Prediction of body weight of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle based on morphometric measurements.

Cattle weight development is highly correlated with some body measurements. Based on the relationship between morphometric measurements and body mass, our aim was to develop regression equations to estimate the body weight of Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) cattle to be used in farms that lack access to weighting scales. Data from 1023 animals from four farms on withers height (WH), body length (BL), body score (BS), heart girth (HG), permanent teeth (PT), scrotal perimeter (SP), and live weight were used. The animals were classified into five categories depending on age and/or sex: newborns (NB), calves, weaned animals, cows, and bulls. The best models are GLM with Gamma, Gamma, inverse Gaussian, Gaussian, and Gamma distributions for NB, calves, weaned animals, cows, and bulls, respectively. Predictive modeling for bulls was the best performing overall, with a correlation of 0.97 between the estimated by the model and the obtained with a weighting scale. For NB, calves, weaned animals, and cows, the correlation (r) was 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.87, respectively. The evaluated models are adequate to be used as a technical solution to estimate weight in a cattle production system.

The first Brazilian bovine breed: structure and genetic diversity of the Curraleiro Pé-duro.

Background: The production of animal-based foods from native breeds have a synergistic relationship with the regional culture, the local climate, and mainly the maintenance of alternative genetic resources for a system with a lower environmental impact. Thus the efficiency of conservation and production depends on assessing the variability of these local breeds. In the case of Curraleiro Pé-duro cattle, the most adapted individuals have undergone natural selection over five hundred years in the Brazilian savannas, mating with little or no human interference. The peculiarities of these biomes, where the regional flora is the food base and cattle is raised in extensive areas, likely influenced the genetic composition of the different groups that make up the first cattle breed of Brazil. Methods: To evaluate the composition, diversity, variation, differentiation, and genetic structure of the populations studied, samples of hair follicles from 474 individuals of different animal categories (calves, yearlings, heifers, cows, and bulls) from three farms, defined as subpopulations "A", "B", and "C", were collected. The animals were genotyped for 17 microsatellite markers using a DNA sequencer. After verification of monomorphic alleles, alleles outside the expected size range, and for the presence of stutter bands, the results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The markers used were suitable for the proposed application with a mean Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) of 0.62. On average, the effective alleles were 4.25 per marker, with mean heterozygosities of 0.74 (observed and expected), which was lower in herd A (0.70) in comparison to herds B (0.77) and C (0.74). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a higher rate of variation within herds (98.5%) and lower among herds (1.5%) (FSTranging from 0.00723 and 0.03198; p-values < 0.05). However no significant differences among herds where found with the Mantel test based on geographic distances. The formation of genetic clusters of all animals sampled with the software Structure resulted in minimum cluster values, with two main genetic groups (K = 2) observed among the evaluated animals. Therefore, based on PIC and heterozygosity values, a wide genetic diversity was observed, despite little differences in population structure (AMOVA, FST, and Structure results) among sampling sites.

Nonlinear mixed models for characterization of growth trajectory of New Zealand rabbits raised in tropical climate.

OBJECTIVE: The identification of nonlinear mixed models that describe the growth trajectory of New Zealand rabbits was performed based on weight records and carcass measures obtained using ultrasonography. METHODS: Phenotypic records of body weight (BW) and loin eye area (LEA) were collected from 66 animals raised in a didactic-productive module of cuniculture located in the southern Piauí state, Brazil. The following nonlinear models were tested considering fixed parameters: Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, Richards, Meloun 1, modified Michaelis-Menten, Santana, and von Bertalanffy. The coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error, percentage of convergence of each model (%C), mean absolute deviation of residuals, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used to determine the best model. The model that best described the growth trajectory for each trait was also used under the context of mixed models, considering two parameters that admit biological interpretation (A and k) with random effects. RESULTS: The von Bertalanffy model was the best fitting model for BW according to the highest value of R2 (0.98) and lowest values of AIC (6,675.30) and BIC (6,691.90). For LEA, the Logistic model was the most appropriate due to the results of R2 (0.52), AIC (783.90), and BIC (798.40) obtained using this model. The absolute growth rates estimated using the von Bertalanffy and Logistic models for BW and LEA were 21.51g/d and 3.16 cm2, respectively. The relative growth rates at the inflection point were 0.028 for BW (von Bertalanffy) and 0.014 for LEA (Logistic). CONCLUSION: The von Bertalanffy and Logistic models with random effect at the asymptotic weight are recommended for analysis of ponderal and carcass growth trajectories in New Zealand rabbits. The inclusion of random effects in the asymptotic weight and maturity rate improves the quality of fit in comparison to fixed models.

A lealdade dos espectadores de futebol e seus antecedentes: uma revisão sistemática / Lealtad y antecedentes de los espectadores de fútbol: una revisión sistemática / Football spectator's loyalty and yours pedictors: a systematic review

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os antecedentes da lealdade dos torcedores de clubes de futebol. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática utilizando artigos originais de 2009 a 2019, indexados na "Academic Search Ultimate", "Business Source Ultimate", "Scopus" e "Web of Science"; 166 foram encontrados e 21 incluídos. Nos resultados, a maio-ria dos artigos foi com base no contexto europeu. Em relação ao instrumento e análise, todos os estudos utilizaram questionário com escala Likert que variava entre 5 e 11 pontos. Análise de Equações Estruturais foi o principal método de análise dos dados. Como resultado, os principais preditores encontrados foram a satisfação e a identificação. Sugere-se análises no contexto das Américas, em especial no Brasil (AU).

This study aimed to identify the antecedents of soccer club fans' loyalty. A systematic review was carried out, using original articles from 2009 to 2019, indexed in "Academic Search Ultimate", "Business Source Ultimate", "Scopus" and "Web of Science", 166 were found and 21 were included. In the results, most of the articles were in the European context. Regarding the instrument and analysis, all studies used a questionnaire with a Likert scale that varied between 5 and 11 points. Structural Equation Modeling was the main method of data analysis. As a result, the main predictors found were satisfaction and identification. Analyzes are suggested in the context of the Americas, especially in Brazil (AU).

El objetivo fue identificar los antecedentes de la lealtad de los torcedores de clubes de fútbol. Fue realizóada una revisión sistemática, utilizando artículos originales de 2009 a 2019, indexados en "Academic Search Ultimate", "Business Source Ultimate", "Scopus" y "Web of Science", se encontraron 166 y se incluyeron 21. En los resultados, la mayoría de los artículos estaban en el contexto europeo. En cuanto al instrumento y análisis, todos los estudios utilizaron un cuestionario con escala Likert que varió entre 5 y 11 puntos. El Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales fue el principal método de análisis de datos. Los principales predictores encontrados fueron la satisfacción y la identificación. Se sugieren análisis en el contexto de las Américas, especialmente en Brasil (AU).

Comparison of genetic parameters and estimated breeding values for worm resistance in meat sheep obtained using traditional and genomic models.

Gastrointestinal nematode infections have caused expressive losses in sheep production worldwide. The improvement of host genetic resistance to worms has been used as a strategy to mitigate this problem. In this sense, the inclusion of genomic information has shown potential to increase the accuracy of prediction of breeding values and speed up selection. In this study, we aimed to compare estimates of genetic parameters and breeding values for traits that indicate the resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection in Santa Inês sheep using the pedigree-based BLUP or including genomic information. There were 1478 animals in the pedigree, of which 271 were genotyped using the OvineSNP50 BeadChip (Illumina, Inc.). The host resistance was assessed using the following traits: fecal nematode egg counts (FEC); FAMACHA score (FAMACHA); and resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection (RGNI) as a combination of FEC, FAMACHA, body condition score, and hematocrit. The genetic parameters and breeding values were estimated using single- and multi-trait analyses. For RGNI, the heritability estimates ranged from 0.25 using the single-trait genomic model (S-H) to 0.54 using the traditional multi-trait model (M-A). The heritability estimates for FEC ranged from 0.06 to 0.36, using the single-trait pedigree-based model (S-A) and the multi-trait genomic model (M-H), respectively. For FAMACHA, the heritability estimates ranged from 0.46 (M-H) to 0.54 (M-A). Estimates of genetic correlation ranged from 0.22 to 0.69. The inclusion of genomic information provided gain in accuracy for all traits. All estimates of predictive ability obtained using genomic data in a multi-trait setting were higher than those obtained using single-trait models. The estimates of predictive ability ranged from 0.03 (S-A) to 0.46 (M-H). The heritability estimates obtained using genomic information showed that all traits evaluated are suitable for genomic selection. Despite the low accuracies obtained, the use of the genomic model provided more accurate estimates of breeding values in comparison to the pedigree-based model.

Genetic parameters for ultrasound-evaluated carcass and body traits in Anglo-Nubian goats / Parámetros genéticos para las características de la canal y del cuerpo evaluadas por ultrasonido en cabras Anglo-Nubianas / Parâmetros genéticos para características da carcaça avaliadas por ultrassom e corporais em caprinos Anglo-Nubianos

Abstract Background: Meat goat breeding programs should prioritize the identification and selection of genetically superior animals for traits related to meat quality and carcass yield in order to increase the value of the final product. Objective: To estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for ultrasound-measured carcass traits, body size and body weight in Anglo- Nubian breed goats raised in the Mid-North region of Brazil. Methods: (Co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using the single and two-trait animal model analyses via Bayesian inference for loin eye dimensions (area, length, and depth), sternal fat thickness, rump height, chest circumference and depth, leg perimeter, and body weight. Results: Heritability estimates were higher when two-trait analyses were used. This finding implies that it is possible to recover part of the additive genetic variance included in the residual variance due to the correlation between traits. Genetic correlations between carcass and body size traits showed different magnitudes. On the other hand, genetic correlations between the traits related to muscularity showed high magnitudes. Conclusions: Body weight was not a good indicator of muscularity; therefore, it is not recommended as a criterion for indirect selection to improve carcass traits of Anglo-Nubian goats. Leg perimeter and chest circumference may be important to construct selection indexes in meat goat breeding programs.

Resumen Antecedentes: los programas de mejoramiento de caprinos de carne deben priorizar la identificación y selección de animales genéticamente superiores para características relacionadas con la calidad de la carne y rendimiento de la canal, con el fin de agregar valor al producto final. Objetivo: estimar los componentes de (co)varianza y parámetros genéticos para características de canal obtenidas por ultrasonografía, características de tamaño y peso corporal en caprinos de la raza Anglonubiana, criados en la región medio-norte de Brasil. Métodos: los componentes de (co)varianza y parámetros genéticos fueron estimados mediante un modelo animal usando análisis uni y bi-carácter vía metodología Bayesiana para las dimensiones del ojo de lomo (área, profundidad y longitud), grosor de la grasa esternal, altura de la grupa, circunferencia y profundidad torácica, perímetro de la pierna y peso corporal. Resultados: las estimativas de heredabilidad obtenidas a partir del análisis bi-carácteristico fueron mayores que las obtenidas a partir del análisis uni-carácteristico. Este supuesto implica que es posible recuperar parte de la variancia genética aditiva incluida en la variancia residual, debido a la correlación entre las características. Las correlaciones genéticas entre las características de canal y las medidas corporales presentaron diferentes magnitudes. Por otro lado, las correlaciones genéticas entre las características relacionadas con musculatura presentaron alta magnitud. Conclusiones: el peso corporal no fue un buen indicador de musculatura; por eso no es recomendado como criterio de selección indirecta para mejorar la canal de caprinos Anglonubianos. El perímetro de la pierna y la circunferencia del pecho pueden ser importantes para la construcción de índices de selección en programas de mejoramiento de carne caprina.

Resumo Antecedentes: programas de melhoramento de caprinos de corte devem priorizar a identificação e seleção de animais geneticamente superiores para características relacionadas à qualidade da carne e rendimento de carcaça, para aumentar o valor ao produto final. Objetivo: estimar componentes de (co)variância e parâmetros genéticos para características de carcaça obtidas por ultrassonografia, características de tamanho e peso corporal em caprinos da raça Anglo-Nubiana criados na região Meio-Norte do Brasil. Métodos: os componentes de (co)variância e parâmetros genéticos foram estimados usando análises uni e bicaracterísticas de um modelo animal via metodologia Bayesiana para área, profundidade e comprimento de olho de lombo, espessura da gordura esternal, altura da garupa, circunferência e profundidade torácica, perímetro da perna e peso corporal. Resultados: as estimativas de herdabilidade obtidas a partir das análises bicaracterísticas foram maiores que as obtidas a partir das análises unicaracterísticas. Esse resultado implica que é possível recuperar parte da variância genética aditiva incluída na variância residual devido à correlação entre as características. As correlações genéticas entre as características de carcaça e as medidas corporais apresentaram magnitudes variáveis. Por outro lado, as correlações genéticas entre as características relacionadas à musculosidade apresentaram altas magnitudes. Conclusões: o peso corporal não se mostrou um bom indicador de muscularidade, de modo que não é recomendado como critério de seleção indireta para melhorar a carcaça de caprinos Anglo-Nubiano. O perímetro de perna e a circunferência torácica podem ser importantes para a construção de índices de seleção em programas de melhoramento de carne caprina.

Genetic parameters for worm resistance in Santa Inês sheep using the Bayesian animal model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters for worm resistance (WR) and associated characteristics, using the linear-threshold animal model via Bayesian inference in single- and multiple-trait analyses. METHODS: Data were collected from a herd of Santa Inês breed sheep. All information was collected with animals submitted to natural contamination conditions. All data (number of eggs per gram of feces [FEC], Famacha score [FS], body condition score [BCS], and hematocrit [HCT]) were collected on the same day. The animals were weighed individually on the day after collection (after 12-h fasting). The WR trait was defined by the multivariate cluster analysis, using the FEC, HCT, BCS, and FS of material collected from naturally infected sheep of the Santa Inês breed. The variance components and genetic parameters for the WR, FEC, HCT, BCS, and FS traits were estimated using the Bayesian inference under the linear and threshold animal model. RESULTS: A low magnitude was obtained for repeatability of worm-related traits. The mean values estimated for heritability were of low-to-high (0.05 to 0.88) magnitude. The FEC, HCT, BCS, FS, and body weight traits showed higher heritability (although low magnitude) in the multiple-trait model due to increased information about traits. All WR characters showed a significant genetic correlation, and heritability estimates ranged from low (0.44; single-trait model) to high (0.88; multiple-trait model). CONCLUSION: Therefore, we suggest that FS be included as a criterion of ovine genetic selection for endoparasite resistance using the trait defined by multivariate cluster analysis, as it will provide greater genetic gains when compared to any single trait. In addition, its measurement is easy and inexpensive, exhibiting greater heritability and repeatability and a high genetic correlation with the trait of resistance to worms.

Genetic evaluation of sheep for resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes and body size including genomic information.

OBJECTIVE: The genetic evaluation of Santa Inês sheep was performed for resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection (RGNI) and body size using different relationship matrices to assess the efficiency of including genomic information in the analyses. METHODS: There were 1,637 animals in the pedigree and 500, 980, and 980 records of RGNI, thoracic depth (TD), and rump height (RH), respectively. The genomic data consisted of 42,748 SNPs and 388 samples genotyped with the OvineSNP50 BeadChip. The (co)variance components were estimated in single- and multi-trait analyses using the numerator relationship matrix (A) and the hybrid matrix H, which blends A with the genomic relationship matrix (G). The BLUP and single-step genomic BLUP methods were used. The accuracies of estimated breeding values and Spearman rank correlation were also used to assess the feasibility of incorporating genomic information in the analyses. RESULTS: The heritability estimates ranged from 0.11±0.07, for TD (in single-trait analysis using the A matrix), to 0.38±0.08, for RH (using the H matrix in multi-trait analysis). The estimates of genetic correlation ranged from -0.65±0.31 to 0.59±0.19, using A, and from -0.42±0.30 to 0.57±0.16 using H. The gains in accuracy of estimated breeding values ranged from 2.22% to 75.00% with the inclusion of genomic information in the analyses. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of genomic information will benefit the direct selection for the traits in this study, especially RGNI and TD. More information is necessary to improve the understanding on the genetic relationship between resistance to nematode infection and body size in Santa Inês sheep. The genetic evaluation for the evaluated traits was more efficient when genomic information was included in the analyses.

Influence of non-genetic factors on the maternal ability of Santa Inês ewes / Influência de fatores não-genéticos na habilidade materna de ovelhas Santa Inês

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different non-genetic effects on indicator traits for maternal ability in Santa Inês ewes. Data included performance records of 100 lambs (males and females) born from 59 dams, from 2009 to 2012. The analyzed traits were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily gain from birth until weaning (ADGBW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). The effects analyzed were the year of birth of the lamb, birth season, dam age at lambing, dam weight at lambing, sex of the lamb, lamb birth type, interaction between sex and birth type, and interaction between sex and birth season. SAS® software (SAS University Edition, USA) was used for calculation of the analysis of variance, means, and Pearson correlation coefficients. With the exception of the birth season, all the other environmental effects evaluated had a significant influence on at least one of the studied traits. The correlation estimates ranged from low to high and were either positive or negative. Birth weight was negatively correlated with the birth type and influenced positively all the other performance traits evaluated. The maternal ability of Santa Inês ewes was more clearly influenced by the age and weight of the dam at lambing, and the lamb birth type.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes efeitos não-genéticos sobre características indicadoras de habilidade materna em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês. Os dados utilizados incluíram registros de desempenho de 100 cordeiros (machos e fêmeas) filhos de 59 ovelhas, nascidos de 2009 a 2012. As características analisadas foram peso ao nascimento (PN), peso ao desmame (PD), ganho médio diário do nascimento ao desmame (GMND), peso total das crias ao nascer (PTCN) e peso total das crias ao desmame (PTCD). Os efeitos analisados foram ano de nascimento da cria, estação de nascimento, idade da mãe ao parto, peso da mãe ao parto, sexo da cria, tipo de nascimento da cria, interação entre sexo e tipo de nascimento, e interação entre sexo e estação de nascimento. O programa SAS (SAS University Edition, EUA) foi utilizado para o cálculo de análise de variância, médias e coeficientes de correlação de Pearson. Com exceção da estação de nascimento, os demais efeitos avaliados exerceram influência significativa sobre pelo menos uma das características estudadas. As estimativas de correlação variaram de baixa a alta magnitude e foram tanto positivas quanto negativas. O peso da cria ao nascimento foi negativamente correlacionado com o tipo de nascimento e influenciou positivamente todas as outras características de desempenho avaliadas. A habilidade materna de ovelhas Santa Inês foi mais claramente influenciada pela idade e peso da mãe ao parto e pelo tipo de nascimento da cria.

O valor da marca das equipes esportivas profissionais na perspectiva do consumidor: uma revisão integrativa / Brand equity of professional sports teams from consumers' perspective: an integrative review / El valor de la marca de los equipos deportivos profesionales desde la perspectiva del consumidor: una revisión integrativa

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever e revisar criticamente a literatura acerca do valor da marca das equipes esportivas profissionais na ótica do consumidor. Utilizou-se de uma revisão integrativa, com buscas entre outubro e novembro de 2019 por artigos empíricos e conceituais publicados até setembro de 2019, nas seguintes bases de dados: SCOPUS, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate e Business Source Ultimate. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, uma busca paralela nas principais revistas da área da gestão e marketing do esporte e o processo de cross-manual reference, 16 artigos foram incluídos na revisão. Observou-se uma predominância de publicações na Europa, no futebol, inicialmente com uma abordagem qualitativa, transitando nas últimas publicações para uma análise quantitativa. Várias dimensões são utilizadas para a análise da temática e sua importância é justificada pelo impacto na lealdade dos fãs, no sucesso econômico e esportivo das equipes.

Abstract The present study aimed to describe and critically review literature about the brand equity of professional sports teams from consumers' perspective. An integrative review was used, with searches conducted between October and November 2019 for empirical and conceptual articles published until September 2019, in the following databases: SCOPUS, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate, and Business Source Ultimate. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a parallel search in the main sports management and marketing journals, and the cross-manual reference process, 16 articles were included in the review. Publications in the European context and in football prevailed, initially with a qualitative approach moving from the latest publications to quantitative analysis. Several dimensions are used to analyze the theme, and its importance is justified by the impact on fans' loyalty and on teams' economic and sporting success.

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir y revisar críticamente la literatura sobre el valor de la marca de los equipos deportivos profesionales desde la perspectiva del consumidor. Se utilizó una revisión integrativa, buscando, entre octubre y noviembre de 2019, artículos empíricos y conceptuales publicados hasta septiembre de 2019 en las siguientes bases de datos: SCOPUS, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate y Business Source Ultimate. Después de aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión y de realizar una búsqueda paralela en las principales revistas del área de gestión deportiva y marketing del deporte y del proceso de cross-manual reference, se incluyeron 16 artículos en la revisión. Se observó una predominancia de publicaciones en Europa, en el fútbol, inicialmente con un enfoque cualitativo, pasando, en las últimas publicaciones, al análisis cuantitativo. Se utilizan varias dimensiones para analizar la temática y su importancia se justifica por el impacto en la lealtad de los aficionados y en el éxito económico y deportivo de los equipos.

The influence of service quality on satisfaction and behavioral intentions of football spectators: a study in Pernambuco football / A influência da qualidade de serviços na satisfação e nas intenções comportamentais de espectadores do futebol: um estudo no futebol Pernambucano

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the influence of service quality perception on spectators' satisfaction and behavioral intentions in the Pernambuco Professional Football Championship of 2017 - Brazil. Data were collected on match days, using an adapted questionnaire, consisting of four variables. The sample was composed of spectators at the competition, divided into two moments (1st. n = 386 / 2nd. n = 620). The data were analyzed through two-step structural equation modeling in AMOS 24. After the refinement of the model, the results of the structural model [χ² (314) = 762.849 (p <.001) χ² / df = 2.42; GFI = .92; CFI = .95; RMSEA = .05] indicated that the players' performance positively influenced both satisfaction (β = .76, p <.001) and behavioral intentions (β = .33, p <.001). In turn, the crowd experience had a positive influence only on the spectators' behavioral intentions (β = .38, p <.001). It is concluded that provision of service quality, positively evaluated by the spectators, especially in relation to the aspects of the game/players, is a way for the club to satisfy them and generate positive behavioral intentions.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a influência da percepção da qualidade do serviço na satisfação e nas intenções comportamentais dos espectadores do Campeonato de Futebol Profissional de Pernambuco de 2017 - Brasil. Os dados foram coletados em dia de jogos, a partir de um questionário adaptado, composto por quatro variáveis. A amostra foi composta por espectadores da competição, dividida em dois momentos (1º. n=386 / 2º. n= 620). Os dados foram analisados através da análise de equações estruturais de duas etapas no AMOS 24. Após o refinamento do modelo, os resultados do modelo estrutural [χ² (314) = 762,849 (p < .001) χ²/df = 2,42; GFI = .92; CFI = .95; RMSEA = .05] indicaram que a performance dos jogadores influenciou positivamente tanto a satisfação (β = .76, p < .001) quanto as intenções comportamentais (β = .33, p < .001). Por sua vez, a experiência como torcedor influenciou de forma positiva unicamente as intenções comportamentais dos espectadores (β = .38, p < .001). Conclui-se que para o clube prestar um serviço de qualidade, bem avaliado por parte dos espectadores, principalmente em relação aos aspectos do jogo/jogadores é um caminho para satisfazê-los e gerar intenções comportamentais positivas.

Non-hierarchical cluster analysis for determination of resistance to worm infection in meat sheep.

The aim of this study was to determine the resistance to worm infection in Santa Inês sheep by combining different sets of gastrointestinal parasite resistance indicator traits, using the k-means algorithm. Records from 221 animals reared in the Mid-North sub-region of Brazil were used. The following phenotypes were used: hematocrit (HCT); white blood cell count; red blood cell count (RBC); hemoglobin (HGB); platelets; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; fecal egg count (FEC); coloration of the ocular mucosa (FAMACHA score); body condition score (BCS); withers height; and rump height. Two files with phenotypic information of animals were edited: complete, including all traits, and reduced, in which only FAMACHA score, HCT, FEC, and BCS were used. For determination of worm resistance, three groups were formed using the k-means non-hierarchical clustering by combining the traits of the complete and reduced analyses. The animals of the group in which individuals had the lowest values for FEC and FAMACHA score, as well as the highest values for HCT, RBC, HGB, and BCS were classified as resistant. In the group with opposite values for the aforementioned traits, the animals were classified as sensitive. The animals of the group with values between the other two groups were classified as moderately resistant. The results obtained in complete and reduced analyses were equivalent. Thus, it is possible to identify animals of the Santa Inês sheep breed according to their status of resistance to worm infection based on a reduced trait set.

Diversity and Genetic Relationship of Free-Range Chickens from the Northeast Region of Brazil.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity within and among chicken breeds from the northeast region of Brazil (states of Bahia and Piauí) using microsatellite markers. In addition, we assessed the identity and genetic relationships of chickens from Europe, Africa, and South America, as well as their influence on the formation of the Brazilian breeds. A total of 25 microsatellite markers and a panel containing 886 samples from 20 breeds (including the Brazilian chickens) were used in this study. Different statistical parameters were used to estimate the genetic diversity and relationship among the genetic groups studied. Our study indicates that the Brazilian Creole chickens have high genetic variability. The results show that chickens reared in the states of Bahia and Piauí could have originated from different ancestors. The Brazilian breeds studied have an evolutionary relationship with chickens from Portugal, Nigeria, Chile, and Spain. Our results will contribute directly to the conservation and recognition of Brazilian Creole chicken breeds and provide a solid basis for the demonstration of their genetic identity and genetic conservation of American Creole chicken populations.

WITHDRAWN: Genetic structure and diversity of Santa Inês sheep flocks in Brazilian Mid-North.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

Meta-Analysis of the Association Between the rs228570 Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Arterial Hypertension Risk.

The association between FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and susceptibility to arterial hypertension (HT) is controversial. Thus, we evaluated the relation between FokI and HT according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using MEDLINE® (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online)/PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL databases. Data from case-control studies, including the number of participants, age, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, FokI allele, and genotype frequency were extracted by 2 independent authors and OR was calculated with the 95% CI to assess the strength of the association between the FokI variant and odds of HT. In general and subgroup analyses, we used allelic (f compared with F), common (ff compared with FF + Ff), risk (ff + Ff compared with FF), and additive (ff compared with FF) models. Six case-control studies including 3140 cases and 3882 controls were reviewed in the meta-analysis. Global assessment revealed a correlation between FokI and reduced odds of HT in the additive/homozygote model (ff compared with FF; OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45-0.94) and common/recessive model (ff compared with FF + Ff; OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57-0.99). In Asian subjects, there was a significant reduction in the odds of HT in additive (ff compared with FF; OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.73-0.98) and risk models (ff + Ff compared with FF; OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.78-0.97), in particular, for Indians (South). In Africans, the statistically significant association occurred in the additive and common models. Allele f in the FokI polymorphism of the VDR gene was associated with reduced odds of HT in the general population based on the risk model. Thus, nutritional genomics can help understand the influence of nutrition on metabolic homeostasis pathways and the clinical consequences of hypertension. This study shows the need for healthy, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds to prevent or treat chronic complications.

Culture of goat preantral follicles in situ associated with mesenchymal stem cell from bone marrow.

This study aims to develop an in vitro co-culture system of in situ goat preantral follicles with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC), evaluating the influence of these cells on follicular growth, rate of activation and morphologically normal follicles. Fragments of ovarian cortex were cultured for 1 or 7 days in the presence of BM-MSC (BM-MSC+) and absence of BM-MSC (BM-MSC-). Histological sections of the fragments were analysed and data were obtained regarding morphological classification, survival rate of morphologically normal follicles and rate of follicular activation. Culture medium on days 1 and 7 was also sampled for nitrite concentration and reduced glutathione activity. There was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the percentage of morphologically normal follicles in the BM-MSC+ compared with the fresh control only on the seventh day of culture. When comparing treatments, on the seventh day of culture, a higher rate of morphologically normal preantral follicles was observed in BM-MSC+ (P < 0.05). In both treatments, primordial and developing follicle rates were similar to the fresh control (P > 0.05). When comparing treatments with each other, as well as with the fresh control, no differences were observed in follicular diameter (P > 0.05) or nitrite concentration (P > 0.05). The concentration of reduced glutathione was lower on the seventh day of co-culture in both treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, co-culture had no influence on follicular or oocyte development. However, it was critical to maintain the survival of preantral follicles during 7 days of culture.

Adipose stem cells in reparative goat mastitis mammary gland.

Mesenchymal stem cells have been widely used in the treatment of various chronic diseases. The objective of this survey was to evaluate the therapeutic and regenerative potential of stem cells from adipose tissue (ASCs) in the milk production recovery repair of tissue injury in mastitis goats treated with antimicrobial agents prior to cell therapy. After the diagnosis of mastitis and treatment with gentamicin, eight lactating goats were selected for cellular and subsequent therapy, physical-chemical analysis of milk, ultrasonographic and histopathological examinations. The ASCs were taken from the subcutaneous fat of a young goat cultivated in vitro, marked with Qdots-655 and injected in the left mammary gland, being the right mammary gland used as the control. After 30 days the ultrasonographic and histopathological analyzes were repeated and, in the first lactation period, the physical-chemical analysis of the milk was reapeated. Before the cellular therapy, the physical-chemical quality of the milk was compromised and the ultrasonographic and histopathological analysis revealed a chronic inflammatory process and fibrous tissue. The marking of the ASCs with Qdots enabled the tracking, by fluorescence microscopy (BX41-OLYMPUS), in the mammary tissue. In the ASCs therapy, cultures showed high cellularity and characteristics favorable to preclinical studies; with the therapy the physical-chemical parameters of the milk, fat, protein, temperature and pH showed significant differences among the groups; five animals treated with ASCs reconstituted the functionality of the gland and the connective tissue reduced in quantity and inflammatory infiltrate cells. ASCs have potential for the possible regeneration of fibrous mastitis lesions in the mammary gland, however, it would be necessary to increase injection time for the histopathological analysis, since the reconstitution of the glandular acini within the assessed period was not finalized. ASCs can be used to reestablish milk production in goat with chronic mastitis repair mammary lesions, with potential to be a promising clinical alternative for animal rehabilitation for productivity.

Association of polymorphisms of the ß-defensin 1 gene with nematode and protozoan infection traits in goat.

This study's purpose was to identify polymorphisms (SNP) in the goat ß-defensin 1 gene and to associate these SNPs with traits related to nematodean and protozoan infections in Anglo-Nubian goats from semiarid region of Brazil. A total of 184 animals were used for DNA extraction, PCR and DNA automatic sequencing. The association analyses included the fixed effects of animal age, bloodline and genotype of the SNP marker in the statistical model. The means of genotypes were compared by the Fisher test (P < 0.05). Twelve polymorphism genotypes were found: two in intron 1, seven in exon 2 and three in 3' untranslated region. The SNPs of exon 2 were responsible for amino acid substitutions in six genetic codes, and the changes in the 25th and 33rd codes affected the protein function. The SNP 1937 was significantly associated with number of protozoan oocysts, whereas SNP 2001 was associated with degree of anaemia (Famacha©). Polymorphism 2046, in turn, showed a significant association with Famacha© degree and number of protozoan oocysts. SNP 2140 associated with maximum EPG of the animal. Results from this study suggest that the ß-defensin 1 gene can be used as a molecular marker for selection of goats regarding the susceptibility to endoparasites infections.

Qualidade de serviços e satisfação de espectadores de eventos esportivos: uma revisão sistemática / Service quality and satisfaction of sporting events' audience: a systematic review / Calidad de servicios y satisfacción de espectadores de eventos deportivos: una revisión sistemática

O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar os modelos de avaliação da qualidade de serviços e a relação da qualidade dos serviços na satisfação de espectadores de eventos esportivos. O estudo é uma revisão sistemática. A busca por artigos originais publicados a partir de janeiro de 2000 até junho de 2017 foi realizada nas bases de dados: SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science e SciELO Citation Index. Foram incluídos 19 artigos. Os resultados apontaram a existência de inúmeros modelos de avaliação que estão relacionados com a qualidade de serviços no esporte. Atributos do serviço principal como qualidade do jogo e desempenho dos atletas, além de serviços periféricos, como instalação, empatia dos funcionários e segurança influenciaram significativamente a satisfação dos espectadores esportivos. Portanto, os resultados indicam que a percepção da qualidade de serviços é um antecedente da satisfação

This study analyzed service quality evaluation models and the relations among service quality and audience satisfaction in sporting events. The study is a systematic review. Original articles published from January 2000 to June 2017 were searched on databases SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science and SciELO Citation Index. Nineteen articles were included. The results pointed out the existence of numerous evaluation models related to service quality in sports. Core service attributes such as game quality and athletes' performance, in addition to peripheral services such as facilities, employee empathy and security, have significantly influenced sports audience's satisfaction. Therefore, these results indicate that service quality perception precedes satisfaction

El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar los modelos de evaluación de la calidad de servicios y su relación con la satisfacción de espectadores de eventos deportivos. El estudio es una revisión sistemática. La búsqueda de artículos originales publicados a partir de enero de 2000 y hasta junio de 2017 fue realizada en las siguientes bases de datos: SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science y SciELO Citation Index. Fueron incluidos 19 artículos. Los resultados mostraron la existencia de innumerables modelos de evaluación relacionados con la calidad de servicios en el deporte. Atributos del servicio principal, como: calidad del juego y desempeño de los atletas; servicios periféricos, como: instalaciones, empatía de los funcionarios y seguridad influenciaron significativamente sobre la satisfacción de los espectadores deportivos. Por lo tanto, los resultados indican que la percepción de la calidad de servicios es un antecedente de la satisfacción

A satisfação e as intenções comportamentais dos sócios-torcedores de um clube pernambucano em relação aos serviços prestados no campeonato brasileiro de futebol ­ série A / The satisfaction and the behavioral intention of the supportive member of a Pernambuco club in relation to the services provided / La satisfacción y la intención conductual del socio hincha de un club pernambucano en relación a los servicios prestados

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a satisfação e as intenções comportamentais dos sócios-torcedores de um clube de Pernambuco no Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol ­ Série A. O estudo é caracterizado como pesquisa descritiva, com a população composta por sócios-torcedores do clube. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário de escala multi-itens do tipo Likert com cinco alternativas. Os dados foram analisados no software IBM SPSS Statistics 20, através da estatística descritiva, utilizando média, moda, mediana, desvio padrão, soma, medidas percentuais e gráficos. Os resultados apresentam números positivos em relação à satisfação com os serviços auxiliares, indiferença em relação ao jogo e resultados positivos nas intenções comportamentais. Conclui-se que houve resultados positivos em relação à qualidade de serviço, equilíbrio quando tratou-se da satisfação com os jogos e resultados bastante positivos quando se questionou sobre as intenções de consumir mais produtos e serviços do clube na visão de seus sócios-torcedores entrevistados.

The objective of this study was to analyze the satisfaction and behavioral intentions of the supporters of a Pernambuco club in the Brazilian Football Championship - Serie A. The study is characterized as descriptive research, with the population made up of club members-supporters. The data were collected through a multi-item Likert scale questionnaire with five alternatives. The data were applied in IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software, analyzing them in a descriptive way, using mean, fashion and median, standard deviation, sum, percentage measures and graphs. The results present positive numbers in relation to the satisfaction with the auxiliary services, indifference in relation to the game and positive results in the behavioral intentions. It was concluded that there were positive results regarding the quality of service, balance when it was the satisfaction with the games and very positive results when asked about the intentions to consume more products and services of the club in the vision of its partner-fans interviewed.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la satisfacción y las intenciones comportamentales de los socios aficionados de un club de Pernambuco en el Campeonato Brasileño de Fútbol - Serie A. El estudio se caracteriza como una investigación descriptiva, con la población compuesta por socios-aficionados del club. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de un cuestionario de escala multi-ítems del tipo Likert con cinco alternativas. Los datos fueron aplicados en el software IBM SPSS Statistics 20, analizándolos de una manera descriptiva, utilizando promedio, moda y mediana, desviación estándar, suma, medidas porcentuales y gráficos. Los resultados muestran cifras positivas en relación con la satisfacción con los servicios auxiliares, la indiferencia hacia el juego y los resultados positivos en las intenciones del comportamiento. Se concluyó que hubo resultados positivos en relación a la calidad de servicio, equilibrio cuando se trató de la satisfacción con los juegos y resultados bastante positivos cuando se cuestionó sobre las intenciones de consumir más productos y servicios del club en la visión de sus socios-aficionados entrevistados.