Orientador: Sandra Aidar de Queiroz / Banca: João Ademir de Oliveira / Banca: William Koury Fillho / Resumo: O objetivo foi estudar a influência da idade da vaca ao parto (IVP), da idade do animal ao sobreano (IS) e do peso ao sobreano (PS) sobre os escores de conformação (C), precocidade (P), musculatura (M) e temperamento (T) ao sobreano de animais Nelore; estimar a herdabilidade (h²) destas características, empregando-se diferentes modelos estatísticos e estimar as co-variâncias e correlações entre T e as características reprodutivas perímetro escrotal (PE), idade ao primeiro parto (IPP) e idade ao segundo parto (ISP), de bovinos Nelore. A base de dados utilizada pertence ao PAINT®, CRV Lagoa LTDA. Foram realizadas análises de regressão após a absorção do efeito de grupo de contemporâneos (GC). As estimativas de h² foram obtidas por máximaverossimilhança restrita sob um modelo animal, considerando-se o efeito genético aditivo de animal como aleatório, incluindo diferentes efeitos fixos. IVP apresentou efeito quadrático sobre P e M, segmentado quadrático-quadrático sobre C e linear sobre T. A característica C comportou-se de modo similar ao PS e P e M foram semelhantes ao ganho de peso neste período. IS e PS apresentaram efeitos quadráticos sobre C, P e M e efeito cúbico e linear, respectivamente, sobre T. Estimativas de h² foram encontradas entre 0,13 á 0,38 (C, P e M) de acordo com o modelo utilizado, enquanto para PE, IPP e ISP, as estimativas foram iguais a 0,52; 0,13 e 0,03. As correlações genéticas entre T e PE, T e IPP e T e ISP foram de 0,16; -0,04 e -0,32. As correlações estimadas entre T e as características reprodutivas foram de pequena magnitude. A seleção para os escores visuais pode trazer ganhos genéticos moderados nas características de carcaça / Abstract: The aims of this study were to study the effect of age at calving (IVP), age of yearling (IS) and yearling weight (PS) on the scores of conformation (C), precocity (P), muscle (M) and temperament (T) of yearling Nellore, to estimate heritability (h ²) of these traits, using different statistical models and to estimate the covariance and correlation between T and the reproductive traits scrotal circumference (SC), age at first calf (IPP) and age at second calf (ISP). The database used belongs to the breeding program PAINT ® of CRV Lagoa LTDA. Regression analysis were performed after the absorption of the effect of contemporary group (CG). Estimates of h² were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood method under an animal model, considering the genetic effect of animal as random, with different fixed effects. IVP showed a quadratic effect on P and M, segmented quadratic-quadratic and linear on C on T, respectively. C showed similar patter as PS while P and M were similar to weight gain in this period. IS and PS showed a quadratic effect on C, P and M and cubic and linear effects, respectively, on T. The estimates of h ² ranged from 0.13 to 0.38 (C, P and M) according to the model used, whereas for PE, IPP and ISP, the estimates were equal to 0.52, 0.13 and 0, 03. Genetic correlations between T and PE, T and IPP and T and ISP were 0.16, -0.04 and -0.32. The estimated correlations between T and the reproductive traits were small. Selection applied on visual scores could bring moderate genetic gains to the carcass traits / Mestre

In presented thesis the chosen parameters of reproduction {--} days to first service, days open, calving interval, insemination index - were evaluated in dairy cattle. There were 222 of dairy cows observed (53 Czech Pied and 169 Holstein cows). The results of reproduction were evaluated as unsatisfactory. Length of calving interval overreached recommended 400 days in 56,25 % of Holstein and in 33,33% of Czech Pied cows. Also the mean value of insemination index 2,39 exceeds the optimum of 1,8-2,0.

A consequence of climate change is rising global sea levels, predicted to bring increased socio-economic and environmental impacts to coastal communities. The Greenland Ice Sheet has become a prominent contributor to rising sea levels, a consequence of the Arctic warming at twice the rate of the global average. Mass loss from the ice sheet is separated between changes in surface mass balance and ice discharge at marine terminating outlet glaciers, with the later dominating mass loss over the past fifty years. While advances in ice sheet modelling have provided greater clarity on Greenland’s future mass loss, there remains inefficiencies in modelling the response of outlet glaciers in Greenland’s fjords. This thesis aims to provide greater insight into behaviour of Kangerlussuaq Glacier, SE Greenland, by employing a 2D flowline model to understand the processes governing ice dynamics and to explore how the glacier may respond to a warming climate. Results indicate that the presence of a winter ice mélange is the principle dictator of Kangerlussuaq Glacier’s behaviour and likely protects against further retreat towards a reverse sloped section of bedrock. However, if such a retreat does materialise, then large overdeepenings in Kangerlussuaq Fjord raise the spectre of uncontrollable retreat and excessive mass loss.

Orientador: Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque / Resumo: As características reprodutivas são fundamentais para a rentabilidade do sistema produtivo de gado de corte. Contudo, características como idade ao primeiro parto (IPP) e perímetro escrotal (PE) possuem desvantagens para serem utilizadas em programas de melhoramento genético tradicional, uma vez que são mensuradas em só um sexo e podem apresentar baixa herdabilidade. Nas últimas décadas os avanços nas tecnologias de análise de DNA têm permitido o desenvolvimento de procedimentos estatísticos como estudos de associação (GWAS) e seleção genômica (GS). Comumente têm-se utilizado marcadores de tipo SNP para desenvolver este tipo de estudos. Entretanto, outro tipo de marcador molecular os haplótipos, que são grupos de SNPs que estão em alto desequilíbrio de ligação (DL) podem ser utilizados neste tipo de estudo, uma vez que estes podem estar em maior desequilíbrio de ligação com os QTL quando comparados com os SNPs. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o uso de haplótipos em estudos de GWAS e GS, para características reprodutivas, em bovinos da raça Nelore. Para o estudo de GWAS, 2.390 observações de IPP e 4.832 informações para CE, provenientes de três programas de melhoramento da raça Nelore, foram utilizadas em um estudo de associação genômica ampla. 1900 fêmeas e 1500 machos jovens foram genotipados com o painel HD da Ilumina® (777K). 490 fêmeas e 3.332 machos jovens foram genotipados utilizando o painel da GeneSeek 75K. Os animais genotipados com painel de menor densidade fo... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The reproductive traits are fundamental for the profitability of the beef cattle production system profitability. However, traits such as age at firs calving (AFC) and scrotal circumference (SC) have disadvantages to be used in traditional breeding programs, since they are measured in only one sex and may have low heritability. In the last few decades, the advances in technology for DNA analysis allowed the development of statistical techniques as genomic-wide (GWAS) and genomic selection studies (GS). Commonly, SNPs markers have been used to perform these studies. Nonetheless, another molecular marker, the haplotype, that are SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium (LD), could be used in these studies, since these could be in higher LD with the QTLs when compared to the individual SNPs. The aim of this study was to verify the use of haplotypes in GWAS and GS, for reproductive traits, in Nelore cattle. In GWAS study, 2,390 and 4,832 animals with information of age at first calving (AFC) and scrotal circumference (SC) belonging to three Nelore breeding programs were used to perform the GWAS. The genotypes of 1900 heifers and 1500 young bulls were obtained with HD panel from Ilumina® (777K) and 490 heifers and 3332 young bulls were genotyped with the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler HDi 75K. Animals genotyped with lower density panel were imputed to HD using the FImpute program. Phenotype was adjusted for the contemporary groups fixed effects (Y*). Missing genotypes and linkage phase were... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Orientador: Lucia Galvão de Albuquerque / Banca: Danísio Prado Munari / Banca: Márcio Cinachi Pereira / Resumo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram estimar associações genéticas entre o perímetro escrotal obtido aos 9 (PE9), 12 (PE12) e 18 meses de idade (PE18) e características reprodutivas medidas diretamente em novilhas tais como: idade ao primeiro parto (IPP), ocorrência de prenhez aos 16 meses de idade (Pr16) e reconcepção de fêmeas primíparas (REC), utilizando inferência Bayesiana, com intuito de verificar a possibilidade de incluí-las como critérios de seleção em programas de melhoramento genético de bovinos de corte. Foram analisados 158.148 dados de animais da raça Nelore, nascidos entre 1990 e 2006 e pertencentes ao arquivo zootécnico da Agropecuária Jacarezinho Ltda., localizada no município de Valparaíso, São Paulo. Foram realizadas análises uni e bi-características. Em análises bicaracterísticas, as estimativas de herdabilidade foram iguais a 0,22±0,05; 0,39±0,09; 0,20±0,06; 0,20±0,01; 0,54±0,03 e 0,17±0,03 para PE9, PE12, PE18, IPP, Pr16 e REC, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas estimadas entre PE9 e IPP, Pr16 e REC foram de -0,48±0,13; 0,51±0,13 e 0,02±0,19, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas entre PE12 e IPP, Pr16 e REC foram de -0,41±0,12; 0,35±0,12 e -0,16±0,17, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas entre PE18 e IPP, Pr16 e REC foram de - 0,29±0,13; 0,28±0,14 e -0,03±0,18, respectivamente. Esses resultados sugerem que a seleção de animais com maior perímetro escrotal, principalmente aos 12 meses de idade deverá ocasionar maior ocorrência de prenhez aos 16 meses e menor idade ao primeiro parto em fêmeas da raça Nelore / Abstract: The objectives of this study were estimate genetic associations between scrotal circumference obtained at 9 (SC9),12 (SC12) and 18 months of age (SC18) and reproductive traits measured directly in heifers as: age at first calving (AFC) occurrence of pregnancy at 16 months of age (HP16) and heifers subsequent rebreeding (HSR), using Bayesian inference, in order to verify the possibility of including them as criteria for selection in breeding programs for beef cattle. It were analyzed 158,148 records from Nelore cattle, born between 1990 and 2006 and belonging to Agropecuária Jacarezinho Ltda., located in Valparaíso council, São Paulo state. Single and two-trait analyses were accomplished. In two-trait analysis, the heritability estimates were equal to 0.22 ± 0.05, 0.39 ± 0.09, 0.20 ± 0.06, 0.20 ± 0.01, 0.54 ± 0.03, and 0.17 ± 0.03 for SC9, SC12, SC18, AFC, HP16 and HSR, respectively. The genetic correlation between AFC and SC9, HP16 and HSR were -0.48±0,13, 0.51±0,13 and 0.02±0,19, respectively. Genetic correlations between SC12 and AFC, HP16 and REC were -0.41±0,12, 0.35±0,12 and - 0.16±0,17, respectively. Genetic correlations between SC18 and AFC, HP16 and HSR were -0.29±0,13, 0.28±0,14 and -0.03±0,18, respectively. These results suggest that selection of animals with larger scrotal circumference, especially at 12 months of age should result in a higher incidence of pregnancy at 16 months and a decrease in age at first calving in Nellore females / Mestre

Este experimento foi realizado com objetivo de se avaliar os efeitos da suplentação com os energéticos propileno glicol, propionato de cálcio e "Dairy Power Drench ?" no período pré e pós-parto de vacas leiteiras sobre: a) variação do escore de condição corporal (ECC); b) variação de peso; c) produção de leite, d) parâmetros de eficiência reprodutiva e e) concentração plasmática dos ácidos graxos livres (AGL). Para este estudo, foram utilizadas 165 fêmeas da raça Holandesa (132 vacas e 33 novilhas) de dois rebanhos comerciais. As parições destes animais ocorreram entre 15 de março a 15 de junho de 1999. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: grupo C-Controle com 41 animais; grupo DR- com 42 animais que receberam 3 aplicações de "Dairy Power Drench ?" no pós-parto; grupo PC- com 39 animais que receberam 500g diários de propionato de cálcio, iniciando em média 11 dias antes da data do parto até 49 dias pós-parto; grupo PG com 43 animais que receberam 500mL diários de propileno glicol, iniciando em média 13 dias antes da data do parto e continuando até o 51 o dia pós-parto. A avaliação da condição corporal foi feita semanalmente, usando-se a escala de 1 a 5 e o peso foi aferido com auxílio da fita barimétrica, ambos no mesmo dia e pela mesma pessoa. A mensuração individual da produção de leite e a colheita de sangue para avaliação da concentração de ácidos graxos livres foram realizados semanalmente. O parâmetro reprodutivo, dias para primeiro cio pós-parto, foi realizado por observação visual, realizada duas vezes ao dia. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância que separou como causas de variação efeito de tratamento e efeito dos blocos formados em função da fazenda (Fazenda 1 e 2) e do números de partos (primíparas ou multíparas). As análises referentes aos valores de produção de leite, escore de condição corporal, peso vivo, variação diária do peso corporal e concentração de ácidos graxos livres foram acrescidos do fator medidas repetidas no tempo (semanas). A comparação entre as médias dos tratamentos foi realizada através do teste de Tukey. Não foi observado efeito de interação de tempo x tratamento sobre a variável escore de condição corporal. Entretanto, houve uma tendência (P<0,08) de efeito de tratamento e efeito quadrático de tempo (P<0,01). As vacas que receberam "Drench" tenderam a apresentar uma condição corporal 6% superior ao grupo que recebeu propileno glicol. Já a variação da condição corporal (ECC6 - ECC1) não sofreu efeito de tratamento. Para o peso corporal e variação diária de peso não foi observado efeito dos tratamentos, nem interação entre tempo x tratamento. Entretanto, sofreram efeito de tempo de comportamento quadrático (P<0,01 e P<0,05, respectivamente). As vacas produziram em média 27,3 kg de leite/dia, sendo observado efeito de interação tempo x tratamento (P<0,01) sobre esta variável. Porém, dentro de cada semana, as possíveis diferenças não foram detectadas. Os tratamentos não afetaram os parâmetros de eficiência reprodutiva. Encontrou-se em média 69,5 dias para o aparecimento do primeiro cio, 2,23 serviços/concepção e 172,6 dias para o período de serviço. As concentrações médias dos ácidos graxos livres encontradas durante o período experimental foram de 376,6 µeq/L, não se observando efeitos de interação tempo x tratamento ou de tratamento. Porém, sofreram efeito de tempo (P<0,01) com comportamento linear (P<0,01), decrescendo 48,2 µeq/L por semana. / The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of propylene glycol, calcium propionate and "Dairy Power Drench ?" supplementation on pre and postpartum period of Holstein cows. Parameters studied were: a) body condition score variation (BCS); b) body weight variation; c) milk production, d) reproduction efficiency and e) nonesterified fatty acids concentration (NEFA). One hundred and sixty and five animals were used (132 cows and 33 heifers) from two commercial herds. Parturitions started on March 15 th and ended on June 15 th of 1999. Animals were allocated in four groups: group C-Control (41 animals); group DR- (42 animals) with administration of "Dairy Power Drench ?" (once a day for 3 days) during postpartum period; group PC-(39 animals) with daily administration of calcium propionate (500g), starting 11 days (in average) prior to parturition and ending 49 days postpartum; group PG (43 animals) with daily administration of propylene glycol (500mL), starting 13 days (in average) prior to parturition and ending 51 days postpartum. The evaluation of BCS was done weekly, using a five-point scale over values from 1 to 5 and body weight was also measured, on the same day, by the same person. Milk production was measured individually and blood was sampled weekly. The parameter days to postpartum first detected estrus was done visually, twice a day. Variance analysis separated as variation sources the effect of treatments and blocks in function of farms (Farm 1 and 2) and parity (primiparous or multiparous). Analyses referred to milk production, body condition score, body weight, daily variation of body weight and nonesterified fatty acids concentration were added with repeated measures factor (weeks). Treatments were compared using Tukey's test. Interaction between time (weeks) and treatment was not found for BCS, however, there was a tendency (P<0.08) of treatment effect and quadratic effect of time (P<0.01). Supplementation of "Drench" tended to cause a body condition score 6% higher compared to supplementation of propylene glycol. But the variation of BSC (BSC6 -BSC1) was not affected by treatments. Body weight and its variation were not affected by treatment or interaction time x treatment. However, there was a quadratic effect of time (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Milk production average was 27.3 kg/day and an interaction time x treatment was found (P<0.01) on this parameter. But inside of each week, the possible differences were not detected. Treatments also did not affect reproductive efficiency parameters. On average, days to postpartum first detected estrus were 69.5, service/conception was 2.23 and service period was 172.6 days. Nonesterified fatty acids concentration average was 376.6 µeq/L and there was no effect of interaction time x treatment or treatment. But there was a linear effect (P<0.01), decreasing 48.2 µeq/L per week.

Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Analyse und Modellierung ausgewählter Verhaltensparameter von Mutterkühen im geburts- und brunstnahen Zeitraum durch sensorgestützte Systeme. Als Parameter standen die Bewegungsaktivität, die Flächennutzung und die Wasseraufnahme im Mittelpunkt der Betrachtungen. Dazu wurden bei 20 Abkalbungsereignissen und 10 Brunstereignissen die Bewegungsaktivität und die Flächennutzung in der Zeitspanne von 5 Tagen vor dem Ereignis bis 3 Tage nach dem Ereignis erfasst. Für die Ermittlung der Bewegungsaktivität mit den Variablen Schrittaktivität, Brustbeinlage und Seitenlage konnten Pedometer genutzt werden. Die Flächennutzung wurde mit dem Fernglas Leica Geovid 7*42 BDA und einem GPS-Gerät (GPSHAND Version 2.2) erfasst. Die Messungen zum Parameter Wasseraufnahme fanden für die Zeit 14 Tage vor bis 14 Tage nach dem Ereignis Abkalbung oder Brunst statt. Ein weiteres Ziel war die Bewertung der Parameter in Bezug auf ihre Aussagequalität und Effizienz bei der Erkennung von Abkalbungen und Brunstereignissen. Hier stand besonders die Einzeltieranalyse im Vordergrund. Dafür wurden aus der Zeitreihenstatistik die Lowessfunktion und die Fourieranalyse gewählt. Sowohl im geburts- als auch im brunstnahen Zeitraum erreichte der Parameter Bewegungsaktivität die beste Aussagequalität und Effizienz bezogen auf die Erkennung eines Ereignisses. Die durchschnittliche Schrittaktivität und Brustbeinlage zeigten signifikante Veränderungen im Zusammenhang mit einer Geburt oder Brunst. Die Seitenlage war nur im Zusammenhang mit Schwergeburten auffällig. Mit den entwickelten Bewertungsmodellen wurden im geburtsnahen Zeitraum zwischen 75% und 90% Sensitivität und eine Fehlerrate von 14,3-37,0% erreicht. Mit 40-70% Sensitivität und einer Fehlerrate von 10-50% war die Erkennung der Brunstereignisse geringer und weniger effizient. Die Analyse der Flächennutzung zeigte, dass Mutterkühe in den Stunden nach der Abkalbung die genutzte Fläche einschränken. Diese Verhaltensänderung war teilweise signifikant. Eine Veränderung des Flächennutzungsverhaltens im brunstnahen Zeitraum konnte nicht nachgewiesen werden. Aufgrund der geringen Datendichte wurde auf die Zeitreihenanalyse verzichtet. Innerhalb des Parameters Wasseraufnahme ermöglichten die Ergebnisse aus den Mittelwertberechnungen einen Nachweis von Veränderungen im Wasseraufnahmeverhalten in den Zeiträumen einer Abkalbung bzw. Brunst. Die Anwendung der Lowessfuntion und Fourieranalyse zeigte jedoch, dass die Erkennung von Ereignissen, auf das Einzeltier bezogen, fast nicht möglich ist. Die Hauptursache dafür liegt in der vorhandenen Unregelmäßigkeit von Tränkebesuchen und den starken Schwankungen in der täglichen Wasseraufnahme. / The investigations aimed at analysing and modelling of selected behavioural parameter in suckler cows during the calving and oestrus period via sensor based systems. The analysis were focused on the parameter movement activity, pasture using and water intake. The parameter “movement activity” and “pasture using” were measured throughout 20 parturitions and 10 cows on heat in the period from 5 days ante partum (5ap) to 3 days post partum (3pp). Pedometer were used to investigate the “movement activity” with the variables “pacing activity” as well as the time spent in “upright position” and “sideways position”. The pasture using was recorded with the binoculars Leica Geovid 7*42 BDA and a GPS receiver (GPSHAND Version 2.2). Measurements of the parameter “water intake” took place in the period 14 days before until 14 days after the occurrence of calving and oestrus. Another aim was to evaluate these parameter regarding their force of expression and efficiency for detection of parturition and oestrus. The focus was on the analysis of each animal individually. Therefore, two different approaches to time series analytics were used: Lowess-function and Fourier-analysis. During the period of calving as well as during the period of oestrus the parameter “movement activity” reached the best results in the force of expression and efficiency relating to the detection of an occurrence. The average of pacing activity and time in upright resting positions showed significant alterations in connection with a parturition or oestrus. The time in sideways positions was only conspicuous relating to difficult calving. The sensitivity of the developed models for characterising animal reactions ranged from 75 - 90% with an error rate of 24,3 - 37,0% during the calving period. With a sensitivity of 40-70% and an error rate of 10-50% the detection of oestrus was lower and less efficient. The analysis of the parameter „pasture using“ showed, that the used area of pasture were reduced by suckler cows in hours after calving directly. To some extend this behavioural change was significant. There was no significant change of the parameter “pasture using” during the period of oestrus. Due to the low density of data, the time series analysis was not realized. Within the parameter „water intake“ the results of mean-value calculation could be used for the verification of behavioural changes in water intake during the periods of calving and oestrus. Indeed the application of Lowess-function and Fourier-analysis showed, that a detection of occurrences relating to each animal individually is nearly impossible. The main reason is the present irregularity in frequenting the drinking bowl and the high fluctuation in the daily water intake.

Submitted by Claudia Rocha (claudia.rocha@udesc.br) on 2018-02-15T14:11:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA16MA191.pdf: 922207 bytes, checksum: 3108165a9cee76c00d7fec6c7def5444 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-15T14:11:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGCA16MA191.pdf: 922207 bytes, checksum: 3108165a9cee76c00d7fec6c7def5444 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-01-18 / PROMOP / The current scenario of the national milk production is in constant transformation. The current economic situation in the milk production requires producers operate with maximum efficiency to maintain profitability. To achieve maximum production cows should foal at regular intervals. This is only possible if the females becoming pregnant within a restricted period. That way the adoption of simple reproductive management techniques that can promote improved reproductive performance indexes, will provide higher returns to producers with no need for large investments.The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of three management systems reproductive and economic efficiency of dairy cows in semi-intensive production systems. The cows were selected by reproductive history, production and corporal condition and subjected to a full gynecological examination, including vaginoscopy and ultrasonography between 30-40 days postpartum. The animals were randomly allocated into one of three treatments: 1 - Estrus Detection (ED) - Consists of traditional management of artificial insemination (AI) after spontaneous estrus postpartum. The animals in this group were inseminated on the first estrus after 50 days in milk (DEL), 12 hours after the start of the estrus detection. Treatment 2 - Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) - Between 50-60 days postpartum, each cow received a dose of 0.5 mg of d-cloprostenol and marking with marker bat, being inseminated 12 hours after detection of estrus. Cow not entering into heat, they received a second dose of 0.5 mg d-cloprostenol 11 and / or 14 days later. Treatment 3 - FTAI. The FTAI protocol started 50-60 days postpartum by applying (D0) intravaginal progesterone implant and intramuscular (IM) of estradiol benzoate (EB, 2.0 mg). In D8, the implant removed and administered 150μg of PGF2a and 1 mg estradiol cypionate. The FTAI performed 48 hours after implant removal. To verify the effect of treatments on DEL variables for the first insemination, calving to conception interval (IPC) used the analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test. For analysis of the proportion of data (conception rate to first insemination and pregnancy rate to 150 LED) used the analysis of "Deviance" considering 5% significance level. The results showed higher rate of conception after 1˚ artificial insemination (AI), reduced birth-conception interval and economic benefit with the use of FTAI in dairy cows in semi-intensive production systems. The conditions under which the experiment was conducted, can be concluded that FTAI increases the conception rate in the first postpartum AI reduces the interval between calving and first AI and birth-conception range, raises the profitability of dairy farms / O cenário atual da produção leiteira nacional está em constante transformação. A atual situação econômica na produção de leite exige que os produtores operem com máxima eficiência, para manter a rentabilidade da atividade. Para alcançar a máxima produção, as vacas devem parir em intervalos regulares. Esta situação só é possível se as fêmeas tornarem-se gestantes dentro de um período restrito de tempo. Dessa forma, a adoção de técnicas de manejo reprodutivo simples, que possam promover a melhora dos índices zootécnicos reprodutivos, proporcionará maior retorno financeiro aos produtores, sem necessidade de investimentos de grande porte. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto de três manejos na eficiência reprodutiva e econômica de vacas leiteiras em sistemas de produção semi-intensivo. As vacas foram selecionadas pelo histórico reprodutivo, produtivo e condição corporal e submetidas a um exame ginecológico completo, incluindo vaginoscopia e ultrassonografia entre 30-40 dias pós-parto. Os animais foram alocados aleatoriamente em um dos três tratamentos: Tratamento 1 – Detecção de Estro (DE) - Consiste de manejo tradicional de inseminação artificial (IA) após cio espontâneo no pós-parto. Os animais deste grupo foram inseminados no primeiro cio após os 50 dias em lactação (DEL), 12 horas após a detecção do início do mesmo. Tratamento 2 – Prostaglandina F2α (PGF2α) – Entre 50-60 dias pós-parto, cada vaca recebeu uma dose de 0,5 mg de d-cloprostenol e marcação com bastão marcador, sendo inseminadas 12 horas após a detecção do cio. Vacas que não entraram em cio, receberam uma segunda dose de 0,5 mg de d-cloprostenol 11 e/ou 14 dias mais tarde. Tratamento 3 - IATF. O protocolo de IATF começou entre 50-60 dias pós-parto com aplicação (D0) de implante intravaginal de progesterona e aplicação intramuscular (IM) de benzoato de estradiol (BE; 2,0 mg). No D8, o implante foi retirado e administrado 150μg de PGF2α e 1 mg de cipionato de estradiol. A IATF foi realizada 48 horas após a retirada do implante. Para verificar o efeito dos tratamentos nas variáveis DEL para a primeira inseminação, intervalo parto-concepção (IPC) utilizou-se a análise de variância seguida do teste de Tukey. Para análise dos dados de proporção (Taxa de concepção a primeira inseminação e Taxa de prenhez aos 150 DEL) utilizou-se a análise de “Deviance” considerando o nível de 5% de significância. Os resultados mostraram aumento da taxa de concepção após a 1˚ inseminação artificial (IA), redução do intervalo parto-concepção e benefício econômico com uso de IATF em vacas leiteiras em sistemas de produção semi-intensivo. Nas condições em que foram realizadas o experimento, conclui-se que IATF aumenta a taxa de concepção na primeira IA pós-parto, reduz o intervalo entre o parto e a primeira IA e o intervalo parto/concepção e eleva a lucratividade de estabelecimentos leiteiros

The aim of the work was to elaborate a literary review of the characteristics, reproductive properties of Holstein cattle and influences affecting the reproduction of cattle. Another objective of the work was to evaluate the selected influences on their reproduction in a group of selected dairy cows from the monitored cattle herd. The data were processed and sorted by genotype, level of milk performance, parity, length of dry period, length of insemination interval, difficulty of calving, age of the first calving and synchronization of estrous (Ovsynch). In evaluating the effect of the genotype on reproductive parameters, there were no statistically significant differences between purebred Holstein cows (H100) and crosses (H50-88C). In addition, the effect of milk yield on lactation on reproductive performance was evaluated. The results showed that with increasing performance, the values of reproduction indicators (insemination index, insemination interval and period service) have increased. The statistically lowest insemination index (1.70) and insemination interval (96 days) were detected in cows with a yield up to 8,000 kg. The service period (122 days) was conclusively the lowest in a cow group with a yield of 8,001 to 10,000 kg lactating milk. In contrast, the highest conclusive values of the insemination index, interval and period service were detected in a group of dairy cows with a yield above 12,001 kg of milk. It is further evident from the results that the values of the pregnancy rate after the first insemination increased with the increasing level of milk performance. The lowest value (27.14%) was detected in the group with the highest milk yield (over 12,001 kg of milk). There were no significant differences between the different groups of dairy cows in the evaluation of the influence of parity on the reproduction indicators. Furthermore, the influence of length of dry period was evaluated. The average dry period in the monitored herd was 69 days. The pregnancy rate after the first insemination was better for the group with a dry period over 61 days (40.38%). On the other hand, periods of service and days open values were lower in dairy cows with a dry period less than 60 days (119 and 394 days respectively). The length of uterine involution was also monitored by the length of insemination interval. Most cows in the monitored group of dairy cows (25.29%) were first inseminated 66th - 87th day after calving. No statistically significant differences were detected in the assessment of the age of the 1st calving and the severity of births on reproductive parameters. The use of controlled reproduction methods (Ovsynch) was also monitored and applied only in the case of reproductive disorders of dairy cows. In the monitored period, Ovsynch was used in only 10 dairy cows and the average service period was 140 days.

This thesis deals with the evaluation of selected influences on the milk production and fertility of dairy cows in a herd of Holstein cattle. The cattle husbandry sector, in recent years, has been facing a worsening of the indicators of reproduction and longevity in dairy cows. It is primarily the requirement of constantly increasing the milk yield of dairy cows that has had an adverse impact on these indicators. The worsening of these indicators can result in a reduction of the cost-effectiveness of the production of milk and meat. The evaluation of influences on milk production and fertility in a herd of Holstein cattle was carried out at the AGRODAM Hořepník s.r.o. company. The selected influences included milk yield quantity, parity, age at first calving, calving interval, insemination index, and conception rate after first insemination. Two hundred and two Holstein dairy cows were included in the monitoring. Data on milk yield and reproduction were obtained from milk yield records and zootechnical records. The results showed that milk production of the monitored group of dairy cows was at a high level (10,025 kg of milk). The highest milk yield in kilograms of milk during first lactation was achieved by dairy cows that calved at the age of 27 to 29 months (9,335 kg of milk). According to the milk yield during the first lactation, the highest milk yield during three lactations was by dairy cows that had a milk yield exceeding 10,000 kg of milk during the first lactation (35,515 kg). When utilizing the DOUBLE OVSYNCH synchronization protocol, the average calving interval was 412 days, and a higher conception rate after first insemination (43%) was found as compared to the nationwide average in the Czech Republic (34.2%). The average number of culled dairy cows was 32%; from this the highest proportion of culled dairy cows was for other medical reasons (31%). Due to low milk yields, 25% of the dairy cows were culled.