cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009618.v1
title: Meat sheep farming systems according to economic and productive indicators: A case study in Southern Brazil

description: ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize 24 representative sheep production farms from five mesoregions in the state of Paraná, Southern Brazil, so that economic and productive improvement strategies could be proposed. The representative farms for each region were defined at meetings with sheep farmers and technicians via the rapid appraisal methodology and represent 65% of the state’s flock. The information of each representative farm was collected between March 2015 and February 2016. Principal component analysis was used to verify the relationships among the different variables that characterized the farms. These characteristics were: number of ewes (V1), total cost per kilogram of revenue-generating product (V2), feeding costs (V3), labor costs (V4), facility and equipment depreciation costs (V5), and gross margin in the production cycle (V6). Cluster analysis was performed, resulting in three distinct groups: one including eight, another seven, and the third, nine farms. The results aided in classifying the farms into groups with similar characteristics, such as production scale, reproductive efficiency, technical and managerial control, appreciation of cooperatives, and availability of continuous technical assistance. The production scale, reproductive and productive efficiency, adoption of technologies, and cooperative organizational structure can be emphasized as positive performance benchmarks and were the most important aspects to achieve positive economic results.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009618
title: Meat sheep farming systems according to economic and productive indicators: A case study in Southern Brazil

description: ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize 24 representative sheep production farms from five mesoregions in the state of Paraná, Southern Brazil, so that economic and productive improvement strategies could be proposed. The representative farms for each region were defined at meetings with sheep farmers and technicians via the rapid appraisal methodology and represent 65% of the state’s flock. The information of each representative farm was collected between March 2015 and February 2016. Principal component analysis was used to verify the relationships among the different variables that characterized the farms. These characteristics were: number of ewes (V1), total cost per kilogram of revenue-generating product (V2), feeding costs (V3), labor costs (V4), facility and equipment depreciation costs (V5), and gross margin in the production cycle (V6). Cluster analysis was performed, resulting in three distinct groups: one including eight, another seven, and the third, nine farms. The results aided in classifying the farms into groups with similar characteristics, such as production scale, reproductive efficiency, technical and managerial control, appreciation of cooperatives, and availability of continuous technical assistance. The production scale, reproductive and productive efficiency, adoption of technologies, and cooperative organizational structure can be emphasized as positive performance benchmarks and were the most important aspects to achieve positive economic results.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009624
title: Effects of continuous light and light intensity on the growth performance and gonadal development of Nile tilapia

description: ABSTRACT Continuous illumination has been known to exert positive effects by stimulating growth and delaying unwanted maturation in seasonal-temperate farmed fish species like salmonids. However, in tropical fish like Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ), some studies exist showing inconsistent results and even fewer data is available regarding the effects of light intensity. To clarify some of the inconsistent results in literature and evaluate the effect of different light intensity levels on growth and sexual maturation in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ), we reared twenty days post-hatch Nile tilapia larvae under continuous illumination at three different light intensities and compared against a control photoperiod (12L:12D) up to 118 days post-hatch. A total of 600 fry were used using 75 fry per experimental unit in a previously tested experimental aquarium setup. Fish exposed to high and medium intensity continuous illumination treatments were significantly heavier (13-20%) and longer (6-8%) than fish exposed to the control photoperiod. Importantly, however, the degree of growth enhancement did not vary significantly according to the light intensity used. Feed intake was also higher in all continuous illumination treatments than in the control photoperiod, suggesting that growth benefits might be due to an increase in feed intake, which is not affected by the light intensities used. Gonadal development on the other hand, presented differences between sexes with a delay in spermatogenesis, while an advancement towards ovarian maturation occurred compared with the control fish. These results suggest that continuous illumination can influence both growth and gonadal development in Nile tilapia with no apparent differences between the light intensities tested in this study.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009624.v1
title: Effects of continuous light and light intensity on the growth performance and gonadal development of Nile tilapia

description: ABSTRACT Continuous illumination has been known to exert positive effects by stimulating growth and delaying unwanted maturation in seasonal-temperate farmed fish species like salmonids. However, in tropical fish like Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ), some studies exist showing inconsistent results and even fewer data is available regarding the effects of light intensity. To clarify some of the inconsistent results in literature and evaluate the effect of different light intensity levels on growth and sexual maturation in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ), we reared twenty days post-hatch Nile tilapia larvae under continuous illumination at three different light intensities and compared against a control photoperiod (12L:12D) up to 118 days post-hatch. A total of 600 fry were used using 75 fry per experimental unit in a previously tested experimental aquarium setup. Fish exposed to high and medium intensity continuous illumination treatments were significantly heavier (13-20%) and longer (6-8%) than fish exposed to the control photoperiod. Importantly, however, the degree of growth enhancement did not vary significantly according to the light intensity used. Feed intake was also higher in all continuous illumination treatments than in the control photoperiod, suggesting that growth benefits might be due to an increase in feed intake, which is not affected by the light intensities used. Gonadal development on the other hand, presented differences between sexes with a delay in spermatogenesis, while an advancement towards ovarian maturation occurred compared with the control fish. These results suggest that continuous illumination can influence both growth and gonadal development in Nile tilapia with no apparent differences between the light intensities tested in this study.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009626
title: The 2019 Brazilian survey on nutritional practices provided by feedlot cattle consulting nutritionists

description: ABSTRACT This survey aimed to provide a current outlook of nutritional recommendations and management practices adopted by feedlot nutritionists in Brazil. The survey questionnaire consisted of 96 questions that included general information on nutritionists, animals, ingredients utilized in finishing diets, management and formulation practices, feeding management, and challenges associated with applying nutritional recommendations in practice. Thirty-six nutritionists, responsible for 4,671,062 animals in Brazil, responded our questionnaire. An increase in the percentage of nutritionists (38.9%) recommending 66% or more grain inclusion in the diets was observed. Fine grinding remained the preferred grain processing method by nutritionists (44.4%); however, more than 50% of nutritionists recommended high-moisture harvest and storage as the secondary grain processing method of choice. The average level of concentrate in the diets was 83.3%, which is higher compared with past surveys. The preferred fiber analysis method by 80.6% respondents was physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF), and corn silage remained the main roughage source in finishing diets (69.4%). Improvements in diet mixing and distribution were also noted. While 79.0% of nutritionists’ clients use a truck-mounted mixer and 69.5% of them also use programmed delivery per pen, 44.4% of the nutritionists reported that their clients use clean-bunk management. Respiratory diseases and acidosis (reported by 71.4 and 27.6% of the respondents, respectively) are among the main health problems. The present survey provides an overview of nutritional practices currently adopted by feedlot nutritionists, who played an important role on the improvement of feeding management in Brazil over the last 10 years.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009626.v1
title: The 2019 Brazilian survey on nutritional practices provided by feedlot cattle consulting nutritionists

description: ABSTRACT This survey aimed to provide a current outlook of nutritional recommendations and management practices adopted by feedlot nutritionists in Brazil. The survey questionnaire consisted of 96 questions that included general information on nutritionists, animals, ingredients utilized in finishing diets, management and formulation practices, feeding management, and challenges associated with applying nutritional recommendations in practice. Thirty-six nutritionists, responsible for 4,671,062 animals in Brazil, responded our questionnaire. An increase in the percentage of nutritionists (38.9%) recommending 66% or more grain inclusion in the diets was observed. Fine grinding remained the preferred grain processing method by nutritionists (44.4%); however, more than 50% of nutritionists recommended high-moisture harvest and storage as the secondary grain processing method of choice. The average level of concentrate in the diets was 83.3%, which is higher compared with past surveys. The preferred fiber analysis method by 80.6% respondents was physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF), and corn silage remained the main roughage source in finishing diets (69.4%). Improvements in diet mixing and distribution were also noted. While 79.0% of nutritionists’ clients use a truck-mounted mixer and 69.5% of them also use programmed delivery per pen, 44.4% of the nutritionists reported that their clients use clean-bunk management. Respiratory diseases and acidosis (reported by 71.4 and 27.6% of the respondents, respectively) are among the main health problems. The present survey provides an overview of nutritional practices currently adopted by feedlot nutritionists, who played an important role on the improvement of feeding management in Brazil over the last 10 years.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009627
title: Estimation of heritability and genetic correlations between milk yield and linear type traits in primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows

description: ABSTRACT Estimation of genetic variability and genetic correlations between production traits (milk yield, fat yield, fat content, protein yield, and protein content) and selected type traits (angularity, fore udder height, rear udder height, front teat placement, teat length, and udder depth) was done using data sets of 10,860 first-calving Holstein-Friesian cows raised in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. Genetic variance and covariance were obtained using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method, VCE v6 software, and the multi-trait mixed model. To enable more precise estimates of values for genetic variances and covariance, a relationship matrix was formed for the individual model (animal model), encompassing 21363 animals. The highest heritability values were obtained for milk yield (0.182), fat yield (0.134), and protein yield (0.170). The lowest heritability estimates were for teat length, front teat placement, rear udder height, and udder depth, all being under 0.110. Genetic correlations between production traits and linear type traits were between −0.131 (fat content and front teat length) and 0.307 (protein yield and fore udder attachment). The largest number of traits shows a positive genetic correlation with the traits of milk yield, which thus indicates possibility of genetic improvements of milk yield in cattle without jeopardizing the type traits or vice versa.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009627.v1
title: Estimation of heritability and genetic correlations between milk yield and linear type traits in primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows

description: ABSTRACT Estimation of genetic variability and genetic correlations between production traits (milk yield, fat yield, fat content, protein yield, and protein content) and selected type traits (angularity, fore udder height, rear udder height, front teat placement, teat length, and udder depth) was done using data sets of 10,860 first-calving Holstein-Friesian cows raised in the territory of the Republic of Serbia. Genetic variance and covariance were obtained using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method, VCE v6 software, and the multi-trait mixed model. To enable more precise estimates of values for genetic variances and covariance, a relationship matrix was formed for the individual model (animal model), encompassing 21363 animals. The highest heritability values were obtained for milk yield (0.182), fat yield (0.134), and protein yield (0.170). The lowest heritability estimates were for teat length, front teat placement, rear udder height, and udder depth, all being under 0.110. Genetic correlations between production traits and linear type traits were between −0.131 (fat content and front teat length) and 0.307 (protein yield and fore udder attachment). The largest number of traits shows a positive genetic correlation with the traits of milk yield, which thus indicates possibility of genetic improvements of milk yield in cattle without jeopardizing the type traits or vice versa.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009630
title: Estimation of genetic parameters for weaning and yearling weights in a composite population used to form the Purunã breed

description: ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the effects of sex and the linear and quadratic components of age of dam at calving, as well as apply a mixed model including maternal effect for the genetic evaluation of weaning (WW) and yearling (YW) weights. The phenotypic database was composed by Charolais, Caracu, Aberdeen Angus, and Canchim purebred and crossbred animals. Single-trait analyses were performed using models that included the maternal effect for WW and YW traits, and a model ignoring this effect on YW (YWNM). The Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), model posterior probabilities (MPP), accuracy of breeding values (ACC), and Spearman’s rank correlation were applied to compare the models including and ignoring the maternal effect on YW. Sex and age of dam at calving had significant effects on WW and YW. The direct heritability estimates were 0.21±0.03 and 0.05±0.02, and the maternal heritabilities were 0.11±0.02 and 0.02±0.01 for WW and YW, respectively. The heritabilities estimated for YW may have been influenced by the several genetic groups in the population and by used conventional animal model, which may not have been the better fit model to evaluate YW in this population. The DIC, MPP, and ACC values indicated that YW outperformed the YWNM model, but the rank correlation and percentages of individuals selected in common suggested that the best animals would be selected independently of the model chosen.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009630.v1
title: Estimation of genetic parameters for weaning and yearling weights in a composite population used to form the Purunã breed

description: ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the effects of sex and the linear and quadratic components of age of dam at calving, as well as apply a mixed model including maternal effect for the genetic evaluation of weaning (WW) and yearling (YW) weights. The phenotypic database was composed by Charolais, Caracu, Aberdeen Angus, and Canchim purebred and crossbred animals. Single-trait analyses were performed using models that included the maternal effect for WW and YW traits, and a model ignoring this effect on YW (YWNM). The Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), model posterior probabilities (MPP), accuracy of breeding values (ACC), and Spearman’s rank correlation were applied to compare the models including and ignoring the maternal effect on YW. Sex and age of dam at calving had significant effects on WW and YW. The direct heritability estimates were 0.21±0.03 and 0.05±0.02, and the maternal heritabilities were 0.11±0.02 and 0.02±0.01 for WW and YW, respectively. The heritabilities estimated for YW may have been influenced by the several genetic groups in the population and by used conventional animal model, which may not have been the better fit model to evaluate YW in this population. The DIC, MPP, and ACC values indicated that YW outperformed the YWNM model, but the rank correlation and percentages of individuals selected in common suggested that the best animals would be selected independently of the model chosen.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009632
title: Estimation of genetic parameters and trends for morphometric traits in Brazilian Mangalarga Marchador horses

description: ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters and evaluate genetic trends over 26 years for morphometric traits in Mangalarga Marchador horses. Twelve morphometric traits were evaluated (withers and croup heights; length of head, body, shoulder, croup, neck, back, and loins; width of head and croup, and cannon bone and thorax perimeters). These traits were evaluated in 38,341 animals born between 1987 and 2012 and with a relationship matrix of 77,719 animals. Gibbs sampler was used to obtain samples of the posterior distributions of genetic parameters under animal models. Genetic trends were estimated by regression of estimated breeding values in function of birth year. The heritabilities of all traits were moderate to high and ranged from 0.27 to 0.48. However, the additive genetic coefficients of variation were low, ranging from 1.23 to 3.82%. The genetic trends of all the studied traits were significant, but of low magnitude. Negative genetic trend was observed for body length, while positive genetic trends were estimated for the other 11 traits. Although additive genetic differences accounted for a significant part of the phenotypic differences, genetic gains in the population were limited by low phenotypic variability. Therefore, it is necessary to develop data collection strategies to increase phenotypic and genetic variability in the population, such as the inclusion of animals that do not meet breed standard, but which have parents registered in the breeders’ association, in the database.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009632.v1
title: Estimation of genetic parameters and trends for morphometric traits in Brazilian Mangalarga Marchador horses

description: ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters and evaluate genetic trends over 26 years for morphometric traits in Mangalarga Marchador horses. Twelve morphometric traits were evaluated (withers and croup heights; length of head, body, shoulder, croup, neck, back, and loins; width of head and croup, and cannon bone and thorax perimeters). These traits were evaluated in 38,341 animals born between 1987 and 2012 and with a relationship matrix of 77,719 animals. Gibbs sampler was used to obtain samples of the posterior distributions of genetic parameters under animal models. Genetic trends were estimated by regression of estimated breeding values in function of birth year. The heritabilities of all traits were moderate to high and ranged from 0.27 to 0.48. However, the additive genetic coefficients of variation were low, ranging from 1.23 to 3.82%. The genetic trends of all the studied traits were significant, but of low magnitude. Negative genetic trend was observed for body length, while positive genetic trends were estimated for the other 11 traits. Although additive genetic differences accounted for a significant part of the phenotypic differences, genetic gains in the population were limited by low phenotypic variability. Therefore, it is necessary to develop data collection strategies to increase phenotypic and genetic variability in the population, such as the inclusion of animals that do not meet breed standard, but which have parents registered in the breeders’ association, in the database.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009633.v1
title: Inbreeding on litter size of German Spitz dogs

description: ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to assess the association between the inbreeding coefficient (F) of German Spitz dogs (litter, sires, and dams) and number of live newborn dogs for this breed. Records of dams and sires of a breeding system were used to calculate the F of 105 litters and their sires and dams and the number of live newborn dogs. The analysis performed through the GLM procedure showed a negative influence of F of litter and mother on litter size. This influence was investigated through models that considered linear and quadratic influences. Although the model that considered quadratic effect of F of the litter achieved the best adjustment, only linear coefficients were significant in both analyses. According to these results, the studied sample of German Spitz dogs exhibits inbreeding depression for litter size, which is an important information for breeders and professionals that assist in dog breeding. In addition to all the known effects of inbreeding on canine health, the results indicate that monitoring inbreeding through F is important for the reproductive success of the breed.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20009633
title: Inbreeding on litter size of German Spitz dogs

description: ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to assess the association between the inbreeding coefficient (F) of German Spitz dogs (litter, sires, and dams) and number of live newborn dogs for this breed. Records of dams and sires of a breeding system were used to calculate the F of 105 litters and their sires and dams and the number of live newborn dogs. The analysis performed through the GLM procedure showed a negative influence of F of litter and mother on litter size. This influence was investigated through models that considered linear and quadratic influences. Although the model that considered quadratic effect of F of the litter achieved the best adjustment, only linear coefficients were significant in both analyses. According to these results, the studied sample of German Spitz dogs exhibits inbreeding depression for litter size, which is an important information for breeders and professionals that assist in dog breeding. In addition to all the known effects of inbreeding on canine health, the results indicate that monitoring inbreeding through F is important for the reproductive success of the breed.