The effect of genotype and slaughter age on gonadal development, body development and the correlations between these measurements were studied in five pig genotypes (Genotype 1, Genotype 2, Genotype 3, Genotype 4 and Genotype 5) consisting of 112 gilts and 112 boars with initial live weights varying between 25 – 30 kg. The pigs were group-housed in commercial type grower houses and fed a diet consisting of 14 MJ/kg energy, 18 % CP and 1.1 % lysine during the growth period up to a live weight of 65 kg, followed by a diet consisting 13.5 MJ/kg, 16 % CP and 0.9% lysine from 65 kg to 90 kg and then a diet consisting of 13.2 MJ/kg, 15 % CP and 0.7% lysine from 90 kg onwards. Pigs were slaughtered at 116, 130, 144, 158, 172, 186, 200 and 214 days of age. Gonadal growth and development were measured in gilts (ovary length, ovary width, ovary thickness, ovary weight, ovary volume, follicle number, and size of the largest follicle), boars (testis length, testis width, testis weight and testis volume) and body development parameters (slaughter weight, warm carcass weight, carcass length, chest depth, dressing percentage and P2 backfat thickness) were compared. Differences between means were tested using breed, sex and slaughter age as fixed effects, while the relationships between gonadal and body development parameters were evaluated by means of correlation analysis. Genotype 5 had a significantly shorter ovary length than Genotype 4 and Genotype 2. Genotype 2 gilts also had heavier ovaries and larger ovary volumes than Genotype 5 gilts. In boars, Genotype 2 had significantly heavier testes weights than Genotype 5 boars. Genotype 5 boars also tended to have smaller testis volumes than Genotype 2 boars. In body development, Genotype 2 gilts and boars were superior to the Genotype 5 in terms of slaughter and warm carcass weights, while Genotype 3 seconded Genotype 2. The average P2 backfat thicknesses were 11.88 mm and 13.68 mm for boars and gilts respectively. Correlations between gonadal and body development parameters were low to moderate in the gilts (r = -0.305 to 0.555) and moderate to high in boars (r = 0.560 to 0.871). However, dressing percentage, follicle number and size of the largest follicle correlated poorly with all other measurements. It is concluded from the study that although Genotype 5 do not grow to the same size and at the same rate compared to the other genotypes, they appear to be the most suitable for the production of top quality pork in terms of its low backfat thickness. Genotype 5 pigs were also characterized with a slower gonadal growth and body development compared to Genotype 2 pigs. Results from this study suggest that selecting against backfat may delay gonadal development and sexual maturation in pigs. / Dissertation (MSc (Agric) Production Physiology)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

No description available.

Myxococcus xanthus, a Gram-negative bacterium with a developmental cycle, displays a type IV pili (TFP) mediated surface motility known as social (S) gliding. Beside the polarly localized TFP, the fibril or extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) is also required for S-motility to function. It is proposed that S-motility, along with the related bacterial twitching motility in other species, is powered by TFP retraction. EPS is proposed to anchor and trigger such retractions in M. xanthus. EPS production is known to be regulated by TFP and the Dif signal transduction pathway. Two genetic screens were performed previously to identify additional genes important for EPS production. The first was for the isolation of pilA suppressors, the second for the identification of mutants underproducing EPS in a difA suppressor background. Both screens identified transposon insertions at the stk locus. In particular, StkA, a DnaK homolog, was identified as a possible negative regulator of EPS production by a stkA transposon insertion that suppressed a pilA mutation. A stkB transposon insertion was found to have diminished EPS production in a difA suppressor background. In this study, in-frame deletion mutants of the five genes at the stk locus, stkY, stkZ, stkA, stkB and stkC, were constructed and examined. In addition, mutations of rbp and bskL, two genes downstream of the stk locus, were constructed. Like transposon insertions, the stkA in-frame deletion resulted in overproduction of EPS. The stkB and to a less extent the stkC mutants underproduced EPS. Mutations in the other genes had no obvious effects on EPS production. Genetic epistasis suggests that StkA functions downstream of TFP and upstream of the Dif sensory proteins in EPS regulation in M. xanthus. Epistasis analysis involving stkB was inconclusive. It is unresolved whether StkB plays a role in the biosynthesis or the regulation of EPS production in M. xanthus. / Master of Science

This study analyzed skeletal development, body condition, and total body fat development of growing heifers. A total of 144 female primiparous Holstein cattle from four commercial dairy farms with different degrees of stillbirth rates were examined during the rearing period. This included measurements in body condition, fat tissue, metabolic, and endocrine factors. Pelvic measurements and the sacrum height were analyzed to assess skeletal development. The body condition was classified via body condition scoring, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), back fat thickness measurements, and the body mass. For the first time, BIA was used as an appropriate method to evaluate the fat tissue content of cattle throughout the rearing period. This analysis technique can be performed on heifers aged 8–15 months. Throughout that period, the fat content decreased while the skeletal development increased. In addition, high free fatty acid concentrations in serum of the animals with high frame development were found, supporting our hypothesis that stored energy of body fat deposits is used for skeletal growth. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate complex endocrine relationships between fat metabolism and skeletal growth by using specific markers, such as leptin, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and estradiol (E2). Food analysis showed high crude protein (CP) levels in the total mixed ration above recommendation for daily protein intake of all farms. However, there was a positive correlation between CP and the body frame measurements in our study. In summary, we established a novel regression formula for BIA analysis (“BIA-Heine”) in heifers to evaluate the body composition throughout different ages and physiological stages in the development of heifers. This special formula allows the evaluation of fat tissue without a whole-body analysis and therefore provides an innovative technique for animal welfare support.

The surface gliding motility of Myxococcus xanthus is required for a multicellular developmental process initiated by unfavorable growth conditions. One form of the M. xanthus surface motility, social (S) gliding, is mediated by the extension and retraction of polarly localized type IV pili (Tfp). Besides Tfp, exopolysaccharides (EPS), another cell surface associated component, are also required for M. xanthus S motility. Previous studies demonstrated that the Dif chemotaxis-like signal transduction pathway is central to the regulation of EPS production in M. xanthus. Specifically, difA, difC and difE mutants were found to be defective in EPS production and S motility. DifA, DifC and DifE, homologous to methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs), CheW and CheA, respectively, are therefore positive regulators of EPS. This study, undertaken to better understand the regulation of EPS production, led to a few major findings. First, DifD and DifG, homologous to CheY and CheC, respectively, were found to be negative regulators of EPS production. Both DifD and DifG likely function upstream of the DifE kinase in EPS regulation. DifB, which has no homology to known chemotaxis proteins, was found not to be involved in EPS production. Secondly, this study led to the recognition that Tfp likely function upstream of the Dif pathway in the regulation of EPS production. Extracellular complementation experiments suggest that Tfp may act as sensors instead of signals for the Dif chemotaxis-like pathway. We propose a regulatory feedback loop that couples EPS production with Tfp function through the Dif signaling proteins. Lastly, we sought to identify additional genes involved in EPS production. Our efforts identified a mutation in a separate chemotaxis gene cluster as a suppressor of difA mutations, suggesting potential cross-talks among the multiple chemotaxis-like pathways in M. xanthus. In addition, we identified twenty-five previously uncharacterized genes that are predicted to be involved in M. xanthus EPS production. These genes appear to encode additional EPS regulators and proteins with biosynthetic function. / Ph. D.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar diferenças entre as progênies de touros representativos raça Nelore e de três grupos genéticos, Nelore, Angus x Nelore e Brahman x Nelore, quanto ao desempenho pós desmame e quanto às características de carcaça medidas in vivo por ultra-som. Foram selecionados 14 touros representativos da raça Nelore, dois da raça Aberdeen Angus e um touro Brahman. Estes touros foram acasalados com 400 vacas Nelore, que deram origem a uma progênie de 158 machos e 148 fêmeas. Os animais foram criados e recriados a pasto até os 19 meses de idade e, então, terminados em confinamento recebendo dieta com 14,2% de PB e 71,2% de NDT, numa relação volumoso:concentrado de 23:77. Durante a fase de recria foram realizadas três pesagens e uma medida de carcaça por ultra-sonografia, aos 483 dias de idade em média. A fase de terminação em confinamento compreendeu cinco pesagens, realizadas aproximadamente a cada 28 dias, e três medidas de carcaça por ultra-sonografia, sendo que os animais apresentavam as seguintes idades médias em cada avaliação: 570, 598 e 677 dias, respectivamente. As medidas tomadas foram: área de olho de lombo (AOL, no músculo Longissimus dorsi) e espessura de gordura subcutânea entre a 12ª e 13ª costela (EG) e na garupa (P8, sobre o músculo Biceps femoris). Os animais permaneceram confinados até atingirem aproximadamente 5 mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea medida entre as 12ª e 13ª costelas no músculo Longissimus dorsi, no caso, por 127 dias, entre os meses de julho e novembro de 2004. Os animais foram abatidos com 24 a 26 meses de idade. Após o abate, foram coletados medidas de peso da carcaça quente (PCQ) e rendimento de carcaça. O grupo genético com melhor desempenho pós-desmama foi o grupo Angus x Nelore, seguido de Brahman x Nelore e por fim os animais Nelore puros, sendo que os machos foram superiores às fêmeas. Entretanto, durante o período de terminação em confinamento, as fêmeas apresentaram ganho de peso semelhante aos machos castrados, porém tiveram taxas de ganho de músculo e gordura superiores, em conseqüência da sua maior taxa de maturação. Foram verificados maiores ganhos em AOL nos Angus x Nelore, mostrando a aptidão para produção de carne da raça taurina. As diferenças em ganhos de gordura foram pequenas, provavelmente devido à qualidade da dieta que não permitiu que todo o potencial genético para terminação fosse expressado. Quando o estudo se baseou somente na raça Nelore, foram verificadas diferenças nas características de crescimento pós-desmama e durante a terminação em confinamento, entre as progênies dos touros da raça Nelore, indicativas da existência da variabilidade genética, o que permitiria esperar uma resposta à seleção de animais para as mesmas. Entretanto não houve efeito de touro para velocidade de acabamento e crescimento muscular entre as progênies estudadas. / This work aimed to evaluate differences among sires selected to represent the Nellore breed and among three breed groups (Nellore, Angus x Nellore, Brahman x Nellore) as to their progenies’ post-weaning performance and carcass traits, measured by real time ultrasound. A total of 14, two and one sires of the Nellore, Angus and Brahman breeds, respectively, were mated to 400 Nellore cows, producing a progeny of 158 steers and 148 heifers. The animals were raised on pasture until 19 months of age, then finished in feedlot on a diet containing 14.2% crude protein and 71.2% TDN, with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 23:77. During the growing phase on pasture, the animals were weighed three times and scanned at 483 days of age for Longissimus muscle area (LMA), back fat thickness over the 12th - 13th ribs (backfat) and rump fat (P8 fat). During the finishing phase in feedlot, between July and November 2004, cattle were weighed every 28 days and scanned for LMA, backfat and P8 fat at 570, 598 and 677 days of age. The backfat thickness end-point (5 mm) was reached after 127 days on feed, Animals were slaughtered at 24 to 26 months of age. At slaughter, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were measured. There were effects of breed group on performance during the growing phase. Angus-sired calves had better performance than Brahman-sire and Nellore-sired calves and Brahman x Nellore calves were superior to straight bred Nellore. Males had better performance than females. However, during the finishing phase, there was no sex effect on weight gain and females had greater muscle and fat gain rate than males, perhaps due to their greater maturity rate. Angus x Nellore animals had greater LMA, showing the meat producing ability of Bos taurus breeds. Breed differences as to backfat gains were slight. This was likely due to diet quality which didn’t allow the animals’ genetic potential to be fully expressed. Within the Nellore breed, post-weaning growth traits were different among the sires, indicating existence of genetic variability. Nevertheless, there were no effects of sire on backfat gain and muscle growth among the progenies studied.

Na atualidade, uma das causas importantes de lesão encefálica em neonatos é a anóxia neonatal. Este é um problema grave nos serviços de perinatologia dos hospitais em todo o mundo sendo ainda pior em países subdesenvolvidos, devido à carência de precauções e cuidados requeridos. Modelos animais de anóxia vêm sendo empregados para avaliar seus efeitos, tanto em nível neurológico, como em nível comportamental. A anóxia neonatal tem sido estudada pelo laboratório de Neurociências do Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas da Universidade de São Paulo, com modelos de estudo já desenvolvidos, adaptados e validados. Para investigar se a anóxia neonatal afeta o desenvolvimento motor somático e sensorial, ratos foram submetidos a um modelo não invasivo de anóxia global (Takada et. al., 2011). Ratos Wistar com 30 h de idade (6-8 gramas), machos e fêmeas, foram expostos por 25 minutos a gás nitrogênio 100% num fluxo de 3L/min, pressão 101.7 kPa e temperatura de 37ºC em câmara semi-hermética de policarbonato. O grupo controle foi submetido às mesmas condições porem com o ar ambiente normal. Os animais foram avaliados durante o período de aleitamento (P2 a P21) quanto a parâmetros do desenvolvimento somático; desenvolvimento ontogenético e quanto a reflexos sensório motores. Os resultados indicaram que o grupo Anoxia macho(AM) apresentou aumento no peso corporal {AM(42.25±3.62);CM(38.76±5.60);AF(40.64±5.08);CF(41.33±5.45)}e diminuição do eixo longitudinal do corpo {AM(10.15±0.27);CM(10.39±0.50);AF(9.82±0.44);CF(10.82±0.46)} em relação ao grupo Controle macho(CM) e Anoxia fêmea(AF), AF foi menor em relacao ao Controle fêmea (CF). AM apresentou maior eixo látero-lateral do crânio em relação CM e AF {AM (3.18 ±0.10); CM (3.17 ±0.13); AF(3.06 ±0.16); CF(3.00 ±0.15)} No desenvolvimento ontogenético houve retardo na abertura do canal auditivo {AM (13.79± 0.58); CM (13.75±0.83); AF(14.21±1.01); CF(13.36±0.50)} e abertura dos olhos {AM (14.00± 0.88); CM (14.64±1.28); AF(15.14±0.86); CF(13.79±0.42)} no grupo AF em relação a CF e AM, mas no grupo AM não houve diferença significante. Na erupção dos incisivos superiores {AM (10.79± 0.43); CM(11.71±1.68); AF(11.43±0.65); CF(10.07±0.27)} o grupo AM adiantou enquanto o AF atrasou em relação ao grupo controle. A avaliação dos reflexos sensóriais mostrou que a anoxia adiantou a colocação pelas vibrissas {AM (8.80± 1.21); CM (9.50±1.56); AF (9.93±1.14); CF(10.14±1.28) no AF e AM. Apenas o AM adiantou {AM (10.93± 2.09); CM(13.43±0.94); AF(10.50±0.85); CF(9.57±0.76)} no reflexo de aversão ao precipício. Nos relfexos de geotaxia negativa {AM (14.87± 1.30); CM (13.57±2.34); AF(14.57±1.40);CF (12.00±2.11)} e sobressalto ao susto {AM (14.00±0.53); CM (13.21±1.31); AF (13.29±0.61); CF (11.93±0.27)} e preensão palmar {AM (6.60±0.83); CM (4.71±0.47); AF(10.14±0.83); CF(4.71±0.47)} a anóxia provocou atraso tanto em macho quanto em fêmeas motores. Houve atraso na ontogênese da maioria dos testes de reflexos dos filhotes do grupo Anóxia. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que a anóxia causa danos persistentes na maioria dos parâmetros avaliados em relação aos grupos controle, e diminuição no número de neurônios do córtex sensóriomotor {M2: AM (46.84±1.72); CM (52±1.66); AF (45.55±1.80); CF (52±1.55)M1: AM (23.70±1.33); CM (41.89±1.49); AF (25.69±0.83); CF (43.88±1.46) S1HL: AM (27.93±2.69); CM (30.19±1.31); AF(23.42±2.38); CF (38.88±1.48) S1FL: AM (31.85±1.09); CM (33.88±0.48); AF(27.66±1.36); CF(32.28±1.70)}, com diferença de gênero o que evidencia a importância de que estratégias e procedimentos para minimizar os efeitos desse estímulos sejam consideradas em relação ao gênero / At present, one of the important causes of brain injury is the neonatal anoxia. This is a serious problem in the perinatology services of hospitals around the world being even worse in underdeveloped countries because of the lack of precautions and care required. Animal models of anoxia have been employed to assess their effects, both at the neurological level and at the behavioral level. Neonatal anoxia has been studied by the Neuroscience Laboratory of the Biomedical Sciences Institute of the University of São Paulo, with animal models already developed, adapted and validated. To investigate whether neonatal anoxia affects somatic and sensory motor development, rats were subjected to a non-invasive model of global anoxia (Takada et al., 2011). Male and female 30-h old (6-8 grams) Wistar rats were exposed for 25 minutes to 100% nitrogen gas in a flow of 3 L/min, pressure 101.7 kPa and temperature of 37ºC in a semi-hermetic chamber of polycarbonate. The control group was subjected to the same conditions but with normal ambient air. The animals were evaluated during the lactation period (P2 to P21) for parameters of somatic development; Ontogenetic development and for sensorimotor reflexes. The results indicated that the male Anoxia (AM) group presented increase in body weight (AM (42.25 ± 3.62), CM (38.76 ± 5.60), FA (40.64 ± 5.08), CF (41.33 ± 5.45)) and decrease in the longitudinal (10.82 ± 0.46), in relation to the male control group (CM) and the female Anoxia (AF), AF was lower in relation to the control group (AM) (10.15 ± 0.27), CM (10.39 ± 0.50), AF (9.82 ± 0.44) Female control (CF). AM increase in the cranio-lateral axis in relation to CM and AF (AM (3.18 ± 0.10); CM (3.17 ± 0.13); AF (3.06 ± 0.16); CF (3.00 ± 0.15). Concerning the ontogenetic development there was delay in opening the (13.79 ± 0.58), and the eyes {AM (14.00 ± 0.88); CM (14.64 ± 1.28), AF (15.14 ± 0.86), CF (13.79 ± 0.42)} in the AF group in relation to CF and AM, but in the AM group there was no significant difference. In the eruption of maxillary incisors (AM (10.79 ± 0.43), CM (11.71 ± 1.68), AF (11.43 ± 0.65), CF (10.07 ± 0.27), the AM group advanced while the AF delayed in control ration. The evaluation of the sensory reflexes showed that anoxia improved the placement of vibrissae (AM (8.80 ± 1.21), CM (9.50 ± 1.56), AF (9.93 ± 1.14), CF (10.14 ± 1.28) in AF and AM. Only AM advanced (AM (10.93 ± 2.09), CM (13.43 ± 0.94), AF (10.50 ± 0.85), CF (9.57 ± 0.76) in the reflex of aversion to the precipice. In negative geotaxia relays (AM (14.87 ± 1.30); CM (13.57 ± 2.34), AF (14.57 ± 1.40), CF (12.00 ± 2.11)} and startle reflex {AM (14.00 ± 0.53); CM (13.21 ± 1.31); AF (13.29 ± 0.61); CF (11.93 ± 0.27) and palmar grip (AM (6.60 ± 0.83); CM (4.71 ± 0.47), AF (10.14 ± 0.83), CF (4.71 ± 0.47)), anoxia caused delay in both male and female groups. There was a delay in the ontogenesis of most of the reflex tests of the puppies of the anoxia group. The results of this study demonstrated that anoxia causes persistent damage in most of the parameters evaluated in relation to the control groups, and a decrease in the number of sensory motor cortex neurons (M2: AM (46.84 ± 1.72), CM (52 ± 1.66), AF 1.80), CF (52 ± 1.55) M1: AM (23.70 ± 1.33), CM (41.89 ± 1.49), AF (25.69 ± 0.83), CF (43.88 ± 1.46) S1HL: AM (27.93 ± 2.69), CM (30.19 (31.88 ± 1.48), FA (27.66 ± 1.36), CF (32.28 ± 1.70), , which shows that strategies and procedures to minimize the effects of such stimuli should be considered in relation to gender

No description available.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:29:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Samanta Garcia.pdf: 278305 bytes, checksum: 691cf3f1e1090e5d30b4646cd5186f72 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-10 / Down syndrome (DS) is caused by a genetic malfunction occurring from the moment of conception, or immediately thereafter, which causes a delay in the development of the motor and mental functions (SCHWARTZMAN, 1999). According to Dalla Déa, Baldin, Dalla Déa (2009), there are some characteristics in common among people with DS. However, not all of such characteristics are present in all of the people. Some show few characteristics whereas others may show a larger number of them. Among the physical characteristics, we can highlight the epicanthic wrinkle and obliquely placed eyes, small ears with low implant, small nose, hypotonic tongue, small mouth and teeth, fine and straight hair, transversal palm wrinkle, distance among the toes and deep hollow in the sole of the feet. In Brazil, according to the results of the 2000 IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística) Census, there are 8.000 new cases of children with the syndrome every year in Brazil, that is, around 300 thousand people have acquired Down syndrome (MOELLER, 2006). The objective of this dissertation is to study the influence of a gymnastics program on the motor development, growth and body mass index (BMI) in children with DS. The study is regarded as experimental, of the before and after type (GIL, 2009). Seven children with DS aged 3 to 7, who took part regularly in the APAE activities were included. The research has been approved in the Committee for Ethics in Research with Human Beings of the PRPPG of the UFG (no 082/2008). The intervention was conducted from August to December, 2008. In order to evaluate motor development Francisco Rosa Netos s (2002) Scale of Motor Development (SMD) was used, and in order to determine BMI Key s (1973) equation and WHO values (2007) were used. BMI was evaluated also taking into consideration the parameters for children with Down syndrome (ZAN MUSTACCI, 2002). For the statistical treatment, the average and standard deviation of all quantitative data obtained before and after the intervention have been calculated. The Wilson test was employed to compare the moments, and significance level reached 5%. All procedures were conducted in the computer pack SPSS, 10.0. The seven children with DS had average body weight of 13,6 ± 2,66 before the intervention and 14,3 ± 2,44 kg after the intervention. The BMI found was 16,25 ± 0,99 kg/m² before the program and 16,2 ± 1,08 kg/m² at the end of the program. The gymnastics did not produce statistically significant alterations in the anthropometric variables. Nevertheless, in connection with motor abilities, this practice has contributed significantly approximating the children to the reference values established for their respective ages. / O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a influência de um programa de Ginástica sobre o desenvolvimento motor, crescimento e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) de crianças com SD. O estudo de caráter experimental durou 12 semanas e contou com sete crianças (6 meninos e 1 menina) com Síndrome de Down com idades entre 3 e 5 anos. As crianças foram avaliadas antes e após a intervenção profissional nas variáveis de desenvolvimento motor, de peso, estatura e IMC. As sete crianças com SD tinham peso corporal médio de 13,6 ± 2,66 kg antes da intervenção e de 14,3 ± 2,44 kg. após a intervenção. A média da estatura foi de 93,3 ±6,38 cm antes e de 93,8± 6,34 cm após a intervenção. O IMC encontrado foi de 16,25 ± 0,99 kg/m² antes do programa e de 16,2 ± 1,08 kg/m² ao final do programa. O programa de Ginástica não promoveu alterações estatisticamente significantes nas variáveis antropométricas, todavia em relação às habilidades motoras esta prática corporal contribuiu significativamente aproximando as crianças aos valores de referência estabelecidos para as respectivas idades das mesmas.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar diferenças entre as progênies de touros representativos raça Nelore e de três grupos genéticos, Nelore, Angus x Nelore e Brahman x Nelore, quanto ao desempenho pós desmame e quanto às características de carcaça medidas in vivo por ultra-som. Foram selecionados 14 touros representativos da raça Nelore, dois da raça Aberdeen Angus e um touro Brahman. Estes touros foram acasalados com 400 vacas Nelore, que deram origem a uma progênie de 158 machos e 148 fêmeas. Os animais foram criados e recriados a pasto até os 19 meses de idade e, então, terminados em confinamento recebendo dieta com 14,2% de PB e 71,2% de NDT, numa relação volumoso:concentrado de 23:77. Durante a fase de recria foram realizadas três pesagens e uma medida de carcaça por ultra-sonografia, aos 483 dias de idade em média. A fase de terminação em confinamento compreendeu cinco pesagens, realizadas aproximadamente a cada 28 dias, e três medidas de carcaça por ultra-sonografia, sendo que os animais apresentavam as seguintes idades médias em cada avaliação: 570, 598 e 677 dias, respectivamente. As medidas tomadas foram: área de olho de lombo (AOL, no músculo Longissimus dorsi) e espessura de gordura subcutânea entre a 12ª e 13ª costela (EG) e na garupa (P8, sobre o músculo Biceps femoris). Os animais permaneceram confinados até atingirem aproximadamente 5 mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea medida entre as 12ª e 13ª costelas no músculo Longissimus dorsi, no caso, por 127 dias, entre os meses de julho e novembro de 2004. Os animais foram abatidos com 24 a 26 meses de idade. Após o abate, foram coletados medidas de peso da carcaça quente (PCQ) e rendimento de carcaça. O grupo genético com melhor desempenho pós-desmama foi o grupo Angus x Nelore, seguido de Brahman x Nelore e por fim os animais Nelore puros, sendo que os machos foram superiores às fêmeas. Entretanto, durante o período de terminação em confinamento, as fêmeas apresentaram ganho de peso semelhante aos machos castrados, porém tiveram taxas de ganho de músculo e gordura superiores, em conseqüência da sua maior taxa de maturação. Foram verificados maiores ganhos em AOL nos Angus x Nelore, mostrando a aptidão para produção de carne da raça taurina. As diferenças em ganhos de gordura foram pequenas, provavelmente devido à qualidade da dieta que não permitiu que todo o potencial genético para terminação fosse expressado. Quando o estudo se baseou somente na raça Nelore, foram verificadas diferenças nas características de crescimento pós-desmama e durante a terminação em confinamento, entre as progênies dos touros da raça Nelore, indicativas da existência da variabilidade genética, o que permitiria esperar uma resposta à seleção de animais para as mesmas. Entretanto não houve efeito de touro para velocidade de acabamento e crescimento muscular entre as progênies estudadas. / This work aimed to evaluate differences among sires selected to represent the Nellore breed and among three breed groups (Nellore, Angus x Nellore, Brahman x Nellore) as to their progenies’ post-weaning performance and carcass traits, measured by real time ultrasound. A total of 14, two and one sires of the Nellore, Angus and Brahman breeds, respectively, were mated to 400 Nellore cows, producing a progeny of 158 steers and 148 heifers. The animals were raised on pasture until 19 months of age, then finished in feedlot on a diet containing 14.2% crude protein and 71.2% TDN, with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 23:77. During the growing phase on pasture, the animals were weighed three times and scanned at 483 days of age for Longissimus muscle area (LMA), back fat thickness over the 12th - 13th ribs (backfat) and rump fat (P8 fat). During the finishing phase in feedlot, between July and November 2004, cattle were weighed every 28 days and scanned for LMA, backfat and P8 fat at 570, 598 and 677 days of age. The backfat thickness end-point (5 mm) was reached after 127 days on feed, Animals were slaughtered at 24 to 26 months of age. At slaughter, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were measured. There were effects of breed group on performance during the growing phase. Angus-sired calves had better performance than Brahman-sire and Nellore-sired calves and Brahman x Nellore calves were superior to straight bred Nellore. Males had better performance than females. However, during the finishing phase, there was no sex effect on weight gain and females had greater muscle and fat gain rate than males, perhaps due to their greater maturity rate. Angus x Nellore animals had greater LMA, showing the meat producing ability of Bos taurus breeds. Breed differences as to backfat gains were slight. This was likely due to diet quality which didn’t allow the animals’ genetic potential to be fully expressed. Within the Nellore breed, post-weaning growth traits were different among the sires, indicating existence of genetic variability. Nevertheless, there were no effects of sire on backfat gain and muscle growth among the progenies studied.