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Context Length of productive life is defined as the number of days from first calving to the last day of milking records, when the cow is no longer sufficiently productive. Although it has economic implications, length of productive life has not yet been included in Brazilian dairy cattle breeding programs because it depends on other traits such as age at first calving, milk production level and disease occurrence. In addition, its evaluation occurs later in life, and heritability coefficients are low. Aims The aim of this study was to identify the effects of both age at first calving and accumulated 305-day milk yield in the first lactation on length of productive life in Holstein cows. Methods Official dairy control data of 31 562 Holstein cows, calved from 2010 to 2014, in 321 herds from Paraná state, Brazil, were analysed by using the Kaplan–Meier estimator and Cox regression model. Key results First calving at 12 024 kg) had lower culling risk at the first lactation. Conclusions Cows that started their reproductive life ∼16 months of age (first calving at 24 months) had the longest productive life and an average first lactation milk yield ∼9000 kg. Implications Reproductive management practices could affect length of productive life through effects on age at first calving and first lactation milk yield. Most of the Holstein semen used in Brazil comes from countries where longevity has already been included in selection indexes; thus, early identification of cow longevity could be used for culling decisions.

The sea-bob shrimp is a shallow-water species whose population dynamics along the southern and southeastern coasts of Brazil is influenced by the upwelling of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW). Since the SACW does not reach our study area, we hypothesize that life cycle and distribution patterns are dominated by the local regime of estuarine plumes. Also, we would expect higher biomasses and larger individuals in autumn due to the closed fishing season. We conducted a survey for a year, consisting of 20 monthly trawling hauls. Spawning peaks occurred in spring and autumn, related to rainy periods with greater estuarine loads of particulate material and phytoplankton production. The relative abundance of larger individuals increased with depth, while juveniles concentrated at shallower sites. Size classes prior to the closed season were affected by increased fishing during summer due to tourist demand. Water transparency and bottom temperature were the main factors controlling the distribution and life cycle of sea-bob shrimp. Seasonal changes in biomass could be related to the inshore–offshore migrations of the type-3 life cycle, compounded by the impacts of fishing. Thus, fishing and local hydrography can drive life cycle and distribution patterns of the species, with important management implications.

The aim of this study was to evaluate random regression models to estimate genetic parameters for body weight and hip height in Nellore females and identify the best time to select these characteristics for adult size control. The dataset comprised 33,569 body weight and 31,804 height records from 3,860 and 3,487 females, respectively. Contemporary group and physiological state (for body weight analysis) were modeled as fixed effects, whereas age at birth (both linear and quadratic effects) and Legendre polynomials of age at (k = 4) as covariates. Random effects, including the additive genetic effects, and the animal permanent environment effect and the dam (for body weight analysis), were also included in the model. Random effects were modeled by Legendre polynomials of degree k in [3, 6], while residues were considered to be homogeneous or heterogeneous. The best model for body weight included heterogeneous residual variance with 21 classes and Legendre polynomials of degree k = 3, k = 6 and k = 1 for the additive genetic effects, animal and maternal permanent environment effects, respectively. The best model for hip height included homogeneous residual variance and Legendre polynomials of degree k = 4 and k = 3 for the additive genetic effects and animal permanent environment effect, respectively. Heritability estimates were moderate to high and suggest the studied characteristics could be used for maintaining cow size, being the selection at 3 years sufficient to get the desired size.

Context Most Brazilian beef breeding programs perform selection for young bodyweight, which will inevitably increase mature weight due to the genetic correlation among weights at different ages. Aims The objective of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters for bodyweight from birth to maturity in Gir, Guzerat, Nelore and Caracu cows born between 1981 and 2014 at Centro APTA Bovinos de Corte, Instituto de Zootecnia, Sertãozinho, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods The model included the fixed effects of contemporary group (herd and year of birth), month of birth and previous reproductive status (calved = 1, or not calved = 0), the linear and quadratic effects of animal and cow age as covariates, and direct additive genetic, maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects as random effects. The genetic parameters were estimated by univariate analysis of weights adjusted at birth, and at 120, 210, 378, 450 and 550 days of age, and annually from 2 to 10 years. In addition, multivariate analysis was performed considering weights at birth, and at 210 and 550 days, and at 5 years of age for all breeds. Key results For the different breeds, the heritability estimates ranged from 0.28 to 0.49 for birthweight, from 0.11 to 0.31 for weaning weight, from 0.25 to 0.43 for yearling weight, and from 0.25 to 0.69 for weights from 2 to 10 years of age. The genetic correlations were high and positive, indicating that selection at any age will affect weights at the other ages. Conclusions The results suggest the possibility of genetic progress for weights at different ages and the use of the young weights to monitor the mature weight of the animals. Implications As the trait most strongly correlated with mature weight was yearling weight, already used as the selection criteria for females in the breeding program of the Instituto de Zootecnia, selection indexes should be derived to keep the mature cow weight constant, since heavier cows could be undesirable for pasture-based Brazilian production systems.

The aim of this study was to estimate the coefficients of heritability and genetic correlations among visual scores (conformation, CPW; precocity, PPW; musculature, MPW) and reproductive traits: age at first lambing (AFL) and scrotal circumference (SC) evaluated at 180 days of age in Suffolk lambs. In the statistical model only the additive genetic effect was considered as random effect. The heritability estimates by univariate analyses for CPW, PPW, MPW, AFL and SC were 0.08, 0.12, 0.09, 0.20 and 0.22, respectively. The genetic correlations among AFL and CPW, PPW, MPW were -0.26, 0.19, and 0.08, respectively. The genetic correlation among SC and CPW, PPW, MPW were, respectively, 0.54, 0.88 and 0.86, and between AFL and SC was 0.26. The direct selection for conformation, precocity and musculature at 180 days of age and age at first lambing will provide slow genetic progress due to low heritability estimates. It is possible to obtain genetic gain in sexual precocity through selection on scrotal circumference in Suffolk rams. The favorable genetic correlation among visual scores and SC and between CPW and AFL, indicated the possibility to gain in genetic progress for reproductive traits through indirect selection of the visual scores in Suffolk sheep.

Objetivou-se estimar os coeficientes de herdabilidade e correlação genética entre os pesos ao nascer (PN) e à desmama (PD) de cordeiros mestiços Suffolk, pertencentes a rebanho experimental. Assim, foram testados quatro modelos, os quais consideraram o efeito genético aditivo direto (Modelo 1), os efeitos genético direto e de ambiente permanente materno (Modelo 2), os efeitos aditivo direto, de ambiente permanente e genético materno (cov a,m=0) (Modelo 3), e no Modelo 4, além daqueles contemplados no Modelo 3, foi considerada cov a,m≠0. Após comparar os modelos por meio do teste de razão de verossimilhança (LRT), observou-se que o 3 foi o mais adequado, sendo que as estimativas de herdabilidade foram de baixa magnitude para PN e PD, iguais a 0,08±0,009 e 0,24±0,17, respectivamente, indicando pequena possibilidade de resposta à seleção direta. Da mesma maneira, o coeficiente de correlação genética entre estas características foi 0,43±0,39, resultado que implica pequena possibilidade de resposta correlacionada. A inclusão dos efeitos maternos é necessária para a estimação adequada de parâmetros genéticos para as características avaliadas. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability and genetic correlation coefficients between weights at birth (BW) and weaning (WW) in Suffolk crossbred lambs, which belonged to an experimental herd. Thus, four different animal models were fitted, including the direct additive genetic effect (Model 1), the direct additive genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects (Model 2), the direct additive, permanent environmental and maternal genetic effects (cov a,m=0) (Model 3), and in Model 4, in addition to those in Model 3, cov a,m≠0 was considered. After comparing the models through the likelihood ratio test (LRT), Model 3 was chosen as the most appropriate, being the heritability estimates low in magnitude for BW and WW, equal to 0.08±0.009 and 0.24±0.17, respectively, which indicates low possibility of response to direct selection. Likewise, the correlation coefficient between these traits, 0.43±0.39, implies low possibility of correlated response. The inclusion of maternal effects is necessary for the accurate estimation of genetic parameters for the evaluated traits.

The high number of piglets born alive from hiperprolifics sows increases the variability of weight at birth and made many producers practice cross-fostering management, which consists in standardization of weight and number of piglets according to the sow ability. To evaluate the effect of cross-fostering on performance and mortality occurrence of piglets, historical data were studied from two producers of the Midwest region of Santa Catarina-Brazil. Were weighed 1440 piglets at birth, weaning and 37 days post weaning from 130 commercial sows of Agroceres PIC®. The adjusted weights at 21 and 58 days old and their respective gain were submitted to multiple regression analysis using the GLM procedure of SAS Statistical Software (2005), and occurrence of mortality was studied by GENMOD procedure. For performance traits were considered fixed effects the cross-fostering, contemporary group and covariables the birth weight or weaning, the number of piglets after equalization, number of weaned piglets, linear and quadratic effects of sow parity; the weight at birth were included as covariable for occurrence of mortality. Cross-fostered piglets weighed 207 grams less than biological piglets (P

The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability for weight and height at withers of 260-780 days of age No Defined Breed (NDB) horses, at intervals of 40 days, which belong to the Brazilian Army cavalry. Thus, the model considered the direct genetic effects as random ones, as fixed, the effects of sex and year of birth and the linear effects of height at withers and age, as covariates for the analysis of body weight, whereas for the analysis of height, the linear effect of weight was included as a covariate. For the complete data, the estimated heritability coefficients were 0.40±0.034 and 0.70±0.019 for weight and height at withers, respectively, indicating that individual selection for these traits may be effective. On the other hand, for the data subdivided into age classes, the heritability coefficients ranged between 0.04 and 0.77 for weight, with the highest estimation for the class between 440 and 480 days of age, which indicates a higher possibility of weight selection during this period. For height, the heritability values ranged between 0.08 and 0.98, being the highest estimate found between 300 and 340 days of age, corroborating, thus, to the selection of the trait at this age. Objetivou-se estimar a herdabilidade para peso e altura de cernelha de equinos sem raça definida (SRD), pertencentes à cavalaria do Exército brasileiro, com idades entre 260 e 780 dias, em intervalos de 40 dias. Assim, o modelo utilizado considerou os efeitos genéticos aditivos diretos como aleatórios, os efeitos de sexo e ano de nascimento como fixos e os efeitos lineares de altura de cernelha e idade do animal, como covariáveis para análise do peso corporal, sendo que, para análise da altura, o efeito linear do peso foi incluído como covariável. Para o arquivo completo, os coeficientes de herdabilidade estimados foram 0,40±0,034 e 0,70±0,019, para peso e altura de cernelha, respectivamente, indicando que a seleção individual para essas características pode ser eficiente. Entretanto, para os arquivos subdivididos em classes de idade, os coeficientes de herdabilidade variam entre 0,04 e 0,77 para peso, sendo a maior estimativa obtida para a classe entre 440 e 480 dias de idade, o que indica maior possibilidade de seleção para peso nesse período. Para altura, as herdabilidades oscilaram entre 0,08 e 0,98, sendo a maior estimativa encontrada entre 300 e 340 dias de idade, corroborando a seleção da característica nesta idade.

The present experimental assay evaluated the effect of lab silo sealing methods on the ensilage of the sugarcane, with or without microbial additives (Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium acidipropionici). Twenty-liter plastic buckets were used as experimental silos, which were sealed with either a polyethylene sheet (silo cover with a mesh size of 200 µm) or an appropriate plastic lid equipped with Bunsen valve. Silos were stored for 30, 60, or 90 days. Fermentative losses, chemical composition, organic acids, ethanol and aerobic stability were evaluated. The sealing method employed did not influence most of evaluated variables, showing a small decrease of effluent production in silos covered with polyethylene sheet. The microbial additive did not avoid dry matter (DM) fermentative losses in sugarcane silages (216 g kg-1), nor affected aerobic stability (44.6 hours). The levels of neutral and acid detergent fiber of fresh sugarcane increased after ensiling due to DM losses as gases and effluent. The ethanol content of silages was not influenced by treatments (mean 146 g kg-1 of DM). The sealing methods of experimental silos were not affected by the evaluated variables; polyethylene sheet and plastic lid show the same performance on the fermentative model and both methods represent well the conditions of large scale farm silos.

The aim of this study was to investigate and estimate the influence of type of lambing, age at weaning and age of the dam at lambing on conformation (C), precocity (P), musculature (M), and to estimate the heritability coefficients and genetic correlations among these traits, in Suffolk lambs. For the analysis of environmental effects and genetic parameters, the contemporary group was considered as a fixed effect, whereas covariates included the linear effects of type of lambing and age at weaning and the linear and quadratic effects of the age of dam at lambing. Lambs born as singletons received the highest scores in all three studied traits when compared to those from multiple lambings. Similar effects were observed for late-weaning lambs. 4–5 years old dams promoted the highest scores for their lambs. Heritability coefficients were 0.15, 0.18, and 0.16 for C, P, and M, respectively, indicating possibility of genetic gain through individual selection. Estimates of genetic correlation between these traits were positive and of high magnitude, varying from 0.83 to 0.95, showing that the studied traits are controlled, in part, by the same sets of genes and, therefore, there is the possibility of correlated response.

A intensa produção de peixes e uso dos recursos hídricos pode comprometer a qualidade e disponibilidade da água, além de afetar a capacidade de suporte do ambiente, causando eutrofização e conseqüentemente a poluição do mesmo. Realizou-se um estudo das variáveis físico-químicas da água e dos teores de fósforo total (P-total) no sedimento, rações e peixes cultivados em tanques-rede em uma área aqüícola localizada no reservatório da Itaipu, no município de Santa Helena – PR, objetivando monitorar a qualidade da água e determinar o índice de eutrofização total da área de cultivo, além de analisar a bioacumulação de P-total nos peixes e sedimento. As variáveis físico-químicas da água mantiveram valores normais indicados pelo CONAMA. A concentração média de P-total na área aqüícola foi de 28,41 IET e com transparência por disco de Secchi de 2,74 m, enquadrando o ambiente como oligotrófico. Houve correlação de 0,55 (pThe intense production of fishes and the use of water resources can compromise the quality and the availability of water, besides its affects in the environment carrying capacity, causing eutrophization and consequently water pollution. Therefore the objective of this study was to monitor the physical-chemical water variables and to measure the total phosphorus (total-P) in sediment, feed and fish in cage culture on an aquaculture area situated at the Itaipu reservoir in Santa Helena – Parana state, observing the water quality and determining the total eutrophic level on the aquaculture area, in addition to analyze the total-P bioaccumulation in fish and sediment. The physical-chemical water variables presented normal values as indicated from CONAMA. The mean concentration of total-P for the aquaculture area was 28.41 IET and Secchi disc transparency of 2.74 m, giving it an oligotrophic classification. There was a correlation of 0.55 (p

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T19:06:58Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982006000600014.pdf: 201705 bytes, checksum: c44bff221f3e7dc35f7be58d83555fc3 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T19:06:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982006000600014.pdf: 201705 bytes, checksum: c44bff221f3e7dc35f7be58d83555fc3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-08-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T18:03:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982006000600014.pdf: 201705 bytes, checksum: c44bff221f3e7dc35f7be58d83555fc3 (MD5) S1516-35982006000600014.pdf.txt: 27882 bytes, checksum: 46e797ecf2c25b2ce57dedc7784c09f1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-08-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:19:03Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982006000600014.pdf: 201705 bytes, checksum: c44bff221f3e7dc35f7be58d83555fc3 (MD5) S1516-35982006000600014.pdf.txt: 27882 bytes, checksum: 46e797ecf2c25b2ce57dedc7784c09f1 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:19:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982006000600014.pdf: 201705 bytes, checksum: c44bff221f3e7dc35f7be58d83555fc3 (MD5) S1516-35982006000600014.pdf.txt: 27882 bytes, checksum: 46e797ecf2c25b2ce57dedc7784c09f1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-08-01 Dados de rebanhos bovinos comerciais foram analisados com o objetivo de estimar as interações dos efeitos genéticos com o ambiente que podem influenciar a avaliação de características de crescimento em rebanhos de animais puros e cruzados. O conjunto de dados analisado foi obtido a partir de animais das raças Hereford, Nelore e seus cruzamentos. As características em estudo foram os pesos à desmama e ao sobreano dos animais. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas pelo método dos quadrados mínimos e o modelo proposto incluiu os efeitos de região, grupo de contemporâneos dentro de região, mês de nascimento e sexo do bezerro, os efeitos lineares e quadráticos para a idade do bezerro e idade da vaca ao parto, ambas analisadas dentro de sexo, e os efeitos de grupo genético e da interação grupo genético × região. de modo geral, o desempenho de todos os grupos genéticos foi influenciado pelo efeito de região. Além disso, observou-se tendência de que o aumento da proporção de genes zebuínos promoveu diminuição na diferença de desempenho entre as regiões. Todos os genótipos foram beneficiados no ambiente menos restritivo, o que indica a existência de interação genótipo-ambiente e comprova a importância de que sistemas de cruzamento sejam realizados de forma a manter a adaptação das matrizes e de seus produtos. Data from Hereford and Nelore breeds and their crosses were used to estimate the effect of genotype and environment interaction on weaning and yearling weights. The statistical analyses were performed by the least-squares method using models that included region, contemporary group within region, month of birth and sex of the calf, linear and quadratic effects of age of the calf and age of the cow, both nested within sex, and the genetic group and genetic group × region interaction effects. In general, genetic groups were influenced by the region effect. Differences in performance between regions decreased as the proportional contribution of zebu increased. All genotypes increased performance in the less restrictive environment. Crossbreeding systems should consider keeping fitness of dams and their products to environmental conditions. UnB Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária UNESP FCAV Depto. Zootecnia Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) CPPSE UNESP FCAV Depto. Zootecnia

Objetivou-se estimar as correlações fenotípicas (r) entre os escores comportamentais de reatividade aplicados durante e após a pesagem e os ganhos médios diários de peso (GMD) de cordeiros cruzados Suffolk x Île-de-France, aos 30, 60 e 90 dias de idade, bem como estudar o efeito da habituação dos animais ao manejo. As variáveis avaliadas por meio de escores foram: interferência do avaliador para o animal entrar na balança (INT), vocalização (VOC), movimentação (MOV), tensão (TEN), movimentos exploratórios (ME), postura de orelhas (ORE) e o teste de tipos de marcha (TM). Os resultados das correlações de Spearman obtidos entre os escores indicam que VOC, MOV e TEN podem ser consideradas como características importantes na expressão da reatividade de ovinos em ambiente de restrição. Já o GMD parece não estar associado com a reatividade dos cordeiros avaliados. Por fim, aos 90 dias de idade, os cordeiros apresentaram-se menos reativos, em função do aprendizado por habituação The aim of this study was to estimate the phenotypic correlations (r) between behavioral reactivity scores obtained during and after weighing, and the average daily weight gains (ADG) of Suffolk x Île-de-France cross lambs, at 30, 60 and 90 days of age, as well as to study the effect of habituation towards handling. The variables assessed through scores were: interference of the observer for the animal to enter the weighing crate (INT), vocalization (VOC), movement (MOV), tension (TEN), exploratory movements (EM), ears posture (EP) and the gait speed test (qualitative flight time test) (GS). The results of the Spearman correlations indicate that VOC, MOV and TEN may be considered important traits in the expression of reactivity in sheep assessed while restrained. On the contrary, ADG does not seem to be correlated with reactivity. Finally, at 90 days of age, the lambs were less reactive, due to learning by habituation

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T19:06:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982003000400014.pdf: 256119 bytes, checksum: ba44e446fb2ccb5c6aac093815a78d1c (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T19:06:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982003000400014.pdf: 256119 bytes, checksum: ba44e446fb2ccb5c6aac093815a78d1c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-08-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T20:10:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982003000400014.pdf: 256119 bytes, checksum: ba44e446fb2ccb5c6aac093815a78d1c (MD5) S1516-35982003000400014.pdf.txt: 15191 bytes, checksum: a96e84d2a75e9764bd62097befec5d5a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-08-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:18:28Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982003000400014.pdf: 256119 bytes, checksum: ba44e446fb2ccb5c6aac093815a78d1c (MD5) S1516-35982003000400014.pdf.txt: 15191 bytes, checksum: a96e84d2a75e9764bd62097befec5d5a (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:18:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982003000400014.pdf: 256119 bytes, checksum: ba44e446fb2ccb5c6aac093815a78d1c (MD5) S1516-35982003000400014.pdf.txt: 15191 bytes, checksum: a96e84d2a75e9764bd62097befec5d5a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-08-01 Foram utilizados dados de 66.035 animais das raças Nelore, Hereford, Angus e mestiços Nelore x Angus e Nelore x Hereford, para avaliar a influência da idade da vaca, idade do bezerro e data juliana de nascimento sobre o ganho médio diário dos bezerros no período pré-desmama (GMD). A análise estatística revelou que estas três covariáveis tiveram efeito significativo sobre o GMD. Observou-se também que o ajuste linear para idade à desmama não foi suficiente para retirar o seu efeito sobre o GMD. Estes resultados mostram que tais fatores ambientais podem ser importantes fontes de variação para esta característica nos programas de melhoramento genético. 66.035 records from Nellore, Hereford, Angus and Nellore x Angus and Nellore x Hereford crossbred calves were analyzed to estimate the influence of cow age, age at weaning and the julian birth date on average daily gain from birth to weaning. The statistical analysis indicated that these three covariates had significant effects on this trait. Furthermore, the linear adjustment for age at weaning was not enough to remove this effect on the average daily gain. These results show that these environmental effects can be an important variation source for this trait in animal improvement programs. UNESP FCAV DZ UNESP FCAV DZ

This study aimed to investigate the following environmental effects in Suffolk lambing: contemporary groups, type of birth, and age of animal and age of dam at lambing on conformation (C), precocity (P), musculature (M), and body weight at postweaning (W), and the heritability coefficients and genetic correlations among these traits. Contemporary groups, type of birth, and age of animal and age of dam at lambing were significant for W. For C, all the effects studied were significant, except linear and quadratic effects of age of the animal. For P, all effects studied were significant, except the quadratic effect of age of the animal. For M, the effects of contemporary group, type of birth, and the linear effect of the age of the animal were significant. Heritability estimates were 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.14 ± 0.03, 0.09 ± 0.03, and 0.11 ± 0.03 for C, P, M, and W, respectively, indicating a positive low response for direct selection. Estimates of genetic correlations among the visual scores (C, P, and M) and W were moderate to highly favorable and positive, ranging from 0.48 to 0.90. These results indicate that selection for visual scores will increase body weight.

The study aimed to estimate the components of (co)variance and heritability for weights at birth (BW), weaning (WW) and 180 days of age (W180), as well as the average daily gains from birth to weaning (ADG1), birth to 180 days of age (ADG2) and weaning to 180 days of age (ADG3) in Suffolk sheep. Thus, three different single-trait animal models were fitted, considering the direct additive genetic effect (Model 1), the direct additive genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects (Model 2), and in Model 3, in addition to those in Model 2, the maternal additive genetic effect was included. After comparing models through the likelihood ratio test (LRT), model 3 was chosen as the most appropriate to estimate heritability for BW, WW and ADG1. Model 2 was considered as the best to estimate the coefficient of heritability for W180 and ADG2, and model 1 for ADG3. Direct heritability estimates were inflated when maternal effects were ignored. According to the most suitable models, the heritability estimates for BW, WW, W180, ADG1, ADG2 and ADG3 were 0.06, 0.08, 0.09, 0.07, 0.08 and 0.07, respectively, indicating low possibility of genetic gain through individual selection. The results show the importance of including maternal effects in the models to properly estimate genetic parameters even at post-weaning ages. Objetivou-se estimar os componentes de (co)variância e herdabilidades para pesos ao nascer (PN), à desmama (PD) e aos 180 dias de idade (P180), além dos ganhos médios diários de peso do nascimento à desmama (GMD N-D), do nascimento aos 180 dias de idade (GMD N-180) e da desmama aos 180 dias de idade (GMD D-180), de ovinos da raça Suffolk. Para isso, utilizaram-se três modelos diferentes, considerando o efeito genético aditivo direto (Modelo 1), os efeitos genético direto e de ambiente permanente materno (Modelo 2) e, no Modelo 3, além daqueles contemplados no Modelo 2, foi incluído o efeito genético materno. Após comparar os modelos por meio do teste de razão de verossimilhança (LRT), observou-se que o 3 foi o mais adequado para estimar a herdabilidade para PN, PD e GMD N-D. Já o modelo 2 foi considerado como o melhor para estimar o coeficiente de herdabilidade para P180 e GMD N-180, e o modelo 1, para GMD D-180. As herdabilidades diretas foram inflacionadas quando os efeitos maternos foram ignorados. Os coeficientes de herdabilidade de baixa magnitude estimados para PN, PD, P180, GMD N-D, GMD N-180 e GMD D-180 foram iguais a 0,06, 0,08, 0,09, 0,07, 0,08 e 0,07, respectivamente, de acordo com os modelos mais apropriados, indicando que os ganhos genéticos obtidos por meio da seleção individual serão de pequena magnitude. Os resultados evidenciam a importância da inclusão dos efeitos maternos nos modelos para estimar adequadamente os parâmetros genéticos, mesmo após a desmama.

Phenotypic characters of honeybees, relevant to beekeepers, can be evaluated by studying correlations between them, and the correlated characteristics can be evaluated in the short term to assist in monitoring of annual genetic progress. This work therefore aims to evaluate the production of honey and propolis, the hygiene and defensive behaviours of two generations of Africanized Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae), to estimate the correlations between them and their heritability. We used 30 Langstroth beehives in apiaries in Marechal Cândido Rondon, Parana State, Brazil. We used a method of drilling pupae to evaluate hygiene behaviour and the velveteen ball method to test defensive behaviour. We selected ten colonies which had the best honey and propolis production, and which produced F1 queens that were then transferred to beehives at an experimental farm, in order to observe honey and propolis production, hygiene and defence behaviours of their female offspring. The estimated differences for each characteristic between the generations, the correlations between them within each generation and their heritability suggest that selection of colonies based on propolis production was more efficient at maintaining this high production than was selection based on honey production according to the performance of the colonies for this characteristic. The selected behavioural characteristics can be used to enhance performance, but not for improving yield characteristics evaluated.

Foram analisados quatro grupos de ovinos machos da raça Santa Inês nascidos em quatro estações do ano, no Distrito Federal, a fim de observar as idades e o peso corporal em que estes atingiram a puberdade. A partir dos cortes histológicos dos testículos, foram analisados parâmetros celulares e mensurações dos túbulos seminíferos. O efeito da data de nascimento sobre os parâmetros avaliados foi significativo (P

The intense production of fishes and the use of water resources can compromise the quality and the availability of water, besides its affects in the environment carrying capacity, causing eutrophization and consequently water pollution. Therefore the objective of this study was to monitor the physical-chemical water variables and to measure the total phosphorus (total-P) in sediment, feed and fish in cage culture on an aquaculture area situated at the Itaipu reservoir in Santa Helena – Parana state, observing the water quality and determining the total eutrophic level on the aquaculture area, in addition to analyze the total-P bioaccumulation in fish and sediment. The physical-chemical water variables presented normal values as indicated from CONAMA. The mean concentration of total-P for the aquaculture area was 28.41 IET and Secchi disc transparency of 2.74 m, giving it an oligotrophic classification. There was a correlation of 0.55 (p

Com o objetivo de comparar o desempenho leiteiro e reprodutivo de vacas da raça Holandesa e mestiças Holandês × Gir na região do Planalto Central foram utilizados dados de 1.456 vacas de cinco composições raciais, originadas das raças Holandesa (H) e Gir (G): puras H; ¾H ¼G; ½H ½G; ³/8H 5/8G; e ¼H ¾G. Analisaram-se as características produção média diária de leite (PMD), número de dias em lactação (DL) e produção total da lactação corrigida para 305 dias (P305), idade ao primeiro parto (IPP), período de gestação (PG) e intervalo de partos (IEP). Os maiores valores de PMD e P305 foram obtidos para os animais ¾H ¼G e ½H ½G e os menores, para os animais com maior proporção da raça Gir (¼H ¾G). Os valores das características reprodutivas IPP e IEP, no entanto, foram menores para os animais ¾H ¼G.Esses resultados evidenciam a adaptação das vacas mestiças ao ambiente a que foram submetidas ou que os animais puros da raça Holandesa, em razão do estresse nutricional e/ou térmico, não expressaram todo o seu potencial genético para produção leiteira.Além disso, os dados comprovaram a importância da utilização de sistemas de cruzamento na manutenção da produção dos animais e na sua adaptação ao ambiente. Data from 1456 purebred and crossbred cows of five different crossbred groups involving the Holstein (H) and Gyr (G) breeds (H; ¾H ¼G; ½H ½G; ³/8H 5/8G e ¼H ¾G) were used to compare their milk production and reproductive traits in the Brazilian central plateau region. The performance traits studied were: average daily milk production (DMP); lactation length (LL); total production in 305 days (P305) and age at first calving (AFC), gestation length (GL) and calving interval (CI). Higher averages of DMP and P305 were observed for animals ¾H ¼G and ½H ½G and the smallest ones for crossbred animals with larger proportion of the Gyr breed (¼H ¾G). The lowest values of AFC and CI were observed for ¾H ¼G animals. These results indicate the importance of crossbreeding strategies to produce animals that are more adapted to the environmental conditions of the region. Holstein purebreds probably do not express their full genetic potential due to nutritional and/or heat stress.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T19:06:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982006000700006.pdf: 210686 bytes, checksum: 80ff49399dd35ca3e1dfa5dce083e1c4 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T19:06:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-35982006000700006.pdf: 210686 bytes, checksum: 80ff49399dd35ca3e1dfa5dce083e1c4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-10-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T20:11:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982006000700006.pdf: 210686 bytes, checksum: 80ff49399dd35ca3e1dfa5dce083e1c4 (MD5) S1516-35982006000700006.pdf.txt: 46933 bytes, checksum: 0317d3183c9f8e54988b7d843e7ae4ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-10-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:18:27Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982006000700006.pdf: 210686 bytes, checksum: 80ff49399dd35ca3e1dfa5dce083e1c4 (MD5) S1516-35982006000700006.pdf.txt: 46933 bytes, checksum: 0317d3183c9f8e54988b7d843e7ae4ff (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:18:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-35982006000700006.pdf: 210686 bytes, checksum: 80ff49399dd35ca3e1dfa5dce083e1c4 (MD5) S1516-35982006000700006.pdf.txt: 46933 bytes, checksum: 0317d3183c9f8e54988b7d843e7ae4ff (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-10-01 Foram utilizados 21.762 registros de peso do nascimento aos 550 dias de idade de 4.221 animais para estimativa das funções de covariância empregando modelos de regressão aleatória. Os modelos incluíram, como aleatórios, os efeitos genéticos aditivo direto e materno, de ambiente permanente de animal e de ambiente permanente materno e, como fixos, os efeitos de grupo contemporâneo, a idade da vaca ao parto (linear e quadrático) e o polinômio ortogonal de Legendre da idade do animal (regressão cúbica), como covariáveis. As variâncias residuais foram modeladas por uma função de variâncias com ordens de 2 a 6. Análises com polinômios ortogonais de diversas ordens foram realizadas para os efeitos genético aditivo direto, genético aditivo materno, de ambiente permanente de animal e de ambiente permanente materno. Os modelos foram comparados pelos critérios de informação Bayesiano de Schwarz (BIC) e Akaike (AIC). O melhor modelo indicado por todos os critérios foi o que considerou o efeito genético aditivo direto ajustado por um polinômio cúbico, o efeito genético materno ajustado por um polinômio quadrático, o efeito de ambiente permanente de animal ajustado por polinômio quártico e o efeito de ambiente permanente materno ajustado por polinômio linear. As estimativas de herdabilidade para o efeito direto foram maiores no início e no final do período estudado, com valores de 0,28 ao nascimento, 0,21 aos 240 dias e 0,24 aos 550 dias de idade. As estimativas de herdabilidade materna foram maiores aos 160 dias de idade (0,10) que nas demais fases do crescimento. As correlações genéticas variaram de moderadas a altas, diminuindo conforme o aumento da distância entre as idades. Maior eficiência na seleção para peso pode ser obtida considerando os pesos pós-desmama, período em que as estimativas de variância genética e herdabilidade foram superiores. Data provided by the Brazilian Zebu Breeders Association (ABCZ), consisting of 21,762 records from 4,221 animals of Tabapuã cattle, weighted from birth to 550 days of age, were used to estimate covariance functions by random regression models using Legendre polynomials of order two to five. Models included the direct and maternal genetic, animal and maternal permanent environmental random effects and compared by Schwarz´s Bayesian information criteria (BIC) and Akaike´s information criteria (AIC). Both criterions suggested the model including direct genetic, maternal genetic, animal permanent and maternal permanent environmental effects respectively adjusted by cubic, quadratic, fourth order and linear polynomials, and residual variances adjusted by fifth order variance function as the best one to describe the covariance structure of the used database. Direct heritability estimates were higher at the beginning and at the end of the growth trajectory. Maternal heritability estimates increased from birth to 160 days of age and decreased thereafter. In general, genetic correlation estimates decreased as age between weights increased. Efficiency of selection may be improved by using weights of the post weaning period because of their higher genetic variance and heritability estimates. Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) UNESP Departamento de Zootecnia Universidade de Brasília (UnB) UNESP Departamento de Zootecnia

Foram utilizados dados de 498 cavalos registrados na Associação Brasileira dos Criadores de Cavalo Campeiro, entre 1985 e 1999. Foram incluídas informações individuais de 16 medidas lineares: alturas da cernelha (AC), do dorso (AD), da garupa (AG), dos costados (ACost) e do vazio subesternal (Vaz); comprimentos da cabeça (CC), do pescoço (CP), do dorso-lombar (CD), da garupa (CG), da espádua (CE) e do corpo (CCorp); larguras da cabeça (LC), do peito (LP) e da anca (LA); perímetros torácico (PT) e de canela (PC). Com os dados de registro, foram calculados o peso (P) e os índices: peitoral (IP), dáctilo-torácico (IDT), corporal (IC), torácico (IT), conformação (ICF), carga para trabalho a trote e a galope (ICG1), carga para trabalho a passo (ICG2), compacidade (ICO1 e ICO2) e relação corporal entre AC e AG (RCG). A análise de variância foi realizada considerando-se os efeitos fixos de mês (MRO) e ano de registro (AR), do sexo, da idade e da cor da pelagem. Os índices obtidos mostraram aptidão intermediária entre trabalho de sela e tração leve. O peso médio foi de 419,96 kg e o IC de 0,849, indicando ser animal mediolíneo, ideal para equitação. A partir do ICG1 e ICG2, estima-se que possa suportar, em média, peso de 117 kg, em trote ou a galope, e 199 kg, em caminhada rápida. Os coeficientes de variação apresentaram grande amplitude, predominando valores baixos. Sexo e cor da pelagem não foram causas importantes de variação nas medidas e nos índices. O MR influenciou CC, CP, CD, CE, LP, LA, PT, PC e a maior parte dos índices. O AR não influenciou AC, AD e ACost, CC, LP e PT, fazendo-o nas demais medidas lineares, mas, entre os índices, teve efeito importante apenas no IT. A idade dos animais influenciou ACost, CD, LC, LP, LA, PT e a maioria dos índices. A cor da pelagem em maior proporção na população foi castanha, seguida por baia e tordilha. Data was available on 498 horses registered by the Brazilian Association of Campeiro Horse Breeders. This included individual data on 16 linear traits [shoulder height (SH), mid back height (MBH), withers height (WH), back height (BH), head length (HL), neck length (NL), back length (BL), shoulder length (SL), hip length (HiL), body length (BOL), head width (HW), chest width (CW), hip width (HIW), chest circumference (CC), cannon bone circumference (CBC)], space under horse (SUH), coat color, temperament and nine subjective traits taken at registration. Body indices and weight were calculated from standard formulae where pectoral index (PI)= WH/SUH, dactyl-thoracic index (DTI), weight (BW), length index (LI), body index (BI), thorax index (TI), conformation index (CI), work index 1 (WI1) and work index 2 (WI2), compact index 1 (COI1) and compact index 2 (COI2). The effect of sex of animal, month, age and year of registration as well as coat color on the measurements was carried out using SAS® (Statistical Analysis System). The Campeiro horse is well proportioned with WH (1.46 m) slightly higher than SH. It is an animal that is between saddle and light traction, with a mean weight 419.96 kg, and medium length. WI1 and WI2 show that it can support 117.16 kg at a trot or gallop and a maximum weight of 198.76 kg at a fast walk. Variance coefficients varied widely but low measures predominated. Sex and coat color were not important sources of variation for measurements and indices. Month of registration influenced CC, CP, CD, CE, LP, LA, PT, PC and most indices. Year of registration did not influence AC, AD, ACost, CC, LP and PT, but was significant for the other linear measures and only for IT in the indices. Age influenced ACost, CD, LC, LP, LA, PT and most indices. The most popular coat color was chestnut followed by bay and dark grey.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de sexo, tipo de parto, peso da mãe ao parto e período de gestaçãosobre pesos tomados ao nascer, aos 30, 60 e 90 dias de idade e os ganhos de peso do nascimento aos 60dias de idade e entre 60 e 90 dias de idade de cabritos mestiços Boer. No modelo, considerou-se como fixo oefeito de sexo e, como covariáveis, o efeito linear de tipo de parto (simples, duplo ou triplo); e do período degestação e os efeitos linear e quadrático do peso da mãe ao parto. Para peso ao nascer e aos 30 dias, apenas osefeitos de sexo e de tipo de parto foram importantes fontes de variação. Para os pesos aos 60, 90 dias de idadee ganho de peso pré-desmama, os efeitos de sexo, tipo de parto e peso da mãe ao parto foram estatisticamentesignificativos. Nenhum efeito ambiental estudado foi significativo sobre o ganho de peso pós-desmama. Osefeitos de sexo e tipo de parto devem ser considerados nos modelos para estimar os parâmetros genéticos para os pesos ao nascer e aos 30 dias de idade. Para peso aos 60 e 90 dias e para ganho de peso pré-desmama, além desses efeitos, o peso da peso da mãe ao parto também deve ser incluído no modelo de análise.

A ultrassonografia pode ser uma importante ferramenta para a avaliação da composição da carcaça por ser uma técnica não invasiva que permite quantificar diferentes tecidos em animais vivos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar as correlações entre medidas tomadas in vivo, por meio do ultrassom e do adipômetro, e na carcaça de ovinos da raça Santa Inês. Utilizaram-se 81 machos, entre 8 e 18 meses de idade, com peso médio de 31 kg. As medidas in vivo obtidas por ultrassonografia foram medida diagonal longitudinal, área de olho de lombo longitudinal, medida diagonal transversal e área de olho de lombo transversal. Determinou-se o peso de carcaça quente, rendimento da carcaça, gordura de cobertura da carcaça, comprimento de carcaça, área de olho de lombo da carcaça e peso dos cortes comerciais: pernil, lombo, paleta, costela e pescoço. As análises de variância, componentes principais, regressão polinomial e correlação foram realizadas utilizando-se programa estatístico SAS®. Não houve diferença entre animais castrados e inteiros para qualidade e componentes de carcaça, indicando, portanto, que a castração não proporciona uma carcaça de melhor qualidade. Os animais com os pesos de pernil, paleta e costela maiores apresentam menores peso de pele, altura de cernelha e peso dos órgãos abdominais, caracterizando um biotipo de animal que seria mais desejável a ser selecionado. Peso vivo, comprimento corporal e área de olho de lombo por ultrassom (in vivo) podem ser usados para predizer a área do olho de lombo da carcaça, peso do pernil, comprimento da carcaça, peso da carcaça quente e da meia carcaça. No entanto, o peso do lombo, pescoço, costela, rendimento de carcaça e peso dos órgãos abdominais não podem ser preditos por estas medidas in vivo. As medidas realizadas com adipômetro não apresentaram correlações significativas com medidas da carcaça, o que indica que não são eficientes para esta predição e, portanto, não devem ser utilizadas. Ultrassonography is an important option to evaluate carcass composition and quality, as it is a non-invasive technique which quantifies different tissues in live animals. The objective of this study was to estimate the correlation between measurements taken in vivo, using ultrasound and skinfold thickness, in sheep carcasses from Santa Inês breed. Eighty-one males, aging 8 to 18 months, and weighting on average 31 kg live weight were used. The measures taken in vivo by ultrassonography were longitudinal diagonal length, longitudinal rib eye area, transversal diagonal length, transversal rib eye area. Hot carcass weight, carcass yield, carcass fat thickness, carcass length, carcass rib eye area and commercial retail cut weight (leg, loin, shoulder, ribs and neck) were determined. The analyses of variance, main components, polynomial regression and correlation were carried out using SAS® statistical program. There was no difference between castrated and intact animals for carcass quality and components, indicating that castration does not provide better carcass quality. Animals with higher leg, shoulder and rib weights had lower skin weight, wither height and weight of abdominal organs, indicating a more desirable body type for selection. Body weight, body length and rib eye area by ultrasound (in vivo) can predict the rib eye area, leg weight, carcass length, hot and half carcass weight. However, loin, neck and rib weights, carcass yield and weight of abdominal organs cannot be predicted by these in vivo measurements. The measurements taken with skinfold showed no significant correlations with carcass measures, which indicates that they are not efficient for prediction of carcass components and therefore should not be used.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho em confinamento, as características de carcaça e a qualidade da carne de animais puros das raças Tabapuã (T), Bonsmara (B), cruzados ½ Bonsmara ½ Nelore (B1) e cruzados ½ Bonsmara ¼ Red Angus ¼ Nelore (B2). Foram utilizados cinco bovinos castrados de cada grupo genético, com idade média e peso vivo de 22 meses e 394 kg, respectivamente, ao início do experimento. A dieta de todos os animais foi composta por silagem de cana-de-açúcar e ração comercial, na proporção respectivamente de 55 e 45% (base seca), tendo 16,83% de PB e 58,64% de NDT. Os animais foram abatidos quando atingiram o escore corporal 3, onde 1 = magros e 5 = obesos. Houve efeito significativo (P0.05) among the genetic groups for cold carcass weight and percentages of commercial cuts (forequarter, hindquarter and sidequarter) at the slaughter. Bonsmara steers presented the greatest ribeye area and percentage of muscle, and the smallest percentage of fat in the carcass. B1 animals presented greater back fat thickness (BFT) than Bonsmara and Tabapuã animals, however all genetic groups presented BFT greater than the minimum (3 mm) required by the meat industry. There was no difference in the meat centesimal composition among the genetic groups. Meat from Bonsmara, B1 and B2 presented greater tenderness than from Tabapuã steers. The Longissimus fat acid profile did not differ among the genetic groups. It can be concluded that the meat from Bonsmara, B1 and B2 animals presented greater quality than Tabapuã steers.