Breed, heterosis, and recombination effects for lactation curves in Brazilian cattle

The objective of this study was to estimate the breed, heterosis, and recombination effects on different components of the lactation curve of Girolando cattle. The dataset used consisted of 12,121 purebred cows of Holstein (H) and Gyr (G) breeds, and six H×G crossbred cows (Girolando). The model used presents random effects of herd and cow, regression coefficient associated with linear effect of proportion of H breed, regression coefficient associated with the linear effect of heterosis between H and G breeds, regression coefficient associated with the linear effect of recombination between H and G breeds, and random effect of residual. Dijkstra's (DJ), Nelder's (ND), Wilmink's (WL), and Wood's (WD) models were tested to fit production records of these different genetic groups. These models were then tested according to evaluation criteria of quality of fit (AIC, BIC, and RMSE), and the two best models (WD and WL) were chosen for estimation of 305-day milk yield (MY305), peak yield, time to peak, and persistency of milk yield. The breed effect was significant for all traits and components of the lactation curve. The heterosis effect was significant for all traits, and was more significant for MY305 (945.62±79.17 kg). Peak yield was the component of lactation curve that presented the most significant heterosis effect, partially explaining the heterosis effect (12 to 21%) found for MY305. The recombination effect was positive only for lactation period and time to peak of lactation in Girolando cows.

The geometry of the lactation curve based on Wood's equation: a two-step prediction

Lactation records from cows of the southwestern Paraná state, Brazil, form the dataset of this study. We applied the information-theoretic approach to evaluate the ability of the nonlinear Wood, Brody, Dijkstra, and Gamma functions to fit to these data by employing a two-step technique based on nonlinear mixed-effects models and generalized linear mixed-effects models. Wood's equation was fitted with the combination of a first-order autoregressive correlation structure and a variance function to account for heteroscedasticity. This version was the best choice to mimic lactation records. Some geometric attributes of Wood's model were deduced, mainly the ascending specific rate from parturition to peak milk yield and the descending specific rate as a measure of the lactation persistence of the milk yield at peak production. Breed and parity order of the cows were assumed as fixed effects to obtain a reliable model fitting process. Regardless of breed, first-order parity cows had greater persistency than their older counterparts, and the greater the ascending rate of milk yield from the parturition to the peak, the sharper the decrease in milk yield post-peak; therefore, the rates (absolute values) of ascending and descending phases correlated positively. Nonetheless, the actual estimated values of the descending phase rates are negative. Wood's equation was flexible enough to mimic either concave- and convex-shaped lactation profiles. The correlations between both peak milk yield and random estimates for ß with total milk yield per lactation were positive. However, peak milk yield might not be the only variable used for ranking cows; the total milk yield integrates all information of the lactation profile through the estimated parameters of Wood's equation.(AU)

Association between gestation length and lactation performance, lactation curve, calf birth weight and dystocia in Holstein dairy cows in Iran

In this study, 252,798 lactations on 108,077 cows in 433 herds were used to determine the association between gestation length (GL) and lactation performance, lactation curve, calf birth weight and dystocia in Holstein dairy cows in Iran. The GL averaged 278.1 ± 5.41 d, was categorized as short (SGL; at 1 SD below the population mean), average (AGL; the population mean ± 1 SD), or long (LGL; at least 1 SD above the population mean). Factors including parity, calf gender and calving season were associated with the GL. Primiparous cows with SGL had less lactation performance than those with longer GL; however, there was no difference between those with AGL and LGL. Multiparous cows with longer GL always had more partial and 305-d lactation performance. Primiparous cows with SGL produced less milk at the beginning of lactation and at the peak than those with AGL or LGL; inverse trends were found for lactation persistency, upward and downward slopes of the lactation curve. Within multiparous, a direct relationship was found between GL and the peak yield, where cows with longer GL always produced more milk at the peak. Multiparous cows with SGL produced less milk at the beginning of lactation, reached their peaks later, had higher lactation persistency and showed a lower upward slope of lactation curve than those with AGL or LGL. There was a direct relationship between GL and calf birth weight, where cows with longer GL had calves with more weight at the birth. Within primiparous, cows with SGL had the lowest and those with LGL had the highest rate of dystocia. However, multiparous cows with AGL had a lower rate of dystocia than those with SGL or LGL. Although there was a direct relationship between GL and lactation performance, intermediate GL seems optimal when considering dystocia.(AU)

Association between gestation length and lactation performance, lactation curve, calf birth weight and dystocia in Holstein dairy cows in Iran

In this study, 252,798 lactations on 108,077 cows in 433 herds were used to determine the association between gestation length (GL) and lactation performance, lactation curve, calf birth weight and dystocia in Holstein dairy cows in Iran. The GL averaged 278.1 ± 5.41 d, was categorized as short (SGL; at 1 SD below the population mean), average (AGL; the population mean ± 1 SD), or long (LGL; at least 1 SD above the population mean). Factors including parity, calf gender and calving season were associated with the GL. Primiparous cows with SGL had less lactation performance than those with longer GL; however, there was no difference between those with AGL and LGL. Multiparous cows with longer GL always had more partial and 305-d lactation performance. Primiparous cows with SGL produced less milk at the beginning of lactation and at the peak than those with AGL or LGL; inverse trends were found for lactation persistency, upward and downward slopes of the lactation curve. Within multiparous, a direct relationship was found between GL and the peak yield, where cows with longer GL always produced more milk at the peak. Multiparous cows with SGL produced less milk at the beginning of lactation, reached their peaks later, had higher lactation persistency and showed a lower upward slope of lactation curve than those with AGL or LGL. There was a direct relationship between GL and calf birth weight, where cows with longer GL had calves with more weight at the birth. Within primiparous, cows with SGL had the lowest and those with LGL had the highest rate of dystocia. However, multiparous cows with AGL had a lower rate of dystocia than those with SGL or LGL. Although there was a direct relationship between GL and lactation performance, intermediate GL seems optimal when considering dystocia.

Milk production in Saanen goats treated with repeated low doses of intermediate-release insulin during early lactation / Produção de leite em cabras Saanen tratadas com repetidas doses baixas de insulina de liberação intermediária durante a lactação inicial

The effect of insulin administration on the productive responses of Saanen goats during early lactation was investigated. Ten of 20 adult females were subjected to subcutaneous administration of intermediate-acting insulin (0.14UI/kg body weight) at 2, 9, and 14 days postpartum. Milk yield was measured twice daily for 13 weeks and milk samples were collected to measure protein and fat contents. Plasma levels of progesterone, insulin, non-esterifies fatty acids, glucose and other metabolites were measured. Results showed a significantly increased effect of insulin treatment on the content of milk fat and protein; moreover, milk production in the first and second postpartum weeks were higher than control group. The peak of lactation in the insulin group was achieved one week earlier in comparison to the control group. In addition, the milk production rate showed lower persistency (milk yield 13 week/milk yield at peak) in the same group. During the first four weeks of postpartum, treated animals showed greater weight loss and higher non-esterified fatty acid concentration, whereas no effect was observed on the concentration of progesterone and other metabolites. The above results indicated that repeated administration of insulin in dairy goats during early lactation increase yield and qualitative components of milk, but has substantial consequences on animal productive rate and metabolic response.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de insulina sobre a resposta produtiva de cabras Saanen durante a lactação inicial. Dez de vinte fêmeas adultas foram sujeitas à administração subcutânea de repetidas e baixas doses de insulina de liberação intermediária aos 2, 9 e 14 dias pós-parto. A produção de leite foi mensurada duas vezes ao dia, por 13 semanas, e amostras de leite foram coletadas para mensurar teores de proteína e gordura. Os níveis plasmáticos de progesterona, insulina, ácidos graxos não-esterificados (AGNE), glicose e outros metabólitos foram mensurados. Os resultados mostraram um efeito significativamente maior nos animais tratados com insulina sobre o teor de gordura e proteína no leite. Além disso, a produção de leite na primeira e segunda semana pós-parto foi maior no grupo tratado do que no grupo controle. O pico de lactação no grupo insulina foi alcançado uma semana antes em comparação ao grupo controle. Além disso, a taxa de produção de leite nos animais tratados mostrou uma menor persistência de produção de leite durante o período analisado. Durante as primeiras quatro semanas pós-parto, os animais tratados com insulina mostraram maior perda de peso e maior concentração de AGNE, enquanto não se observou nenhum efeito sobre a concentração de progesterona ou outros metabólitos. Os resultados acima indicam que repetidas doses de insulina em cabras leiteiras durante a lactação inicial aumenta o rendimento de produção e concentração de componentes qualitativos do leite, mas apresenta consequências consideráveis sobre taxa de produção animal e resposta metabólica.(AU)

Cluster analysis of breeding values for milk yield and lactation persistency in Guzerá cattle / Análises de agrupamento dos valores genéticos para produção de leite e persistência da lactação em bovinos da raça Guzerá

The aim of this study was to explore the pattern of genetic lactation curves of Guzerá cattle using cluster analysis. Test-day milk yields of 5,274 first-lactation Guzerá cows were recorded in a progeny test. A total of 34,193 monthly records were analyzed with a random regression animal model using Legendre polynomials to fit additive genetic and permanent environmental random effects and mean trends. Hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses were performed based on the EBVs for monthly test-day milk yield, peak yield, lactation persistency, and partial cumulative and 305-day yields. The heritability estimates for test-day milk yields ranged from 0.24 to 0.52. Cluster analysis identified animals in the population that belong to different groups according to milk production level and lactation persistency.(AU)

Objetivou-se neste estudo explorar o padrão das curvas de lactação genéticas de bovinos da raça Guzerá, empregando análises de agrupamento. Os 34.193 registros mensais de produção de leite foram provenientes de 5.274 vacas da raça Guzerá, participantes do teste de progênie. As análises foram realizadas com um modelo de regressão aleatória com polinômios de Legendre, composto pelos efeitos aleatórios genético aditivo, de ambiente permanente e o residual, e a curva média de lactação da população. Análise de agrupamento hierárquico e não hierárquico foram realizados com base nos VG para a produção acumulada até os 305 dias, pico e persistência da lactação, e períodos parciais da lactação. As estimativas de herdabilidade para produção de leite no dia do controle variaram entre 0,24 a 0,52. A análise de agrupamento identificou os animais da população que pertencem a diferentes grupos de acordo com o nível de produção de leite e persistência da lactação.(AU)

Sward structure, light interception and herbage accumulation in forage peanut cv. Belmonte subjected to strategies of intermittent grazing management / Estrutura do dossel, interceptação de luz e acúmulo de forragem em amendoim-forrageiro / cv. Belmonte submetido a estratégias de pastejo rotativo

Nitrogen fertilization ensures productivity and persistency of pastures, but may be expensive. Perennial forage peanut, becomes an interesting alternative for N supply. Little is known about its use under grazing. The objective of this study was to evaluate regrowth process of forage peanut using an experimental protocol analogous to tropical forage grasses under rotational grazing. Treatments corresponded to two pre- (95% and maximum canopy light interception LI95% and LIMax) and two post-grazing (post-grazing heights of 40 and 60% of pre-grazing height) conditions, in a 2x2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (n = 4). Targets of LI pre-grazing affected  pre-grazing height and LI post-grazing. The residual sward LAI did not vary, resulting in similar grazing interval. Greater rates and total herbage accumulation were recorded for LIMax target, consequence of the greater accumulation of stolons at the lower strata of the swards. Greater percentage of leaflets was recorded for the LI95% target. Given the stoloniferous growth habit of forage peanut, stolon accumulation in the lower strata of the sward do not represent a limitation to leaf accumulation and morphological composition. The greater pre-grazing sward height associated with the LIMax target facilitate herbage prehension and intake, further investigation is needed.(AU)

A adubação nitrogenada assegura produtividade e persistência de pastagens, mas pode ser onerosa. O amendoim forrageiro é alternativa, porém são escassas informações sobre seu manejo sob pastejo. Objetivou-se avaliar o processo de rebrotação do amendoim forrageiro, utilizando procedimento análogo ao utilizado para gramíneas tropicais sob pastejo rotativo. Os tratamentos corresponderam a combinações entre duas condições pré-pastejo (95% e máxima interceptação luminosa pelo dossel IL95% e ILMáx) e duas condições pós-pastejo (alturas de 40 e 60% da altura pré-pastejo), segundo arranjo fatorial 2x2 e delineamento de blocos completos casualizados (n = 4). A IL pré-pastejo afetou a altura pré-pastejo e IL pós-pastejo. O IAF residual não variou entre tratamentos, resultando em intervalo entre pastejos semelhantes. Maior taxa e acúmulo de forragem foram verificados para a meta ILMáx, devido ao maior acúmulo de estolões nos estratos inferiores. Maior porcentagem de folíolos foi verificada para a meta IL95%. Devido ao seu hábito de crescimento estolonífero, o acúmulo de estolões do amendoim forrageiro em estratos inferiores do dossel não comprometeu o acúmulo de folhas nos estratos superiores. Maior altura de entrada nos pastos manejados com a meta ILMáx pode representar maior facilidade de preensão e consumo de forragem, fato que necessita de estudos adicionais.(AU)

Sward structure, light interception and herbage accumulation in forage peanut cv. Belmonte subjected to strategies of intermittent grazing management / Estrutura do dossel, interceptação de luz e acúmulo de forragem em amendoim-forrageiro / cv. Belmonte submetido a estratégias de pastejo rotativo

Nitrogen fertilization ensures productivity and persistency of pastures, but may be expensive. Perennial forage peanut, becomes an interesting alternative for N supply. Little is known about its use under grazing. The objective of this study was to evaluate regrowth process of forage peanut using an experimental protocol analogous to tropical forage grasses under rotational grazing. Treatments corresponded to two pre- (95% and maximum canopy light interception LI95% and LIMax) and two post-grazing (post-grazing heights of 40 and 60% of pre-grazing height) conditions, in a 2x2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (n = 4). Targets of LI pre-grazing affected  pre-grazing height and LI post-grazing. The residual sward LAI did not vary, resulting in similar grazing interval. Greater rates and total herbage accumulation were recorded for LIMax target, consequence of the greater accumulation of stolons at the lower strata of the swards. Greater percentage of leaflets was recorded for the LI95% target. Given the stoloniferous growth habit of forage peanut, stolon accumulation in the lower strata of the sward do not represent a limitation to leaf accumulation and morphological composition. The greater pre-grazing sward height associated with the LIMax target facilitate herbage prehension and intake, further investigation is needed.

A adubação nitrogenada assegura produtividade e persistência de pastagens, mas pode ser onerosa. O amendoim forrageiro é alternativa, porém são escassas informações sobre seu manejo sob pastejo. Objetivou-se avaliar o processo de rebrotação do amendoim forrageiro, utilizando procedimento análogo ao utilizado para gramíneas tropicais sob pastejo rotativo. Os tratamentos corresponderam a combinações entre duas condições pré-pastejo (95% e máxima interceptação luminosa pelo dossel – IL95% e ILMáx) e duas condições pós-pastejo (alturas de 40 e 60% da altura pré-pastejo), segundo arranjo fatorial 2x2 e delineamento de blocos completos casualizados (n = 4). A IL pré-pastejo afetou a altura pré-pastejo e IL pós-pastejo. O IAF residual não variou entre tratamentos, resultando em intervalo entre pastejos semelhantes. Maior taxa e acúmulo de forragem foram verificados para a meta ILMáx, devido ao maior acúmulo de estolões nos estratos inferiores. Maior porcentagem de folíolos foi verificada para a meta IL95%. Devido ao seu hábito de crescimento estolonífero, o acúmulo de estolões do amendoim forrageiro em estratos inferiores do dossel não comprometeu o acúmulo de folhas nos estratos superiores. Maior altura de entrada nos pastos manejados com a meta ILMáx pode representar maior facilidade de preensão e consumo de forragem, fato que necessita de estudos adicionais.

Epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in the Federal District of Brazil / Situação epidemiológica da tuberculose bovina no Distrito Federal

Considering the implementation of the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT) in 2001, and the need to determine the epidemiological status of animal tuberculosis for future evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures laid down, the objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in the Federal District (DF) of Brazil, as well as to provide an input for the strategic management of PNCEBT. Field testing and data collection was carried out from February to December 2003. The DF was considered a single epidemiological region owing to the small number of existing farms, and the absence of significant differences between the regions farming enterprises, which would justify the stratification of the regional sample. A total of 278 farms were randomly sampled from the local registry database of bovine farms with reproductive activity, in which 2,019 adult cows were tuberculin tested. Only one sampled animal had a positive result, using the comparative cervical tuberculin test, resulting in a bovine tuberculosis prevalence of 0.05% [95% CI: 0.0-0.4%]. The herd-level prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in the DF was estimated as 0.36% [95% CI: 0-2.0%]. The analysis of risk factors was impaired by the results obtained, as the number of cases did not allow for this kind of analysis. Cattle farming in the DF is predominantly aimed at dairy production; however, it is characterized by the presence of small low milk yield herds, which may not favor the introduction and persistency of infection of Mycobacterium bovis. Health authorities from the DF perform surveillance for bovine tuberculosis and maintain the need for tests for the movement of bovines for breeding and those animals destined for any form of animal gathering, especially auctions. Therefore, it is likely that the DF has good conditions for successfully implementing the PNCEBT.

Considerando a implantação do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Animal (PNCEBT) no ano de 2001 e a necessidade de se conhecer a situação epidemiológica local da tuberculose animal para uma posterior avaliação da eficácia das medidas estabelecidas, este trabalho teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência e identificar os fatores de risco para a tuberculose bovina no Distrito Federal, assim como, fornecer subsídios para a gestão estratégica do PNCETB. A colheita de dados foi realizada no período de fevereiro a dezembro de 2003. O DF foi considerado como uma única região epidemiológica devido ao número pequeno de propriedades existentes e pela ausência de diferenças importantes entre as regiões pecuárias que justificassem a estratificação regional da amostra. Foram amostradas aleatoriamente 278 propriedades do banco cadastral local de rebanhos bovinos com atividade reprodutiva, nas quais foram testadas 2019 fêmeas adultas. Somente um animal amostrado foi positivo ao Teste Cervical Comparativo, resultando numa prevalência de animais de 0,05% [IC 95%: 0,0-0,4%]. A prevalência de focos de tuberculose bovina no DF foi estimada em 0,36% [IC95%: 0,0-2,0%]. A análise de fatores de risco foi inviabilizada pelos resultados obtidos, já que o número de casos não permitiu fazer esse tipo de análise. A bovinocultura do DF é predominantemente de leite,no entanto é caracterizada pela presença de pequenos rebanhos não tecnificados, com baixa produtividade. Esta tipologia produtiva, comum na região, não deve favorecer a introdução e persistência da infecção por Mycobacterium bovis, com valores elevados de prevalência. As autoridades sanitárias do DF executam ações de vigilância para tuberculose bovina e mantêm exigência de testes para trânsito de bovinos para reprodução e com destino a aglomerações de animais, especialmente leilões, o que, certamente, contribui para que a prevalência da enfermidade seja baixa.

Epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in the Federal District of Brazil / Situação epidemiológica da tuberculose bovina no Distrito Federal

Considering the implementation of the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT) in 2001, and the need to determine the epidemiological status of animal tuberculosis for future evaluation of the effectiveness of the measures laid down, the objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in the Federal District (DF) of Brazil, as well as to provide an input for the strategic management of PNCEBT. Field testing and data collection was carried out from February to December 2003. The DF was considered a single epidemiological region owing to the small number of existing farms, and the absence of significant differences between the regions farming enterprises, which would justify the stratification of the regional sample. A total of 278 farms were randomly sampled from the local registry database of bovine farms with reproductive activity, in which 2,019 adult cows were tuberculin tested. Only one sampled animal had a positive result, using the comparative cervical tuberculin test, resulting in a bovine tuberculosis prevalence of 0.05% [95% CI: 0.0-0.4%]. The herd-level prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in the DF was estimated as 0.36% [95% CI: 0-2.0%]. The analysis of risk factors was impaired by the results obtained, as the number of cases did not allow for this kind of analysis. Cattle farming in the DF is predominantly aimed at dairy production; however, it is characterized by the presence of small low milk yield herds, which may not favor the introduction and persistency of infection of Mycobacterium bovis. Health authorities from the DF perform surveillance for bovine tuberculosis and maintain the need for tests for the movement of bovines for breeding and those animals destined for any form of animal gathering, especially auctions. Therefore, it is likely that the DF has good conditions for successfully implementing the PNCEBT.(AU)

Considerando a implantação do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Animal (PNCEBT) no ano de 2001 e a necessidade de se conhecer a situação epidemiológica local da tuberculose animal para uma posterior avaliação da eficácia das medidas estabelecidas, este trabalho teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência e identificar os fatores de risco para a tuberculose bovina no Distrito Federal, assim como, fornecer subsídios para a gestão estratégica do PNCETB. A colheita de dados foi realizada no período de fevereiro a dezembro de 2003. O DF foi considerado como uma única região epidemiológica devido ao número pequeno de propriedades existentes e pela ausência de diferenças importantes entre as regiões pecuárias que justificassem a estratificação regional da amostra. Foram amostradas aleatoriamente 278 propriedades do banco cadastral local de rebanhos bovinos com atividade reprodutiva, nas quais foram testadas 2019 fêmeas adultas. Somente um animal amostrado foi positivo ao Teste Cervical Comparativo, resultando numa prevalência de animais de 0,05% [IC 95%: 0,0-0,4%]. A prevalência de focos de tuberculose bovina no DF foi estimada em 0,36% [IC95%: 0,0-2,0%]. A análise de fatores de risco foi inviabilizada pelos resultados obtidos, já que o número de casos não permitiu fazer esse tipo de análise. A bovinocultura do DF é predominantemente de leite,no entanto é caracterizada pela presença de pequenos rebanhos não tecnificados, com baixa produtividade. Esta tipologia produtiva, comum na região, não deve favorecer a introdução e persistência da infecção por Mycobacterium bovis, com valores elevados de prevalência. As autoridades sanitárias do DF executam ações de vigilância para tuberculose bovina e mantêm exigência de testes para trânsito de bovinos para reprodução e com destino a aglomerações de animais, especialmente leilões, o que, certamente, contribui para que a prevalência da enfermidade seja baixa.(AU)

Genetic trend for lactation persistency in Gyr cows / Tendência genética para persistência da lactação em vacas Gir leiteiro

Persistency can be dened as the degree to which production is maintained after peak yield is reached. In Gyr cattle, persistency is an obstacle in milk production and profitability. So, persistency is an important trait that must be evaluated with total milk production in Brazilian Gyr cattle. The objective of this study was to calculate genetic tendency for persistency, accumulated 305-day milk yield and partial milk yields in first 100, 200 and 300 days in milk of Brazilian Gyr cows using breeding values predicted (EBV) by random regression models. Data was obtained from ABCZ and included 15052 first lactations from cows with calving year ranged from 1980 to 2006. Fixed effects was contemporary group (milking herd, year and season of milk control) and the days in milk were modeled using Legendre polynomials of order 4 for additive genetic and permanent environmental random effects and a heterogeneous residual variance structure using four classes. To estimate breeding values for 305-day milk yield, the daily EBV were added. To calculate the EBVs for partial periods was made the sum of EBVs daily in the first 100 days (P100), between 100 and 200 days (P200) and between 200 and 300 days (P300) in lactation. Persistency was obtained by the sum of the deviations of EBVs predicted between 30 and 270 days of production in relation to EBV predicted for peak production. The EBV for

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

Persistência da lactação e composição do leite em ovelhas leiteiras das raças Lacaune e East Friesian

The objective of this study was to evaluate the lactation persistency and milk composition in East Friesian and Lacaune dairy ewes. Twenty one East Friesian and forty six Lacaune ewes on 44±7.2 days in milk (DIM) were used in a rotational system grazing paddocks of Panicum maximum jacq. cv. 'Aruana'. Milk yield (MY) was measured every four days throughout the experiment (92 days). Milk samples for composition analysis were collected on days 1, 25, 50, 75, and 92. The best fit prediction equations for MY were MY=1.42-0.02* DIM, r²;=0.20 for East Friesian; and MY=2.03-0.08* DIM, r²;=0.22 for Lacaune. At the beginning of the experimental period Lacaune MY was 30% higher. Lacaune ewes showed lower persistency and higher milk yield (1.67 vs. 1.35kg day-1, P 0.001), milk fat yield (114.80 vs. 102.85g day-1, P 0.001) and protein yield (82.82 vs. 73.10g day-1, P 0.001). East Friesian ewes had greater milk fat (7.31 vs. 6.86%, P 0.0008) and protein concentrations (5.18 vs. 4.93%, P 0.001). Overall, the East Friesian ewes showed more persistency than Lacaune, but the milk yield and milk yield composition was greater in Lacaune.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a persistência da lactação e a composição do leite em ovelhas leiteiras das raças East Friesian e Lacaune. Foram usadas 21 ovelhas East Friesian e 46 ovelhas Lacaune com 44±7,2 dias em lactação (DEL), mantidas em pastagem de Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. 'Aruana' em um sistema rotacionado. A produção de leite (PL) foi medida a cada quatro dias durante todo o período experimental (92 dias). Amostras de leite foram coletadas no 17°, 25°, 50°, 75° e 92° dia. As equações descrevendo a lactação foram diferentes (East Friesian: PL=1,42-0,02 * DEL, r²;=0,20; Lacaune: PL=2,03-0,08 * DEL, r²=0,22). Ao início do período experimental, a produção de leite das ovelhas Lacaune foi 30% superior. As ovelhas Lacaune apresentaram menor persistência, maiores produções de leite (1,67 vs. 1,35kg dia-1, P 0,001), de gordura (114,80 vs. 102,85g dia-1, P 0,001) e de proteína (82,82 vs. 73,10g dia-1, P 0,001). As ovelhas East Friesian apresentaram maiores teores de gordura (7,31 vs. 6,86%, P 0,0008) e proteína (5,18 vs. 4,93%, P 0,001). No geral, as ovelhas East Friesian mostraram maior persistência, mas a produção de leite e componentes do leite foram maiores para as ovelhas Lacaune.

Persistência da lactação e composição do leite em ovelhas leiteiras das raças Lacaune e East Friesian

The objective of this study was to evaluate the lactation persistency and milk composition in East Friesian and Lacaune dairy ewes. Twenty one East Friesian and forty six Lacaune ewes on 44±7.2 days in milk (DIM) were used in a rotational system grazing paddocks of Panicum maximum jacq. cv. 'Aruana'. Milk yield (MY) was measured every four days throughout the experiment (92 days). Milk samples for composition analysis were collected on days 1, 25, 50, 75, and 92. The best fit prediction equations for MY were MY=1.42-0.02* DIM, r²;=0.20 for East Friesian; and MY=2.03-0.08* DIM, r²;=0.22 for Lacaune. At the beginning of the experimental period Lacaune MY was 30% higher. Lacaune ewes showed lower persistency and higher milk yield (1.67 vs. 1.35kg day-1, P 0.001), milk fat yield (114.80 vs. 102.85g day-1, P 0.001) and protein yield (82.82 vs. 73.10g day-1, P 0.001). East Friesian ewes had greater milk fat (7.31 vs. 6.86%, P 0.0008) and protein concentrations (5.18 vs. 4.93%, P 0.001). Overall, the East Friesian ewes showed more persistency than Lacaune, but the milk yield and milk yield composition was greater in Lacaune.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a persistência da lactação e a composição do leite em ovelhas leiteiras das raças East Friesian e Lacaune. Foram usadas 21 ovelhas East Friesian e 46 ovelhas Lacaune com 44±7,2 dias em lactação (DEL), mantidas em pastagem de Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. 'Aruana' em um sistema rotacionado. A produção de leite (PL) foi medida a cada quatro dias durante todo o período experimental (92 dias). Amostras de leite foram coletadas no 17°, 25°, 50°, 75° e 92° dia. As equações descrevendo a lactação foram diferentes (East Friesian: PL=1,42-0,02 * DEL, r²;=0,20; Lacaune: PL=2,03-0,08 * DEL, r²=0,22). Ao início do período experimental, a produção de leite das ovelhas Lacaune foi 30% superior. As ovelhas Lacaune apresentaram menor persistência, maiores produções de leite (1,67 vs. 1,35kg dia-1, P 0,001), de gordura (114,80 vs. 102,85g dia-1, P 0,001) e de proteína (82,82 vs. 73,10g dia-1, P 0,001). As ovelhas East Friesian apresentaram maiores teores de gordura (7,31 vs. 6,86%, P 0,0008) e proteína (5,18 vs. 4,93%, P 0,001). No geral, as ovelhas East Friesian mostraram maior persistência, mas a produção de leite e componentes do leite foram maiores para as ovelhas Lacaune.

HETEROSE NA CURVA DE LACTAÇÃO DE BOVINOS DA RAÇA GIROLANDO

O efeito da heterose na produção de leite é de suma importância nos cruzamentos obtidos entre animais de raças europeias e zebuínas. Contudo, são inexistentes pesquisas que comprovem o efeito da heterose sobre os componentes da curva de lactação nos diferentes grupos genéticos da raça Girolando. Objetivou-se utilizar diferentes modelos matemáticos para melhor descrever a curva de lactação a fim de avaliar o efeito de heterose sobre os componentes da curva de lactação dessa população, bem como avaliar o impacto da inclusão do efeito da heterose no modelo sobre as estimativas de parâmetros genéticos para produção de leite até 305 dias obtidas via método REML. Os modelos linear e não linear de Wood, Wilmink e Ali e Shaeffer foram ajustados aos registros produtivos de controles mensais, para posterior estimar forma individual e conjunta (média), o pico de lactação, tempo ao pico, persistência, produção total de leite até 305 dias e os parâmetros específicos dos modelos relacionados com curva de lactação (produção inicial e taxa de decréscimo da produção). Na comparação de todos esses modelos matemáticos quanto à qualidade de ajustamento foram utilizados os critérios RMSE, AIC e BIC. No geral, observou-se que a qualidade de ajuste dos modelos diferiu conforme o grupo genético. Foi observado efeito de heterose (P<0,001) para a maioria dos componentes que compõem a curva de lactação, com exceção de algumas medidas de persistência. Dentre os componentes da curva de lactação, o pico de lactação foi o que apresentou efeito de heterose mais expressivo, explicando parcialmente a heterose (20% a 23%) observada na produção de leite até 305 dias. As estimativas de herdabilidade para a produção de leite até 305 dias ajustada ou não pelos modelos matemáticos não lineares quase não variaram (0,14 à 0,20). Verificou-se ainda que a maioria dos grupos genéticos apresentaram efeito de heterose para a produção de leite até 305 dias, porém os maiores efeitos ocorreram em vacas 1/2H com 1112,73 kg a mais em relação à média de seus pais puros. Assim, pode se concluir que os benefícios da heterose para a raça Girolando são evidentes e mostram ser mais relacionados com os componentes da fase inicial da curva da lactação refletindo na expressão da heterose para a produção de leite até 305 dias, principal característica da atividade leiteira.

The effect of heterosis on milk yield is fundamental in cross breeding between European breeds and zebu. However, there is a lack of studies on the heterosis effect of the components of lactation curve in the different crossbred genetic groups of Girolando Cattle. The objective was to use different mathematical models to better describe the lactation curve in order to evaluate the effect of heterosis on the components of the lactation curve of this population, as well as to evaluate the impact of the inclusion of the heterosis effect in the model on the estimation of the genetic parameters for 305-day milk yield obtained by REML method. Woods, Wilminks, and Ali and Shaeffers models were fitted to the monthly test day milk yield records, to estimate individual and joint (average) shape, peak yield, time to peak, persistency, 305-day milk yield and the specific parameters of the models associated to the lactation curve (initial stage of lactation and rate of decrease of production). RMSE, AIC, and BIC criteria were used in order to compare the quality of fit of the different mathematical models. In general, the quality of fit of the models differed in the genetic groups. The effect of heterosis was significant (P <0.001) for most of the components that of the lactation curve, with the exception of some measures of persistency. Among the components of the lactation curve, the peak of lactation presented the most expressive heterosis effect, which partially could explain the heterosis (20% to 23%) on 305-day milk yield. Estimates of heritability for 305-day milk yield presented a low variation (0.14 to 0.20). Most of the groups presented heterosis effect for 305-day milk yield, but the highest effects were on 1/2H cows. The 305-day milk yield of 1/2H was 1112.73 kg higher than that in the average between parental pure breeds. Thus, it can be concluded that the benefits of heterosis to the Girolando breed are evident. The heterosis is associated to the components of the initial stage of the lactation curve, which is reflected in the expression of heterosis for 305-day milk yield, the most important trait of economic interest in Brazil.

Efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea sobre Aedes aegypti

The production of extracts of the Annonaceae family is considered an effective alternative for the control of the dengue vector, and its applicability is related to the persistence of the product in the environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the residual effect of Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) extract on the development of Aedes aegypti (Linneaus, 1762). Plastic containers with the capacity of 25 liters were used to distribute the concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm of the extract, and DMSO (1%) and water were used as a control. These containers were exposed in the outer area of the laboratory. On days 1, 8, 15, 30, 45 after treatment application, 1.3 liters of each treatment was collected as a sample. Eight replicates with 25 larvae were applied for the two treatments, and four replicates for the control group. Evaluation of the mortality of larvae was carried out daily and the mortality of pupae and adults was observed. The experiment was conducted randomly in a 4 X 5 factorial scheme. The data was submitted to analysis of variance by F test, and the means compared by Tukey Test (p 0.05). The concentrations of 100 ppm of the extract of A. coriacea showed residual effects with 100% mortality of larvae during the period of 15 days, and was not effective on the death of pupae and adults. Therefore, the residual effect presented by A. coriacea on A. aegypti can be used in future management programs for controlling the vector of dengue.

A produção de extratos vegetais da família Annonaceae é uma alternativa eficaz no controle do vetor da dengue, e sua aplicabilidade está relacionada à persistência do produto no ambiente. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) sobre a mortalidade de Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Foram utilizados recipientes plásticos de 25 L, para distribuir as concentrações de 50 e 100 ppm do extrato, e DMSO (1%) e água foram usados como controle. Estes recipientes ficaram expostos na área externa do laboratório. Nos dias 1, 8, 15, 30 e 45 dias após o preparo, coletou-se uma amostra de 1,3 L de cada tratamento. Foram utilizadas oito réplicas com 25 larvas de A. aegypti para os dois tratamentos, e quatro réplicas para os controles. O registro da mortalidade das larvas foi feito diariamente e foi observada a mortalidade de pupas e adultos. O experimento foi conduzido aleatoriamente, no esquema fatorial 4 x 5. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p 0,05). A concentração de 100 ppm do extrato de A. coriacea apresentou efeito residual de 100% de mortalidade de larvas durante o período de 15 dias, e não houve eficiência na mortalidade de pupas e adultos. Portanto, o efeito residual apresentado por A. coriacea sobre larvas de A. aegypti indica que o extrato desta planta pode ser utilizado em programas de controle da dengue.

Economic aspects of applying reproductive technologies to dairy herds

Reproduction continues to be a critical component to maintain a dairy farm economically viable. For every farm and for every cow, there is an optimum time for pregnancy, which is mostly influenced by level of production, persistency of lactation, and parity. In general, as production decreases, lactation number increases, and persistency of lactation decreases, cows should be bred sooner postpartum and pregnancy obtained early in lactation. The voluntary waiting period is determined based on the desired interval postpartum to pregnancy and the pregnancy rate of the farm. As pregnancy rates increase, the voluntary waiting period can be delayed, particularly when milk production is high. Studies in the literature have compared several breeding strategies to obtain a pregnant cow. In general, pregnancies obtained by artificial insemination are cheaper than those originated by natural service. The major reason is that AI programs result in similar or better reproductive performance and are cheaper to implement than natural service programs because of the high costs of acquiring and feeding bulls. Within the AI program, those that incorporate timed AI for first insemination followed by detection of estrus result in lowest median days open and more profit per cow, and the benefits of improving reproduction are greater when milk prices ar e low. The use of embryo technologies as a breeding program for lactating dairy cows, with the aim to improve reproductive performance, is only attractive when the differential in fertility relative to AI is large. In most cases, AI programs have to result in very poor fertility (<15%) for the typical results from embryo transfer (40-45% pregnancy) to be economically attractive at current costs. For dairy heifers, there is littl e justification to incorporate timed AI programs when detection of estrus is excellent, above 70%; however, for farms with detection of estrus below 60%, either timed AI for first AI followed by detection of estrus or timed AI alone improve reproductive performance and reduce the cost per pregnancy.

Economic aspects of applying reproductive technologies to dairy herds

Reproduction continues to be a critical component to maintain a dairy farm economically viable. For every farm and for every cow, there is an optimum time for pregnancy, which is mostly influenced by level of production, persistency of lactation, and parity. In general, as production decreases, lactation number increases, and persistency of lactation decreases, cows should be bred sooner postpartum and pregnancy obtained early in lactation. The voluntary waiting period is determined based on the desired interval postpartum to pregnancy and the pregnancy rate of the farm. As pregnancy rates increase, the voluntary waiting period can be delayed, particularly when milk production is high. Studies in the literature have compared several breeding strategies to obtain a pregnant cow. In general, pregnancies obtained by artificial insemination are cheaper than those originated by natural service. The major reason is that AI programs result in similar or better reproductive performance and are cheaper to implement than natural service programs because of the high costs of acquiring and feeding bulls. Within the AI program, those that incorporate timed AI for first insemination followed by detection of estrus result in lowest median days open and more profit per cow, and the benefits of improving reproduction are greater when milk prices ar e low. The use of embryo technologies as a breeding program for lactating dairy cows, with the aim to improve reproductive performance, is only attractive when the differential in fertility relative to AI is large. In most cases, AI programs have to result in very poor fertility (<15%) for the typical results from embryo transfer (40-45% pregnancy) to be economically attractive at current costs. For dairy heifers, there is littl e justification to incorporate timed AI programs when detection of estrus is excellent, above 70%; however, for farms with detection of estrus below 60%, either timed AI for first AI followed by detection of estrus or timed AI alone improve reproductive performance and reduce the cost per pregnancy.(AU)

Efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea sobre Aedes aegypti / Residual effect of Annona coriacea extract on Aedes aegypti

A produção de extratos vegetais da família Annonaceae é uma alternativa eficaz no controle do vetor da dengue, e sua aplicabilidade está relacionada à persistência do produto no ambiente. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) sobre a mortalidade de Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Foram utilizados recipientes plásticos de 25 L, para distribuir as concentrações de 50 e 100 ppm do extrato, e DMSO (1%) e água foram usados como controle. Estes recipientes ficaram expostos na área externa do laboratório. Nos dias 1, 8, 15, 30 e 45 dias após o preparo, coletou-se uma amostra de 1,3 L de cada tratamento. Foram utilizadas oito réplicas com 25 larvas de A. aegypti para os dois tratamentos, e quatro réplicas para os controles. O registro da mortalidade das larvas foi feito diariamente e foi observada a mortalidade de pupas e adultos. O experimento foi conduzido aleatoriamente, no esquema fatorial 4 x 5. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). A concentração de 100 ppm do extrato de A. coriaceaapresentou efeito residual de 100% de mortalidade de larvas durante o período de 15 dias, e não houve eficiência na mortalidade de pupas e adultos. Portanto, o efeito residual apresentado por A. coriacea sobre larvas de A. aegypti indica que o extrato desta planta pode ser utilizado em programas de controle da dengue. (AU)

RESIDUAL EFFECT OF ANNONA CORIACEA EXTRACT ON AEDES AEGYPTI. The production of extracts of the Annonaceae family is considered an effective alternative for the control of the dengue vector, and its applicability is related to the persistence of the product in the environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the residual effect of Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) extract on the development of Aedes aegypti (Linneaus, 1762). Plastic containers with the capacity of 25 liters were used to distribute the concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm of the extract, and DMSO (1%) and water were used as a control. These containers were exposed in the outer area of the laboratory. On days 1, 8, 15, 30, 45 after treatment application, 1.3 liters of each treatment was collected as a sample. Eight replicates with 25 larvae were applied for the two treatments, and four replicates for the control group. Evaluation of the mortality of larvae was carried out daily and the mortality of pupae and adults was observed. The experiment was conducted randomly in a 4 X 5 factorial scheme. The data was submitted to analysis of variance by F test, and the means compared by Tukey Test (p < 0.05). The concentrations of 100 ppm of the extract of A. coriacea showed residual effects with 100% mortality of larvae during the period of 15 days, and was not effective on the death of pupae and adults. Therefore, the residual effect presented by A. coriacea on A. aegypti can be used in future management programs for controlling the vector of dengue. (AU)

Efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea sobre Aedes aegypti / Residual effect of Annona coriacea extract on Aedes aegypti

A produção de extratos vegetais da família Annonaceae é uma alternativa eficaz no controle do vetor da dengue, e sua aplicabilidade está relacionada à persistência do produto no ambiente. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito residual do extrato de Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) sobre a mortalidade de Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Foram utilizados recipientes plásticos de 25 L, para distribuir as concentrações de 50 e 100 ppm do extrato, e DMSO (1%) e água foram usados como controle. Estes recipientes ficaram expostos na área externa do laboratório. Nos dias 1, 8, 15, 30 e 45 dias após o preparo, coletou-se uma amostra de 1,3 L de cada tratamento. Foram utilizadas oito réplicas com 25 larvas de A. aegypti para os dois tratamentos, e quatro réplicas para os controles. O registro da mortalidade das larvas foi feito diariamente e foi observada a mortalidade de pupas e adultos. O experimento foi conduzido aleatoriamente, no esquema fatorial 4 x 5. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). A concentração de 100 ppm do extrato de A. coriaceaapresentou efeito residual de 100% de mortalidade de larvas durante o período de 15 dias, e não houve eficiência na mortalidade de pupas e adultos. Portanto, o efeito residual apresentado por A. coriacea sobre larvas de A. aegypti indica que o extrato desta planta pode ser utilizado em programas de controle da dengue.

RESIDUAL EFFECT OF ANNONA CORIACEA EXTRACT ON AEDES AEGYPTI. The production of extracts of the Annonaceae family is considered an effective alternative for the control of the dengue vector, and its applicability is related to the persistence of the product in the environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the residual effect of Annona coriacea (Mart., 1841) extract on the development of Aedes aegypti (Linneaus, 1762). Plastic containers with the capacity of 25 liters were used to distribute the concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm of the extract, and DMSO (1%) and water were used as a control. These containers were exposed in the outer area of the laboratory. On days 1, 8, 15, 30, 45 after treatment application, 1.3 liters of each treatment was collected as a sample. Eight replicates with 25 larvae were applied for the two treatments, and four replicates for the control group. Evaluation of the mortality of larvae was carried out daily and the mortality of pupae and adults was observed. The experiment was conducted randomly in a 4 X 5 factorial scheme. The data was submitted to analysis of variance by F test, and the means compared by Tukey Test (p < 0.05). The concentrations of 100 ppm of the extract of A. coriacea showed residual effects with 100% mortality of larvae during the period of 15 days, and was not effective on the death of pupae and adults. Therefore, the residual effect presented by A. coriacea on A. aegypti can be used in future management programs for controlling the vector of dengue.

Produção de leite de vacas da raça Holandesa de pequeno, médio e grande porte

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the body size in milk production in the first, second and third lactations of Holstein cows. A total 133 cows were used, selected from a herd of 280 cows, classified as small, medium and large based on the body size composite (stature x 10 + strength x 5 + depth x 3 + rump width x 2)/20. Data were collected from January 2007 to October 2009 in a commercial herd with intensive system of milk production, located in Salto Jacuí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. All cows were subjected to the same conditions of facilities management being used and milked three times a day. Data were obtained from the software Afimilk® - SAE AFIKIM. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with three treatments (body size). There was no interaction between milk production and body composite. Low correlation among body size composite and milk production was observed. Cows for medium and large size had similar on milk production superior (P 0,05) to small size. Means for 305-days milk production in the lactation were 8,053; 8,810 and 9,218 liters for small, medium and large cows, respectively. Based on the totality of lactations evaluated, cows of medium size were more efficient than the others for the intensive production system in question.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do composto corporal sobre a produção de leite de vacas da raça Holandesa de primeira, segunda e terceira lactação. Para avaliação, foram usadas 133 vacas, selecionadas de um rebanho de 280 animais em lactação, classificadas como pequenas, médias e grandes, com base no composto corporal (estatura x 10 + força x 5 + profundidade x 3 + largura de garupa x 2)/20. Os dados foram coletados, entre janeiro de 2007 e outubro de 2009, de um rebanho comercial com sistema intensivo de produção de leite, localizado em Salto do Jacuí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Todas as vacas foram submetidas às mesmas condições de instalações e ordenhadas três vezes ao dia. Os dados foram obtidos com auxílio do software AFIMILK® - SAE AFIKIM. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (tamanho corporal). Não foi verificada interação entre a produção de leite e composto corporal. Foi observada baixa correlação entre composto corporal e produção de leite. Vacas de porte médio e grande apresentaram produção de leite similar e superior (P 0,05) às pequenas. As médias de produção de leite para vacas pequenas, médias e grandes em 305 dias foram de 8.053; 8.810 e 9.218 litros, respectivamente. Com base na totalidade das lactações avaliadas, as vacas de porte médio são mais eficientes que as demais, considerando o sistema intensivo de produção em análise.