Submitted by Sandra Pereira (srpereira@ufrrj.br) on 2016-08-08T15:52:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2010 - Carlos Augusto de Oliveira.pdf: 1409794 bytes, checksum: 3595756c8ac7bfcfd377e275b4a19134 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-08T15:52:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2010 - Carlos Augusto de Oliveira.pdf: 1409794 bytes, checksum: 3595756c8ac7bfcfd377e275b4a19134 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-12-15 / The purposes of this survey are related to the development and application of information sustem (IS) on production costs management on livestock farming emphasizing pastures costs based on the simplicity of operational procedures. The pattern considered pastures as feeding intake promoting the measurement of their costs. The correction factor for adjusting animal units (UA) from a herd, estimating UA size up to flock physical validity was carried out by this study. The survey was accomplished on a farm located in S?o Mateus, Esp?rito Santo state, Brazil, presenting 271 hectares of total area and 220 hectares of pastures area, for 26 months collecting data from births and animal herd inclusion and exclusion dates, initial and final animal weights, prophylactic handlings as well as the origin and destination of trading animals. During observation period, 645 bovine animals, being 400 ones traded on this period of time, presenting 172 kg mean weight at the inclusion period and 521.1 kg mean weight at the exclusion one were reported. Information as: labour expenses, electrical power, mineral supplement, energetic-proteic supplement, veterinary drugs, etc., were described, as well. For obtaining of the production cost, 80% over salaries over social payments, as 0.5% as well as improvements for estimating depreciation costs were monthly performed. Land value was not used for this cost model. Information system granted zootechnical performances monitoring and expenses by the latter 12 months (from 13th month) independent from the civil year, monthly presenting animal activity income. Bovine animals acquisition, pastures and labour represented 93.5% from total costs. Mean animal income on the last 12 months of examination was 27.3%. It might be concluded that information system has been an appropriate method for livestock farming management based on production costs and zootechnical performances, as well as costs excel application on beef cattle raising, specially in regard to grazing, enabling the demonstration of production cost and its relationship with difficult measurements components by livestock farmers. Procedures related to herd traceability by information system were also performed. This study also demonstrated for brazilian public theasury, the possibility of 90% of discounts over crude income from beef cattle sale as motivation to the beef farmers included into SISBOV. / Os objetivos do trabalho est?o relacionados ao desenvolvimento e aplica??o de Sistema de Informa??es (SI) na gest?o dos custos de produ??o em pecu?ria de corte com ?nfase no custo das pastagens, baseado na simplifica??o de procedimentos operacionais. A modelagem desenvolvida considerou as pastagens como um insumo alimentar, facilitando a mensura??o de seus custos. O trabalho possibilitou a cria??o de fator de corre??o para ajuste das unidades animal (UA) de um rebanho, aproximando o dimensionamento de UAs com a realidade f?sica do rebanho estudado. A propriedade de observa??o se localiza em S?o Mateus, ES, apresentando 271 ha de ?rea total e 220 ha de ?rea de pastagens. Foram 26 meses de observa??es, com coleta de dados relativos ? datas de nascimentos e de entrada no sistema, pesagens de entrada e sa?da dos animais, procedimentos profil?ticos, assim como o conhecimento da origem e destino dos animais comercializados. Durante o per?odo de observa??o estiveram sob controle 645 bovinos, dos quais, 400 bovinos foram comercializados, com peso m?dio de entrada de 172 kg e sa?da de 512,1 kg. Tamb?m foram feitas coletas de informa??es sobre utiliza??o e pre?os locais de: m?o de obra, energia, sal mineral, proteinado, medicamentos, etc. Para fins de obten??o de custo de produ??o foi aplicado o percentual de 80% sobre os valores pagos aos sal?rios, como pagamento das leis sociais e aplicado percentual de 0,5%, em rotina mensal, sobre os valores imobilizados em benfeitorias, para forma??o dos custos de deprecia??o. O valor da terra n?o foi utilizado para fins de forma??o deste custo. O SI permitiu a observa??o das performances zoot?cnicas e forma??o das despesas dos ?ltimos 12 meses (a partir do 13? m?s) independente do ano civil, apresentando a rentabilidade anual da atividade em rotina mensal. A soma dos itens aquisi??o de bovinos, pastagens e m?o de obra representaram 93,5% dos custos totais da atividade. A rentabilidade anual m?dia alcan?ada nos 12 ?ltimos meses de observa??o foi de 27,3%. De forma conclusiva, foi poss?vel o uso do SI como ferramenta para tomada de decis?es voltadas ? gest?o da atividade de pecu?ria de corte com base no custo de produ??o e as performances zoot?cnicas, assim como o estabelecimento da planilha de custos em pecu?ria de corte, com aten??o especial ao insumo pastejo, possibilitando a demonstra??o da composi??o do custo de produ??o e sua rela??o com os itens de dif?ceis mensura??es por parte dos produtores. O SI tamb?m realizou os procedimentos relativos ? rastreabilidade do rebanho em an?lise. A forma??o do custo tamb?m teve como objetivo a demonstra??o junto ao fisco brasileiro, da possibilidade de cria??o de rebate de custos na faixa de 90% sobre a receita bruta apurada da venda de bovinos de corte, para ser utilizado como forma de incentivo a produtores inscritos no SISBOV.

Embora no passado a seleção para eficiência alimentar tenha sido relegada a um segundo plano pela indústria da carne bovina, hoje há um crescente interesse por estudos abordando eficiência alimentar de bovinos de corte e esta discussão norteou o primeiro capítulo desta tese. No segundo capítulo foram analisados dados de consumo de MS de 36 tourinhos do rebanho Nelore Seleção (NeS) e 36 do rebanho Nelore Controle (NeC) oriundos da Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho. A média obtida para consumo alimentar residual (CAR) foi de 0,00±0,41 kg/dia, com valores mínimo e máximo de –0,73 e +0,95 kg/dia, confirmando que há uma satisfatória variabilidade para esta característica em animais Bos indicus. Tourinhos NeS apresentaram maiores pesos inicial e final e ganharam peso mais rapidamente que tourinhos NeC. Tourinhos NeS apresentaram consumos de MS superiores aos consumos de tourinhos NeC, quando expressos em kg/dia ou em g/kg PV0,75. Tourinhos NeC apresentaram índices de eficiência alimentar mais altos e estimativas de CAR mais baixas que tourinhos NeS. Enquanto que tourinhos NeS apresentaram valores de energia retida 11,7% superiores que tourinhos NeC, a produção de calor dos animais selecionados foi 17,9% maior. Tourinhos NeS apresentaram ainda maiores estimativas de exigência energética para mantença. As equações de predição de consumo de MS do NRC foram desenvolvidas com dados obtidos principalmente de bovinos europeus, implantados e alimentados com dietas de alta proporção de concentrado e com ionóforos. O terceiro capítulo estimou e validou uma equação de predição de consumo para zebuínos. Métodos de meta-análise foram aplicados em 17 experimentos com bovinos Nelore. Entre as 193 unidades experimentais, a concentração energética da dieta variou de 51,2 a 78,0% NDT. A equação sugerida para estimar o consumo alimentar de bovinos Bos indicus é: CMS (kg/d) = (PVj0,75 * (0,2039*ELm – 0,03844*ELm 2 – 0,07376))/ELm Bovinos Bos taurus apresentaram consumos de MS progressivamente mais altos que bovinos Bos indicus, quando a concentração da ELm foi superior a 1,4 Mcal/kg. Os resultados demonstraram que o comportamento ingestivo do Bos indicus em diferentes concentrações energéticas é incorretamente estimado pelas equações do NRC. No quarto capítulo foram desenvolvidas curvas de consumo de MS e eficiência alimentar no tempo para tourinhos em confinamento. O experimento foi realizado na Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste e utilizou 188 machos não-castrados da raça Nelore (NE) e cruzados ½Canchim + ½Nelore (CN), ½Angus + ½Nelore (AN) e ½Simental + ½Nelore (SN), distribuídos em três anos e 85 baias. Os animais foram distribuídos nas baias, de acordo com o grupo genético e tratamento experimental no período anterior ao confinamento. Machos NE apresentaram menor consumo de MS (kg/dia) do que machos cruzados AN, CN e SN. A presente análise não indicou menor eficiência dos machos NE em relação aos mestiços. Quanto ao efeito de tratamento anterior, o ganho de peso compensatório parcial e a melhor eficiência alimentar dos bovinos que não receberam concentrado no período anterior ao confinamento, reduziram as vantagens da suplementação em pastejo. Os efeitos de raça e sexo sobre características de desempenho em dois grandes confinamentos comerciais foram avaliados no quinto capítulo. Após impor restrições ao arquivo original, restaram 116.376 animais distribuídos em 608 lotes. Animais cruzados apresentaram taxas de ganho de peso e estimativas de consumo de MS mais altas que animais Nelore. Conseqüentemente, não foi observada diferença significativa na eficiência alimentar entre animais cruzados e zebuínos. O ganho de peso diário foi numericamente mais alto para os bovinos inteiros. Quando o consumo de MS foi expresso em kg/dia, lotes de animais inteiros apresentaram maiores consumos que lotes de animais castrados. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre bovinos inteiros e castrados para eficiência alimentar. As equações de predição de consumo de MS analisadas subestimaram os consumos reais observados, o que sugere uma grande heterogeneidade dos animais na entrada do confinamento e a ausência de fatores de ajuste para ganho compensatório. / Although selection for feed efficiency was withdrawn to a minor role by the beef industry in the past, nowadays there is a growing attention by studies dealing with feed efficiency traits in beef cattle and this subject was discussed in the first chapter. The second chapter analyzed dry matter (DM) intake data of 36 Nellore young bulls from the Selected Nellore (NeS) line and 36 from the Control Nellore (NeC), both from Experimental Station of Sertãozinho. Overall average for residual feed intake (RFI) was 0.00±0.41 kg/day, with minimum and maximum RFI estimates of –0.73 and +0.95 kg/day. These estimates confirm that there is enough variability for this new trait among Bos indicus animals. Selected Nellore young bulls were heavier at the beginning and at the end of the trial and they grown more rapidly than NeC young bulls. Selected Nellore young bulls showed larger DM intakes than NeC young bulls, when expressed on kg/day or g/kg mid-BW0.75. Control Nellore young bulls were more efficient and showed lower RFI estimates than NeS young bulls. While NeS young bulls showed retained energy estimates 11.7% greater than NeC cattle, NeS estimates for heat production were 17.9% larger. Lastly, NeS young bulls showed greater maintenance requirements than NeC young bulls. Current prediction equations for DM intake from NRC were mainly obtained from Bos taurus breeds, from cattle implanted with a growth-promoting implant and fed low forage diets, supplemented with ionophores. The third chapter developed and validated a DM intake prediction equation for Zebu cattle. Meta-analyses methods were applied to 17 experiments conducted with Nellore cattle. Among the 193 experimental units, dietary energy concentration ranged from 51.2 to 78.0% TDN. The suggested equation to predic feed intake by Bos indicus cattle is: DMI (kg/d) = (SBW0,75 * (0.2039*NEm – 0.03844*NEm 2 – 0.07376))/NEm Above 1.4 Mcal/kg the new equation predicted progressively lower intakes for Nellore than European genotypes. These results showed that the intake behaviour from Bos indicus cattle in a broad range of dietary NEm concentration is incorrectly predicted by the current NRC equations. The fourth chapter described the relationships of dry matter intake and feed efficiency to days on feed for young bulls in feedlots. The trial was conducted on Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, and included records from 188 beef young bulls from four different genetic groups: purebred Nellore (NE), ½Canchim + ½Nellore (CN), ½Angus + ½Nellore (AN), and ½Simental + ½Nellore crossbreds (SN), distributed on three years and 85 pens. Animals were distributed on pens in a ramdomized block design by genetic group and previous experimental treatment. NE young bulls showed a lower DM intake (kg/day) than AN, CN and SN crossbreds bulls. The analysis did not show a lower feed efficiency for NE bulls compared with the feed efficiency estimated for the remaining genetic groups. Partial compensatory growth and better feed efficiency for the bulls that were not supplemented with a concentrate before being fully fed during the experimental period diminished the advantages of supplementation during the grazing period. The fifth chapter evaluated the effects of breed and gender on performance traits em two large commercial feedlots in the Brazilian Central Region. After editing the original data set, it remained 116,376 animals distributed on 608 pens. Crossbreds showed higher average daily gains and DM intakes than Nellore animals. Consequently, it was not observed significant differences on feed efficiency between crossbreds and Bos indicus cattle. Average daily gain was higher for the bulls. When DM intake was expressed as kg/day, bulls showed higher intakes than steers. There were not statistically differences between bulls and steers for the feed efficiency traits analyzed. The equations to predict DM feed intake clearly underestimated the observed intakes. This suggests a large heterogeneity among animals coming into a feedyard and the absence of adjusting factors for compensatory growth.

Submitted by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2016-09-23T20:43:47Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) FABIANE QUEVEDO DA ROSA.pdf: 623070 bytes, checksum: d6e7ed987a04d5ad296d7f91b6123a7d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2016-09-23T20:44:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) FABIANE QUEVEDO DA ROSA.pdf: 623070 bytes, checksum: d6e7ed987a04d5ad296d7f91b6123a7d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-23T20:44:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) FABIANE QUEVEDO DA ROSA.pdf: 623070 bytes, checksum: d6e7ed987a04d5ad296d7f91b6123a7d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-26 / Com o objetivo de avaliar a proteína bruta fecal como indicador de consumo e digestibilidade de bovinos alimentados com pastagem nativa situada no Bioma Pampa e inclusões de azevém e avaliar a qualidade nutricional dessas pastagens foram realizados dois experimentos em gaiolas de metabolismo. No experimento I, os animais recebiam diferentes níveis de oferta de pastagem nativa onde os tratamentos consistiam em níveis de1,5 e 2,25% do peso vivo de matéria seca e um nível ad libitum, com pelo menos 20% de sobras diárias onde foram realizados seis períodos experimentais, O experimento II consistia em diferentes níveis de inclusão de azevém na dieta de bovinos alimentados com campo nativo, os tratamentos eram 33%, 66% e 100% de azevém em substituição ao campo nativo, em dois períodos experimentias. Os experimentos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 3 tratamentos e 2 repetições por tratamento em cada período. Os períodos experimentais consistiram de 10 dias de adaptação e 5 dias de coletas, durante o período de coletas foram amostradas as sobras do cocho, a forragem ofertada e ainda a produção total de fezes a cada 24 horas. Realizou-se as medidas de produção fecal, concentração de componentes fecais, consumo de nutrientes e digestibilidade dos componentes da dieta. No capítulo I foram traçadas relações entre digestibilidade e a concentração da proteína bruta fecal (PBf), sendo testados dois modelos não lineares, o exponencial e o hiperbólico gerando as equações de digestibilidade da matéria orgânica(DMO) = 0,709-9,506* exp(-0,041*PBf) com R2 0,61 e DMO = 0,942-38,619/PBf (R2 0,62), respectivamente. A relação de consumo de matéria orgânica (CMO) com a quantidade de PBf, possui comportamento linear, foi então realizada a análise de stepwise para saber quais outras variávies poderiam explicar melhor o modelo junto com a PBf gerando uma equação CMO = -6724,30 + 39*PBf + 2,55*FDNf + 11591,44*DMO com R2 0,95. Determinou-se a relação da proteína bruta (PB) da dieta (g/kg MO) x PBfecal (g/kg MO), PB dieta = 1,346x - 47,63 R² = 0,931 (modelo linear). No capítulo II, foram testados dois modelos para todas as relações traçadas no experimento II, um modelo linear e um modelo quadrático, as relações foram consumo de matéria orgânica (CMO (g/UTM)) x digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro (DFDN), DMO x CMO (g/UTM), DMO x CMO (g/dia), consumo de folhas (g/UTM) x DMO e CMO (g/UTM) x relação proteína/energia. As relações que não foram estatisticamente significativas para nenhum modelo foram CMO (g/UTM) x relação proteína/energia e consumo de folhas (g/UTM) x DMO. Após essas relações, verificou-se que a PBf tem um bom potencial para a estimativa de consumo e a digestibilidade por bovinos alimentados com pastagens nativas ou associadas a forragem cultivada como o azevém anual, mas estes parâmetros também são afetados por diferentes variáveis. / In order to evaluate the fecal crude protein as intake and digestibility marker of cattle fed with natural pasture from Pampa Biome and annual ryegrass inclusions and evaluate the nutritional quality of these pastures it was conducted two experiments in metabolic cages. In the first experiment, the animals received different native pasture offer levels where treatments consisted of 1.5 and 2.25% of the live weight of dry matter and ad libitum with at least 20% of daily leftovers which were carried out six experimental periods. The second experiment consisted of annual ryegrass inclusion levels in the diet of cattle fed with natural pasture, the treatments were 33%, 66% and 100% of ryegrass to replace the native pasture in two experimental periods. The experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 2 replicates per treatment in each period. The experimental period consisted of 10 days of adaptation and 5 days of collection during the period of the trough collects the forage offered have been sampled, the leftovers and also the total fecal production in each 24 hours. It was measured the fecal productions, concentration of faecal components, nutrient intake and digestibility of diet components. In the Chapter I were study the relationship between digestibility and fecal concentration of crude protein (CPf), being tested exponential and hyperbolic equations generating the digestibility of organic matter (OMD) = 0.709 - 9.506 * exp (- 0.041 * CPf) with R2 = 0.61 and OMD =0.942 - 38.619 / CPf (R2 0.62), respectively. The ratio of organic matter intake (OMI) with the amount of CPf, has a linear relation, it was then carried out stepwise analysis to find out what other variables could explain better the model along with the CPf generating a equation OMI = -6724.30 + 0,998 * CPf + 2.55 * NDFf + 11591.44 * OMD with R2= 0.95. It was determined the ratio of crude protein (CP) of the diet (g/kg of OM) x CPf (g/kg of OM), CPdiet = 1,346*CPf - 47.63 R² = 0.931 (linear model). In the Chapter II were tested two models for all relationships outlined in experiment II, a linear model and a quadratic model, relations were organic matter intake (OMI) x digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (DNDF), OMD x OMI, leaves intake x OMD and OMI x protein/energy ratio. The relationships that were not statistically significant for either model were OMI x protein/energy and leaves intake x OMD. After these relationships, it was found that the CPf has a good potential to estimate intake and digestibility in cattle fed native pastures or associated with annual ryegrass, but these parameters are also affected by different variables.

Submitted by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2016-09-26T12:58:36Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) JESSE TURCHIELO GRUNDEMANN.pdf: 787037 bytes, checksum: b8d2b3a0aafb3ac92a7ca1c97f74ec16 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2016-09-26T12:59:03Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) JESSE TURCHIELO GRUNDEMANN.pdf: 787037 bytes, checksum: b8d2b3a0aafb3ac92a7ca1c97f74ec16 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-26T12:59:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) JESSE TURCHIELO GRUNDEMANN.pdf: 787037 bytes, checksum: b8d2b3a0aafb3ac92a7ca1c97f74ec16 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-18 / Objetivou-se comparar o desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas, vacas solteiras e vacas com cria ao pé submetidas à ressincronização utilizando o protocolo hormonal de inseminação artificial com detecção de estro e em tempo fixo (IAETF). Foram utilizadas 382 fêmeas bovinas das raças Angus e Brangus, sendo 136 novilhas, 103 vacas solteiras e 143 vacas amamentando (entre 40 e 70 dias pós-parto). No dia 0, todos os animais receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1,2 g de progesterona (para sincronização de vacas adultas) ou reutilizado (para sincronização de novilhas e na ressincronização de novilhas e vacas adultas) e uma injeção intramuscular (IM) contendo 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE). Na tarde do dia 6, os animais receberam injeção contendo (IM) 300 UI de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) e 0,15 mg de D-cloprostenol e os bezerros tabuleta nasal por 4 dias (até o dia 10). Na tarde do dia 7, os dispositivos vaginais foram removidos e o estro foi monitorado às 24 e 36 horas após a retirada dos dispositivos. Os animais em estro foram inseminados 12 horas mais tarde e o restante recebeu uma injeção (IM) contendo 0,01 mg de Acetato de Buserelina às 48 horas após a retirada dos dispositivos e foram inseminados em tempo fixo (IATF) 12 a 16 horas após a injeção (dia 10). Na sincronização, o percentual de estro diferiu (P < 0,05) entre as três categorias (63,1%, 52.9% e 24,4% para vacas solteiras, novilhas e vacas amamentando, respectivamente). Já na ressincronização, apenas as vacas amamentando demonstraram menor (P < 0,05) percentual de cio (25,0%) quando comparadas às novilhas (82,0%) e vacas solteiras (72,7%). Na primeira IA, as novilhas apresentaram maior (P < 0,05) percentual de prenhez (71,3%) que as vacas amamentando (58,0%), mas 6 ambas as categorias não diferiram (P > 0,05) em relação às vacas solteiras (67,9%). Já na ressincronização, o percentual de prenhez das três categorias não diferiu (P > 0,05) entre si (51,2%; 51,5% e 60,0% para novilhas, vacas solteiras e vacas amamentando, respectivamente). Os percentuais de prenhez cumulativos das duas IAETFs (86,0%; 84,4% e 83,2% para novilhas, vacas solteiras e amamentando, respectivamente) e do final da estação reprodutiva após repasse com touros (94,1%; 91,2% e 87,4% para novilhas, vacas solteiras e amamentando, respectivamente) não diferiram (P > 0,05) entre as três categorias. Conclui-se que novilhas, vacas solteiras e vacas amamentando apresentam desempenho reprodutivo semelhante quando submetidas à ressincronização com IAETF, bem como após o repasse com touros. / The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive performance of heifers, nonlactating and lactating beef cows submitted to fixed time and estrus detection artificial insemination hormonal protocol (FTEAI). A total of 382 bovine females divided in 136 heifers, 103 nonlactating and 143 lactating cows (between 40 and 70 days postpartum) were used. On day 0 all animals received an intravaginal device containing 1.2g of progesterone (used on adult cows) or reutilized (used on heifers synchronization and on heifers and adult cows resynchronization) and an injection (IM) containing 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB). In the afternoon of day 6, animals received an injection (IM) containing 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and 0.15 mg of D-cloprostenol and calves a no se tablet for 4 days (until day 10). In the afternoon of day 7, intravaginal devices were removed and estrus was monitored at 24 and 36 h after device removal. Animals detected in estrus were artidicial insemination (AI) 12 h later and the remaining received an injection (IM) containing 0.01mg of Busereline Acetate at 48 h after device removal and were submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI) 12 to 16 h after the injection (Day 10). In the synchronization, estrus rate differ (P < 0.05) among the three categories (63.1%, 52.9% and 24.4% to nonlactating cows, heifers, and lactating cows, respectively). Where as in resynchronization, only lactating cows showed lower (P < 0.05) estrus rate (25.0%) when compared for heifers (82.0%) and nonlactating cows (72.7%). In the synchronization heifers showed higher (P < 0.05) pregnancy rate (71.3%) than lactating cows (58.0%), but both categories did not differ (P > 0.05) in relation to nonlactating cows (67.9%). In resynchronization, pregnancy rate of three 8 categories did not differ betwem (P > 0.05) each other (51.2%, 51.5% and 60.0% for heifers, nonlactating cows and lactating cows, respectively). The cumulative pregnancy rates from two FTEAI (86.0%, 84.4% and 83.2% for heifers, nonlactating and lactating cows, respectively) and from final reproductive season after breeding with bulls (94.1%, 91.2% and 87.4% to heifers, nonlactating and lactating cows, respectively) did not differ (P > 0.05) among the categories. In conclusion, heifers, nonlactating and lactating cows show similar reproductive performance at the end of breeding season when submitted to resynchronization using FTEAI, as well as after a short-term breeding with bulls.

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / There is a gap in the literature about the role and relevance of Indigenous Knowledge and beef cattle welfare in many parts of the Limpopo province. This gap is relevant because many marginalised cattle owners use indigenous knowledge in their day to day management of beef cattle. The aim of the study is to investigate the use of IK methods on beef cattle husbandry in Tshebela village in the Capricorn district of the Limpopo province as a contribution to filling the void identified above. The objectives of the study were as follows:  To investigate the IK methods used in beef cattle husbandry in the area of the study;  To assess if beef farmers use IK to identify medicinal plants to cure beef cattle;  To investigate farmers‘ perceptions and attitudes on the use of IKS on beef cattle husbandry in the area of study. A qualitative methodology that was used was primarily phenomenological in design. A purposive sampling technique was used and twenty seven (27) traditional beef farmers, two (2) local herbalists were recruited as participants. Data was collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations. An interpretative phenomenological-based analysis was used to surface the role and relevance of indigenous knowledge in beef cattle husbandry. The findings suggest that indigenous knowledge is used by cattle owners alongside modern knowledge and that communal farming posed some challenges to the farmers

Thesis (M.Sc.) (Agriculture) --University of Limpopo, 2007 / The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of pre-weaning selection on estimates of genetic parameters for post-weaning average daily gain in Phases C (ADG-C) and D (ADG-D) and to estimate genetic relationships between average daily gain in the two phases. Performance records of the South African Angus cattle breed was used in the analysis. (Co)variance components and genetic parameters for weaning (WWT), AGD-C and ADG-D were estimated by REML procedures fitting three different models (Models 1, 2 and 3) that differed in how they integrated sequential selection in the analysis of post-weaning traits. Model 1 was a univariate model of WWT, ADG-C and ADG-D. Model 2 was a two trait model of WWT and either ADG-C or ADG-D. Model 3 was a three trait model of WWT, ADG-C and ADG-D. Estimates of heritability for ADG-C were 0.39±0.08, 0.42±0.06 and 0.44±0.01 from Model 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Corresponding estimates of heritability for ADG-D were 0.18±0.021, 0.19±0.021 and 0.21±0.02 respectively. An estimate of genetic correlation between ADG-C and ADG-D was 0.58± and it suggested that the two traits may not necessarily be under the same genetic control. Rank correlations for all bulls based on ADG-C estimated breeding values (EBV’s) were 0.92, 0.83 and 0.94 for Model 1 vs. Model 2, Model 1 vs. Model 3 and Model 2 vs. Model 3 respectively. Corresponding ADG-D EBV’s rank correlations were 0.88, 0.84 and 0.93. Rank correlations for top and bottom 1%, 5% and 10% were lower than those for all bulls in both ADG-C and ADG-D. Low rank correlations showed that the difference in magnitude of genetic parameters from different models was enough to alter bull rankings based on EBV’s of ADG-C and ADG-D. Hence it was concluded that inclusion of pre-weaning information in genetic analysis for post-weaning average daily gain is necessary to account for selection at weaning. / the THRIP (Technology and Human Resource for Industry Project) and NRF (National Research Foundation).

Thesis (MSc. (Animal breeding and genetics )) --University of Limpopo, 2006 / The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for weekly body weight of feed intake of individually fed beef bulls at centralized testing stations in South Africa using random regression models (RRM). The model for cumulative feed intake included the fixed linear regression on third order orthogonal Legendre polynomials of the actual days on test (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77 and 84 day) for starting age group and contemporary group effects. Random regressions on third order orthogonal Legendre polynomials were included for the additive genetic effect of the animal and the additional random effect of weaning-herd-year (WHY) and on fourth order for the additional random permanent environmental effect of the animal. The model for body weights included the fixed linear regression on fourth order orthogonal Legendre polynomials of the actual days on test for starting age group and contemporary group effects. Random regressions on fourth order orthogonal Legendre polynomials were included for additive genetic effects and additional uncorrelated random effects of the WHY and the permanent environment. The residual effects for both traits were assumed to be independently distributed with heterogeneous variance for each measurement period. Variance ratios for additive genetic, permanent environment and WHY for cumulative feed intake at different days on test ranged from 0.07 to 0.10, 0.53 to 0.77 and 0.14 to 0.37, respectively. Variance ratios for additive genetic, permanent environment and WHY for weekly body weights at different test days ranged from 0.26 to 0.29, 0.37 to 0.43 and 0.26 to 0.34, respectively. Estimates of genetic correlation among the same trait (body weight or feed intake) measured at different test days were generally high (>0.80) for any give test pair. The WHY had a significant contribution in variation of performance of bulls on test, despite the 28-day adjustment period. RRM provided the opportunity to study changes in genetic variability within the studied traits over time. Random Regression Models could be used in the National Genetic Evaluation of beef bulls at central performance testing stations in South Africa.

No description available.

We conducted two experiments evaluating perennial ryegrass straw as a forage source for ruminants. Experiment 1 evaluated digestion and physiological variables in steers offered perennial ryegrass straw containing increasing levels of lolitrem B. Sixteen ruminally cannulated Angus X Hereford steers (231 ± 2 kg BW) were blocked by weight and assigned randomly to one of four treatments (TRT). Steers were provided perennial ryegrass straw at 120% of the previous 5-d average intake. Prior to straw feeding, soybean meal (SBM) was provided (0.1% BW; CP basis) to meet the estimated requirement for degradable intake protein. Low (L) and high (H) lolitrem B straws (<100 and 1550 ppb, respectively) were used to formulate TRT diets: LOW (100% L); LOW MIX (67% L:33% H); HIGH MIX (33% L:67% H); HIGH (100% H). Intake and digestibility of DM and OM, and ruminal pH, total VFA, and NH₃-N were not affected by increasing lolitrem B concentration (P>0.13). Ruminal indigestible ADF (IADF) fill increased linearly (P=0.01) and IADF passage rate (%/h) decreased linearly (P=0.04) as lolitrem B level increased. Experiment 2 evaluated performance and production of 72 Angus X Hereford cows (539 ± 5 kg BW) consuming perennial ryegrass straw containing increasing levels of lolitrem B during the last third of gestation. Cows were blocked by body condition score (BCS) and randomly assigned to one of three TRT. Cows were provided perennial ryegrass straw ad libitum and supplemented with SBM (0.1% BW; CP basis) to meet the estimated requirement for degradable intake protein. Mixtures of a L and H lolitrem B straw (467 and 2017 ppb, respectively) were used to formulate TRT diets: LOW (100% L); MIX (50% L:50% H); HIGH (100% H). Thirteen of 24 cows on the HIGH TRT exhibited signs of ryegrass staggers and were removed from the study. Dry matter intake was not affected (P>0.12) by increasing lolitrem B concentration; however, estimated DM digestibility decreased linearly (P<0.01) as lolitrem B concentration increased. Lolitrem B concentration did not influence pre- or post calving weight or BCS change (P>0.10). These data suggest that feeding perennial ryegrass straw containing up to 1550 ppb lolitrem B does not adversely affect nutrient digestion or physiological response variables in steers. However, providing straw with a lolitrem B concentration of approximately 2000 ppb resulted in 54% of cows exhibiting signs of ryegrass staggers. Blending of H and L straws appears to be a successful management practice. Keywords: Alkaloid, Beef Cattle, Endophyte, Lolitrem B, Perennial Ryegrass, Straw / Graduation date: 2004

Two trials were conducted to evaluate changes in the quantity, quality, and moisture of available forage in the pasture, and shrub utilization by cattle during a 30-d late summer grazing period (Trial 1) and the effect of cow age (experience) on grazing distribution and diet composition (Trial 2) in mountain riparian areas. In the trial 1, a pasture (44.7 ha) in the Catherine Creek site at OSU���s Hall Ranch in northeast of Oregon was grazed with 30 yearlings and 30 mature cow/calf pairs from early August to early September in 2001, and from late July to late August in 2002. Sampling dates were d 0, d 10, d 20, and d 30 of the grazing period. The forage availability before grazing was 1058 kg/ha and declined to 323 kg/ha at the end of the grazing period (P<0.10). Grasses dominated the pasture, followed by forbs, grasslikes, and shrubs. Kentucky bluegrass was the most prevalent forage species followed by timothy, sedges, and common snowberry. The highest percent disappearances of forage species was (83.7-92.7%) observed with quackgrass, western fescue, California brome, redtop, and heartleaf arnica, though their initial contributions to the available forage were less than 5%. High levels of shrub utilization were observed from d 20 through the end of the grazing period (45% for willow and 59% for alder). Forbs and shrubs did not vary in moisture content between the 10 d intervals and across the years averaging 59% and 61%, respectively (P>0.10). In contrast, the moisture content of grasses were over 50% at the beginning of the grazing period but declined dramatically to 34% from d 10 to d 20. Likewise, forbs and shrubs were higher (P<0.05) than grasses in CP (11, 14, and 6%, respectively) and IVDMD (58, 49, and 42% respectively). In summary, our results suggest that cattle grazing late summer riparian pastures will switch to intensive shrub utilization when grasses decline in quality and quantity, and forbs decline in quantity. In the trial 2, thirty first calf heifers, and thirty mature cows were randomly assigned to four pastures (15 head per pasture, average 21.5 ha) in the Milk Creek site of Hall Ranch from late July to early September of 2000 and 2001. Botanical composition of diets was determined by analyzing the feces from 10 animals (5 per pasture) in each treatment during the fourth week of the trial using the microhistological procedure. Correction factors were calculated for the 22 major plant species. First calf heifers had higher portions of grasses (75% versus 71%; P<0.05), but lower portions of shrubs and trees (9% versus 13%; P<0.10) as compared to mature cow diets, respectively. On an individual species basis, ponderosa pine consumption was a major contributor with mature cows consuming greater quantities (P<0.10) than first calf heifers. In summary, mature cows seem to have selected diet less in the amount of grasses and more in the amount of shrubs and trees as compared to younger cows. / Graduation date: 2004