Coat score. A possible explanation for the zebuine selective sweep located on bovine chromosome 5: 47,670,001-48,100,000 bp.

Over 65% of the world's cattle population resides in warm areas where heat stress conditions limit the breed of European taurine cattle. Composite breeds were developed to retain the main traits of both parental breeds. The skin plays a central role in animal response to heat stress. Research on the genetic architecture of skin traits has identified genes and regions related to warm resistance skin features. The aim of this study was to determine whether the indicine proportion accounted for coat type or whether there were genes of large effect segregating in Brangus. Bulls (n = 108) were genotyped using microarrays and their coat score and hair length were evaluated. Indicine-taurine genome-wide composition was estimated and GWAS was performed. Although significant correlations between indicine proportion and traits were not observed, four windows of SNPs on BTA4 and BTA5 explained more than 2% of the trait variance. The GWAS for coat score in summer showed the main peak on BTA5:46,941,446-48,030,219 bp, accounting for 4.65% of the variance. Our results suggest that the variation in coat score and undercoat hair length in Argentinian Brangus bulls is associated with the presence of some particular gene variants, rather than with the whole indicine genetic content.

Cattle herd shearing can help to control Rhipicephalus microplus ticks.

Given the difficulties of controlling the tick Rhipicephalus microplus due to acaricide resistance, this study aimed to ascertain whether shearing could reduce infestation in cattle. 17 taurine cattle were sheared on the anterior third of one randomly selected side. Shearing was undertaken using a machine with a blade, leaving coats with a thickness of 1 mm. Subsequently, eight evaluations were performed once a week, counting adult females of R. microplus with a diameter > 4.5 mm on the anterior third of both sides (shorn and unshorn). The coat length was also monitored by taking five hair samples from each animal fortnightly (1, 15, 29, 43 and 57 days post shorn) from a central area of both shoulders (shorn and unshorn). The tick counts and hair length data were transformed for normalisation and were analysed using mixed models. The tick and hair length means were significantly higher for the unshorn side. Tick counts were significantly lower on the sheared side until the fifth evaluation, with the final three presenting no differences between the sides. The hair length was significantly lower for the sheared side during the five evaluations. We conclude that as the hair length increased, there was also an increase in the number of ticks on the sheared side. Although this method is not practical for large herds, it can be deemed an option in extreme conditions of tick infestation. In addition, the study reinforces the suggestion that the selection and/or use of cattle with shorter hairs may contribute to reduced tick infestation.

Milk yield and hair coat characteristics of Holstein cows in a hot environment.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hair coat characteristics on thermophysiological variables and body surface temperatures (BST), measured with infrared thermography, as well as milk yield of Holstein cows in a hot environment. Physiological and milk yield variables were assessed using 103 pluriparous Holstein cows. Also, hair angle (HA), density of hair coat (D), diameter of hair (HD), hair length (HL), weight of hair coat (Wt), and coat thickness (CT) were recorded. Biplot analysis (principal components analysis) revealed that HL was closely associated with Wt, CT, and HD and all these variables had a positive association with rectal temperature. Both CT and HL were found to be negatively associated with shoulder and neck temperature; tympanic temperature showed no association with BTS. Cows with short hair coat (length < 17 mm) did not produce more milk in 305 days than cows with longer hair coat (9673 ± 1604 vs. 9277 ± 817; P = 0.12). On the other hand, milk fat percentage at the middle of lactation was higher (P < 0.01) in cows with longer hair relative to cows with coat hair < 17 mm (3.71 vs. 3.35%, respectively). In conclusion, physical characteristics of the coat of Holstein cows were not associated with the 305-day milk yield but cows with longer hair produced a greater milk fat percentage at the middle of lactation compared to cows with short hair.

The effects of the method and dose of cyclophosphamide administration on cashmere shedding

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the method and dose of cyclophosphamide (CPA) administration on cashmere shedding. Thirty-two castrated Liaoning cashmere goats were randomly allotted to four groups, with eight replicates in each group. Goats in the four groups were injected intravenously or intramuscularly with CPA at doses of 20 or 25 mg kg−1 body weight (BW), respectively. Feed intake and BW were recorded, and erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content, and cashmere weight were determined. It was found that the CPA administration method had no significant effect on feed intake or BW of cashmere goats. Cyclophosphamide injection can significantly decrease the erythrocyte count and hemoglobin content of cashmere goats, but the effects are dependent on injection method and CPA dose. The injection method and dose did not significantly influence cashmere weight, but the method had significant effects on time to initiate shedding and regrown hair length. Regrown hair was longest by intramuscular injection with 20 mg kg−1 BW, which also caused the least erythema on the epidermis during the days after shedding. The results indicate that the CPA administration method can significantly influence cashmere shedding. Intramuscular injection of CPA at a dose of 20 mg kg−1 BW was found to be relatively beneficial for hair removal and regrowth in cashmere goats.(AU)

Morphological characteristics of hair coat in crossbred animals / Características morfológicas do pelame de vacas mestiças

The objective was to evaluate annual variation the morphological characteristics of the hair coat of the cows crossbred Holstein x Gir, ½ and ¾ of the Holstein in Salinas Minas Gerais region. The morphological characteristics of the hair coat were: coat thickness, hair length, number of hair/cm2. Hair coat samples were held in each season (spring, summer, autumn and winter). The climatic characterization of the seasons was obtained from data provided by National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Data for hair coat characteristics were subjected to variance analysis of according to a completely randomized factorial design (two degrees of blood and four seasons). The season effect showed that haircoat of the crossbred cows adjusted with environmental variables. And the length and number of hair/cm2 were higher in animals ¾ Holstein. It was concluded that crossbred animals have short hair coat, very dense and well seated, especially in summer. ½ Holstein showed less dense hair coat and shorter than ¾ Holstein.

O objetivo foi avaliar a variação anual das características morfológicas de pelame de vacas mestiças Holandesas x Gir, ½ e ¾ de Holandês da região de Salinas Minas Gerais. As características morfológicas do pelame estudadas foram: espessura da capa, comprimento médio dos pelos e densidade numérica. A coleta de pelos foi realizada em cada estação climática (primavera, verão, outono e inverno). A caracterização climática das estações do ano foram obtidas a partir dos dados disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (Inmet). Os dados para as características morfológicas do pelame foram submetidos à análise de variância seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial (dois graus de sangue e quatros estações climáticas). Encontrou-se efeito de estação do ano, demonstrando que o pelame das vacas mestiças se ajusta com as variáveis ambientais. E o comprimento e número de pelos/cm2 apresentaram-se maiores nos animais ¾ Holandês. Conclui-se que os animais mestiços estudados possuem pelame curto, pouco denso e bem assentado, principalmente no verão. Os animais ½ Holandês apresentaram pelame menos denso e mais curto que os animais ¾ Holandês.

Morphological characteristics of hair coat in crossbred animals / Características morfológicas do pelame de vacas mestiças

The objective was to evaluate annual variation the morphological characteristics of the hair coat of the cows crossbred Holstein x Gir, ½ and ¾ of the Holstein in Salinas Minas Gerais region. The morphological characteristics of the hair coat were: coat thickness, hair length, number of hair/cm2. Hair coat samples were held in each season (spring, summer, autumn and winter). The climatic characterization of the seasons was obtained from data provided by National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Data for hair coat characteristics were subjected to variance analysis of according to a completely randomized factorial design (two degrees of blood and four seasons). The season effect showed that haircoat of the crossbred cows adjusted with environmental variables. And the length and number of hair/cm2 were higher in animals ¾ Holstein. It was concluded that crossbred animals have short hair coat, very dense and well seated, especially in summer. ½ Holstein showed less dense hair coat and shorter than ¾ Holstein.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar a variação anual das características morfológicas de pelame de vacas mestiças Holandesas x Gir, ½ e ¾ de Holandês da região de Salinas Minas Gerais. As características morfológicas do pelame estudadas foram: espessura da capa, comprimento médio dos pelos e densidade numérica. A coleta de pelos foi realizada em cada estação climática (primavera, verão, outono e inverno). A caracterização climática das estações do ano foram obtidas a partir dos dados disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (Inmet). Os dados para as características morfológicas do pelame foram submetidos à análise de variância seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial (dois graus de sangue e quatros estações climáticas). Encontrou-se efeito de estação do ano, demonstrando que o pelame das vacas mestiças se ajusta com as variáveis ambientais. E o comprimento e número de pelos/cm2 apresentaram-se maiores nos animais ¾ Holandês. Conclui-se que os animais mestiços estudados possuem pelame curto, pouco denso e bem assentado, principalmente no verão. Os animais ½ Holandês apresentaram pelame menos denso e mais curto que os animais ¾ Holandês.(AU)

Características morfológicas do pelame de vacas mestiças

The objective was to evaluate annual variation the morphological characteristics of the hair coat of the cows crossbred Holstein x Gir, ½ and ¾ of the Holstein in Salinas -Minas Gerais region. The morphological characteristics of the hair coat were: coat thickness, hair length, number of hair/cm². Hair coat samples were held in each season (spring, summer, autumn and winter). The climatic characterization of the seasons was obtained from data provided by National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Data for hair coat characteristics were subjected to variance analysis of according to a completely randomized factorial design (two degrees of blood and four seasons). The season effect showed that haircoat of the crossbred cows adjusted with environmental variables. And the length and number of hair/cm² were higher in animals ¾ Holstein. It was concluded that crossbred animals have short hair coat, very dense and well seated, especially in summer. ½ Holstein showed less dense hair coat and shorter than ¾ Holstein.

O objetivo foi avaliar a variação anual das características morfológicas de pelame de vacas mestiças Holandesas x Gir, ½ e ¾ de Holandês da região de Salinas - Minas Gerais. As características morfológicas do pelame estudadas foram: espessura da capa, comprimento médio dos pelos e densidade numérica. A coleta de pelos foi realizada em cada estação climática (primavera, verão, outono e inverno). A caracterização climática das estações do ano foram obtidas a partir dos dados disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (Inmet). Os dados para as características morfológicas do pelame foram submetidos à análise de variância seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial (dois graus de sangue e quatros estações climáticas). Encontrou-se efeito de estação do ano, demonstrando que o pelame das vacas mestiças se ajusta com as variáveis ambientais. E o comprimento e número de pelos/cm² apresentaram-se maiores nos animais ¾ Holandês. Conclui-se que os animais mestiços estudados possuem pelame curto, pouco denso e bem assentado, principalmente no verão. Os animais ½ Holandês apresentaram pelame menos denso e mais curto que os animais ¾ Holandês.

Hair length of Nelore, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows in three seasons / Comprimento do pêlo em vacas Nelore, Holandesas e Pardo-Suíças em três épocas do ano

Nelore, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows were evaluated in relation to their hair length in three seasons of the year 2000: summer, winter and spring, with the objective to verify if Nelore cows has longer hairs in the winter like the European cows. Two hair samples were taken from scapular region in each season with pliers, specially adapted for this purpose. Afterwards, the 20 longest hair were measured and the mean analysed. The analysis was a complete randomized design in a factorial model (3 breeds and 3 seasons). The hair length means of Nelore, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows were, respectively, in summer: 4.48mm, 9.47mm and 10.14mm; in winter: 7.68mm, 14.43mm and 13.20mm; and in spring: 7.69mm, 8.83mm and 10.48mm. The hair length of Nelore cows was shorter (P 0.05) in all seasons, but it did not differ from that the Holsteins in spring. All the cows had longer hairs in winter (P 0.05). In this season, the Holsteins’ hairs were the longest. The hair of the Brown Swiss cows was the longest (P 0.05) in summer and spring; nevertheless it was always similar to the Holsteins’ hair. In spring (November 20th), the Nelore cows did not make the summer shedding yet, on contrary of the Holstein and Brown-Swiss cows (sampled in December 04th).

Vacas Nelore, Holandesas e Pardo-Suíças foram avaliadas quanto ao comprimento do pêlo, em Nova Odessa (22º42’S e 47º18’W), Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, em três épocas do ano de 2000: verão, inverno e primavera, a fim de verificar se animais zebuínos, da raça Nelore, têm pêlos mais compridos no inverno, tal como as raças de origem zebuína. Duas amostras de pêlo da região escapular de cada animal foram extraídas, em cada época, com alicate adaptado para essa finalidade. Posteriormente, foram medidos os 20 maiores pêlos, e a média foi analisada. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial (3 raças e 3 estações). O comprimento do pêlo das vacas Nelore, Holandesas e Pardo-Suíças no verão foi de, respectivamente: 4,48mm, 9,47mm e 10,14mm; no inverno: 7,68mm, 14,43mm e 13,20mm; e na primavera: 7,69mm, 8,83mm e 10,48 mm. O comprimento do pêlo das vacas Nelore foi menor (P 0,05) em todas as épocas avaliadas, porém, não diferiu significativamente do das Holandesas na primavera. Todas as vacas tiveram pêlos mais longos no inverno (P 0,05). Nessa época do ano, o maior comprimento foi observado nas Holandesas. O comprimento do pêlo das vacas Pardo- Suíças foi maior (P 0,05) no verão e na primavera, embora não tenha diferido do das Holandesas em nenhuma época do ano. Na primavera (20/11/2000), as vacas Nelore ainda não tinham efetuado a m

Hair length of Nelore, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows in three seasons / Comprimento do pêlo em vacas Nelore, Holandesas e Pardo-Suíças em três épocas do ano

Nelore, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows were evaluated in relation to their hair length in three seasons of the year 2000: summer, winter and spring, with the objective to verify if Nelore cows has longer hairs in the winter like the European cows. Two hair samples were taken from scapular region in each season with pliers, specially adapted for this purpose. Afterwards, the 20 longest hair were measured and the mean analysed. The analysis was a complete randomized design in a factorial model (3 breeds and 3 seasons). The hair length means of Nelore, Holstein and Brown Swiss cows were, respectively, in summer: 4.48mm, 9.47mm and 10.14mm; in winter: 7.68mm, 14.43mm and 13.20mm; and in spring: 7.69mm, 8.83mm and 10.48mm. The hair length of Nelore cows was shorter (P 0.05) in all seasons, but it did not differ from that the Holsteins in spring. All the cows had longer hairs in winter (P 0.05). In this season, the Holsteins hairs were the longest. The hair of the Brown Swiss cows was the longest (P 0.05) in summer and spring; nevertheless it was always similar to the Holsteins hair. In spring (November 20th), the Nelore cows did not make the summer shedding yet, on contrary of the Holstein and Brown-Swiss cows (sampled in December 04th).

Vacas Nelore, Holandesas e Pardo-Suíças foram avaliadas quanto ao comprimento do pêlo, em Nova Odessa (22º42S e 47º18W), Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, em três épocas do ano de 2000: verão, inverno e primavera, a fim de verificar se animais zebuínos, da raça Nelore, têm pêlos mais compridos no inverno, tal como as raças de origem zebuína. Duas amostras de pêlo da região escapular de cada animal foram extraídas, em cada época, com alicate adaptado para essa finalidade. Posteriormente, foram medidos os 20 maiores pêlos, e a média foi analisada. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial (3 raças e 3 estações). O comprimento do pêlo das vacas Nelore, Holandesas e Pardo-Suíças no verão foi de, respectivamente: 4,48mm, 9,47mm e 10,14mm; no inverno: 7,68mm, 14,43mm e 13,20mm; e na primavera: 7,69mm, 8,83mm e 10,48 mm. O comprimento do pêlo das vacas Nelore foi menor (P 0,05) em todas as épocas avaliadas, porém, não diferiu significativamente do das Holandesas na primavera. Todas as vacas tiveram pêlos mais longos no inverno (P 0,05). Nessa época do ano, o maior comprimento foi observado nas Holandesas. O comprimento do pêlo das vacas Pardo- Suíças foi maior (P 0,05) no verão e na primavera, embora não tenha diferido do das Holandesas em nenhuma época do ano. Na primavera (20/11/2000), as vacas Nelore ainda não tinham efetuado a m

Hair coat characteristics and production of Holstein cows in a tropical environment. II. Genetic aspects / Pelame e produção de vacas da raça holandesa em ambiente tropical, II, aspectos genéticos

Hair length was recorded for Holstein cows in two seasons (spring and fall) and related to milk production. Variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood Method under Animal Model, using the DFREML algorithm. Heritabilities for hair length and milk production were 0.20 and 0.26, respectively. Genetic, phenotypic, and environmental correlations between hair length and milk production were - 0.56; -0.19 and -0.02, respectively. Sire breeding values ranged from -1.68 to 1.25 for hair length and -1273.06 to 800.81 kg for milk production. Correlations between sire breeding values for milk production and hair length was negative and non significant.

Analisaram-se dados de comprimento dos pêlos (CP) e produção de leite (PL) de vacas da raça Holandesa, de um rebanho pertencente a uma propriedade localizada na região de São Carlos. O comprimento dos pêlos foi determinado em duas épocas do ano (outono e primavera). Os componentes de variância foram estimados pelo Método da Máxima Verossimilhança Restrita (algoritmo DFREML). Os coeficientes de herdabilidade de CP e PL foram 0,20 e 0,26, respectivamente. Os coeficientes de correlação genética, fenotípica e ambiental entre CP e PL foram: -0,56; -0,19 e -0,02, respectivamente. Os valores do mérito genético aditivo dos touros variaram de - 1,68 a 1,25 mm para CP e de -1273,06 a 800,81 kg para PL. A correlação entre os valores genéticos dos touros para PL e para CP foi baixa, negativa e não significativa.

Hair coat characteristics and production of Holstein. I. Hair coat traits / Pelame e produção de vacas da raça holandesa em ambientes tropical, I, características do pelame

Hair coat characteristics were recorded for 342 Holstein cows, daughters of 38 sires. Coat thickness. hair coat density and hair length were measured in two seasons, fall and spring. Coat thickness, hair coat density and hair length averages were respectively 2.84 mm; 718 hairs/cm2 and 14.15 mm in the fall; and 4.09 mm; 474 hairs/cm2and 12.59 mm in the spring.

Foram analisados dados de espessura do pelame (EP), densidade numérica do pelame (DNP) e comprimento dos pêlos (CP) de 342 vacas, filhas de 38 touros, de um rebanho pertencente a uma fazenda localizado na região de São Carlos. As características do pelame foram determinadas em duas épocas do ano (outono e primavera). As médias de EP, DNP e CP no outono e na primavera, foram: 2,84 e 4,09 mm; 718 e 474 pêlos/cm2; 14,15 e 12,59 mm, respectivamente.

Hair coat characteristics and production of Holstein. I. Hair coat traits / Pelame e produção de vacas da raça holandesa em ambientes tropical, I, características do pelame

Hair coat characteristics were recorded for 342 Holstein cows, daughters of 38 sires. Coat thickness. hair coat density and hair length were measured in two seasons, fall and spring. Coat thickness, hair coat density and hair length averages were respectively 2.84 mm; 718 hairs/cm2 and 14.15 mm in the fall; and 4.09 mm; 474 hairs/cm2and 12.59 mm in the spring.

Foram analisados dados de espessura do pelame (EP), densidade numérica do pelame (DNP) e comprimento dos pêlos (CP) de 342 vacas, filhas de 38 touros, de um rebanho pertencente a uma fazenda localizado na região de São Carlos. As características do pelame foram determinadas em duas épocas do ano (outono e primavera). As médias de EP, DNP e CP no outono e na primavera, foram: 2,84 e 4,09 mm; 718 e 474 pêlos/cm2; 14,15 e 12,59 mm, respectivamente.

Hair coat characteristics and production of Holstein cows in a tropical environment. II. Genetic aspects / Pelame e produção de vacas da raça holandesa em ambiente tropical, II, aspectos genéticos

Hair length was recorded for Holstein cows in two seasons (spring and fall) and related to milk production. Variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood Method under Animal Model, using the DFREML algorithm. Heritabilities for hair length and milk production were 0.20 and 0.26, respectively. Genetic, phenotypic, and environmental correlations between hair length and milk production were - 0.56; -0.19 and -0.02, respectively. Sire breeding values ranged from -1.68 to 1.25 for hair length and -1273.06 to 800.81 kg for milk production. Correlations between sire breeding values for milk production and hair length was negative and non significant.

Analisaram-se dados de comprimento dos pêlos (CP) e produção de leite (PL) de vacas da raça Holandesa, de um rebanho pertencente a uma propriedade localizada na região de São Carlos. O comprimento dos pêlos foi determinado em duas épocas do ano (outono e primavera). Os componentes de variância foram estimados pelo Método da Máxima Verossimilhança Restrita (algoritmo DFREML). Os coeficientes de herdabilidade de CP e PL foram 0,20 e 0,26, respectivamente. Os coeficientes de correlação genética, fenotípica e ambiental entre CP e PL foram: -0,56; -0,19 e -0,02, respectivamente. Os valores do mérito genético aditivo dos touros variaram de - 1,68 a 1,25 mm para CP e de -1273,06 a 800,81 kg para PL. A correlação entre os valores genéticos dos touros para PL e para CP foi baixa, negativa e não significativa.