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Thirty-seven Columbia and Cormo Crossbred July-weaned weather lambs were utilized in this study. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate feed efficiency, average daily gain, feed cost per pound of gain, wool growth per day and per pound of grain, and average wool fiber diameter and distribution of fiber population of the wool. Lambs were raised to a uniform market weight of between 115 and 125 pounds and slaughtered to evaluate carcass weight, backfat thickness, loin eye area, internal body fat, leg circumference, dressing percentage, untrimmed wholesale cuts, trimmed retail cuts, and yield and quality grades. Suffok x Cormo/Rambouillet lambs were most efficient (P

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Elizabeth Yeager / Crossbreeding has long been promoted as the preferred method of production for cow-calf producers. Unfortunately, crossbreeding can add complexity to maintain a consistent cowherd and can drive the need to purchase replacement females from outside the producer’s own herd. This has led some producers to pursue straightbreeding to provide their own supply of replacements and the opportunity to more narrowly select for individuals suited to a carcass quality grid marketing system. The subject of this thesis is a Red Angus based cowherd that breeds females to Red Angus sires in early parities. The same cowherd is bred to Simmental sires in later parities to produce a terminal F1 cross. It is the objective of this thesis to explore whether this operation’s straghtbred or crossbred calf crop provides an economic advantage to the other treatment. Mortality data were collected during pre-weaning for both steers and heifers. Mortality data were collected for steers during backgrounding and feedlot phases. Wean weights and feed conversion performance during the backgrounding phase was unavailable for use in this study. Feedlot and carcass data were captured for steers from both treatments. The straightbred treatment showed an advantage in carcass quality. The composite treatment showed a slight advantage in mortality cost during pre-weaning and feedlot phase, and a slight advantage in feed conversion and cost per pound of gain while in the feedlot. The composite treatment showed a significant disadvantage during the backgrounding phase. The primary advantage for the composite treatment was the difference in actual wean weights. This difference in wean weight carried over to a higher start weight during the feedlot phase. This was the driving factor in providing the composite group the economic advantage in this study and making it the more attractive production option.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-05-26Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:49:48Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_mb_me_botib.pdf: 435647 bytes, checksum: 214eaf077d57cf98dfcad34295798f53 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O estudo foi conduzido no intuito de avaliar a resistência e o desempenho produtivo de cordeiras puras Santa Inês (SI), Ile de France (IF) e animais produtos do cruzamento entre matrizes Santa Inês e reprodutores Dorper (DOxSI), Ile de France (IFxSI), Suffolk (SUxSI) e Texel (TExSI) artificialmente infectadas por Haemonchus contortus. Foram utilizadas cento e oito cordeiras com idade inicial de três meses. O experimento foi dividido em duas fases. Na primeira fase (18/09/2007 a 19/12/2007) os animais foram infectados com 500 larvas infectantes (L3) de H. contortus, três vezes por semana (segunda feira, quarta feira e sexta feira), totalizando 20, 500 L3. Após um período de 26 dias de suspensão das infecções, iniciou-se a segunda fase do experimento (14/01/2008 a 11/02/2008), quando os animais foram desafiados com uma dose única de 10, 000 L3, seguido de infecções seriadas com 1, 000 L3, três vezes por semana. Ao final do experimento totalizou-se 41, 500 L3 administradas a cada animal. Animais controles de cada um dos grupos genéticos foram mantidos livres de infecções helmínticas. Inicialmente as cordeiras receberam dieta de 16% PB, na proporção 90% concentrado e 10% volumoso ad libitum, na segunda fase a dieta passou a ser restrita, na proporção 50% de concentrado e 50% de volumoso. A cada 14 dias, o desempenho dos animais foi avaliado e exames parasitológicos e hematológicos foram realizados. Ao final do experimento, os animais foram sacrificados para a recuperação, contagem e classificação dos parasitas e para a colheita de amostras de tecido e muco do abomaso para análises histológicas e imunológicas. Os animais SUxSI mostraram-se os mais susceptíveis às infecções, demonstrando maior prejuízo do ponto de vista produtivo. Animais IF mostraram-se ineficientes em impedir o estabelecimento e desenvolvimento da infecção, contudo, seu desempenho produtivo... / This trial was carried out to evaluate the resistance status and produtivity to a artificial infection with Haemonchus contortus in purebred Santa Ines (SI) and Ile de France (IF) lambs, also in animals produced by crosses of Santa Ines dams and rams Dorper (DOxSI), Ile de France (IFxSI) Suffolk (SUxSI) and Texel (TEXSI) breed. The experiment was divided into two phases. At first, (18/09/2007 to 19/12/2007), a total of 108 three-month-old worm-free lambs were infected with 500 third-stage larvae (L3), three times a week, totaling 20.500 larvaes. After a period of 26 days of suspension in infections, began the second phase (14/01/2008 the 11/02/2008), when the lambs were challenged with trickle infection of 10.000 L3, followed by sequential infections with 1000 L3, a total of 2100 larvae. At the end of the experiment, each animal received 41.500 L3. Control animals were kept free of helminth infections. Initially, the lambs received a diet with 16% CP, the proportion was 90% concentrate and 10% forage ad libitum. In the second phase, the diet became restricted in the proportion of 50% concentrate and 50% forage. Every fourteen days, animals were weighed and blood and faecal samples were collected for measurement of parasitological and hematological tests. Respectively, twenty two weeks after infections, the animals were slaughtered to determine the worm burden and sampling of tissue and mucus from the abomasums were collected to histological and immunological analysis. Parasitological and productive results showed that SUxSI lambs were most susceptible to nematode infections. The IF group were ineffective in preventing the establishment and development of infection, however, its growth performance was superior to the other genetic groups, thus, this animals were classified as tolerant to infection. The SI group were the most resistant, with low FEC and worm burden and hematologic ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Dados de peso ao nascimento, ao desmame, aos 390 dias, o ganho de peso do desmame aos 390 dias, o perímetro escrotal e a musculosidade aos 390 dias de uma população, composta por vários tipos biológicos e envolvida na formação do composto Montana Tropical® foram analisados, segundo três modelos diferentes, com os objetivos de: i) analisar a influência dos efeitos genéticos e de ambiente; ii) estimar os fatores de ajuste para esses efeitos; iii) avaliar a contribuição genética aditiva direta e materna, os efeitos genéticos aditivos e não aditivos; iv) estimar parâmetros genéticos e v) quantificar os efeitos dos modelos sobre as DEPs de peso ao desmame. Os três modelos estudados foram: Modelo RM - modelo que incluiu os efeitos fixos de grupo de contemporâneos (GC), a classe de idade da mãe ao parto (CIMP) e as covariáveis associadas aos efeitos genéticos aditivos diretos e maternos, além das covariáveis associadas aos efeitos genéticos não aditivos das heterozigoses, tanto para efeitos diretos, quanto para efeitos maternos; Modelo R - considerou os mesmos efeitos do modelo RM à exceção dos efeitos aditivos de raça materna e o Modelo H, que considerou os efeitos incluídos no modelo R, à exceção dos efeitos aditivos de raças. As estimativas de componentes de (co) variâncias e parâmetros genéticos foram obtidas pela metodologia REML, sob um modelo animal. O efeito de GC foi o principal responsável por parte das somas de quadrados total nas diferentes características. Os efeitos das CIMPs sobre as características estudadas foram importantes, alcançando magnitudes de ajustes de até 30 kg, relativos às diferenças entre fêmeas jovens (CIMP = 1) e fêmeas adultas (CIMP = 4). Os efeitos aditivos diretos e maternos e as heterozigoses, de um modo geral, foram significativos (P<0,05) para todas as características. O modelo RM parece fornecer estimativas de melhor qualidade que os modelos R e H, o que é confirmado junto ao processo de predição do desempenho por parte destes modelos. Em termos gerais, o modelo RM foi capaz de predizer com boa capacidade as combinações genéticas mais freqüentes dentro desta população composta. Os parâmetros genéticos estimados para as características estudadas foram em geral de médias a altas magnitudes e podem servir como apoio para a realização de análises e estimação de valores genéticos. O tipo biológico N contribuiu para a geração de vacas que promovem maiores pesos ao desmame e aos 390 dias, sobretudo, em relação aos tipos biológicos adaptado e britânico. É possível concluir que: i) os efeitos de GC e de CIMP devem ser incorporados no processo de modelagem; ii) Modelos de estimação que sejam capazes de quantificar e segregar os efeitos aditivos de raça diretos e maternos daqueles efeitos das heterozigoses, como o modelo RM, devem ser eleitos; iii) como, em geral, existe a relação linear entre as heterozigoses e as heteroses e deve ser considerada nas avaliações genéticas; iv) os resultados evidenciam a contribuição genética da heterose nos sistemas de produção e v) são necessárias avaliações suplementares com modelos mais complexos. / Data of weights at birth, weaning, 390 days, weight gain from weaning to 390 days, scrotal circumference and muscling scores at 390 days of age of a population used in the formation of the Montana Tropical® beef composite, raised under tropical conditions, were analyzed under three different models to: i) determine genetic and environment effects ii) determine the adjustment factors those effects; iii) study genetic contribution of additive direct and maternal breed effects and non additive genetic effects; iv) estimate genetic parameters and v) quantify the effects of those models on estimation of expected progeny differences. Three models studied were: Model RM - included the effect of group of contemporaries (GC), the class of age of the cow to the calving (CIMP), the covariates associated to the genetic additive maternal and direct breed effect and the covariates associated to the non additive genetic effect of heterozygosis; Model R considered the effects of model RM, except the maternal additive breed effect and Model H, that considered effects of model R, except the additive direct breed effect. The estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters were obtained by the REML methodology under an animal model. The GC effect was the main effect in the different characteristics. The effect of the CIMP was also very important and differences up to 30 kg were observed in weaning weights of young heifers (CIMP = 1) when compared to adult cows (CIMP = 4). Additive direct and maternal breed effects and heterozygosis, in a general, had been significant (P<0.05) for all the traits. Model RM seems to supply better estimates than models R and H, what it is confirmed in the process of prediction of the performance on the part of these models. The estimated genetics parameters were from average to the high magnitudes. It can be conclude that CIMP and GC effect must be incorporated in the modeling process. Models of estimation that are able to segregate and quantify the additive maternal and direct breeds effects and also the effect of heterozygosis, as model RM, must be elect. In general terms, model RM was able to predict the performance of the more frequent genetic combinations of this composite population. The variance components and heritability estimated can support selection programs. Biological type N contributed for the generation of cows that promote higher weaning and 390 days weights as compared to the biological types Adapted and British. In general the linear relation between heterozigoses and heterosis and must be considered in the genetic evaluations. The results evidence the genetic contribution of heterosis in the production systems and further and more complex models are needed to elucidate the composite populations (co)variance components estimation.

Growth data were collected on 1848 Targhee and Targhee crossbred lambs from the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station flock at Cedar City for 1981 and 1982. The study objectives were to establish growth curves for seven lamb genotypes and examine within genotype growth differences among four grazing treatments (sheep alone, sheep and cattle mixed, both continuous and rotation). Body weights were measured at birth, and at mean ages of 56, 120, and 154 (weaning) days of age. Linear, quadratic, and cubic regressions of weight on age were used to establish growth curves. Among genotype comparisons of entire growth curves were impossible as non-linear components were significant. (p<.05). Thus, weights per weigh period and average daily gain between weigh periods were examined to determine differences. Rearing type, birth type, genotype, and pasture treatment were 50.9%, 22.7%, 12.4%, and 6.1%, respectively, of the total variance accounted for by the effects on weaning weights examined. Overall growth patterns were the same for all genotypes with the most rapid gains occurring between 56 and 120 days of age (combined mean .66 pounds). Suffolk-sired lambs from Suffolk-Targhee and Targhee-Finn-Targhee ewes were faster gaining (p<.05) than straight-bred Targhee lambs as well as those from Suffolk sires bred to finn-Targhee, Targhee-Suffokl-Targhee ewes. The second most rapid gains (combined mean .56 pounds) occurred between birth and 56 days. All crossbred lambs had higher average daily gains than Targhee lambs (p%lt;.05). The slowest rate of gain (mean .16 pounds) occurred int he 34 days prior to weaning. Not all differences in body weight among pastures can be attributed to grazing treatments as three genotypes exhibited a significant (p<.05) effect of pasture assignment on weight prior to treatment implementation. Despite initial weight imbalances, genotypes responded similarly to pasture treatments. Sheep rotation pastures had the lightest (p<.05) lambs for most genotypes exhibiting differences in grazing treatments at 120 days and in all genotypes at weaning. The fastest gains and heaviest lambs were in mixed species pastures. In sheep alone pastures, lamb performance was better in continuously grazed pastures than in the rotation pastures.

Orientador: Alessandro Francisco Talamini do Amarante / Banca: Edson Ramos de Siqueira / Banca: Ivanete Susin / Resumo: O estudo foi conduzido no intuito de avaliar a resistência e o desempenho produtivo de cordeiras puras Santa Inês (SI), Ile de France (IF) e animais produtos do cruzamento entre matrizes Santa Inês e reprodutores Dorper (DOxSI), Ile de France (IFxSI), Suffolk (SUxSI) e Texel (TExSI) artificialmente infectadas por Haemonchus contortus. Foram utilizadas cento e oito cordeiras com idade inicial de três meses. O experimento foi dividido em duas fases. Na primeira fase (18/09/2007 a 19/12/2007) os animais foram infectados com 500 larvas infectantes (L3) de H. contortus, três vezes por semana (segunda feira, quarta feira e sexta feira), totalizando 20, 500 L3. Após um período de 26 dias de suspensão das infecções, iniciou-se a segunda fase do experimento (14/01/2008 a 11/02/2008), quando os animais foram desafiados com uma dose única de 10, 000 L3, seguido de infecções seriadas com 1, 000 L3, três vezes por semana. Ao final do experimento totalizou-se 41, 500 L3 administradas a cada animal. Animais controles de cada um dos grupos genéticos foram mantidos livres de infecções helmínticas. Inicialmente as cordeiras receberam dieta de 16% PB, na proporção 90% concentrado e 10% volumoso ad libitum, na segunda fase a dieta passou a ser restrita, na proporção 50% de concentrado e 50% de volumoso. A cada 14 dias, o desempenho dos animais foi avaliado e exames parasitológicos e hematológicos foram realizados. Ao final do experimento, os animais foram sacrificados para a recuperação, contagem e classificação dos parasitas e para a colheita de amostras de tecido e muco do abomaso para análises histológicas e imunológicas. Os animais SUxSI mostraram-se os mais susceptíveis às infecções, demonstrando maior prejuízo do ponto de vista produtivo. Animais IF mostraram-se ineficientes em impedir o estabelecimento e desenvolvimento da infecção, contudo, seu desempenho produtivo ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This trial was carried out to evaluate the resistance status and produtivity to a artificial infection with Haemonchus contortus in purebred Santa Ines (SI) and Ile de France (IF) lambs, also in animals produced by crosses of Santa Ines dams and rams Dorper (DOxSI), Ile de France (IFxSI) Suffolk (SUxSI) and Texel (TEXSI) breed. The experiment was divided into two phases. At first, (18/09/2007 to 19/12/2007), a total of 108 three-month-old worm-free lambs were infected with 500 third-stage larvae (L3), three times a week, totaling 20.500 larvaes. After a period of 26 days of suspension in infections, began the second phase (14/01/2008 the 11/02/2008), when the lambs were challenged with trickle infection of 10.000 L3, followed by sequential infections with 1000 L3, a total of 2100 larvae. At the end of the experiment, each animal received 41.500 L3. Control animals were kept free of helminth infections. Initially, the lambs received a diet with 16% CP, the proportion was 90% concentrate and 10% forage ad libitum. In the second phase, the diet became restricted in the proportion of 50% concentrate and 50% forage. Every fourteen days, animals were weighed and blood and faecal samples were collected for measurement of parasitological and hematological tests. Respectively, twenty two weeks after infections, the animals were slaughtered to determine the worm burden and sampling of tissue and mucus from the abomasums were collected to histological and immunological analysis. Parasitological and productive results showed that SUxSI lambs were most susceptible to nematode infections. The IF group were ineffective in preventing the establishment and development of infection, however, its growth performance was superior to the other genetic groups, thus, this animals were classified as tolerant to infection. The SI group were the most resistant, with low FEC and worm burden and hematologic ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Dados de peso ao nascimento, ao desmame, aos 390 dias, o ganho de peso do desmame aos 390 dias, o perímetro escrotal e a musculosidade aos 390 dias de uma população, composta por vários tipos biológicos e envolvida na formação do composto Montana Tropical® foram analisados, segundo três modelos diferentes, com os objetivos de: i) analisar a influência dos efeitos genéticos e de ambiente; ii) estimar os fatores de ajuste para esses efeitos; iii) avaliar a contribuição genética aditiva direta e materna, os efeitos genéticos aditivos e não aditivos; iv) estimar parâmetros genéticos e v) quantificar os efeitos dos modelos sobre as DEPs de peso ao desmame. Os três modelos estudados foram: Modelo RM - modelo que incluiu os efeitos fixos de grupo de contemporâneos (GC), a classe de idade da mãe ao parto (CIMP) e as covariáveis associadas aos efeitos genéticos aditivos diretos e maternos, além das covariáveis associadas aos efeitos genéticos não aditivos das heterozigoses, tanto para efeitos diretos, quanto para efeitos maternos; Modelo R - considerou os mesmos efeitos do modelo RM à exceção dos efeitos aditivos de raça materna e o Modelo H, que considerou os efeitos incluídos no modelo R, à exceção dos efeitos aditivos de raças. As estimativas de componentes de (co) variâncias e parâmetros genéticos foram obtidas pela metodologia REML, sob um modelo animal. O efeito de GC foi o principal responsável por parte das somas de quadrados total nas diferentes características. Os efeitos das CIMPs sobre as características estudadas foram importantes, alcançando magnitudes de ajustes de até 30 kg, relativos às diferenças entre fêmeas jovens (CIMP = 1) e fêmeas adultas (CIMP = 4). Os efeitos aditivos diretos e maternos e as heterozigoses, de um modo geral, foram significativos (P<0,05) para todas as características. O modelo RM parece fornecer estimativas de melhor qualidade que os modelos R e H, o que é confirmado junto ao processo de predição do desempenho por parte destes modelos. Em termos gerais, o modelo RM foi capaz de predizer com boa capacidade as combinações genéticas mais freqüentes dentro desta população composta. Os parâmetros genéticos estimados para as características estudadas foram em geral de médias a altas magnitudes e podem servir como apoio para a realização de análises e estimação de valores genéticos. O tipo biológico N contribuiu para a geração de vacas que promovem maiores pesos ao desmame e aos 390 dias, sobretudo, em relação aos tipos biológicos adaptado e britânico. É possível concluir que: i) os efeitos de GC e de CIMP devem ser incorporados no processo de modelagem; ii) Modelos de estimação que sejam capazes de quantificar e segregar os efeitos aditivos de raça diretos e maternos daqueles efeitos das heterozigoses, como o modelo RM, devem ser eleitos; iii) como, em geral, existe a relação linear entre as heterozigoses e as heteroses e deve ser considerada nas avaliações genéticas; iv) os resultados evidenciam a contribuição genética da heterose nos sistemas de produção e v) são necessárias avaliações suplementares com modelos mais complexos. / Data of weights at birth, weaning, 390 days, weight gain from weaning to 390 days, scrotal circumference and muscling scores at 390 days of age of a population used in the formation of the Montana Tropical® beef composite, raised under tropical conditions, were analyzed under three different models to: i) determine genetic and environment effects ii) determine the adjustment factors those effects; iii) study genetic contribution of additive direct and maternal breed effects and non additive genetic effects; iv) estimate genetic parameters and v) quantify the effects of those models on estimation of expected progeny differences. Three models studied were: Model RM - included the effect of group of contemporaries (GC), the class of age of the cow to the calving (CIMP), the covariates associated to the genetic additive maternal and direct breed effect and the covariates associated to the non additive genetic effect of heterozygosis; Model R considered the effects of model RM, except the maternal additive breed effect and Model H, that considered effects of model R, except the additive direct breed effect. The estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters were obtained by the REML methodology under an animal model. The GC effect was the main effect in the different characteristics. The effect of the CIMP was also very important and differences up to 30 kg were observed in weaning weights of young heifers (CIMP = 1) when compared to adult cows (CIMP = 4). Additive direct and maternal breed effects and heterozygosis, in a general, had been significant (P<0.05) for all the traits. Model RM seems to supply better estimates than models R and H, what it is confirmed in the process of prediction of the performance on the part of these models. The estimated genetics parameters were from average to the high magnitudes. It can be conclude that CIMP and GC effect must be incorporated in the modeling process. Models of estimation that are able to segregate and quantify the additive maternal and direct breeds effects and also the effect of heterozygosis, as model RM, must be elect. In general terms, model RM was able to predict the performance of the more frequent genetic combinations of this composite population. The variance components and heritability estimated can support selection programs. Biological type N contributed for the generation of cows that promote higher weaning and 390 days weights as compared to the biological types Adapted and British. In general the linear relation between heterozigoses and heterosis and must be considered in the genetic evaluations. The results evidence the genetic contribution of heterosis in the production systems and further and more complex models are needed to elucidate the composite populations (co)variance components estimation.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Genetic selection for high milk production, type and appearance for the last 50 years has suppressed secondary traits such as reproductive performance, productive life, health and survivability in the pure milk breeds. The economic importance of these secondary traits in dairy production systems is the basis for the interest seen in crossbreeding. The problem of growth rate of heifers, cow fertility, reduced disease resistance and small body frame for beef production in Jerseys can be improved by crossing Jerseys with dual purpose breeds, such as Fleckviehs which possess a more beef potential. Against this background, this study aimed at comparing the production and reproduction of Jersey and Fleckvieh × Jersey cows in a pasture-based system. Milk recording was done according to standard milk recording procedures. Milk production (milk, fat, and protein yield) was adjusted to 305 days of lactation and corrected for age at calving. Effects of breed, parity, month and year were estimated for milk, fat and protein yield as well as fat and protein percentage using general linear models procedure. The fixed effects identified as having significant effects on milk, fat and protein yield were breed, parity and year. F×J cows produced significantly more milk than J cows (6141 ± 102 vs. 5398 ± 95 kg milk). Protein and fat yield were significantly higher in F×J (201 ± 3 and 272 ± 4 kg, respectively) than in J cows (194 ± 2 and 246 ± 3 kg, respectively). There percentages of fat and protein differed slightly between the two breeds with the Jersey recording slightly higher percentages (4.61 ± 0.04 and 3.62 ± 0.03 %, respectively) compared to the F×J cows’ percentages, which were, respectively, 4.47 ± 0.04 and 3.51 ± 0.03 %. It was concluded that F×J crossbred cows were more productive than purebred J cows probably owing to heterotic effects. Heifers were inseminated at 13 months of age and cows 40 days post-calving. Using insemination records and pregnancy check results, fertility traits were analyzed and compared between the two breeds, using analysis of variance for continuous records. Conception age was the same for both breeds resulting in a similar age at first calving. For cows, the interval from calving to first insemination was significantly shorter (P <0.001) in crossbred cows being 76.7 ± 2.2 days compared to 82.4 ± 2.5 days for purebreds. A larger proportion (P < 0.001) of 0.70 for crossbred cows was inseminated within 80 days after calving compared to 0.54 for J cows. Although the absolute number of days between calving and conception (DO) was lower for F×J cows in comparison to J cows (104.8 ± 6.8 vs. 114.8 ± 8.1days, respectively), the difference was not significant. However, the proportion of F×J cows confirmed pregnant by 100 days in milk was 0.79, which was higher (P < 0.001) than the 0.66 for J cows. Results indicate the potential of improving reproductive performance of J cows through crossing with dual-purpose breeds. The beef production of purebred J and Fleckvieh x Jersey (F×J) bull calves was compared, where bull calves were reared similarly for veal, i.e. carcass weight not exceeding 100 kg, or as steers for beef to 21 months of age. In both the veal and steer production systems, the mean birth weight were higher (P < 0.001) for crossbred in comparison to J calves and steers (33.5 ± 1.2 kg vs. 27.9 ± 1.2 kg for veal) and (33.4 ± 0.9 kg vs. 26.9 ± 0.9 kg for steers) respectively. The live weight at 6 months of age was 163.5 ± 3.9 kg for J bull calves, which was lower (P < 0.001) than that for F×J bull calves (180.6 ± 4.0 kg). The F×J bull calves had a significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) of 0.82 ± 0.02 kg/day compared to 0.73 ± 0.02 kg/day for J bulls. Marketing age differed (P < 0.001) in the veal production system with F×J and J bull calves marketed at 7.1 ± 0.1 and 6.3 ± 0.1 months, respectively. End live weight at 21 months of age was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in F×J bulls (441.4 ± 14.9 kg) than the 322.6 ± 13.4 kg in J bulls; while ADG differed (P < 0.001) between the two breeds being 0.64 ± 0.02 and 0.46 ± 0.0 kg/day in F×J and J bull calves, respectively. Crossbred steers had a significantly higher carcass of 206.5 ± 8.9 kg compared to 157.9 ± 8.6 kg for J steers. Results indicate the potential of improving beef production characteristics of the J cattle through crossbreeding. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Genetiese seleksie vir hoë melkproduksie, tipe en voorkoms die afgelope 50 jaar het sekondêre eienskappe soos reproduksie, produktiewe lewe, gesondheid en oorlewing onderdruk in die suiwer melk rasse. Die ekonomiese belangrikheid van hierdie sekondêre eienskappe in melkproduksie stelsels is die basis vir kruisteling. Probleme soos groei tempo van verse, koei vrugbaarheid, verlaagde weerstandbiedenheid teen siektes en klein liggaam raam vir vleisproduksie in Jerseys kan verbeter word deur die kruising van Jerseys met ' n dubbele doel rasse, soos Fleckviehs wat beskik oor beter vleis potensiaal. Teen hierdie agtergrond, is hierdie studie daarop gemik om produksie en reproduksie van Jersey en Fleckvieh x Jersey koeie in 'n weiveld - gebaseerde stelsel te vergelyk. Melk opname is gedoen volgens standaard melkaantekening prosedures. Melkproduksie (melk-, veten proteïen opbrengs) was aangepas vir 305 dae van laktasie en gekorrigeer vir kalf ouderdom. ‘n Algemene lineêre model was gebruik om die effekte van ras, pariteit , maand en jaar op melk-, vet- en proteïen opbrengs sowel as vet- en proteïen persentasie te bepaal. Die vaste effekte geïdentifiseer met 'n beduidende effek op melk-, vet- en proteïen opbrengs was ras, pariteit en jaar. F × J koeie het aansienlik meer melk as J koeie (6141 ± 102 teen 5398 ± 95 kg melk) produseer . Vet opbrengs was aansienlik hoër in F × J koeie as in J koeie (272 ± 4 246 teen ± 3 kg vet). Proteïen opbrengs was ook aansienlik hoër in F × J koeie as J koeie (201 ± 3 vs 194 ± 2 kg proteïen). Vet en proteïen persentasies het geneig om effens te verskil met 'n klein effek (4.61 ± 0.04 % vet en 3.62 ± 0.03 % proteïen) vir J koeie en (4.47 ± 0.04 % vet en 3.51 ± 0.03 % proteïen) vir F × J koeie. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat F × J gekruisde koeie kan meer produktief wees as suiwer J koeie weens heterotiese effekte. Verse kunsmatig geïnsemineer was op 13 maande ouderdom en koeie 40 dae na- kalwing aangehou was. Met behulp van bevrugting en swangerskap rekords, is vrugbaarheid eienskappe ontleed en vergelyk tussen die twee rasse, met behulp van ontleding van variansie vir deurlopende rekords. Ouderdom van bevrugting was dieselfde vir beide rasse wat in 'n soortgelyke ouderdomsgroep was by eerste kalwing. Vir koeie was die interval van kalf tot eerste inseminasie aansienlik korter (P < 0.001) vir kruisgeteelde koeie wat 76.7 ± 2.2 dae in vergelyking met 82.4 ± 2.5 dae suiwerrasse is. ‘n Groter proporsie ( P < 0.001) van 0.70 vir gekruisteelde koeie is binne 80 dae na kalwing geïnsemineer in vergelyking met 0.54 vir J koeie. Alhoewel die absolute aantal dae tussen kalwing en opvatting (DO) laer was vir F × J koeie in vergelyking met J koeie (104.8 ± 6.8 teen 114.8 ± 8.1dae, onderskeidelik), is die verskil nie betekenisvol nie. Maar die verhouding van F × J koeie wat swanger bevestig is met 100 dae in melk was 0.79, wat hoër was (P < 0.001) is as die 0.66 vir J koeie. Resultate dui daarop dat daar potensiaal is reproduktiewe prestasie te verbeter van J koeie deur kruisteling met 'n dubbel- doel rasse. Die vleisproduksie van suiwer J en Fleckvieh x Jersey (F × J) bulkalwers vergelyk. Die bul kalwers is soortgelyk grootgemaak vir kalfsvleis, d.w.s karkas gewig mag nie 100 kg oorskry as bulkalwers nie, en as osse vir vleis tot 21 maande oud. In die kalwers- en os produksie stelsels, was die gemiddelde geboorte gewig hoër (P < 0.001) vir die kruise in vergelyking met J kalwers en osse (33.5 ± 1.2 kg teen 27.9 ± 1.2 kg vir kalwers) en (33.4 ± 0.9 kg vs . 26.9 ± 0.9 kg vir osse) onderskeidelik . Die lewendige gewig op 6 maande ouderdom was 163.5 ± 3.9 kg vir J bulkalwers en was hoër (P < 0.001) vir F × J bulkalwers 180.6 ± 4.0 kg. Die F × J bul kalwers het 'n aansienlik ‘n hoër gemiddelde daaglikse toename (GDT) van 0.82 ± 0.02 kg/dag in vergelyking met 0.73 ± 0.02 kg/dag vir J bulle. Bemarkingsouderdom verskil (P < 0.001) in die kalf produksie stelsel met F × J en J bulkalwers bemark op 7.1 ± 0.1 en 6.3 ± 0.1 maande , onderskeidelik. Finale lewendige gewig van 21 maande oud was aansienlik hoër 441.4 ± 14.9 kg in F × J bulle as 322.6 ± 13.4 kg in J bulle , terwyl GDT hoër was (P < 0.001), met 0.64 ± 0.02 kg/dag en 0.46 ± 0.0 kg/dag in F × J en J bulkalwers, onderskeidelik. Gekruisde osse het 'n aansienlik hoër karkasgewig 206.5 ± 8.9 kg in vergelyking met 157.9 ± 8.6 kg van J osse. Resultate dui daarop dat daar potensiaal is om die beesvleis produksie-eienskappe van die J beeste te verbeter d.m.v. kruisteling.

A técnica de Inseminação Artificial (IA) está em franco crescimento em rebanhos de bovinos de corte em todas as regiões do Brasil e é a mais utilizada para obter indivíduos cruzados (Bos t. taurus x Bos t. indicus) pela facilidade de implantação nos grandes rebanhos de fêmeas em idade reprodutiva, aliada ao problema da baixa produção de touros taurinos adaptados ao nosso clima. Um dos grandes entraves para o sucesso em um programa de inseminação é a eficiência na detecção do estro. As dificuldades encontradas em outros países têm sido dirimidas através do estudo comportamental das matrizes. A pecuária de corte está espalhada por todo o território brasileiro, mas possui maiores concentrações nas regiões Sudeste, Centro-Oeste e Norte, com importantes diferenças climáticas, como a variação na duração dos dias (fotoperíodo), a sazonalidade pluviométrica, e a própria temperatura do ar, que podem alterar o comportamento sexual das matrizes. Neste sentido o presente trabalho utilizou a monitoração dos períodos de observação de estro em quatro fazendas localizadas no Norte e no Centro Oeste do Brasil, que fazem o uso da técnica da inseminação artificial, para compreender o efeito do fotoperíodo sobre o estro. Foram detectadas 4202 ocorrências de estro em 3358 fêmeas Nelore, 662 fêmeas cruzadas Limousin x Nelore, e 182 fêmeas cruzadas Red Angus x Nelore, submetidas ao mesmo manejo de detecção. A duração média do dia foi de 730,3, 750,8, 771,0 e 795,6 minutos, respectivamente nas fazendas 1 (Pará), 2 (Tocantins), 3 (Goiás) e 4 (Mato Grosso do Sul). Quanto maior a duração do dia mais estros foram detectados pela manhã. Houve diferenças entre as categorias de fêmeas quanto à ocorrência de estro, ficando concentradas as ocorrências de estro das novilhas no período matinal em todas as fazendas e em todos os grupos genéticos. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos genéticos dentro das categorias. As vacas solteiras comportaram-se de forma similar as novilhas não havendo diferenças estatísticas na detecção do estro. As vacas paridas tenderam de forma geral a manifestar estro no período da tarde. / The artificial insemination (IA) technique is growing in beef cattle herds from all regions of Brazil, especially to obtain Bos t. taurus x Bos t. indicus crossbreds in large herds were the European bulls are not adapted. One of the difficulties of the IA program is the low efficiency of heat detection. In other countries this was avoided through studies of the sexual behavior of the cows. Brazilian beef cattle herds are distributed in all over the territory, but are concentrated mainly in the Southeast, Middle West and North regions, with large climatic differences and day duration (photoperiod), rain seasonality and temperatures that alter the sexual behavior of the cows and heifers. In this way this study used the heat observation in four farms in the North and Middle West regions to study the photoperiod effect on heat detection. A total of 4202 heats were detected in 3358 Nellore, 662 crossbred Limousin x Nellore and 182 crossbred Red Angus x Nellore females, managed under the same detection procedure. The mean daylight duration was 730,3, 750,8, 771,0 and 795,6 minutes, respectively in the farm 1 (Para State), 2 (Tocantins State), 3 (Goias State) and 4 (Mato Grosso do Sul State). As the daylight increased more estrus were detected in the morning. There were differences in cattle categories in estrus detection, with the heifer’s heat detected in the morning in all farms and in all genetic groups. There was no significant difference between genetic groups inside categories. Cows without calves behaved in a similar way to the heifers and showed no significant difference in heat detection. Cows with calves had a tendency to show estrus in the afternoon.