Heat stress is considered a limiting factor for sheep production. We used information from physiological characteristics linked to heat tolerance to determine whether infrared thermography ...temperatures were able to separate groups of animals and determine the most important variables in this differentiation. Forty-eight four-month-old male lambs from eight genetic groups were used. Physiological (rectal temperature-RT, heart rate-HR, respiratory rate-RR) and blood traits, infrared thermography temperatures, heat tolerance indices, body measurements, weight and carcass traits were measured. Statistical analyses included variance, correlations, factor, discrimination and regression. Observing the correlations between physiological characteristics (RT, RR and HR) with temperatures measured by infrared thermography, regions for further studies should include the mean temperature of flank, nose and rump. Results show that there are strong relationships between thermograph measurements and RR, RT and HR in lambs, which are suggested to be directly correlated with heat tolerance capacity of the different genetic groups evaluated in this study. The assessment of body surface temperature measured by the thermograph could be used as a noninvasive tool to assess heat tolerance of the animals.
Increased meat and egg production leads to concomitant changes in poultry practices, including the indiscriminate use of formaldehyde to sanitize hatching eggs. Although this sanitizer aids in the ...increase in poultry production, its toxic potential for man and for avian embryos represents an obstacle to its long-term use. This review assesses whether essential oils fit into the context of hatching egg contamination, reviewing their antimicrobial efficiency, toxicity to poultry embryos and chicks, and their sanitizing effects on poultry production parameters. Studies have indicated that, because they are safer, most of the essential oils studied can be a potential substitute for formaldehyde for minimizing microbial exposure of hatching eggs and embryos. However, complementary studies on the microbiological profile of embryos and chicks hatched from eggs sanitized with essential oils need to be carried out and the economic feasibility of the candidate products should also be considered.
Abstract Food Safety is an important topic for public health and international trade in food. Residues of veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants in animal products can cause diseases and ...acute toxicity in organisms exposed to these substances. This study evaluated official monitoring data of veterinary drug residues from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply in tissues of poultry and swine in the period between 2002 and 2014 to check for hidden patterns in the occurrence of six common drugs (Closantel, Diclazuril, Nicarbazin, Sulfaquinoxaline, Doxycycline and Sulfamethazinein). The analysis of data was performed by using two machine learning methods: decision tree and neural networks, in addition to visual evaluation through graphs and maps. Contamination rates were low, varying from 0 to 0.66%. A spatial distribution pattern of detections of substances by region was identified, but no pattern of temporal distribution was observed. Nevertless, regressions showed an increase in levels when these substances were detected, so monitoring should continue. However, the results show that the products monitored during the study period presented a low risk to public health.
Resumo A Segurança Alimentar é um tema importante para a saúde pública e o comércio internacional de alimentos. Resíduos de medicamentos veterinários e contaminantes ambientais em produtos de origem animal podem causar doenças e toxicidade aguda em organismos expostos a essas substâncias. Este estudo avaliou dados oficiais de monitoramento de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento em tecidos de aves e suínos no período de 2002 a 2014 para verificar padrões ocultos na ocorrência de seis medicamentos comuns (Closantel, Diclazuril, Nicarbazina, Sulfaquinoxalina, Doxiciclina e Sulfametazina). A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de dois métodos de aprendizado de máquina: árvore de decisão e redes neurais, além da avaliação visual por meio de gráficos e mapas. As taxas de contaminação foram baixas, variando de 0 a 0,66%. Foi identificado um padrão de distribuição espacial das detecções de substâncias por região, mas nenhum padrão de distribuição temporal foi observado. No entanto, as regressões mostraram um aumento nos níveis quando essas substâncias foram detectadas, portanto, o monitoramento deve continuar. No entanto, os resultados mostram que os produtos monitorados durante o período do estudo apresentaram baixo risco à saúde pública.
The use of lambs from crossing of local with specialized sheep breeds for meat production may lead to higher meat deposition and a smaller fat amount in the carcass, with a more adequate nutritional ...profile for human consumption. This study investigated the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of lambs from the Morada Nova and Santa Inês locally adapted hair breeds and crosses between Dorper × Morada Nova and Dorper × Santa Inês slaughtered at approximately 35 kg. Morada Nova lambs showed lower (p < 0.05) performance compared to the other genetic groups resulting in a higher age at slaughter (p < 0.05). Crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês and Dorper × Morada Nova lambs showed better characteristics for meat production with better (p < 0.05) conformation as well as leg and carcass compacteness index. Dorper × Santa Inês have a fatty acid profile that is more suitable for human consumption than Dorper × Morada Nova lambs do (p < 0.05); however, both had lower (p < 0.05) intramuscular lipid content (as measured by ether extract levels from Longíssimus lumborum) compared with purebred lambs. Therefore, when the objective is to obtain lean meat, with improved nutritional profile to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, the use of breeds and crosses that reduce animal slaughter age, such as the ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês crossbred, is an interesting alternative.
Brasileiro de Hipismo (BH) represents an open population that permits genetic input from breeds recognised by the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses. The aim of this study was the genetic ...characterisation of the population as the first of a series aiming at the consolidating the current selection programme. The Brazilian Association of the Brazilian Sport Horse Breeders provided genealogical data from 1977 to 2011. A data bank containing 34,393 horses was analysed for population genetic parameters including: individual inbreeding (F), effective population size (Ne), effective number of founders (fe), effective number of ancestors (fa), and number of founder genome equivalents (fg). Analysis were run twice: for animals born until 1995 (PREVIOUS) and for those born in the last 15 years (15YEARS). Ne estimated via paired increase in coancestry consisted of 188.59 (±3.24) animals. fe was 466 and 222 for PREVIOUS and 15YEARS, respectively. Ancestors were represented by fa of 274 and 129. Mean F for 15YEARS was 0.6%; 1444 animals were inbred, with mean inbreeding of 3.33%. The difference found in fa and f
e
parameters, between PREVIOUS and 15YEARS, indicated the loss of original alleles. The increase in contribution from some founders represents the breeder's preference for a few horses, without the negative effect of high inbreeding levels. Brasileiro de Hipismo genetic variability agrees with its large based formation history, and should allow for genetic gain of heritable traits through selection.
Abstract Background: The lack of information on population structure is one of the main obstacles to develop breeding and conservation programs for animal genetic resources. Objective: To ...characterize the population structure of Crioula Lageana cattle breed (Bos taurus) in order to assess its genetic diversity. Methods: Database with information of 1,638 Crioula Lageana animals, collected during 38 years, was analysed using the ENDOG v.4.4 program. Results: Effective population size ranged from 72.53 in complete generations to 143.90 in maximum generations. Inbreeding and Average Relatedness coefficients were 0.34 and 0.91%, respectively. The effective number of founders and ancestors were 29 and 28 animals, respectively, and only ten ancestors were responsible for 50% of the genetic variability of the whole population. The average generation interval was 5.84 years in the paternal line and 7.70 in the maternal one. Wright´s F statistics indicated low genetic distances between subsets in relation to the total population (Fst = 0.0015), between individuals with respect to their subpopulation (Fis = -0.0027), and between individuals in relation to the total population (Fit = -0.0012). Conclusion: Analysis of the population indicated that, despite the small number of animals with known parentage and considerable loss of genetic variability by the constant use of a few sires, and same value of number of founders and ancestors, the population showed good genetic management, low inbreeding, low genetic differentiation among subpopulations, and probably adequate effective population size for breed preservation.
Resumo Antecedentes: A falta de informações sobre a estrutura da população está entre os principais obstáculos ao desenvolvimento de programas de melhoramento e conservação de recursos genéticos animais. Objetivo: Caracterizar a estrutura populacional da raça bovina Crioula Lageana (Bos taurus) para acessar a diversidade genética da raça. Métodos: Banco de dados com informação de 1.638 animais Crioula Lageana, recolhidos durante 38 anos, foi analisado utilizando EndoG v.4.4. Resultados: O tamanho efetivo populacional variou de 72,53 nas gerações completas para 143,90 nas gerações máximas. Coeficientes de Endogamia e Relação foram 0,34 e 0,91%, respectivamente. O número efetivo de fundadores e ancestrais foram 29 e 28 animais, respectivamente, sendo que apenas dez ancestrais foram responsáveis por 50% da variabilidade genética de toda a população. O intervalo de gerações foi de 5,84 anos para linha paterna e 7,70 para linha materna. As estatísticas F de Wright indicaram uma pequena distância genética das subpopulacoes entre os subgrupos em relação à população total (FST = 0,0015), entre os indivíduos em relação à sua subpopulação (FIS = -0,0027) e entre indivíduos em relação à população total (Fit = -0,0012). Isto indica uma baixa diferenciação genética na população estudada. Conclusão: A análise populacional indicou que, apesar do número pequeno de animais com ascendência conhecida e considerável perda de variabilidade genética pelo uso constante de alguns touros e mesmo valor do número de fundadores e antepassados, a população mostrou boa gestão genética, endogamia baixa, baixa diferenciação genética entre subpopulações e provavelmente adequado tamanho efetivo da população para a preservação da raça.
Resumen Antecedentes: La falta de información sobre estructura poblacional es una de las principales barreras para el desarrollo de programas de mejoramiento genético y conservación de los recursos zoogenéticos. Objetivo: Caracterizar la estructura poblacional de la raza bovina Crioula Lageana (Bos taurus) para evaluar su diversidad genética. Métodos: Una base de datos con información de 1.638 animales Crioula Lageana (Bos taurus), recogidos durante 38 años, fue analizada utilizando el programa ENDOG v.4.4. Resultados: El tamaño efectivo de la población varió de 72,53 en las generaciones completas a 143,90 en las generaciones máximas. La endogamia y la relación media de los coeficientes fue 0,34 y 0,91%, respectivamente. El número efectivo de fundadores y antepasados fue de 29 y 28 animales respectivamente, y sólo diez antepasados fueron responsables del 50% de la variabilidad genética de la población. El intervalo promedio de generación fue de 5,84 años en la línea paterna y de 7,70 en la línea materna. El índice estadístico de Wright’s F indica una baja distancia genética entre los subconjuntos en relación con la población total (Fst = 0,0015), entre los individuos con respecto a su subpoblación (Fis = -0,0027), y entre los individuos en relación con la población total (Fit = -0,0012). Conclusión: El análisis de la población indica que a pesar del pequeño número de animales con origen conocido y la considerable pérdida de variabilidad genética por el uso constante de pocos toros y el mismo valor del número de fundadores y antepasados, la población mostró un buen manejo genético, baja endogamia, baja diferenciación genética entre las subpoblaciones y probablemente un tamaño efectivo adecuado de la población.
The objective of this work was to evaluate three tropical forage species for their in vitro methane (CH4) production and organic matter degradability, in order to determine the relationships between ...forage grass nutritive quality and CH4 production. Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha), and signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) were evaluated. Palisade grass showed the highest organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, and lower-crude protein content. Signal grass had the highest values for hemicellulose and neutral detergent fiber-nitrogen, and the lowest-cellulose content. Guinea grass and signal grass showed a higher-total gas production than palisade grass. Besides, Guinea grass showed an increased CH4 production, and palisade grass showed lower value for truly degraded organic matter, and reduced partitioning factor, in comparison to signal grass. An increased CH4 production was observed in cases of lower hemicellulose and paratitioning factor. The nutritive value and CH4 production of forages may be employed as parameters, aiming at the sustainability of ruminant production.
Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar três espécies de gramíneas tropicais quanto à produção de metano (CH4) in vitro e à degradabilidade da matéria orgânica, para determinar as relações entre a qualidade nutritiva das gramíneas e a produção de CH4. O capim-colonião (Megathyrsus maximus), o capim-braquiarão (Urochloa brizantha) e o capim-decumbens (Urochloa decumbens) foram avaliados. O capim-braquiarão apresentou os maiores teores de matéria orgânica, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina, e o menor teor de proteína bruta. O capim-decumbens apresentou os maiores teores de hemicelulose e de nitrogênio em fibra de detergente neutro, além do menor teor de celulose. O capim-colonião e o capim-decumbens apresentaram maior produção total de gases do que o braquiarão. Além disso, o capim-colonião apresentou maior produção de CH4, e o capim-braquiarão, menor degradabilidade verdadeira da matéria orgânica e reduzido fator de partição, em comparação ao capim-decumbens. Maior produção de CH4 foi verificada em casos em que os valores de hemicelulose e fator de partição foram menores. A qualidade nutricional e a produção de CH4 das forragens avaliadas podem ser utilizadas como parâmetros a serem empregados, que visem a sustentabilidade da produção de ruminantes.
The aim in this paper was to evaluate the spatial distribution of protected areas defined by law and their importance as structural corridors. The study area was 7,559,783.69ha located in Western ...Bahia (Northeast Brazil), restricted to the limits of the Urucuia Group (Upper Cretaceous), where there is strong agribusiness growth. Currently, a major dilemma in Brazilian public policy arises from the conflicting interests of environmental conservation and increased food production. Brazilian environmental protection policies include the implantation of Protected Areas (Full Protection Units and Sustainable Use Units) and the adoption of the National Forest Act (Permanent Preservation Areas and Legal Reserves). In this context, we delimited illegal land-use in Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) adopting the intersection between land-use/land-cover data from PRISM/ALOS image classification for the years 2007–2010 and PPA vectors. We performed the temporal analysis in PAs considering land-use/land-cover data from Landsat TM image classification for the years 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2011. Finally, we performed a Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) to evaluate whether PPAs alone are sufficient as structural corridors. Hypothetical scenarios were simulated to increase the potential of PPAs as structural corridors. The calculation of MSPA attributes was conducted considering 3 edge widths: 15m (1 pixel), 510m (34 pixels), and 1005m (67 pixels). Four scenarios were simulated, considering a gradual increase in preserved areas. The results show that illegal land use is contained within PPA and protected areas. The scenario simulations present alternatives to increase the connectivity of the fragments and ensure the maintenance of ecological and hydrological services. Rapid agricultural expansion without proper landscape planning can compromise the sustainability of ecosystem services and the recharge zone of the Urucuia aquifer.
In this work, linear body measures were taken and production indices calculated for 100 Cuban Creole goats and 100 crossbred goats in order to aid in the characterization of animal genetic resources ...in Cuba. Low variation was found for all indices of the Creole goats, showing homogeneity between the groups of animals studied. Most of the functional indices are related to the milk biotype which is in agreement the possible origin of the breed from animals of the Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands. The crossbreds were more varied, mostly due to undesigned disorganized crossing. These data may help in identifying a commercial niche for the breed and contribute to in situ conservation of the Cuban Creole goat.
ABSTRACT The environment is vital to the agricultural sector since it can cause adversities throughout the entire productive chain. This study evaluated the geographical distribution of zebu breeds ...in Brazil and correlated their occurrence with environmental variables and the human development index. Herds of purebred zebu cattle (Bos indicus) in Brazil were classified as beef, dairy, and dual-purpose breeds, and all breeds were spatialized in the ArcGIS program. Environmental (precipitation, temperature, relative humidity index) and the human development index (HDI) were examined. We conducted regression and logistic analyses. Zebu cattle showed a lower distribution in the Northeastern states compared to other locations, possibly due to harsh weather conditions, namely long periods of high temperatures and lower precipitation, directly affecting local livestock. Beef breeds were evenly spread throughout the country in regions influenced by environmental variables of higher precipitation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), temperature, relative humidity (RH), and temperature humidity index (THI), as well as properties without smallholder farmers and rivers and streams with riparian vegetation. The regions for dual-purpose and dairy breeds were predominantly cultivated with cutting forages (e.g., sugarcane - Saccharum officinarum), with the integration of crops, livestock and/or forestry (i.e., combining different activities in the same area) and areas with a rotational grazing system (i.e., grazing management), indicating a higher occupation in fertile lands. The Gir breed, the only dairy breed evaluated in this study, was seen in establishments with smallholder farmers, characterized by small to medium farms, and in regions at higher altitudes.
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