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Simple Summary: Understanding the principles of beef cattle behavior and their attitudes, whether as a result of the learning process or as a response to environmental stimuli, is important for providing greater sensitivity and efficiency to modern production systems. Our study evaluated the behavior of young zebu (Nelore) and composite (Canchim) bulls kept in pasture production systems, either in a crop–livestock–forest integration (ICLF) or without afforestation. The behavior of animals was assessed electronically and by direct observation. The results revealed that the breed and production system influenced the expression of the animals' daily activities. The ICLF system had a milder microclimate and favored thermal comfort. Natural shading influenced grazing, resting, and rumination time, but did not interfere with cortisol concentration. Grazing and rumination times were longer for Canchim than Nelore bulls, while Nelore bulls spent more time resting, either standing or lying. The breed had no impact on the frequency of water and mineral mixture intake. This investigation sheds light on the differences in animal behavior depending on their breed and the configuration of production systems, which vary with the availability of natural shade. This knowledge can help producers make decisions, ensuring greater animal welfare, better working conditions, and greater management efficiency. The behavior of ruminants can influence their productive efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of young zebu and composite bulls kept in pasture production systems, either in a crop-livestock-forest integration or without afforestation. The work was carried out in São Carlos, Brazil (21°57′42″ S, 47°50′28″ W), in a high-altitude tropical climate, from March to July, 2022. Forty young bulls were evaluated, being 20 Nelore (Bos indicus) (342.5 ± 36.6 kg BW; 16.9 ± 1.8 months) and 20 Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus × 3/8 Bos indicus) (338.4 ± 39.8 kg BW; 19.1 ± 1.9 months), equally distributed in full-sun (FS) and integrated crop–livestock–forestry (ICLF) production systems. Behavior was monitored uninterruptedly by an acoustic sensor and accelerometer attached to a collar, and complemented by direct visual assessment, in two one-day campaigns per month. Serum cortisol concentration was assessed monthly. Statistical analyses were conducted using a general linear model at a 5% significance level (SAS, version 9.4). The ICLF system had a milder microclimate and favored thermal comfort. Natural shading influenced grazing, resting, and rumination time. The Canchim bulls were more active when moving and grazing (p < 0.05), even at the hottest times of the day. In turn, the Nelore bulls spent more time resting at all times (p < 0.001), which was shown to be an adaptive strategy in response to environmental stimuli. The Canchim bulls had a longer rumination time than the Nelore bulls (p < 0.001), due to their longer grazing time. The frequency of water and mineral mixture intake did not differ between genotypes, regardless of the production system (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the serum cortisol concentrations of the Nelore and Canchim bulls kept in FS or ICLF (p = 0.082). Thus, young bulls of the different genotypes showed different behaviors, regardless of whether they were kept on pasture without afforestation or in an integrated crop–livestock–forestry system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The objective was to characterize the pastures by grazing cycle, as well as to evaluate the performance of buffaloes in intensive rotational grazing in a silvopastoral system in the eastern Amazon supplemented with agro-industry co-products in order to characterize the grazing cycles, the composition of the fractions and the carcass yield. Fifteen non-castrated, crossbred water buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used. Forage protein varied: leaves contained 11.4% protein in the leaves and 50% FDA in the stems. The grass had higher amounts of B3/B2 proteins, which are less indigestible in leaves (17.16%). Forage production varied; the second cycle was better (leaf/stem 2.11). Despite a varied supplement intake, daily weight gain (1 kg/day) and carcass yield (49.23%) showed no differences, ensuring cost-effective, sustainable production. Incorporating supplements derived from coconut and palm kernel co-products enhances performance and carcass yield, comparable to standard supplements. This practice lowers production expenses, optimizes forage utilization, and enhances production chain sustainability, making it a recommended approach. The objective was to characterize the pastures by grazing cycle, as well as to evaluate the performance of buffaloes in intensive rotational grazing in a silvopastoral system in the eastern Amazon supplemented with agro-industry co-products in order to characterize the grazing cycles, the composition of the fractions, and the carcass yield. Fifteen non-castrated, crossbred water buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used. All animals used in the study were clinically healthy and weighed approximately 458 kg. The animals were grazed in a single group, and supplementation (1% of live weight—LW/day) was divided into three treatments: control (control—conventional ingredients); Cocos nucifera coconut cake (Cocos nucifera) (coconut cake—70%); and palm kernel cake (Guinean elaeis) (palm kernel cake—70% palm kernel cake). The chemical composition of the forage is different in each part of the plant, with higher protein values in the leaves (11.40%) and higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) values in the stems (50.03%). Among the ingredients of the supplement, corn has the highest percentage of indigestible protein (35.57%), most of the protein in palm kernel cake is B3 (49.11%), and in Coco, B2 (51.52%). Mombasa grass has a higher percentage of B3 and B2 proteins; the indigestible fraction is lower in the leaves (17.16%). The leaf/stem ratio also varied between grazing cycles, being better in the second cycle (2.11%) and with an overall average of 1.71. Supplement consumption varied between cycles and was higher in the control treatment, with an overall mean of 4.74. There was no difference in daily weight gain and carcass yield, with an average of 1 kg/day and 49.23%, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that including supplements based on by-products from the coconut and palm oil agro-industries promotes performance and carcass yields compatible with conventional supplements. Their use reduces production costs, optimizes the utilization of forage mass, enhances the sustainability of the production chain, and, therefore, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions and supplementation based on palm kernel cake, on the thermoregulation of crossbred buffaloes in the eastern Amazon. Over a 12-month period, 24 female buffaloes with an initial age of 54 ± 7 months and an average weight of 503.1 ± 23 kg were divided into four groups with different levels of palm kernel cake supplementation relative to body weight. The animals were kept in Brachiaria brizantha pastures with access to water and mineral salt. Supplementation did not influence the physiological variables of thermoregulation. Throughout the year, mean values of rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body surface temperature were higher in the afternoon (p > 0.05). Supplementation with palm cake did not result in influences on the thermoregulation of buffaloes in the study region. The respiratory rate showed an association with the annual seasonality of temperatures, with higher averages in the afternoons of the rainy season. The positive correlation between the rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and body surface temperature indicates that buffaloes respond to atmospheric thermal elevations (afternoon period), which is reflected in increasing thermal indices. In ruminants, diet composition has a positive correlation with heat production, which can influence thermoregulation, energy expenditure and, consequently, animal performance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions and supplementation based on palm kernel cake, on the thermoregulation of crossbred buffaloes in the eastern Amazon. The research was carried out at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (01°26′ S and 48°24′ W), Belém, Pará, and lasted 12 months (representing the entire year). Twenty-four buffaloes, females, with initial age and an average weight of 54 ± 7 months and 503.1 ± 23 kg, respectively, non-pregnant, non-lactating and clinically healthy were used, divided into four treatments based on the supplementation content of the palm cake (%DM) in relation to their body weight (%): 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0. The animals were kept in paddocks with Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu), in a rotating system, with water to drink and mineral salt ad libitum. Equipment was installed to record environmental data (temperature and relative humidity, dew point temperature, wet bulb and black globe) and physiological data: rectal temperature (RT); respiratory rate (RR); and body surface temperature (BST), recorded twice a day, always in the morning (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) and afternoon (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.) shifts, and were used to calculate the Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI). Supplementation did not influence the physiological variables of thermoregulation (p > 0.05). However, there were differences in the GTHI between the shifts, with higher means in the afternoon shift, especially in the less rainy period of the year, where the GTHI reached 92.06 ± 2.74 (p < 0.05). In all periods of the year, the mean values of RT, RR and BST were higher in the afternoon shift (p > 0.05). The respiratory rate (RR) is associated with the annual seasonality of the thermal waters, with higher averages in the afternoons of the rainy season. The positive correlation for rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body surface temperature indicated that buffaloes respond to thermal elevations in the atmosphere (afternoon period) and, consequently, reflect on the GTHI. Supplementation does not influence thermoregulation; the changes observed occurred in response to the region's thermal and rainfall conditions (mainly in the afternoon shift), with higher GTHI values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ewe nutrition during gestation, either in excess or in deficit, may influence fetal development and the postnatal life of the lamb. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of use the of energy (ME) and energy/protein (MECP) supplementation in the ewe's diet in the last third of gestation on maternal placental and endocrine characteristics, as well as on the behavior of neonatal lambs and productive performance. ME and MECP ewes had higher serum concentrations of triiodothyronine and cortisol on the day of lambing. However, only ME ewes had higher placental efficiency and lower total cotyledon weight. The ME and MECP diets increased birth weight at weaning and reduced the time to kneel, to try to stand, and the latency to stand of the lambs. It is concluded that overnutrition in the last third of gestation was positive for the sheep production system, with improved production rates, hormonal profile, placental characteristics and neonatal behavior. These results are valuable to society because they indicate a management strategy during the reproductive season that can be adopted by sheep producers to increase the productivity of their flocks. The objective of the study was to evaluate energy or energy/protein supplementation in the ewe diet, in the last third of gestation, on maternal placental and endocrine characteristics, as well as its effects on the behavior of neonatal lambs and productive performance until weaning. A total of 128 ewes were used, and the experimental diet was fed from 100 days gestation until lambing, with the birth of 172 lambs. The ewes were distributed into three treatments: CTL (control, n = 43) with metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) intake according to NRC (1985); ME (energy supplementation, n = 44) plus 21% ME; and MECP (energy/protein supplementation, n = 41) plus 26% ME and CP. Body weight, body condition score, serum hormone concentrations, placental characteristics, lamb performance and behavior, and production efficiency of the ewe from lambing to weaning were measured. ME and MECP ewes were heavier before (p = 0.006) and just after lambing (p = 0.002) and had higher serum triiodothyronine (p = 0.001) and cortisol (p = 0.004) concentrations on the day of lambing. ME ewes had higher placental efficiency (p = 0.036) and lower total cotyledon weight (p = 0.011). ME and MECP diets increased both lamb birth weight (p = 0.015) and weaning weight (p = 0.009). Production efficiency at birth and at weaning was not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. Lamb behavior was influenced by the ME and MECP diets, reducing the time to kneel (p ≤ 0.05), to try to stand (p ≤ 0.05), and the latency to stand (p ≤ 0.005). It is concluded that overnutrition in the last third of gestation was positive for the ovine production system, with improved production rates, hormonal profile, placental characteristics, and neonatal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal programming refers to the concept in which factors that affect the health and performance of the pregnant mother can have long-term effects on the offspring, through stimulation or injury during critical periods of gestation, which modulate fetal development and interfere with the performance of the offspring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early and conventional weaning on cytochrome C oxidation of 3,3'-Diaminobenzidine (DAB), which characterizes the functionality of the mitochondrial membrane, in subsequent male offspring generated by primiparous or multiparous females. Fifty-six Nelore males were evaluated, with an average initial age of 12.5 months. During the fetal development of these animals, their primiparous or multiparous mothers weaned calves at 150 or 240 days (early or conventional weaning, respectively). Thus, of the 56 animals used, 29 came from primiparous females, 14 from the early weaning group and 15 from conventional weaning. The other 27 animals came from multiparous females, 13 from the early weaning group and 14 from conventional weaning. Semen was collected at 12.5, 14.3, 15.5 and 17.3 months of age, using the electroejaculation technique. The functionality of the mitochondrial membrane was assessed by the ultracytochemical test of in situ cytochrome C oxidase activity. For this, an aliquot of 80 μL of semen incubated with 80 μL of DAB (diaminobenzidine - 1 mg/mL in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline - DPBS) at 37°C for one hour was used. After incubation, three smears were taken and fixed in 10% formaldehyde for 10 minutes. The slides were air-dried under protection from light and then evaluated under light microscopy at 1000x magnification. Two hundred cells were evaluated per sample and classified into four classes: DAB I: sperm with a fully stained midpiece, with practically all the mitochondria active, indicating high mitochondrial activity. DAB II: sperm with more than half of the mitochondria stained, indicating medium to high mitochondrial activity. DAB III: sperm with less than half of the mitochondria stained, indicating low mitochondrial activity. DAB IV: sperm with the middle part completely unstained, indicating no mitochondrial activity. The results were expressed as a percentage of each subpopulation in the sample. Statistical analyses were carried out using SAS software (Version 9.2; SAS Institute), analyzed by ANOVA using a mixed model (PROC MIXED). When a significant treatment effect was detected, the means were compared using Fisher's method of least significant difference for multiple comparisons. A significant difference was considered when P ≤ 0.05. There was no effect of weaning, mother, or interaction between weaning, mother and age (p > 0.05). However, there was an age effect for mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.01), with the data expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean: DAB I: 40.7c ± 3.6, 62.9b ± 2.6, 70.4a ± 2.3 and 70.3a ± 2.1; DAB II: 39.6a ± 2.8, 28.3b ±2.1, 21.6c ± 1.8 and 26.4bc ± 1.6; DAB III: 9.7a ± 0.9, 2.2b ± 0.7, 1.6b ± 0.6 and 1.1b ± 0.5; DAB IV: 13.6a ± 1.8, 6.6b ± 1.4, 6.5b ± 1.2 and 2.3c ± 1.1 when assessed at 12.5, 14.3, 15.5 and 17.3 months of age, respectively. The results of this study show that early or conventional weaning, using two classes of mothers, has no effect on the functionality of the mitochondrial membrane in the offspring of Nelore males. However, when evaluating the sperm of Nelore breed animals in the prepubertal and pubertal stages, it was possible to observe that as the animals get older, the functionality of the mitochondrial membrane becomes better. It can be concluded that there was no effect of fetal programming when using early and conventional weaning on the subsequent offspring of Nelore males sired by primiparous or multiparous mothers, but the functionality of the mitochondrial membrane becomes better as the Nelore males get older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study compared the outcomes of in vivo embryo production in Morada Nova ewes subjected to either 9‐day (G‐9SOV, n = 21) or 12‐day (G‐12SOV, n = 21) progesterone (P4)‐based estruses synchronization protocol coupled with superovulatory treatment with decreasing doses of porcine follicle‐stimulating hormone (133 mg of pFSH given over 3 days). Non‐surgical embryo recovery (NSER) was performed 6–7 days after the onset of oestrus. Total antral follicle count doubled from the first to the sixth pFSH dose in both groups (p <.05). Oestrus responses did not vary between the two groups of animals (95.2%). Corpora lutea (CL) were detected in 85.0% and 60.0% of ewes that previously manifested oestrus behaviour in G‐9SOV and G‐12SOV respectively. NSER was successfully completed in 86.2% of ewes that had CL (p >.05). The mean number of CL per ewe/successfully flushed donor ewe was greater (p <.05) in G‐12SOV (12.3 ± 1.7/12.1 ± 1.9) than in G‐9SOV (7.9 ± 1.4/8.2 ± 1.6). Mean numbers of retrieved blastocysts and viable embryos were greater (p >.05) in G‐12SOV (5.8 ± 1.9 and 3.7 ± 1.7) than G‐9SOV (3.5 ± 1.1 and 0.8 ± 0.3 respectively). The total follicle count (all follicles ≥2 mm in diameter) at the sixth pFSH dose (at P4‐device removal) was positively correlated (p <.05) with the number of CL (r =.95) and viable embryos (r =.91) in G‐12SOV. The ewes with ≥10 Cl (48% of all flushed donors) yielded 80.5% of viable embryos. In summary: (a) Morada Nova ewes from G‐12SOV group had better superovulatory responses compared with G‐9SOV group; (b) total follicle count at the last pFSH dose was a good predictor of superovulatory responses only in the ewes primed with P4 for 12 days; and (c) animals with ≥10 ovulations are main contributors to viable embryo production in Morada Nova ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Acta Scientiarum: Animal Sciences is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Heat stress reduces the reproductive capacity of bulls raised in tropical climate. However, the reestablishment of scrotal thermoregulation and the dynamics of sperm defects emergence after stress are not completely known in buffaloes. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term heat stress over scrotal thermoregulation and sperm attributes, relating them to spermatogenesis stages. Five buffalo bulls went through scrotal insulation during 48 h (from day 0 to day 2). Semen samples were collected every 7 days (from day −7 to day 49) and analyzed about the progressive motility, viability, and sperm morphology. Heat stress significantly destabilized scrotal thermoregulation (P < 0.001). Scrotal temperature was from 4.2 to 6.3 °C lower than the core body temperature, except on insulation days (P < 0.001), and returned to the basal condition five days after the removal of the stressing stimulus. More significant deleterious effects were observed in sperm morphology than in cell concentration, motility, and viability. The chronology of morphologic defects expression demonstrated tail defects (days 7–14), cytoplasmic droplets (days 14–28), and head defects (day 28), returning to pre-insulation condition 35 days after the thermal challenge. Thus, hyperthermia harmed more intensely spermatozoa in epididymal transit, elongated spermatids, and secondary spermatocytes. It is concluded that water buffalo bulls present a peculiar manifestation of sperm morphology after short-term stress, indicating an important difference related to the bovine species. Therefore, during the andrological evaluation of buffalo bulls, it is necessary to avoid the allometric extrapolation between these species. • Short-term insulation destabilized scrotal thermoregulation in water buffaloes. • Thermoregulation returned to basal condition only five days after the stress removal. • Early spermatozoa, elongated spermatids, and primary spermatocytes were specially heat-sensitive. • A peculiar expression of sperm defects was described, differently from bovine. • Tail defects, cytoplasmic droplets, and head abnormalities was the defective sequential pattern observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of three thermal environments over time on kinetics, functionality and in vitro fertility of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Four ejaculates from five bulls (n = 20) were cryopreserved. After thawing, semen was evaluated (0 hr), incubated for 4 hr in T36.0 (36.0°C), T38.0 (38.0°C) and T39.5 (39.5°C), and analysed every hour (1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr). In vitro production of embryos was performed at 0 hr and 4 hr. Sperm motility and cell kinetics (Computer‐Assisted Sperm Analysis) were impaired after 2 hr at T38.0 and T39.5 (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry revealed an increase in the cells with injured plasma membrane to 39.5°C and a general reduction in the mitochondrial potential over time (p < 0.05). In vitro fertility was impaired in all temperatures after 4 hr, but there was no difference between 36.0°C and 38.0°C. Our results suggest that the ex situ resilience of semen at 36.0°C after thawing with no major damage to the quality is limited to 3 hr. In normothermia or in thermal stress, sperm cells present a gradual reduction of movement and functionality, which were more significant after 1 hr of incubation. The in vitro production of embryos is impaired when the semen is kept in a thermal environment ≥36.0°C for 4 hr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical relaxation (CR) was performed in ewes during diestrus, to prospect a feasible protocol for non-surgical embryo transfer (NSET). In Trial 1, naturally mated ewes (n=13) received CR protocols with estradiol benzoate (EB, 1 mg on D6) and oxytocin (OT, 50 IU on D7) only (G-EB+OT) or associated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 300 IU on D7, G-EB+OT+hCG) and were compared to non-hormonally treated (G-control) ewes. Estradiol concentration increased (P<0.05) from D6 to D7 in G-EB+OT and G-EB+OT+hCG, then decreased (P<0.05) on D8. The G-EB+OT had reduced (P<0.05) progesterone on D8, and 0% (0/5) pregnancy, while G-control had 100% (3/3) conception rate. The treatment with hCG mitigated the progesterone drop on D8 and resulted in 50% (2/4) conception rate. In Trial 2, cervical transposing success after treatment with EB, OT, and hCG on D6 and D7 was assessed in nulliparous (n=25) and multiparous (n=30) ewes. The EB+OT+hCG protocol allowed efficient cervical transposition (~78% of cervical transposition success into ~5 min) in nulliparous and multiparous females and did not alter total and blood perfusion areas of corpora lutea (CL). The use of EB+OT+hCG was efficient to ensure effective cervical transposing in nulliparous and multiparous ewes, with no apparent deleterious effect on CL function, and may contribute to animal welfare, allowing a less invasive NSET procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasture-based livestock production is largely centered on monoculture systems that degrade grasslands. In integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems a synergy is supposed to occur between its components, contributing to global food production. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the microclimate on integrated crop-livestock-forestry (CLF) and crop-livestock (CL) systems on the behavior and body surface temperatures of beef cattle in a tropical climate. The experiment was carried from December/2016 to June/2017. Adult beef cows were maintained in CL (n = 11) or CLF (n = 12) systems, permanently monitored by automatic weather stations. The microclimatic conditions indicated that CLF was more effective in mitigating the environmental heat load. Animals maintained in CLF showed favorable behavior, longer rumination (42.9 ± 2.2 vs 36.6 ± 2.2 min) and shorter resting time (57.6 ± 2.7 vs 65.9 ± 2.8 min) during the morning. The grazing time and other activities did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05) in the afternoon. Animals in CLF exhibited lower surface temperatures of the back (TBack: 31.9 ± 0.2 vs 32.8 ± 0.2 °C, P < 0.05) and of the trunk (TTrunk: 32.0 ± 0.1 vs 32.5 ± 0.1 °C, P < 0.05) measured by infrared thermography. Animals maintained in CLF showed a significant preferential use of shade and a 23% reduction in the frequency of the animals searching for water troughs. It is evident from the study that integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems can be used to provide a more favorable microclimate within grasslands. Thus, beef cattle benefits from the milder environment and exhibits a higher thermal comfort, which favors food production and the rational use of natural resources. Unlabelled Image • Forested (CLF) and non-forested (CL) systems were tested for thermal comfort. • CLF was more effective in mitigating the environmental heat load. • Animals in CLF exhibited lower surface temperatures assessed by thermography. • When available, the shaded areas were preferentially used by the animals. • Animals maintained in CLF showed a 23% reduction in the search for water trough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of body temperature is important for the diagnosis of the physiological state of the animal, being dependent on available methods and their applicability within production systems. This work evaluated techniques to monitor the body temperature of beef cattle kept on pasture and their ability to predict internal temperature. Twenty-three adult bovine females were monitored for six months, and collection data carried out in eleven campaigns (D0-D10) twelve days apart. During collections, the surface temperatures of ear base (ET, oC) and ocular globe (OGT, oC) were measured by infrared thermography, and the subcutaneous temperature (ST, oC) was measured with the use of transponder containing an implantable microchip. Rectal temperature (RT, oC) was considered as a reference for body temperature. Temperature and Humidity Index (THI), Black Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (BGHI) and Radiant Heat Load (RHL, W/m2) were calculated. ET (33.32 ± 0.12 °C), ST (36.10 ± 0.07 °C), OGT (37.40 ± 0.06 °C) and RT (38.83 ± 0.03 °C) differed significantly (P˂0.05). There was positive correlation of RT with OGT (r = 0.392), ET (r = 0.264) and ST (r = 0.236) (P˂0.05). Considering the bioclimatic indicators, the highest magnitude correlations were observed between ET and THI (r = 0.71), ET and BGHI (r = 0.65), and ET and RHL (r = 0.48). The use of microchip represented a practical method, but with limited predictability. On the other hand, infrared thermography proved to be safe and non-invasive, presenting greater precision for inference of internal body temperature. ET was more influenced by meteorological conditions. • Technologies for monitoring body temperature of beef cattle on pasture were tested. • Efficience of transponder-type electronic device versus infrared thermography. • Subcutaneous microchip was practical but with limited predictive capacity. • Inference of internal temperature was more precise using ocular globe thermography. • Ear surface temperature was more susceptible to meteorological oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study aimed to assess solar radiation transmission and animal thermal comfort indexes in two silvopastoral systems established with different tree arrangements in a tropical region. This study was conducted between 2014 and 2017 in two silvopastoral systems, one composed by an established Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) decumbens pasture with Brazilian native trees planted in triple rows spaced 17 m apart, and another by an established Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) brizantha (Hochst ex A. Rich.) Stapf 'BRS Piatã' pasture with Eucalyptus urograndis (clone GG100) trees arranged in single rows spaced 15 m apart. In these systems and in a full-sun pasture, photosynthetically active radiation transmission, air temperature, relative humidity, black globe temperature, and wind speed were measured. These variables were used to calculate black globe temperature and humidity index (BGHI) and radiant thermal load (RTL). Higher animal thermal comfort was observed in the silvopastoral systems due to changes in the microclimate induced by the trees; notably, a decrease in solar radiation transmission. Fewer hours of potential animal thermal stress (BGHI>79) were observed in the silvopastoral systems than under the full-sun conditions, with differences up to 3 h per day. The silvopastoral systems presented lower radiant thermal load than the full-sun pasture with differences up to 22% achieved. The assessed silvopastoral systems may help livestock adapt to climate change, since they achieved the limit of BGHI considered to cause stress to animals following an increase of 2.2 °C in air temperature, compared with full-sun pastures. Highlights • Silvopastoral systems reduce the hours of potential animal thermal stress. • Animal thermal comfort indexes were influenced by the configuration of the silvopastoral system. • Silvopastoral systems may help livestock adapt to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For different ovine breeds to maximize their reproductive capacity in countries with tropical climate, it is important to evaluate their potential for thermal resilience and consequences on their reproductive traits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal environment temperatures of climate seasons in a tropical climate region on the surface temperatures of the scrotum, testicular biometric characteristics, seminal quality and serum testosterone concentration of rams of different genotypes. Breeders of four different genotypes (Dorper, n = 8, Texel, n = 8, Santa Inês, n = 9 and Morada Nova, n = 8) were used throughout the four climate seasons. Higher thermal challenge was recorded in the spring and summer. In the summer increase in scrotal surface temperature was detected by infrared thermography (P < 0.05), mainly in the regions of the distal testicular pole and tail of the epididymis. The animals of the Texel genotype had higher rectal temperature in the summer. In spring, this genotype also had the highest testicular pole (32.2 ± 0.5 °C; P < 0.05) and distal (29.9 ± 0.4 °C; P < 0.05) temperatures and a higher mean testicular temperature (31.7 ± 0.4 °C; P < 0.05). The Morada Nova genotype showed a higher surface temperature gradient between testicular poles (2.96 ± 0.1 °C; P < 0.05), especially in spring. Genotype-dependent thermal sensitivity was detected for the thermal gradient between the testicular poles, reflecting the seminal quality. There was a positive correlation of the thermal gradient between testicular poles with sperm membrane integrity and negative correlation with total sperm defects. The Texel genotype showed less progressive motility and higher percentage of sperm defects. There was no difference in testosterone concentration between genotypes and in the different seasons (P > 0.05). Thus, the indigenous genotypes showed a greater capability to maintain the scrotum-testicular thermoregulation. Dorper animals resembled the indigenous sheep genotypes, in terms of seminal characteristics, unlike Texel animals, which showed lower adaptability and lower seminal quality. Highlights • The factors affecting fertility of Dorper, Texel, Santa Inês and Morada Nova rams raised in tropical climates were evaluated. • Gonadal thermal sensitivity was genotype-dependent, with seminal quality consequences. • Animals of indigenous genotypes demonstrated a greater capability to maintain the scrotum-testicular thermoregulation. • Higher thermal gradient between testicular poles favored membrane integrity and sperm morphology. • Dorper animals resembled the indigenous genotypes, for seminal and scrotal-testicular biometrics characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to assess the capacity of Morada Nova (MON) and Santa Inês (SIN) hair sheep breeds to maintain homeothermy and its relation with semen quality in a tropical climate. Sixteen rams (MON = 7 and SIN = 9) were assessed for 12 months. During summer and spring, the Temperature-Humidity Index values surpassed the level indicative of thermal stress, and sweating, respiratory and heart rates increased (P < .05). Those responses allowed animals to dissipate heat, maintain rectal temperature in the physiological range and efficiently avoid thermal stress. Scrotal temperatures rose during summer and spring, but, unlike what occurs in wool breeds of sheep, the thermal gradient between poles of testis increased, which shows efficient compensatory scrotal thermoregulation in both breeds herein studied. Semen quality parameters remained within normal ranges. The high correlation observed between rectal and spermatic funicle temperature gradients with sperm membrane integrity (r = 0.62; P < .05) confirmed the importance of systemic and gonadal thermoregulation for the production of ejaculates with highest possible proportion of viable spermatozoa. Thus, MON and SIN rams can be considered resilient to tropical climate since they efficiently perform the thermolysis to face thermal challenges with no negative impact on semen quality throughout the year. Those adaptability characteristics are highly desirable in the genotypes proposed for use in production systems in tropical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has intensified the frequency of heat waves in the world, thereby exposing farm animals to stressful conditions. For better productive performance it is important to identify the most resilient genotypes. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the thermoregulatory responses of rams of tropical indigenous (Morada Nova and Santa Inês) and exotic breeds (Dorper and Texel), by monitoring the environmental and physiological indicators related to heat tolerance. The experiment was carried out in a tropical climate region (Cwa), in Brazil, for twelve months, which comprised spring, summer, autumn and winter. Thirty-three rams were divided into groups: Morada Nova (MN; n=8, red-coat), Santa Inês (SI; n=9, black-coat), Dorper (DO; n=8, white-coat) and Texel (TX; n=8, white-coat). The microclimatic variables were monitored, and the THI and BGHI comfort indices were calculated. Coat thickness and body surface temperatures were measured monthly, and serum triiodothyronine-T3 measurements and complete blood tests were performed. The physiological variables were evaluated every fifteen days and skin micro-biopsies were performed in the summer and winter for histological evaluation. During the warmer seasons, the THI and BGHI reached values that indicated thermal discomfort. TX showed higher coat thickness throughout the year, increased physiological variables related to thermolysis, and reduced T3 (P < 0.05). The internal temperature was permanently lower in the MN, SI and DO (P < 0.05). The body surface temperatures were affected by the coat characteristics and wool length. Hematological parameters varied in the seasons with the highest thermal conditions (P < 0.05). The MN showed larger sweat glands, while the area occupied by the sweat glands was higher in the SI. The DO showed higher hair density in the summer and winter (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the MN, SI and DO breeds overcome the thermal challenge more easily throughout the seasons due to specific adaptive morphological and physiological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to describe the sexual behavior in female and male collared peccary. Twenty females and twelve males were monitored in familiar and non-familiar units for two 60 days periods. During both phases, we recorded 2747 sexual interactions initiated by 20 different females toward males and 4461 sexual interactions initiated by 12 males toward females. The frequency of sexual interactions initiated per female significantly increased from proestrus to estrus, and they were significantly more frequently courted. Females initiated olfactory inspections 15.42 times more and were mounted 22.6 times more during estrus than during proestrus. Nulliparous and primiparous females copulated only when exposed to non-parental males. After estrus, the frequency of sexual interactions received by females sharply decreased. One mating event was recorded during the first gestation week and 31 mountings were observed after the second week. In conclusion, the behavioral monitoring is a useful procedure for the recognition of estrus. Our results suggest that ovulation may be associated with the end of the estrus, which will support future work in assisted reproduction in this species. To promote good handling practices, females of reproductive age should be removed from their family unit of origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how the bioclimatic factors influence the animals homeothermy and behavior is essential to implement good practices for tropical livestock. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the effect of the incorporation of the arboreal component in pasture production systems in a tropical environment on thermal comfort and to analyze the influence of the integrated crop-livestock-forestry system on the behavior of beef cattle. The study was carried out in São Carlos-SP, Brazil, region of tropical altitude subtype, for 13 months. Sixty-four Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) non-castrated males (26 months; 358 kg LW) were allocated to production systems with pastures in full sun (Group FS; n = 32) or with forested pastures (Group ICLF; n = 32). The microclimate of the pastures was permanently monitored by weather stations. The behavior of the animals was assessed through an observational method in monthly campaigns and a continuous electronic monitoring method based on the use of an accelerometer and acoustic sensor coupled to collars. Higher means of the black globe temperature index were registered in the morning and the afternoon, with a very challenging condition for the animals during the spring and summers, especially for the Group FS. The observational results showed that animals in the Group FS grazed longer in the morning than animals in the Group ICL, mainly in the warmer seasons (P < 0.05). The animals in FS remained lying down longer than the animals kept in the ICLF system, during rumination or resting (P < 0.05). The animals in the Group ICLF preferred the use of shaded areas within the forested system and their frequency of visits to the drinking fountain was reduced in the morning (−55 %) and afternoon (−26 %) shifts. Electronic monitoring showed that animals, regardless of the production system, spent 38.4 % of their time resting, 32.6 % in displacement, and 29.0 % in rumination. The animals in FS had a higher displacement time at night and dawn, and less time resting at night (22:00 h and 23:00 h) and dawn (2:00 h to 6:00 h), which affected their circadian rhythm and restricted the time devoted to restorative effects of rest. Therefore, the use of the arboreal component proved to be beneficial for obtaining a more favorable microclimate for raising cattle on pasture, being useful for increasing animal thermal comfort and for the expression of behavioral attitudes favorable to the maintenance of homeothermy in a tropical environment. • Thermal comfort and behavior in afforested (ICLF) or non-forested (FS) pastures were studied. • Observational and electronic methods were used to describe beef cattle behavior. • ICLF allowed maximize the use of shaded areas for grazing, ruminating, or resting. • Animals on ICLF reduced the search for the drinking fountain and mineral mixture. • ICLF benefited microclimate and increased the thermal comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems are alternative techniques for the soil used, involving forest species, agricultural crops and livestock. Silvopastoral Systems are a less aggressive alternative, contributing to the reversion of altered areas and to raise biodiversity. These systems explore natural resources, controlled erosive process, improve the soil structure and balance the microorganisms activity, promote better quality of the pastures, providing animal ambience, due to the efficient shade of pastures. Thus, provide barrier against the winds, decreasing thermal stress and improving animal performance. This review describes the silvopastoral system as a strategy for management of buffaloes, aiming to raise productive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ruminants, diet composition has a positive correlation with heat production, which can influence thermoregulation, energy expenditure and, consequently, animal performance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions and supplementation based on palm kernel cake, on the thermoregulation of crossbred buffaloes in the eastern Amazon. The research was carried out at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (01°26' S and 48°24' W), Belém, Pará, and lasted 12 months (representing the entire year). Twenty-four buffaloes, females, with initial age and an average weight of 54 ± 7 months and 503.1 ± 23 kg, respectively, non-pregnant, non-lactating and clinically healthy were used, divided into four treatments based on the supplementation content of the palm cake (%DM) in relation to their body weight (%): 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0. The animals were kept in paddocks with Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu), in a rotating system, with water to drink and mineral salt ad libitum. Equipment was installed to record environmental data (temperature and relative humidity, dew point temperature, wet bulb and black globe) and physiological data: rectal temperature (RT); respiratory rate (RR); and body surface temperature (BST), recorded twice a day, always in the morning (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) and afternoon (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.) shifts, and were used to calculate the Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI). Supplementation did not influence the physiological variables of thermoregulation ( p > 0.05). However, there were differences in the GTHI between the shifts, with higher means in the afternoon shift, especially in the less rainy period of the year, where the GTHI reached 92.06 ± 2.74 ( p < 0.05). In all periods of the year, the mean values of RT, RR and BST were higher in the afternoon shift ( p > 0.05). The respiratory rate (RR) is associated with the annual seasonality of the thermal waters, with higher averages in the afternoons of the rainy season. The positive correlation for rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body surface temperature indicated that buffaloes respond to thermal elevations in the atmosphere (afternoon period) and, consequently, reflect on the GTHI. Supplementation does not influence thermoregulation; the changes observed occurred in response to the region's thermal and rainfall conditions (mainly in the afternoon shift), with higher GTHI values.

The objective of the study was to evaluate energy or energy/protein supplementation in the ewe diet, in the last third of gestation, on maternal placental and endocrine characteristics, as well as its effects on the behavior of neonatal lambs and productive performance until weaning. A total of 128 ewes were used, and the experimental diet was fed from 100 days gestation until lambing, with the birth of 172 lambs. The ewes were distributed into three treatments: CTL (control, n = 43) with metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) intake according to NRC (1985); ME (energy supplementation, n = 44) plus 21% ME; and MECP (energy/protein supplementation, n = 41) plus 26% ME and CP. Body weight, body condition score, serum hormone concentrations, placental characteristics, lamb performance and behavior, and production efficiency of the ewe from lambing to weaning were measured. ME and MECP ewes were heavier before (p = 0.006) and just after lambing (p = 0.002) and had higher serum triiodothyronine (p = 0.001) and cortisol (p = 0.004) concentrations on the day of lambing. ME ewes had higher placental efficiency (p = 0.036) and lower total cotyledon weight (p = 0.011). ME and MECP diets increased both lamb birth weight (p = 0.015) and weaning weight (p = 0.009). Production efficiency at birth and at weaning was not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. Lamb behavior was influenced by the ME and MECP diets, reducing the time to kneel (p ≤ 0.05), to try to stand (p ≤ 0.05), and the latency to stand (p ≤ 0.005). It is concluded that overnutrition in the last third of gestation was positive for the ovine production system, with improved production rates, hormonal profile, placental characteristics, and neonatal behavior.

The thermolytic capacity test is used to assess the adaptability of animals to existing environmental conditions. However, there is insufficient information on the relationship between histomorphometry and adaptability of buffaloes. Thus, this study aimed to assess the use of thermolysis pathways by buffaloes reared in a hot and humid environment so as to understand the relationships between environment, skin morphological characteristics, and heat storage, as well as the intensity and proportionality of use of its ways of dissipating heat to maintain homeothermy. The heat tolerance test, associated with the evaluations via infrared thermography, was applied to 10 female Murrah buffaloes and tegument histomorphometry was carried out. The animals exhibited very high heat tolerance with an average of 9.66 ± 0.21 and used thermal polypnea as the main heat dissipation pathway. Their mean skin thickness was 6.03 ± 1.16 mm and the active sweat and sebaceous gland tissue were 1.57 ± 0.38% and 1.08 ± 0.39%, respectively. The buffaloes exhibited a positive correlation between eyeball temperature and internal body temperature ( r = 0.84523, p < 0.0001) and a negative correlation between respiratory rate and skin thickness ( r = -0.73371, p = 0.0157). The high thermolytic capacity in shade conditions confirms the importance of access to shade in buffalo rearing systems in tropical regions., Competing Interests: MJ and AG were employed by Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Vilela, Lourenço Junior, Jacintho, Barbosa, Pantoja, Oliveira and Garcia.)

The objective was to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation using by-products of the Amazonian industry on milk production, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile of dairy buffaloes. Twelve lactating buffaloes (544.5 ± 35.6 kg, 6.4 ± 2.2 years old, 59 ± 6 days in milk) were allotted in a pasture of Mombaça grass and managed under rotational grazing (4 days occupancy/28 days rest). A 3 × 3 Latin square was adopted, and each animal alternately received three supplementary treatments based on corn bran + soybean meal or cupuaçu cake or murumuru cake for 21 days per treatment. Murumuru cake increased the levels of lauric acid and myristic acid in the milk (p < 0.05). Murumuru cake reduced the unsaturated fatty acid contents in the milk compared with animals fed control diet or cupuaçu cake (24.27% vs. 25.24% vs. 25.08%). The n-6/n-3 ratio was 2.6, 1.97, and 2.0 in the control, cupuaçu, and murumuru groups, respectively. Based on this parameter, cakes made from cupuaçu as well as murumuru could be considered to be adequate for inclusion in dairy water buffalo feed. However, the murumuru cake addition requires some caution because its use induces the secretion of higher levels of lauric and myristic fatty acids that are related to human cardiovascular disease., (© 2021 Japanese Society of Animal Science.)

Ruminant energy supplementation with vegetable oils or fats has been standing out worldwide and oil palm processing has been receiving growing interest. This study assessed the effect of supplementation with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the palm oil industry on the lipid profile of seminal plasma and of the sperm membrane, as well as on the morphological and functional characteristics of raw and cryopreserved buffalo semen. Twelve purebred Murrah bulls ( Bubalus bubalis ) were assigned to the experimental groups and fed diets for 120 days with no added lipids (CONT, four bulls), or with an extra amount of 3% lipids from crude palm oil (PALM, four bulls), or from palm oil deodorizer distillate (PODD, four bulls). Semen was collected and cryopreserved every 15 days. The lipid composition of membranes and semen quality were determined after collections. Lipid supplementation did not impact feed intake (P>0.05). Diet enrichment with PALM increased the linoleic acid (C18:2,ω6) in seminal plasma. Lipid supplementation did not increase the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane composition, but significantly increased the lignoceric acid (C24:0). Cryopreserved semen of the supplemented bulls presented higher progressive motility (60.2 vs. 67.9 vs. 65.2%; P<0.05) and sperm viability detected by eosin-nigrosin staining (61.1 vs. 69.4 vs. 67.8%; P<0.05). Palm oil reduced major sperm defects in both raw (12.2 vs. 9.3 vs. 13.2%; P<0.0001) and cryopreserved semen (12.4 vs. 9.4 vs. 11.2%; P<0.0001). The lipids added to the diet did not impact the population of spermatozoa with intact plasma and acrosomal membranes (PI-/PSA-), but significantly increased the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial potential (25.6 vs. 31.5 vs. 32.0%; P=0.008). The results suggest that lipid supplementation based on crude palm oil or palm oil deodorizer distillate can be safely used to feed buffalo bulls and may increase sperm attributes related to male fertility., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © The Author(s).)

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of season and pregnancy stage on the temperature of various body areas of Holstein cows using digital infrared thermography, an effective and non-invasive technique. The temperature was recorded at several areas of the body surface to determine the most reliable body area for measurement of rectal temperature in pregnant and non-pregnant animals. Holstein cows (n = 24) were divided into groups according to their physiological stage. The experimental period was 365 days, containing a dry (April-September) and rainy (October-March) season, with parameters measured every 28 days. Thermographic data for different body areas, rectal thermometry, ultrasonography, and climatic data were collected between 7:00 and 9:00. Thermogram-recorded temperatures significantly differed (P < 0.05) between seasons and reproductive phases. Moreover, significant differences were noted between the temperatures of the flank, lateral udder, and perineal areas across seasons (P < 0.05). The udder, perineal, and rectal temperatures differed according to the reproductive phase (P < 0.05). Significant correlations (P < 0.01) were observed between reproductive phases and rectal, ocular globe, snout, flank, and perineum temperature. The body areas examined by thermographic imaging presented different temperatures, exhibiting physiological variation. Season and physiological stage influenced the temperature of body areas of milk cows., (Copyright © The Author(s). Published by CBRA.)