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The performance of Santa Inês sheep on three tropical grasses (A. gayanus Kunth. cv. Planaltina, P. maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana and P. maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), and rotational grazing with an occupation period of 14 days and fixed stocking rate of 22 animals/ha, was evaluated in the dry season. The experimental period was 82 days, and the individual performance of 11 lambs on each treatment was measured. With the progression of the dry season, increasing levels of concentrate supplementation was used (300, 400 and 500 g/animal/day for each of the three treatments). Samples of grass leaf blades were taken each 14 days, and bromatological analysis carried out. The weight of animals, measured each 14 days, was used to calculate average dairy gain (GMD), final weight (PF), accumulated gain (GAC) and body condition (CC). The treatments Aruana and Tanzânia showed highest (p0.05). The animals on Andropogon pasture showed a mean weight gain of 35.6 g/animal/day. For PF, GAC and CC the treatments Aruana and Tanzânia showed the best results (p, Avaliou-se o desempenho de ovinos da raça Santa Inês, em três gramíneas forrageiras tropicais (A. gayanus Kunth. cv. Planaltina, P. maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana e P. maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), em pastejo rotacionado, com período de ocupação de 14 dias e lotação fixa de 22 animais/ha, no período da seca. O período experimental foi de 82 dias, onde o desempenho de 11 borregos, em cada tratamento, foi acompanhado em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Com o avançar da seca foram utilizados níveis crescentes de 300, 400 e 500 g/animal/dia de suplementação concentrada para os três tratamentos. Nas forragens foram colhidas amostras a cada 14 dias para efetuar as análises bromatológicas. Através da verificação do peso dos animais, realizadas a cada 14 dias, foram obtidos o peso vivo, o ganho médio diário (GMD), o peso final (PF), o ganho acumulado (GAC) e a condição corporal (CC). Os ovinos alimentados com Aruana e Tanzânia apresentaram GMD de 93,6 e 92,0 g/animal/dia, respectivamente não diferindo entre si (p>0,05), mas foram superiores aos do Andropogon 35,6 g/animal/dia (p

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the swine performance in deep bedding breeding. Were used 480 pigs in an experimental design of randomized blocks, and fatorial arrangement 2 x 2 (crossbreeding x sex), with three replications and forty animals per experimental unit. Were evaluated the pigs performance traits, backfat thickness (ET) between 10th and 11th rib and in the P2 height and loin eye area (AOL) using real-time ultrasond during the experimental period. Sex effect was verified: male presented results better than female for weekly intake (CS) and daily feed intake (CD); however, feed: gain ratio (CA) and feed efficiency (EA) for male were worse than females. There were not differences in average daily gain (GPD), between males and females. Animals from both crossbreeding and sexes showed satisfactory results, perhaps, swine females showed better performance than male and can be used in deep bedding breeding., Este experimento se realizó para evaluar el rendimiento de los cerdos criados en una camada.480 animales se distribuyeron en un diseño de bloques al azar en una disposición factorial 2 x 2 (cruces x sexos), con tres repeticiones de cuarenta animales por unidad experimental. El grosor del tocino (ET) entre las costillas 10 y 11 y la altura de P2 y el área del ojo del lomo (AOL) se evaluaron mediante ultrasonido en tiempo real y características de rendimiento. Se verificó que hubo un efecto sexual, donde los machos mostraron resultados más altos para el consumo de alimento semanal (CS) y diario (CD), sin embargo, la conversión (CA) y la eficiencia alimenticia (AE) presentaron resultados más bajos en comparación con las hembras. No hubo efecto sobre el aumento de peso diario (GPD) y el peso final (PF) entre hombres y mujeres.

The performance of Santa Inês sheep on three tropical grasses (A. gayanus Kunth. cv. Planaltina, P. maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana and P. maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), and rotational grazing with an occupation period of 14 days and fixed stocking rate of 22 animals/ha, was evaluated in the dry season. The experimental period was 82 days, and the individual performance of 11 lambs on each treatment was measured. With the progression of the dry season, increasing levels of concentrate supplementation was used (300, 400 and 500 g/animal/day for each of the three treatments). Samples of grass leaf blades were taken each 14 days, and bromatological analysis carried out. The weight of animals, measured each 14 days, was used to calculate average dairy gain (GMD), final weight (PF), accumulated gain (GAC) and body condition (CC). The treatments Aruana and Tanzânia showed highest (p0.05). The animals on Andropogon pasture showed a mean weight gain of 35.6 g/animal/day. For PF, GAC and CC the treatments Aruana and Tanzânia showed the best results (p, Avaliou-se o desempenho de ovinos da raça Santa Inês, em três gramíneas forrageiras tropicais (A. gayanus Kunth. cv. Planaltina, P. maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana e P. maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), em pastejo rotacionado, com período de ocupação de 14 dias e lotação fixa de 22 animais/ha, no período da seca. O período experimental foi de 82 dias, onde o desempenho de 11 borregos, em cada tratamento, foi acompanhado em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Com o avançar da seca foram utilizados níveis crescentes de 300, 400 e 500 g/animal/dia de suplementação concentrada para os três tratamentos. Nas forragens foram colhidas amostras a cada 14 dias para efetuar as análises bromatológicas. Através da verificação do peso dos animais, realizadas a cada 14 dias, foram obtidos o peso vivo, o ganho médio diário (GMD), o peso final (PF), o ganho acumulado (GAC) e a condição corporal (CC). Os ovinos alimentados com Aruana e Tanzânia apresentaram GMD de 93,6 e 92,0 g/animal/dia, respectivamente não diferindo entre si (p>0,05), mas foram superiores aos do Andropogon 35,6 g/animal/dia (p

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the swine performance in deep bedding breeding. Were used 480 pigs in an experimental design of randomized blocks, and fatorial arrangement 2 x 2 (crossbreeding x sex), with three replications and forty animals per experimental unit. Were evaluated the pigs performance traits, backfat thickness (ET) between 10th and 11th rib and in the P2 height and loin eye area (AOL) using real-time ultrasond during the experimental period. Sex effect was verified: male presented results better than female for weekly intake (CS) and daily feed intake (CD); however, feed: gain ratio (CA) and feed efficiency (EA) for male were worse than females. There were not differences in average daily gain (GPD), between males and females. Animals from both crossbreeding and sexes showed satisfactory results, perhaps, swine females showed better performance than male and can be used in deep bedding breeding., Este experimento se realizó para evaluar el rendimiento de los cerdos criados en una camada.480 animales se distribuyeron en un diseño de bloques al azar en una disposición factorial 2 x 2 (cruces x sexos), con tres repeticiones de cuarenta animales por unidad experimental. El grosor del tocino (ET) entre las costillas 10 y 11 y la altura de P2 y el área del ojo del lomo (AOL) se evaluaron mediante ultrasonido en tiempo real y características de rendimiento. Se verificó que hubo un efecto sexual, donde los machos mostraron resultados más altos para el consumo de alimento semanal (CS) y diario (CD), sin embargo, la conversión (CA) y la eficiencia alimenticia (AE) presentaron resultados más bajos en comparación con las hembras. No hubo efecto sobre el aumento de peso diario (GPD) y el peso final (PF) entre hombres y mujeres.

El Pantanal presenta condiciones bioclimáticas peculiares y en esta región solamente animales adaptados consiguen sobrevivir y reproducirse. La propia naturaleza a través de la selección natural durante centenas de años ha moldeado algunos animales domésticos introducidos en la región, como es el caso del caballo Pantaneiro. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar las características de tolerancia al calor de caballos Pantaneiros usados en la lidia diaria del ganado en el Pantanal brasileño. Veinte caballos de trabajo, con peso medio de 356 kg y edad media de siete años fueron manejados en corral en enero (período de lluvias) y en julio (período de sequía) del año 2003. Fueron recolectados datos de los siguientes parámetros fisiológicos: frecuencia cardíaca (FC), frecuencia respiratoria (FR), temperatura rectal (TR), temperatura de la piel (TP) y tasa de sudoración (TS). También fueron realizados pesajes y medidas corporales (largo del cuerpo, altura del anca, perímetro torácico), evaluación de la puntuación de la condición corporal y del color del pelaje. En el análisis de la varianza del hematocrito, temperatura rectal y parámetros fisiológicos fueron considerados los factores de época, color de la piel, TS, temperatura ambiente (TA), peso y medidas morfométricas. La mayoría de los parámetros analizados en los caballos Pantaneiros no tuvieron influencia significativa de los factores evaluados, con excepción del hematocrito y de la FC que fueron influenciados por la época. La FC presentó media alta y correlación positiva con TA (0,76), indicando que cuando la TA aumenta, la FC también aumenta. El aumento de la FC incrementa el flujo sanguíneo para la piel y tracto respiratorio, consecuentemente, aumenta la TP, confirmada por la correlación media encontrada entre TP y TA (0,53). Sin embargo, la FR tuvo correlaciones muy bajas con todos los parámetros evaluados y algunas fueron negativas. Las correlaciones de TS con FC (0,46) y con TA (0,49) fueron de medias a bajas.

In the Brazilian Pantanal, two breeds have been shown to be well adapted to the environmental conditions found there: Pantaneira (Bos taurus) and Nellore (Bos indicus). However, the Pantaneira breed has been almost entirely replaced by the Nellore, due to this latter be considered more productive by farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Pantaneiro, Nellore, Nellore x Pantaneiro and Nellore x Caracu calves, reared in the same environmental conditions in the Pantanal region. The data were collected from birth to 12 months of age , during the hydrological year of 2002/2003, considered to be extremely dry. A total of 40 cows and calves were evaluated, being 10 of each one of the genetic groups. In addition to weight, four body measurements including croup height (CH), body length (BC), thoracic perimeter (TP) and forelimb circumference (FC) were measured, using calipers and a steel tape. The statistical model included the effects of genetic group, sex, cow body condition score and date of measurement. The weight and all measures registered at birth presented significant differences (p<0.05) among genetic groups. The Nellore calves were heavier and presented larger TP and CH than the other groups. The Pantaneiro calves presented larger BC than the other evaluated genetic groups. Only the daily weight gain (DWG) and FC did not differ significantly among genetic groups. The weight measures were more influenced by dam age than skeletal measures. In general, the Nellore group had better growth performance followed by Nellore x Caracu, Nellore x Pantaneiro and purebred Pantaneiro. Even though DWG did not present significant differences among groups, where there was a tendency for the Nelore x Caracu show better responses followed by Nellore x Pantaneiro, Pantaneiro and Nellore. Additional studies are necessary to verify the precocity and meat quality of the different genetic groups, especially the Pantaneira breed

Conservation and improvement strategies should be based on the association between genetic and phenotypic characteristics. In this study 10 different populations of five native Brazilian cattle breeds (Caracu, Mocho Nacional, Crioulo Lageano, Curraleira and Pantaneira) were characterized using RAPD techniques to estimate their genetic relationships and verify the existence of possible regional differences within each breed. Two commercial breeds were used as control and outgroup respectively (Holstein and Nellore). 120 arbitrarily primers were screened, of which 22 were selected, and generated 122 polymorphic bands. When all groups were analysed in pairs, non-significant genetic variability (p>0.05) observed only between two populations of Curraleiro breed located in States of Piaui (CUPI) and Minas Gerais (CUMG). Using Popgene program Nei"s 1978 genetic distance was estimated. The smallest divergences were observed between groups of the same breed and the least distance between the two groups of Caracu breed (0.0159). In the four populations of Curraleiro the groups CUPI and CUMG presented the smallest difference (0.0285). These results could indicate that these two populations have high genetic similarity. In the dendrogram generated by UPGMA method all groups clustered in their respective breed. In this study we could demonstrate the existence of regional genetic differences between the populations of native breeds. These estimates could be useful in crossbreeding and genetic sample exchange between different nuclei.

Likewise other domestic animals, sheep were introduced in Brazil by the Portuguese settlers. Characterizing the geographic origins and the extent of variability of the genetic resources must also precede any conservation and management program. Recent work on variation of mtDNA of Ovis aries indicates that this species may be subdivided in two haplogroups, a European and an Asian. These haplogroups may be readily distinguished by RFLP-PCR (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism- Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis. This approach was employed to recognize the origins of the main Brazilian breeds. A 1052 Kb fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene region was amplified in 248 specimens of the Santa Inês, Crioula Lanada, Rabo Largo, Morada Nova, Somali and Bergamasca breeds. The patterns were assigned with HinfI recognition site to nucleotide positions 5562-5566 in the COI gene. All animals were of European descent. However, these results also applied to the Brazilian breeds Somali and Morada Nova, considered as from African origin. The African breeds may share the same evolutionary history as the European breeds. A further analysis of mtDNA sequences and microsatellites will include more Brazilian, European and African breeds

The Pantanal region of Brazil has some distinct bio-climatic characteristics making it a very hot and inhospitable environment. The only breed of horse that can support the long treks, and daily management of cattle in this environment is the Pantaneiro, that is a Iberian origin animal naturalized in the region through natural selection by centuries. This study aimed to evaluate the heart and respiratory rates (adaptation indicators) of Pantaneiro horses that daily work cattle in the Nhecolândia sub-region, Pantanal. Between the 5th and 8th of July 2003 these adaptation indicators were measured before, immediately after and 30 minutes after exercise on 12 horses, 7 of which were evaluated on two occasions, totaling 19 observations. The latter were evaluated in the morning and in the afternoon. The horses worked on average 5 hours in the morning and 8 in the afternoon. The heart rate immediately after and 30 minutes after exercise were 37.6, 50.0 and 46.1, respectively, in the morning and 42.8, 46.2 and 43.9 in the afternoon. Respiratory rate for the same times were 24.8, 36.6 and 35.1, respectively, in the morning and 29.3, 29.6 and 28.5 in the afternoon. Significant differences found between morning and afternoon measurements were probably due to na increase in environmental temperature. No significant differences were found between the three afternoon measurements. It was concluded that the Pantaneiro horse, used routinely in cattle work, is well adapted to exercise stress, and changes in physiological parameters are due to fluctuations in environmental temperatures.

La caracterización genética es una materia esencial en los programas de conservación y de cría de cualquier país. En este trabajo informamos del uso de marcadores RAPD en el estudio de genética de poblaciones de tres razas de diferentes especies incluidas en los programas de conservación en Brasil. El objetivo fue analizar la similitud genética individual de aquellas poblaciones raciales para contribuir a su conservación ex situ e in situ. La selección de animales con menor similitud genética puede ayudar a conservar el máximo de variabilidad dentro de poblaciones y puede optimizar el trabajo de los criadores para los programas de conservación ex situ. Estos trabajos fueron realizados en el Laboratorio de Genética Animal (AGL) del Centro para los Recursos Genéticos y la Biotecnología (CENARGEN) de EMBRAPA. Las poblaciones nativas incluidas fueron: caballo Pantaneiro (núcleo de conservación in situ), el bovino Criollo Lageano (núcleo de conservación in situ), y la cabra Moxotó (cinco poblaciones de esta raza distribuidas en los estados del Nordeste). Usando marcadores RAPD, obtenidos para cada especie, generamos una matriz de coeficientes de similitud de Jaccard, mediante un programa NTSYS-pc v.2.0. Mediante la comparación entre pares de individuos podríamos escoger aquellos que fueron más similares entre ellos y aquellos que fueron más distantes. Usando estas matrices sugerimos tres tipos de procedimientos que podrían ser usados para apoyar la conservación de estas razas: la elección de machos para donantes de semen (animales con alta similitud genética); la indicación de apareamientos preferenciales buscando el mantenimiento de la máxima variabilidad genética y la indicación de animales a descartar -aquellos que tienen la máxima similitud- los criadores escogen uno de ellos para descartar. Este tipo de análisis podría realizarse entre dos poblaciones de la misma raza para contribuir al intercambio de individuos entre diferentes núcleos. Debemos recordar que estas r

The objective of this study was to evaluate the heat resistance in different breeds of naturalised cattle, at two different times of day with different temperatures and humidity. The experiment took place at Sucupira farm of Embrapa/Cenargen in Brasília-DF. A total of 52 animals were used, 11 Curraleiro, 11 Crioulo Lageano, eight Nelore, eight Pantaneiro, six Junqueira, four Holstein and four Mocho Nacional including both males and females. The measurements were taken at 08:00 and 14:00 after the animals had been exposed to the sun for 6 hours. The procedure was repeated 3 times. The data collected included heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR). Blood was also collected as well as sweating rate and the length and number of hairs per cm2. Breed influenced (p<0.001) the heat response. The Nelore breed had the best response (HR= 66.06, RR= 32.71, RT= 39.36 and sweating= 215.22), followed by the Junqueira (HR= 76.71 RR= 33.05 RT= 38.75 Sweating= 247.14), which although had high heart rate maintained the other parameters at a low level. The Pantaneira presented the lowest variation between morning and afternoon measurements (HR= -1.61, RR= -0.28, RT= +0.19, Sweating= +20.65). The Mocho Nacional and Holstein were the least adapted with high means (Mocho Nacional: HR= 71.44, RR= 42.38, RT= 39.25, Sweating= 323.22; Holstein: HR= 69.34, RR= 39.57, RT= 39.37, Sweating= 269.13). The Holstein had a greater number of hairs per cm2 although its sweating rate was not the highest. The results enable the differentiation between breeds with higher and lower heat resistance in the conditions of the experiment.

Genetic and phenotypic factors affecting birth weight (BW), weights at 120 (W120), 210 (W210), 365 (W365) and 550 (W550) days of age and Calving Interval (CI) in 466 Mocho Nacional cattle, born between 1997 and 2002 were studied. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Means were as follows: BW 30.03 kg; W120 118.06 kg; W210 182.67 kg, W365 239.95 kg; W550 311.51 kg and for reproduction traits were 23rd October for BD and CI of 549.10 days. Calving year had a significant influence (p<0.01) on all analyzed traits. Calving month and calf sex also affected all traits, except CI. The calving month*sex interaction was only significant (p<0.05) for BD, W120 and W210. (Co)variance analyses were carried out using Multiple Trait Derivate Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood. Heritability estimates were 0.28 for BW; 0.68 for W120; 0.67 for W210; 0.28 for P365; 0.31 for W550. Maternal effect for BW was 0.51. The Mocho Nacional is a breed with productive potential and the production but not reproduction traits studied should respond to selection.

The Pantanal region of Brazil has an inhospitable environment and highly variable climatic conditions. Animal productivity depends on the animal¿s ability to dissipate heat efficiently. The Pantaneiro (Bos taurus) and Nelore (Bos indicus) are cattle breeds that are considered adapted to these conditions. Nevertheless there are few studies showing heat tolerance of these breeds in the region. This work aims to evaluate body and skin temperatures of cows and calves of these two cattle breeds during an extremely dry year in the sub region of Nhecolândia, Pantanal. Lactating cows of the Pantaneira and Nelore, with suckling calves, raised during the same season were evaluated in November 2002 until October 2003. These animals were measured monthly for skin and body temperature and environment temperature and relative humidity of the air were also measured as the animal went through the stall. During the study period, environmental temperature varied from 22 to 43°C and relative humidity from 22 to 100 percent. Rectal temperature was influenced by environmental temperature and skin temperature. The mean rectal temperature for cows was 37.9±1.0°C and 38.1±1.7°C and calves was 39.3±0.6°C and 40.0±0.8°C for the Pantaneira and Nelore breeds, respectively. Skin temperature for the cows was 33.6±3.8°C and 32.9±3.3°C and for calves was 34.2±3.5°C and 35.6±3.2°C for the Pantaneira and Nelore breeds, respectively. The Pantaneira cows had lower rectal and skin temperatures than Nelore, and vice versa for the calves. Rectal and skin temperatures were lower in cows than calves for both breeds. Skin temperature had a high negative correlation with relative humidity for both breeds, where lower values were expected in the rainy season. This probably did not happen as there was an extreme dry season during this period. Generally, the values found for rectal and skin temperatures show thee two breeds to be adapted to conditions in the Pantanal.

Ex situ conservation include the cryopreservation of genetic material: semen, oocytes, embryos, somatic cells and DNA (FAO, 1998). Although, it is not possible to regenerate whole animals from isolated DNA, it has been proved that DNA banking was useful in population genetic studies and epidemiological investigations. The Animal Genetics Laboratory (AGL) at Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology - Cenargen, Brasília - DF, Brazil, works with genetic characterization of animal populations that belong to the Brazilian conservation program. At the same time, a DNA Bank is being set up, which already has samples from several animals species. The DNA was extracted from cryopreserved leukocyte pellets or buffy coats. After extraction it was quantified and checked for its integrity and quality. Each specimen extracted was divided in at least two samples. One of them was used for characterization studies (-20°C) while the other was stored at -80°C at the DNA bank. All animals that were collected received a code number and were catalogued in a data bank where all the available information was registered. The refinement of molecular biology techniques increase the usefulness of banked material that will provide a ready reservoir of valuable scientific information. At this time, the AGL DNA bank has specimens of several breeds of six domestic species. Most of these breeds are in risk of extinction and are involved in the Conservation Program of Embrapa/Cenargen. DNA banking is proving to be useful for characterization of domestic animal populations that are in Brazilian conservation program. In near future, it might be the method of choice when many representatives of a breed are to be stored.

In the Brazilian Pantanal, two breeds have been shown to be well adapted to the environmental conditions found there: Pantaneira (Bos taurus) and Nellore (Bos indicus). However, the Pantaneira breed has been almost entirely replaced by the Nellore, due to this latter be considered more productive by farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Pantaneiro, Nellore, Nellore x Pantaneiro and Nellore x Caracu calves, reared in the same environmental conditions in the Pantanal region. The data were collected from birth to 12 months of age , during the hydrological year of 2002/2003, considered to be extremely dry. A total of 40 cows and calves were evaluated, being 10 of each one of the genetic groups. In addition to weight, four body measurements including croup height (CH), body length (BC), thoracic perimeter (TP) and forelimb circumference (FC) were measured, using calipers and a steel tape. The statistical model included the effects of genetic group, sex, cow body condition score and date of measurement. The weight and all measures registered at birth presented significant differences (p<0.05) among genetic groups. The Nellore calves were heavier and presented larger TP and CH than the other groups. The Pantaneiro calves presented larger BC than the other evaluated genetic groups. Only the daily weight gain (DWG) and FC did not differ significantly among genetic groups. The weight measures were more influenced by dam age than skeletal measures. In general, the Nellore group had better growth performance followed by Nellore x Caracu, Nellore x Pantaneiro and purebred Pantaneiro. Even though DWG did not present significant differences among groups, where there was a tendency for the Nelore x Caracu show better responses followed by Nellore x Pantaneiro, Pantaneiro and Nellore. Additional studies are necessary to verify the precocity and meat quality of the different genetic groups, especially the Pantaneira breed

The Pantanal region of Brazil has an inhospitable environment and highly variable climatic conditions. Animal productivity depends on the animal¿s ability to dissipate heat efficiently. The Pantaneiro (Bos taurus) and Nelore (Bos indicus) are cattle breeds that are considered adapted to these conditions. Nevertheless there are few studies showing heat tolerance of these breeds in the region. This work aims to evaluate body and skin temperatures of cows and calves of these two cattle breeds during an extremely dry year in the sub region of Nhecolândia, Pantanal. Lactating cows of the Pantaneira and Nelore, with suckling calves, raised during the same season were evaluated in November 2002 until October 2003. These animals were measured monthly for skin and body temperature and environment temperature and relative humidity of the air were also measured as the animal went through the stall. During the study period, environmental temperature varied from 22 to 43°C and relative humidity from 22 to 100 percent. Rectal temperature was influenced by environmental temperature and skin temperature. The mean rectal temperature for cows was 37.9±1.0°C and 38.1±1.7°C and calves was 39.3±0.6°C and 40.0±0.8°C for the Pantaneira and Nelore breeds, respectively. Skin temperature for the cows was 33.6±3.8°C and 32.9±3.3°C and for calves was 34.2±3.5°C and 35.6±3.2°C for the Pantaneira and Nelore breeds, respectively. The Pantaneira cows had lower rectal and skin temperatures than Nelore, and vice versa for the calves. Rectal and skin temperatures were lower in cows than calves for both breeds. Skin temperature had a high negative correlation with relative humidity for both breeds, where lower values were expected in the rainy season. This probably did not happen as there was an extreme dry season during this period. Generally, the values found for rectal and skin temperatures show thee two breeds to be adapted to conditions in the Pantanal.

Genetic and phenotypic factors affecting birth weight (BW), weights at 120 (W120), 210 (W210), 365 (W365) and 550 (W550) days of age and Calving Interval (CI) in 466 Mocho Nacional cattle, born between 1997 and 2002 were studied. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Means were as follows: BW 30.03 kg; W120 118.06 kg; W210 182.67 kg, W365 239.95 kg; W550 311.51 kg and for reproduction traits were 23rd October for BD and CI of 549.10 days. Calving year had a significant influence (p<0.01) on all analyzed traits. Calving month and calf sex also affected all traits, except CI. The calving month*sex interaction was only significant (p<0.05) for BD, W120 and W210. (Co)variance analyses were carried out using Multiple Trait Derivate Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood. Heritability estimates were 0.28 for BW; 0.68 for W120; 0.67 for W210; 0.28 for P365; 0.31 for W550. Maternal effect for BW was 0.51. The Mocho Nacional is a breed with productive potential and the production but not reproduction traits studied should respond to selection.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the heat resistance in different breeds of naturalised cattle, at two different times of day with different temperatures and humidity. The experiment took place at Sucupira farm of Embrapa/Cenargen in Brasília-DF. A total of 52 animals were used, 11 Curraleiro, 11 Crioulo Lageano, eight Nelore, eight Pantaneiro, six Junqueira, four Holstein and four Mocho Nacional including both males and females. The measurements were taken at 08:00 and 14:00 after the animals had been exposed to the sun for 6 hours. The procedure was repeated 3 times. The data collected included heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR). Blood was also collected as well as sweating rate and the length and number of hairs per cm2. Breed influenced (p<0.001) the heat response. The Nelore breed had the best response (HR= 66.06, RR= 32.71, RT= 39.36 and sweating= 215.22), followed by the Junqueira (HR= 76.71 RR= 33.05 RT= 38.75 Sweating= 247.14), which although had high heart rate maintained the other parameters at a low level. The Pantaneira presented the lowest variation between morning and afternoon measurements (HR= -1.61, RR= -0.28, RT= +0.19, Sweating= +20.65). The Mocho Nacional and Holstein were the least adapted with high means (Mocho Nacional: HR= 71.44, RR= 42.38, RT= 39.25, Sweating= 323.22; Holstein: HR= 69.34, RR= 39.57, RT= 39.37, Sweating= 269.13). The Holstein had a greater number of hairs per cm2 although its sweating rate was not the highest. The results enable the differentiation between breeds with higher and lower heat resistance in the conditions of the experiment.

Ex situ conservation include the cryopreservation of genetic material: semen, oocytes, embryos, somatic cells and DNA (FAO, 1998). Although, it is not possible to regenerate whole animals from isolated DNA, it has been proved that DNA banking was useful in population genetic studies and epidemiological investigations. The Animal Genetics Laboratory (AGL) at Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology - Cenargen, Brasília - DF, Brazil, works with genetic characterization of animal populations that belong to the Brazilian conservation program. At the same time, a DNA Bank is being set up, which already has samples from several animals species. The DNA was extracted from cryopreserved leukocyte pellets or buffy coats. After extraction it was quantified and checked for its integrity and quality. Each specimen extracted was divided in at least two samples. One of them was used for characterization studies (-20°C) while the other was stored at -80°C at the DNA bank. All animals that were collected received a code number and were catalogued in a data bank where all the available information was registered. The refinement of molecular biology techniques increase the usefulness of banked material that will provide a ready reservoir of valuable scientific information. At this time, the AGL DNA bank has specimens of several breeds of six domestic species. Most of these breeds are in risk of extinction and are involved in the Conservation Program of Embrapa/Cenargen. DNA banking is proving to be useful for characterization of domestic animal populations that are in Brazilian conservation program. In near future, it might be the method of choice when many representatives of a breed are to be stored.

The Pantanal region of Brazil has some distinct bio-climatic characteristics making it a very hot and inhospitable environment. The only breed of horse that can support the long treks, and daily management of cattle in this environment is the Pantaneiro, that is a Iberian origin animal naturalized in the region through natural selection by centuries. This study aimed to evaluate the heart and respiratory rates (adaptation indicators) of Pantaneiro horses that daily work cattle in the Nhecolândia sub-region, Pantanal. Between the 5th and 8th of July 2003 these adaptation indicators were measured before, immediately after and 30 minutes after exercise on 12 horses, 7 of which were evaluated on two occasions, totaling 19 observations. The latter were evaluated in the morning and in the afternoon. The horses worked on average 5 hours in the morning and 8 in the afternoon. The heart rate immediately after and 30 minutes after exercise were 37.6, 50.0 and 46.1, respectively, in the morning and 42.8, 46.2 and 43.9 in the afternoon. Respiratory rate for the same times were 24.8, 36.6 and 35.1, respectively, in the morning and 29.3, 29.6 and 28.5 in the afternoon. Significant differences found between morning and afternoon measurements were probably due to na increase in environmental temperature. No significant differences were found between the three afternoon measurements. It was concluded that the Pantaneiro horse, used routinely in cattle work, is well adapted to exercise stress, and changes in physiological parameters are due to fluctuations in environmental temperatures.

Likewise other domestic animals, sheep were introduced in Brazil by the Portuguese settlers. Characterizing the geographic origins and the extent of variability of the genetic resources must also precede any conservation and management program. Recent work on variation of mtDNA of Ovis aries indicates that this species may be subdivided in two haplogroups, a European and an Asian. These haplogroups may be readily distinguished by RFLP-PCR (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism- Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis. This approach was employed to recognize the origins of the main Brazilian breeds. A 1052 Kb fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene region was amplified in 248 specimens of the Santa Inês, Crioula Lanada, Rabo Largo, Morada Nova, Somali and Bergamasca breeds. The patterns were assigned with HinfI recognition site to nucleotide positions 5562-5566 in the COI gene. All animals were of European descent. However, these results also applied to the Brazilian breeds Somali and Morada Nova, considered as from African origin. The African breeds may share the same evolutionary history as the European breeds. A further analysis of mtDNA sequences and microsatellites will include more Brazilian, European and African breeds

El Pantanal presenta condiciones bioclimáticas peculiares y en esta región solamente animales adaptados consiguen sobrevivir y reproducirse. La propia naturaleza a través de la selección natural durante centenas de años ha moldeado algunos animales domésticos introducidos en la región, como es el caso del caballo Pantaneiro. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar las características de tolerancia al calor de caballos Pantaneiros usados en la lidia diaria del ganado en el Pantanal brasileño. Veinte caballos de trabajo, con peso medio de 356 kg y edad media de siete años fueron manejados en corral en enero (período de lluvias) y en julio (período de sequía) del año 2003. Fueron recolectados datos de los siguientes parámetros fisiológicos: frecuencia cardíaca (FC), frecuencia respiratoria (FR), temperatura rectal (TR), temperatura de la piel (TP) y tasa de sudoración (TS). También fueron realizados pesajes y medidas corporales (largo del cuerpo, altura del anca, perímetro torácico), evaluación de la puntuación de la condición corporal y del color del pelaje. En el análisis de la varianza del hematocrito, temperatura rectal y parámetros fisiológicos fueron considerados los factores de época, color de la piel, TS, temperatura ambiente (TA), peso y medidas morfométricas. La mayoría de los parámetros analizados en los caballos Pantaneiros no tuvieron influencia significativa de los factores evaluados, con excepción del hematocrito y de la FC que fueron influenciados por la época. La FC presentó media alta y correlación positiva con TA (0,76), indicando que cuando la TA aumenta, la FC también aumenta. El aumento de la FC incrementa el flujo sanguíneo para la piel y tracto respiratorio, consecuentemente, aumenta la TP, confirmada por la correlación media encontrada entre TP y TA (0,53). Sin embargo, la FR tuvo correlaciones muy bajas con todos los parámetros evaluados y algunas fueron negativas. Las correlaciones de TS con FC (0,46) y con TA (0,49) fueron de medias a bajas.

Conservation and improvement strategies should be based on the association between genetic and phenotypic characteristics. In this study 10 different populations of five native Brazilian cattle breeds (Caracu, Mocho Nacional, Crioulo Lageano, Curraleira and Pantaneira) were characterized using RAPD techniques to estimate their genetic relationships and verify the existence of possible regional differences within each breed. Two commercial breeds were used as control and outgroup respectively (Holstein and Nellore). 120 arbitrarily primers were screened, of which 22 were selected, and generated 122 polymorphic bands. When all groups were analysed in pairs, non-significant genetic variability (p>0.05) observed only between two populations of Curraleiro breed located in States of Piaui (CUPI) and Minas Gerais (CUMG). Using Popgene program Nei"s 1978 genetic distance was estimated. The smallest divergences were observed between groups of the same breed and the least distance between the two groups of Caracu breed (0.0159). In the four populations of Curraleiro the groups CUPI and CUMG presented the smallest difference (0.0285). These results could indicate that these two populations have high genetic similarity. In the dendrogram generated by UPGMA method all groups clustered in their respective breed. In this study we could demonstrate the existence of regional genetic differences between the populations of native breeds. These estimates could be useful in crossbreeding and genetic sample exchange between different nuclei.

La caracterización genética es una materia esencial en los programas de conservación y de cría de cualquier país. En este trabajo informamos del uso de marcadores RAPD en el estudio de genética de poblaciones de tres razas de diferentes especies incluidas en los programas de conservación en Brasil. El objetivo fue analizar la similitud genética individual de aquellas poblaciones raciales para contribuir a su conservación ex situ e in situ. La selección de animales con menor similitud genética puede ayudar a conservar el máximo de variabilidad dentro de poblaciones y puede optimizar el trabajo de los criadores para los programas de conservación ex situ. Estos trabajos fueron realizados en el Laboratorio de Genética Animal (AGL) del Centro para los Recursos Genéticos y la Biotecnología (CENARGEN) de EMBRAPA. Las poblaciones nativas incluidas fueron: caballo Pantaneiro (núcleo de conservación in situ), el bovino Criollo Lageano (núcleo de conservación in situ), y la cabra Moxotó (cinco poblaciones de esta raza distribuidas en los estados del Nordeste). Usando marcadores RAPD, obtenidos para cada especie, generamos una matriz de coeficientes de similitud de Jaccard, mediante un programa NTSYS-pc v.2.0. Mediante la comparación entre pares de individuos podríamos escoger aquellos que fueron más similares entre ellos y aquellos que fueron más distantes. Usando estas matrices sugerimos tres tipos de procedimientos que podrían ser usados para apoyar la conservación de estas razas: la elección de machos para donantes de semen (animales con alta similitud genética); la indicación de apareamientos preferenciales buscando el mantenimiento de la máxima variabilidad genética y la indicación de animales a descartar -aquellos que tienen la máxima similitud- los criadores escogen uno de ellos para descartar. Este tipo de análisis podría realizarse entre dos poblaciones de la misma raza para contribuir al intercambio de individuos entre diferentes núcleos. Debemos recordar que estas r

Data were available on 1034 animals registered in the genealogical registration book of the Brazilian Pantaneiro Horse Breeders Association (ABCCP) from 1991 to 2000. Fifteen linear measures were analyzed using GLM, PRINCOMP and CORR procedures of SAS. In general, the effect of the factors studied were important (p<0.01) causes of variation for all the 15 traits except for month of birth that wasn't significant (p>0.05). Sex is significant (p<0.01) for most traits. Sex did not affect the back loin length. The factor subregion and breeder within subregion were significant (p<0.01) for all measures, except head width, which wasn't significant. This may present a preference for type of animals for breeder within subregion. Of all the traits, body length and chest width were significant (p<0.01) for age. The month of registration wasn't significant for the wither height, croup height and head width. The year of registration wasn't significant for wither height, back height, croup height, midback height and shin bone perimeter. Of the traits examined, the variance coefficients in general were low. The correlation between heights were in general high. The correlation between height and others measures were medium, except for with body width which was higher (0.52). Body width and the other widths had a tendency to have higher correlations. The variation must be carefully monitored along with inbreeding coefficients to ensure that the decrease in variability does not adversely affect the beneficial characteristics of this breed.

The present work analyses the growth of calves of the conservation nucleus for Pantaneiro cattle of EMBRAPA Pantanal. Birth and weaning data was available on 171 Pantaneiro calves born between 1996 and 1999. Calves were born from August to December, and raised in the extensive system using native pastures at the Nhumirim farm, situated in the Nhecolândia subregion. The data was analyzed using GLM and CORR procedures of SAS and MTDFREML for analysis of variance components. Year of calving and calf sex was significant for all traits examined. Birth weight for males was 27.08 kg compared with 25.37 kg for females while weaning weights were 116.12 and 112.24 kg respectively. The year effect varied but the trend observed is that of an increase in both birth and weaning weight with time. Month of birth did not affect birth nor uncorrected weaning weight, although a trend was observed whereby calves born later in the season were heavier. With 205 day weight the effect of month was marked, with calves born in August being almost 25 kg heavier than those born in December (124.98 kg vs 99.23 kg) even after correction. Heritability for birth weight is very low while repeatability is a little higher. This study shows that there is little genetic variation available for use in selection for birth or weaning traits in Pantaneiro cattle in Brazil. Controlled breeding policies whereby related individuals are not mated to each other are important to increase the variation for these characteristics.

This study used data registered in the Brazilian Pantaneiro Horse Association, in the period of 1972 to 2000. Fifteen linear biometric measures taken at registration (Wither height, back height, croup height, midback height, head length, neck length, backloin length, croup length, shoulder bone length, head width, chest width, hip width, shin bone perimeter and thorax perimeter), on 2248 registered animals were analyzed using the MTDFREML program to estimate genetic and phenotypic variances as well as hertabilities, genetic and phenotypic correlation between the traits of interest. The factors sex, month, year of register and age were fitted as fixed effects in the model. In general the coefficient of variation for these traits was low (2 to 8 percent) which may indicate selection problems in the future. The heritabilities evaluated lay between 0.27 (head width) and 0.83 (thorax perimeter). The inbreeding coefficient was in general low with a mean level of 8 percent, for the animals that showed inbreeeding (1 percent). The genetic correlations were high between all 15 linear biometric measures, except for traits that correlation with the thorax perimeter that were low and sometimes negative.

This study used data registered in the Brazilian Pantaneiro Horse Association, in the period of 1972 to 2000. Fifteen linear biometric measures taken at registration (Wither height, back height, croup height, midback height, head length, neck length, backloin length, croup length, shoulder bone length, head width, chest width, hip width, shin bone perimeter and thorax perimeter), on 2248 registered animals were analyzed using the MTDFREML program to estimate genetic and phenotypic variances as well as hertabilities, genetic and phenotypic correlation between the traits of interest. The factors sex, month, year of register and age were fitted as fixed effects in the model. In general the coefficient of variation for these traits was low (2 to 8 percent) which may indicate selection problems in the future. The heritabilities evaluated lay between 0.27 (head width) and 0.83 (thorax perimeter). The inbreeding coefficient was in general low with a mean level of 8 percent, for the animals that showed inbreeeding (1 percent). The genetic correlations were high between all 15 linear biometric measures, except for traits that correlation with the thorax perimeter that were low and sometimes negative.

Data were available on 1034 animals registered in the genealogical registration book of the Brazilian Pantaneiro Horse Breeders Association (ABCCP) from 1991 to 2000. Fifteen linear measures were analyzed using GLM, PRINCOMP and CORR procedures of SAS. In general, the effect of the factors studied were important (p<0.01) causes of variation for all the 15 traits except for month of birth that wasn't significant (p>0.05). Sex is significant (p<0.01) for most traits. Sex did not affect the back loin length. The factor subregion and breeder within subregion were significant (p<0.01) for all measures, except head width, which wasn't significant. This may present a preference for type of animals for breeder within subregion. Of all the traits, body length and chest width were significant (p<0.01) for age. The month of registration wasn't significant for the wither height, croup height and head width. The year of registration wasn't significant for wither height, back height, croup height, midback height and shin bone perimeter. Of the traits examined, the variance coefficients in general were low. The correlation between heights were in general high. The correlation between height and others measures were medium, except for with body width which was higher (0.52). Body width and the other widths had a tendency to have higher correlations. The variation must be carefully monitored along with inbreeding coefficients to ensure that the decrease in variability does not adversely affect the beneficial characteristics of this breed.

The present work analyses the growth of calves of the conservation nucleus for Pantaneiro cattle of EMBRAPA Pantanal. Birth and weaning data was available on 171 Pantaneiro calves born between 1996 and 1999. Calves were born from August to December, and raised in the extensive system using native pastures at the Nhumirim farm, situated in the Nhecolândia subregion. The data was analyzed using GLM and CORR procedures of SAS and MTDFREML for analysis of variance components. Year of calving and calf sex was significant for all traits examined. Birth weight for males was 27.08 kg compared with 25.37 kg for females while weaning weights were 116.12 and 112.24 kg respectively. The year effect varied but the trend observed is that of an increase in both birth and weaning weight with time. Month of birth did not affect birth nor uncorrected weaning weight, although a trend was observed whereby calves born later in the season were heavier. With 205 day weight the effect of month was marked, with calves born in August being almost 25 kg heavier than those born in December (124.98 kg vs 99.23 kg) even after correction. Heritability for birth weight is very low while repeatability is a little higher. This study shows that there is little genetic variation available for use in selection for birth or weaning traits in Pantaneiro cattle in Brazil. Controlled breeding policies whereby related individuals are not mated to each other are important to increase the variation for these characteristics.