Characterization of controlled trials on probiotic supplementation to dairy calves: A scoping review.

The objective of this scoping review was to identify, describe, and characterize the literature on probiotic supplementation in dairy calves. Eligible studies were nonrandomized, quasi-randomized and randomized controlled trials in English, Spanish, or Portuguese that evaluated the effect of probiotic supplementation on growth and health of dairy calves. The search strategies were based on a modification of the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) framework and used synonyms and words related to "dairy calves" (population), "probiotics" (intervention), and "growth and health measurements" (outcomes). No restrictions for publication year or language were applied. Searches were conducted in Biosis, CAB Abstracts, Medline, Scopus, and the Dissertations and Theses Database. In total, the search identified 4,467 records, of which 103 studies (110 controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria. The studies were published between 1980 and 2021 and originated from 28 countries. Trials were randomized (80.0%), nonrandomized (16.4%), and quasi-randomized (3.6%), ranging in sample size from 5 to 1,801 dairy calves (mode = 24; average = 64). Enrolled calves were frequently Holstein (74.5%), males (43.6%), and younger than 15 d at the beginning of probiotic supplementation (71.8%). Often, trials were conducted in research facilities (47.3%). Trials evaluated probiotics with single or multiple species of the same genus: Lactobacillus (26.4%), Saccharomyces (15.4%), Bacillus (10.0%), Enterococcus (3.6%), or multiple species of various genera (31.8%). Eight trials did not report the probiotic species used. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium were the species most supplemented to calves. The duration of probiotic supplementation ranged from 1 to 462 d (mode = 56; average = 50). In trials with a constant dose, it ranged from 4.0 × 106 to 3.7 × 1011 cfu/calf per day. Most probiotics were administered mixed solely into feed (88.5%; whole milk, milk replacer, starter, or total mixed ration) and less frequently orally as a drench or oral paste (7.9%). Most trials evaluated weight gain (88.2%) as a growth indicator and fecal consistency score (64.5%) as a health indicator. Our scoping review summarizes the breadth of controlled trials evaluating probiotic supplementation in dairy calves. Differences in intervention design (mode of probiotic administration, dose, and duration of probiotic supplementation) and outcomes evaluation (type and methods) justify future efforts toward standardized guidelines in clinical trials.

Avaliação econômica da terminação de bovinos de corte em pastagem irrigada / Economic evaluation of finishing beef cattle on irrigated pasture

Foi avaliada a viabilidade econômica de três sistemas de produção por meio da mensuração dos custos de produção e da análise dos indicadores financeiros. Os três sistemas (S1, S2 e S3), situados na fronteira oeste do Rio Grande do Sul, foram avaliados no período de outubro de 2010 a outubro de 2011. A pastagem estabelecida no S1 foi de azevém (Lolium multiflorumLam)e trevo branco (Trifolium repensLam); no S2, trevo branco, trevo vermelho (Trifolium pratenseLam), cornichão (Lotus corniculatusLam), azevém e aveia preta (Avena strigosaSchreb); e no S3, azevém, cornichão, trevo branco e trevo vermelho. Os animais foram pesados na entrada e na saída das pastagens. A coleta de dados para mensuração do custo foi realizada mensalmente utilizando-se planilhas apropriadas. As produtividades foram de 369, 772 e 637kg/ha para os sistemas S1, S2 e S3, respectivamente. O S2 apresentou o maior custo total (R$ 2.101,59/ha), enquanto o menor foi obtido pelo S1 (R$ 1.626,93/ha). Na análise do custo operacional médio dos três sistemas, os itens que apresentaram maiores valores foram a implantação de pastagem, a energia elétrica, a manutenção da pastagem e a depreciação. Quanto às margens, os sistemas S1, S2 e S3 apresentaram, respectivamente, R$ 33,46, 1.162,55 e 701,01/ha para margem bruta; R$ -63,51, 955,40 e 541,05/ha para margem operacional; e R$ -583,18, 291,61 e -28,99/ha para lucro total. A rentabilidade foi de -0,47, 4,37 e 3,01% e a lucratividade foi de -5,94, 39,92 e 27,38% para o S1, S2 e S3, respectivamente. A irrigação de pastagens para terminação de bovinos é viável economicamente, no entanto a sua adoção deve sempre visar a altas produtividades zootécnicas devido ao seu elevado custo de produção.

The economic viability of three systems of production was evaluated through the measurement of costs and analysis of financial indicators. The three systems (S1, S2 and S3), located on the Western Border of Rio Grande do Sul, were evaluated from October 2010 to October 2011. The pasture established is S1 was ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) and white clover (Trifolium repens Lam), in S2, white clover, red clover (Trifolium pratense Lam), Bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus Lam), ryegrass and oats (Avena strigosa Schreb), and in S3, ryegrass, birdsfoot trefoil, white clover and red clover. The animals were weighed before and after the pastures. Data collection was conducted monthly, using spreadsheets suitable for the measurement of production cost. Productivities were 369, 772 and 637 kg/ha for systems S1, S2 and S3, respectively. S2 had the highest total cost (R$ 2101.59/ha), while the lower was obtained by S1 (R$ 1626.93/ha). In the analysis of the average operating costs, items that showed the highest values were the establishment of pasture, electricity, maintenance of pasture and depreciation. As for margins, the systems S1, S2, and S3 were, respectively, R$ 33.46, 1162.55 and 701.01/ha for gross margin; R$ -63.51, 955.40 and 541.05 ha-1 for operating margin; and R$ -583.18, -28.99 and 291.61 ha-1 for total profit. The return was -0.47, 4.37 and 3.01% and profitability was -5.94, 39.92 and 27.38% for the S1, S2 and S3 respectively. The positive result found in the financial evaluation of the three systems studied indicates the economic viability of irrigated pasture in finishing cattle. Irrigation of pasture for finishing cattle is economically feasible, however, its application should always aim high yields husbandry due to their high cost of production.

Confiança e agregação de valor em carnes com indicação geográfica / Trust and added value on meat with geographic indication

O aumento da procura por produtos agroalimentares com certificação relacionada à origem geográfica tem ocorrido, buscando atender nichos específicos de mercado. Nesse sentido, este trabalho identificou a percepção dos consumidores brasileiros com relação às indicações geográficas e sua disposição em pagar por esse atributo. Como método, realizou-se uma survey utilizando-se o software Sphinx, via internet, com 272 consumidores de carne bovina. Constatou-se que a percepção do consumidor sobre as indicações geográficas em carnes é, de maneira geral, positiva, sendo este atributo reconhecido como um indicador de qualidade. Os consumidores entrevistados acreditam que essas carnes oferecem maior segurança alimentar e são mais confiáveis que o produto sem a indicação de origem geográfica, sendo possível agregar valor em função de tais diferenciais. Além disso, o consumidor valorizou esse atributo e está disposto a pagar mais pelas carnes com selo de indicação geográfica.

The increased demand for agrifood products with certification related to the geographical origin has occurred on both global and national levels, seeking to meet specific market niches. In this sense, this article aims to identify consumer perceptions with respect to geographical indicators and their willingness to pay for this attribute. As a method, there was an internet survey among 272 consumers of beef with the help of the Sphinx software. It was found that consumer perception on geographical indications in meat is generally positive, and this attribute is recognized as a quality indicator. Consumers believe that this meat offers security and is more reliable than the product that doesn’t mention source, and you can add value to these differences. In addition, consumers value this attribute and are willing to pay more for meat with the seal of geographical indication.

Efeitos do peso vivo sobre a comercialização de bezerros de corte em leilões / Effects of the live weight on the commercialization of beef calves in auction barn

Analisaram-se os efeitos da média de peso vivo de 1.880 lotes de bezerros comercializados em 13 leilões, no Rio Grande do Sul, sobre o valor de venda final por unidade de peso, e caracterizou-se a frequência dos lotes conforme a classe de peso durante as estações de outono e primavera, no período de 2004 a 2006. Os dados foram corrigidos pelo índice geral de preços - disponibilidade interna e analisados por meio de histogramas de frequência e análises de regressão e correlação. O peso vivo influenciou o preço dos bezerros, e a magnitude do efeito foi maior nos anos de grande demanda. Observou-se correlação negativa entre preço e peso dos bezerros na primavera, reflexo da oferta de animais mais pesados, devido aos efeitos de estação do ano ou à maior idade dos bezerros, comparados aos ofertados no outono. Não se observou maior liquidez dos bezerros comercializados no outono em relação aos da primavera. A conjuntura da cadeia da carne bovina e os preços de outras categorias têm grande relação com os preços pagos. A aquisição de animais de menor ou maior peso na ocasião da transação comercial pode auxiliar na redução dos custos que a reposição representa na produção.

The effects of the live weight of 1,880 lots of calves marketed in 13 auctions in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on the value of final sale per unit of weight were evaluated, as well as the frequency of the lots according to the weight class during the autumn and spring seasons, in the period from 2004 to 2006, was characterized. The data were analyzed by frequency histograms, regression, and correlation analyses. The live weight is one of the characteristics that influenced the price of the calves; however, the magnitude of the effect was higher in years of great demand. A negative correlation was observed between price and weight of the calves in spring, which were results of the offer of heavier animals, due to the season effects or the oldest age of the calves compared to those presented in the autumn. The chain conjuncture of the bovine meat and the prices of other categories have great relation with the prices paid. Therefore, the acquisition of highter or heavier animals in the occasion of the business deal may help in the reduction of the costs represented by the replacement in the production.