L’amélioration de l’efficience alimentaire des animaux peut contribuer à un élevage plus durable par la réduction des ressources utilisées et des rejets associés. Les caractères qui déterminent l’efficience alimentaire des vaches laitières restent mal identifiés. Le projet se propose donc d’identifier les facteurs biologiques associés à la variabilité interindividuelle de l’efficience alimentaire des vaches laitières. La variation d’efficience alimentaire a été estimée avec l’ingéré résiduel, classiquement défini comme la variabilité résiduelle de l’énergie nette ingérée corrigée pour l’énergie nette du lait, l’entretien et les variations de réserves corporelles. Cet ingéré résiduel inclut par définition toutes les erreurs de mesure. Pour réduire ces erreurs, la note d’état corporel, qui classiquement se fait par notation visuelle, a été automatisée et de nombreux autres caractères candidats ont été mesurés fréquemment dans un environnement stable sur quasiment toute la lactation.La variabilité de l’ingéré résiduel ne représentait que 8% de la variabilité de l’ingéré mesuré, dont 58,9% étaient associés à de l’efficience et non de l’erreur. L’étude de la répétabilité de cet ingéré résiduel au cours de la lactation suggère d’éviter les 7 premières quinzaines au profit du milieu de lactation. Parmi tous les caractères mesurés, le comportement alimentaire, la température ruminale, la variation des réserves corporelles et l’activité expliquaient 58,9% de la variabilité de l’ingéré résiduel. Les effets de plusieurs de ces caractères semblent confondus. Leur lien de causalité av / Achieving higher feed efficiency of animals is expected to improve animal production sustainability through reduction of the used resources and of the associated emissions. The traits determining feed efficiency remain poorly understood. The present project aimed therefore at identifying the biological factors associated with feed efficiency differences in lactating dairy cows. Feed efficiency variation was estimated with the traditional residual intake, which was defined as the residual variability of net energy intake which is not explained by net energy required for lactation, maintenance and body reserves change. This residual intake includes by definition all measurement errors. To reduce these errors, body condition score, which is commonly measured visually, has been automated and several other candidate traits were measured frequently in a steady environment for almost whole lactation.Residual intake variability represented only 8% of intake variability in our study, among which only 58.9% were found to be associated with feed efficiency variability and not to errors. The repeatability analysis of the residual intake throughout the lactation suggested to avoid the 7 first lactation fortnights, and rather to focus on lactation middle. Among all measured traits, feeding behaviour, rumen temperature, body reserves change and activity explained 58.9% of residual intake variability. Many of these traits seemed confounded with others, which claimed for the need for further work to properly define their causal relationship with feed efficiency, especially focussing on di

Die Beziehungen zwischen der Reproduktionsleistung und der Körperkondition wurde in zwei Experimenten mit Awassi Schafen im Libanon untersucht. Im ersten Experiment wurden 72 Schafe in drei Altersklassen (Zutreter, primipare und multipare Mutterschafe), in zwei Körpergewichtsklassen (leichte, schwere) eingeteilt und jeweils zwei Fütterungsgruppen (ohne und mit Zufüterung) zugeordnet. Primipare und multipare Mutterschafe der Zufütterungsgruppe wiesen höhere Körperkondition, gemessen als BCS (p / The relationship between reproductive performances and body condition has been studied in 2 experiments using Awassi sheep in Lebanon. In the first exp., 72 experimental animals were grouped according to age (ewe lamb A, primiparous P, multiparous M), to body weight into small weight (SW) and large weight (LW), and kept under two management systems: traditional and improved (barley supplement). Primiparous and multiparous ewes showed a higher BCS (p

The alpaca is a small South American camelid (SAC) that is an important production animal in Peru, especially among the highly impoverished communities of the high Andes, and raised for its fiber and meat. Alpacas are highly reliant on the microbes within their digestive tracts to digest the plant material they consume; volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are released as a byproduct of this microbial fermentation and used as a major source of energy by the alpaca. To explore optimal parameters for alpaca microbiome analysis, performed 16S rRNA gene surveys on alpaca C1 and fecal samples that had been extracted using one of three different DNA extraction methods (PowerFecal® DNA Isolation Kit (MO BIO); ZR Fecal DNA MiniPrep™ (Zymo); and a non-commercial extraction method called salting out) and amplified using one of two different polymerase enzyme mixes (AccuPrime™ Pfx SuperMix and 5 PRIME HotMasterMix). We found that choice of polymerase enzyme had a profound effect on the recovered microbiome, with the majority of 5 PRIME-amplified fecal samples failing to amplify. Extraction method had an effect on the recovered microbiome of fecal samples (but not C1 samples), with samples extracted using the MO BIO kit and the salting out method recovering different communities. The Zymo extraction kit returned microbial communities comparable to each of the other extraction methods. These results suggested that the AccuPrime enzyme and either the MO BIO or Zymo kits were optimal for alpaca gut microbiome analysis. We also performed two 16S rRNA gene surveys, the first from alpacas fed either a grass hay (GH) or alfalfa hay (AH) diet, and the second a C1 survey of alpacas fed two-week periods of mixed grass hay plus one of four supplements. We discovered body site and diet effects on the microbiota of alpacas fed either the GH or AH diet, with samples grouping by general body site (C1, small intestine, and distal intestine) and diet. However, we found no significant effect on the C1 microbiome of alpacas administered grain supplements. To study how energy extraction related to the microbiome, we correlated OTUs from GH/AH-fed alpaca with C1 VFA abundances. We discovered no significant correlations, and a 16S survey of low body condition (LBC) and good body condition (GBC) alpacas showed no difference in C1 microbial communities. We concluded that the microbiota of the alpaca digestive tract follow trends seen in microbiome studies of ruminants, but found no evidence of a relationship between body condition, energy extraction, and the C1 microbiome in alpacas.

The aim of the thesis was to evaluate the data about body condition of cows and assess the relationship between changes of health status of the mammary gland, milk production and quality of cow´s milk. The monitoring took place in a selected company from October 2015 to September 2016 with the Czech spotted cattle. The body condition scoring was monitored within the herd, with the monthly evaluation of data, during the milking in the morning, together with the production performance control. The data values, received out of production performance control, were used for milk production performance (amount of milked milk, % fat, % protein, % lactose, SCC). Then the data about reproduction of the monitored herd were used, so as the order of lactation, date of the last calving and age. Total of 482 cows were monitored. During evaluation of the condition score, the average level of cows body condition was detected with value of 2, 18. Minimal body condition, during the monitored period, was 1.25, the maximum was 3.75. Correlation analysis of the relationship between the form and amount of the milked milk showed a negative correlation (-0.21). Furthermore the quality of milk was monitored. The amount of fat in milk, within the monitored herd, was 4.16% and 3.63% of protein. The fat was found to be the component, which the cow´s form had the effect on, with value: r = 0.14. The most affected component by the form was protein (0.28). A slight influence of pregnancy with Rf value = 0.06 arose too. Next evaluated indicator of milk quality was somatic cell count (SSC). The influence of the form, on SSC, was moderately significant (-0.05). The average somatic cell count, during the monitored period, was 287.75 thousand per milliliter. The prolificacy within the herd appears to be inconvenient. Within the population of the herd, the herd showed to be better at pregnancy rate after the first insemination (46.7%), however after all inseminations it proved to be weaker (44%). Subsequently the effect of three factors was evaluated: the day of pregnancy, the day of calving and the age in days at form. For dairy cows, at first lactation, there was found one significant influence the age, with the value of the correlation coefficient 0.23, while the cows at higher lactation showed to be influenced by all three of these factors. The dependence between the pregnancy day and the BCS is expressed as a negative (-0.06) but very weak. Higher absolute value of the correlation coefficient was observed between the age, in days, and BCS (-0.14). BCS value was directly proportional to days, since calving (0.16). This thesis was carried out with the support of the project Gaju 019/2016 / Z Nutrition and breeding technology as a way to animal welfare and the product quality.

Investigou-se o desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas e vacas de corte submetidas a protocolos de sincronização de estros para a inseminação artificial e a associação entre marcadores moleculares e desempenho reprodutivo. Exp.1 avaliou-se a antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a em programa de IATF com implante de progesterona em 306 vacas Angus, com cria ao pé. A antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a afetou a taxa de concepção à IATF e prenhez final (P<0,05), respectivamente de 60,9% e 89,1% quando comparados a PGF2a na retirada do dispositivo, respectivamente de 49,3% e 76,7%. Exp.2 avaliaram-se os efeitos do GnRH e da manifestação de estro sobre o desempenho reprodutivo em 197 vacas Angus submetidas à IATF. A manifestação de estro antes da IATF influenciou a taxa de prenhez à IATF (TxPIATF) e prenhez final, respectivamente de 46,6%, 78,6% (C/estro) e 33,0%, 60,6% (S/estro) (P<0,05). O GnRH no momento da IATF resultou em menor taxa de prenhez à IATF, 32,3%, comparado a ausência de GnRH 48,0% (P<0,05), mas não afetou a prenhez final, respectivamente de 69,7% e 70,4%. Houve interação entre estro e GnRH. Vacas C/estro-C/GnRH tiveram 31,4% de prenhez à IATF contra vacas C/estro- S/GnRH com 61,5% (P<0,05). Nas vacas sem estro, o GnRH não apresentou efeito (P>0,05) na TxPIATF (32,6% e 33,3%). O escore de condição corporal (ECC) afetou a taxa de manifestação de estro e a TxPIATF, com superioridade (P<0,05) para vacas > de 3,0. Exp.3 compararam-se os efeitos de diferentes protocolos para a IATF com o acasalamento por touros (Controle) sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de 249 vacas Angus. Formou-se 5 grupos: Controle; Crestar 2º uso; OvSynch; Primer 1ºuso e Primer 2ºuso. A IATF dos animais foi realizada 27 dias e 38 dias após o inicio da estação do grupo controle. Sete dias após a IATF iniciou o repasse com touros. A estação de acasalamento (EA) foi de 91 dias para o grupo controle e 64 e 53 dias para os grupos IATF. A taxa de prenhez ao final da EA não se diferenciou entre os grupos 83,9%. As perdas reprodutivas entre o diagnóstico de gestação e o nascimento foram de 10,5%, sem diferenças entre grupos. O ECC de fêmeas que emprenharam no grupo controle foi diferente do ECC de fêmeas vazias, mas não se diferenciou nos animais da IATF. Exp.4 avaliaram-se protocolos de inseminação sobre o índice reprodutivo em 249 novilhas Britânicas e cruzas, acasaladas aos 14 e 27 meses. Novilhas de 14 e 27 meses foram submetidas aos tratamentos Crestar ou inseminação artificial (IA) por 7 dias, seguida por mais 5 dias após PGF2a (grupo PGF2a) Novilhas de 27 meses também foram submetidas ao OvSynch. Foram avaliados o peso vivo, ECC, escore de trato reprodutivo (ETR) ao início da estação reprodutiva. Os tratamentos OvSynch e Crestar tiveram 100% dos animais inseminados (IATF), enquanto os grupos IA com PGF2a aos 14 e 27 meses tiveram, respectivamente 21,9% e 43,5%. Não houve diferença nas taxas de concepção entre tratamentos e idades (P>0,05), com valores respectivos de 46,5%, 56,3%, 64,7% para Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a e de 44,4% e 57,1%, para 14 e 27 meses. A taxa de prenhez à IA(TF) foi de 46,5%, 56,3%, 23,4% para Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, com superioridade (P<0,05) a favor do Crestar e OvSynch. A taxa de prenhez à IA(TF) foi de 18,6% e 41,3% (P<0,01) para idades 14 e 27 meses. A taxa de prenhez final, após o repasse com touros, foi superior a 90% em todos os grupos (P<0,05). O ETR influenciou a taxa de prenhez após a inseminação. Exp.5 e 6 buscou-se uma associação entre a resposta reprodutiva e marcadores moleculares ligados aos genes do receptor para IGF-1, LH , Leptina, receptores do FSH e LH. Foram utilizados dados de 249 novilhas (Exp4.) e 249 vacas (Exp.3). Nas novilhas a prenhez à inseminação e a prenhez final foram de 41,0% e 91,6%. Nas novilhas não foram encontradas associações entre marcadores e reprodução. No rebanho das vacas a taxa de natalidade no ano subseqüente foi de 75,5%, sem diferenças entre tratamentos, idade e escore ovariano. O ECC influenciou a taxa de natalidade, respectivamente de 55,6%, 75,8% e 82,4% (P<0,05) para os animais com ECC menor que 2,5; 2,5 a 2,9; maior ou igual a 3,0 ao do inicio EA. Vacas homozigóticas no marcador AFZ-1 apresentaram 84,4% de natalidade em comparação as heterozigóticas com 71,5% (P<0,05). A presença do alelo*161 nomarcador HEL5 resultou em 33,3% de natalidade, contra 76,5% em vacas sem esse alelo (P<0,05). Os experimentos evidenciaram que a antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a resultou em aumento da taxa de prenhez à IATF. O ECC mostrou-se como importante preditor do desempenho reprodutivo em vacas de corte. O uso do GnRH concomitante à IATF em vacas com manifestação de estro induzido com benzoato resultou em menor resposta reprodutiva à IATF. A IATF proporcionou aumento nas taxas de inseminação em novilhas, especialmente nas submetidas ao acasalamento 14 meses. O escore de trato reprodutivo ao início da estação de acasalamento influenciou a precocidade de concepção das novilhas. O atraso da realização da IATF após o início da EA não afetou a taxa de prenhez final de vacas de cria quando comparado ao acasalamento por touros. Marcadores moleculares apresentaram associação com o desempenho reprodutivo de bovinos. / Were investigated the reproductive performance of beef heifers and cows submitted to different estrus synchronization protocols for artificial insemination and the association between molecular markers and reproductive performance. Trial.1 The anticipation of the application of PGF2a in TAI program with implantation of progesterone in 306 nursing Angus cows was evaluated. Anticipating the application of PGF2a affected (P <0.05) conception rate to TAI and final pregnancy, respectively 60.9% and 89.1% when compared to PGF2a in the removal of the device, respectively 49.3% and 76.7%. Trial.2 The effects of GnRH and oestrus on reproductive performance in 197 Angus cows subjected to TAI It were evaluated. The expression of oestrus before TAI influenced the pregnancy rate to TAI (TxPTAI) and final pregnancy (P<0.05), respectively 46.6%, 78.6% (oestrus) and 33.0%, 60.6% (No/oestrus). GnRH at the time of TAI resulted in lower pregnancy rate to TAI (32.3%) compared to the absence of GnRH (48.0%) (P<0.05) but did not affect the final pregnancy, respectively 69, 7% and 70.4%. There was interaction between GnRH and oestrus. Cows with oestrus and GnRH had 31.4% pregnancy for TAI cows against with oestrus without GnRH with 61.5% (P <0.05). In cows without oestrus, GnRH had no effect (P> 0.05) TxPTAI (32.6% and 33.3%). The body condition score (BCS) affected the rate of oestrus and TxPTAI, with higher (P <0.05) for cows > than 3.0. Trial.3 The effects of different protocols for TAI with mating by bulls (control) on the reproductive performance of 249 Angus cows were compared. It was formed five groups: Control; Crestar 2nd use; OvSynch; Primer new and Primer 2nd use. The TAI was performed 27 days and 38 days after the start breeding season in the control group. Seven days after TAI was realized the clean-up bulls. The mating season (MS) was 91 days for the control group and 64 and 53 days for TAI groups. Pregnancy rate at the end of MS did not differ between groups (83.9%). Reproductive failure between diagnosis of pregnancy and birth were 10.5%, without differences between groups. The BCS to pregnant cows in the control group differed from open cows, but it was not different in cows submitted to TAI. Trial.4 Different protocols to insemination on reproduction in 249 British and crossbred heifers, bred at 14 and 27 months were evaluated. Heifers to 14 and 27 months were treated Crestar or artificial insemination (AI) for 7 days, followed by more than 5 days after PGF2a (PGF2a group) Heifers 27 months were also submitted to OvSynch. We evaluated body weight, BCS, reproductive tract score (RTS) to the beginning of the breeding season. Treatments OvSynch and Crestar had 100% of the animals inseminated (TAI), while groups with PGF2a IA at 14 and 27 months were respectively 21.9% and 43.5%. There was no difference in conception rates between treatment and age (P>0.05), with respective values of 46.5%, 56.3%, 64.7% for Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, and 44.4% and 57.1% for 14 and 27 months. Pregnancy rate to AI (TAI) was 46.5%, 56.3%, 23.4% for Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, with higher (P <0.05) in favor of Crestar and OvSynch. Pregnancy rate to AI (TAI) was 18.6% and 41.3% (P <0.01) for ages 14 and 27 months. The final pregnancy rate after clean-up bulls was superior to 90% in all groups (P<0.05). The RTS influenced the pregnancy rate after insemination. Trial.5 and 6 we looking for an association between the reproductive response and molecular markers linked to genes for IGF-1 receptor, LH , Leptin, FSH and LH receptors. We used data from 249 heifers (Trial4.) and 249 cows (Trial.3). Pregnancy in heifers at insemination and final pregnancy were 41.0% and 91.6%. No associations were found between markers and reproduction in heifers. In the cow`s herd the birth rate in subsequent years was 75.5%, with no differences between treatments, age and ovarian score. The BCS has influenced the birth rate, respectively 55.6%, 75.8% and 82.4% (P <0.05) for animals with BCS less than 2.5, 2.5 to 2.9; greater than or equal to 3.0 to the beginning of the MS. Cows in homozygous marker AFZ-1 showed 84.4% of the birth rate compared with 71.5% (P <0.05) in heterozygous cows. The presence of allele*161 to HEL5 marker resulted in 33.3% of birth rate vs. 76.5% in cows without this allele (P<0.05). The experiments showed that the anticipation of the implementation of PGF2a resulted in increased pregnancy rate to TAI. BCS has proven to be an important predictor of reproductive performance in beef cows. The use of GnRH in cows with the oestrus induced with benzoate showed worse reproductive response to TAI. The TAI has provided increased rates of insemination in heifers, especially in heifers submitted to matting by 14 months. The reproductive tract score at the beginning of the breeding season influenced the speed of conception in heifers. The delay of the realization of TAI after the onset of MS did not affect the final pregnancy rate of beef cows when compared to breeding only by bulls. Molecular markers were associated with the reproductive performance of cattle.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The present study was developed with the objective of evaluate if the frequency of roughage and supplement supply and/or animal category affect performance and behavior of feedlot cattle. Sixteen heifers and sixteen cows were used, with average initial age of 20 and 66 months and average initial weight of 338 and 462 kg, respectively. The frequencies of roughage and supplement supply were: 2 V/C roughage and supplement 2 times per day; 1 V/C roughage and supplement 1 time per day; 1 V/2 C roughage 1 time per day and supplement 2 times per day; 1 V/3 C roughage 1 time per day and supplement 3 times per day. Each food supply was offered to cows and heifers. The supplied diet was composed by 60% of maize silage and 40% of concentrate, on dry matter base (DM). The process of obtaining performance parameters was by animal weighting and attribution of body condition, weighting of the supplied food and it s respective orts, chemical analysis of diet ingredients and orts. Behavior parameters were obtained by register of animal activities at each 5 minutes, beyond counting chews per ruminated bolus and it s duration. The complete randomized experimental design was used, with a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement. No significant interaction was observed (P>.05) between supply frequencies and animal category for performance variables. For ingestive behavior, was observed interaction between supply and animal category for rumination (RT) and idle (IDT) times, efficiencies of dry matter rumination (EDMR) and neutral detergent fiber rumination (ENDFR), number of daily bolus and daily time of chews (DTC). Supply frequencies did not influence (P>.05) average daily weight gain (ADWG). Dry matter intake (DMI) per animal was superior for animal of 1 V/2 C or 1 V/3 C treatments. The DMI and digestible energy intake per animal and per metabolic size were higher for cows, however ADWG was similar (1.330 vs. 1.378, respectively), resulting on worst food conversion for cows in relation to heifers (9.4 vs. 7.4 kg, respectively). Heifers showed higher (P<.05) IDT and DTC when compared with cows that received food once in a day. Time of food intake (TFI) did not vary (P>.05) with supply frequencies. Ingestion rate (IR) was higher (P<.05) for animals that received 1 V/3 C, and did not differ from the ones that received 1 V/2 C in relation to 1 V/C and 2 V/C supply frequencies (2.89; 2.72; 2.43 and 2.48 kg of DM/hour of intake, respectively). Cows were higher for TFI and IR in relation to heifers (4.38 vs. 4.09 hours, 2.91 vs. 2.35 kg of DM/hour of intake, respectively). The frequencies supply of one, two or three times per day stimulates animals to intensify ingestion on the moment of the supply, but this don t alter time of food intake during the day and animals weight gain. / O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar se a freqüência do fornecimento do volumoso e concentrado e/ou a categoria animal afetam o desempenho e o comportamento de bovinos confinados. Foram utilizadas 16 novilhas e 16 vacas, com idade média inicial de 20 e 66 meses e peso médio inicial de 338 e 432 kg, respectivamente. As freqüências do fornecimento do volumoso e concentrado foram as seguintes: 2 V/C volumoso e concentrado 2 vezes ao dia; 1 V/C volumoso e concentrado 1 vez ao dia; 1 V/2 C volumoso 1 vez ao dia e o concentrado 2 vezes ao dia; 1 V/3 C volumoso 1 vez ao dia e o concentrado 3 vezes ao dia. Cada fornecimento alimentar foi ofertado nas categorias vaca e novilha. A dieta fornecida aos animais foi composta de 60% de silagem de milho e 40% de concentrado com base na matéria seca (MS). A obtenção das variáveis de desempenho ocorreu pela pesagem e atribuição de escore corporal aos animais, pesagem do alimento fornecido e respectivas sobras, análise bromatológica dos ingredientes da dieta e das sobras. As variáveis de comportamento foram avaliadas através do registro de atividades dos animais a cada 5 minutos, além da contagem de mastigações por bolo ruminado e sua duração. O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 4 x 2 (fornecimentos x categoria animal). Não houve interação significativa (P>0,05) entre freqüência de fornecimento e categoria animal para as variáveis de desempenho. Para o comportamento ingestivo, foi observada interação entre o fornecimento e a categoria animal para o tempo de ruminação (TR) e ócio (TO), eficiência de ruminação da matéria seca (ERMS) e da fibra detergente neutro (ERFDN), número de bolos diário e tempo de mastigação diário (TMD). As freqüências do fornecimento não influenciaram (P>0,05) o ganho de peso médio diário (GMD). O consumo de matéria seca (CMS) por animal foi superior para os animais alimentados 1 V/2 C ou 1 V/3 C. O CMS e o consumo de energia digestível por animal e por tamanho metabólico foram superiores para as vacas em relação às novilhas, porém, o GMD foi semelhante (1,330 vs 1,378 kg, respectivamente), resultando em pior conversão alimentar (9,4 vs 7,4 kg, respectivamente). As novilhas apresentaram maiores (P<0,05) TO e TMD em relação às vacas quando receberam a alimentação uma vez ao dia. O tempo de consumo de alimento (TCA) não teve variação (P>0,05) conforme a freqüência do fornecimento da dieta. A taxa de ingestão (TI) foi superior (P<0,05) para os animais que receberam 1 V/3 C, e esta não diferiu dos que receberam 1 V/2 C em relação aos fornecimentos de 1 V/C e 2 V/C (2,89; 2,72; 2,43 e 2,48 kg de MS/hora de consumo, respectivamente). As vacas permaneceram mais TCA e apresentaram maiores TI em comparação às novilhas (4,38 vs 4,09 horas; 2,91 vs 2,35 kg de MS/hora de consumo, respectivamente). A freqüência do fornecimento do alimento aos animais em uma, duas ou três vezes ao dia estimula estes a intensificar a ingestão no momento do fornecimento, mas isso não altera o tempo de ingestão do alimento ao longo do dia e o ganho de peso dos animais.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Feeding behavior, forage intake by beef heifers, the pasture structure in two phenological stages of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum): pre-flowering and flowering with heifers subjected to different feed systems: heifers exclusively on pasture or receiving corn grain (0.78% of body weight) or extruded fat (0.2% of body weight) as a supplement was studied. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial arrangement 3 x 2 (three supplements x two phenological stages of Italian ryegrass). The behavioral assessments were made by visual observation in four continuous 14 hour periods. Total DM and pastures intake were similar in both phenological stages. DM intake from pasture was higher for heifers consuming only ryegrass, intermediate for heifers that received fat, and lower when the supplement used was corn grain. Average daily gain of heifers was similar, regardless of the supplement received and the phenological stage of the ryegrass. The body condition score of heifers was similar in evaluations at pre-flowering and flowering stage of ryegrass. The heifers receiving corn grain had higher body condition score. The supply of corn grain caused a stocking rate 18% above other supplements tested. Grazing and ruminating time did not differ with the advance of the ryegrass cycle. Idle time was reduced from 312.22 to 228.68 minutes / day in the pre-flowering and flowering stage. The diurnal grazing, rumination and idle time were similar among heifers receiving different treatments. / Foram estudados o comportamento ingestivo, o consumo de forragem por novilhas de corte e a estrutura da pastagem em dois estádios de desenvolvimento do azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.): pré-florescimento e florescimento com bezerras submetidas à diferentes sistemas alimentares : novilhas exclusivamente em pastejo ou recebendo grão de milho (0,78% de peso corporal de grão de milho) ou gordura extrusada como suplemento (0,2% de peso corporal de gordura extrusada. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 3 x 2 (três suplementos x dois estádios fenológicos do azevém). As avaliações de comportamento foram feitas por meio de observação visual, em quatro períodos contínuos de 14 horas. As ingestões de MS total e do pasto foram semelhantes nos dois estádios fenológicos. A ingestão de MS do pasto foi maior para as novilhas exclusivamente em pastagem de azevém, intermediária para as novilhas que recebiam gordura, e inferior quando o suplemento utilizado foi o milho. O ganho médio diário das novilhas foi semelhante, independente do suplemento recebido e do estádio fenológico do azevém. O escore de condição corporal das novilhas foi semelhante nas avaliações no estádio pré-florescimento e florescimento do azevém. As novilhas que receberam milho apresentaram escore de condição corporal superior. O fornecimento de milho ocasionou taxa de lotação 18% superior aos demais suplementos testados. Os tempos de pastejo e ruminação não diferiram com o avanço do ciclo do azevém. O tempo de ócio foi reduzido de 312,22 para 228,68 minutos/dia do pré-florescimento para o florescimento. O tempo diurno de pastejo, ruminação e de ócio foi semelhante entre as novilhas que recebiam os diferentes suplementos.

Investigou-se o desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas e vacas de corte submetidas a protocolos de sincronização de estros para a inseminação artificial e a associação entre marcadores moleculares e desempenho reprodutivo. Exp.1 avaliou-se a antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a em programa de IATF com implante de progesterona em 306 vacas Angus, com cria ao pé. A antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a afetou a taxa de concepção à IATF e prenhez final (P<0,05), respectivamente de 60,9% e 89,1% quando comparados a PGF2a na retirada do dispositivo, respectivamente de 49,3% e 76,7%. Exp.2 avaliaram-se os efeitos do GnRH e da manifestação de estro sobre o desempenho reprodutivo em 197 vacas Angus submetidas à IATF. A manifestação de estro antes da IATF influenciou a taxa de prenhez à IATF (TxPIATF) e prenhez final, respectivamente de 46,6%, 78,6% (C/estro) e 33,0%, 60,6% (S/estro) (P<0,05). O GnRH no momento da IATF resultou em menor taxa de prenhez à IATF, 32,3%, comparado a ausência de GnRH 48,0% (P<0,05), mas não afetou a prenhez final, respectivamente de 69,7% e 70,4%. Houve interação entre estro e GnRH. Vacas C/estro-C/GnRH tiveram 31,4% de prenhez à IATF contra vacas C/estro- S/GnRH com 61,5% (P<0,05). Nas vacas sem estro, o GnRH não apresentou efeito (P>0,05) na TxPIATF (32,6% e 33,3%). O escore de condição corporal (ECC) afetou a taxa de manifestação de estro e a TxPIATF, com superioridade (P<0,05) para vacas > de 3,0. Exp.3 compararam-se os efeitos de diferentes protocolos para a IATF com o acasalamento por touros (Controle) sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de 249 vacas Angus. Formou-se 5 grupos: Controle; Crestar 2º uso; OvSynch; Primer 1ºuso e Primer 2ºuso. A IATF dos animais foi realizada 27 dias e 38 dias após o inicio da estação do grupo controle. Sete dias após a IATF iniciou o repasse com touros. A estação de acasalamento (EA) foi de 91 dias para o grupo controle e 64 e 53 dias para os grupos IATF. A taxa de prenhez ao final da EA não se diferenciou entre os grupos 83,9%. As perdas reprodutivas entre o diagnóstico de gestação e o nascimento foram de 10,5%, sem diferenças entre grupos. O ECC de fêmeas que emprenharam no grupo controle foi diferente do ECC de fêmeas vazias, mas não se diferenciou nos animais da IATF. Exp.4 avaliaram-se protocolos de inseminação sobre o índice reprodutivo em 249 novilhas Britânicas e cruzas, acasaladas aos 14 e 27 meses. Novilhas de 14 e 27 meses foram submetidas aos tratamentos Crestar ou inseminação artificial (IA) por 7 dias, seguida por mais 5 dias após PGF2a (grupo PGF2a) Novilhas de 27 meses também foram submetidas ao OvSynch. Foram avaliados o peso vivo, ECC, escore de trato reprodutivo (ETR) ao início da estação reprodutiva. Os tratamentos OvSynch e Crestar tiveram 100% dos animais inseminados (IATF), enquanto os grupos IA com PGF2a aos 14 e 27 meses tiveram, respectivamente 21,9% e 43,5%. Não houve diferença nas taxas de concepção entre tratamentos e idades (P>0,05), com valores respectivos de 46,5%, 56,3%, 64,7% para Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a e de 44,4% e 57,1%, para 14 e 27 meses. A taxa de prenhez à IA(TF) foi de 46,5%, 56,3%, 23,4% para Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, com superioridade (P<0,05) a favor do Crestar e OvSynch. A taxa de prenhez à IA(TF) foi de 18,6% e 41,3% (P<0,01) para idades 14 e 27 meses. A taxa de prenhez final, após o repasse com touros, foi superior a 90% em todos os grupos (P<0,05). O ETR influenciou a taxa de prenhez após a inseminação. Exp.5 e 6 buscou-se uma associação entre a resposta reprodutiva e marcadores moleculares ligados aos genes do receptor para IGF-1, LH , Leptina, receptores do FSH e LH. Foram utilizados dados de 249 novilhas (Exp4.) e 249 vacas (Exp.3). Nas novilhas a prenhez à inseminação e a prenhez final foram de 41,0% e 91,6%. Nas novilhas não foram encontradas associações entre marcadores e reprodução. No rebanho das vacas a taxa de natalidade no ano subseqüente foi de 75,5%, sem diferenças entre tratamentos, idade e escore ovariano. O ECC influenciou a taxa de natalidade, respectivamente de 55,6%, 75,8% e 82,4% (P<0,05) para os animais com ECC menor que 2,5; 2,5 a 2,9; maior ou igual a 3,0 ao do inicio EA. Vacas homozigóticas no marcador AFZ-1 apresentaram 84,4% de natalidade em comparação as heterozigóticas com 71,5% (P<0,05). A presença do alelo*161 nomarcador HEL5 resultou em 33,3% de natalidade, contra 76,5% em vacas sem esse alelo (P<0,05). Os experimentos evidenciaram que a antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a resultou em aumento da taxa de prenhez à IATF. O ECC mostrou-se como importante preditor do desempenho reprodutivo em vacas de corte. O uso do GnRH concomitante à IATF em vacas com manifestação de estro induzido com benzoato resultou em menor resposta reprodutiva à IATF. A IATF proporcionou aumento nas taxas de inseminação em novilhas, especialmente nas submetidas ao acasalamento 14 meses. O escore de trato reprodutivo ao início da estação de acasalamento influenciou a precocidade de concepção das novilhas. O atraso da realização da IATF após o início da EA não afetou a taxa de prenhez final de vacas de cria quando comparado ao acasalamento por touros. Marcadores moleculares apresentaram associação com o desempenho reprodutivo de bovinos. / Were investigated the reproductive performance of beef heifers and cows submitted to different estrus synchronization protocols for artificial insemination and the association between molecular markers and reproductive performance. Trial.1 The anticipation of the application of PGF2a in TAI program with implantation of progesterone in 306 nursing Angus cows was evaluated. Anticipating the application of PGF2a affected (P <0.05) conception rate to TAI and final pregnancy, respectively 60.9% and 89.1% when compared to PGF2a in the removal of the device, respectively 49.3% and 76.7%. Trial.2 The effects of GnRH and oestrus on reproductive performance in 197 Angus cows subjected to TAI It were evaluated. The expression of oestrus before TAI influenced the pregnancy rate to TAI (TxPTAI) and final pregnancy (P<0.05), respectively 46.6%, 78.6% (oestrus) and 33.0%, 60.6% (No/oestrus). GnRH at the time of TAI resulted in lower pregnancy rate to TAI (32.3%) compared to the absence of GnRH (48.0%) (P<0.05) but did not affect the final pregnancy, respectively 69, 7% and 70.4%. There was interaction between GnRH and oestrus. Cows with oestrus and GnRH had 31.4% pregnancy for TAI cows against with oestrus without GnRH with 61.5% (P <0.05). In cows without oestrus, GnRH had no effect (P> 0.05) TxPTAI (32.6% and 33.3%). The body condition score (BCS) affected the rate of oestrus and TxPTAI, with higher (P <0.05) for cows > than 3.0. Trial.3 The effects of different protocols for TAI with mating by bulls (control) on the reproductive performance of 249 Angus cows were compared. It was formed five groups: Control; Crestar 2nd use; OvSynch; Primer new and Primer 2nd use. The TAI was performed 27 days and 38 days after the start breeding season in the control group. Seven days after TAI was realized the clean-up bulls. The mating season (MS) was 91 days for the control group and 64 and 53 days for TAI groups. Pregnancy rate at the end of MS did not differ between groups (83.9%). Reproductive failure between diagnosis of pregnancy and birth were 10.5%, without differences between groups. The BCS to pregnant cows in the control group differed from open cows, but it was not different in cows submitted to TAI. Trial.4 Different protocols to insemination on reproduction in 249 British and crossbred heifers, bred at 14 and 27 months were evaluated. Heifers to 14 and 27 months were treated Crestar or artificial insemination (AI) for 7 days, followed by more than 5 days after PGF2a (PGF2a group) Heifers 27 months were also submitted to OvSynch. We evaluated body weight, BCS, reproductive tract score (RTS) to the beginning of the breeding season. Treatments OvSynch and Crestar had 100% of the animals inseminated (TAI), while groups with PGF2a IA at 14 and 27 months were respectively 21.9% and 43.5%. There was no difference in conception rates between treatment and age (P>0.05), with respective values of 46.5%, 56.3%, 64.7% for Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, and 44.4% and 57.1% for 14 and 27 months. Pregnancy rate to AI (TAI) was 46.5%, 56.3%, 23.4% for Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, with higher (P <0.05) in favor of Crestar and OvSynch. Pregnancy rate to AI (TAI) was 18.6% and 41.3% (P <0.01) for ages 14 and 27 months. The final pregnancy rate after clean-up bulls was superior to 90% in all groups (P<0.05). The RTS influenced the pregnancy rate after insemination. Trial.5 and 6 we looking for an association between the reproductive response and molecular markers linked to genes for IGF-1 receptor, LH , Leptin, FSH and LH receptors. We used data from 249 heifers (Trial4.) and 249 cows (Trial.3). Pregnancy in heifers at insemination and final pregnancy were 41.0% and 91.6%. No associations were found between markers and reproduction in heifers. In the cow`s herd the birth rate in subsequent years was 75.5%, with no differences between treatments, age and ovarian score. The BCS has influenced the birth rate, respectively 55.6%, 75.8% and 82.4% (P <0.05) for animals with BCS less than 2.5, 2.5 to 2.9; greater than or equal to 3.0 to the beginning of the MS. Cows in homozygous marker AFZ-1 showed 84.4% of the birth rate compared with 71.5% (P <0.05) in heterozygous cows. The presence of allele*161 to HEL5 marker resulted in 33.3% of birth rate vs. 76.5% in cows without this allele (P<0.05). The experiments showed that the anticipation of the implementation of PGF2a resulted in increased pregnancy rate to TAI. BCS has proven to be an important predictor of reproductive performance in beef cows. The use of GnRH in cows with the oestrus induced with benzoate showed worse reproductive response to TAI. The TAI has provided increased rates of insemination in heifers, especially in heifers submitted to matting by 14 months. The reproductive tract score at the beginning of the breeding season influenced the speed of conception in heifers. The delay of the realization of TAI after the onset of MS did not affect the final pregnancy rate of beef cows when compared to breeding only by bulls. Molecular markers were associated with the reproductive performance of cattle.

Investigou-se o desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas e vacas de corte submetidas a protocolos de sincronização de estros para a inseminação artificial e a associação entre marcadores moleculares e desempenho reprodutivo. Exp.1 avaliou-se a antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a em programa de IATF com implante de progesterona em 306 vacas Angus, com cria ao pé. A antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a afetou a taxa de concepção à IATF e prenhez final (P<0,05), respectivamente de 60,9% e 89,1% quando comparados a PGF2a na retirada do dispositivo, respectivamente de 49,3% e 76,7%. Exp.2 avaliaram-se os efeitos do GnRH e da manifestação de estro sobre o desempenho reprodutivo em 197 vacas Angus submetidas à IATF. A manifestação de estro antes da IATF influenciou a taxa de prenhez à IATF (TxPIATF) e prenhez final, respectivamente de 46,6%, 78,6% (C/estro) e 33,0%, 60,6% (S/estro) (P<0,05). O GnRH no momento da IATF resultou em menor taxa de prenhez à IATF, 32,3%, comparado a ausência de GnRH 48,0% (P<0,05), mas não afetou a prenhez final, respectivamente de 69,7% e 70,4%. Houve interação entre estro e GnRH. Vacas C/estro-C/GnRH tiveram 31,4% de prenhez à IATF contra vacas C/estro- S/GnRH com 61,5% (P<0,05). Nas vacas sem estro, o GnRH não apresentou efeito (P>0,05) na TxPIATF (32,6% e 33,3%). O escore de condição corporal (ECC) afetou a taxa de manifestação de estro e a TxPIATF, com superioridade (P<0,05) para vacas > de 3,0. Exp.3 compararam-se os efeitos de diferentes protocolos para a IATF com o acasalamento por touros (Controle) sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de 249 vacas Angus. Formou-se 5 grupos: Controle; Crestar 2º uso; OvSynch; Primer 1ºuso e Primer 2ºuso. A IATF dos animais foi realizada 27 dias e 38 dias após o inicio da estação do grupo controle. Sete dias após a IATF iniciou o repasse com touros. A estação de acasalamento (EA) foi de 91 dias para o grupo controle e 64 e 53 dias para os grupos IATF. A taxa de prenhez ao final da EA não se diferenciou entre os grupos 83,9%. As perdas reprodutivas entre o diagnóstico de gestação e o nascimento foram de 10,5%, sem diferenças entre grupos. O ECC de fêmeas que emprenharam no grupo controle foi diferente do ECC de fêmeas vazias, mas não se diferenciou nos animais da IATF. Exp.4 avaliaram-se protocolos de inseminação sobre o índice reprodutivo em 249 novilhas Britânicas e cruzas, acasaladas aos 14 e 27 meses. Novilhas de 14 e 27 meses foram submetidas aos tratamentos Crestar ou inseminação artificial (IA) por 7 dias, seguida por mais 5 dias após PGF2a (grupo PGF2a) Novilhas de 27 meses também foram submetidas ao OvSynch. Foram avaliados o peso vivo, ECC, escore de trato reprodutivo (ETR) ao início da estação reprodutiva. Os tratamentos OvSynch e Crestar tiveram 100% dos animais inseminados (IATF), enquanto os grupos IA com PGF2a aos 14 e 27 meses tiveram, respectivamente 21,9% e 43,5%. Não houve diferença nas taxas de concepção entre tratamentos e idades (P>0,05), com valores respectivos de 46,5%, 56,3%, 64,7% para Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a e de 44,4% e 57,1%, para 14 e 27 meses. A taxa de prenhez à IA(TF) foi de 46,5%, 56,3%, 23,4% para Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, com superioridade (P<0,05) a favor do Crestar e OvSynch. A taxa de prenhez à IA(TF) foi de 18,6% e 41,3% (P<0,01) para idades 14 e 27 meses. A taxa de prenhez final, após o repasse com touros, foi superior a 90% em todos os grupos (P<0,05). O ETR influenciou a taxa de prenhez após a inseminação. Exp.5 e 6 buscou-se uma associação entre a resposta reprodutiva e marcadores moleculares ligados aos genes do receptor para IGF-1, LH , Leptina, receptores do FSH e LH. Foram utilizados dados de 249 novilhas (Exp4.) e 249 vacas (Exp.3). Nas novilhas a prenhez à inseminação e a prenhez final foram de 41,0% e 91,6%. Nas novilhas não foram encontradas associações entre marcadores e reprodução. No rebanho das vacas a taxa de natalidade no ano subseqüente foi de 75,5%, sem diferenças entre tratamentos, idade e escore ovariano. O ECC influenciou a taxa de natalidade, respectivamente de 55,6%, 75,8% e 82,4% (P<0,05) para os animais com ECC menor que 2,5; 2,5 a 2,9; maior ou igual a 3,0 ao do inicio EA. Vacas homozigóticas no marcador AFZ-1 apresentaram 84,4% de natalidade em comparação as heterozigóticas com 71,5% (P<0,05). A presença do alelo*161 nomarcador HEL5 resultou em 33,3% de natalidade, contra 76,5% em vacas sem esse alelo (P<0,05). Os experimentos evidenciaram que a antecipação da aplicação da PGF2a resultou em aumento da taxa de prenhez à IATF. O ECC mostrou-se como importante preditor do desempenho reprodutivo em vacas de corte. O uso do GnRH concomitante à IATF em vacas com manifestação de estro induzido com benzoato resultou em menor resposta reprodutiva à IATF. A IATF proporcionou aumento nas taxas de inseminação em novilhas, especialmente nas submetidas ao acasalamento 14 meses. O escore de trato reprodutivo ao início da estação de acasalamento influenciou a precocidade de concepção das novilhas. O atraso da realização da IATF após o início da EA não afetou a taxa de prenhez final de vacas de cria quando comparado ao acasalamento por touros. Marcadores moleculares apresentaram associação com o desempenho reprodutivo de bovinos. / Were investigated the reproductive performance of beef heifers and cows submitted to different estrus synchronization protocols for artificial insemination and the association between molecular markers and reproductive performance. Trial.1 The anticipation of the application of PGF2a in TAI program with implantation of progesterone in 306 nursing Angus cows was evaluated. Anticipating the application of PGF2a affected (P <0.05) conception rate to TAI and final pregnancy, respectively 60.9% and 89.1% when compared to PGF2a in the removal of the device, respectively 49.3% and 76.7%. Trial.2 The effects of GnRH and oestrus on reproductive performance in 197 Angus cows subjected to TAI It were evaluated. The expression of oestrus before TAI influenced the pregnancy rate to TAI (TxPTAI) and final pregnancy (P<0.05), respectively 46.6%, 78.6% (oestrus) and 33.0%, 60.6% (No/oestrus). GnRH at the time of TAI resulted in lower pregnancy rate to TAI (32.3%) compared to the absence of GnRH (48.0%) (P<0.05) but did not affect the final pregnancy, respectively 69, 7% and 70.4%. There was interaction between GnRH and oestrus. Cows with oestrus and GnRH had 31.4% pregnancy for TAI cows against with oestrus without GnRH with 61.5% (P <0.05). In cows without oestrus, GnRH had no effect (P> 0.05) TxPTAI (32.6% and 33.3%). The body condition score (BCS) affected the rate of oestrus and TxPTAI, with higher (P <0.05) for cows > than 3.0. Trial.3 The effects of different protocols for TAI with mating by bulls (control) on the reproductive performance of 249 Angus cows were compared. It was formed five groups: Control; Crestar 2nd use; OvSynch; Primer new and Primer 2nd use. The TAI was performed 27 days and 38 days after the start breeding season in the control group. Seven days after TAI was realized the clean-up bulls. The mating season (MS) was 91 days for the control group and 64 and 53 days for TAI groups. Pregnancy rate at the end of MS did not differ between groups (83.9%). Reproductive failure between diagnosis of pregnancy and birth were 10.5%, without differences between groups. The BCS to pregnant cows in the control group differed from open cows, but it was not different in cows submitted to TAI. Trial.4 Different protocols to insemination on reproduction in 249 British and crossbred heifers, bred at 14 and 27 months were evaluated. Heifers to 14 and 27 months were treated Crestar or artificial insemination (AI) for 7 days, followed by more than 5 days after PGF2a (PGF2a group) Heifers 27 months were also submitted to OvSynch. We evaluated body weight, BCS, reproductive tract score (RTS) to the beginning of the breeding season. Treatments OvSynch and Crestar had 100% of the animals inseminated (TAI), while groups with PGF2a IA at 14 and 27 months were respectively 21.9% and 43.5%. There was no difference in conception rates between treatment and age (P>0.05), with respective values of 46.5%, 56.3%, 64.7% for Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, and 44.4% and 57.1% for 14 and 27 months. Pregnancy rate to AI (TAI) was 46.5%, 56.3%, 23.4% for Crestar, OvSynch, PGF2a, with higher (P <0.05) in favor of Crestar and OvSynch. Pregnancy rate to AI (TAI) was 18.6% and 41.3% (P <0.01) for ages 14 and 27 months. The final pregnancy rate after clean-up bulls was superior to 90% in all groups (P<0.05). The RTS influenced the pregnancy rate after insemination. Trial.5 and 6 we looking for an association between the reproductive response and molecular markers linked to genes for IGF-1 receptor, LH , Leptin, FSH and LH receptors. We used data from 249 heifers (Trial4.) and 249 cows (Trial.3). Pregnancy in heifers at insemination and final pregnancy were 41.0% and 91.6%. No associations were found between markers and reproduction in heifers. In the cow`s herd the birth rate in subsequent years was 75.5%, with no differences between treatments, age and ovarian score. The BCS has influenced the birth rate, respectively 55.6%, 75.8% and 82.4% (P <0.05) for animals with BCS less than 2.5, 2.5 to 2.9; greater than or equal to 3.0 to the beginning of the MS. Cows in homozygous marker AFZ-1 showed 84.4% of the birth rate compared with 71.5% (P <0.05) in heterozygous cows. The presence of allele*161 to HEL5 marker resulted in 33.3% of birth rate vs. 76.5% in cows without this allele (P<0.05). The experiments showed that the anticipation of the implementation of PGF2a resulted in increased pregnancy rate to TAI. BCS has proven to be an important predictor of reproductive performance in beef cows. The use of GnRH in cows with the oestrus induced with benzoate showed worse reproductive response to TAI. The TAI has provided increased rates of insemination in heifers, especially in heifers submitted to matting by 14 months. The reproductive tract score at the beginning of the breeding season influenced the speed of conception in heifers. The delay of the realization of TAI after the onset of MS did not affect the final pregnancy rate of beef cows when compared to breeding only by bulls. Molecular markers were associated with the reproductive performance of cattle.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:13:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese_Marcelo_Godoy.pdf: 524217 bytes, checksum: a994c2910234ccd5ab66b87e967a3bbf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-26 / Were used primiparous cows, zebuine, calved than received in the postpartum period, low intake isoenergetic supplements, in pasture of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, with twenty cows per treatment in a randomized design, where FA: the low intake supplement (LIS) with inclusion of protected fat, CO: LIS with the inclusion of meal corn and MS: only mineral supplement. Evaluated the body weight of cows (BW) of calves (BWC) and body condition score (BCS) of cows inthe postpartum period, at every 28 days, effect of sex of calf in the BW medium (BWm) and in the BCS medium (BCSm) of cows, the average daily weight gain of cows (ADWG) and calves (ADWGC) and pregnancy rate (PR). The supplementation increased the BW of the cows in FA and CO without difference between them (P> 0.05), already the MI did not differ from SM de108 to 136 days postpartum (P> 0.05). The BWC of FA and CO did not differ (P> 0.05) among them and were higher (P <0.05) than the MS 108 until 192 days postpartum, and heavier at weaning. The cows of FA had BCS higher (P <0.05) than the other treatments from 80 to 192 days postpartum. The ADWG of FA and CO did not differ among them (P> 0.05) and were higher than SM (P <0.05). The ADWGC of FA and CO were similar (P> 0.06), and higher than SM (P <0.06). Cows that nursing males had lower BWm and BCSm that those nursing females (P <0.05). The cows of FA had higher PR (P <0.01) / Foram utilizadas sessenta vacas de corte, primíparas, zebuínas, paridas, com 48 do grupo genético Guzonel e 12 da raça Nelore, que receberam no pós-parto, suplementos isoenergéticos de baixo consumo à vontade e mantidas em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, sendo vinte animais por tratamento, distribuídos uniformemente de acordo com o grupo genético, peso corporal, escore de condição corporal e número de dias pós-parto, onde AG: suplemento de baixo consumo com a inclusão de sabões de cálcio de ácidos graxos (gordura protegida), MI: suplemento de baixo consumo com a inclusão de quirera de milho e SM: somente suplemento mineral. Foi incluído quirera de milho, no tratamento MI, com o intuito de deixar o suplemento isoenergético em relação à quantidade de gordura protegida no tratamento AG. Avaliou-se o peso corporal das vacas (PCV) e dos bezerros (PCB) e escore de condição corporal (ECC) das vacas no período pós-parto, obtidos a cada 28 dias, além do efeito do sexo do bezerro sobre o peso corporal (PCm) e o escore de condição corporal (ECCm) médios das vacas e os ganhos médios diários de peso das vacas (GMDV) e bezerros (GMDB) e o índice de prenhez. Para aferir a produção de leite total (PLT), produção média diária de leite (PLm), produção de leite (PL) no período pós-parto, composição do leite e o efeito do sexo do bezerro na PL, foram utilizadas somente dez vacas de cada tratamento com menor período de dias pós-parto, com seis vacas do grupo genético Guzonel e quatro da raça Nelore (média de 24 dias) ordenhadas a cada 28 dias até 80 dias pós-parto e a cada 56 dias pós-parto dos 80 até 192 dias pós-parto. A suplementação conseguiu aumentar o PC no período pós-parto das vacas dos tratamentos AG e MI os quais não diferiram entre si (P>0,05), sendo que o MI não diferiu do SM de108 a 136 dias pós-parto. O GMDV do AG e MI não diferiram entre si (P>0,01), mas foram superiores ao SM (P<0,01) (0,352 e 0,321 vs. 0,143 kg/dia, respectivamente). O PCB dos tratamentos AG e MI foram semelhantes (P>0,05), no entanto, foram superiores (P<0,05) ao SM dos 108 até 192 dias pós-parto e, consequentemente, mais pesados ao desmame (192 dias de idade) (182,36, 175,23 e 148,68 kg, respectivamente). O GMDB dos bezerros do AG e MI, não diferiram entre si (P>0,06), mas foram maiores que o SM (P<0,06) (0,736 e 0,688 vs. 0,655 kg/dia, respectivamente). Aos 192 dias pós-parto as vacas do tratamento AG tiveram ECC superior (P<0,05) aos demais tratamentos. Já o PC das vacas do tratamento MI não diferiu do AG (P>0,05) e foi maior que o SM (P<0,05). Vacas que amamentaram machos tiveram menores PCV e ECC em comparação aquelas que amamentavam fêmeas (P<0,05) (321,48 vs. 337,22 kg e 2,04 vs. 2,14, respectivamente). As vacas dos tratamentos AG e MI tiveram maiores índices de prenhez que as vacas do SM (P<0,05) (68,48, 42,11 vs. 5,00%, respectivamente). As vacas que ingeriram sabões cálcio de ácidos graxos insaturados no suplemento alcançaram maior índice de prenhez (P<0,01). A suplementação de baixo consumo (AG e MI) proporcionou maior PLT (295,05 e 311,03 vs. 179,21, respectivamente) e PLm (1,52 e 1,61 vs. 1,11, respectivamente) quando comparado ao SM (P<0,05). A PL no período pós-parto teve diminuição linear em todos os tratamentos. A porcentagem de lactose (LAC), gordura (G), estrato seco total (EST) e estrato seco desengordurado (ESD) no leite se mantiveram constantes (P>0,05) no período pós-parto, ao contrário da proteína (PROT) que aumentou (P<0,05). O teor de G no tratamento SM foi superior aos demais tratamentos aos 80 dias pós-parto. Já em AG encontrou-se G menor em relação aos demais tratamentos aos 136 dias pós-parto (P<0,05), e MI e SM diferiram entre si. Dos 136 dias pós-parto em diante os teores de gordura não diferiram entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). A inclusão de gordura protegida afetou apenas os teores médios de G com 1,73% vs. 1,95% e 1,95%, respectivamente, para AG, MI e SM, mas não alterou os demais componentes do leite analisados. A produção e composição do leite não foram afetadas pelo sexo do bezerro (P>0,05). Concluise com este estudo que a suplementação de baixo consumo melhorou o PC, ECC, PCB, GMDV, GMDB, PLT e PLm, já a inclusão de ácidos graxos insaturados no suplemento diminuiu os teores médios de G e proporcionou maior ECC e índice de prenhez