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ABSTRACT We investigated the impact of weaning at 30, 75, and 180 days of age on performance, body measurements, and rumen development (using the β-hydroxybutyrate biomarker) of beef calves until 190 days of age. A total of 64 Brangus calves were assigned to three treatments: hyper-early (W30), weaned at 32±0.89 days of age (n = 22, 10 males and 12 females); early (W75), weaned at 77±0.95 days of age (n = 20, 12 males and eight females); and conventional (W180), weaned at 183±0.82 days of age (n = 22, 13 males and nine females). Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), β-hydroxybutyrate (βHBA), and morphometric measurements were evaluated. These variables were influenced by an interaction between treatment and days and were not affected by the sex of calves. The W30 calves experienced weight loss from 30 to 40 days of age compared with the W75 and W180 calves. Consequently, at day 75, W30 animals were lighter and had lower body length, thoracic circumference, withers height, and croup height compared with the W75 and W180 calves. However, no significant differences in BW were observed among treatments at 85 days of age. Additionally, W30 calves exhibited higher ADG and a moderate correlation with βHBA levels. Weaning calves at 30 days of age may negatively affect their performance until the sixth week after weaning, but there is no impairment in performance at 190 days of age.

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of phenotypic, genotypic, and auction characteristics that may influence the selling prices of bulls. Data from 1,540 Braford and 1,179 Brangus bulls sold at auctions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were collected and evaluated individually. Body condition score (BCS), muscularity, frame, foreskin size, presence or absence of horns, and data regarding the auction such as name/venue, event edition, forms of payment, among others, were considered. Information such as weight at the time of sale, scrotal circumference (SC), expected profit differences, selection indexes, and date of birth were collected from the catalogs supplied at the auctions. To obtain the influence of the selected explanatory variables throughout the conditional distribution of bull prices, a quantile regression was used, and the quantiles were established as follows: 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th. The buyers of Braford and Brangus bulls valued characteristics such as age, weight, and SC in relation to frame, muscularity, BCS, and foreskin size. In addition, the price behavior at different auctions was positively related to the operation time of the auction in this market and with the reputation of the seller. Regarding genetic variables of Brangus bulls, these had little or no influence on the selling price. There was a positive influence on the weaning index in the 90th quantile and on the final index in the 50th and 75th quantiles. Buyers of synthetic bull breeds at auctions value the phenotypic characteristics of bulls more than they do genetic characteristics, which may not reflect permanent gains in the cattle herd.

ABSTRACT This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency index of cow-calf systems, based on different feed technologies commonly employed in the Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil. Hence, the efficiency of 35 cow-calf herds was evaluated by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Data was collected by online survey and in-depth interviews, as well as data registers from the cow-calf systems, located in 31 municipalities. The analyzed indicators included rates of mortality, pregnancy, birth, and productivity. The feed technologies evaluated were the use of cultivated pastures during winter and summer, supplementation during winter and summer, creep feeding, deferral of natural pasture, use of grazing systems, and employee's capacitation. Approximately 80% of the evaluated farms showed low-to-medium Efficiency Index (EI; up to 0.79 in a scale of 0 to 1), 13% presented high EI, and only 7% had very high EI (above 0.95). The use of cultivated pastures with the inclusion of protein supplementation and employees’ capacitation were highlighted as the main practices to increase efficiency of cow-calf systems in Rio Grande do Sul. The technologies identified as most impactful raise the EI of production systems from low to medium. Our results assist in decision-making in the use of feed technologies, pointing out a direction for the use of technologies that make breeding systems more efficient from a productive point of view.

A demanda por carne bovina brasileira foi positiva há dois anos, marcada pelo aumento das exportações, principalmente de dois países asiáticos. A indústria de processamento de carne bovina pode estar se beneficiando dessa demanda, também consequência do covid-19, permitindo que seus valores de mercado subam. O presente estudo busca analisar ou comportar dois preços de ações de empresas de refrigeração de capital aberto no Brasil, JBS (JBSS3), Marfrig (MFRG3) e Minerva (BEEF3) em relação à taxa de câmbio dólar-real (USD-BRL) e anos dos preços das commodities: milho (CCM3) e boi gordo (BGIF3). A série histórica analisada de janeiro de 2015 a setembro de 2021, obtida no Brasil Bolsa Balcão, com 1628 observações para cada série histórica, totalizando 9.768 observações. Utilize ou Microsoft® Excel para determinar a cotação de cada série com o preço médio obtido para o preço mínimo e máximo por dia. Testes econométricos e o modelo SARIMA foram usados ​​para analisar as séries. O teste estatístico foi utilizado para analisar a correlação entre as várias variáveis ​​para verificar os comportamentos. Os resultados do teste Augmented Dickey-Fuller aparecem acima dos valores críticos, indicando que as séries não são estacionárias em função da tendência existente. Como correlações com BGIF3, CCMM3 e USD-BRL são positivas para MFRG3 e JBSS3. Quando você tiver dois gráficos para cima, os preços irão acompanhar o posterior ou posterior ou os preços do JBS (R2 = 0,87) e do MFRG (R2 = 0,63). Para BEEF3 não houve correlação.

Este estudio compara el desempeño técnico y financiero de diferentes sistemas de producción de ganado para carne y evalúa la comercialización oportunista practicada en estos sistemas. Se evaluaron datos de cuatro unidades de producción ubicadas en el sur de Brasil: vaca-cría en pastos nativos (VCPN; 1,155 ha; 1,529 animales); vaca-cría con agricultura (VCA; 1,008 ha; 1,313 animales); recría-engorda (URE; 360 ha; 435 animales); y engorda (UE; 205 ha; 168 animales) así como un sistema integrado que simula los parámetros físicos y económicos de las cuatro unidades (SIA; 2,728 ha; 3,445 animales). Las cuatro unidades independientes fueron consideradas como de comercialización oportunista y el SIA como no oportunistas. El mayor rendimiento se obtuvo para URE (297 kg/ha), seguido de SIA (114 kg/ha), UE (98 kg/ha), VCPN (87 kg/ha) y VCA (83 kg/ha). La VCPN fue la más económicamente eficiente, considerando el margen bruto por kilogramo (MB/kg) (US$ 0.93). El valor del MB/kg del SIA (US$ 0.74) fue un 37 % superior en comparación con la suma del promedio de las cuatro unidades (US$ 0.54), y el SIA tuvo los costos totales de producción por kg más bajos (22.5 %). Se llegó a la conclusión de que cada unidad independiente podría aumentar el MB/kg (37 %) y el MB/ha (3.8 %) y utilizar crías en una unidad de recría-engorda para su posterior venta. Por lo tanto, la integración de los sistemas de producción de carne de res aumenta el margen bruto de las empresas, presentando una ventaja comercial rentable para los empresarios rurales a través de la comercialización no oportunista.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the rejection rates of Zebu bulls during behavioral assessment (libido and serving ability) and the importance of this step in bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE). A total of 1,534 bulls reared in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, of Nelore (1,340), Brahman (76), Guzerá (98), and Tabapuã (210) breeds were evaluated. The evaluation consisted of four steps. Step I was the general physical examination, Step II genital tract examination, Step III semen evaluation, and Step IV behavioral assessment of libido and the ability to complete copulation. To evaluate the relationship between the binary variables of approved or rejected during different steps of the BBSE, and age groups (young and mature bulls), chi-square tests and logistic regression were used. The general rejection rates in the BBSE were 5.64% and 15.20% for young and mature Zebu bulls, respectively. ¬Problems with the sexual behavior (libido and/or serving ability) of bulls accounted for the rejection of 0.46% and 2.29% of young and mature Zebu bulls, respectively. The lack of libido and serving ability was shown to be an important problem concerning the total number of possible causes of Zebu bull rejection during the BBSE. This result suggests that the behavioral step should be performed regularly, rather than being complementary to the standard BBSE in Zebu cattle.

ABSTRACT With the objective of identifying the concerns, attitudes, and opinions of meat buyers and their relationship with their choice of place of purchase (supermarkets, free fair, or butchers), 381 consumers in the city of Garanhuns, Brazil, were interviewed. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and discriminant analysis, complemented by stepwise regression, Wilks’ Lambda test, and Fisher’s linear test. Most of the respondents expressed that inadequate commercialization of meat occurred in free fairs, and the lack of hygiene and the fact that meat was exposed in the environment without refrigeration were the main preoccupations. They also reported that meat consumption without inspection could lead to disease transmission, with pork being considered the most dangerous. Based on the theory of planned behavior, buyers agreed that their attitudes toward the purchase of meat (concern with food safety, price, animal welfare, environment, and slave labor) influenced their purchasing decisions. Regarding the subjective norms, the results indicated that purchase intention could be modulated by the opinion and judgment that other people exercise on the buyer’s choice decision. Regarding perceived control, the respondents said that they were confused at the time of purchase and got irritated after making a purchase that did not satisfy their desires. The factors that differentiated consumers who prefer to buy meat in supermarkets from those who prefer butchers and free fairs are mainly the price of the product, custom/tradition, customer service, and hygiene of the establishment. Buyers who have a lower level of schooling and live in rural areas also tended to buy meat in free fairs.

This research determines which factors most influence the purchase price of bulls in livestock auctions in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Hence, 760 beef bulls sold in eleven different auctions between August and November 2013 were analysed. The data consists of: breed, muscularity (MUSC), frame (FRAME), body condition score (BCS), scrotal circumference (SC) and body weight (BW). Other data such as the animal entry order and the purchase price of the bulls was collected during the auction. A linear generalized model was used to evaluate the interaction of each variable with the purchase price of the bulls. An ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc was used to compare the differences between the categories that influenced the purchase price of bulls and were realized in the software SPSS 20.0. All breeds presented declining prices from the first to the second entry order and increasing purchase prices from the order third to forth. Bulls with large frame received higher purchase prices independent of the auction order, except for the second order of entry, in which medium and small animals were more valued. Angus bulls obtained the highest prices in relation to the breeds Brangus and Hereford. The frame and breed constituted the main phenotypic characteristics that influence in price. In addition, the order of entry of bulls in the ring influence the purchase price.

The bioeconomic efficiency of cow-calf systems was compared by a deterministic dynamic simulation. The simulation model considered stable cow-calf systems differentiated by the maximum age for culling cows, lifetime, culled at 4–13 years old. The necessary supply of metabolizable energy for the herd was established as natural grasslands, cultivated pasture in the winter/spring, and pre-dried pasture produced by the system. The biological efficiency of the systems was considered the ratio between the production of total live weight and the metabolizable energy consumed over one production cycle. Economic efficiency was determined by the ratio between gross margin and production area and the ratio between gross margin and number of cows. Bioeconomic efficiency was determined by a simple linear regression between biological efficiency, economic efficiency per area, and economic efficiency per cow. The efficiency of the animal unit, considering biological efficiency and economic efficiency per area were better in the system that culled cows at 4 years old, while economic efficiency per cow was better in the system that culled cows at 13 years old. In determining the bioeconomic efficiency of the systems, the best results were found in the system that culled cows at 6 years old, which suggests that the best efficiency of a cow-calf herd is reached when the adult age and mature weight of the cow are reached, and there is no more energy used for growing. The results indicate that stable cow-calf herds express their best biological efficiency and economic efficiency per area when the cow culling age is lower. However, economic efficiency per cow depends on cows that remain in the herd as long as possible. The culling age of cow that balances these biological and economic indicators is reached around 5 and half years.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the association of improved native grassland and winter and summer pastures on the weaning rate in beef cattle production. Subsequently, we also verified the socioeconomic and productive characteristics related to the adoption of technologies to increase the weaning rate of the farmers. The survey was conducted with 73 producers of Hereford and Braford cattle in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A data analysis was performed using the minimum ordinal squares method and the regression analysis (Tobit). The results showed that cattle farmers who adopt winter pastures have greater weaning rates, and the factors that influence this adoption are related to a greater number of employees on the farm and the use of a crop-livestock production system. In addition, farmers who receive a greater number of technical assistance visits per year are more likely to adopt winter pastures and improved native grassland. This information can be useful in the formulation of technological dissemination programs that aim at a sustainable production of beef cattle.

O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar o comportamento do consumidor e identificar os níveis dos atributos de qualidade mais relevantes no processo de compra da carne ovina. Através de uma pesquisa com amostra não probabilística por conveniência, foram utilizados dois métodos de entrevistas: presencial com consumidores de uma loja especializada em carnes e questionários online, na cidade de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Ao total, foram entrevistadas 207 pessoas, sendo que 100 responderam o questionário no formato presencial e 107 no formato online. Através do modelo Tobit, em que a variável dependente foi frequência de consumo de carne ovina, observou-se que 114 entrevistados eram consumidores de carne ovina. As principais qualidades da carne ovina foram a maciez, quando o consumo de carne ovina é alto, e odor e sabor quando a frequência de consumo é baixa. A diversidade de cortes foi importante para consumidores que possuem alta frequência de consumo. Em relação à renda, à medida que ela aumenta não ocorre o mesmo com o consumo, demonstrando que a carne ovina é uma concorrente das carnes mais consumidas. Estratégias de marketing da carne ovina podem ser direcionadas para o público que consome com muita frequência carnes em geral, focando no atributo de qualidade, o nível maciez e no atributo de busca, o nível diversidade de cortes e para consumidores com baixa frequência, o atributo experiência nos níveis de sabor e odor.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of the scrotal temperature, sperm quality and testicular blood flow by using infrared thermography and Doppler ultrasonography in bulls submitted to scrotal insulation. Braford bulls (n = 8) at 18 months of age, were assigned into the following groups: insulated for 72 h (G 72; n = 2), 96 h (G 96, n = 2), 120 h (G 120, n = 2), and control animals (CON; n = 2) that remained without insulation. Infrared thermography and Doppler ultrasonography parameters were measured at four different time points: immediately after the scrotal insulation (M0), within 10 min (M10), 30 min (M30) and 60 min (M60) after scrotal insulation. The sperm quality was evaluated weekly (S1/S12). The data were analyzed by ANOVA, t-test (paired) and Pearson's correlation with a significance level of 5%. None of the observed variables were different between the insulated groups (P > 0.05). Insulated animals showed higher scrotal temperature in M0 compared to that in the M10, M30 and M60 periods (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the pulsatility and resistive indexes after scrotal insulation. However, blood flow velocity was higher in M10 compared to that in the M0, M30 and M60 periods (P < 0.05). The sperm quality was higher (P < 0.05) in all twelve collections from the control group compared with the insulated groups. Scrotal insulation resulted in changes in the sperm quality, scrotal temperature and testicular blood flow velocity.

A systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) were performed to evaluate the effects of different energy levels (metabolizable energy, ME) and crude protein (CP), supplied to pregnant cows, on weight of their progenies at 60 (BW60), 100 (BW100), 180 (BW180) and 205 (BW205) days of age, average daily gain (ADG), and weight, age, loin eye area (LEA), marbling and fat thickness (FT) at slaughter. The SR was performed on two electronic databases. The MA for random effects was performed for each response variable separately. The BW60 was reduced (P

ABSTRACT Traditional livestock productivity is hard to estimate, since it depends on a gamut of animal production indicators that are difficult to measure for many farms. Thus, we propose an analytical method for estimating productivity and understanding the importance of animal production indicators under different full-cycle cattle production systems in Brazil. To evaluate the impact of these indicators, equations were derived from a comutational model of herd evolution for estimating the output parameters of the system as follows: productivity per hectare (PH) and offtake rate (COR), as a function of the indicators; calving rate (CR), mating age (AM), age of slaughter (AS) and stocking rate (SR). For this analysis, twenty-seven scenarios (simulation data) of low to high productivity were used, resulting from the combination of the following factors and levels: 1) calving rate of 50, 65 and 80 %; 2) mating age of heifers of one, two and three, years of age; and 3) age at slaughter of one, two and three year old steers. The scenario with the highest impact for each parameter and the indicator of highest impact for each scenario were identified for the production conditions in the region. Under most scenarios, a reduction in mating age had a greater impact on the productivity indexes compared to a reduction in slaughter age. Appropriate management of available technologies enables farmers to compare the marginal impacts of specific indicators on full-cycle production systems for beef cattle.

This study emphasized the importance of using candidate genes in predicting semen quality in bulls that can be used in cow-calf production. The aim of this study was to evaluate some candidate genes related to reproductive traits in Braford and Hereford bulls. All bulls (n=188) were submitted to breeding soundness evaluations at 24, 28, 32, and 36 months of age. The microsatellite markers ILSTS002 and BMS3004 associated with the luteinizing hormone-? (LH?) gene, IDVGA-51 to leptin (LEP) gene, HEL5 and AFZ1 within the IGF-IR gene, and two SNP markers (LHR and FSHR) associated with the LHR and FSHR genes, respectively, were evaluated by the amplification of DNA products. The variation in the IDVGA-51 allele 177-185 showed polymorphic information content (PIC) associated with sperm motility and vigor traits in Hereford bulls. Hereford animals showed PIC of 0.36 to 0.75% along with expected heterozygosity (H) of 0.49 to 0.78%. Braford bulls that indicated the ILSTS002 allele 137-175 and AFZ1 allele 113-119 showed PIC associated with major and minor defects, respectively. The PIC ranged from 0.28 to 0.78%, with an expected H of 0.35 to 0.81%. AFZ1 allele 121-127 had the highest minor defects and ILSTS002 allele 125-135 showed the highest major defects from ejaculated semen in Braford bulls. In addition, IDVGA-51 allele 175 showed lower motility and vigor in Hereford bulls. The markers AFZ1 (IGF-IR) and ILSTS002 (LH?) in Braford and IDVGA-51 (LEP) in Hereford bulls were effective in verifying the reproductive traits of the bulls.

A região Sul se diferencia das demais por ter maior produtividade de leite. A heterogeneidade da produção, a diversidade edafoclimática e ambiental, e as distintas realidades socioeconômicas contribuem para diferenciar as regiões político-administrativas. Objetivou-se espacializar os fatores produtivos e os fatores ambientais e socioeconômicos que melhor discriminam a produção de leite de vaca nos estados do Sul do Brasil. Análises multivariadas foram realizadas para discriminar tanto as variáveis em estudo quanto as mesorregiões e municípios destes estados. As mesorregiões Oeste Catarinense e Noroeste Rio-grandense apresentaram os melhores índices de produção, mas foram discriminadas em baixo nível (35,76%). A formação de cluster por municípios mostrou que Casca, Marau e Santo Cristo da mesorregião Noroeste Rio-grandense e Concórdia, Coronel Freitas, Palmitos e São Lourenço do Oeste da mesorregião Oeste Catarinense apresentaram melhores índices produtivos. Os clusters municipais foram discriminados em alto nível pelos fatores produtivos (98,24%) e pelos fatores ambientais e socioeconômicos (72.75%). As variáveis produtivas foram as mais importantes na discriminação dos clusters municipais. As especificidades e peculiaridades específicas a cada região foram evidenciadas por meio da heterogeneidade dos fatores produtivos, ambientais e socioeconômicos. Portanto, faz-se necessário conceber e implementar inovações tecnológicas específicas à cada região para maximizar a eficiência produtiva e minimizar os efeitos ambientais adversos em rebanhos leiteiros.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo, as características da carcaça, os parâmetros séricos, a depleção residual na carne e a economicidade da terminação de novilhos em confinamento com salinomicina na dieta. Foram confinados 32 animais com dieta constituída de silagem de milho e concentrado (50:50), adicionada ou não de salinomicina (120 mg por animal d-1). O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado com 8 repetições. O uso de salinomicina melhorou o ganho de peso (1,582 vs 1,304 kg) e a conversão alimentar (6,16 vs 7,25 kg kg-1). Não houve alterações significativas no consumo de alimento (9,52 vs 9,25 kg animal d-1), nos parâmetros séricos, tão pouco na digestibilidade aparente da dieta. O período de carência de 16 h antes do abate manifestou concentrações de salinomicina inferiores a 0,25 µg kg-1 nos órgãos e tecidos comestíveis, valores abaixo dos permitidos na legislação. Animais terminados com salinomicina apresentaram maior peso de carcaça quente (287,76 vs 275,81 kg) e melhor resultado econômico, com incremento de R$ 84,20 por animal na margem de lucro. O uso de salinomicina para novilhos em confinamento promoveu melhorias no desempenho produtivo e econômico, sem prejudicar a saúde dos animais e dos consumidores, pois não foram detectados resíduos significantes nos tecidos comestíveis.

The use of diets without roughage in beef feedlot has become common in recent years due to practicality, feasibility and availability of inputs. However, the introduction of roughage that does not harm the operation of the feeding management can bring health benefits to animals and economic gain. This study aimed to evaluate the productive and economic performance of steers finished in feedlot, fed three levels of sugar cane bagasse pellets (SBP) in diets without long-fiber. The treatments consisted of 0%, 7% and 14% of SBP in a mixture of concentrate, comprising 80% whole corn grain plus 20% of a protein core. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. The diet with 0% of SBP promoted lower dry matter intake and weight gain. Feed conversion was similar between treatments, with an average of 6.21 kg-1. The lower dry matter digestibility was found in the diet with 14% of SBP. The introduction of SBP did not change the rumination, averaging 1.9 hours day-1. Animals fed 7% of SBP showed higher fat thickness. Due to the numerical differences between treatments for feed conversion in housing and daily cost of food, the profit margin was maximal in the diet with 0% of SBP, with values of R$ 338.1; R$ 311.6 and R$ 305,1 per animal, respectively 0%, 7% and 14% of SBP. The introduction of SBP promoted improvements in production performance, but did not improve the economic results of steers finished in feedlot.

ABSTRACT 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.

This study evaluated the chemical and fermentation quality of corn and sorghum silage enriched with whole-plant soybeans. Whole soybean proportions of 75%, 50% and 25% were used for ensiling corn or sorghum. The increasing inclusion levels of whole-plant soybeans resulted in a linear increase in the dietary protein content of corn and sorghum silage and in an increase in acid detergent fiber of corn silage, while a decrease was observed in the energy content of corn silage and in neutral detergent fiber content of sorghum silage. The in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility did not differ between soybean inclusion levels in corn or sorghum silage. The addition of whole-plant soybeans increased the pH and N-NH3 concentration of corn and sorghum silage, but maintained the pH at acceptable levels when the inclusion level of whole soybeans was 50%. With respect to chemical composition, whole soybeans can be added to corn and sorghum silage at a proportion of up to 50%, with improvements of the final product.

ABSTRACT: The demand for beef cattle with specific traits is evident from sales in auctions. While purchasing, buyers consider individual traits (e.g., muscularity, frame, racial composition, and weight) as predictors of quality, and adjust their bids according to their preferences. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of phenotypic and racial characteristics in determining the final sale price of calves of beef cattle in official auctions at the western border of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Five-hundred and seven lots of calves sold in calf auctions from five cities on the western border of Rio Grande do Sul were evaluated. The assignment of visual scores was based on their genetic group, frame, muscularity, and coat. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test at 5% significance level were performed for comparing the final average prices. Variables with the greatest impact on price were the genetic group and the size of the animals. Animals of synthetic breeds obtained higher value in the three years studied and animals without racial definition showed considerable devaluation and a decrease in supply. Larger animals had less value.

The aim of this study was to understand the perceptions of Brazilian citizens about the general conditions of animal welfare in the poultry, beef, and dairy supply chains. To reach this aim, an online survey was conducted. The analysis was based on descriptive statistics and three logistic regression models. Results of descriptive statistics showed that citizens in Brazil had mostly negative perceptions about the conditions of animal welfare in the poultry, beef, and dairy supply chains. Results of the logistic regression models showed that citizens with a background in agricultural/veterinary sciences, and citizens who reported a higher level of knowledge about poultry and dairy supply chains were more likely to perceive the general conditions of animal welfare in these two supply chains as being bad. Citizens who reported previous contact with poultry farms were also more likely to perceive the general conditions of animal welfare in the poultry supply chain as being bad. In addition, the perception that farmers are mainly focused on the economic aspect of farming and less on animal welfare, the perception that animals do not have a good quality of life while housed on farms, and the perception that animals are not adequately transported and slaughtered, negatively impact on perceptions about the general conditions of animal welfare in the poultry, beef, and dairy supply chains.

The objective of this study was to determine the main causes of failure in bull breeding using a soundness evaluation in Rio Grande do Sul State/Brazil. We evaluated 19,836 bulls from 15 different breeds with ages ranging from two to eight years. The failures of bulls in each step were analyzed by logistic regression. The binary logistic regression was applied because the response variable had only two responses: Success (1) and Failure (0). Older bulls are more likely to be rejected than are younger bulls, regardless of their genetic group. Depending on the step of the assessment, one or another group is rejected. All steps of bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) are important, with special attention to the failures of the behavioral evaluation (libido and physical ability). A BBSE performed before the breeding season reduces the risk of sub-fertile bulls in the herd.

The complexity of the consumers' behavior has taken the food industry to a new level of dynamism. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence this behavior is decisive for the differentiation of products to niche markets and even to adjust the supply according to consumers' expectancy. This article proposes a conceptual model to identify the factors influencing beef consumption in Brazil. The methodological approach was characterized by a systematic review through a synthesis of research related directly to this topic. Therefore, 76 papers published during the 2000-2014 period, including official documents (statistics), full research papers, abstracts, proceedings, and reports, were selected. Four main factors were related to influences in consumer behavior and/or directly in beef consumption: sociocultural, economic, health/food, and environmental. Among these dimensions, there was an emphasis on recent publications related to health/food and the environment. The compilation and analysis of these papers enabled the conception of the proposed model and suggests the consideration of four main dimensions in beef consumption.

The aim of this experiment was to identify improvement demands for farms with different levels of competitiveness in the west of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. A total of 63 owners of large farms were interviewed (farms with an area greater than 900ha) by applying a semi-structured questionnaire, guided by four drivers: technology (TEC), management (MAN), market relations (MR) and the institutional environment (IE).It was used the Statistical Analysis System 9.2 software to perform the cluster analysis and identify farmers' characteristics. Three random clusters with different levels of competitiveness were observed: low competitiveness level (LCL), middle competitiveness level (MCL) and high competitiveness level (HCL). The 29 variables (sub factors) were evaluated in the cluster analysis according to level of impact on competitiveness, being classified into variables of high, medium or low impact. Stratification was carried out, ranking demands for improvements from aspects attributed by experts in relation to sub factors. The farmers with low competitiveness level (LTL) had an unfavorable status for MAN, while the farmers belonging to clusters MCL and HCL have, respectively, favorable and neutral status for the same driver. The management characteristics determined the level of competitiveness of the farms surveyed

In the present work, with whole plant silage corn at different stages of maturity, aimed to evaluate the mathematical models Exponential, France, Gompertz and Logistic to study the kinetics of gas production in vitro incubations for 24 and 48 hours. A semi-automated in vitro gas production technique was used during one, three, six, eight, ten, 12, 14, 16, 22, 24, 31, 36, 42 and 48 hours of incubation periods. Model adjustment was evaluated by means of mean square of error, mean bias, root mean square prediction error and residual error. The Gompertz mathematical model allowed the best adjustment to describe the gas production kinetics of maize silages, regardless of incubation period. The France model was not adequate to describe gas kinetics of incubation periods equal or lower than 48 hours. The in vitro gas production technique was efficient to detect differences in nutritional value of maize silages from different growth stages. Twenty four hours in vitro incubation periods do not mask treatment effects, whilst 48 hour periods are inadequate to measure silage digestibility.

The aim of this study is to estimate the effects of phenotypic traits on the final price of calves sold at auctions in the region of northern Paraná. Data were collected between April 2011 and April 2012 at 12 auctions, in which 197 lots were offered, totaling 4,289 animals. In this study, only the final prices charged when the deals were closed have been considered. Calves belonging to the British genetic group reached higher marketing value than zebu calves; the largest animals presented higher liquidity; buyers preferred more uniform lots, regardless of the sex of the animals.

Este estudo objetivou analisar e caracterizar a cadeia produtiva da carne ovina do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas com agentes considerados experts na atividade, comparando suas opiniões sobre mercado, comercialização, perfil dos consumidores, percepções sobre o produto, marketing, diferenciação e perspectivas futuras. Os resultados demonstraram certa desestruturação organizacional da cadeia produtiva, decorrente da dificuldade no fluxo de informações entre os agentes e os elos produtivos. Entretanto, o mercado apresenta potencial de crescimento, principalmente se as ações estiverem direcionadas à diferenciação e à agregação de valor, com foco em mercados específicos, marketing responsável e coordenação dos processos produtivos.

O Brasil e os EUA estão entre os principais produtores mundiais de carne bovina. Entretanto, distorções no mercado alimentar decorrentes da presença de barreiras comerciais podem comprometer a competitividade desses países. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a competitividade da carne bovina brasileira e norte-americana, no mercado internacional, entre 1990 e 2008. Para isso, foi utilizado o Índice de Competitividade Revelada (CR) para inferir sobre os efeitos que subsídios, acordos comercias e barreiras sanitárias exercem sobre a competitividade da carne bovina dos respectivos países. Os resultados indicaram que o Brasil obteve vantagens competitivas no período de 1991 a 2008, enquanto que os EUA apresentaram vantagens entre 1993 e 2003. Os acordos comerciais elevaram a competitividade dos países envolvidos, contudo ocorreram diminuições dos índices quando problemas sanitários foram identificados. Em suma, os EUA, mesmo com os altos subsídios fornecidos aos produtores rurais, apresentou desempenho inferior em comparação ao Brasil no mercado mundial da carne bovina.

O trabalho apresenta uma metodologia de avaliação de sistemas de produção através da mensuração da competitividade interna na bovinocultura de corte. Durante o primeiro trimestre de 2010, foram aplicados 65 questionários com pecuaristas, sendo 36 entrevistas na Região Sul (Estado do Rio Grande do Sul) e 29 na Região Norte (Estados do Pará e Rondônia). Foram definidos os principais direcionadores que afetam a competitividade interna - tecnologia, gestão, relações de mercado e ambiente institucional, sendo atribuído um peso específico para cada direcionador, a fim de obter o índice de competitividade. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente pela teoria de resposta ao item e pela análise de correspondência (ANACOR) com o software SPSS®. A Região Sul apresentou uma maior competitividade que a Região Norte. Independente da região, os fatores críticos de competitividade foram: integração lavoura-pecuária, planejamento estratégico, cálculo de indicadores financeiros, formação de preços, acesso a inovações tecnológicas e organização dos produtores.

Nesta pesquisa procurou-se identificar as principais fontes de informação e os atributos de credibilidade e de confiança mais valorizados pelos consumidores de produtos lácteos funcionais do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma survey via internet foi realizada no estado com 423 consumidores. A amostra representa, predominantemente, consumidores do sexo feminino (57,9%), com idade entre 25-44 anos (68,6%), com renda familiar entre 3-10 salários mínimos (48%), com ensino superior (29,8%) ou com pós-graduação (70,2%). Os dados obtidos indicam que os familiares e os médicos e nutricionistas representam os principais grupos de referência para que o consumidor atribua credibilidade e desenvolva confiança sobre os produtos lácteos funcionais. Além disso, tanto a tradição da empresa (e das suas marcas), a "qualidade da embalagem", como a certificação de órgão oficial representam fatores pertinentes na formação da confiança/credibilidade dos benefícios acessados pelo consumo de lácteos funcionais. Finalmente, os resultados indicam que os consumidores utilizam, preponderantemente, os rótulos dos produtos para se manterem informado sobre as características e benefícios dos alimentos funcionais.

The objective of this study was to evaluate performance and biometrics of lambs fed different sources of forage. Twenty-four six-month-old Santa Inês female lambs were randomly allocated to four experimental diets and housed in individual stalls. They weighed on average 26.35±0.20 kg. The diets were coast cross hay (HAY), cassava hay (CAS), dehydrated by-product of pea crop (PEA) and saccharin (SAC). The diets were formulated with the same amount of protein and energy with fixed levels of forage (60%) and concentrate (40%). Adaptation to the diet took 7 days, with 45 days on experiment. Weights and biometric measurements were obtained every fortnight and feed intake three times a week. Rights half-carcasses were weighed and sectioned into retail cuts, rib, loin, shoulder, belly, neck and leg, which were weighed individually. Weight gain in lambs was significantly different between diets, with those fed saccharin gaining more. Overall, treatments did not significantly affect biometric measurements. There was a significant difference for feed intake and live weight at the end of the experiment. Animals fed PEA and SAC showed the best results. Average positive correlations were found between biometric measurements and live weight. Treatment PEA had heavier hot (14.36 kg) and cold (14.01 kg) carcass weights than the other groups. Hot carcass kill-out was higher for animals fed PEA as well as ham weight, belly, neck and heart girth. The weight of the abdominal viscera (%) for lambs fed CAS was greater than those fed SAC and PEA. The weights of the thoracic viscera as well as the liver, for lambs fed PEA were higher. The by-product of pea yielded best results, followed by saccharin, and can replace traditional forage sources in the region, providing similar results in terms of cuts and body components. These could be an alternative for feeding sheep in the dry season. The substitution of forages using by-product of pea and saccharin led to improved productivity over the coast-cross hay available in the Federal District - Brazil.

The objective of this study was to measure and classify the international beef trade. For this, data related to the international chilled boneless beef (CBB) trade, the major and most important market, were analyzed. Producing countries were classified into groups according to their trade relations, and the main factors that influenced one country to prefer to import CBB from a specific exporting country were analyzed. The results revealed four markets related to client demands with regard to the sanitation and traceability of beef products. Furthermore, extrinsic characteristics of the product are discussed, such as a productive system that aims to minimize environmental impacts and to value animal welfare and respect for social demands. The markets that pay highest prices require sanitary quality of suppliers, demanding traceable and process-certified products. Brazil does not access these markets because it does not meet these requirements. To change this scenario it is necessary to eradicate FMD across the Brazilian territory, acquiring a status of a zone with minimal BSE risk, aligning the intrinsic value of the CBB with expectations of consumers and implementing a traceability program that is both feasible and acceptable for clients.

Movement of livestock production within a country or region has implications for genetics, adaptation, well-being, nutrition, and production logistics, particularly in continental-sized countries, such as Brazil. Cattle production in Brazil from 1977 to 2011 was spatialized, and the annual midpoint of production was calculated. Changes in the relative production and acceleration of production were calculated and spatialized using ARCGIS®. Cluster and canonical discriminant analyses were performed to further highlight differences between regions in terms of cattle production. The mean production point has moved from the Center of Minas Gerais State (in the southeast region) to the North of Goiás State (in the Midwest region). This reflects changes in environmental factors, such as pasture type, temperature and humidity. Acceleration in production in the northern region of Brazil has remained strong over the years. More recently, "traditional" cattle-rearing regions, such as the south and southeast, showed a reduction in growth rates as well as a reduction in herd size or internal migration over the period studied. These maps showed that this movement tends to be gradual, with few regions showing high acceleration or deceleration rates.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, using meta-analysis, the main factors related to post-weaning body weight and weight gain that affect pregnancy rate of heifers bred at 18 months of age. Data of 1398 beef heifers from six experiments were analyzed as a set. Information related to methodology and results of each experiment were codified in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The independent variables analyzed were: body weight at seven months of age (BW7M), daily weight gain from seven to 12 months (DWG7-12), body weight at 12 months of age (BW12M), daily weight gain from 12 to 15 months (DWG12-15), body weight at 15 months of age (BW15M), daily weight gain from 15 to 18 months (DWG15-18), daily weight gain from 7 to 18 months (DWG7-18) and body weight at 18 months of age (BW18M). The response variable was pregnancy rate (PR). Body weight at 18 months of age and DWG7-18 showed high correlation with PR and between each other. The other variables presented low correlation with PR. Body weight at first breeding and daily weight gain from seven to 18 months are the most important variables affecting the pregnancy rate of heifers bred at 18 months of age in the autumn. Weaning weight and weight gain during intermediate steps of the post-weaning period are not good predictors of pregnancy rate. Higher pregnancy rates can be obtained provided enough post-weaning weight gain and minimum body weight at first breeding are achieved, irrespective of when weight is gained.

The objective of this study was to analyze the rates of rejection in the different steps of the breeding soundness evaluation of beef bulls in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The breeding soundness of 22,113 young and mature bulls of 14 beef breeds, participating in the Program of Reproductive Evaluation (PARTO) was evaluated in the experiment. Data concerning to the causes of rejection in the four steps of the breeding soundness evaluation (general physical examination, genital tract examination, semen evaluation and sexual behavior assessment) were analyzed by the Chi-square test and univariate regression analysis. According to year, general physical examination, genital tract examination and semen evaluation determined the rejection of 0.9% to 2.5%, 5.1% to 7.7%, 1.8% to 5.3%; and 4.2% to 6.7%, 7.3 to 9.3%, and 2.5% to 5.5% of young and mature bulls, respectively. Mature bulls presented higher chances of rejection than young bulls in the general physical examination in every year evaluated; as to the genital tract examination, their chances of rejection were higher in years I and II, but not in year III. In the semen evaluation, there was no difference between the ages assessed in any of the three years evaluated. Sexual behavior assessment accounted for the rejection of 1.9 to 6.0% of the young bulls and 2.9% to 3.9% of mature bulls, in accordance with the years evaluated; in years I and II, mature bulls presented higher rejection rates than young bulls. These results confirm the importance of performing all steps of the breeding soundness evaluation, including the sexual behavior assessment as a work routine, rather than an additional, optional stage of the evaluation, which should be carried out before the breeding season. The results indicate the relationship between bull age and rejection rate in the breeding soundness evaluation.

Nesta pesquisa procurou-se identificar as principais motivações de consumo, benefícios mais valorizados e o grau de satisfação dos consumidores de produtos lácteos funcionais. Uma survey via Internet foi realizada com 423 consumidores. A amostra representa, predominantemente, consumidores do sexo feminino (57,9%), com idade entre 25-44 anos (68,6%), com renda familiar entre 3-10 salários mínimos (48%), com ensino superior (29,8%) ou com pós-graduação (70,2%). Os principais resultados auferidos neste estudo indicam que a principal motivação de consumo está relacionada à "manter hábitos de vida saudáveis" e o benefício funcional mais valorizado nessa categoria de produtos é o auxílio no funcionamento do intestino -relacionado ao consumo de fibras alimentares. Finalmente, 54,9% dos consumidores entrevistados declaram-se "satisfeitos" e "muito satisfeitos" com os benefícios percebidos após o consumo dessa categoria de produto.

An index was developed to estimate the bioeconomic efficiency of production systems, identifying alternative scenarios that could improve their efficiency, and building isoefficiency relations in beef cattle production systems in Rio Grande do Sul. The concept of return on investment was used to develop the indicator. Scenarios regarded as efficient showed values higher than 3. The bioeconomic efficiency index for beef cattle production in the theoretical reference scenario was considered inefficient. At least four modifications in the variables method made it a bioeconomically efficient activity. These circumstances were studied using sensitivity analyses, with theoretical changes in the scenarios by changing variables two by two, while the others were kept constant. In Rio Grande do Sul, alternatives that make the activity efficient were identified by changing productivity, production cost, land price and product price. Isoefficiency relationships were identified in other scenarios. The application of this indicator in other agricultural activities, as well as the design of bioefficiency studies including both environmental and social welfare characteristics are recommended.

The objective of this study was to determine consumers understanding of beef traceability, identifying how consumers value this meat and traceability elements to be presented on retail shelves. The method used in this study was a survey through the internet applying the Sphinx software. The sample consisted of 417 consumers, mostly living in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Consumers are aware of certified beef, consider it important, but this is not a demand. As to traced beef, most consumers (62.4%) are in favor of mandatory traceability of beef cattle in Brazil, but 86.6% disagree with the destination of traced beef only to the foreign market. The majority of people are willing to pay more for traced beef and consider traceability a market opportunity, used as a differentiating tool.

Um experimento foi conduzido utilizando-se a técnica semiautomática de produção cumulativa de gás in vitro com o objetivo de avaliar a combinação da suplementação energética com a proteica em dietas à base de um volumoso de baixa qualidade, feno de capim-tifton (Cynodon dactylon L.), com 7,69% de proteína bruta, 70,34% de fibra em detergente neutro e 57,98% de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica. Foram avaliadas duas fontes de proteína degradável no rúmen (ureia ou proteína isolada de soja); quatro níveis de grão de milho moído (0, 20, 40 e 60%) e quatro níveis suplementares de proteína degradável no rúmen (0; 2,8; 5,6 e 8,4%) em delineamento completamente casualizado em um fatorial 2 × 4 × 4. A digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica aumentou linearmente em resposta à inclusão de milho com inclinação maior utilizando proteína isolada de soja. O fator de partição foi superior com proteína isolada de soja e foi detectado aumento linear em resposta ao aumento da proteína degradável com 20% de milho. A produção máxima de gás da fração de rápida (A) e de lenta (D) degradação aumentou linearmente em resposta à inclusão de milho, com proteína isolada de soja, e quadraticamente com ureia. A taxa de degradação de A aumentou com a inclusão de até 20% de milho e a taxa de degradação de D foi maior com ureia. O lag-time de A aumentou linearmente em resposta a inclusão de milho e no lag-time de D foi observada diminuição com até 20% de milho sem alterações em níveis superiores. A suplementação com até 60% de milho moído foi benéfica para a digestibilidade de dietas com volumoso de baixa qualidade. A associação entre energia e proteína foi benéfica em alguns parâmetros estudados. A ureia gerou melhores respostas em níveis moderados de grão de milho moído.It was conducted an experiment using the semi-automatic in vitro cumulative gas production with the objective of evaluating the combination of energy and protein supplementations in diets based on low quality roughage, Tifton hay (Cynodon dactylon L.), with 7.69% of crude protein; 70.34% of neutral detergent fiber and 57.98% of organic matter in vitro digestibility. It was evaluated two sources of rumen degradable protein (urea or isolated soybean protein); four levels of ground corn grain (0, 20, 40 and 60%) and four supplementary levels of rumen degradable protein (0; 2.8; 5.6 and 8.4%) in complete random design in a 2 × 4 × 4 factorial arrangement. The organic matter in vitro digestibility increased linearly in response to grain corn inclusion with a greater slope by using isolated soybean protein. The partitioning factor was higher with isolated soybean protein and it was detected a linear increase in response to increasing rumen degradable protein with 20% of grain corn. The maximum gas production of the fraction of fast (A) and slow (D) degradation increased linearly in response to the grain corn inclusion, with isolated soybean protein, and it quadratically increased with urea. The A degradation rate was increased with inclusion of up to 20% of grain corn and the degradation rate of D was higher with urea. The A lag-time increased linearly with the inclusion of grain corn and in the D lag-time it was observed a decrease with up to 20% of grain corn unchanged at high levels. The supplementation with up to 60% of grain corn was beneficial to digestibility of diets with low quality roughage. The association between energy and protein supplementation was positive in some studied parameters. Urea gave better responses at moderate levels of ground grain corn.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar os principais fatores internos (custos, receitas, viabilidade técnico-econômica e uso de inovações tecnológicas) que afetam a competitividade da bovinocultura de corte em um sistema de produção de ciclo completo no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados foram coletados durante o ano de 2008, a partir de reuniões mensais entre os meses de janeiro e dezembro. Posteriormente, os dados foram analisados em planilhas eletrônicas. Os custos foram subdivididos em desembolsados, operacionais e totais e as receitas por categoria e total. Dentre os custos avaliados, destacaram-se o custo de oportunidade da terra, mão-de-obra e suplementação animal, com valores de 19,9%, 18,3% e 13,6%, respectivamente, em relação ao custo total. Foram calculados os principais indicadores financeiros e técnicos utilizados comumente em análise de sistemas de produção. As margens econômicas (bruta, operacional e líquida), assim como a lucratividade e rentabilidade sobre o patrimônio líquido, foram positivos, o que demonstra a viabilidade econômica da atividade. Ao mesmo tempo, indicadores técnicos, como a taxa de desfrute e a produtividade/ha, apresentaram valores satisfatórios. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que os fatores internos avaliados foram extremamente competitivos para o sistema em questão.The present research aimed to identify the main internal factors (costs, income, techno-economic feasibility and technologic innovation use) which affect the beef cattle activity competitiveness in a complete cycle production system in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The data was collected during the year of 2008 based on monthly meetings between the months of January and December. Later the data was analyzed in eletronic spreadsheets. The costs were subdivided in disbursed, operating and total costs and the income in category and total. Among the evaluated costs, the land opportunity cost, labor force and animal supplementation with values of 19.9%, 18.3%, 13.6% respectively, can be pointed out in relation to total cost. The main financial and technical indicators commonly used in production systems analysis were calculated. The economic margins (gross, operating and net), as well as the profitability over the net worth were positive which show economic feasibility in the activity. At the same time, technical indicators as the output rate and the productivity/ha showed satisfactory values. Thus it can be concluded that the evaluated internal factors were very competitive for the studied system.

O trabalho foi realizado para caracterizar a gordura intramuscular dos cortes contrafilé, picanha e costela de seis marcas comerciais (A, B, C, D, E e F) de carne bovina comercializadas no município de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. As amostras foram coletadas em uma rede de hipermercados. As marcas A e B foram associadas a animais de raças britânicas, as marcas C e D de animais de raças européias produzidos em sistema convencional e orgânico, respectivamente, e provenientes do Uruguai e as marcas E e F de animais sem raça definida e sistema de alimentação não identificado, obtidas em um frigorífico regional e em uma rede de hipermercados, respectivamente. As amostras foram desossadas, moídas, embaladas a vácuo e armazenadas em temperatura de resfriamento até o momento das análises. Em cada amostra foram realizadas a extração dos lipídios e a identificação dos ácidos graxos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 6 × 3 e os dados analisados pelo procedimento GLM do aplicativo computacional SAS. Não houve interação significativa entre cortes e marcas para o perfil lipídico dos cortes comerciais. O percentual lipídico foi de 0,95; 3,01 e 0,97% nos cortes contrafilé, costela e picanha, respectivamente. A costela apresentou maior percentual de ácidos graxos (AG) saturados e maior estimativa da D9 desaturase a partir do C16:0 e C18:0. O maior percentual de C18:2 cis-9, trans 11, ácido linoleico conjugado, CLA, n-6 e n-3 foi encontrado na picanha. A marca F apresentou maior grau de saturação e a marca D, maior valor de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados, relação poliinsaturados/saturados e trans18 e menor valor de ácidos graxos saturados. Houve interação significativa entre corte e marca para o conteúdo de CLA, sendo o maior conteúdo encontrado no contrafilé da marca F. As características da gordura intramuscular da carne bovina dependem do corte e da marca comercial.The objective of this work was to characterize the intramuscular fat of short loin, ramp loin and rib and six commercial brands (A, B, C, D, E and F) of beef commercialized in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Samples were collected from a supermarket chain. The brands A and B were associated with British animals breeds, the brands C and D were from European animals breeds produced in conventional and organic system, respectively, from Uruguay, while the brands E and F were derived from non specific breed and unidentified feeding system, obtained in a slaughterhouse and a regional chain of supermarkets, respectively. The samples were deboned, ground, vacuum packed and stored in cooling temperature until the moment of analysis. In each sample were extracted lipids and fatty acids were identified. The experimental design was a completely randomized, with a 6 × 3 factorial arrangement and analyzed by the GLM procedure of SAS computing application. Regarding lipid profile no significant interaction were found among cuts and brands of commercial cuts. The lipid percentage was 0.95; 3.01 and 0.97% in short loin, ribs and ramp loin cuts. Rib presented the greatest percentage of saturated fatty acids (FA) and the greatest estimate of D9 desaturase from C16:0 and C18:0. The highest percentage of C18:2 cis-9, trans 11, conjugated linoleic acid, CLA, n-6 and n-3 was found in ramp loin. Brand F showed a higher degree of saturation, while the brand D showed higher polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated/saturated ratio and trans18 and the lowest saturated fatty acids. There was a significant interaction between cuts and brands for the content of CLA, with the highest content found in the short loin of brand F. The characteristics of intramuscular beef fat depending on the cuts and the commercial brands.

Foi avaliada a utilização de cinco níveis de casca proteinada de soja (0, 4, 8, 12 e 16%) em substituição ao farelo de soja em dietas para ovinos em confinamento. Foram avaliados o desempenho, o consumo, a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e os balanços energético e nitrogenado em função da dieta. Vinte cordeiros da raça Texel, com peso vivo médio inicial de 28 kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. A dieta foi composta de 30% de volumoso e 70% de concentrado. O farelo de soja dos concentrados foi gradativamente substituído pela cascaproteinada de soja (CPS). O consumo de nutrientes, a conversão alimentar e o ganho de peso não foram influenciados pelo aumento do nível de inclusão da CPS na dieta. Os níveis de CPS também não influenciaram as digestibilidades da MS, MO, N (PB), FDN e EB e osbalanços energético e nitrogenado. The aim was to evaluate the use of five levels of soybean protein hulls (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16%) in place of soybean meal in diets for sheep in confinement. We evaluated the performance, intake, nutrient digestibility and, energy and nitrogen balance in terms of diet. Twenty Texel lambs with an average weight of 28 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with four replications. The diet consisted of 30% roughage and 70% concentrate. The soybean meal in the concentrates was gradually replaced by soybean protein hulls (SPH). Nutrient intake, feed-to-gain ratio and weight gain were not affected by increasing the inclusion level of SPH en the diet. SPH levels also did not influence the digestibility of DM, OM, N (CP),NDF and GE and the energy and nitrogen balance.

It was evaluated the bioeconomic impact of the breeding soundness evaluation on beef cattle production in southern Brazil. Two similar production systems, with and without the use of breeding soundness evaluation, were compared during 4 years in the municipality of Júlio e Castilhos. The rate of unsound bulls in the first examination was 22.8%. By performing the examination, calf production increased by 31%, 13.8 calves/bull/year and 24 kg of calves/cow/year. The benefit/cost ratio on the investment with the breeding soundness evaluation was R$ 35.84. The breeding soundness evaluation improves bioeconomic aspects of beef cow-calf systems.Avaliou-se o impacto bioeconômico do exame andrológico na produção de bovinos de corte no Sul do Brasil. Foram comparados dois sistemas de produção similares com e sem a adoção do exame andrológico durante quatro anos no município de Júlio e Castilhos. A taxa de touros inaptos no primeiro exame foi de 22,8%. Com a realização do exame, obteve-se aumento de 31% na produção de bezerros, 13,8 bezerros/touro/ano e 24 kg de bezerros/vaca/ano. A relação benefício/custo sobre o investimento com o exame andrológico foi de R$ 35,84. O exame andrológico melhora os aspectos bioeconômicos de sistemas de cria de bovinos de corte.

It was evaluated statistical models with different assumptions to define the one that best describes the presence of genotype × environment interaction on adjusted post-weaning weight gain (PWG345) of Hereford cattle, through the study of reactions norms to the environment, obtained by random regression using a Bayesian approach. Four reaction norms hierarchical models (RNHM) were used through the INTERGEN program. The RNHM K uses the solutions of contemporary groups previously estimated by the standard animal model (AM) and considers them as environmental level for predicting the reaction norms and the RNHM S, which jointly estimate these two sets of unknowns. For both models, two versions were considered, one with a homogeneous (hm) and another with a heterogeneous (ht) residual variance. Based on the deviance information criterion and Bayes factor, RNHMs hm showed the best fit to the data, and by the deviance based on conditional predictive ordinate, the best fit was the RNHM Kht, whereas, by all the three criteria used, the worst fit was obtained by using the standard animal model. Heritabilities estimated on RNHM were increasing in the environmental gradients for PWG345, at -60 kg, 0 and +60 kg. The genetic correlation estimated between the level and slope of reaction norms was high, from 0.97 to 0.99, characterizing a scale effect on genotype × environment interaction. The reaction norms hierarchical models are efficient to describe the changes in variance components due to the environment and to describe the presence of genotype × environment interaction on PWG345 trait of Hereford cattle.Avaliaram-se modelos estatísticos com diferentes pressuposições para definir o que melhor descreva a presença de interação genótipo × ambiente no ganho de peso pós-desmama ajustado (GPD345) de bovinos Hereford, mediante o estudo de normas de reação ao ambiente, obtidas por regressão aleatória, usando uma abordagem bayesiana. Quatro modelos hierárquicos de normas de reação (MHNR) foram empregados por meio do programa INTERGEN. O MHNR K utiliza as soluções de grupos contemporâneos estimadas previamente pelo modelo animal padrão (MA) e as considera como nível ambiental para predizer as normas de reação e o MHNR S, que estima simultaneamente esses dois conjuntos de incógnitas. Para ambos os modelos, foram consideradas duas versões, uma com variância residual homogênea (hm) e outra heterogênea (ht). Pelo critério de informação da deviance e fator de Bayes, o MHRN Shm apresentou melhor ajuste aos dados e, pela deviance baseada na ordenada preditiva condicional, o melhor ajuste foi do MHNR Kht, enquanto, pelos três critérios, o pior ajuste foi obtido pelo modelo animal padrão. As herdabilidades estimadas nos MHNR foram crescentes nos gradientes ambientais em GPD345 de -60; 0 e +60 kg. As correlações genéticas estimadas entre o nível e inclinação das normas de reação foram de alta magnitude, entre 0,97 e 0,99, caracterizando efeito de escala em interação genótipo × ambiente. Os modelos hierárquicos de normas de reação são eficientes para descrever as alterações nos componentes de variância decorrentes do ambiente e para descrever a presença de interação genótipo × ambiente na característica GPD345 em bovinos Hereford.

The objectives of this research were to analyse data on the international market of frozen boneless beef and to classify its participants into groups according to their trade relationships, identifying the main factors that influence the preference of a country to beef from a determined supplier country. International beef trade is composed of two markets: in one of them, the relationships between supplier and client depend on the lowest price, and Brazil is found in favorable conditions; and the other, the relationships are preferably based on the sanitary quality of the herd and traceability systems recognized by the purchaser, to which Brazilian participation is low.Os objetivos nesta pesquisa foram analisar os dados referentes ao mercado internacional de carne bovina congelada desossada e classificar seus participantes em grupos de acordo com suas relações comerciais elencando os principais fatores que influenciam a preferência de um país pela carne bovina de determinado país fornecedor. O comércio internacional de carne bovina é composto de dois mercados: num deles as relações entre fornecedor e cliente dependem do menor preço e Brasil encontra-se em condições favoráveis; e no outro as relações se dão preferencialmente em razão da qualidade sanitária do rebanho e de sistemas de rastreabilidade reconhecidos pelo comprador, cuja participação do Brasil é pequena.

It was evaluated in this work the effect of calving sub-season on the pregnancy rate of 7,726 multiparous Hereford beef cows grazing on natural pastures in southern Brazil, from 1994 to 2007. Calving sub-season periods were divided in 20-day intervals from August 12th to 31st; from September 1st to 20th; from September 21st to October 10th; from October 11th to 31st; from November 1st to 20th. Calving in each sub-season and pregnancy rate (PR) were analyzed by the Chi-square test. Overall means of each sub-season were 92.7% (from August 12th to 31st), 90.6% (from September 1st to 20th), 82.1% (from September 21st to October 10th), 77.7% (from October 11th to 31st), and 70.6% (from November 1st to 20th). Calving sub-season significantly influenced pregnancy rate. Cows which calved in the initial sub-season showed higher pregnancy rates than cows which calved from the fourth calving sub-season. However this difference did not occur in 1999 and in 2007 since calving rates did not statistically differ among the five sub-seasons. In 1998 and 2004, calving rates were lower and the effects of calving sub-season on pregnancy rates were higher, possibly due to climate variations. In general, pregnancy rate decreases as calving occurs later in the year, particularly in years when the weather adversely affects pasture growth.Avaliou-se o efeito da subépoca de parição sobre a taxa de prenhez de 7.726 vacas de corte multíparas Hereford mantidas em campo natural no Sul do Brasil, entre os anos de 1994 e 2007. As subépocas foram divididas em intervalos de 20 dias: de 12 a 31 de agosto; de 1 a 20 de setembro; 21 de setembro a 10 de outubro; 11 a 31 de outubro; e 1 a 20 de novembro. Foram analisados os partos ocorridos na subépoca de parição e a taxa de prenhez (PR) pelo qui-quadrado. As médias gerais de cada subépoca foram 92.7% (12 a 31 de agosto), 90.6% (1 a 20 de setembro), 82.1% (21 de setembro a 10 de outubro), 77.7% (11 a 31 de outubro) e 70.6% (1 a 20 de novembro), respectivamente. Houve efeito significativo da subépoca de partos sobre a taxa de prenhez. As vacas que pariram nas primeiras subépocas apresentaram maiores taxas de prenhez em relação às que pariram a partir da quarta subépoca de parição. No entanto, essa diferença não se manteve nos anos de 1999 e 2007, uma vez que as taxas de prenhez não diferiram estatisticamente nas cinco subépocas. Nos anos de 1998 e 2004, as taxas de prenhez foram menores e os efeitos da subépoca de parição sobre a taxa de prenhez foram de maior magnitude, possivelmente em decorrência de variações climáticas. De modo geral, as taxas de prenhez diminuem com o avanço da data de parto dentro do ano, sobretudo nos anos de eventos climáticos desfavoráveis ao crescimento do pasto.

Avaliaram-se as características sensoriais da carne de novilhos não-castrados ou castrados terminados em confinamento e abatidos aos 16 (superjovens) ou 26 (jovens) meses de idade. A dieta com relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50 continha 11,8% de proteína bruta e 2,83 Mcal de energia digestível/kg de matéria seca. A maior amplitude do pH final da carne foi observada nos novilhos jovens e a menor, nos superjovens. A carne dos animais não-castrados, independentemente da idade de abate, foi mais escura, mais grosseira e com menor grau de marmorização em comparação à dos castrados. A carne dos animais castrados teve maior perda de líquidos durante o processo de descongelamento em relação à dos não-castrados (8,55 vs 4,99%). Ocorreu interação entre categoria e sexo do animal para perda de líquido durante a cocção, palatabilidade e suculência. Novilhos jovens não-castrados apresentaram maior quebra à cocção, carne menos palatável e menos suculenta em relação aos jovens castrados e aos superjovens castrados e não-castrados. A redução da idade de abate de 26 para 16 meses de idade, independentemente da condição sexual, melhora a maciez da carne avaliada pelo painel de degustadores.It was evaluated in this work the sensorial characteristics of the meat of non-castrate or castrated males feedlot finished and slaughtered at 16 (young steers) or 26 (steers) months old. The diet with 50 roughage: 50concentrate contained 11.8% of crude protein and 2.83 Mcal of digestible energy/kg of dry matter. The highest amplitude of the final pH of the meat was noted on the steers, and the lowest on the young steers. The meat of the non-castrate males, regardless to the age at slaughter, was darker, coarser and showed lower marbling degree than the meat of the castrated animals. Thawing loss was higher for the meat of the castrated animals(8.55 vs 4.99%). There was interaction among categories and sex for cooking loss, palatability and juiciness. Meat of the older non-castrate males showed higher cooking loss, it was less palatable and less juicy regarded to the meat of the older castrated and the younger castrated or non-castrate males. Reduction of slaughtering age from 26 to 16 months old, regardless to sexual condition, improves meat tenderness evaluated by taste panel.

Um modelo de simulação foi desenvolvido e validado com o objetivo de conhecer e predizer o desempenho produtivo de bovinos machos castrados com diferentes pesos e idades iniciais mantidos sobre pastagens cultivadas Panicum sp. e Brachiaria sp. em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. O modelo incluiu relações diretas entre os dois componentes principais (animal e forragem) e relações indiretas entre outros dois componentes (clima e solo). O componente animal incluiu: consumo de matéria seca de forragem, consumo de suplemento, carga animal, peso e idade inicial dos animais, biótipo (peso adulto e peso ao nascimento) e exigências de energia para mantença e produção animal (ganho de peso). O componente forragem incluiu: crescimento, senescência, digestibilidade e disponibilidade. Os resultados obtidos com o modelo foram comparados a dados experimentais obtidos da literatura em condições semelhantes e indicaram baixo (35%) erro percentual de estimação. O modelo possibilita avaliar determinadas estratégias nutricionais e, desta forma, auxilia em decisões que dependem do ganho de peso dos animais e das condições da pastagem no decorrer do tempo.A simulation model was developed and validated with the objective of evaluating and predicting the productive performance of steers with different weights and initial ages kept on Panicum sp. or Brachiaria sp. cultivated pastures in tropical and subtropical regions. The model established the direct relationships between two main components (animal and fodder plant) and two indirect components (climate and soil). The animal component included: intake of forage dry matter, supplement intake, stocking rate, initial weight and age of the animals, biotype (adult weight and weight at birth), energy requirement for maintenance and production (live weight gain). The forage components included: growth, senescence, digestibility and availability. The results obtained with the model were compared to those obtained in the literature under similar conditions in Brazil and a low percentage of estimated error was found (35%). The model is an adequate tool to evaluate certain nutritional strategies and thus to assist in decisions that depend on the weight gain of the animals and pasture conditions over time.

Um modelo de simulação bioeconômico foi desenvolvido em um sistema de produção tradicional em pecuária de cria (SPT) para a aplicação da metodologia dos centros de custos com o objetivo de avaliar sua sensibilidade mediante a introdução de tecnologias de desmame precoce em vacas primíparas (SDP), campo melhorado para vacas primíparas e metade do lote das vacas secundíparas (SCM) e suplementação protéica para novilhas de reposição (SSP) destinadas a aumentar a taxa de prenhez neste sistema (SPT). As informações do desempenho biológico foram obtidas por meio de revisão bibliográfica sobre os indicadores de produção e os dados econômicos e de custos foram obtidos a partir de valores de mercado. As entradas do modelo foram: estrutura do rebanho; custos de produção; e tecnologias de produção. As saídas do modelo foram: custo operacional (CO); custo de desembolso (CD); custo de produção por centro (CPC); custo unitário por bezerro (CUB); custo por quilo desmamado (C/kg); custo anual por vaca (CAV); ponto de equilíbrio financeiro (PEF), margem operacional (MO), taxa de prenhez (TP), taxa de desmame (TD), produtividade/vaca (Pr), número de bezerros desmamados (NBD), ponto de equilíbrio em bezerros (PEB) e produção total em quilos (PT). A utilização da metodologia dos centros de custos se mostrou sensível ao identificar variações nos indicadores técnicos e econômicos e nos custos de cada centro produtivo. A introdução do SDP, SCM e SSP melhorou os indicadores técnicos e a margem operacional e, ao mesmo tempo, apresentou relação direta com as variações nos centros de custo, comprovando a sensibilidade da metodologia de custeio em relação ao impacto no SPT.A bioeconomical simulation model was developed in a traditional cow-calf production system (TPS) for the application of cost center methodology with the objective of evaluating its sensibility by the introduction of early weaning technologies in primiparous cows (EWS), improved pasture for primiparous cows and half lot of secundiparous cows (IPS) and protein supplementation for replacement heifers (PSS). All technologies were used to increase the pregnancy rate in this system (TPS). Data on biological performance was obtained from a bibliographic review on production indicators and cost and economic values were obtained from market. The inputs of the model were: herd structure, production costs and production technology. The outputs of the model were: operational cost (OC); expenditure cost (EC); production costs per center (PCC); unitary cost per calf (UCC); cost per weaned kilo (WC/kg); annual cost per cow (ACC); financial break-even (FBE), operational margin (OM), pregnancy rate (PT), calf crop (CC), productivity/cow (P/C), number of weaned calves (NWC), calves break-even (CBE) and total production in kilos (TP/kg). The use of the cost center methodology was sensitive in identifying variations in the technical economic indicators and in the costs of each productive center. The introduction of EWS, IPS and PSS showed in the increase of technical indicators and in the operational margin, presented a straight relation with the changing in the cost centers, proving the sensibility of the costs methodology in relation to the impact in TPS.