cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992030
title: Gir and Guzerat cow milk production and composition according to lactation stage, somatic cell count, physiological state and body condition

description: ABSTRACT. This work was realized to evaluate lactation stage, physiological state, somatic cell count (SCC) and body condition score (BCS) on production and composition of cow's milk from Gir and Guzerat breeds were studied. Ninety-eight cows were analyzed and classified according to their physiological state, lactation stage, SCC and BCS. Milk production was weighed monthly to obtain production data. Composed samples were collected in vials containing preservatives and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Data were used for statistic descriptive analysis and analysis of variance. Higher milk production in the first 60 days of lactation was observed. Fat, protein and total solids concentration increased according to the increase of days in milk; while lactose concentration decreased. Higher levels of fat, protein and total solids in milk of non-pregnant cows were observed; while pregnant cows had higher daily production and higher lactose content in their milk. Higher lactose levels in milk were observed in animals with lower SCC. The BCS had no effect on milk composition or on somatic cell count. Zebu cow milk production and composition are influenced by lactation stage, physiological state and SCC.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992030.v1
title: Gir and Guzerat cow milk production and composition according to lactation stage, somatic cell count, physiological state and body condition

description: ABSTRACT. This work was realized to evaluate lactation stage, physiological state, somatic cell count (SCC) and body condition score (BCS) on production and composition of cow's milk from Gir and Guzerat breeds were studied. Ninety-eight cows were analyzed and classified according to their physiological state, lactation stage, SCC and BCS. Milk production was weighed monthly to obtain production data. Composed samples were collected in vials containing preservatives and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Data were used for statistic descriptive analysis and analysis of variance. Higher milk production in the first 60 days of lactation was observed. Fat, protein and total solids concentration increased according to the increase of days in milk; while lactose concentration decreased. Higher levels of fat, protein and total solids in milk of non-pregnant cows were observed; while pregnant cows had higher daily production and higher lactose content in their milk. Higher lactose levels in milk were observed in animals with lower SCC. The BCS had no effect on milk composition or on somatic cell count. Zebu cow milk production and composition are influenced by lactation stage, physiological state and SCC.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992027
title: The role of small ruminants on global climate change

description: ABSTRACT. Global warming, as a consequence of excessive CO2 production mainly due to anthropogenic actions, is one of the main concerns of society due to the effects it can cause in the survival of humans, plants and animals. Several climatic consequences have already been reported, such as warming the oceans and changing biodiversity in various regions of the planet. One of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming, which causes a lot of concern, is methane gas from digestion of food by ruminants. Besides that, emissions of greenhouse gases are represented also by waste management, rice cultivation, burning of residues from agriculture and soil management for agricultural production. Among ruminants, sheep and goats play an important economic role mainly in Oceania, Asia and Africa. More than 50% of small ruminants of the world are located in arid region, indicating their adaptability and future suitability to increasing temperatures. The purpose of this review is to report current knowledge about the methane emission produced by small ruminants, addressing the different interfaces of this theme, and considering possible mitigation strategies.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.6992027.v1
title: The role of small ruminants on global climate change

description: ABSTRACT. Global warming, as a consequence of excessive CO2 production mainly due to anthropogenic actions, is one of the main concerns of society due to the effects it can cause in the survival of humans, plants and animals. Several climatic consequences have already been reported, such as warming the oceans and changing biodiversity in various regions of the planet. One of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming, which causes a lot of concern, is methane gas from digestion of food by ruminants. Besides that, emissions of greenhouse gases are represented also by waste management, rice cultivation, burning of residues from agriculture and soil management for agricultural production. Among ruminants, sheep and goats play an important economic role mainly in Oceania, Asia and Africa. More than 50% of small ruminants of the world are located in arid region, indicating their adaptability and future suitability to increasing temperatures. The purpose of this review is to report current knowledge about the methane emission produced by small ruminants, addressing the different interfaces of this theme, and considering possible mitigation strategies.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7244360
title: Growth and meat quality of three free-range chickens and commercial broiler under the same breeding conditions

description: ABSTRACT. Commercial breed has taken over the Algerian poultry production market which participated in the weakening of the village poultry farming, highly dominant prior to the 1980s. Fortunately, the dietary preferences of consumers, strongly participated in the preservation of the local animal breed diversity. In this context, the aim of this work was to study the growth performances and meat quality of 3 local chicken phenotypes versus commercial broiler chicken in the same breeding conditions in the region of Chlef in Algeria. A week after hatching, 4 randomly chosen samples of 30 chicks from each phenotype normal plumage free-range chicken (NPFRC), crested free-range chicken (CFRC), feathered tarsus free-range chicken (FTFRC) and commercial broiler chicken (CBC) were reared from the age of 1st until 8th week (slaughter age). The three local breed (FTFRC, CFRC and NPFRC) had the comparable body weight, but low (p &lt; 0.05) to those of CBC. In terms of meat quality, the principal components analysis (PCA) and the analysis of variance showed that the free-range chickens were more interesting than the commercial broiler chicken very fat, especially the crested phenotype (CFRC), due to its very high protein 24.6% and very low fat content 1.20%.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7244360.v1
title: Growth and meat quality of three free-range chickens and commercial broiler under the same breeding conditions

description: ABSTRACT. Commercial breed has taken over the Algerian poultry production market which participated in the weakening of the village poultry farming, highly dominant prior to the 1980s. Fortunately, the dietary preferences of consumers, strongly participated in the preservation of the local animal breed diversity. In this context, the aim of this work was to study the growth performances and meat quality of 3 local chicken phenotypes versus commercial broiler chicken in the same breeding conditions in the region of Chlef in Algeria. A week after hatching, 4 randomly chosen samples of 30 chicks from each phenotype normal plumage free-range chicken (NPFRC), crested free-range chicken (CFRC), feathered tarsus free-range chicken (FTFRC) and commercial broiler chicken (CBC) were reared from the age of 1st until 8th week (slaughter age). The three local breed (FTFRC, CFRC and NPFRC) had the comparable body weight, but low (p &lt; 0.05) to those of CBC. In terms of meat quality, the principal components analysis (PCA) and the analysis of variance showed that the free-range chickens were more interesting than the commercial broiler chicken very fat, especially the crested phenotype (CFRC), due to its very high protein 24.6% and very low fat content 1.20%.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7243646
title: Reproductive cycles in white Karaman ewes: comparison of ovarian hormone secretion and reproductive behavior in non-pregnant and pregnant ewes in semi-intensive conditions

description: ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive cycle both endocrinologically and behaviorally in ewes. Blood samples were analyzed by EIA for progesterone (P4), and RIA for estradiol in order to determine the breeding strategy of non-pregnant (n = 11) and pregnant (n = 9) White Karaman throughout the year in the Middle Anatolia (39.570N, 32.530W), Turkey. Estrous cycle lengths and estrous lengths were 18.36 ( 1.03 days and 35.16 ( 5.95 hours, respectively. The breeding season durations were 283 ( 63.36 days and 229.64 ( 63.74 days according to hormonal and behavioral data respectively (p ( 0.01). The highest and lowest data of estrous occurrence frequency was observed in October and June-July, respectively. P4 levels ranged from 0.01 to 9.0 ng mL-1 throughout the year and from 0.01 to 0.16 ng mL-1 during anestrous. Mean plasma estradiol levels were 8.42 ( 2.51 pg mL-1 during the estrous cycle. Postpartum anestrous durations were 134.8 ( 18.5 and 120.78 ( 29.89 days (n = 9) according to behavioral observation and hormonal data, respectively. P4 concentration for the months 1 - 5 of the gestation period ranged from 4.54 to 15.08 ng mL-1. P4 concentrations in 4th and 5th months of gestation were higher than the other months (p ( 0.01). White Karaman reproductive activity is characterized by an extended breeding season and their relatively insensitivity to photoperiod stimulation allows for efficient out of season lamb production.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7243646.v1
title: Reproductive cycles in white Karaman ewes: comparison of ovarian hormone secretion and reproductive behavior in non-pregnant and pregnant ewes in semi-intensive conditions

description: ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive cycle both endocrinologically and behaviorally in ewes. Blood samples were analyzed by EIA for progesterone (P4), and RIA for estradiol in order to determine the breeding strategy of non-pregnant (n = 11) and pregnant (n = 9) White Karaman throughout the year in the Middle Anatolia (39.570N, 32.530W), Turkey. Estrous cycle lengths and estrous lengths were 18.36 ( 1.03 days and 35.16 ( 5.95 hours, respectively. The breeding season durations were 283 ( 63.36 days and 229.64 ( 63.74 days according to hormonal and behavioral data respectively (p ( 0.01). The highest and lowest data of estrous occurrence frequency was observed in October and June-July, respectively. P4 levels ranged from 0.01 to 9.0 ng mL-1 throughout the year and from 0.01 to 0.16 ng mL-1 during anestrous. Mean plasma estradiol levels were 8.42 ( 2.51 pg mL-1 during the estrous cycle. Postpartum anestrous durations were 134.8 ( 18.5 and 120.78 ( 29.89 days (n = 9) according to behavioral observation and hormonal data, respectively. P4 concentration for the months 1 - 5 of the gestation period ranged from 4.54 to 15.08 ng mL-1. P4 concentrations in 4th and 5th months of gestation were higher than the other months (p ( 0.01). White Karaman reproductive activity is characterized by an extended breeding season and their relatively insensitivity to photoperiod stimulation allows for efficient out of season lamb production.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7244636.v1
title: Behavior of Saanen dairy goats in an enriched environment

description: ABSTRACT. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the behavior of lactating Saanen dairy goats housed with or without the use of environmental enrichment technique. Twelve animals were split into two equal groups and assign to one of two treatments: stall with or without enrichment. Five objects were used to enrich the stalls: plastic PET bottles suspended and freely on the floor (both filled with corn as a visual and auditory stimuli), general cleaning brushes fixed to the wall of the stall, suspended tire, and a tree trunk for climbing. The behavior of the goats was observed during two hours for 10 consecutive days. The behaviors were recorded using focal-animal sampling method, observing each animal during 10-minute period. Descriptive statistics were calculated plotting the results in behavior frequency charts. Animals on both treatments showed similar behaviors frequencies for food intake and self-cleaning. However, a higher frequency of stereotyped behaviors was registered in the treatment without environmental enrichment. The highest frequency of interaction was observed for suspended tire, indicating animal’s preference for this object. In conclusion, animals on enriched environment show more different behaviors than animals in non-enriched environment and showed greater preference for some object over others.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7244636
title: Behavior of Saanen dairy goats in an enriched environment

description: ABSTRACT. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the behavior of lactating Saanen dairy goats housed with or without the use of environmental enrichment technique. Twelve animals were split into two equal groups and assign to one of two treatments: stall with or without enrichment. Five objects were used to enrich the stalls: plastic PET bottles suspended and freely on the floor (both filled with corn as a visual and auditory stimuli), general cleaning brushes fixed to the wall of the stall, suspended tire, and a tree trunk for climbing. The behavior of the goats was observed during two hours for 10 consecutive days. The behaviors were recorded using focal-animal sampling method, observing each animal during 10-minute period. Descriptive statistics were calculated plotting the results in behavior frequency charts. Animals on both treatments showed similar behaviors frequencies for food intake and self-cleaning. However, a higher frequency of stereotyped behaviors was registered in the treatment without environmental enrichment. The highest frequency of interaction was observed for suspended tire, indicating animal’s preference for this object. In conclusion, animals on enriched environment show more different behaviors than animals in non-enriched environment and showed greater preference for some object over others.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7243691.v1
title: Body size and its effects on productive efficiency of cows with predominant Nellore genetic composition

description: ABSTRACT. This study was developed to evaluate productive efficiency during the lactation period of cows with predominant Nellore genetic composition based on their body size. Cows were divided into the following categories: light (≤ 316 kg), moderate (≥ 317 and ≤ 400 kg), or heavy (≥ 401 kg). Body weight change and total gain from birth to 210 days of age of calves born from heavy cows (0.155±0.03 and 111.6±5.1 kg) were higher than those of calves born from light (0.064±0.03 and 91.0±4.3 kg) and moderate (0.144±0.03 and 97.7±4.0 kg) cows. Calf production index differed (p &lt; 0.05) with the herd of heavy cows (93.5±3.2 kg), producing 57.4 and 19.7% more kilograms of calf than light (59.4±2.7 kg) and moderate (78.1±2.4 kg) cows, respectively. Heavy Nellore cows produce heavier calves and have a better reproductive performance, which lead to a better calf production index. However, they require a larger area for the same herbage allowance. Calves born from heavier Nellore cows gain more weight from birth to 210 days of age and are heavier from 210 to 270 days of age.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7243691
title: Body size and its effects on productive efficiency of cows with predominant Nellore genetic composition

description: ABSTRACT. This study was developed to evaluate productive efficiency during the lactation period of cows with predominant Nellore genetic composition based on their body size. Cows were divided into the following categories: light (≤ 316 kg), moderate (≥ 317 and ≤ 400 kg), or heavy (≥ 401 kg). Body weight change and total gain from birth to 210 days of age of calves born from heavy cows (0.155±0.03 and 111.6±5.1 kg) were higher than those of calves born from light (0.064±0.03 and 91.0±4.3 kg) and moderate (0.144±0.03 and 97.7±4.0 kg) cows. Calf production index differed (p &lt; 0.05) with the herd of heavy cows (93.5±3.2 kg), producing 57.4 and 19.7% more kilograms of calf than light (59.4±2.7 kg) and moderate (78.1±2.4 kg) cows, respectively. Heavy Nellore cows produce heavier calves and have a better reproductive performance, which lead to a better calf production index. However, they require a larger area for the same herbage allowance. Calves born from heavier Nellore cows gain more weight from birth to 210 days of age and are heavier from 210 to 270 days of age.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7244609
title: Nitrogen sources associated with different physical forms of corn grain in the diet for steers in feedlot

description: ABSTRACT. This study evaluated the substitution of soybean meal with non-protein nitrogen sources, in combination with ground or whole corn for feedlot cattle. Fifty-four Charolais x Nellore steers with 22 ± 0.23 months and 250 ± 15.80 kg were assigned to a 3 x 2 factorial completely randomized experimental design. The treatments consisted of different combinations of concentrate formulation: soybean meal with whole or ground corn, conventional urea with whole or ground corn, and protected urea with whole or ground corn. There was interaction between nitrogen source and collection date for serum albumin, with increasing elevation for soybean meal; while there was elevation from day 0 to day 84, stabilizing until the slaughter, for urea. Higher intakes of dry matter and crude protein, daily weight gain and rumination efficiency were observed for soybean meal. Steers that received protect urea spent more time to feed, in comparison to soybean meal. Longer idle time was verified for soybean meal; while conventional urea was superior to protected urea. Replacing soybean meal by sources of non-protein nitrogen limits the results of blood metabolites, performance and ingestive behavior.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7244609.v1
title: Nitrogen sources associated with different physical forms of corn grain in the diet for steers in feedlot

description: ABSTRACT. This study evaluated the substitution of soybean meal with non-protein nitrogen sources, in combination with ground or whole corn for feedlot cattle. Fifty-four Charolais x Nellore steers with 22 ± 0.23 months and 250 ± 15.80 kg were assigned to a 3 x 2 factorial completely randomized experimental design. The treatments consisted of different combinations of concentrate formulation: soybean meal with whole or ground corn, conventional urea with whole or ground corn, and protected urea with whole or ground corn. There was interaction between nitrogen source and collection date for serum albumin, with increasing elevation for soybean meal; while there was elevation from day 0 to day 84, stabilizing until the slaughter, for urea. Higher intakes of dry matter and crude protein, daily weight gain and rumination efficiency were observed for soybean meal. Steers that received protect urea spent more time to feed, in comparison to soybean meal. Longer idle time was verified for soybean meal; while conventional urea was superior to protected urea. Replacing soybean meal by sources of non-protein nitrogen limits the results of blood metabolites, performance and ingestive behavior.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7244621
title: Nitrogen compounds balance and microbial protein synthesis in supplemented crossbred dairy cows in pasture

description: ABSTRACT. The objective this work was to evaluate the supplementation of cows on Brachiaria decumbens pasture during the rainy-dry transition. Eight 1/2 Holstein/Zebu cows (497 ± 50 kg) were distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares, with 2 x 2 factorial treatments (100% mineral salt versus nitrogen salt containing 25:25:50% urea: corn: mineral salt, and 1.5 versus 3.0 kg d-1 concentrate per cow). The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into four periods of 14 days, the last seven days for data collection. No interaction effect (p &gt; 0.05) was detected between the supplement and the different levels of concentrate for any of the evaluated variables. No effect (p &gt; 0.05) of supplement or concentrate level was observed on urinary excretions of purine derivatives, microbial nitrogen compounds and microbial efficiency. Nitrogen salt increased (p &lt; 0.05) nitrogen intake and increased urinary nitrogen excretion, leading to a reduced nitrogen balance, while the higher concentrate level increased (p &lt; 0.05) nitrogen intake and the total amount of nitrogen excreted in milk. Therefore, it is recommended, for crossbred cows in the rainy-dry transition period, the supply of 1.5 kg d-1 concentrate during milking, using only mineral salt instead of nitrogen salt at will on pasture.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7244621.v1
title: Nitrogen compounds balance and microbial protein synthesis in supplemented crossbred dairy cows in pasture

description: ABSTRACT. The objective this work was to evaluate the supplementation of cows on Brachiaria decumbens pasture during the rainy-dry transition. Eight 1/2 Holstein/Zebu cows (497 ± 50 kg) were distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares, with 2 x 2 factorial treatments (100% mineral salt versus nitrogen salt containing 25:25:50% urea: corn: mineral salt, and 1.5 versus 3.0 kg d-1 concentrate per cow). The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into four periods of 14 days, the last seven days for data collection. No interaction effect (p &gt; 0.05) was detected between the supplement and the different levels of concentrate for any of the evaluated variables. No effect (p &gt; 0.05) of supplement or concentrate level was observed on urinary excretions of purine derivatives, microbial nitrogen compounds and microbial efficiency. Nitrogen salt increased (p &lt; 0.05) nitrogen intake and increased urinary nitrogen excretion, leading to a reduced nitrogen balance, while the higher concentrate level increased (p &lt; 0.05) nitrogen intake and the total amount of nitrogen excreted in milk. Therefore, it is recommended, for crossbred cows in the rainy-dry transition period, the supply of 1.5 kg d-1 concentrate during milking, using only mineral salt instead of nitrogen salt at will on pasture.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5907679
title: Genetic components of birth weight of texel sheep reared in extensive system

description: ABSTRACT. This study aimed to estimate the components of (co)variance, genetic and phenotypic parameters and trends for birth weight. We used 783 birth weight records, between 2012 to 2016, of Texel sheep reared in extensive system. The components of (co)variance and the genetic parameters were estimated using six different animal models, using the restricted maximum likelihood method (REML). The model that best fit the data was Model 3, with estimates of direct additive genetic variance of 0.004, maternal permanent environment variance of 0.164, heritability coefficient of 0.011 and phenotypic variation attributed to the maternal permanent environment of 0.394. For the genetic trend, we observed a genetic gain of 0.413% and for the phenotypic trend, a phenotypic gain of 0.159 kg, between 2012 and 2016 were found. Estimates of direct heritability and proportion of the phenotypic variance explained by the maternal permanent environment presented lower and higher values, respectively, in comparison to other studies. For trends, both genetic and phenotypic, there were gains in birth weight between 2012 and 2016.