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The sanitization of hatching eggs is the backbone of the hygienic–sanitary management of eggs on farms and extends to the hatchery. Poultry production gains depend on the benefits of sanitizers. Obtaining the maximum yield from incubation free of toxic sanitizers is a trend in poultry farming, closely following the concerns imposed through scientific research. The toxic characteristics of formaldehyde, the primary sanitizer for hatching eggs, are disappointing, but it is a cheap, practical and widely used antimicrobial. To overcome this shortcoming, multiple synthetic and natural chemical sanitizers have been, and continue to be, tested on hatching eggs. This review aims to evaluate the effects of different sanitizers on the microbiological quality of hatching eggshells and poultry health during embryogenesis and early stages after hatching.

The Monteiro is a feral pig found in the Brazilian Pantanal ecosystem. The goal of this research is to generate data and knolewdge related to animal populations wich can be used for management and development of an in vitro conservation program for animal resourses at Pantanal ecosystem. The present study evaluated animals sampled from 10 distinct locations within the region, using 19 microsatellite markers (N=189) and the control region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (N=392). Low genetic diferences were found between populations with the microsatellite data. The FST range was between 0.009 and 0.063 (p-value

Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus cattle subspecies present different capabilities in coping with situations of elevated temperatures, the latter being more tolerant to heat stress. Thus, some breeding programs crossed these subspecies to produce a high producing yet heat-tolerant breed (Girolando). Nineteen Holstein (H100) and 19 Girolando cows [(½ Holstein x Gir (H50) and ¾ Holstein x Gir (H75)] with similar milk production were used in a six-day experiment to evaluate the consequences of heat stress due to shade deprivation on their physiological, blood and milk traits. Cows were exposed to a non-shaded environment between morning (06:00h; GMT -3:00) and evening milking (14:30h; GMT -3:00) with access to water ad libitum. Procedures were conducted before morning and evening milkings. Physiological parameters related to mechanisms of heat dissipation were measured, as well as the milk composition. Blood traits were evaluated. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. Statistical procedures included analysis of variance, correlation and principal factors. THI was elevated during the entire trial and negatively impacted physiological, milk and blood parameters in H100, H75 and H50. Alterations in physiology, milk stability, milk composition and blood traits were more pronounced in H100. Holstein cows presented changes in physiological parameters in a more pronounced manner and in some milk and blood traits related to the reduced capability of this breed in dealing with elevated THI. The similarity in milk production levels excludes this parameter as a justification for differences in heat tolerance, with genetic composition being the main reason for this results.

This research communication addresses the hypothesis that, during the summer in the subtropics, natural tree shade helps to improve milk functional characteristics such as stability and acidity. Sixteen Holstein lactating cows were enrolled. The study consisted of three periods (pre-stress, heat stress and post-stress) based on allocating grazing cows into two treatments (with and without access to shade during the Heat Stress period). Overall THI during the trial was (mean ± se) 76.0 ± 3.4. Access to shade prevented the heat stress-related decrease in milk stability both in the ethanol and in the coagulation time test, as well as maintained milk acidity within an acceptable range (14 to 18°D).

Summary Some livestock breeds face the challenge of reduced genetic variation, increased inbreeding depression owing to genetic drift and selection. Hybridization can reverse these processes and increase levels of productivity and adaptation to various environmental stressors. Samples from American Brangus were used to evaluate the indicine/taurine composition through nine generations (~45 years) after the hybridization process was completed. The purpose was to determine how hybridization alters allelic combinations of a breed over time when genetic factors such as selection and drift are operating. Furthermore, we explored genomic regions with deviations from the expected composition from the progenitor breeds and related these regions to traits under selection. The Brangus composition deviated from the theoretical expectation, defined by the breed association, of 62.5% taurine, showing taurine composition to be 70.4 ± 0.6%. Taurine and indicine proportion were not consistent across chromosomes. Furthermore, these non‐uniform areas were found to be associated with traits that were probably under selection such as intermuscular fat and average daily gain. Interestingly, the sex chromosomes were predominantly taurine, which could be due to the composite being formed particularly in the final cross that resulted in progeny designated as purebred Brangus. This work demonstrated the process of new breed formation on a genomic level. It suggests that factors like genetic drift, selection and complementarity shift the genetic architecture into a uniquely different population. These findings are important to better understand how hybridization and crossbreeding systems shape the genetic architecture of composite populations.

Food Safety is an important topic for public health and international trade in food. Residues of veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants in animal products can cause diseases and acute toxicity in organisms exposed to these substances. This study evaluated official monitoring data of veterinary drug residues from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply in tissues of poultry and swine in the period between 2002 and 2014 to check for hidden patterns in the occurrence of six common drugs (Closantel, Diclazuril, Nicarbazin, Sulfaquinoxaline, Doxycycline and Sulfamethazinein). The analysis of data was performed by using two machine learning methods: decision tree and neural networks, in addition to visual evaluation through graphs and maps. Contamination rates were low, varying from 0 to 0.66%. A spatial distribution pattern of detections of substances by region was identified, but no pattern of temporal distribution was observed. Nevertless, regressions showed an increase in levels when these substances were detected, so monitoring should continue. However, the results show that the products monitored during the study period presented a low risk to public health.

The objective of this work was to determine how different types of gait affect the physiological and thermographic responses of Pantaneiro horses (Equus ferus caballus) subjected to field conditions under high environmental temperatures. Ten horses were evaluated in a double 5x5 Latin square experimental design, with five gait types: walk, trot, extended trot, gallop, and extended gallop. The following physiological measures were determined immediately after exercise: heart and respiratory rates, blood lactate content, and rectal temperature. Body surface temperatures were evaluated using an infrared camera. The walk, trot, and extended trot were the most adequate gaits for Pantaneiro horses to maintain thermoregulation within the physiological norms under conditions with a high air temperature. The temperatures obtained in the eye and elbow regions show the best predictive capacity for physiological parameters. Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar como os diferentes tipos de andamento afetam as respostas fisiológicas e termográficas de cavalos Pantaneiro (Equus ferus caballus) submetidos a condições ambientais com alta temperatura. Dez cavalos foram avaliados em delineamento experimental de quadrado latino 5x5 duplo, com cinco andamentos: passo, trote, trote estendido, galope e galope estendido. As seguintes medidas fisiológicas foram determinadas logo após os exercícios: taxas cardíaca e respiratória, teor de lactato sanguíneo e temperatura retal. As imagens termográficas foram avaliadas por meio de câmera de infravermelho. O passo, o trote e o trote estendido foram os andamentos mais adequados para os cavalos Pantaneiros manterem a termorregulação dentro das normas fisiológicas em condições de alta temperatura do ar. As temperaturas obtidas nas regiões da área do olho e da axila mostram maior capacidade preditiva para os parâmetros fisiológicos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic parameters for subjective scores given at the Brazilian Sport Horse (BSH) Stallion Approval by estimating heritability (h2) for morphological, gait, and jumping traits and genetic correlations (γg) among the functional ones and by verifying selection feasibility. The analysis included 1179 complete evaluations from 294 horses, by 4.26 ± 0.96 judges. Each trait was evaluated using mixed models in SAS® v9.2, considering the individual as a random effect. Variance components and genetic parameters were obtained by single and two-trait animal models in a derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood analysis. Since many jumping traits were not described in Breed Regulation, mixed model results were used to enlighten the criteria adopted in the assignment of scores. Balanced bodies and conformations that favor collection were preferred by judges and presented moderate heritabilities. Additive variation was found for most jumping traits, with heritability equal to 0.74 (se = 0.04) for overall jump, and estimates for the separate aspects of the jump movement ranging from near null to 0.43 (se = 0.07) for temperament. Morphological scores had little effect over gait and jump scores while trot may be indicative of some additive value for jump distance and canter for hind limb mechanics. Conformation evaluations of separate body regions presented heritability estimates similar to previous studies and may provide more informative breeding values.

Scrotal circumference (SC) is considered a useful tool for predicting age at puberty and is performed to improve the reproductive performance in beef cattle industry. We aimed to fit several nonlinear mixed models for SC measurements of five different breeds to better predict testicular growth. Data of SC (cm), body weight (BW; kg), and age (A; days), farm location, sire and dam, and birth dates of 169,094 beef bulls were collected from five breeds: Nelore (N) (n = 110,814); Angus (AA) (n = 6541); Brangus (BA) (n = 42,910); Polled Hereford and Hereford (HH) (n = 4640); and Braford (BH) (n = 7480). Data comprise a total of 8640 sires and 115,172 dams and grouped in 2908 contemporary groups (CG). The full model development for SC was defined as: SC = CG + A + A*A + BW + BW*BW + Ɛ. Bulls from HH (34.1 ± 3.2) and AA (33.5 ± 3.0) had the highest value of SC, followed by BH (32.2 ± 3.7), BA (30.6 ± 4.1), and N (26.9 ± 3.6). There was a curvilinear effect of BW on the SC measurements of HH and AA bulls, reaching the maximum point around 600 kg, whether both breeds presented a similar testicular growth pattern. In British breeds, inflection points of average daily SC growth of 0.039 and 0.042 cm/kg were obtained from 700 kg HH and 600 kg AA bulls, respectively. Scrotal circumference values of 0.042 and 0.046 cm/kg reaching the maximum growth point at 450 kg BW were obtained for BH and BA bulls, respectively. We also observed SC values of 0.044 and 0.048 cm/d reaching the maximum growth point at 550 d of age for BH and BA bulls, respectively. Thus, estimate testicular size at maturity should be measured between 500 and 600 kg BW in British genotypes and between 550 and 600 d in Bos indicus and crossbreeds animals. Therefore, SC adjustment can be used by breed-specific criteria associated with BW and/or age to determine testis growth as a selection criterion in beef cattle breeding programs.

Gene banks (GB) primary goal is to capture genetic diversity among livestock breeds. Genetic diversity assessments by US GB have used pedigrees and genetic markers. Landscape genetics (LG), is a third approach for evaluating germplasm collections and genetic resources. We evaluated the GB’s beef collection using LG for the purpose of assessing collection gaps/completeness by using geographic information systems. The current beef cattle collection contains 3,916 animals from 11 Bos indicus (including composite, BI), and 40 Bos taurus British (BTB) and Bos taurus continental (BTC) breeds. Each GB animal was georeferenced by latitude and longitude. In addition, county level satellite imagery of the continental US was obtained and included: temperature, humidity, precipitation, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Temperature–humidity index (THI) was computed from temperature and humidity by county. In addition, USDA beef cattle statistics by county were used in mapping overlays. There was a high correspondence between in-situ cattle density and GB collection throughout the mid-west and extending to both borders. Evaluating genetic groups demonstrated that BI were derived from the Gulf Coast region, while BTB and BTC shared a distribution throughout the mid-west. The collection’s BTB were also sourced from the inter-mountain west. All environmental parameters were combined to identify similar environmental conditions where germplasm had already been collected. Through this process future geographies for sampling genetic groups were apparent. New collection areas should include the Great Basin, west Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Further BI collections should be performed in low THI score areas and BTB and BTC collections in high THI areas is needed. Using GIS/LG adds a new perspective and resolution for future collections to ensure cattle that are adapted to a particular environment are added to the collection.

Among the animal species first introduced in Brazil during the country's discovery, horses (Equus caballus) stand out because of their evolutionary history and relationship with humans. Among the Brazilian horse breeds, the Pantaneiro draws attention due to its adaptative traits. Blood samples of 116 Pantaneiro horses were divided into six populations based on their sampling location, aiming to identify the existence of genetic structure and quantify genetic diversity within and between them. Populations were compared to elucidate genetic variability and differentiation better and assess the impact of Pantanal's natural geographic barriers on gene flow between populations. Data from the GGP Equine BeadChip (Geneseek-Neogen, 65.157 SNPs) was used to assess basic diversity parameters, genetic distance (FST), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and population structure (ADMIXTURE) for the sampled animals. Mantel Test was also performed to investigate the correlation between the populations' genetic and geographic distances. Results showed high genetic variability in all populations, with elevated levels of admixture in their structure. High levels of admixture make it challenging to establish a racial pattern and, consequently, populations within the breed, being that only one of the populations differentiated itself from the others. No significant correlations between genetic and geographic distances were observed, indicating that environmental barriers did not hinder gene flow between populations. and neither farmers selection practices might have change breed genetic composition signficantly Low genetic distance and similar heterozygosity values were observed among populations, suggesting strong genetic proximity and low differentiation. Thereby, the Pantaneiro breed does not exhibit genetic subpopulations and could be considered, for conservation purposes, a single big population in the Panatnal region. This study will support sampling strategies for National genebank.

Simple Summary The husbandry of high-producing dairy cattle on pasture in tropical regions promotes heat stress and alters physiological and behavioral parameters. However, it is unknown how the physiological and behavioral responses of cows more adapted to tropical environments under heat stress conditions, with lower milk production under shaded pasture or full sun conditions. To respond to these questions, Gyr dairy and Girolando cows (5/8 Holstein 3/8 Gyr, and ½ Holstein ½ Gyr) were evaluated in full sun and under natural shade from trees. Behavioral, physiological, and morphological variables were measured, and it was concluded that shaded pasture for dairy zebu cows promotes animal welfare by mitigating animal surface temperature and increasing rumination time. Abstract Under conditions of high temperature, humidity, and incidence of solar radiation, dairy cows use behavioral changes as a strategy to decrease the metabolic heat production at pasture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavioral and physiological responses of Gyr and Girolando (5/8 Holstein 3/8 Gyr, and ½ Holstein ½ Gyr) dairy cows submitted to environments with and without shade. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Cerrados (Technology Center for Dairy Zebu breeds—CTZL), Brasilia, Distrito Federal—Brazil, with 48 Gyr and Girolando cows total in the lactation group, with low to medium milk production, in full sun or shade with Eucalyptus urograndis (267 plants/ha−1). The physiological and behavioral characteristics evaluated were panting score, superficial temperature, and time spent grazing, ruminating, and lying down. Other traits included skin and coat thickness, hair diameter, density and length, and predominant coat color. In addition, body measurements, such as body length, the height of withers, chest circumference, and shin circumference, were measured. Shaded cows had 34% longer rumination times than cows in full sun (p = 0.01). With a temperature-humidity index ranging from 79 to 83, the rumination time was 1.7 times higher in cows under shade (p = 0.01) during a 24-h period of observation. There were no significant differences in the grazing time between the environments, but lying time was 23% longer in cows under the sun (p = 0.01). The panting score was not influenced by the environment (p = 0.17). Girolando cows had a 35% higher panting score than Gyr cows (p = 0.01) regardless of the environment. The panting score increased two and a half times during the afternoon compared with the morning (p = 0.01). The surface and rectal core temperatures had significant differences between treatments and time of the day. Body measurements were not different between cows in both environments, but there was a difference between breeds. The use of trees in pastures with a silvopastoral system for dairy zebu cows is indicated to improve grazing behavior, as well as time spent ruminating and lying down.

Brazilian hair sheep constitute a genetic diversity hotspot. These animals are found in the harsh environments of the Brazilian Northwest (semi-arid) region. Genotypes (50K SNP chip) from seven Brazilian sheep breeds (five hair and two coarse wool types) and 87 worldwide breeds were used to test for population structure, admixture and genetic diversity. Moreover, phylogenetic trees evaluating migration events between genetic groups were built. Brazilian Somali, a fat-tailed breed, had a close relationship with East African breeds and clustered distinctly from other Brazilian breeds. Brazilian Blackbelly and Barbados Blackbelly had a close relationship. The Morada Nova breed did not show close relationships with European or African breeds, revealing a single migration event from an Algerian hair breed. Brazilian Fat-tail and Morada Nova share a common ancestor, but the former showed introgressions from Brazilian Somali and Afrikaner breeds, explaining the fat-tail phenotype. The Santa Ines breed received a substantial contribution from Brazilian Bergamasca and showed an admixed origin with recent introgressions from other breeds, mainly from Suffolk. Furthermore, Brazilian Somali and Brazilian Fat-tail are the most endangered sheep genetic resources in Brazil and should be the focus for ex situ conservation programs. In conclusion, Brazilian hair sheep show an African origin and are characterized by diverse genetic composition, reinforcing the need for conservation of these genetic resources, and at the same time, this highly diverse group has variability that can be used in breeding programs.

Background: Little information is available on carcass quality in nulliparous and primiparous ewes of different breeds and genetic groups. Objective: To evaluate the effect of genetic group, pregnancy, age and their interactions on carcass traits, meat quality and fatty acid profile in sheep. Methods: Eighty-five Santa Ines ewes and their crosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France, aged 12 month were bred with White Dorper rams to assess the influence of pregnancy on carcass composition and meat quality. After weaning, all ewes (nulliparous and primiparous) were fattened for slaughter at 21 months of age. A further 24 six to twenty one-month-old female lambs from the same genetic groups were included in the analysis to determine the fatty acid profile. Results: Genetic group affected muscle and fat weight as well as the eye muscle length. Fat weight, muscle and fat ratios, subcutaneous fat thickness and cooking loss were affected by pregnancy with nulliparous females being fatter. Meat purpose breeds such as Dorper, Texel and Ile de France showed better meat quality compared to the Santa Ines hair breed. Of the 19 identified fatty acids, saturated were present in greater quantities, especially stearic and palmitic. Omega-6 content was influenced by age and pregnancy. Conclusions: Younger and nulliparous females have better carcass quality in terms of fatty acid composition. Keywords: commercial cuts, fat content, meat breeds, ovines, Santa Ines, slaughter age. Resumen Antecedentes: Existe poca informacion sobre la calidad de la canal en ovejasjovenes nuliparas y primiparas de diferentes razas y grupos geneticos. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia del grupo genetico, de la prenez, de la edad y sus interacciones sobre la composicion de la canal, calidad de la carne y perfil de acidos grasos en la carne de ovejas. Metodos: Ochenta y cinco ovejas de 12 meses de edad de raza Santa Ines y sus cruces con Texel, Dorper y Ile de France fueron cruzadas con carneros White Dorper para evaluar la influencia de la gestacion sobre la composicion de la canal y la calidad de la carne. Despues del destete, todas las ovejas (nuliparas y primiparas) fueron engordadas y sacrificadas a los 21 meses de edad. Otras 24 ovejas de seis a veintiun meses de edad del mismo grupo genetico fueron incluidas en el analisis para determinar el perfil de acidos grasos. Resultados: El grupo genetico afecto el peso del musculo y de la grasa, como tambien la longitud del ojo del musculo. El peso de la grasa, porcentajes de musculo y grasa, el grosor de la grasa subcutanea y las perdidas por coccion fueron afectadas por la prenez, siendo mas gordas las hembras nuliparas. Los grupos geneticos especializados en producir carne como Dorper, Texel e Ile de France mostraron mejor calidad de carne comparado con la raza Santa Ines. De los 19 acidos grasos identificados, los saturados estaban presentes en mayores cantidades, especialmente estearico y palmitico. Los contenidos de Omega-6 fueron influenciados por la edad y la prenez. Conclusiones: Las ovejas mas jovenes y nuliparas tienen mejor calidad de carcasa en terminos de composicion de acidos grasos. Palabras clave: contenido de grasa, cortes comerciales, edad de sacrificio, ovinos, razas de carne, Santa Ines. Resumo Antecedentes: Existe pouca informacao sobre a qualidade da carcaca em ovelhas jovens nuliparas e primiparas de diferentes racas e grupos geneticos. Objetivo: Avaliar a influencia do grupo genetico, da prenhes, da idade e suas interacoes sobre as caracteristicas da carcaca, qualidade da carne e perfil de acidos graxos na carne de ovelhas. Metodos: Oitenta e cinco ovelhas Santa Ines e suas cruzas com Texel, Dorper e Ile de France com 12 meses de idade foram cruzadas com carneiros White Dorper para avaliar a influencia da prenhes sobre a composicao da carcaca e a qualidade da carne. Apos o desmame, todas as ovelhas (nuliparas e primiparas) foram engordadas para serem abatidas aos 21 meses de idade. Mais 24 ovelhas com idade variando entre seis a vinte e um meses do mesmo grupo genetico foram incluidas na analise para determinar o perfil de acidos graxos. Resultados: O grupo genetico influenciou os pesos do musculo e da gordura bem como o comprimento da area de olho de lombo. O peso da gordura, a relacao musculo e gordura, a espessura de gordura subcutânea e as perdas por coccao foram influenciadas pela prenhes,sendo asfemeas nuliparas as mais gordas. Os grupos geneticos especializados em producao de carne como o Dorper, o Texel e o Ile de France apresentaram melhor qualidade de carne comparado a raca Santa Ines. Dos 19 acidos graxos identificados, os presentes em maiores quantidades foram os saturados, principalmente o estearico e o palmitico. O Conteudo de omega 6 foi influenciado pela idade e pela prenhes. Conclusoes: As femeas jovens e nuliparas apresentam melhor qualidade de carcaca em termos de composicao de acidos graxos. Palavras-chave: conteudo de gordura, cortes comerciais, idade de abate, ovinos, racas de corte, Santa Ines.

The aim of this study was to describe the population structure of Morada Nova sheep breed using pedigree analysis to support development strategies for conservation and breeding programs. Data was available on 10,015 Morada Nova animals born between 1973 and 2014, registered by ARCO (Brazilian Association of Sheep Breeders). The animals were divided into three categories: (1) Base: animals of unknown origin showing strong breed morphology; (2) Prov: animals with genealogy control for one (Prov I), two (Prov II) or three (Prov III) complete generations; (3) PO: animals with four or more complete generations of controlled genealogy. Data was analyzed using the ENDOG software v4.8 to determine individual inbreeding (F), effective population size (Ne), effective number of founders (fe), effective number of ancestors (fa) and number of founder genome equivalents (fg), generation intervals (Int) and genetic conservation index (GCI), of the Morada Nova sheep breed. The Base population (one or more unknown parents) contained 4,709 animals. Only 53.03% and 52.98% had known sire and dam, respectively. Most animals were found in the Brazilian Northeast, but in recent years numbers have increased in Sao Paulo State. Generation interval in this breed was approximately 3.6 years. Most farms buy rams or semen which helps maintain low inbreeding levels, as well as using their own rams. There is a need to increase registration beyond Base animals and use pedigree to avoid crosses between related animals. Nevertheless, no immediate problems were seen for maintenance of genetic diversity within the Morada Nova sheep breed.

Livestock production is considered an important factor influencing global warming; however, climate change has also been considered one of the major factors affecting livestock production and reproduction. The present study was carried out in the Southern region of Brazil and aimed to assess the seasonal influence of climatic factors and external morphology of the animals on the semen quality. Three ejaculates were obtained from each bull (Crioulo Lageano and Angus) in summer and winter seasons. Motile cells, sperm vigor, sperm concentration, sperm membrane status, and sperm abnormalities were analyzed in fresh and post-thawed semen. In addition, the sperm kinetics using CASA was assessed on post-thawed semen. Environmental data such as air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), mean radiant temperature (MRT) and temperature-humidity index (THI) were measured. Furthermore, body and testicular metrics, as well as hair coat characteristics, were recorded in each season on all bulls. Environmental traits differed significantly between seasons. Results of the PLS regression and Spearman's correlations confirmed a negative relationship between climatic variables and sperm traits in both seasons. Semen quality between breeds and seasons was similar, satisfactory, and heat stress was not sufficient to impair spermatozoa viability. External morphological traits were considered non-important in the final model. The findings of this study suggest that AT, MRT, and THI were the most important factors that could affect seminal characteristics of bulls raised in a subtropical climate.

This study was realized to analyze the combinations of climatic, physical, and socio-economic variables on distribution of breeding values for performance characteristics and scrotal circumference of Brangus cattle. Records of 84,703 Brangus animals, born from 2000 to 2010 distributed in 65 farms in Brazil were used. The characteristics analyzed were average daily gain from birth to weaning and from weaning to yearling (WW and YW), visual scores of conformations (WC and YC), muscle score (WM and YM), precocity score (WP and YS), and size score (WS and YS) at weaning and yearling and scrotal circumference (SC) at yearling. Components of (co)variance estimated through the animal model employing methodology to AIREML. Mean estimates of direct heritability obtained for visual scores at weaning (WC 0.16, WM 0.16, WP 0.19, and WS 0.22) were lower than those obtained at yearling (YC 0.28, YM 0.26, YP 0.24, and YS 0.40). WW had heritability greater than YW (0.27 and 0.12) and a heritability of 0.36 obtained for SC. Canonical, discriminant, and cluster analyses were performed in the SAS® 9.4 program. Three clusters of genetic values averages per farm were formed according to climatic, physical, and socio-economic variables. Brangus animals are from states of RS, PR, SP, MG, GO, MG, and MS. The highest breeding values were strongly related to thermal amplitude and municipality area. Spatial distribution of the breeding value of Brangus animals can help in the development of environmental indices, genetic evaluations, and the choice of animals for certain environments.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of replacing corn with by-product from biscuit manufacture (BBM) on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, and growth performance of pure or crossbred Morada Nova sheep. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs from two genetic groups (GG) were used: purebred red-coated Morada Nova (RMN) and red-coated Morada Nova x white-coated Morada Nova. Each GG had 12 lambs with an initial body weight (BW) of 15.0±0.84 and 18.8±0.88 kg for RMN and crossbred lambs, respectively. Treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design, according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, as follows: two genetic groups (RMN and crossbred) and two diets (ground corn and by-product from biscuit manufacture-BBM) with six replicates. There was no effect (p0.05) of GG on feed intake (g/day and as a fraction of BW). Lambs fed BBM had a lower feed intake (p0.05) than corn-fed lambs, except for the non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, which did not differ among diets (p0.05). No effects (p0.05) of GG or diets were observed on apparent digestibility, except for organic matter, which was higher for BBM-fed lambs (p0.05). Intake and N urinary excretion were lower (p0.05) for BBM-fed lambs when compared to corn-fed lambs. There was no effect (p0.05) of GG on growth performance. On the other hand, lambs fed BBM diet had a higher (p0.05) feed efficiency than corn-fed lambs. Total replacing corn with BBM in finishing lamb diets increases the efficiency of nutrient utilization, which results in higher feed efficiency. The crossbreeding between the red- and white-coated strains of Morada Nova sheep does not affect nutritional and growth performance.

This study was designed to evaluate the seasonal expression of seminal plasma proteins from two bovine breeds adapted to a subtropical climate and their associations with post-thawing sperm and environmental characteristics. Semen samples were obtained three times in summer and three times in winter from four Crioulo Lageano and four Angus bulls. Seminal plasma was obtained by centrifugation, and the other portion of the semen was cryopreserved. Seminal plasma proteins were identified by 2D-nanoUPLC-MSE. Post-thawing assessments of sperm kinetics, morphology and membrane integrity were performed. Environmental data such as air temperature, air humidity and black globe temperature (BGT) were recorded, and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated in summer and winter. Results showed that the climate varied significantly between seasons. Although no statistical differences were observed in semen quality between breeds, the protein profiles varied within and between seasons. We suggest that the most critical proteins in summer affecting sperm characteristics were TIMP-2, DNase, Clusterin, CFAH and GPx6. TIMP-2 and DNase showed a higher abundance in Crioulo Lageano in comparison with Angus, while Clusterin, CFAH and GPx6 presented a lower abundance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a recently evolved type of glutathione peroxidase, GPx6, in seminal plasma of bovines. In winter, five proteins were considered to be more critical: BSP1, BSP3, CCL2, Sulfhydryl oxidase and TIMP-2. BSP1 and TIMP-2 showed a lower abundance while BSP3, CCL2 and Sulfhydryl oxidase presented a higher abundance in this season in Crioulo Lageano in comparison with Angus.

Lactose has an essential role in milk synthesis, and low lactose content adversely affects dairy product yield. In this study, the association between milk lactose content and other milk constituents (protein and fat), somatic cell count (SCC), and total bacteria count (TBC) was valuated using a database of bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from dairy farms in southern Brazil. Factor and cluster analysis were performed on a dataset containing the fat, protein, and lactose contents, SCC, and TBC of 154,781 BTM samples evaluated by the State Laboratory of Milk Quality (LABLEITE). The factor analysis showed that lactose content in milk was positively associated with fat and protein contents as well as negatively associated with SCC and TBC. The cluster analysis on three clusters showed differences in the fat and protein contents of the BTM samples (P

Infrared thermography of the lateral side portion of the udder was taken from 38 lactating cows in a 6-day experiment. Thermograms were analyzed using specific software with the use of eight different methods. The experiment was aimed at correlating the different methods with each other and with rectal temperature (RT), in order to suggest a method to assess udder side temperature, and also at creating regression equations to enable RT calculation through the use of thermographic data. All methods of analyzing thermograms were highly correlated; correlations between thermograms and RT were significant (P

There are few animal germplasm/gene bank collections in Brazil, and basic studies are needed to attend the future internal and external demands from international partners. The aim of this work was to validate a “proof of concept” that integrates spatial (georeferenced data) and genetic data regarding the local of origin from 3518 DNA samples from 17 different genetic groups or breeds of sheep in the Brazilian Germplasm bank. Spatialisation shows that not all genetic groups have samples in the bank, and collection is concentrated in the conservation nuclei spread nationwide. Only 21% of states with a specific breed have samples in the gene bank. The mean number of animals sampled per collection was 32, while the mean distance travelled to collect samples was 262 km from the conservation nuclei. For example, the Brazilian Somali were only collected in the conservation nucleus in Ceara State. No samples were collected to date for the Cariri breed, which is recognised by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Only two farms and one breed in the bank are from the northern region. Of the 27 states, there are samples in the gene bank of sheep from 13, so several states have no samples, requiring collection from herds outside the official system of conservation to make sure that studies using this germplasm realised are not biased. Significant genetic differences are seen above 332 km, which should guide future sampling efforts. Suggestions are given for improving the quantity, quality and diversity of samples in the gene bank.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize the effects of maternal undernutrition or overnutrition during pregnancy on fetal weight and morphometric measurements during pregnancy, at birth, and postnatal period in sheep. After completing the search, selection, and data extraction steps, the measure of effect was generated by the individual comparison of each indicator with the average of the control and treated group (undernutrition or overnutrition) using the DerSimonian and Laird method for random effects. Subgroup analyses were also performed for lambing order, litter size, sex, as well as level, timing, and duration of the intervention. Fetal weight during the first third of pregnancy was not affected by maternal undernutrition or overnutrition. On the other hand, undernutrition in the second and last third of gestation reduces the weight of the lamb both during pregnancy, at birth, and during the postnatal period, requiring at least 120 postnatal days to achieve the same weight as its contemporaries in the control treatment. However, this reduction in weight is not accompanied by reductions in morphometric measurements, demonstrating that the animals were lighter, but of equal size. In overnutrition, there is an increase in fetal weight in the second third of gestation. However, in the last third of the gestational period, there are no differences in fetal weight for the multiparous subgroup, but it was reduced in primiparous ewes. There are no effects of overnutrition on birth weight; however, this result is highly heterogeneous. Thus, maternal nutrition of ewe during pregnancy has effects on fetal and postnatal weight, but not on size. Furthermore, the effects of undernutrition are more homogeneous while overnutrition showed heterogeneous responses.

Brazil is one of the world’s largest milk producers. Several scientific studies have been developed related to landscape analyses that combine genetic with landscape structure data. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic aspects of production in Girolando cattle in Brazil, as well as verify the spatial patterns of its genetic diversity. Genetic values and accuracy of 46,289 animals were used as well as information from DNA of 310 Girolando animals. Canonic, discriminant, and cluster analyses were conducted in SAS® and K-means method in ArcGIS 10.3 software. The relationship between genetic and geographic distance was analyzed using different methods in software Alleles in Space®. Clusters with animals with higher genetic values for milk production are located in municipalities with lower gross domestic product, fewer family-based establishments, and lower human development index. These clusters are associated with regions with higher area planted with crops, lower percentage of pastures that were less degraded, higher humidity, lower temperature range, and lower normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values. The greater the geographical distance between groups of animals, the greater the genetic distance between them with a significant distinction over 504 km. There is high genetic heterogeneity among animals. From these results, it will be possible to develop methodologies for better evaluation of the animals within the production systems.

Context Using legumes in ruminant production system may provide benefits such as improvement in animal performance and decrease in methane (CH4) emissions, mainly based on nutritional characteristics of these plants and the presence of tannins. Macrotiloma (Macrotyloma axillare) is a tropical legume that still lacks studies regarding its effects on animal performance and CH4 emissions. Aims The objective of this experiment was to evaluate productive performance, CH4 emission, ruminal fermentation parameters, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of the meat from lambs fed tropical grass hay supplemented with the legume forage macrotiloma. Methods For a 90-day experimental period, 14 Santa Inês male lambs (aging 100 days; 18.06 ± 3.26 kg initial bodyweight) were allocated in individual pens and divided into two treatments: chopped aruana grass (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) hay (CON); aruana hay supplemented with chopped macrotiloma hay at a ratio of 75:25 grass to legume (MAC). Lambs were weighed fortnightly for calculation of average daily bodyweight gain (ADG) and CH4 emission was measured on three occasions (days 28 to 32; 57 to 61; 85 to 89) using the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer technique. At the last day of CH4 collection, rumen fluid samples were collected for: determination of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA); ruminal protozoa count; and relative abundance determination of general bacteria (BACT); Ruminococcus flavefaciens (RUMI); Fibrobacter succinogenes (FIBRO); methanogenic archaea (METH) by real-time quantitative PCR (real-time-qPCR) analysis. Subsequently, after 16 h fasting, the animals were slaughtered; carcass characteristics were then evaluated and longissimus thoracis samples were collected for fatty acid profile analysis. Key results No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between MAC and CON for productive performance, CH4 emission, SCFA and carcass characteristics. Reduced protozoa count and relative abundance of METH were observed for MAC (P < 0.05). Conclusions Despite the lack of effects on productive performance and CH4 emission, the decreased relative abundance of METH and protozoa count indicated that macrotiloma may possibly present anti-methanogenic activity. Implications The inclusion of this legume in the diet of ruminants may affect rumen microbes and potentially decrease environmental impacts of the production system.

The trade in live animals between India and Brazil dates from the late nineteenth century when European travellers traded animals of Indian origin for display in zoos. Considering the origin of coffee and sugar cane, as well as the expertise related to mineral evaluation, we need to consider that India was involved in important economic cycles of Brazil, even indirectly. This virtuous flow of trade has been maintained and intensified throughout modern history, especially after these two nations gained political independence from their colonisers, thereby becoming independent in mercantile affairs. This paper addresses the main points related to the use of animals of Indian origin in Brazil. We revisit some of the historical aspects of the process of colonisation of Brazil, as well as the importation of animals from India. The restrictions imposed on this process due to the occurrence of diseases in cattle and buffalo in India will be examined. At the end of the text, emphasis will be given to the risks of introducing exotic diseases into Brazil.

Background: The lack of information on population structure is one of the main obstacles to develop breeding and conservation programs for animal genetic resources. Objective: To characterize the population structure of Crioula Lageana cattle breed (Bos taurus) in order to assess its genetic diversity. Methods: Database with information of 1,638 Crioula Lageana animals, collected during 38 years, was analysed using the ENDOG v.4.4 program. Results: Effective population size ranged from 72.53 in complete generations to 143.90 in maximum generations. Inbreeding and Average Relatedness coefficients were 0.34 and 0.91%, respectively. The effective number of founders and ancestors were 29 and 28 animals, respectively, and only ten ancestors were responsible for 50% of the genetic variability of the whole population. The average generation interval was 5.84 years in the paternal line and 7.70 in the maternal one. Wright´s F statistics indicated low genetic distances between subsets in relation to the total population (Fst = 0.0015), between individuals with respect to their subpopulation (Fis = -0.0027), and between individuals in relation to the total population (Fit = -0.0012). Conclusion: Analysis of the population indicated that, despite the small number of animals with known parentage and considerable loss of genetic variability by the constant use of a few sires, and same value of number of founders and ancestors, the population showed good genetic management, low inbreeding, low genetic differentiation among subpopulations, and probably adequate effective population size for breed preservation. Keywords: conservation of animal genetic resources, genetic diversity, inbreeding, locally-adapted breed, pedigree analysis. Resumen Antecedentes: La falta de informacion sobre estructura poblacional es una de las principales barreras para el desarrollo de programas de mejoramiento genetico y conservacion de los recursos zoogeneticos. Objetivo: Caracterizar la estructura poblacional de la raza bovina Crioula Lageana ( Bos taurus ) para evaluar su diversidad genetica. Metodos: Una base de datos con informacion de 1.638 animales Crioula Lageana ( Bos taurus ), recogidos durante 38 anos, fue analizada utilizando el programa ENDOG v.4.4. Resultados: El tamano efectivo de la poblacion vario de 72,53 en las generaciones completas a 143,90 en las generaciones maximas. La endogamia y la relacion media de los coeficientes fue 0,34 y 0,91%, respectivamente. El numero efectivo de fundadores y antepasados fue de 29 y 28 animales respectivamente, y solo diez antepasados fueron responsables del 50% de la variabilidad genetica de la poblacion. El intervalo promedio de generacion fue de 5,84 anos en la linea paterna y de 7,70 en la linea materna. El indice estadistico de Wright’s F indica una baja distancia genetica entre los subconjuntos en relacion con la poblacion total (Fst = 0,0015), entre los individuos con respecto a su subpoblacion (Fis = -0,0027), y entre los individuos en relacion con la poblacion total (Fit = -0,0012). Conclusion: El analisis de la poblacion indica que a pesar del pequeno numero de animals con origen conocido y la considerable perdida de variabilidad genetica por el uso constante de pocos toros y el mismo valor del numero de fundadores y antepasados, la poblacion mostro un buen manejo genetico, baja endogamia, baja diferenciacion genetica entre las subpoblaciones y probablemente un tamano efectivo adecuado de la poblacion. Palabras clave: analisis de pedigri, conservacion de los recursos geneticos animales, diversidad genetica, endogamia, razas adaptadas localmente. Resumo Antecedentes: A falta de informacoes sobre a estrutura da populacao esta entre os principais obstaculos ao desenvolvimento de programas de melhoramento e conservacao de recursos geneticos animais. Objetivo: Caracterizar a estrutura populacional da raca bovina Crioula Lageana ( Bos taurus ) para acessar a diversidade genetica da raca. Metodos: Banco de dados com informacao de 1.638 animais Crioula Lageana, recolhidos durante 38 anos, foi analisado utilizando EndoG v.4.4. Resultados: O tamanho efetivo populacional various de 72,53 nas geracoes completas para 143,90 nas geracoes maximas. Coeficientes de Endogamia e Relacao foram 0,34 e 0,91%, respectivamente. O numero efetivo de fundadores e ancestrais foram 29 e 28 animais, respectivamente, sendo que apenas dez ancestrais foram responsaveis por 50% da variabilidade genetica de toda a populacao. O intervalo de geracoes foi de 5,84 anos para linha paterna e 7,70 para linha materna. As estatisticas F de Wright indicaram uma pequena distância genetica das subpopulacoes entre os subgrupos em relacao a populacao total (FST = 0,0015), entre os individuos em relacao a sua subpopulacao (FIS = -0,0027) e entre individuos em relacao a populacao total (Fit = -0,0012). Isto indica uma baixa diferenciacao genetica na populacao estudada. Conclusao: A analise populacional indicou que, apesar do numero pequeno de animais com ascendencia conhecida e consideravel perda de variabilidade genetica pelo uso constante de alguns touros e mesmo valor do numero de fundadores e antepassados, a populacao mostrou boa gestao genetica, endogamia baixa, baixa diferenciacao genetica entre subpopulacoes e provavelmente adequado tamanho efetivo da populacao para a preservacao da raca. Palavras-chave: analise de pedigree, conservacao de recursos geneticos animais, diversidade genetica, endogamia, racas localmente adaptadas.

As gene bank collections develop, there are opportunities to collect germplasm using criteria other than random sampling or genetic relationships. For Brazil and the US, it has become apparent that sampling based upon environmental adaptability could enrich germplasm collections. Combining current US beef cattle germplasm collection with Geographical Information System (GIS) approaches, sample concentration and underrepresented areas were identified for Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus (BI). BI samples were principally derived along the Gulf Coast region (not necessarily close to freshwater sources). In contrast, continental Europe (BTCE) and British, African and Asian (BAA) breed samples were more concentrated among the Great Plains/Mid-West (close to major rivers and lakes), with some samples being derived from the south-west and Gulf Coast areas. BTCE and BAA have been extensively sampled, but more is needed in the more westerly states of New Mexico, Nevada, California and Utah. In addition, BI sampling should increase in the more northerly states of Tennessee and Kentucky to capture allele frequencies that may better enable those breeds to perform outside the Deep South. The methods used in this evaluation can be extended to using genotypes within or among breeds to promote sampling in environmentally unique areas.

This aim of this study was to analyze the influence of socieoconomic, environmental and farm variables on the existing genetic values (Expected Progeny Differences - EPDs) of the different clusters of Nelore animals in Brazil. The data evaluated included EPDs of 1,462,485 animals, males and females born between 2000 to 2011, same period of the compiled variables used (socieoconomic, environmental and farm), distributed in 171 municipality from 15 Brazilian states by GENEPLUS (Genotype Breeding Program of Embrapa Beef Cattle). The municipality averages of sixteen variables were used for weight traits (maternal and direct genetic effects for weight at 120 days, maternal and direct genetic effects at birth and weaning weight, post-yearling weight and average daily gain post-weaning), carcass quality (carcass conformation at weaning, carcass conformation at post-yearling, eye muscle area, subcutaneous fat thickness and marbling) and reproductive traits (scrotal perimeter at weaning, scrotal perimeter at post-yearling, age at first calving and cow weight at weaning) as well as their respective accuracies. The data were spatialized in the ArcGIS program along with environmental factors and human development indicators. The statistics included clustering, discriminant and canonical analyzes using the SAS® program. Three clusters for weight traits, five for carcass quality, four for reproductive traits and five for accuracy were formed. The clusters showed good distribution across the country, highlighting the clusters with highest genetic values for each trait type. Discrimination was seen among environments for beef cattle at pasture, depending on climatic conditions. The spatial distribution of the Nelore cattle breed may provide a better understanding of the real situation of the breed in different Brazilian climates and environments. The results of this study can be used to correct possible errors of genetic selection programs that use the same breeders and females for different environments.

Weaning calves at a young age can generate great stress, but it is widely practiced in the industry despite that. So, to what extend weaning in early ages is more stressful than at later ones, in terms of the amount of stress, is currently unknown. Thus, we studied the behavioural and physiological impacts in beef calves at three ages at weaning (30, 75, and 180 days) and the consequences of the calf's sex. Thirty-six calves were weaned and distributed in hyper-early (W30), early (W75), and conventional (W180) weaning groups, which are weaning ages that occur in practice. Behavioural activities and physiological parameters were measured on days 0, 1, 2, and 7 after weaning. Canonical component analysis (CCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate behavioural and physiological parameters. The variables analysed were influenced by the treatment, day of evaluation and interaction between treatment × day, and without effect for sex. The younger the calf, the greater the intensity of responses to the weaning stress. In this sense, the behavioural results (percentages of observations ± SEM) demonstrate that on D0, W30 calves emitted more extreme vocalization (61 %) compared to W75 (15 %) and W180 (0%) (P

This study consisted of two experiments with the following objectives: to evaluate the effects of tannins from the tropical legume macrotiloma (Macrotyloma axillare) on total gas and methane (CH4 ) production, as well as on ruminal fermentation parameters by performing an in vitro bioassay, with samples incubated with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a semi-automatic system; and secondly in a 17 day in vivo experiment, to determine apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dietary nutrients and ruminal fermentation parameters of 12 intact 8- to 9-month-old Santa Ines (averaging 24.95 ± 1.8 kg body weight) ewes fed tropical grass hay supplemented with macrotiloma hay. The ewes were divided into two treatment groups depending on their diet: chopped aruana grass hay (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) (control-CON); and aruana grass hay supplemented with chopped macrotiloma hay (macrotiloma-MAC). The animals were kept for 5 consecutive days in metabolic cages for the ATTD assay, and at the end of this period, samples of rumen fluid were collected from each ewe to determine ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3 -N) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and protozoa count. For the in vitro assay, a decrease in total gas and CH4 production was observed for samples incubated without PEG (p .05). In the in vivo experiment, increased intake and ATTD of crude protein were observed for the animals fed MAC when compared to CON (p

Strategies for the sustainable intensification of ruminant production suggest breeding animals adapted to the environment in which they live using local fodders to maximize efficient ruminal fermentation. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of using Orbignya phalerata (Babassu) and Combretum leprosum (Mofumbo) leaves in ruminal short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and microbial community, as well as finishing performance, carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profile of Santa Ines hair lambs. The experimental treatments were diets with 50:50 forage:concentrate ratios, using the leaves of the experimental plants as a 33 g/100 g of dry matter (DM) replacement of Cynodon dactylon (Tifton-85) hay, with three groups: Control (no hay replacement), Babassu and Mofumbo. Twenty-four Santa Ines lambs (body weight = 20.0 ± 5.2 kg) were used in a randomized experimental design with eight repetitions (5 males and 3 female) per treatment. Ruminal fluid samples of each animal were collected to determine SCFA and microbial community. The male animals were evaluated for finishing performance and carcass characteristics while longissimus lumborum muscle samples were used for determination of fatty acid profile. Interaction between treatment and sex was observed for total SCFA ( P P Ruminococcus flavefaciens , and lower Archaea. There was no difference between treatments ( P > 0.05) for finishing performance and carcass characteristics but meat fatty acid characteristics were affected by treatments. A redundancy analysis based on microbial abundance profile demonstrated two clusters, one cluster with Babassu and Control treatments, and other cluster with Mofumbo, with some variables associated to dissimilarity between clusters. These results indicated that the inclusion of these plants in lamb diets affects ruminal short chain fatty acids and microbial population, without compromising the production potential, carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profile.

The study of locally adapted breeds has the potential to underpin the discovery of genes involved in economically and ecologically important traits. Brazilian locally adapted sheep breeds have distinctive characteristics that could be of value for specialized production systems. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to identify genomic regions that may have been under selection and therefore may explain ecological and production differences observed among three important Brazilian locally adapted sheep breeds. Animals from the Brazilian Creole, Morada Nova and Santa Ines breeds were genotyped using the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip. The identification of selection signatures was based on two groups of methodologies: differentiation among populations (FST) and linkage disequilibrium (iHS and RsB). Taken together, these analyses allowed for the identification of 86 candidate genes. Functional analysis revealed genes related to immunity, nervous system development, reproduction and sensory perception. A number of genes are of particular interest including: RXFP2, which has recently been associated with the presence/absence and morphology of horns in sheep; the TRPM8 gene, involved in regulation of body temperature at low temperatures; DIS3L2, PLAG1 and NIPBL, associated with height variation; and finally, SPEF2 and SPAG6, important for spermatogenesis. Selective sweeps were identified using multiple methods, and in a number of cases sweep regions contained genes with a demonstrated role in phenotypic variation. The genomic distribution of the sweep regions differed between populations, suggesting that breed specific signatures were successfully identified that may reflect the consequence of local adaptation.

For the past 20 years countries have initiated programs to sustainably conserve farm animal genetic resources. At the same time the growing need for increased animal productivity has emerged. Viewing gene banks and in vivo conservation in the context of food security, climate change, and product demand suggests the need for a more efficient use of these mechanisms to support sustainable productivity. Some advances have been made in developing and implementing in-vivo conservation programs, but those efforts appear to be predicated upon various types of government subsidies, which are subject, to policy changes. Given the in-vivo situation, it is suggested conservation efforts shift toward gene banks as the primary conservation mechanism. Globally, national gene banking efforts have increased and they have the capacity and potential to become more dynamic, incorporate different biological materials and facilitate increased use of genetic diversity. The next steps for gene banks are to better utilize information systems to integrate and store data from genetic/genomic assessments, cryopreservation, phenotypes and environmental conditions. These types of benefits plus the reduced conservation costs gene banks can speed the rate of conserving breeds while freeing the livestock sector to increase productivity with the breeds of their choosing.

Respiration rate and eye temperature were collected on 80 sheep from 11 breeds (Australian Merino, Polwarth/Ideal, Corriedale, Romney Marsh, Crioula, Hampshire Down, Texel, Ile de France, Suffolk, Santa Ines and Dorper) during 5 days, giving a total of 1071 observations. All sheep were adult and non-lactating. Data were analysed using SAS® procedure NLIN, using broken line regression to determine temperature humidity index (THI), air temperature and relative humidity limits by breed for respiration rate and eye temperature. These inflexion points were then used to determine regions suitable for sheep rearing by breed, using mean THI by municipality which were then plotted using ARCGIS v.9.3. Clear boundaries were found for sheep breeds, with wool breeds mainly limited to the south and southeast as well as coastal areas. Not all breeds are indicated to be reared in all areas of the country and some regions are unsuitable for any breed. Breed adaptation is in line with their natural history of territorially occupation.

O crescimento alométrico de raças de suínos naturalizados (Nilo, Piau, Moura e Monteiro), machos e fêmeas, foi avaliado em relação à altura do quadril, comprimento do focinho e comprimento da cabeça, usando-se a equação alométrica. As medidas do corpo geralmente apresentam um crescimento mais tardio em relação ao comprimento do focinho e precocemente em relação ao comprimento da cabeça e altura do quadril. Ao comparar as raças de suínos, as fêmeas da raça Moura apresentaram características relacionadas com o crescimento muscular (circunferência torácica, comprimento do corpo e diâmetro longitudinal) mais tardiamente ao comprimento da cabeça. Fêmeas Nilo apresentaram características do comprimento do ombro, comprimento da garupa e a distância interesquiática mais precoce em relação ao comprimento do focinho. Foram encontradas diferenças entre a raça e o sexo no tempo de desenvolvimento para as diferentes partes do corpo, mostrando que os sistemas de criação e utilização desses animais devem ser específicos para cada raça. The allometric growth of male and female naturalized pig breeds (Nilo, Piau, Moura, and Monteiro) was evaluated regarding hip height, snout length, and head length using the allometric equation. Body measurements generally show later growth in relation to the snout length and earlier growth in relation to the head length and hip height. When comparing breeds of pigs, female Moura animals showed later growth of the characteristics linked to muscle (thoracic circumference, body length, and longitudinal diameter) than of head length. Nilo females showed characteristics such as shoulder length, rump length and interschiadic distance earlier than snout length. There were differences between the breed and gender in terms of development times for the different parts of the body, showing that breeding systems and use of these animals have to be specific for each breed.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of castration on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of visceral fat and meat from lambs. Eighteen six-month-old Santa Ines male lambs (18.9 ± 2.4 kg of body weight (BW)) were used. Animals were assigned to two treatments according to their sexual condition: uncastrated (U) or castrated (C). During a 98-day experimental period, animals were kept on an Andropogon gayanus grass pasture area of 1 ha and supplemented with 200 g/animal/day of concentrate mixture. Water and mineral salt were available ad libitum. The lambs were weighed fortnightly, and at the last day of the trial, they were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass characteristics and fatty acids profile of perirenal fat and longissimus lumborum muscle samples. Castrated lambs showed higher BW than U during most part of the experiment (p 0.05) (U, 0.74 and C, 0.76%). The cis-9, cis-12 C18:2n-6 (U, 10.6 and C, 6.86%) fatty acid and the PUFA:SFA (saturated fatty acids) ratio (U, 0.36 and C, 0.25) were higher in the muscle of U lambs (p

New breeds can be developed by combining two or more breeds into a composite population, thereby capitalizing on complementarity and retained heterosis. Evaluation of breed formation across generations has not been performed at the molecular level; therefore, we used Brangus cattle (3/8 Brahman x 5/8 Angus) as a model to identify the dynamics of new breed formation across 10 generations. Genotypic data (777,962 SNP) from 68 Brahman, 95 Angus and 59 Brangus prominent AI sires born from 1970 to 2010 were evaluated. Their pedigrees were used to calculate the number of complete Brangus generations using the OptiSel package in R 3.4.2. After standard SNP data filters and linkage disequilibrium pruning, 158,264 SNP genotypes from 220 bulls were chosen. ADMIXTURE analyses were executed using autosomal markers by chromosome, setting K equal to two and three. Brangus animals had 70.4% of Angus composition in all autosomes versus the expected 62.5% (t-test, P < 0.001). When K = 3, the establishment of the Brangus cluster was observed across the genome with a proportional assignment > 0.5. The sex chromosomes deviated from the autosomal pattern. Chromosome X had a high Angus proportion (83%) conserved across generations and Brahman contributed only to 9% of the Y chromosome. Regression analyses of cluster formation among autosomes and across generations showed (P < 0.001) that Angus (β = -0.07) and Brahman (β = -0.03) clusters decreased while Brangus cluster increased (β = 0.10, R(2) = 0.43). Regressions by each autosome followed a similar pattern. Formation of the Brangus cluster became stable after the 5(th) generation. These results provide a view into the evolution of a new breed. [Image: see text]

This study assessed the risks of different management practices to increase pregnancy rate in beef cow-calf systems, aiming at assisting decision-making. The perception of 18 experts on animal sciences regarding the risks of 32 nutritional, breeding, and general management practices applied to increase pregnancy rate were evaluated through questionnaires. The experts were selected by a non-probability sampling of researchers on veterinary and animal sciences. In addition, five farmers and eight technical consultants were also selected. The questionnaire was applied during a face-to-face meeting. The risk of each practice was assessed according to four factors, namely, cost, technical knowledge, operational complexity, and flexibility, and an equation was developed to calculate this risk. The applied method allowed to determine the risk of each practice, obtaining results similar to those previously perceived by the experts. Operational complexity and cost had greater influence on the estimated risks compared with the other factors. Moreover, the increase of one unit in operational complexity and cost increased the perceived risk and the estimated risk scores in 0.43 and 0.28 points, respectively. Overall, the application of general management practices presented lower risk score compared with nutritional and breeding practices, which were not different from which other. Equations to estimate the risks of farm managers should routinely apply management practices to increase the efficiency of cow-calf production systems.

The aim of this study was to explore spatial patterns of genetic structure in sheep breeds sampled in Brazil using Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in order to evaluate whether or not the genetic and geographic distances are interrelated in this species. Samples genotyped using the 50KSheepSNPChip (Illumina) included 215 animals from eight different sheep breeds. All collection sites were georeferenced and data analyzed to determine geographic patterns from genetic data. To evaluate the correlation between genetic and geographic distances Mantel tests, Allelic Aggregation Index Analyses (AAIA), and spatial autocorrelation were performed. Genetic Landscape Shape procedure and Monmonier’s Algorithm were used to generate graphical visualization of the genetic distances across the landscape. The observed correlation observed between genetic and geographical distances was 0.552 (P

The Brazilian Sheep Breeders' Association recognizes two varieties of the Morada Nova hair breed, white and red. However, the black variety and/or animals with a pigmented nose has frequently been disqualified from genealogical records. Previous studies suggest that this genetic group might be similar to the red variety. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a Genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genomic regions related to hair color and confirm the position of black relative to other Morada Nova varieties. After quality controls, 48 animals were genotyped for 45.982 SNPs using the OvineSNP50k BeadChip. Estimated Fst values between white and red animals, white and black, and red and black were 10.78% ( p p p Oar 14 which contains the MC1R gene. Differences between black and red coats are the result of the expression of different alleles of the same gene without directly affecting productive/reproductive characteristics. These two varieties showed low genetic variation, insufficient to define them as different groups, and to increase the breeding herd, the animals with black hair and/or pigmentation of the nose should be used breeding purposes. The results of this study contribute to the discussion of the importance in reconciling conservation, traditional breed standards and breeding of farm animals.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate heat tolerance using heat tolerance indices, physiological, physical, thermographic, and hematological parameters in Santa Ines and Morada Nova sheep breeds in the Federal District, Brazil. Methods Twenty-six adult hair sheep, one and a half years old, from two genetic groups (Santa Ines: 12 males and 4 females; Morada Nova: 7 males and 3 females) were used and data (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, skin temperatures; hematological parameters) were collected during three consecutive days, twice a day (morning and afternoon), with a total of six repetitions. Also physical parameters (biometric measurements, skin and hair traits) and heat tolerance indices (temperature-humidity index, Iberia and Benezra) were evaluated. The analyses included analyses of variance, correlation, and principal components with a significance level of 5%. Results The environmental indices, in general, indicate a situation of thermal discomfort for the animals during the afternoon. Breed significantly influenced (p