Ensiling is a method of preserving a moist crop. A moist crop can support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms, most of which will degrade the nutrient value to livestock. However, ensiling generally controls microbial activity by a combination of an anaerobic environment and a natural fermentation of sugars by lactic acid bacteria on the crop. This fermentation and the resulting low pH primarily suppress the growth of other anaerobic microorganisms. The fermentation can also inhibit yeasts, molds […]

Chemical treatment of roughage has been the aim of studies for a long time. However, until nowadays, many questions are arisen due to the efficiency of additives used in relation to the variation of answers, either in nutritive value of treated roughage or in performance of animals feed with diet containing such roughage. This revision will approach the main and most used products, which are anhydrous ammonia, urea, sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide. It has been noticed that ammonization (both […]

Caatinga is the most important biome for the livestock in the Brazilian semi-arid region. This review paper aimed to present information on different forage aspects of caatinga vegetation for ruminant feeding. Caatinga vegetation is formed mainly by shrubs and small trees, usually presenting thorns, deciduous leaves, and leaf abscission occurring frequently at the onset of the dry season. Additional components of the botanical composition in this biome includes the families cactaceae, bromeliaceae, and a herbaceous component formed by grasses, legumes, […]

Animal breeding is, normally, developed and investigated in public institutions in Brazil. However, herds and populations, true users of that knowledge, are private. The relationship between the public and the private is a very successful case in animal breeding and that case is discussed in this text, with special emphasis on the Animal Breeding and Biotechnology Group of the College of Animal Science and Food Technology of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The exit of that group, measured in […]

Brazil is an important world leader in animal yield, but to maintain this status, needs to invest heavily in research to increase animal productivity. For Animal Breeding purpose, Brazil has many groups that develop important studies. Those studies ranging from estimating components of variation and genetic parameters, statistical modeling, and molecular markers applied to animal breeding. Thus, this review aims to summarize the research in animal breeding in Brazil through the first decade of the 21st century, which can indicate the progress and […]

Studies in genetics and breeding of sheep in Brazil have increased significantly in recent years. These involve research in characterization, breeding and crossing sheep using new technologies available incorporating both classical quantitative and molecular genetics. Improvements in statistical techniques, computational resources as well as analysis of DNA and gaps in present knowledge and opportunities for possible research are pointed out. There is a need for greater interaction between various groups working in the country as well as interactions with other […]

Genomics will improve the efficiency of beef cattle genetic improvement programs through the incorporation of genomic predictions into traditional genetic evaluations. The global dairy cattle breeding industry has been changed considerably in the last year through the implementation of genomic selection. Now proven to work in dairy cattle breeding, the challenge remains for the beef industry to successfully implement this technology. The primary challenge in beef cattle is the required resource population that relates genomic profile to phenotypic performance, which […]

Long-term selection experiments provide a valuable resource for understanding the genetic changes that take place in animal improvement programs. The Virginia chicken lines have for more than 50 years been subjected to single-trait, bi-directional, divergent selection for high and low juvenile body weight. It is one of the most well studied experimental populations in agricultural animals and has played an instrumental role in the understanding of the genetic basis of complex traits. In this paper, we summarize the findings from […]

Genetic evaluations should become more accurate with the advent of whole genome selection (WGS) based on high density SNP panels. The use of WGS should then accelerate genetic gains for production traits given likely decreases in generation interval due to the greater intent to select more animals based just on their genotypes rather than phenotypes. However, past and current genetic evaluations may not generally connect well to the intended scope of inference. For example, estimating haplotype effects from the data […]

The recent technologies that have led to the new field of functional genomics (how the genome of an organism regulates homeostasis and responds to stimuli) are providing a clearer understanding of how organisms interact with their environment and in particular their diet. We are beginning to learn how the diet may have long-term influence on performance and health. A form of epigenetic regulation has been recently described called fetal “programming”. Fueled by epidemiological data the “fetal origins” hypothesis suggests that […]