Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Megan Rolf / In the future, water may not be as readily available due to an increase in competition from a growing human population, wildlife, and other agricultural sectors. To better understand water demands in the beef industry, water intake has to be accurately measured. It also critical to understand if water intake is a heritable trait and to determine its relationship to other production traits. This dissertation examines the number of days to accurately measure water intake in beef cattle, how to predict water intake in beef cattle using individual intakes, and estimates genetic parameters for water intake, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), water efficiency measures, feed efficiency measures, and carcass traits. Study 1 investigates the test duration required to accurately measure water intake. Water intakes were collected over 70 d and shortened test periods (7 day intervals) were correlated with the full 70 day test to determine the minimum number of days required to accurately measure water intake. Water intake can be collected over a 35 to 42-day test period, with a minimal decrease in accuracy. Study 2 developed a water intake prediction equation that included different weather variables and average daily temperature (TAVG), average relative humidity (HVAG), solar radiation (SRAD), and wind speed (WSPD). Water intakes and feed intakes on individual animals were collected over a 70-day period along with (TAVG), (HVAG), (SRAD), (WSPD) for each day. Five different prediction equations were developed: summer, winter, slick bunk feed management, ad libitum feed management, and overall. All models included variables of DMI, metabolic mid test weight, TAVG, HAVG, SRAD, and WSPD, with R-squared values ranging from 0.34 to 0.41. Study 3 investigated the relationships between water intake and DMI, ADG, and water and feed efficiency traits. Variance components and genetic correlations were estimated using single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), incorporating genotypes on approximately 150,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Water intake was moderately heritable (0.39) and had moderate genetic correlations with DMI and residual feed intake, high genetic correlations with residual water intake, water to gain ratio, and feed to gain ratio, and had a low genetic correlation with ADG. Study 4 investigated the relationship between water intake and carcass traits. Single-Step GBLUP was used to estimate variance components and genetic correlations between water intake and carcass traits. Similar to study 3, water intake was moderately heritable (0.42). Water intake was moderately correlated with hot carcass weight (0.38), back fat (0.36), yield grade (0.29), and final body weight (0.29), but had a low genetic correlation with longissimus muscle area (0.08) and marbling (0.17). More research must be done to determine the relationships between water intake and other economically important traits in beef cattle and to better understand how environment and genetic background affect water intake. Improvements in water efficiency could decrease the amount of water cattle consume and assist producers in managing on-farm water resources during times of water scarcity.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The objective of this study was to evaluate the best model for the genetic evaluation for the trait average daily gain of weaning to post weaning (ADGWP), of a multiple-breed Nellore and Angus population, comprised of 49.634 animals sired by 34.006 dams and 793 sire, born between 1986 and 2015. The genetic evaluation for this population was performed through the methodology of Bayesian inference with the animal model and the criteria of choice were the Number of Parameters (Np), Deviance Information (DIC) and the conditional predictive ordinate (CPO). In the first chapter three models were tested: Traditional Animal Model (TAM), Multiple-Breed Animal Model With (MBAMW) and without segregation (MBAMWS). Based on the selection criteria, the MBAMW was chosen because it presents better adjustments, besides presenting the smallest number of parameters, thus reducing the computational demand. In the second chapter, heteroscedastic multiple-breed models (HMBM) were tested. A 2×2 factorial scheme of two residual variance models (homoscedastic (HO) or heteroscedastic (HE)) was used based on two distributive assumptions (Gaussian (G) and Student’s t (T)). The HMBM-T-HE presented the best fit for the population in question. The Spearman's ordering correlations of the breeding values predicted for the sires were high when all animals were considered (0.93 to 0.99). However, when these sires were separated in TOP (10%) these correlations were reduced drastically (from 0.05 to 0.96). These results support the implementation of robust multibreed models that account for sources of heteroscedasticity to increase the accuracy of genetic assessments of multiple-breed populations. / Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o melhor modelo para a avaliação genética para a característica de ganho médio diário da desmama ao sobreano (GMDD) de uma população multirracial Nelore e Angus formada por 49.634 animais filhos de 34.006 matrizes e 793 touros, nascidos entre 1986 e 2015. A avaliação genética para esta população foi realizada através da metodologia de inferência Bayesiana por meio de um modelo animal e os critérios de escolha foram o Número de Parâmetros (Np), de Informação da Deviance (DIC) e Ordenada Preditiva (CPO). No primeiro capítulo foram testados três modelos: Modelo Animal Tradicional (MAT), Modelo Animal Multirracial sem (MAMRSS) e com segregação (MAMRCS). Com base nos critérios de escolha, o MAMRSS foi escolhido por apresentar melhores ajustes, além de apresentar o menor número de parâmetros, reduzindo assim a demanda computacional. No segundo capítulo foram testados modelos multirraciais (MAMR) homo e heteroscedástico. Foi utilizado um esquema fatorial 2×2 de dois modelos de variância residual (homoscedástica (HO) ou heteroscedástica (HE)) baseado em dois pressupostos distributivos (Gaussiano (G) e t de Student (T)). O MAMR-T-HE foi o que apresentou melhor ajuste para a população em questão. As correlações de ordenamento de Spearman dos valores genéticos preditos, para os reprodutores, foram altas quando consideradas todos animais (0,93 a 0,99). No entanto, quando separados estes reprodutores em TOPs (10%) estas correlações foram reduzidas drasticamente (de 0,05 a 0,96). Estes resultados apoiam a implementação de modelos multirraciais robustos que contabilizam fontes de heteroscedasticidade para aumentar a precisão de avaliações genéticas de populações multirraciais.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Dale A. Blasi / The proposed U.S. National Animal Identification System (US-NAIS) has generated many concerns among beef cattle producers. The goal of the NAIS is to utilize 48-hour traceback in the event of an animal disease outbreak. The traceback would identify all animals that have had contact with the diseased animal, while linking an animal to its premises of origin. According to the Diffusion of Innovation theory, getting a new idea adopted, even when it has clear advantages, is often very difficult. However, by adopting innovations relatively sooner than others in their system, the theory demonstrates marked benefits for innovators and early adopters, as well as a widening of the socioeconomic gap. In this study beef producer demonstrated understanding, acceptance and adaptability to implement the US-NAIS. Participants for the study were selected in the spring of 2006 from a mailing list of cow-calf producers with more than 100 head of cows. BEEF Magazine provided the mailing list and a random sample of 1,000 producers was selected. The results show a knowledge gap between the proposed system and producer understanding. Producers were also divided on support for the proposed system. When ranking their level of support on a scale of 1 to 6, with 1 being strongly supportive and 6 being strongly opposed, 49% of producers showed some level of support and 48% showed some level of opposition, with a mean of 3.53 (s.d. 1.67). Data also highlights a lack of understanding of the regulations and implementation procedures among producers. The results of this study brought considerable insight into the current practices and perceptions of beef cattle producers, and will be used to develop educational materials to improve their understanding of this proposed program.

The objectives of the present research were to study the factors that influence postpartum reproductive characteristics of suckling beef cows in extensive production systems in Mozambique and to develop new management strategies to improve their reproductive efficiency. The effects and interactions between post-partum BW, BCS, age and parity number on plasma concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, creatinine, urea and cortisol around oestrus and the related conception rates of Bos indicus cows in extensive production system were analysed as well as the minimum BCS at the beginning of breeding to maximise the subsequent conception rates. Thirty-five days prior to the breeding season cows were synchronised using Crestar. During the second oestrus after synchronisation, 18 blood samples were collected per animal for hormonal analysis, from 24 hr before oestrus to 24 hr after oestrus. The hormonal pattern of estradiol and progesterone around oestrus were similar to that observed in Bos taurus cows under intensive conditions. Conception rates of cows in the experimental group were 90.5%. Better results on estradiol pattern and conception rates were related to a BCS of ≥ 2.5 and it was thus concluded that the post-partum management of extensive Bos inducus cows should aim to achieve at least a BCS of 2.5 at the beginning of the breeding season. Twelve-hour and 48-hr calf removal were conducted separately to evaluate their effects on conception rates of Bos indicus beef cows in extensive production systems and to quantify the related effects on calf-weaning weights. The 12-hr calf removal was performed from 45 days post-partum to the beginning of the breeding season, and the 48-hr calf removal was performed preceding the onset of the breeding season. It was concluded that 12-hr calf separation at night enhance the energy balance (3%), increases the conception rates (80%) and improves the calf-weaning weights, whereas 48-hr calf removal increases conception rates (76%) and does not affect calf weaning weights. Both calf removal management strategies concentrate conceptions in the early part of the breeding season and stress the importance of the effect of BCS and estradiol on conception rates in Bos indicus beef cows in extensive production systems. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

Considerando a importância econômica da precocidade sexual no sistema de produção de bovinos de corte, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar regiões genômicas associadas a características reprodutivas tais como a prenhez precoce e número de folículos antrais em novilhas da raça Nelore, identificando processos biológicos envolvidos para um melhor entendimento da variabilidade fenotípica destas características. O banco de dados foi composto por 2.283 novilhas, filhas de 78 touros, provenientes de três fazendas comerciais do Brasil. Destas, 1.267 foram genotipadas com aproximadamente 74 K SNPs. Após análises de controle de qualidade, permaneceram informações de 1.255 animais e 64.800 marcadores. A informação genotípica de 42 touros também estava disponível e touros não genotipados com mais de 5 progênies genotipadas foram imputados para a mesma densidade de marcador das novilhas. Análises de associação genômica ampla (GWAS) foram utilizadas considerando uma metodologia Bayesiana (BayesB) para identificar potenciais janelas genômicas (~ 1 Mb) responsáveis pela explicação de ≥ 1% da variância genética das características. Essas regiões foram utilizadas para a pesquisa de genes bem como nas análises de enriquecimento utilizando os termos MeSH. Ainda, blocos haplotípicos dessas regiões genômicas foram ajustados como efeitos classificatórios no modelo BayesB, com o objetivo de estimar a influência de cada alelo dos touros heterozigotos sobre os fenótipos. Os coeficientes de herdabilidade preditos foram 0,28 ± 0,07 e 0,49 ± 0,09 para PP e NF, respectivamente, com correlação genética de -0,21 ± 0,29. Os resultados do GWAS apontaram janelas genômicas significativas nos cromossomos 5, 14 e 18 para PP e 2, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16 e 22 para NF. As análises de enriquecimento revelaram termos significativos (p < 0,05) associados com PP: Munc-18 Proteins, Fucose e Hemoglobins, e com NF: Cathepsin B, Receptors-Neuropeptide e Palmitic Acid. Um total de 15 alelos haplotípicos tiveram efeitos diferentes (p < 0,10) de sua cópia alternativa para PP e 16 para NF. As análises genômicas contribuíram para uma melhor compreensão da estrutura genética das características reprodutivas PP e NF, podendo colaborar com estratégias de seleção para melhoria dos índices reprodutivos de bovinos da raça Nelore. / Considering the economic importance of sexual precocity in beef cattle production system, the objective of this study was to explore genomic regions associated with heifer pregnancy (HP) and total number of antral follicle (NF) in a population of Nellore (Bos indicus) heifers. The dataset was composed by 2,283 animals, which were daughters of 78 sires, coming from three different commercial farms in Brazil. From these, 1,267 were genotyped with around 74 K SNP markers. After quality control analyses, the remained dataset was formed by 1,255 animals and 64,800 markers. Genotypic information of 42 sires was also available, and non-genotyped sires with more than five genotyped progenies in the dataset were imputed for the same marker density of the heifers. A Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) was performed under a BayesB method to identify potential genomic windows (~1 Mb) that explained at least 1% of the total additive genetic variance of the traits. The pointed genomic regions were used in MeSH enrichment analyses as well as for genes searching. Haplotype blocks that span these potential genomic regions were fitted as classificatory effects in the BayesB model, aiming to estimate the effect of each allele of the heterozygous sires for these regions. The estimated heritabilities coefficients were 0.28 ± 0.07 and 0.49 ± 0.09 for HP and NF, respectively, with genomic correlation of -0.21 ± 0.29. The GWAS results pointed to significant genomic windows on chromosomes 5, 14 and 18 for HP and 2, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 22 for NF. The MeSH enrichment analyses revealed significant (p < 0.05) terms associated with HP: Munc-18 Proteins, Fucose and Hemoglobins, and with NF: Cathepsin B, Receptors-Neuropeptide and Palmitic Acid. The pointed regions by GWAS harbored important genes that can help explain the genetic basis of the considered traits. A total of 15 haplotype alleles obtained better results (p < 0,10) than their alternative copy for HP and 16 for NF. The genomic analyses contributed to a better understanding of the genetic control of the reproductive traits HP and NF and can be useful to selection strategies in improving reproductive indices in Nellore cattle.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o temperamento durante o período de confinamento através das análises das correlações entre três indicadores de temperamento (Escore de Reatividade, Velocidade de Fuga e Avaliação Qualitativa de Comportamento). Foram utilizados 124 bovinos machos inteiros, filhos de cruzamento de touros Angus e vacas Nelore, com peso vivo inicial médio de 286 kg ±14,2 e com idade média de 17 ±1 meses, alojados em currais de confinamento, com área de 25,8 m2 por animal, e disponibilidade de 6 m2 por animal de sombreamento artificial. O confinamento teve duração de 130 dias (18 dias de adaptação + 112 dias de experimento). Foi registrado o temperamento dos garrotes, por meio dos testes de Escore de Reatividade (ER), Velocidade de Fuga (VF) e Avaliação Qualitativa do Comportamento (QBA), durante o manejo de pesagem a cada 28 dias no tronco de contenção. Os dados de QBA foram analisados por duas variâncias distintas após transformação em arco seno raiz quando não normalizados, uma com efeito fixo de categoria de VF (lento, mediano, rápido) e outra com efeito fixo de ER, sempre considerando os efeitos de animais como medida repetida no tempo. Correlações de Spearman entre todos os parâmetros foram realizadas. O escore de reatividade na balança (ER) apresentou correlações positivas com as categorias de QBA \"atividade motora\", \"amedrontado\" e \"agitado\", enquanto que, para as categorias \"relaxamento\" e \"calmo\" houveram correlações negativas (r = -0,54 e r = -0,54). A velocidade de fuga apresentou correlação positiva (r = 0,57) com o escore de reatividade. A concentração de cortisol sérico apresentou correlação positiva com as categorias \"atividade motora\" (r = 0,42), \"amedrontado\" (r = 0,46) e, \"agitado\" (r = 0,50) e correlação negativa com \"relaxamento\" e \"calmo\", como esperado. Em relação ao escore de reatividade, houve correlação positiva com os níveis séricos de cortisol (r = 0,38). Houve diferença significativa entre os parâmetros de QBA, VF e cortisol nas classes de escore de reatividade, sendo as maiores médias encontradas na classe 4, para as categorias de QBA \"atividade motora\", \"amedrontado\" e \"agitado\", com médias de 3,46; 5,30 e 5,16, respectivamente, e de 2,16 para VF, e 4,17 para cortisol. Os três indicadores de temperamento estudados decresceram durante o período de confinamento. É possível concluir que as avaliações qualitativas de comportamento (QBA) se mostraram eficientes para um entendimento da relação entre os indicadores de temperamento (ER e VF) e os níveis de estresse (cortisol sérico). Os animais confinados apresentaram melhora no temperamento durante o período de confinamento, devido a um possível processo de habituação, através do manejo no tronco ou do convívio direto com os humanos envolvidos no manejo diário. / This study aimed to evaluate the temperament during the confinement period by analyzing the correlations between three temperament indicators (Reactivity Score, Flight Speed and Qualitative Behavior Assessment). A total of 124 male steers were used, crossbred Angus bulls and Nellore cows, with mean initial live weight of 286 kg ±14.2 and mean age of 17 ±1 months housed in confinement pens with an area of 25.8 m2 per animal, and availability of 6 m2 of artificial shading per animal. The confinement lasted for 130 days (18 days of adaptation + 112 days of experiment). It was recorded temperament of steers by means of Reactivity Score (RS), Flight Speed (FS) and Qualitative Behavioral Assessment (QBA) during weighing handling every 28 days in the Squeeze shut. The QBA data were analyzed by two distinct variances after transformation in a sine root arc when not normalized, one with fixed effect of FS category (slow, medium, fast) and another with fixed effect of RS, always considering the effects of animals as repeated measure in time. Spearman correlations among all parameters were performed. The reactivity score during weighing showed a positive correlation with the categories of QBA \"motor activity\", \"frightened\" and \"agitated\", whereas for the \"relaxation\" and \"calm\" categories there were negative correlations (r = -0.54 e r = -0.54). The flight speed showed a positive correlation (r = 0.57) with the reactivity score. Serum cortisol concentration was positively correlated with \"motor activity\" (r = 0.42), \"frightened\" (r = 0.46) and \"agitated\" (r = 0.50) and negatively correlated with \"relaxation\" and \"calm\" as expected. Regarding the reactivity score, there was a positive correlation with serum cortisol levels (r = 0.38). There was a significant difference between the QBA, FS and cortisol parameters in the reactivity score classes, with the highest averages found in class 4, for the QBA categories \"motor activity\", \"frightened\" and \"agitated\", with averages of 3.46; 5.30 and 5.16, respectively, and 2.16 for FS, and 4.17 for cortisol. The three temperament indicators studied decreased during the confinement period. It is possible to conclude that the qualitative evaluations of behavior (QBA) were efficient for an understanding of the relationship between the temperament indicators (RS and FS) and stress levels (serum cortisol). Confined animals presented improvement in temperament during the confinement period due to a possible habituation process, through trunk management or direct contact with the humans involved in the daily management.

O Brasil é o maior exportador de carne bovina mundial com aproximadamente 1,7 mil toneladas, e o segundo em produção, estando atrás apenas dos Estados Unidos. A produção brasileira está embasada em técnicas extensivas de produção. No entanto, esse sistema de produção exige rebanhos resistentes as grandes adversidades encontradas no ambiente. Os bovinos da raça Nelore, de origem Bos taurus indicus, são predominantes no rebanho brasileiro, devido sua elevada resistência ao ambiente tropical e seu potencial de produção. Estudos sobre a ciência da carne estão sendo realizados para avançar na seleção de animais que atendam com qualidade os consumidores, pois bovinos de origem Bos taurus indicus são conhecidos por produzirem carne de menor maciez quando comparado as raças de origem taurina. Com o objetivo de descobrir possíveis genes que estejam associados a força de cisalhamento da carne de animais da raça Nelore, foi avaliada no presente estudo, em uma primeira população (n=76), a expressão de genes que codificam proteínas da família de heat shock: CRYAB, HSPB1 e DNAJA1, e genes envolvidos na proteólise do tecido muscular: -calpaína (CAPN1), calpastatina (CAST) e duas isoformas do gene da calpastatina. A maior expressão do gene CRYAB foi associada a maior maciez da carne (menor força de cisalhamento) aos sete e 14 dias de maturação, enquanto a maior expressão do gene CAPN1 foi associada negativamente com a menor força de cisalhamento, na análise de 24 horas após abate, e positivamente com 14 dias de maturação da carne. No estudo também foi avaliado uma distinta população (n=138), quanto a diferença do perfil proteômico de amostras do músculo Longissimus dorsi, com auxílio da eletroforese bi-dimensional (2-DE), seguido do sequenciamento peptídico por espectrometria de massas (EM), para identificação das proteínas com diferentes quantidades nos extremos fenotípicos de força de cisalhamento da carne. Foram observados 17 spots com diferentes volumes entre os extremos fenotípicos (P0,05), sendo 13 deles identificados. Entre as identificações estão proteínas estruturais, relacionadas a proteção celular, metabolismo energético e lipídico, e proteínas não caracterizadas. Baseado nos resultados existe a possibilidade de traçar um perfil protéico, ou com fragmentos protéicos, para identificar amostras que proporcionem carne de maior maciez. / Brazil is the largest beef exporter of the world with approximately 1.7 tons per year and the second in production, behind only the United States. The brazilian system production is based on extensive techniques. However, this system requires herds resistant to environmental adversities. The Nelore cattle, (Bos taurus indicus) is predominant in the Brazilian herd due to its high resistance to the tropical environment and its potential to meat production. Studies on meat science are being made to evolve the selection of animals that meet quality consumers. Bos taurus indicus cattle are known to produce less tender meat compared to Bos taurus breeds. In order to find possible genes that are associated with the shear force of meat, this study evaluated in a first study population (n = 76) the expression of genes that encode proteins of the \"heat shock\" family: CRYAB, HSPB1, DNAJA1, and genes involved in proteolysis of the musclular tissue: -calpain (CAPN1), calpastatin (CAST) and two isoforms of the calpastatin gene. The higher expression of CRYAB was associated with increased meat tenderness (smaller shear force) at seven and 14 days of maturation, while the CAPN1 gene expression was negatively associated with lower shear force in the analysis 24 hours after slaughter and positively with 14 days of maturation. The study also evaluated a different population (n = 138) and the difference in the proteomic profile of Longissimus dorsi muscle samples using twodimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), followed by peptide sequencing by mass spectrometry (MS) to identify proteins expressed in the two meat shear force extremes. It was verified 17 differentially expressed spots between the phenotypic extremes (P 0.05), but only 13 were could be identified. Among the identifications, there are structural proteins related to cell protection, lipid and energy metabolism and uncharacterized proteins. Based on these results, it is possible to trace a protein expression profile, or protein fragments in ordem to identify samples to provide meat more tender.

In Brazil, estimate of methane (CH4) emission for the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory is carried out using the empirical Tier 2 approach published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Although, IPCC recommends the use of a more specific, mechanistic Tier 3 approach, this is hampered by a lack of consolidated data for development, evaluation and application of such a Tier 3 approach. The purpose of the present modelling study was to evaluate whether a Tier 3 approach instead of the Tier 2 approach has merit in estimating the effect of improvement of diet quality by feeding supplements on CH4 emission, calculated by both a Tier 2 and an extant Tier 3 approach. Six systems of beef cattle production in Brazil were considered which differed inage at slaughter mainly due to diet quality (ranging from 14 to 44 months). The systems studied encompass most of the range of slaughter age and feeding methods observed and the differences between them can be considered realistic for variation in current Brazilian practice of beef production. Estimates of feed quality and animal performance were based on published Brazilian studies and on data from a Brazilian inventory on enteric CH4. Both Tier 2 and Tier 3 approaches estimated a large variation in CH4 emission for the six production systems. The highest level of enteric CH4 emission (168 and 145 kg per slaughtered animal, estimated with the Tier 2 and Tier 3 approach, respectively) was estimated for the system with slaughter after 44 months and the lowest with slaughter after 14 months (35 and 31 kg per slaughtered animal, estimated with the Tier 2 and Tier 3 approach, respectively). The general trend was a profound increase of CH4 emission with increase of age-at-slaughter. Methane estimates depended strongly on the modelling approach adopted. Using the Tier 3 approach in the present study with the assumptions made for the six Brazilian beef production systems indicated substantially lower estimates of enteric CH4 compared to the IPCC Tier 2 approach. The Ym values (fraction of gross energy intake emitted as CH4) estimated by the Tier 3 approach for separate growing periods (seasons) within the different systems ranged between 0.044 and 0.070, and between 0.049 and 0.058 when averaged for the whole growing period (cf. 0.065 with Tier 2). Model estimates should be confirmed by evaluation against independent in vivo data obtained under local Brazilian conditions of beef production. / No Brasil, a estimativa de emissão de metano no inventário nacional sobre a emissão de metano (CH4) é realizada pela abordagem Tier 2, recomendada pelo Painel Intergovernamental sobre Mudanças Climáticas (IPCC). Embora o IPCC recomende o uso do Tier 3, uma abordagem mais complexa, a aplicação desta no Brasil é dificultada pela falta de dados consolidados para o desenvolvimento, avaliação e aplicação do modelo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o efeito da melhoria da qualidade da dieta na emissão entérica de CH4, em sistemas de produção de gado de corte brasileiros, pelos métodos Tier 2 e Tier 3. A emissão entérica de CH4, foi estimada em seis sistemas de produção de bovinos de corte, do desmame até abate. Os sistemas estudados abrangeram os métodos de alimentação mais praticados na produção de carne bovina brasileira. A qualidade da alimentação e desempenho animal foram estimados baseados em estudos publicados na literatura. Ambas as abordagems Tier 2 e 3 estimaram efeito da suplementação sobre a emissão de CH4. As estimativas do Tier 2 e 3, no sistema de abate aos 44 meses, apresentaram maior emissão de CH4 entérico comparados aos outros sistemas, resultando em valores de 168 e 145 kg de CH4 por animal, respectivamente. Por outro lado, o sistema de abate aos 14 meses, apresentou menor emissão de CH4, comparados aos outros sistemas, em valores de 35 e 31 kg de CH4 por animal abatido, respectivamente. A tendência geral foi um aumento de emissão de CH4 com o aumento da idade de abate. Usando a abordagem Tier 3 para as condições brasileiras resultou valores menores de CH4 entérico em comparação a Tier 2. Os valores Ym (fração de ingestão de energia bruta emitido como CH4) estimados pela Tier 3, nas diferentes estações, variou entre 0,044 e 0,070, e para diferentes sistemas de produção entre 0,049 e 0,058. Por outro lado a média para todo o período de crescimento foi 0,065 para Tier 2. Essas estimativas devem ser confirmados com dados in vivo obtidos em condições locais, com intuito de melhorar o modelo Tier.

Avaliou-se o efeito de duas fontes de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar in natura (BIN) obtido por métodos diferentes de extração do açúcar (moagem convencional ou difusão), como fonte de fibra íntegra em dietas de bagaço tratado sob pressão e vapor (BTPV) como principal volumoso, sobre o desempenho, digestibilidade de nutrientes, parâmetros ruminais e comportamento ingestivo de bovinos de corte. No experimento I (ensaio de desempenho) foram utilizados 84 machos não castrados da raça Nelore (n=24), Canchim (n=24) e Holandesa (n=36), com peso médio inicial de 270 kg, sendo distribuídos em baias de acordo com a raça e o peso dos animais num delineamento em blocos casualizados. No experimento II (ensaio de digestibilidade e comportamento ingestivo) foram utilizados quatro garrotes mestiço Nelore com fístulas de rúmen e duodeno, peso médio inicial de 380 kg num delineamento em quadrado latino 4 x 4. Os tratamentos consistiram na substituição direta do BTPV pelo BIN na matéria seca (MS) das dietas experimentais: 1) 5% BIN moagem convencional; 2) 5% BIN difusão; 3) 10% BIN difusão e 4) 15% BIN difusão. Não foi encontrada diferença (P>0,05) para o consumo de matéria seca, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e peso vivo final entre os tratamentos no ensaio de desempenho. A utilização do BIN difusão até o nível mais elevado não apresentou efeito significativo (P>0,05) sobre a digestibilidade da MS, matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e ácido (FDA) e extrato etéreo (EE) em comparação ao BIN moagem, porém reduziu (P<0,05) o consumo de MS, MO, PB, FDN e a digestibilidade em kg da MS e MO quando comparada com o BIN moagem. Não foi encontrada diferença (P>0,05) para os parâmetros ruminais (pH, N-NH3, AGV, acetato, propionato, butirato e relação acetato/propionato) entre os tratamentos. O comportamento ingestivo foi influenciado pela maior participação de BIN difusão, registrando-se maiores tempos despendidos para as atividades de ingestão, ruminação e mastigação em minutos/kg de MS e FDN (P<0,05). A adoção de BIN moagem determinou maior consumo de MS e menor tempo despendido com as atividades de ingestão e ruminação (P<0,05), resultando em maior tempo gasto na atividade de ócio (P=0,08). / This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of substitution of steam pressure treated sugar cane bagasse by two types of raw bagasse extraction (grinding and diffusion), on performance, nutrient digestibilities, ruminal parameters and ingestive behavior. Performance trial used 84 bull calves weighting 270 kg at the beginning of experiment (“Nelore”, “Canchim” and Holstein) in a Random Block Design. Digestibility and ingestive behavior trial used four bull calves cannulated in rumen and duodenum in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design. Treatments were the substitution of steam pressure treated sugar cane bagasse by raw bagasse (RB): 1) 5% RB from grinding; 2) 5% RB from diffusion; 3) 10% RB from diffusion and 4) 15% RB from diffusion. There was no effect (P>0,05) of fiber source or level on dry matter intake, weight gain, feed efficiency and final live weight in performance trial. Increasing RB from diffusion in the diets didn’t affect (P>0,05) the dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, NDF, ADF and extract ether digestibilities, but reduced (P<0,05) dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and NDF intakes, besides dry matter and organic matter digestibilities (kg) as compared with RB from grinding. There was no treatment effect (P>0,05) on ruminal pH and concentration of N-NH3, acetate, propionate, butirate and VFA. The raw bagasse obtained by griding showed higher dry matter intake and less time spent with eating and chewing activities (P<0,05), while the rising levels of raw bagasse obtained by diffusion in the diets had higher spent time to eating, rumination and chewing activities in minutes/kg of dry matter and NDF (P<0,05), resulting in less idling activities(P=0,08).

Objetivou-se no presente estudo, avaliar o efeito da nutrição proteica no terço final da gestação de vacas Nelore, seguido de estratégias de suplementação e/ou alimentação de suas crias fêmeas sobre a idade à puberdade até os 18 meses. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x2x2; constituindo-se de: 2 manejos suplementar das vacas no pré-parto (Fase I); 2 manejos suplementar das crias (Fase II) e 2 manejos alimentar na recria (Fase IIIA). Na Fase I, 241 vacas foram suplementadas com farelos de soja na proporção de 0,5kg/vaca/dia (Tratamento 1) e 258 vacas foram mantidas sem acesso a suplementação Tratamento 2 (controle - Fase I). Cerca de metade do número de vacas e suas crias fêmeas, nascidas na Fase I, foram distribuídas em dois tratamentos na Fase II-(suplementação das crias) aos 110 dias de idade das crias, as quais passaram receber ou não uma mistura mineral proteica energética em creep-feeding, constituindo assim, os tratamentos suplementação de bezerras em creep-feeding (n =119) e controle (sem suplementação, n =122 ) na Fase II até os 205 dias de idade (desmama). Na fase III A, metade das bezerras de cada grupo na fase II foram manejados em confinamentos (n=119) e a outra metade permaneceu no pasto (Grupo controle, n = 122), até os 320 dias de idade. Na fase IIIB, todas as novilhas foram manejados juntos a pasto e submetidas a estação de monta a partir dos 440 dias aos 560 dias de idade. Os sistemas de suplementação das vacas e bezerras na fase de cria não afetaram o peso corporal, concentração de IGF-1 e percentual de peso adulto das novilhas no início da estação de monta (P > 0,05). O manejo das novilhas em confinamento na fase IIIA, aumentou o número de novilhas púberes (31,9% vs 13,9%; P < 0,01), para as novilhas alimentadas ou não em confinamento, respectivamente. Entretanto, a alimentação em confinamento não ocasionou diferença na idade que estas atingiram a puberdade. Considerando apenas as novilhas que atingiram à puberdade (n = 55) houve efeito de interação entre as fases de suplementação/alimentação e a idade à puberdade (P < 0,05). Para as vacas manejadas na Fase I, a suplementação influenciou a ciclicidade das mesmas no momento da IATF (68,9% vs 55,4%; P < 0,05), porém não ocasionou diferença no número de vacas prenhes (60,1 vs 55,3%; P > 0,05), vacas suplementadas e não suplementadas, respectivamente. Similarmente, a suplementação das novilhas em creep-feeding, não influenciou a taxa de prenhez das vacas (P > 0,05). Em conclusão, a suplementação das vacas com fontes proteicas não influenciou a idade a puberdade de novilhas até os 18 meses, sendo que o manejo alimentar em confinamento aumentou o número de novilhas púberes em relação com as manejadas no pasto. / The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of protein nutrition in the final third of gestation of Nelore cows, followed by supplementation strategies and / or feed their young females over the age of puberty until 18 months. The experimental design was a completely randomized factorial 2x2x2; constituting of: 2 suplementary managements of cows in pre-partum (Phase I); 2 supplementary managements of offspring (Phase II) and 2 alimentary managements during rearing (Phase IIIA). In Phase I, 241 cows were supplemented with soybean meal at the rate of 0.5 kg / cow / day (Treatment 1) and 258 cows were kept without access to supplemental Treatment 2 (control - phase I). About half of the cows and their female offspring, born in Phase I, were assigned to two treatments in Phase-II (supplementation of cubs) at 110 days of age of the offsprings, which now receive or not a mineral mix protein energy in creep-feeding, constituting, treatments supplementation in calves creep-feeding (n = 119) and control group (without supplementation, n = 122) in Phase II until 205 days of age (weaning). In phase III A, half of each group of calves in phase II were managed in feedlots (n = 119) and the other half remained in the pasture (control group, n = 122), up to 320 days of age. In stage IIIB, all heifers were managed together and submitted to the pasture breeding season from 440 days to 560 days old. Supplementation systems of cows and calves during the growing period did not affect body weight, concentration of IGF-1 and percentage of mature weight of heifers at the beginning of the breeding season (P> 0.05). The management of heifers in the feedlot phase IIIA, increased the number of pubertal heifers (31.9% vs 13.9%, P <0.01) for heifers fed in confinement or not, respectively. However, feeding in confinement caused no difference in age they reached puberty. Considering only heifers reached puberty (n = 55) there was an interaction effect between phases of supplementation / nutrition and age at puberty (P <0.05). For cows managed in Phase I, supplementation influenced the cyclicality of the same at the time of TAI (68.9% vs 55.4%, P <0.05), but caused no difference in the number of pregnant cows (60.1 vs 55.3%, P> 0.05), supplemented and nonsupplemented cows, respectively. Similarly, the addition of heifers in creep-feeding did not influence the rate of pregnancy in cows (P> 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of cows with protein sources did not influence the age at puberty in heifers up to 18 months, and feeding management in confinement increased the number of pubertal compared with those managed on pasture.