Genetic parameters for traditional and novel ultrasound carcass traits in Nellore cattle.

The objective of this study was to contribute to genetic improvement for carcass quality in Nellore cattle by estimating genetic parameters for carcass characteristics measured by traditional and novel ultrasound adjusted for body weight. Records of 19,910 Nellore breed animals born between 2001 and 2015 as part of a genetic improvement program were evaluated for this purpose. The (co)variance components and genetic parameters for yearling weight (YW), slaughter conformation at yearling age (SCY), ribeye area (REA), REA adjusted for 100 kg of body weight (REA100), REA adjusted for 450 kg of body weight (REA450), subcutaneous fat thickness over the loin (SFTL) and the rump (SFTR), intramuscular fat (IF), and height × width ratio of the sirloin steak (RATIO) were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method and the three-trait animal model. The estimated heritability values were 0.39 (YW), 0.33 (SCY), 0.31 (REA), 0.42 (REA100), 0.38 (REA450), 0.31 (RATIO), 0.17 (SFTL), 0.27 (SFTR), and 0.41 (MAR). The genetic correlations between REA and YW (0.43) and SCY and YW (0.78), respectively, suggested that selecting for REA or SCY could result in an increase in body weight. Because of its moderate and negative correlation with YW, REA100 was ineffective as a muscling indicator (- 0.38). The indicators REA450 and RATIO had a - 0.12 and 0.11 low correlation with YW, respectively. Thus, it is concluded that REA450 and RATIO were the best indicators of muscling, with heritability of medium magnitude, making the selection viable, as well as having a low correlation with body weight.

Pollen as a component of the diet of Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidade) / Pólen como componente da dieta de Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidade)

Abstract The properties of maize pollen in the diet of Doru luteipes were determined by biological responses of the predator feeding on natural preys and artificial diet. The biological parameters of D. luteipes fed on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) eggs, maize pollen, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch, 1856) + maize pollen and R. maidis were assessed. The effect of pollen on artificial diet on the biological variables of the predator nymphs and adults were also evaluated. Time span of nymphal development was greater for D. luteipes exclusively fed on earwigs, with the lowest rate of nymph survival. However, maize pollen plus earwigs in the diet provided the predator´s highest survival rate, whilst percentage of fertile females was double when fed on diets composed of S. frugiperda and R. maidis eggs. Development period decreased when D. luteipes nymphs consumed artificial diet plus pollen but there were high fecundity rates (number of laying/female and total egg/female) and a greater percentage of fertile females when they were fed on maize pollen.

Resumo Os benefícios do pólen de milho na composição da dieta de Doru luteipes foram determinados por meio das respostas biológicas desse predador alimentado com presas naturais e dieta artificial. Inicialmente, avaliaram-se parâmetros biológicos de D. luteipes alimentados com: ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797), pólen de milho, pólen de milho e Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch, 1856) e R. maidis. Posteriormente, verificou-se o efeito da presença do pólen em dieta artificial nas variáveis ​​biológicas de ninfas e adultos do predador. O período de desenvolvimento ninfal foi maior para D. luteipes alimentado, exclusivamente, com pulgões, sendo esta dieta a que propiciou menor sobrevivência ninfal. No entanto, a adição de pólen de milho na dieta com pulgões proporcionou maior taxa de sobrevivência do predador e, o percentual de fêmeas que ovipositaram foi praticamente o dobro em relação às dietas compostas por ovos de S. frugiperda e R. maidis. Quando ninfas de D. luteipes consumiram a dieta artificial adicionada com pólen verificou-se redução no período de desenvolvimento ninfal e quando o pólen de milho foi fornecido apenas na fase adulta houve uma maior fecundidade (número de posturas/fêmea e total de ovos/fêmea) e porcentagem de fêmeas que ovipositaram.

Crossbreeding applied to systems of beef cattle production to improve performance traits and carcass quality.

Crossbreeding represents an important technique to improve growth, beef quality and adaptability in beef production systems in tropical countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate sire and dam breed effects on performance and carcass traits of crossbred cattle produced in a tropical environment. Heifers and steers were evaluated during the pre-weaning, the post-weaning (n = 173) and the finishing phase (n = 123). Animals were produced by mating Nellore (N_N), Angus × Nellore (A_N) and Caracu × Nellore (C_N) dams with Braford, Charbray and Caracu sires. After weaning, animals were raised grazing on Marandu grass for 12 months; thereafter they were housed in individual pens and finished in a feedlot, receiving a total mixed ration. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed to determine ribeye area (R_A), backfat thickness (B_T) and rump fat thickness (R_T). A_N progeny were heavier at birth than N_N (P < 0.05), and Braford progeny had greater birth BW than Caracu (P < 0.05). Greater weaning BW was observed in the A_N and C_N offspring compared to N_N (P < 0.01). Greater average daily gain during the post-weaning period was verified in the N_N progeny compared to C_N (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were observed for BW at the end of the post-weaning period (P > 0.05). Progeny of N_N cows had greater B_T (P < 0.05) and R_T (P < 0.01) at the end of the post-weaning period in relation to C_N. Greater R_A was observed in the Caracu progeny than in the Braford (P < 0.05), which showed greater R_T than the Charbray progeny at the end of the post-weaning period (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were verified for final BW at the feedlot or for feed efficiency traits (P > 0.05). A_N progeny were superior in final B_T compared to C_N (P < 0.01), and Braford progeny had greater R_T at the end of finishing than Charbray (P = 0.05). The use of crossbred dams allows an increase in productivity until weaning, but this is not maintained in the post-weaning and finishing periods. The use of Braford sires produces similar growth performance in the different stages of the production system to those seen with Charbray and Caracu sires but generates animals with higher fat thickness at the end of finishing, which may improve carcass quality and commercial value.

Pollen as a component of the diet of Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidade).

The properties of maize pollen in the diet of Doru luteipes were determined by biological responses of the predator feeding on natural preys and artificial diet. The biological parameters of D. luteipes fed on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) eggs, maize pollen, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch, 1856) + maize pollen and R. maidis were assessed. The effect of pollen on artificial diet on the biological variables of the predator nymphs and adults were also evaluated. Time span of nymphal development was greater for D. luteipes exclusively fed on earwigs, with the lowest rate of nymph survival. However, maize pollen plus earwigs in the diet provided the predator´s highest survival rate, whilst percentage of fertile females was double when fed on diets composed of S. frugiperda and R. maidis eggs. Development period decreased when D. luteipes nymphs consumed artificial diet plus pollen but there were high fecundity rates (number of laying/female and total egg/female) and a greater percentage of fertile females when they were fed on maize pollen.

Pollen as a component of the diet of Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidade) / Pólen como componente da dieta de Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidade)

The properties of maize pollen in the diet of Doru luteipes were determined by biological responses of the predator feeding on natural preys and artificial diet. The biological parameters of D. luteipes fed on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) eggs, maize pollen, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch, 1856) + maize pollen and R. maidis were assessed. The effect of pollen on artificial diet on the biological variables of the predator nymphs and adults were also evaluated. Time span of nymphal development was greater for D. luteipes exclusively fed on earwigs, with the lowest rate of nymph survival. However, maize pollen plus earwigs in the diet provided the predator´s highest survival rate, whilst percentage of fertile females was double when fed on diets composed of S. frugiperda and R. maidis eggs. Development period decreased when D. luteipes nymphs consumed artificial diet plus pollen but there were high fecundity rates (number of laying/female and total egg/female) and a greater percentage of fertile females when they were fed on maize pollen.(AU)

Os benefícios do pólen de milho na composição da dieta de Doru luteipes foram determinados por meio das respostas biológicas desse predador alimentado com presas naturais e dieta artificial. Inicialmente, avaliaram-se parâmetros biológicos de D. luteipes alimentados com: ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797), pólen de milho, pólen de milho e Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch, 1856) e R. maidis. Posteriormente, verificou-se o efeito da presença do pólen em dieta artificial nas variáveis biológicas de ninfas e adultos do predador. O período de desenvolvimento ninfal foi maior para D. luteipes alimentado, exclusivamente, com pulgões, sendo esta dieta a que propiciou menor sobrevivência ninfal. No entanto, a adição de pólen de milho na dieta com pulgões proporcionou maior taxa de sobrevivência do predador e, o percentual de fêmeas que ovipositaram foi praticamente o dobro em relação às dietas compostas por ovos de S. frugiperda e R. maidis. Quando ninfas de D. luteipes consumiram a dieta artificial adicionada com pólen verificou-se redução no período de desenvolvimento ninfal e quando o pólen de milho foi fornecido apenas na fase adulta houve uma maior fecundidade (número de posturas/fêmea e total de ovos/fêmea) e porcentagem de fêmeas que ovipositaram.(AU)

Genetic parameters for stayability to consecutive calvings in Zebu cattle.

Longer-lived cows tend to be more profitable and the stayability trait is a selection criterion correlated to longevity. An alternative to the traditional approach to evaluate stayability is its definition based on consecutive calvings, whose main advantage is the more accurate evaluation of young bulls. However, no study using this alternative approach has been conducted for Zebu breeds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare linear random regression models to fit stayability to consecutive calvings of Guzerá, Nelore and Tabapuã cows and to estimate genetic parameters for this trait in the respective breeds. Data up to the eighth calving were used. The models included the fixed effects of age at first calving and year-season of birth of the cow and the random effects of contemporary group, additive genetic, permanent environmental and residual. Random regressions were modeled by orthogonal Legendre polynomials of order 1 to 4 (2 to 5 coefficients) for contemporary group, additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. Using Deviance Information Criterion as the selection criterion, the model with 4 regression coefficients for each effect was the most adequate for the Nelore and Tabapuã breeds and the model with 5 coefficients is recommended for the Guzerá breed. For Guzerá, heritabilities ranged from 0.05 to 0.08, showing a quadratic trend with a peak between the fourth and sixth calving. For the Nelore and Tabapuã breeds, the estimates ranged from 0.03 to 0.07 and from 0.03 to 0.08, respectively, and increased with increasing calving number. The additive genetic correlations exhibited a similar trend among breeds and were higher for stayability between closer calvings. Even between more distant calvings (second v. eighth), stayability showed a moderate to high genetic correlation, which was 0.77, 0.57 and 0.79 for the Guzerá, Nelore and Tabapuã breeds, respectively. For Guzerá, when the models with 4 or 5 regression coefficients were compared, the rank correlations between predicted breeding values for the intercept were always higher than 0.99, indicating the possibility of practical application of the least parameterized model. In conclusion, the model with 4 random regression coefficients is recommended for the genetic evaluation of stayability to consecutive calvings in Zebu cattle.

Precocidade sexual, eficiência reprodutiva e desempenho produtivo de matrizes jovens Nelore e cruzadas / Sexual precocity, reproductive efficiency and productive performance of Nelore and crossbred young cows

Com o objetivo de avaliar matrizes da raça Nelore (NE) e cruzadas 1/2 Angus + 1/2 Nelore (AN), 1/2 Caracu + 1/2 Nelore (CN) e 1/2 Senepol + 1/2 Caracu (SC) quanto à precocidade sexual em sistemas de recria a pasto, eficiência reprodutiva e desempenho produtivo das matrizes em cada grupo genético (GG), matrizes desses grupos foram produzidas por três safras. Foram avaliadas 40 matrizes AN, 37 CN, 51 NE e 43 SC. Para prenhez precoce, matrizes AN apresentaram taxa de prenhez de 92,2% contra 29,1% para CN, 22,6% para SC e 1,1% para NE. Na prenhez convencional, matrizes AN obtiveram 99,4%, 98,8% para CN, 84,4% para SC e 80,0% para NE. A reconcepção das matrizes AN foi 86,3%, 75,1% de CN, 49,6% de NE e 43,6% de SC. Matrizes AN tiveram menor média de idade ao primeiro parto em meses, 26,36±0,79, contra 31,33±0,86 para CN, 33,51±0,98 para SC e 38,08±0,74 para NE. Para peso ao desmame, crias three-cross das AN pesaram mais que as F1 das NE, por volta de 19%. Para relação de peso ao desmame, não houve diferenças estatísticas entre GG. Matrizes AN foram superiores às demais nos aspectos reprodutivos e produtivos, seguidas das matrizes CN.(AU)

With the aim of evaluating Nelore (NE), 1/2 Angus + 1/2 Nelore (AN), 1/2 Caracu + 1/2 Nelore (CN), and 1/2 Senepol + 1/2 Caracu (SC) females for sexual precocity on pasture backgrounding, reproductive efficiency and productive performance of cows and their calves of each genetic group (GG), animals of these groups were produced for three years. A total of 40 AN, 37 CN, 51 NE and 43 SC cows were evaluated. For early heifer pregnancy, AN cows had pregnancy rate of 92.2% compared to 29.1% for CN, 22.6% for SC and 1.1% for NE. For conventional heifer pregnancy AN obtained 99.4%, CN with 98.8%, SC with 84.4% and NE with 80.0%. The first reconception of AN cows were 86.3%, 75.1% for CN, 49.6% for NE and 43.6% for SC. AN cows also had lower age at first calving in months, 26.36±0.79, compared to 31.33±0.86 for CN, 33.51±0.98 for SC and 38.08±0.74 for NE. For weaning weigth the three-cross from AN were heavier than the F1s from NE, by a margin of 19%. For calf:cow weight ratio there was no statistical difference among GG. AN cows were superior to the others in both productive and reproductive aspects, followed by the CN cows.(AU)

Precocidade sexual, eficiência reprodutiva e desempenho produtivo de matrizes jovens Nelore e cruzadas / Sexual precocity, reproductive efficiency and productive performance of Nelore and crossbred young cows

Com o objetivo de avaliar matrizes da raça Nelore (NE) e cruzadas 1/2 Angus + 1/2 Nelore (AN), 1/2 Caracu + 1/2 Nelore (CN) e 1/2 Senepol + 1/2 Caracu (SC) quanto à precocidade sexual em sistemas de recria a pasto, eficiência reprodutiva e desempenho produtivo das matrizes em cada grupo genético (GG), matrizes desses grupos foram produzidas por três safras. Foram avaliadas 40 matrizes AN, 37 CN, 51 NE e 43 SC. Para prenhez precoce, matrizes AN apresentaram taxa de prenhez de 92,2% contra 29,1% para CN, 22,6% para SC e 1,1% para NE. Na prenhez convencional, matrizes AN obtiveram 99,4%, 98,8% para CN, 84,4% para SC e 80,0% para NE. A reconcepção das matrizes AN foi 86,3%, 75,1% de CN, 49,6% de NE e 43,6% de SC. Matrizes AN tiveram menor média de idade ao primeiro parto em meses, 26,36±0,79, contra 31,33±0,86 para CN, 33,51±0,98 para SC e 38,08±0,74 para NE. Para peso ao desmame, crias three-cross das AN pesaram mais que as F1 das NE, por volta de 19%. Para relação de peso ao desmame, não houve diferenças estatísticas entre GG. Matrizes AN foram superiores às demais nos aspectos reprodutivos e produtivos, seguidas das matrizes CN.(AU)

With the aim of evaluating Nelore (NE), 1/2 Angus + 1/2 Nelore (AN), 1/2 Caracu + 1/2 Nelore (CN), and 1/2 Senepol + 1/2 Caracu (SC) females for sexual precocity on pasture backgrounding, reproductive efficiency and productive performance of cows and their calves of each genetic group (GG), animals of these groups were produced for three years. A total of 40 AN, 37 CN, 51 NE and 43 SC cows were evaluated. For early heifer pregnancy, AN cows had pregnancy rate of 92.2% compared to 29.1% for CN, 22.6% for SC and 1.1% for NE. For conventional heifer pregnancy AN obtained 99.4%, CN with 98.8%, SC with 84.4% and NE with 80.0%. The first reconception of AN cows were 86.3%, 75.1% for CN, 49.6% for NE and 43.6% for SC. AN cows also had lower age at first calving in months, 26.36±0.79, compared to 31.33±0.86 for CN, 33.51±0.98 for SC and 38.08±0.74 for NE. For weaning weigth the three-cross from AN were heavier than the F1s from NE, by a margin of 19%. For calf:cow weight ratio there was no statistical difference among GG. AN cows were superior to the others in both productive and reproductive aspects, followed by the CN cows.(AU)

Insect galls of Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ) / Galhas de insetos da Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ)

Thirty-one morphotypes of insect galls and two flower damages were found on 16 families, 22 genera and 24 plant species in Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ). Fabaceae and Myrtaceae were the plant families with the greatest richness of insect galls (4 and 6 morphotypes, respectively), and the greatest number of galled plants (four and three species, respectively). Galls were mostly found on leaves and stems (77% and 10%, respectively). The galling insects are represented by Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. The majority of the galls (81%) were induced by gall midges (Cecidomyiidae: Diptera).(AU)

Foram encontrados 31 morfotipos de galhas de insetos e dois danos em flores em 16 famílias, 22 gêneros e 24 espécies de plantas, na Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ). Fabaceae e Myrtaceae foram as famílias de plantas com maior riqueza de galhas (4 e 6 morfotipos, respectivamente) e maior número de espécies com galhas (quatro e três espécies, respectivamente). As galhas predominaram nas folhas e caules (77% e 10%, respectivamente). Os insetos galhadores estão representados por Diptera, Lepidoptera e Hemiptera. A maioria das galhas (81%) foi induzida por Cecidomyiidae (Diptera).(AU)

Insect galls of Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ) / Galhas de insetos da Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ)

Abstract Thirty-one morphotypes of insect galls and two flower damages were found on 16 families, 22 genera and 24 plant species in Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ). Fabaceae and Myrtaceae were the plant families with the greatest richness of insect galls (4 and 6 morphotypes, respectively), and the greatest number of galled plants (four and three species, respectively). Galls were mostly found on leaves and stems (77% and 10%, respectively). The galling insects are represented by Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. The majority of the galls (81%) were induced by gall midges (Cecidomyiidae: Diptera).

Resumo Foram encontrados 31 morfotipos de galhas de insetos e dois danos em flores em 16 famílias, 22 gêneros e 24 espécies de plantas, na Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ). Fabaceae e Myrtaceae foram as famílias de plantas com maior riqueza de galhas (4 e 6 morfotipos, respectivamente) e maior número de espécies com galhas (quatro e três espécies, respectivamente). As galhas predominaram nas folhas e caules (77% e 10%, respectivamente). Os insetos galhadores estão representados por Diptera, Lepidoptera e Hemiptera. A maioria das galhas (81%) foi induzida por Cecidomyiidae (Diptera).

Genetic correlations between visual slaughter conformation scores and growth and reproductive traits in Canchim cattle.

We obtained heritability and (co)variance component estimates for slaughter conformation scores at 420 days of age (SCS420), age at calving (first, AFC; second, ASC), calving occurrence until 38 months of age (CP38), weight at 420 days of age (W420), and scrotal circumference at 420 days (SC420) in Canchim (5/8 Charolais + 3/8 Zebu) cattle. A total of 23,168 records of Canchim animals, including 12,493 females and 10,675 males, were analyzed. SCS420 indicated carcass structure, muscle development, and subcutaneous fat deposition. The slaughter conformation score of each animal was relative to the whole contemporary group; 1 corresponded to the lowest expression of the trait and 6 to the highest. Heritabilities, and genetic and residual correlation estimates between SCS420 and reproductive and weight traits, were estimated by multitrait analyses using an animal model with Bayesian inference, employing a linear model for AFC, ASC, SC420, and W420 and a threshold model for CP38 and SCS420. Heritability estimates for SCS420, AFC, ASC, CP38, W420, and SC420 were 0.11, 0.15, 0.15, 0.15, 0.30, and 0.30, respectively. Genetic correlation estimates between SCS420 and the other traits were 0.08 (AFC), 0.58 (ASC), 0.08 (CP38), 0.43 (W420), and 0.17 (SC420). Visual slaughter conformation scores respond to individual selection and can be used as selection criteria in Canchim cattle. Selection to improve sexual precocity would not be effective in improving carcass conformation and composition, and selection for animals with high breeding values for yearling weight may improve slaughter conformation at the yearling stage.

Inbreeding depression in Zebu cattle traits.

The productivity of herds may be negatively affected by inbreeding depression, and it is important to know how intense is this effect on the livestock performance. We performed a comprehensive analysis involving five Zebu breeds reared in Brazil to estimate inbreeding depression in productive and reproductive traits. Inbreeding depression was estimated for 13 traits by including the individual inbreeding rate as a linear covariate in the standard genetic evaluation models. For all breeds and for almost all traits (no effect was observed on gestation length), the performance of the animals was compromised by an increase in inbreeding. The average inbreeding depression was -0.222% and -0.859% per 1% of inbreeding for linear regression coefficients scaled on the percentage of mean (ßm ) and standard deviation (ßσ ), respectively. The means for ßm (and ßσ ) were -0.269% (-1.202%) for weight/growth traits and -0.174% (-0.546%) for reproductive traits. Hence, inbreeding depression is more pronounced in weight/growth traits than in reproductive traits. These findings highlight the need for the management of inbreeding in the respective breeding programmes of the breeds studied here.

Insect galls of Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ).

Thirty-one morphotypes of insect galls and two flower damages were found on 16 families, 22 genera and 24 plant species in Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ). Fabaceae and Myrtaceae were the plant families with the greatest richness of insect galls (4 and 6 morphotypes, respectively), and the greatest number of galled plants (four and three species, respectively). Galls were mostly found on leaves and stems (77% and 10%, respectively). The galling insects are represented by Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. The majority of the galls (81%) were induced by gall midges (Cecidomyiidae: Diptera).

Insect galls of Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ)

Abstract Thirty-one morphotypes of insect galls and two flower damages were found on 16 families, 22 genera and 24 plant species in Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ). Fabaceae and Myrtaceae were the plant families with the greatest richness of insect galls (4 and 6 morphotypes, respectively), and the greatest number of galled plants (four and three species, respectively). Galls were mostly found on leaves and stems (77% and 10%, respectively). The galling insects are represented by Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. The majority of the galls (81%) were induced by gall midges (Cecidomyiidae: Diptera).

Resumo Foram encontrados 31 morfotipos de galhas de insetos e dois danos em flores em 16 famílias, 22 gêneros e 24 espécies de plantas, na Restinga de Marambaia (Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ). Fabaceae e Myrtaceae foram as famílias de plantas com maior riqueza de galhas (4 e 6 morfotipos, respectivamente) e maior número de espécies com galhas (quatro e três espécies, respectivamente). As galhas predominaram nas folhas e caules (77% e 10%, respectivamente). Os insetos galhadores estão representados por Diptera, Lepidoptera e Hemiptera. A maioria das galhas (81%) foi induzida por Cecidomyiidae (Diptera).

Repeatability and genotypic correlations of reproductive and productive traits of crossbred beef cattle dams.

Beef cattle production requires reproductive efficiency. However, measures of reproductive traits are not usually collected; consequently, correlated traits that could be used as indicators would be useful. We examined associations between measures of reproductive and productive efficiency that could be used as selection indicators. Data from 194 dams of the genetic groups Angus x Nelore, Caracu x Nelore, and Valdostana x Nelore collected over 4 years were used. The reproductive traits analyzed were days to heat (DH), calving interval (CI), days to calving (DC), and pregnancy rate (PR). The productive traits were dam weight (DW), body condition score (BCS), calf weight (CW), and weaning rate (WR). The effects on the model were: year, genetic group, reproductive status (RS), age, reproductive rest, and breed of bull (CW and WR). Multivariate analyses were performed, using the Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling. We conclude that the reproductive measures are ineffective as selection indicators, whereas using dam weight may be a good alternative.

PESQUISA DE Campylobacter fetus e Tritrichomonas foetus EM REPRODUTORES BOVINOS DO ESTADO DE MATO GROSSO DO SUL

A Campilobacteriose e a Trichomonose genital bovina são doenças infectocontagiosas, de transmissão sexual, que causam graves problemas reprodutivos. O objetivo do trabalho foi pesquisar a presença de Campylobacter fetus e Tritrichomonas foetus em touros utilizados na monta natural em rebanhos de alta genética. Foram selecionadas 10 fazendas do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul e coletado esmegma dos reprodutores utilizados na última estação de monta por meio da introdução de swab estéril acoplado a uma pipeta de inseminação. Estes animais estavam em repouso sexual a 20 dias e foram realizadas três coletas, com intervalo de 15 dias. Para cultivo de Campylobacter fetus, o material foi colocado em meio de transporte de Lander, incubado por 72 horas a 37°C e filtrado. Alíquotas de 0,1mL do material filtrado e não filtrado foram inoculadas em ágar BHI acrescido de 10% de sangue desfibrinado de equino com suplemento seletivo para Campylobacter e incubadas em jarras Gaspack, em microaerofilia, a 37ºC por 72 horas. Em seguida, foi realizado esfregaço e coloração de Gram nas colônias suspeitas, as quais foram submetidas a testes bioquímicos. Para o cultivo de Tritrichomonas foetus, a amostra coletada foi colocada em tubo tipo Falcon contendo 10 ml de meio Lactopep e incubado a 37 °C, por 10 dias, com observação diária em microscópio de contraste de fase, e em casos suspeitos foi realizada a

A genome-wide scan for selection signatures in Nellore cattle.

Brazilian Nellore cattle (Bos indicus) have been selected for growth traits for over more than four decades. In recent years, reproductive and meat quality traits have become more important because of increasing consumption, exports and consumer demand. The identification of genome regions altered by artificial selection can potentially permit a better understanding of the biology of specific phenotypes that are useful for the development of tools designed to increase selection efficiency. Therefore, the aims of this study were to detect evidence of recent selection signatures in Nellore cattle using extended haplotype homozygosity methodology and BovineHD marker genotypes (>777,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms) as well as to identify corresponding genes underlying these signals. Thirty-one significant regions (P < 0.0001) of possible recent selection signatures were detected, and 19 of these overlapped quantitative trait loci related to reproductive traits, growth, feed efficiency, meat quality, fatty acid profiles and immunity. In addition, 545 genes were identified in regions harboring selection signatures. Within this group, 58 genes were associated with growth, muscle and adipose tissue metabolism, reproductive traits or the immune system. Using relative extended haplotype homozygosity to analyze high-density single nucleotide polymorphism marker data allowed for the identification of regions potentially under artificial selection pressure in the Nellore genome, which might be used to better understand autozygosity and the effects of selection on the Nellore genome.

Estabilidade e adaptabilidade de touros Tabapuã para característica de desempenho em função do índice de rebanhos / Stability and adaptability analysis of Tabapuã bulls for performance traits according to the herd level

Com o objetivo de estudar a estabilidade e a adaptabilidade de bovinos da raça Tabapuã para a característica peso aos 120 dias efeito materno, empregou-se metodologias de regressão linear. As análises incluíram as diferenças esperadas nas progênies de cinco reprodutores em quatro rebanhos, localizados nos estados da Bahia (rebanhos 1 e 2), Paraná (rebanho 3) e Minas Gerais (rebanho 4). Os resultados mostraram que o desempenho dos touros depende, em grande parte, da variabilidade genética das matrizes para a característica estudada nos diferentes rebanhos, o que permite a recomendação de reprodutores específicos para cada rebanho. As análises de adaptabilidade e estabilidade discriminaram diferenças de desempenho nos rebanhos e identificaram touros perfeitamente adaptados e estáveis, touros com adaptação geral, com adaptação específica a ambientes favoráveis e desfavoráveis.

In order to study the stability and adaptability of Tabapuã cattle for the characteristic weight at 120 days of maternal effect, we used methods based on linear regression. The analysis included differences in the expected progeny of five sire sin herds located in four farms in the states of Bahia, (herds 1and 2), Paraná (herd 3) and Minas Gerais (herd 4). The results show that the performance of bulls depend largely on the genetic variability of the matrices for different characteristics in herds studied, allowing the recommendation of a specific breeding herd. Analyses of adaptability and stability discriminated performance differences in herds. Bulls were identified as adapted and perfectly stable, bulls with general adaptation, and with specific adaptation to favorable and unfavorable environments.

Estabilidade e adaptabilidade de touros Tabapuã para característica de desempenho em função do índice de rebanhos / Stability and adaptability analysis of Tabapuã bulls for performance traits according to the herd level

Com o objetivo de estudar a estabilidade e a adaptabilidade de bovinos da raça Tabapuã para a característica peso aos 120 dias efeito materno, empregou-se metodologias de regressão linear. As análises incluíram as diferenças esperadas nas progênies de cinco reprodutores em quatro rebanhos, localizados nos estados da Bahia (rebanhos 1 e 2), Paraná (rebanho 3) e Minas Gerais (rebanho 4). Os resultados mostraram que o desempenho dos touros depende, em grande parte, da variabilidade genética das matrizes para a característica estudada nos diferentes rebanhos, o que permite a recomendação de reprodutores específicos para cada rebanho. As análises de adaptabilidade e estabilidade discriminaram diferenças de desempenho nos rebanhos e identificaram touros perfeitamente adaptados e estáveis, touros com adaptação geral, com adaptação específica a ambientes favoráveis e desfavoráveis.(AU)

In order to study the stability and adaptability of Tabapuã cattle for the characteristic weight at 120 days of maternal effect, we used methods based on linear regression. The analysis included differences in the expected progeny of five sire sin herds located in four farms in the states of Bahia, (herds 1and 2), Paraná (herd 3) and Minas Gerais (herd 4). The results show that the performance of bulls depend largely on the genetic variability of the matrices for different characteristics in herds studied, allowing the recommendation of a specific breeding herd. Analyses of adaptability and stability discriminated performance differences in herds. Bulls were identified as adapted and perfectly stable, bulls with general adaptation, and with specific adaptation to favorable and unfavorable environments.(AU)

The genus Dasineura Rondani, 1840 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) in Brazil / O gênero Dasineura Rondani, 1840 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) no Brasil

Dasineura (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) is the gall midge genus with the highest number of known species (466 throughout the world). Only 39 species have been described from the Neotropics, being 10 from Brazil. Many records of not determined species are found in the literature. Furthermore, many unidentified specimens are deposited in the Cecidomyiidae Collection of the Museu Nacional/UFRJ, which comprises material from several Brazilian biomes. This paper provides these data, presents new records of localities and host plants, and discusses the representativeness of Dasineura in Brazil. The results point to the occurrence of 32 species in Brazil and show that the genus is much more diversified than previous knowledge indicates.(AU)

Dasineura (Diptera) é o gênero de Cecidomyiidae com o maior número de espécies conhecidas (466 no mundo). Apenas 39 espécies foram descritas da região Neotropical, sendo 10 do Brasil. Muitos registros de espécies não determinadas são encontrados em literatura. Além disso, muitos exemplares não identificados estão depositados na Coleção de Cecidomyiidae do Museu Naciona/UFRJ, que compreende material de diversos biomas brasileiros. Este artigo compila estas informações, apresenta novos registros de localidades e de plantas hospedeiras e discute a representatividade de Dasineura no Brasil. Os resultados assinalam a ocorrência de 32 espécies no Brasil e mostram que o gênero é muito mais diversificado do que o conhecimento prévio indica.(AU)