Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos para características de crescimento e produtividade em vacas da raça Canchim, utilizando-se inferência bayesiana

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for body weights at weaning (PD), 12 months old (P12) and adult age (PAD), culling age (TPR, days in herd), number (ND10) and kilograms (QD10) of calves weaned up to ten years of age, total number (NDT) and total kilograms (QDT) of calves weaned during herd life, and kilograms of calves weaned per year in herd (QTPR) of Canchim (5/8 Charolais + 3/8 Zebu) females from one herd. Data consisted of 3,249, 3.111, 1,138, 1,340, 1,362, 1,362, 1,340, 1,340 and 1,340 records of PD, P12, PAD, TPR, ND10, QD10, NDT, QDT and QTPR. respectively. Variance and covariance components were estimated by bivariate analyses between PD, P12 and PAD and other production traits using Bayesian inference. The models included the additive direct, permanent environmental and residual random effects and the fixed effects year and month of birth or calving, calving age and age of the animal, depending on the trait. QD10, QDT and QTPR of each female were obtained by adjusting the weaning weights of calves for year and month of birth, sex and age of cow. Average of heritability estimates were 0.38 (PD), 0.40 (P12), 0.54 (PAD), 0.22 (TPR), 0.22 (ND10), 0.24 (QD10), 0.23 (NDT), 0.23 (QDT) and 0.32 (QTPR), indicating genetic variability to obtain response by selection. Genetic correlations between TPR (-0.02, 0.26 and -0.12), ND10 (0.04, 0.10 and -0.29), QD10 (0.37, 0.39 and -0.13), NDT (-0.03, 0.14 and -0.25), QDT (0.20, 0.33 and -0.16), QTPR (0.21, 0.28 and -0.19) and body weights (PD, P12 and PAD) suggest that selection of females based on weaning and 12-month body weights will not affect productivity. However, it may be decreased by increasing female adult body weight.

Influência do banho de aspersão ante-mortem na eficiência da sangria e em parâmetros bioquímicos da carne bovina

To determine the effects of the pre-slaughter showering on some meat quality parameters, the biochemical changes in the Longus colli muscle and the bleeding efficiency were studied. Thirty-six Nelore steers were slaughtered in a commercial slaughterhouse. Eighteen animals were submitted to pre-slaughter showering; a control group of eighteen animals were slaughtered without showering. Samples were collected for evaluations in the muscle depth, in the anterior portion of longus colli muscle,just before chilling. Bleeding efficiency was evaluated through the ratio of muscle haemoglobin/blood haemoglobin using blood samples taken five seconds after bleeding, and muscle sample taken before chilling. Longus colli muscle samples were also used to determine glycogen, glucose, pH and acidity, 5, 24 and 48 hours after slaughtering. Multivariate methods were used to evaluate biochemical data and the bleeding efficiency data analysis followed the randomized block design. Haemoglobin retained in the muscle and bleeding efficiency were not affected (P > .05) by pre-slaughter showering. The pre-slaughter showering did not affect (P > .05) the glycolysis. There was a significant effect of time in glycogen, glucose, pH and acidity, in the first 24 hours.

Influência dos períodos, seco e chuvoso, sobre os parâmetros clínicos em caprinos das raças Canindé e Moxotó

Os caprinos têm um sistema de termorregulação que visa manter a temperatura corporal constante dentro de certos limites, independente da temperatura ambiente. Quando esses limites são estabelecidos, eles são usados em diversos mecanismos fisiológicos para manter a temperatura corporal (TC) dentro dos limites normais. Assim, a produção animal pode diminuir devido ao estresse térmico causado por temperaturas elevadas, especialmente em áreas semi-áridas como o Nordeste do Brasil. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento fisiológico de diferentes grupos genéticos de caprinos nativos de acordo com a resposta fisiológica das varáveis temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR), batimentos cardíacos (BC) e movimentos ruminais (MR), e estabelecer os parâmetros fisiológicos para estas raças sob as condições do semiárido do Nordeste do Brasil. Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 30 animais, sendo cinco machos e dez fêmeas da raça Canindé e cinco machos e dez fêmeas da raça Moxotó, dos quais foram aferidos as variáveis BC, FR e TR nos meses de abril e setembro/2007 e 2008. Observou-se influência significativa (P<0,05) do período do ano no BC, na FR e na TR na raça Canindé, sendo observados valores mais elevados de BC e TR no período chuvoso. Na raça Moxotó observou-se uma diferença significativa (P<0,05) quanto ao BC e TR entre os períodos estudados, sendo observadas na estação seca maiores valores para estas variáveis. Também se observou nesta raça, uma correlação negativa (47%) entre a temperatura ambiente (TA) e TR no período seco, enquanto que no período chuvoso, essa correlação foi positiva (28%). A correlação entre TA e BC foi negativa (21%) no período chuvoso e, positiva (25%) no período seco. Na raça Canindé observou-se correlação negativa (39%) entre TA e movimento ruminal (MR) na época chuvosa, enquanto que no período seco, essa correlação foi positiva (33%). Os parâmetros clínicos avaliados neste estudo encontram-se dentro da normalidade para a espécie caprina no semi-árido nordestino e a raça Moxotó apresentou comportamento condizente com uma maior tolerância ao clima da região e um maior grau de adaptabilidade.

Meta-análise de parâmetros genéticos relacionados ao consumo alimentar residual e a suas características componentes em bovinos

The objective of this work was to estimate, by meta-analysis, the heritability (h(2)) and the genetic (r(g)) and phenotypic (r(f)) correlations of residual feed intake (RFI), and of its component traits in beef cattle from 19 breeds or genetic groups. Twenty-two scientific papers published from 1963 to 2011, from eight countries, totaling 52,637 cattle of ages from 28 days up to slaughter, were evaluated. The estimates of RFI, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and metabolic weight (BW0.75) were weighted by the inverse of sample variance. The variation between studies of h(2) for each trait was analyzed by weighted least squares. The effects of sex, country and breed were significant for h(2) of RFI, explaining 67% of variation between studies. For DMI, country and breed effects were significant and explained 96% of variation. Pooled estimates of h(2) were: 0.255+/-0.008, 0.278+/-0.012, 0.321+/-0.015, and 0.397+/-0.032 for RFI, DMI, ADG and BW0.75, respectively. Pooled estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations were low between RFI and ADG and between RFI and BW0.75 (from -0.021+/-0.034 to 0.025+/-0.035), and moderate between RFI and DMI (0.636+/-0.035 and 0.698+/-0.041) and between DMI, ADG and BW0.75 (0.441+/-0.062 to 0.688+/-0.032). The trait RFI has lower heritability estimates than its components.

Parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos, balanço de nitrogênio e metabolizabilidade da energia bruta em suínos alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes balanços eletrolíticos

The aim of this study was to evaluate different dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on the blood biochemical parameters, nitrogen balances and crude metabolizable energy of swine in the initial phase. Sixteen barrows were used, averaging 27.95 kg of initial weight, allotted individually in metabolic cages in a randomized blocks design with four treatments (DEB of 160, 208, 257 and 305 mEq/kg) and 4 replicates. The blood biochemical parameters analyzed were chloride, potassium, sodium and urea in blood. Urine pH was also evaluated, and the parameters evaluated in nitrogen (N) balance were N intake, fecal N, N excreted in urine, absorbed N, N retention, retained N/absorbed N and total excretion of N. The gross energy digestibility and metabolizibility coefficients were determined, and the respectives values of digestible and metabolizable energy. The values of urinary pH increased (P < 0.01) linearly with increasing levels of DEB, ranging from 6.90 to 8.03. The results for chloride, potassium and nitrogen balances of variables and gross energy were similar (P > 0.05) between the evaluated DEB. A linear increase (P < 0.01) was also observed for sodium concentrations in blood serum due to the increase of DEB, with values of 2.91, 3.03, 3.27 and 3.18 g/l, respectively for the different treatments. Urea levels in blood serum increased linearly (P < 0.01), with values of 26.21, 28.64, 34.32 and 32.89 mg/dl. It was concluded that increasing the dietary electrolyte balance, from 160 to 305 mEq/kg resulted in higher concentrations of urea and sodium in blood serum, and higher pH values in the urine of swine in the initial phase.

Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e proposição de critérios de seleção para pesos na raça Canchim

The objectives of this study were to obtain heritability and genetic, phenotypic and environmental correlation estimates for birth (B), weaning (WW), yearling (YW) and 18 - (EW) and 24 - month (TW) weights, and to propose selection criteria for body weight in Canchim cattle. The data were analyzed by the least-squares method with models that included the fixed effects of herd, year and month of birth, sex of calf and age of cow at calving, and the random effects of sire within herd. The heritability estimates obtained were equal to 0.36 0.06 (BW), 0.47 0.06 (WW), 0.53 0.07 (YW), 0.54 0.08 (EW) and 0.27 0.06 (TW). The genetic correlations were equal to 0.51 (BW and WW), 0.36 (BW and YW), 0.14 (BW and EW), 0.00 (BW and TW), 0.92 (WW and YW), 0.77 (WW and EW), 0.75 (WW and TW), 0.94 (YW and EW), 0.86 (YW and TW) and 0.85 (EW and TW). The phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.19 to 0.72, and the environmental correlations from 0.11 to 0.61. The results showed that, in general, mass selection for weight will result in genetic progress, selection for weight at any age will result in correlated changes at other ages, and EW and TW are good selection criteria for increasing weight in the Canchim breed.

Efeito de parâmetros analíticos sobre a precisão de métodos de extração de zinco do solo

Fifteen soil samples and four extradants (DTPA, Na 2EDTA, HCl and Mehlich 1) were used to study soil extraction methods for available zinc. Each extradant was studied in three soil:solution ratios (1:2, 1:4 and 1:10) and in three extraction periods in the ratio most frequently used. The zinc extracted by DTPA, Na 2EDTA and HCl was not affected by use of soil:solution ratios 1:2 and 1:4, but the amount extracted increased with the 1:10 ratio. In this relation, the variation coefficients increased. With Mehlich, no definite tendency was observed. The increase of extraction period for DTPA extractant, in 1:2 ratio, had little effect on the amount of zinc extracted and on the precision. As to Na 2EDTA extractant in 1:10 ratio, with the increase of extraction time, both increased. As to HCl and Mehlich, both in 1:4 ratio, the increase in extraction period had no effect on the amount of zinc extracted and no definite effect on the precision. Thus, the use of 1:2 ratio for DTPA and Na 2EDTA and 1:4 ratio for acid extractants is recommended. Concerning the period of extraction, 120 min should be used with DTPA and Na 2EDTA, 15 min with HCl and 5 min with Mehlich.

Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e fenotípicos para características de crescimento até a desmama em bovinos da raça Canchim

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Estádio de desenvolvimento do milho. 3. Avaliação de silagens por intermédio de parâmetros de fermentação ruminal

The objective of this experiment was to analyze the rumen fermentation of silages made from corn harvested at milk stage (MS), milk early dough stage (MEDS), medium dough stage (MDS) and semi-hard dough stage (SHDS). Rumen fluid was collected from sheep by esophageal tube at 0, 1, 3 and 6 hours after feeding. There were no differences among silages for ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and methylene blue reduction time (MBRT). Only the MS and SHDS silages differed in rumen pH (6.82 and 6.53, respectively). Differences in total rumen VFA and acetic acid concentrations (mmoles/L) were observed among stages, but not between MS (36.40 and 22.13) and MEDS (42.49 and 25.73), nor between MDS (64.52 and 40.34 respectively) and SHDS (64.09 and 43.61, respectively). The periods of 1 and 3 hours after feeding showed the smallest pH values (6.47 and 6.63), the highest NH3-N concentrations (9.75 and 10.56 mg/dL) and the highest concentrations of total VFA, and acetic and propionic acids (60.33, 37.05 and 16.73; 59.40, 35.28 and 16.84 mmoles/L, respectively). On the whole, the MDS and SHDS silages showed the best rumen fermentation patterns based on pH and total and individual VFA values.

Determinação de parâmetros genéticos em população de gonçalo-alves (Astronium fraxinifolium) através das características fisiológicas da semente

Seeds of Astronium fraxinifolium (Anarcadiaceae) were collected in two years, and submitted to tests of seed germination and vigour (first count, aging and electric conductivity), in order to verify the potencial of conservation and if variations in the seed quality presented on association with genetic parameters. Coefficient of heritability in average (ĥm 2) were 0.91 and 0.97 to germination; 0.90 and 0.96 to first count; 0.93 and 0.97 to aging and 0.95 and 0.99 to electric conductivity, for seeds collected in 1997 and 1998, respectively, evidencing a great heritability to all studied characteristics. Genetic variability was influenced more by environmental conditions of blooming and harvest of seeds than storage time.

Efeitos do tabagismo nos parâmetros seminais

Objectives: We performed a study to evaluate the adverse effects of smoker patient on semen parameters. Material and Methods: We studied retrospective 238 semen specimen, 115 from men smoking and 123 from men nosmoking. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology and vitality were confront in statistic test. Results: In 31% smoke between 1 and 10 cigarettes per day, 26% smoked 10 and 19 per day, 42% smoke more than 20 per day. The distribution of heavy smokes and light smokes did not differ statistically between the groups. Only a significant difference found between smoker and controls, there was about motility, morphology. There is difference in vitality and concentration per ml. Conclusions: This study indicates only a minor effect of smoker patient on male subfertility. Although smokers as a group may not experience reduced fertility, men with marginal semen quality may benefit from quitting smoking.

Comparação entre parâmetros externos e internos de ninhos de Atta bisphaerica Forel, 1908 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Six Atta bisphaerica, Forel, 1908 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) nests were excavated with the aim of studying the relationship between area and volume of the mound, the total volume and total number of chambers in the nest. Prior to excavation, the area and the volume of refused soil in the nests were measured. During excavation, all data referring to chambers were recorded, such as: length, depth and width. The nests named A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6 presented 31.16; 40.87, 67.08, 35.04, 73.48 and 18,73m 2 of mound area, respectively. The mound area did not correlate either with the volume or with the total number of chambers. The mound volume correlated significantly with the mound area, total number and total volume of chambers. The total volume of chambers was correlated with the total number of chambers.

Série plaquetaŕria: Valores de referência e correlações observadas entre os parâmetros plaquetários em uma população aparentemente saudável

Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) platelet parameters can be important to improve the initial identification of platelet disorders. The purpose of this study is to establish reference values for the platelet count (PLT), MPV, PDW and PCT in a population of 1346 apparently healthy adults, from both sexes, as well as to evaluate the correlations among these platelet parameters and to build the necessary nomograms for the clinical interpretations of the platelet indices. The platelet parameters were analyzed in blood samples collected into dipotassium ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (K 2 EDTA) by an electrical aperture-impedance method. There were non-linear and an inverse correlations between MPV and PLT, and between PDW and PLT, throughout the reference range of platelet count: the change in MPV and PDW was most accentuated at the lower platelet counts. Because of this non-linear inverse correlation, MPV versus PLT and PDW versus PLT nomograms were built. These correlations among the platelet parameters on a normal population provide a better understanding of these indices and may contribute to establish the real clinical significance of these platelet parameters in many diseases.

Parâmetros geotécnicos e previsão da capacidade de carga de estacas apiloadas em solo tropical arenoso obtidos com o Pressiômetro Ménard

This paper presents and discusses Ménard Pressuremeter test results used to predict bearing capacity of pounded piles installed in a tropical sandy soil. Fifteen pre-bored pressuremeter tests were carried out at the Experimental Research Site from Unesp - Bauru up to 15 m depth, one test per meter. Several laboratory and in situ tests were carried out in this research site as well as load tests on plates and on piles. Pressuremeter test results were firstly analyzed to determine geotechnical soil parameters based on empirical methods, emphasizing the estimative of the earth pressure coefficient at rest (K0). After that, bearing capacity prediction of pounded piles with 4 m, 7 m and 10 m were made and compared with test results from instrumented load tests. Pressuremeter test results allowed a very good estimative of bearing capacity for the pile with 4 m length and underestimated in 25,7% and 20,0% the bearing capacity for the pile with 7 and 10 m length, respectively. The back analysis of the test results suggests that the appropriate value for the bearing capacity factor for the tested soil-pile system on this soil is equal to 2.

Parâmetros genéticos para caracteres de crescimento, de produção e tecnológicos da madeira em clones de Eucalyptus spp

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)