1), 45 (M2), and 60 days (M3) after the last natural or artificial insemination and 15 days after delivery (M4). For the statistical analysis, the means, medians and the standard deviation were calculated. The data were analysed using ANOVA and the Tukey test, with significance level of 5%. A descriptive analysis was performed for color Doppler in echocardiogram evaluation, cardiac axis and rhythm in electrocardiogram evaluation. In the electrolytic evaluation, significant differences were found only in the serum levels of Na, noticed as a reduction in M0-M1 and M3-M2 and an increase in M1-M2 and M3-M4. No significant differences were observed in the SBP, although there was a tendency to SBP reduction. ECG parameters were not significantly different, with no rhythm or conduction disturbances. There was not a significant difference in HR. Four animals (66.6%) had axis deviation to the right when comparing the oestrous phase with the final quarter of pregnancy. The echocardiographic parameters did not show significant changes.[...](AU)

Evaluation of buffaloes' follicular dynamics and stress state under different ovulation synchronization protocols

The aims of the present study were to analyze the effect of different hormonal protocols using an implant containing Norgestomet, at the ovulation synchronization in buffaloes and to verify the effect of the stress caused by manipulation of the herd during the experiment. Twenty-four female Murrah breed buffaloes, lactating, multiparous, aged from three to eight years, with a body condition score of 3.5 or higher (0 to 5) and with more than 45 days post partum, were used. These females were randomly distributed into one of the three groups (group 1, group 2 and group 3) with eight subjects in each. On day 0 (day 0), all animals received an ear progesterone implant with 3.0 mg of Norgestomet and an intramuscular (IM) injection with 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB). The implants were removed after nine days (day 9) and one single dose of PGF2α (0.15 mg d-cloprostenol, IM) was administered to all animals. On the same day, the group ́1 and group 3 buffaloes were treated with 500 UI of eCG (IM). Two days later (day 11), 1000UI of hCG (IM) were administered to the group 1 and group 2 buffaloes. After the implant had been removed, an ultrasound evaluation was performed every 12 h, in order to access the ovarian follicular dynamics, using an Aloka 500 equipment with a 5 MHz transrectal probe. Blood samples were also taken on days 0, 9 and 11 to determine the plasmatic concentrations of cortisol and progesterone. No difference was observed in the ovulation rate (group 1: 62.5%, group 2: 50%, group 3: 75%). However, the size of the preovulatory follicles and the plasmatic concentration of cortisol had (P <0.05). G3 was the most efficient group in promoting the ovulation synchronization, which suggests that this protocol can be used in Fixed Timed Artificial Insemination programs (FTAI) among postpartum, lactating Murrah breed buffaloes’.

Evaluation of buffaloes' follicular dynamics and stress state under different ovulation synchronization protocols

The aims of the present study were to analyze the effect of different hormonal protocols using an implant containing Norgestomet, at the ovulation synchronization in buffaloes and to verify the effect of the stress caused by manipulation of the herd during the experiment. Twenty-four female Murrah breed buffaloes, lactating, multiparous, aged from three to eight years, with a body condition score of 3.5 or higher (0 to 5) and with more than 45 days post partum, were used. These females were randomly distributed into one of the three groups (group 1, group 2 and group 3) with eight subjects in each. On day 0 (day 0), all animals received an ear progesterone implant with 3.0 mg of Norgestomet and an intramuscular (IM) injection with 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB). The implants were removed after nine days (day 9) and one single dose of PGF2α (0.15 mg d-cloprostenol, IM) was administered to all animals. On the same day, the group ́1 and group 3 buffaloes were treated with 500 UI of eCG (IM). Two days later (day 11), 1000UI of hCG (IM) were administered to the group 1 and group 2 buffaloes. After the implant had been removed, an ultrasound evaluation was performed every 12 h, in order to access the ovarian follicular dynamics, using an Aloka 500 equipment with a 5 MHz transrectal probe. Blood samples were also taken on days 0, 9 and 11 to determine the plasmatic concentrations of cortisol and progesterone. No difference was observed in the ovulation rate (group 1: 62.5%, group 2: 50%, group 3: 75%). However, the size of the preovulatory follicles and the plasmatic concentration of cortisol had (P <0.05). G3 was the most efficient group in promoting the ovulation synchronization, which suggests that this protocol can be used in Fixed Timed Artificial Insemination programs (FTAI) among postpartum, lactating Murrah breed buffaloes.(AU)

Influence of male to female ratio on hormone profiles and reproductive performance of anestrus postpartum ewes subjected to the male effect

Background: Complete isolation of genders allows intense estrous induction and synchronization once rams are introduced in ewe flocks at the onset of the breeding season (BS). This management practice, defined as the male effect, results from a neuroendocrine process mediated by pheromones. The male effect is a straightforward procedure to induce estrous in noncycling ewes, but conditions for its use have not been fully explored. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate hormone levels and ovarian activity of postpartum ewes in anestrus which are subjected to the male effect under different male to female ratios. Material, Methods & Results: Pospartum females were selected according to body condition score and cyclicity status. Females were kept apart from males during 30 days at a distance of 10 m. Anestrus and ovulation were determined by P4 measures on days 10, 20 and 30 after isolation from males. After P4 concentration diagnosis, anestrus ewe (n = 99) were subjected to male to ewe ratios (MFR) of 1:20 (MFR20), 1:30 (MFR30) and 1:40 (MFR40). Santa Inês rams (n = 3) of proven fertility were used. Three females of each group were randomly subjected to blood collection for LH concentration analysis. Ovarian activity was performed by ultrasonography after estrus manifestation in six ewe of each group. Estrus events were observed twice a day during the BS of 35 days, and estrus [...](AU)

Influence of male to female ratio on hormone profiles and reproductive performance of anestrus postpartum ewes subjected to the male effect

Background: Complete isolation of genders allows intense estrous induction and synchronization once rams are introduced in ewe flocks at the onset of the breeding season (BS). This management practice, defined as the male effect, results from a neuroendocrine process mediated by pheromones. The male effect is a straightforward procedure to induce estrous in noncycling ewes, but conditions for its use have not been fully explored. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate hormone levels and ovarian activity of postpartum ewes in anestrus which are subjected to the male effect under different male to female ratios. Material, Methods & Results: Pospartum females were selected according to body condition score and cyclicity status. Females were kept apart from males during 30 days at a distance of 10 m. Anestrus and ovulation were determined by P4 measures on days 10, 20 and 30 after isolation from males. After P4 concentration diagnosis, anestrus ewe (n = 99) were subjected to male to ewe ratios (MFR) of 1:20 (MFR20), 1:30 (MFR30) and 1:40 (MFR40). Santa Inês rams (n = 3) of proven fertility were used. Three females of each group were randomly subjected to blood collection for LH concentration analysis. Ovarian activity was performed by ultrasonography after estrus manifestation in six ewe of each group. Estrus events were observed twice a day during the BS of 35 days, and estrus [...]

Performance of Santa Inês sheep managed to pasture and supplemented with protected fat postpartum / Desempenho de ovelhas Santa Inês manejadas a pasto e suplementadas com gordura protegida no pós-parto

The objective was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with calcium soaps of fatty acids (SCAF) in the productive and reproductive performance of animals kept at pasture. The experiment was conducted in sheep breeding sector of IF Goiano Campus Ceres (GO). After synchronization of estrus and coverage, 32 Santa Ines sheep were randomly chosen by birth order and according with the body condition score (BCS) in four treatments: (TEST - without concentrate supplementation; SUPL - concentrated supplement without including SCAF; GORD5 - concentrated supplement with including 5.0% of SCAF and; GORD10 - concentrated supplement with the inclusion of 10.0% SCAF). The arrays were kept in Tanzania pasture (Panicum maximum) and supplementation began on the first day postpartum and was maintained through 60 days postpartum (dpp). They assessed the body weight (BW) and BCS of all sheep every 15 days. After 60 days trial the percentage of sheep who have expressed estrus and first estrus birth interval (IBFE) of matrices were evaluated. The other phase of the study consisted of the evaluation of the medium daily gain (MDG) and BW of lambs from birth to 60 days old. There was no effect of supplementation with or without SCAF (p>0.05) on the BW, BCS sheep and BW and MDG of lambs. The percentage of estrus was not influenced by experimental diets. The supplementation concentrate without inclusion of SCAF to 60 dpp reduces IBFE, while the inclusion of SCAF does not promote improvement in the productive and reproductiveperformance of Santa Ines grazing managed sheep.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação com sabões de cálcio de ácidos graxos (SCAG) no desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de animais mantidos à pasto. O experimento foi realizado no setor de ovinocultura do IF Goiano - Campus Ceres (GO). Após a sincronização de estro e cobertura, 32 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês foram escolhidas aleatoriamente ao número de partos e distribuídas de acordo com o escore de condição corporal (ECC) e ordem de parto em quatro tratamentos: (TEST - sem suplementação concentrada; SUPL - suplemento concentrado sem a inclusão SCAG; GORD5 - suplemento concentrado com a inclusão de 5,0% de SCAG e; GORD10 - suplemento concentrado com a inclusão de 10,0% SCAG). As matrizes foram mantidas em pastagem de capim Tanzânia (Panicum maximum) e a suplementação teve início no primeiro dia pós-parto sendo mantida até os 60 dias pós-parto (DPP). Foram avaliados o peso corporal (PC) e o ECC de todas as ovelhas, a cada 15 dias. Aos 60 dias experimentais avaliou-se a porcentagem de ovelhas que manifestaram estro e o intervalo parto primeiro estro (IPPE) das matrizes. A outra fase do estado constou da avaliação do ganho médio diário (GMD) e do PC dos cordeiros desde o parto até 60 dias de idade. Não houve influência da suplementação com ou sem SCAG (p>0,05) sobre o PC, ECC das ovelhas, e no PC e GMD dos cordeiros. A porcentagem de manifestação de estro não foi influenciada pelas dietas experimentais. A suplementação concentrada sem inclusão de SCAG até os 60 dpp reduz o IPPE, enquanto, a inclusão de SCAG não promove melhoriano desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de ovelhas Santa Inês manejadas a pasto.

Performance of Santa Inês sheep managed to pasture and supplemented with protected fat postpartum / Desempenho de ovelhas Santa Inês manejadas a pasto e suplementadas com gordura protegida no pós-parto

The objective was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with calcium soaps of fatty acids (SCAF) in the productive and reproductive performance of animals kept at pasture. The experiment was conducted in sheep breeding sector of IF Goiano Campus Ceres (GO). After synchronization of estrus and coverage, 32 Santa Ines sheep were randomly chosen by birth order and according with the body condition score (BCS) in four treatments: (TEST - without concentrate supplementation; SUPL - concentrated supplement without including SCAF; GORD5 - concentrated supplement with including 5.0% of SCAF and; GORD10 - concentrated supplement with the inclusion of 10.0% SCAF). The arrays were kept in Tanzania pasture (Panicum maximum) and supplementation began on the first day postpartum and was maintained through 60 days postpartum (dpp). They assessed the body weight (BW) and BCS of all sheep every 15 days. After 60 days trial the percentage of sheep who have expressed estrus and first estrus birth interval (IBFE) of matrices were evaluated. The other phase of the study consisted of the evaluation of the medium daily gain (MDG) and BW of lambs from birth to 60 days old. There was no effect of supplementation with or without SCAF (p>0.05) on the BW, BCS sheep and BW and MDG of lambs. The percentage of estrus was not influenced by experimental diets. The supplementation concentrate without inclusion of SCAF to 60 dpp reduces IBFE, while the inclusion of SCAF does not promote improvement in the productive and reproductiveperformance of Santa Ines grazing managed sheep.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação com sabões de cálcio de ácidos graxos (SCAG) no desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de animais mantidos à pasto. O experimento foi realizado no setor de ovinocultura do IF Goiano - Campus Ceres (GO). Após a sincronização de estro e cobertura, 32 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês foram escolhidas aleatoriamente ao número de partos e distribuídas de acordo com o escore de condição corporal (ECC) e ordem de parto em quatro tratamentos: (TEST - sem suplementação concentrada; SUPL - suplemento concentrado sem a inclusão SCAG; GORD5 - suplemento concentrado com a inclusão de 5,0% de SCAG e; GORD10 - suplemento concentrado com a inclusão de 10,0% SCAG). As matrizes foram mantidas em pastagem de capim Tanzânia (Panicum maximum) e a suplementação teve início no primeiro dia pós-parto sendo mantida até os 60 dias pós-parto (DPP). Foram avaliados o peso corporal (PC) e o ECC de todas as ovelhas, a cada 15 dias. Aos 60 dias experimentais avaliou-se a porcentagem de ovelhas que manifestaram estro e o intervalo parto primeiro estro (IPPE) das matrizes. A outra fase do estado constou da avaliação do ganho médio diário (GMD) e do PC dos cordeiros desde o parto até 60 dias de idade. Não houve influência da suplementação com ou sem SCAG (p>0,05) sobre o PC, ECC das ovelhas, e no PC e GMD dos cordeiros. A porcentagem de manifestação de estro não foi influenciada pelas dietas experimentais. A suplementação concentrada sem inclusão de SCAG até os 60 dpp reduz o IPPE, enquanto, a inclusão de SCAG não promove melhoriano desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de ovelhas Santa Inês manejadas a pasto.(AU)

Cio do potro: o que é e quando utilizar? / Foal heat: what is that and when use it?

Cio do potro é como popularmente se denomina o primeiro estro pós-parto. O uso do cio do potro como estratégia reprodutiva é atrativo para os criadores pois possibilita a produção de um potro/égua/ano. Este período de estro geralmente ocorre entre o 5o e o 12o dia pós-parto. Vários fatores como a idade da égua, seu escore corporal, a evolução do parto, a integridade do trato reprodutivo no pós-parto e a presença de lóquios uterinos influenciam as taxas de prenhez no cio do potro. Objetivou-se apresentar uma revisão de literatura com o fim de esclarecer o que é e quando utilizar o cio do potro, assim como quais seriam as condições mais propícias para a concepção no primeiro cio pós-parto.(AU)

Foal heat is the popular denomination for the first postpartum oestrous. The use of the foal heat as areproductive strategy allows breeders to obtain one foal/mare/year. This oestrus period generally occurs between the 5th and the 12th days postpartum. A wide range of factors such as the mares age, its body condition, the parturition process, the integrity of the reproductive tract postpartum and the presence of uterine lochiaaffect the pregnancy rates on the foal heat. The present study gathers information from others already have been published in order to clarify which are the most adequate conditions aiming the conception on the first postpartum oestrus.(AU)

Cio do potro: o que é e quando utilizar? / Foal heat: what is that and when use it?

Cio do potro é como popularmente se denomina o primeiro estro pós-parto. O uso do cio do potro como estratégia reprodutiva é atrativo para os criadores pois possibilita a produção de um potro/égua/ano. Este período de estro geralmente ocorre entre o 5o e o 12o dia pós-parto. Vários fatores como a idade da égua, seu escore corporal, a evolução do parto, a integridade do trato reprodutivo no pós-parto e a presença de lóquios uterinos influenciam as taxas de prenhez no cio do potro. Objetivou-se apresentar uma revisão de literatura com o fim de esclarecer o que é e quando utilizar o cio do potro, assim como quais seriam as condições mais propícias para a concepção no primeiro cio pós-parto.

Foal heat is the popular denomination for the first postpartum oestrous. The use of the foal heat as areproductive strategy allows breeders to obtain one foal/mare/year. This oestrus period generally occurs between the 5th and the 12th days postpartum. A wide range of factors such as the mare’s age, its body condition, the parturition process, the integrity of the reproductive tract postpartum and the presence of uterine lochiaaffect the pregnancy rates on the foal heat. The present study gathers information from others already have been published in order to clarify which are the most adequate conditions aiming the conception on the first postpartum oestrus.

Influência da condição corporal ao parto no balanço energético e desempenho reprodutivo de cabras leiteiras no pós-parto / Influence of body condition at calving on energy balance and reproductive performance of dairy goats in the postpartum

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da condição corporal (CC) ao parto no balanço energético (BE) e o desempenho reprodutivo de cabras Alpinas no pós-parto. Foram utilizadas 68 cabras distribuídas em três grupos (G), sendo: G1- cabras com baixa CC (CC entre 1,5 e 2,5); G2: cabras com moderada CC (entre 2,75 e 3,5) e G3: cabras com alta CC (entre 3,75 e 5,0). Os animais receberam dieta (silagem de milho e concentrado, com 18% de proteína bruta e 1,7Mcal/kg de matéria seca de energia líquida) ad libitum. As avaliações foram feitas nas oito primeiras semanas de lactação, para determinação do BE, do intervalo do parto à primeira ovulação e ao primeiro estro e da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variância a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve efeito da CC ao parto sobre o BE dos animais. Todas as cabras apresentaram BE negativo ao parto, com mudança para BE positivo aos 51, 58 e 64 dias pós-parto, respectivamente. Não houve diferença na concentração plasmática de progesterona nos três grupos, sendo caracterizada função luteal (concentração ≥1ng/dL) em apenas 5,9% dos animais avaliados. O intervalo do parto à primeira ovulação foi de 46 dias. Apenas 4,4% das cabras exibiram estro. Cabras leiteiras de média produção, entre 2,5 e 3,0kg de leite/dia, entram em BE negativo ao parto, independentemente da CC apresentada, influenciando negativamente o reinício da atividade ovariana no pós-parto.(AU)

The concentration of progesterone in the blood was used to study the effect of body condition score (BCS) on the post-partum ovarian activity of dairy goats. Sixty-eight female goats were distributed between three treatments. Treatment 1: goats with BCS between 1.00 and 2.75; Treatment 2: goats with BCS between 2.75 and 3.50; and Treatment 3: goats with BCS between 3.50 and 5.00. The goats had the blood collected immediately after birth, and from that time up to the eighth week post-partum at three day intervals. The progesterone analysis on the blood was used to determine the interval between the birth and the first ovulation. The females were teasing two times per day for estrus detection and determination of the time interval from birth to first estrus. No significant difference was found on the progesterone concentration between treatments. The luteal functionality was characterized in only 5.9% of goats, with a concentration higher than 1ng/mL. The period from birth to first ovulation was 46 days. The detectable estrus was found in only 4.4% of goats. The BCS at birth did not influence the recovery of ovarian activity of dairy goats.(AU)

Influência da condição corporal ao parto no balanço energético e desempenho reprodutivo de cabras leiteiras no pós-parto / Influence of body condition at calving on energy balance and reproductive performance of dairy goats in the postpartum

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da condição corporal (CC) ao parto no balanço energético (BE) e o desempenho reprodutivo de cabras Alpinas no pós-parto. Foram utilizadas 68 cabras distribuídas em três grupos (G), sendo: G1- cabras com baixa CC (CC entre 1,5 e 2,5); G2: cabras com moderada CC (entre 2,75 e 3,5) e G3: cabras com alta CC (entre 3,75 e 5,0). Os animais receberam dieta (silagem de milho e concentrado, com 18% de proteína bruta e 1,7Mcal/kg de matéria seca de energia líquida) ad libitum. As avaliações foram feitas nas oito primeiras semanas de lactação, para determinação do BE, do intervalo do parto à primeira ovulação e ao primeiro estro e da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variância a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve efeito da CC ao parto sobre o BE dos animais. Todas as cabras apresentaram BE negativo ao parto, com mudança para BE positivo aos 51, 58 e 64 dias pós-parto, respectivamente. Não houve diferença na concentração plasmática de progesterona nos três grupos, sendo caracterizada função luteal (concentração ≥1ng/dL) em apenas 5,9% dos animais avaliados. O intervalo do parto à primeira ovulação foi de 46 dias. Apenas 4,4% das cabras exibiram estro. Cabras leiteiras de média produção, entre 2,5 e 3,0kg de leite/dia, entram em BE negativo ao parto, independentemente da CC apresentada, influenciando negativamente o reinício da atividade ovariana no pós-parto.(AU)

The concentration of progesterone in the blood was used to study the effect of body condition score (BCS) on the post-partum ovarian activity of dairy goats. Sixty-eight female goats were distributed between three treatments. Treatment 1: goats with BCS between 1.00 and 2.75; Treatment 2: goats with BCS between 2.75 and 3.50; and Treatment 3: goats with BCS between 3.50 and 5.00. The goats had the blood collected immediately after birth, and from that time up to the eighth week post-partum at three day intervals. The progesterone analysis on the blood was used to determine the interval between the birth and the first ovulation. The females were teasing two times per day for estrus detection and determination of the time interval from birth to first estrus. No significant difference was found on the progesterone concentration between treatments. The luteal functionality was characterized in only 5.9% of goats, with a concentration higher than 1ng/mL. The period from birth to first ovulation was 46 days. The detectable estrus was found in only 4.4% of goats. The BCS at birth did not influence the recovery of ovarian activity of dairy goats.(AU)