Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters for performance traits in paternal broiler lineages selected during 12 generations were obtained through mixed models methodology. Data consisting of body weight (P42), breast length (CPeito), largest (Larg1) and smallest (Larg2) breast widths recorded at 42 days of age in approximately 46,000 birds between 1992 and 2003 provided by CNPSA/EMBRAPA were used to estimate (co)variances by REML. The heritability estimates were moderate, ranging from 0.29 to 0.53. Genetic correlations estimates between P42 and CPeito, […]

This study aimed to calculate new accumulated and daily functions based on the Michaelis-Menten equation to estimate the 305-days production of Gir cows using test day milk yields. Data consisted of 7,412 lactation records of 3,416 Gir cows (Bos indicus) collected from 1987 to 2004 in 51 herds assisted by the National Breeding Program of the Dairy Gir, coordinated by the Dairy Cattle National Research Center (EMBRAPA) and the Brazilian Association of Dairy Gir Breeders (ABCGIL). The models included the […]

Livestock genomics is aimed at dissecting the genetic control of variation in economically important trait, such as disease resistance and product yield/quality. Unraveling the genetic control of such complex traits remains very challenging but farm animals are now well placed to bridge the gap between human biology and traditional model species. Livestock species share with model species the benefits of controlled breeding, while their biology is often much closer to that of humans. Livestock genetics can exploit the abundant genetic […]

This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity among Elephantgrass accessions using molecular markers. DNA samples of 30 accessions were obtained to perform PCR amplification using RAPD technique. Twenty random primers were used to obtain 88 high intensity and reproducible DNA bands (64 were polymorphic and 24 were monomorphic). Accessions were grouped by genetic distance estimates using UPGMA clustering. Genetic distances among Porto Rico, Santa Rita, IJ-7136 cv EMPASC 307; Mineiro and Mineiro Ipeaco accessions were null, suggesting that they […]

Three different models including or not the direct and maternal non-additive effects and the fixed effects of contemporary group, parity order, direct and maternal heterosis and the direct and maternal additive genetic random effects were compared for predicting breeding values for pre-weaning daily gain in a composite cattle population in tropical climate. The analyses were done in two stages: firstly, breed and individual and maternal heterosis effects were estimated and after variances and the heritability were obtained for prediction of […]

Data consisting of 38,865 records of Large White pigs were used to estimate genetic parameters for days to 100 kg (DAYS) and backfat thickness adjusted to 100 kg (BF). Covariance components were estimated by a bivariate mixed model including the fixed effect of contemporary group and the direct and maternal additive genetic, common litter and residual random effects using the Gibbs Sampling algorithm of the MTGSAM program. Estimates of direct and common litter effects for DAYS and BF were 0.33 […]

This work evaluated the bromatologic characteristics of corn silages, ensiled at different maturity stages. It was used a split plot in time in a randomized block design, with four replicates. Cultivars evaluated were Geneze 2004, Agroceres 1051, Pioneer 30S40 and Pioneer 30F90 ensiled in the following maturity stages: 0% milk line kernels (SLL), reduction of milk line in 1/3 of the kernel (1/3 LL), 1/2 of the kernel (1/2 LL), 2/3 of the kernel (2/3 LL), and formed black layer […]

This work aimed to estimate the correlation coefficients, determining the direct and indirect effects (path analysis) of explanatory independent variables on total dry matter production (main dependent variables) of five elephant grass clones in five cuts accomplished at the forest zone of Pernambuco. Each experimental plot measured 24 m2 with 2 m2 of utile area. There was high correlation between almost all the independent variables and the main variable. The characteristic leaf blade number per tiller, however, explained better the […]

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of year season, dry matter concentration (DM), and bacterial inoculation on the nutritive value of palisadegrass silages. The trial was carried out in a complete randomized experimental design with four replications, in a factorial arrangement (2 × 3 × 3): two year seasons (summer and winter), three dry matter levels (with or without wilting or added with dried citrus pulp), and without microbial additive or with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus […]

The objective of this work was to evaluate forage production and seasonal distribution of locally adapted ryegrass populations in comparison to commercial cultivars. Two experiments were carried out in two different locations of Rio Grande do Sul (Eldorado do Sul – EEA and Veranópolis – EEV), in 2004. Forage production of seven annual ryegrass populations, one Uruguayan cultivar (LE-284), one New Zealand cultivar (Eclipse) were compared to the commercial cultivar, in a total of ten treatments. The experimental design was […]