RESUMO

The objective of this study was to estimate adjustment factors of scrotal circumference for growth traits in Nellore cattle. Measurement at post-yearling of scrotal circumference from 100,107 Nellore was adjusted for six traits: age (A), body weight (BW), hip height (HH), conformation (C), precocity (P), musculature (M), and simultaneously for age and the other five traits (A-BW, A-HH, A-C, A-P, A-M), body weight and the other four traits (BW-HH, BW-C, BW-P, BW-M), and hip height and the other three traits (HH-C, HH-P, HH-M). Standard values were 500 days, 300 kg, 135 cm, and 3, for age, body weight, hip height, and visual scores, respectively. Amplitudes of adjustment factor of scrotal circumference for age, body weight, and hip height were 0.6028, 0.4869, and 0.1572, respectively. Scrotal circumference is expected to grow, on average, 8.71 cm per 100 days of age, 6.51 cm per 100 kg of body weight, and 4.81 cm per 10 cm of hip height. The results showed higher amplitude in the adjustment factor of scrotal circumference for age and body weight (0.3429) compared with age and hip height and body weight and hip height (0.1271 and 0.0443, respectively). The amplitude observed in adjustment factor of scrotal circumference for conformation, precocity, and musculature were 0.1328, 0.1175, and 0.1160, respectively. Considering different adjustment factors of scrotal circumference can be useful for identifying better selection criteria for growth and/or sexual precocity in Nellore.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Body development and reproductive performance of a hundred forty-two 14 to 15-month-old heifers, classified at weaning according to frame size as small, medium, and large, were evaluated. The parameters evaluated were: body weight, hip height, body condition score, weight gain, ovarian activity, and pregnancy rate. At weaning, body weight and hip height were significantly different among frame scores, (small ­ 133.0 kg, 92.2 cm; medium ­ 158.5 kg, 96.6 cm; and large ­ 185.2 kg; 100.2 cm). After weaning, heifers grazed together on natural pastures during the autumn and on ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum La.) during the winter and spring. Frame score differences remained until the beginning of the breeding season (BS), starting on average at 14 months of age. Weight gain between weaning and the beginning of BS was not different among frame scores (0.740 kg/day, on average). Body weights at the beginning of the BS were significantly different, of 255.7 kg (53.3% of the mature weight) for small heifers, 285.0 kg (59.4%) for medium heifers, and 307.6 kg (64.1%) for large heifers. Ovarian activity at the beginning of the BS was not different among the three groups. The average weight gain values during the BS of 0.492, 0.472, and 0.421 kg/day for small, medium, and large heifers, respectively, were significantly different. Pregnancy rates were not different among groups (small, 71.4%; medium, 76.4%; and large, 76.5%). Frame score did not influence the reproductive performance of heifers, but the small and medium heifers conceived 29 and 20 days earlier, respectively, than the large heifers.(AU)

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Objetivou-se avaliar nesse estudo o uso da biometria durante o crescimento de cordeiros da raça Poll Dorset, com o intuito de estimar o peso vivo. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros, sendo 20 machos e 12 fêmeas, nascidos entre julho e setembro de 2014 e 2015, sendo as coletas realizadas do nascimento aos 165 dias com intervalo de 15 dias entre as avaliações. O estudo gerou 1920 observações de pesos e medidas biométricas. A cada tomada de peso também foram realizadas medidas de perímetro torácico, com a utilização de fita métrica graduada em centímetros, comprimento de corpo, altura de cernelha e altura de garupa utilizando um hipômetro. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de correlação e a partir destes gerou-se gráficos de dispersão e estimaram-se equações de regressão, além de estimar o desenvolvimento ponderal. O perímetro torácico (0,88) foi a característica mais associada ao peso corporal in vivo. As equações de regressão reafirmaram a alta relação entre perímetro torácico e peso vivo, que foi de 94%. O desenvolvimento ponderal caracterizou animais com padrão racial homogêneo. Conclui-se que o perímetro torácico está altamente associado ao peso corporal e que equações de regressão geradas a partir de medidas biométricas servem para estimar o peso corporal de ovinos da raça Poll Dorset.(AU)

The objective of this work was evaluated the growth lambs Poll Dorset to estimate the live weight. Were used 32 lambs, 20 males and 12 females, born between July and September 2014 and 2015, and the assessment carried out from birth to 165 days with an interval of 15 days between assessments. The study generated 1920 observations of weights and biometric measurements. Each weight measurement were also performed thoracic measures with tape graduated in centimeters, body length and hip height using a hipometer. The data was submitted to correlation analysis and generated scatter plots and regression equations estimatingthe weight development. The thoracic measures (0.88) was the characteristic most associated with body weight in vivo. The regression equations reaffirmed the high relationship between thoracic measures and body weight, which was 94%. The weight development featured animals with homogeneous racial pattern. We conclude that the knowledge of the weight development reflects a racial standard and the thoracic measures is highly associated with body weight and regression equations generated from this measurements are used to estimate the body weight of the breed sheep Poll Dorset.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Feed efficiency is difficult to evaluate because individual feeding are required. An alternative is selecting animals based on traits easier to obtain and genetically favorably correlated with feed efficiency traits. This study aimed to estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations between feed efficiency traits (residual feed intake RFI, feed efficiency FE and residual BW gain RG) with yearling weight (YW), hip height (HH) and girth circumference (GC) in Nellore cattle. Feed efficiency data set consisted of 887 records of DMI, ADG and BW0.75 obtained during performance tests (83 ± 15 d) to calculate RFI (0.005 ± 0.58 kg DM/d), FE (0.14 ± 0.03) and RG (0.00 ± 0.11 kg/d). FE was calculated as ADG and DMI ratio, RFI was estimated as the error of multiple regression of DMI on ADG and BW0.75, and RG was estimated as the error of multiple regression of ADG on DMI and BW0.75. The YW data set consisted of 7,948 records of males (314.45 ± 45.85 kg) and females (282.68 ± 48.19 kg) adjusted to 378 and 550 d of age, respectively. The HH consisted of 6,418 records of males (131.80 ± 5.40 cm) and females (132.51 ± 5.38 cm), and 3,745 records of GC of males (162.56 ± 8.48 cm) and females (167.72 ± 8.08 cm). Pedigree file contained 9,830 animals. Growth traits were analyzed as unit standard deviation of each sex/age. (Co)variance components were estimated through two-trait animal models

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

RESUMO

Com o objetivo de estudar o desenvolvimento de características de carcaça obtidas por ultrassom, peso vivo, perímetro torácico e altura do posterior, dados longitudinais foram analisados por diferentes estruturas de (co)variâncias residuais que consideram homogeneidade ou heterogeneidade de (co)variâncias, para melhor representar a variabilidade entre observações e dentro de indivíduo, ao longo do tempo. As medidas foram obtidas em 120 novilhas, sendo 60 ½ Braunvieh x » Santa Gertrudes » x Nelore e 60 ½ Santa Gertrudes x ½ Nelore. As características foram avaliadas em intervalos de 28 dias, totalizando até cinco medidas em cada grupo. Foram comparados diversos modelos com o intuito de identificar estruturas de (co)variâncias residuais adequadas para melhor representar a variação das medidas dentro de indivíduos, com base no critério Schwarz’s Bayesian Criterion. Posteriormente, avaliou-se o modelo mais adequado para regredir as características em função da idade, usando polinômios ordinários e verificando a necessidade de diferentes curvas para cada grupo genético. Diferentes estruturas de (co)variância residual devem ser consideradas em análise de dados longitunais, visando melhor representar a variabilidade entre observações e dentro de indivíduo. Os grupos genéticos estudados diferem entre si, ao longo do tempo, para as características peso, altura do posterior, perímetro torácico e área de olho de lombo.`ipt

The aim of this paper was to study the development of carcass traits obtained by ultrasound, weight, chest circumference and hip height by longitudinal data of two genetic groups of heifers. These data were analyzed by different structures of residual (co)variance consider homogeneity or heterogeneity of (co)variances to better represent the variability between and within individual observations over the time. The traits were obtained in 60 animals ½ Braunvieh x » Santa Gertrudes x » Nelore and 60 animals ½ Santa Gertrudes x ½ Nelore. The traits were evaluated at intervals of 28 days. The comparison was done with several models, based on the criterion SBC (Schwarz’s Bayesian Criterion) with the goal of identifying structures of residual (co) variance more appropriate to best represent the variation of the measures within individuals. Later, as the animals were measured at different ages, it was evaluated the most appropriate model to regress these traits as a function of age, using ordinary polynomials and verifying the need for different curves for each genetic group. The results indicated that it should consider different structures of residual (co)variance to better represent the variability between and within individual observations. For weight, hip height, chest circumference and longissimus muscle area traits there are differences in the genetic group over the time.

Assuntos

Assuntos

Assuntos

RESUMO

Com o objetivo de estudar o desenvolvimento de características de carcaça obtidas por ultrassom, peso vivo, perímetro torácico e altura do posterior, dados longitudinais foram analisados por diferentes estruturas de (co)variâncias residuais que consideram homogeneidade ou heterogeneidade de (co)variâncias, para melhor representar a variabilidade entre observações e dentro de indivíduo, ao longo do tempo. As medidas foram obtidas em 120 novilhas, sendo 60 ½ Braunvieh x » Santa Gertrudes » x Nelore e 60 ½ Santa Gertrudes x ½ Nelore. As características foram avaliadas em intervalos de 28 dias, totalizando até cinco medidas em cada grupo. Foram comparados diversos modelos com o intuito de identificar estruturas de (co)variâncias residuais adequadas para melhor representar a variação das medidas dentro de indivíduos, com base no critério Schwarzs Bayesian Criterion. Posteriormente, avaliou-se o modelo mais adequado para regredir as características em função da idade, usando polinômios ordinários e verificando a necessidade de diferentes curvas para cada grupo genético. Diferentes estruturas de (co)variância residual devem ser consideradas em análise de dados longitunais, visando melhor representar a variabilidade entre observações e dentro de indivíduo. Os grupos genéticos estudados diferem entre si, ao longo do tempo, para as características peso, altura do posterior, perímetro torácico e área de olho de lombo.(AU)`ipt

The aim of this paper was to study the development of carcass traits obtained by ultrasound, weight, chest circumference and hip height by longitudinal data of two genetic groups of heifers. These data were analyzed by different structures of residual (co)variance consider homogeneity or heterogeneity of (co)variances to better represent the variability between and within individual observations over the time. The traits were obtained in 60 animals ½ Braunvieh x » Santa Gertrudes x » Nelore and 60 animals ½ Santa Gertrudes x ½ Nelore. The traits were evaluated at intervals of 28 days. The comparison was done with several models, based on the criterion SBC (Schwarzs Bayesian Criterion) with the goal of identifying structures of residual (co) variance more appropriate to best represent the variation of the measures within individuals. Later, as the animals were measured at different ages, it was evaluated the most appropriate model to regress these traits as a function of age, using ordinary polynomials and verifying the need for different curves for each genetic group. The results indicated that it should consider different structures of residual (co)variance to better represent the variability between and within individual observations. For weight, hip height, chest circumference and longissimus muscle area traits there are differences in the genetic group over the time.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Feed efficiency is difficult to evaluate because individual feeding are required. An alternative is selecting animals based on traits easier to obtain and genetically favorably correlated with feed efficiency traits. This study aimed to estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations between feed efficiency traits (residual feed intake RFI, feed efficiency FE and residual BW gain RG) with yearling weight (YW), hip height (HH) and girth circumference (GC) in Nellore cattle. Feed efficiency data set consisted of 887 records of DMI, ADG and BW0.75 obtained during performance tests (83 ± 15 d) to calculate RFI (0.005 ± 0.58 kg DM/d), FE (0.14 ± 0.03) and RG (0.00 ± 0.11 kg/d). FE was calculated as ADG and DMI ratio, RFI was estimated as the error of multiple regression of DMI on ADG and BW0.75, and RG was estimated as the error of multiple regression of ADG on DMI and BW0.75. The YW data set consisted of 7,948 records of males (314.45 ± 45.85 kg) and females (282.68 ± 48.19 kg) adjusted to 378 and 550 d of age, respectively. The HH consisted of 6,418 records of males (131.80 ± 5.40 cm) and females (132.51 ± 5.38 cm), and 3,745 records of GC of males (162.56 ± 8.48 cm) and females (167.72 ± 8.08 cm). Pedigree file contained 9,830 animals. Growth traits were analyzed as unit standard deviation of each sex/age. (Co)variance components were estimated through two-trait animal models

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

RESUMO

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estimar as herdabilidades (h²) e as correlações genéticas (r g) entre idade ao primeiro parto (IPP) e primeiro intervalo de partos (PIEP) e outras características como peso (PS) ao ano (A) e ao sobreano (S), altura do posterior (ALT) e perímetro escrotal (PE450) em animais da raça Nelore. Os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados em uma análise multicaracterística por modelo animal, utilizando-se a inferência bayesiana via algoritmo de "Gibbs Sampling". Os parâmetros genéticos estimados sugerem a existência de variabilidade genética para IPP (h² = 0,26), sendo que a seleção para a diminuição da IPP de fêmeas Nelore deve responder à seleção individual, sem causar antagonismo do valor genético dos animais para PS (r g = -0,22 (A) e -0,44 (S)) e PE450 (r g = 0,02). A seleção para a diminuição da IPP, no longo prazo, pode levar a um aumento da ALT dos animais, embora essa associação seja relativamente baixa (-0,35). A estimativa de herdabilidade a posteriori para a característica PIEP foi baixa, 0,11±0,03. As r g entre PIEP e as demais características estudadas indicam que a seleção para essas características de crescimento não afetará o PIEP.

Heritability (h²) and genetic correlations (r g) were estimated between reproductive traits such as age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI) and other economically relevant traits, i.e., weight (W) at year (Y) and at 18 months of age (S), scrotal circumference (SC), and hip height (HH) in Nelore cattle. The genetic parameters were estimated in a multiple-trait analysis, with animal models using the Bayesian inference by Gibbs Sampling algorithm. The genetic parameters estimated in this work suggest the existence of genetic variability for AFC (h² = 0.26), where the selection for the reduction of Nelore females AFC should respond to mass selection, without causing genetic antagonism in the selection of W (r g = -0,22 (Y) and -0,44 (S)), and SC (r g = 0,02). The selection for the AFC in the long term could lead to an increase in the animal's frame, although this association is relatively low (-0.35). The posteriori heritability estimate for FCI was low, 0.11±0.03. The r g between FCI and the other traits studied indicate that selection for these growth traits will not affect the FCI.

RESUMO

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estimar as herdabilidades (h²) e as correlações genéticas (r g) entre idade ao primeiro parto (IPP) e primeiro intervalo de partos (PIEP) e outras características como peso (PS) ao ano (A) e ao sobreano (S), altura do posterior (ALT) e perímetro escrotal (PE450) em animais da raça Nelore. Os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados em uma análise multicaracterística por modelo animal, utilizando-se a inferência bayesiana via algoritmo de "Gibbs Sampling". Os parâmetros genéticos estimados sugerem a existência de variabilidade genética para IPP (h² = 0,26), sendo que a seleção para a diminuição da IPP de fêmeas Nelore deve responder à seleção individual, sem causar antagonismo do valor genético dos animais para PS (r g = -0,22 (A) e -0,44 (S)) e PE450 (r g = 0,02). A seleção para a diminuição da IPP, no longo prazo, pode levar a um aumento da ALT dos animais, embora essa associação seja relativamente baixa (-0,35). A estimativa de herdabilidade a posteriori para a característica PIEP foi baixa, 0,11±0,03. As r g entre PIEP e as demais características estudadas indicam que a seleção para essas características de crescimento não afetará o PIEP.(AU)

Heritability (h²) and genetic correlations (r g) were estimated between reproductive traits such as age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI) and other economically relevant traits, i.e., weight (W) at year (Y) and at 18 months of age (S), scrotal circumference (SC), and hip height (HH) in Nelore cattle. The genetic parameters were estimated in a multiple-trait analysis, with animal models using the Bayesian inference by Gibbs Sampling algorithm. The genetic parameters estimated in this work suggest the existence of genetic variability for AFC (h² = 0.26), where the selection for the reduction of Nelore females AFC should respond to mass selection, without causing genetic antagonism in the selection of W (r g = -0,22 (Y) and -0,44 (S)), and SC (r g = 0,02). The selection for the AFC in the long term could lead to an increase in the animal's frame, although this association is relatively low (-0.35). The posteriori heritability estimate for FCI was low, 0.11±0.03. The r g between FCI and the other traits studied indicate that selection for these growth traits will not affect the FCI.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Records from 106,212 Nellore animals, born between 1998 and 2006, were used to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for birth weight (BW), average weight gains from birth to weaning (GBW), average weight gains from weaning to after yearling (GWAY), weaning hip height (WHH), postweaning hip height (PHH) and scrotal circumferences at 9 (SC9), 12 (SC12) and 15 (SC15) months of age. (Co)variance components were estimated by an animal model using multi-trait analysis. Heritability estimates for BW, GBW, GWAY, WHH, PHH, SC9, SC12 and SC15 were 0.31 ± 0.01; 0.25 ± 0.02; 0.30 ± 0.04; 0.51 ± 0.04; 0.54 ± 0.04; 0.39 ± 0.01; 0.41 ± 0.01 and 0.44 ± 0.02, respectively. Genetic correlations between growth traits ranged from 0.09 ± 0.01 to 0.88 ± 0.01, thereby implying that, at any age, selection to increase average weight gains will also increase stature. Genetic correlations between BW and average weight gains with scrotal circumferences were all positive and moderate (0.15 ± 0.03 to 0.38 ± 0.01). On the other hand, positive and low genetic associations were estimated between hip height and scrotal circumference at different ages (0.09 ± 0.01 to 0.17 ± 0.02). The results of this study pointed out that selection to larger scrotal circumferences in males will promote changes in average weight gains. In order to obtain Nellore cattle with the stature and size suitable for the production system, both weight gain and hip height should be included in a selection index.

RESUMO

Records from 106,212 Nellore animals, born between 1998 and 2006, were used to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for birth weight (BW), average weight gains from birth to weaning (GBW), average weight gains from weaning to after yearling (GWAY), weaning hip height (WHH), postweaning hip height (PHH) and scrotal circumferences at 9 (SC9), 12 (SC12) and 15 (SC15) months of age. (Co)variance components were estimated by an animal model using multi-trait analysis. Heritability estimates for BW, GBW, GWAY, WHH, PHH, SC9, SC12 and SC15 were 0.31 ± 0.01; 0.25 ± 0.02; 0.30 ± 0.04; 0.51 ± 0.04; 0.54 ± 0.04; 0.39 ± 0.01; 0.41 ± 0.01 and 0.44 ± 0.02, respectively. Genetic correlations between growth traits ranged from 0.09 ± 0.01 to 0.88 ± 0.01, thereby implying that, at any age, selection to increase average weight gains will also increase stature. Genetic correlations between BW and average weight gains with scrotal circumferences were all positive and moderate (0.15 ± 0.03 to 0.38 ± 0.01). On the other hand, positive and low genetic associations were estimated between hip height and scrotal circumference at different ages (0.09 ± 0.01 to 0.17 ± 0.02). The results of this study pointed out that selection to larger scrotal circumferences in males will promote changes in average weight gains. In order to obtain Nellore cattle with the stature and size suitable for the production system, both weight gain and hip height should be included in a selection index.

RESUMO

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do ganho de peso no período de recria, dos 13 aos 19 meses de idade, em algumas medidas de desenvolvimento corporal de novilhas de corte de reposição, da raça Hereford, mantidas em pastagem nativa. O período experimental foi compreendido entre 15/11/2002 e 23/04/2003. Os tratamentos foram três taxas de ganho de peso, em animais de 13 a 14 meses de idade, sendo: G600 - 20 novilhas (208+1,8kg) submetidas a um ganho diário médio (GDM) de 0,595kg dia-1; G700 - 23 novilhas (197+1,7kg) submetidas a um GDM de 0,637kg dia-1 e G800 - 24 novilhas (181+1,2kg) submetidas a um GDM de 0,723kg dia-1. Os GDM foram estabelecidos para que todos os animais atingissem 300kg (ou 65 por cento do peso adulto) ao início da estação de monta. Foram avaliados os efeitos dos tratamentos sobre o peso, a altura da garupa (AG), o perímetro torácico (PT), a relação peso:altura (PA) e sobre o escore de trato reprodutivo (ETR). Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) no incremento da AG e do PT e na PA entre os grupos experimentais. O peso vivo foi altamente correlacionado (P<0,05) com a AG, o PT e a PA ao longo de todo o período de recria. Os grupos G700 e G800, submetidos a maior taxa de ganho de peso, apresentaram maiores valores (P<0,05) de ETR em relação ao G600 ao início da estação de monta. A AG e a PA de novilhas de corte não foram afetadas por ganhos de peso entre 0,600 e 0,730kg dia-1 dos 13 aos 19 meses de idade. Novilhas submetidas a mais intensas taxas de crescimento (G700 e G800) demonstraram estar mais aptas a conceberem do que novilhas recriadas numa menor taxa de crescimento (G600), considerando um mesmo peso alvo ao final do perído de recria.(AU)

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of growth rate during the rearing phase of 13 to 19 months old replacement beef heifers Hereford on body development reared on native pasture. The experiment was conducted from 11/15/2002 to 04/23/2003. The treatments were the three weight gain rates: G600 - 20 heifers (208+1.8kg) submitted to an average growth rate (AGR) of 0.595kg day-1; G700 - 23 heifers (197+1.7kg) with an AGR of 0.637kg day-1 and G800 - 24 heifers (181+1.2kg) with an AGR of 0.723kg day-1. The three AGR aimed for a body weight of 300kg (or 65 percent of the expected adult weight) at the end of the rearing phase. Treatment effects were determined on body weight, hip height (HH), heart girth (HG), weight:height ratio (WH) and reproductive tract score (RTS). No differences (P>0.05) among treatments were observed on the increment of HH, HG and WH at the end of the experiment. Body weight was highly correlated to HH, HG and WH along the whole rearing phase. The groups G700 and G800 with large growth rates showed higher RTS (P<0.05) than G600 at the end of the rearing phase. The HH and WH measurements taken on beef heifers are not affected by growth rates between 0.600 and 0.730kg day-1 from 13 to 19 months of age. Beef heifers submitted to higher rates of growth (G700 e G800) demonstrated to be more likely to conceive than heifers reared on a lower growth rate (G600), considering the same target weight at the end of the rearing phase.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do ganho de peso no período de recria, dos 13 aos 19 meses de idade, em algumas medidas de desenvolvimento corporal de novilhas de corte de reposição, da raça Hereford, mantidas em pastagem nativa. O período experimental foi compreendido entre 15/11/2002 e 23/04/2003. Os tratamentos foram três taxas de ganho de peso, em animais de 13 a 14 meses de idade, sendo: G600 - 20 novilhas (208+1,8kg) submetidas a um ganho diário médio (GDM) de 0,595kg dia-1; G700 - 23 novilhas (197+1,7kg) submetidas a um GDM de 0,637kg dia-1 e G800 - 24 novilhas (181+1,2kg) submetidas a um GDM de 0,723kg dia-1. Os GDM foram estabelecidos para que todos os animais atingissem 300kg (ou 65 por cento do peso adulto) ao início da estação de monta. Foram avaliados os efeitos dos tratamentos sobre o peso, a altura da garupa (AG), o perímetro torácico (PT), a relação peso:altura (PA) e sobre o escore de trato reprodutivo (ETR). Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) no incremento da AG e do PT e na PA entre os grupos experimentais. O peso vivo foi altamente correlacionado (P<0,05) com a AG, o PT e a PA ao longo de todo o período de recria. Os grupos G700 e G800, submetidos a maior taxa de ganho de peso, apresentaram maiores valores (P<0,05) de ETR em relação ao G600 ao início da estação de monta. A AG e a PA de novilhas de corte não foram afetadas por ganhos de peso entre 0,600 e 0,730kg dia-1 dos 13 aos 19 meses de idade. Novilhas submetidas a mais intensas taxas de crescimento (G700 e G800) demonstraram estar mais aptas a conceberem do que novilhas recriadas numa menor taxa de crescimento (G600), considerando um mesmo peso alvo ao final do perído de recria.

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of growth rate during the rearing phase of 13 to 19 months old replacement beef heifers Hereford on body development reared on native pasture. The experiment was conducted from 11/15/2002 to 04/23/2003. The treatments were the three weight gain rates: G600 - 20 heifers (208+1.8kg) submitted to an average growth rate (AGR) of 0.595kg day-1; G700 - 23 heifers (197+1.7kg) with an AGR of 0.637kg day-1 and G800 - 24 heifers (181+1.2kg) with an AGR of 0.723kg day-1. The three AGR aimed for a body weight of 300kg (or 65 percent of the expected adult weight) at the end of the rearing phase. Treatment effects were determined on body weight, hip height (HH), heart girth (HG), weight:height ratio (WH) and reproductive tract score (RTS). No differences (P>0.05) among treatments were observed on the increment of HH, HG and WH at the end of the experiment. Body weight was highly correlated to HH, HG and WH along the whole rearing phase. The groups G700 and G800 with large growth rates showed higher RTS (P<0.05) than G600 at the end of the rearing phase. The HH and WH measurements taken on beef heifers are not affected by growth rates between 0.600 and 0.730kg day-1 from 13 to 19 months of age. Beef heifers submitted to higher rates of growth (G700 e G800) demonstrated to be more likely to conceive than heifers reared on a lower growth rate (G600), considering the same target weight at the end of the rearing phase.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Hip height records of yearling males and females (n=3.948), and from breeding cows (n=6.174) of Nelore breed, reared at the Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, Brazil, were used to study the viablility equations and tables published by Beef Improvement Federation (2006) viability to obtain frame scores. It was observed a high frequency of frames ranging from 6 to 7 for young animals and from 7 to 9 for cows, characterizing these animals as large, but not of extreme in size. However, the majority of the cows changed their frame with the age. Cow body weight, by frame score, was smaller than those cited in the literature for the European breeds. The female frame score repeatability estimates (0.76) and heritability (0.58) were high, however, they were smaller than hip height repeatability (0.84) and heritability (0.67) estimates.

Medidas de altura na garupa de animais Nelore, machos e fêmeas ao sobreano (n=3,948) e vacas em monta (n=6,174), pertencentes à Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, foram usadas para estudar a viabilidade do uso das equações e tabelas publicadas no Beef Improvement Federation (2006) para obtenção do escore de frame. Foi observada alta freqüência de frame entre 6 e 7 nos animais jovens e entre 7 e 9 nas vacas, caracterizando-os como de grande porte, mas não extremo. Entretanto, a maioria das vacas teve o escore de frame alterado conforme a idade. As vacas da raça Nelore apresentaram peso corporal, por escore de frame, menor que os pesos citados na literatura para as raças européias. As estimativas de repetibilidade (0,76) e herdabilidade (0,58) do escore de frame das fêmeas foram altas, entretanto menores que as estimadas para a altura (0,67 e 0,84, respectivamente).

RESUMO

Hip height records of yearling males and females (n=3.948), and from breeding cows (n=6.174) of Nelore breed, reared at the Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, Brazil, were used to study the viablility equations and tables published by Beef Improvement Federation (2006) viability to obtain frame scores. It was observed a high frequency of frames ranging from 6 to 7 for young animals and from 7 to 9 for cows, characterizing these animals as large, but not of extreme in size. However, the majority of the cows changed their frame with the age. Cow body weight, by frame score, was smaller than those cited in the literature for the European breeds. The female frame score repeatability estimates (0.76) and heritability (0.58) were high, however, they were smaller than hip height repeatability (0.84) and heritability (0.67) estimates.

Medidas de altura na garupa de animais Nelore, machos e fêmeas ao sobreano (n=3,948) e vacas em monta (n=6,174), pertencentes à Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, foram usadas para estudar a viabilidade do uso das equações e tabelas publicadas no Beef Improvement Federation (2006) para obtenção do escore de frame. Foi observada alta freqüência de frame entre 6 e 7 nos animais jovens e entre 7 e 9 nas vacas, caracterizando-os como de grande porte, mas não extremo. Entretanto, a maioria das vacas teve o escore de frame alterado conforme a idade. As vacas da raça Nelore apresentaram peso corporal, por escore de frame, menor que os pesos citados na literatura para as raças européias. As estimativas de repetibilidade (0,76) e herdabilidade (0,58) do escore de frame das fêmeas foram altas, entretanto menores que as estimadas para a altura (0,67 e 0,84, respectivamente).