EVZ - Artigos publicados em periódicos

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Productive performance and carcass quality of pigs from different sire lines under commercial production conditions
(2025) Gomes, Julia Dezen; Silva, Bruna Pereira Martins da; Duarte, Stefano Francisco Pereira; Ferreira, Soraia Viana; Almeida, Vivian Vezzoni; Pian, Laura Woigt; Ciconello, Fernanda Nery; Gadbem, Cristina Tschorny Moncau; Cesar, Aline Silva Mello
Crossbreeding between Duroc and Pietrain breeds is widely applied in genetic improvement programs to enhance productivity and carcass quality, aligning with sustainability goals and consumer demands. Additionally, sex is a relevant factor influencing performance and carcass traits. This study evaluate performance, carcass characteristics, and primary cut weights in pigs from different genetic lines and sexes, as well as their interactions. A total of 600 pigs were evaluated across three sire lines: Line D- Duroc, Line H- Hybrid (Duroc and Pietrain), and Line PPietrain, including both females and immunocastrated males (ICM). At the end of the growing period, 120 animals with body weights closest to the pen average were selected for slaughter and carcass analysis. No significant interactions were observed between genetic line and sex (P ≤ 0.05). ICM showed superior average daily gain (ADG), final weight, feed conversion (FCR), and backfat thickness, while females had higher carcass yield and lean meat percentage. D and H lines outperformed P in carcass yield and weight, whereas P had greater backfat thickness but lower lean percentage and loin depth. For primary cuts, ICMs had heavier bellies, while females yielded more lean cuts. The results underscore the impact of genetic and sex-based selection on pork quality and sustainability.
Head and neck positions affect equine kinematic variables in marcha batida gait—a pilot study
(2025) Martins, Natália Almeida; Fonseca, Brunna Patrícia Almeida; Silvatti, Amanda Piaia; Valent, Fabrício Luciani; Soares, Nara Luisa; Simonato, Samuel Pereira; Rosa, Laura Patterson; Andrade, Millena Oliveira; Barcelos, Kate Moura da Costa
The Mangalarga Marchador (MM) breed naturally performs four-beat gaits known as “Marcha”. Kinematic analysis can provide insights for optimizing training and competition performance in this breed while potentially mitigating welfare concerns associated with extreme head and neck positions (HNPs) applied without an adequate understanding of their impacts. We examined how different HNPs affect the MM horse’s Marcha Batida gait. Four HNPs were evaluated: HPN1—loose reins, HPN2—the competition standard for MM, HPN3—an extremely elevated head and neck, and HPN4—a slightly behind-the-vertical position. Kinematic data were collected using an optoelectronic system, and diagonal dissociation, stride length, and step height were analyzed. HNP3 had the highest dissociation, shortest stride length, and higher step height compared to the other HNPs. HNP1 resulted in the longest stride length. HNP2 and HNP4 differed in diagonal dissociation. HNPs significantly impact the kinematics of the Marcha Batida gait in this cohort of Mangalarga Marchador horses. Our results confirm the benefits of HNP2, the recommended position for shows and competitions. Additionally, it discourages the use of HNP3 and reiterates the need for further research into HNPs in four-beat gaits, highlighting the importance of rider training and the careful selection of HNPs to optimize Marcha Batida performance.
Impact of varying soybean oil concentrations on the cytokine profile of skeletal muscle and liver of pigs: a systems biology approach
(2026) Ciconello, Fernanda Nery; Gomes, Júlia Dezen; Fanalli, Simara Larissa; Vignato, Bárbara Silva; Ament, Andrézza Maria Felício; Almeida, Vivian Vezzoni de; Gadbem, Cristina Tchorny Moncau; Koltes, James Eugene; Tuggle, Christopher Keith; Cesar, Aline Silva Mello
Lipids are important for metabolic processes, mainly cytokine regulation in the skeletal muscle and liver. Considering the soybean oil concentration, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to perform an integrative analysis in skeletal muscle and liver tissues. Using this approach, this research aimed to investigate the integrative response to soybean oil supplementation in two different tissues to discover molecular responses, especially inflammatory responses. For this integrative analysis, sample collection, RNA sequencing, and WGCNA were carried out on immunocastrated male Large White pigs supplemented with 1.5% or 3.0% soybean oil. Co-expression of some genes was revealed, such as those related to lipid metabolism and phosphotransferase activities in the skeletal muscle, or oxidative stress and methylation in the liver. Thus, we demonstrated that soybean oil supplementation leads to responses in skeletal muscle and liver, revealing that this supplementation improves the metabolism and inflammatory responses of healthy pigs.
Superovulation for in vivo embryo production reduces the prevalence of clinical and cytological endometritis in Girolando Cows
(2025) Teixeira, Rafaela Cavalcanti; Arnhold, Emmanuel; Cruz, José Renato Chiari; Cabral, Sanara Sandy da Silva; Junqueira, Vitor de Lollo; Lobo, Maria Clara Alves; Santos, Rhaquel Teixeira dos; Souza, Juliana Gonçalves de; Gambarini, Maria Lúcia
This longitudinal observational study was performed to evaluate the temporal dynamics in the occurrence of Cytological Endometritis (CytoE) and the recovery of embryos produced in vivo in Girolando cows positive or not for CytoE. A total of 160 cows were evaluated (81 primiparous and 79 multiparous). Endometrial cytology, ovarian and uterine evaluation, vaginal discharge, cervix, and body condition score were done 21, 42, and 65 days postpartum. At 47 days postpartum 61 cows received a superovulation treatment (SOV), were inseminated, and subjected to embryo collection, and 48 cows were not subjected to SOV but received uterine flushing. The remaining cows were not available for this part of the study. The variables analyzed were PMN% (≥ 5%), uterine condition, cervix, and body condition score, clinical or CytoE, quantity and quality of recovery embryos. PMN% decreased over time (p < 0.05), as well as the VDS (D21 to D42, p < 0.0001). There was an association between submission to the SOV and the absence of CytoE on D65 postpartum (p < 0.01). Superovulation was beneficial for Girolando cows that had cytological and clinical endometritis at the end of the voluntary waiting period; the temporal dynamics related to the occurrence of cytological and clinical endometritis starting on D21 postpartum showed that Girolando cows recovered from the inflammatory processes within 42 days postpartum. The data suggest that Girolando cows can be used as embryo donors during the end of the voluntary waiting period without losses to subsequent pregnancy rates.
Expression quantitative trait loci associated with performance traits, blood biochemical parameters, and cytokine profile in pigs
(2025) Freitas, Felipe André Oliveira; Brito, Luiz Fernando; Vignato, Bárbara Silva; Ciconello, Fernanda Nery; Almeida, Vivian Vezzoni de; Cesar, Aline Silva Mello
Identifying expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) and functional candidate variants associated with blood biochemical parameters can contribute to the understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation in complex traits in pigs. We identified eQTLs through gene expression levels in muscle and liver tissues of Large White pigs. The identified eQTL were then tested for association with biochemical parameters, cytokine profiles, and performance traits of pigs. A total of 41,759 SNPs and 15,093 and 15,516 expression gene levels from muscle and liver tissues, respectively, enabled the identification of 1,199 eQTL. The eQTL identified related the SNP rs345667860 as significantly associated with interleukin-6 and interleukin-18 in liver tissue, while the rs695637860 SNP was associated with aspartate aminotransferase and interleukin-6, and rs337362164 was associated with high-density lipoprotein of the blood serum. In conclusion, the identification of three eQTL significantly associated with aspartate aminotransferase and cytokine levels in both serum and liver tissues suggests a potential role for these variants in modulating immune function and overall health in production pigs. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their potential for improving pig health and productivity.
Grassland degradation estimates through field data in the state of Goiás, Brazil
(2025) Teles, Nathália Monteiro; Mesquita, Vinícius Vieira; Baumann, Luis Rodrigo Fernandes; Silva, Wilton Ladeira da; Andrade, Ana Carolina do Couto; Ferreira Júnior, Laerte Guimarães
Grasslands play a critical role in global food security, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, particularly in tropical regions where they serve as the primary base for livestock production. However, grasslands are increasingly vulnerable to degradation due to poor management practices such as the Cerrado biome in Brazil. This study focuses on grasslands in Goi´as, a state located in central-western Brazil, which relies heavily on pastures for its agricultural economy. We present a comprehensive field-based assessment of grassland degradation in Goi´as, aiming to estimate pasture degradation area according to three categories: nondegraded, in process of degradation, and severely degraded. A three-stage cluster sampling design was employed to evaluate 460 field points, incorporating visual assessments of key variables using a novel Pasture Assessment Score (PAS) system developed specifically for this study. The scores were analyzed using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) to reduce dimensionality and identify clusters corresponding to degradation levels. Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate confidence intervals for each degradation class, with standard errors ranging from 3.1% to 4.5%. The results revealed that 39.35% of the pasture area in Goi´as was classified as non-degraded, 31.98% as being in process of degradation, and 28.67% as severely degraded. This study highlights the need for targeted management interventions and improved monitoring frameworks to mitigate grassland degradation. Future works should focus on integrating field data with satellite-derived indices to improve mapping accuracy, and enable large-scale, high-frequency monitoring and detection of early-stage degradation for more effective land management strategies
Climate change and state of the art of the sustainable dairy farming: a systematic review
(2025) Rosa, Delane Ribas da; Ferreira, Nicole Costa Resende; Oliveira, Carlos Eduardo Alves; Moreira, Alisson Neves Harmyans; Battisti, Rafael; Barbari, Matteo; Casaroli, Derblai; Bambi, Gianluca; Andrade, Rafaella Resende
Climate change is causing an increase in global temperatures, with significant impacts on dairy production. This systematic review analyzes the challenges of new climate scenarios, focusing on the resilience and adaptation strategies of dairy systems. The PRISMA methodology guided the review process using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. After applying exclusion criteria, 30 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected. The studies included analyses of the effects of heat stress on animal parameters (I), socioeconomic parameters (II), and technological adaptation tools (III) in various geographic regions. Most research over the last decade addresses category (I), with a greater concentration in the Northern Hemisphere. The Temperature Humidity Index (THI) emerged as the main indicator of heat stress, associated with the physiological responses of dairy cattle. Heat stress reduces milk production, feed intake, reproductive performance, and overall animal health, often leading to increased slaughter rates. Adaptation strategies include genetic selection for heat tolerance, improved environmental monitoring, cooling technologies, and optimized nutritional and management practices, applicable to both pasture and feedlot systems. Despite being among the main producers, studies on the topic in South American countries are still scarce in the literature.
Pork quality and expression of genes involved in muscularity and fat deposition in different commercial lines and sexes of pigs
(2025) Gomes, Julia Dezen; Silva, Bruna Pereira Martins da; Duarte, Stefano Francisco Pereira; Ferreira, Soraia Viana; Ciconello, Fernanda Nery; Almeida, Vivian Vezzoni de; Pian, Laura Woigt; Gadbem, Cristina Tschorny Moncau; Ledur, Mônica Corrêa; Malaquias, Matheus Emanuel; Balieiro, Júlio César de Carvalho; Cesar, Aline Silva Mello
Pork is a major source of animal protein worldwide, and its quality is influenced by pre- and post-slaughter procedures. Advances in molecular biology, particularly gene expression studies, support genetic improvement programs by enabling precise strategies to enhance meat quality and economic sustainability. This study evaluated meat quality traits and candidate gene expression in muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue from different genetic lineages and sexes. A total of 120 pigs from three lineages—Line D (½ Duroc × ½ DB90), Line P (½ Pietrain × ½ DB90), and Line H (½ [Duroc and Pietrain] × ½ DB90); including immunocastrated males (IM) and females, were randomly selected. Meat quality was assessed using physicochemical parameters, and gene expression analysis was performed in 36 pigs using RT-qPCR with B2M, TBP, and RPL4 as references, and COL1A1, PRKAR2A, CAST, ADIPOQ, and PPARGC1A as targets. Lineage influenced drip loss and intramuscular fat, while lineage–sex interaction affected tenderness and color (L* and b*), and sex influenced b*. In muscle, sex affected COL1A1 and PRKAR2A, and lineage influenced COL1A1 and CAST. In adipose tissue, only CAST was lineage-dependent.
Regulatory networks involved in modulating fat deposition in pigs identified by gene coexpression analysis
(2026) Fanalli, Simara Larissa; Crooijmans, Richard P. M. A.; Gervásio, Izally Carvalho; Gomes, Julia Dezen; Almeida, Vivian Vezzoni de; Moreira, Gabriel Costa Monteiro; Alencar, Severino Matias de; Cesar, Aline Silva Mello
The regulatory mechanisms underlying the interaction between fatty acid (FA) profiles and gene expression are highly complex, involving signaling pathways and transcription factors that control lipid metabolism. Using the gene co-expression approach, we can identify key gene regulators and gain a better understanding of gene interactions that may play an important role in regulatory mechanisms. Therefore, this study aims to identify gene-expression regulatory mechanisms associated with FA deposition profiles in skeletal muscle across different diets. We used basal diets with different levels of soybean oil (1.5% soybean oil [SOY1.5], reference diet; or 3% soybean oil [SOY3.0], enriched diet) added during the growth and finishing phases in a 98-day study. Total RNA was extracted, and mRNA was sequenced (Illumina). Bioinformatics analysis was performed with quality control, preprocessing, and alignment using Sus scrofa11.1. Gene abundance was normalized to transcripts per million. To identify co-expressed modules, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) with RNA-Seq data and the deposited FA profile. After filtering, data from 33 immunocastrated male pigs were used in this study. To identify pathways and Gene Ontology (GO) terms affected by the enriched diet (with 3% soybean oil), DAVID and REVIGO were used. Diets with varying levels of soybean oil affect metabolic processes differently. In general, we identified co-expression networks mainly involved in lipid metabolism, diseases and general response involved in inflammatory processes, glucose homeostasis. We constructed co-expression networks and identified the hub genes, including TPM1 and SLC38A10, as well as CSRNP1, TRIP10, ZFP30, and MYBPH. Co-expression analysis using WGCNA provides new insights into fatty acid deposition by identifying candidate genes potentially involved in lipid regulation and influenced by dietary differences.
Bioactive additive for modulation of immune responses and gut microbiota in weanling pigs: In vitro and in vivo study
(2026) Buzatto, Ana Julia Carrasco; Bez, Isabela Cristina Colaço; Catoia, Mariana Regina Rosa; Cuman, Bianca Faria; Paula, Gustavo Zigovski de; Urnau, Jessica Müller; Ribeiro, Thiago Pereira; Weber, Saulo Henrique; Oliveira Júnior, Gregório Murilo de; Almeida, Vivian Vezzoni de
The post-weaning period in pigs is marked by intestinal disturbances and behavioral stress. This study evaluated a microencapsulated bioactive additive composed of essential oils (thymol and carvacrol) and organic acids (citric, fumaric, malic, and phosphoric acids) as an alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters. Two experiments were conducted using five treatments: a negative control (NC, basal diet), a positive control (PC, basal diet with 120 mg/kg chlorohydroxyquinoline), and the basal diet supplemented with the additive at 200 (NC200), 400 (NC400), or 800 (NC800) mg/kg. In vitro, treatments were evaluated using a simulated digestion model assessing microbial responses to Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Lactobacillus spp.. In vivo, 120 piglets (21 ± 3 days old; 5.34 ± 0.74 kg) were randomly assigned to treatments and monitored for growth performance, intestinal health, and behavior. A quadratic response was observed for Lactobacillus spp. in the intestinal phase in vitro (p = 0.013). In vivo, the additive did not affect growth performance but reduced diarrhea incidence at NC200 and NC800 (p < 0.05). Fecal lactic acid bacteria increased linearly with additive inclusion (p = 0.031), while serum IL-6 tended to decrease at higher doses (p = 0.057). Overall, the additive effectively reduced diarrhea and inflammatory responses without affecting growth, promoting a favorable microbial balance at 200 and 800 mg/kg. These results highlight the bioactive additive as a promising, sustainable alternative to AGP in pig production.
Análise econômica de estratégias de suplementação de bovinos de corte em pastejo
(2025) Alcântara, Kaique Tavares de; Ferro, Rafael Alves da Costa; Couto, Victor Rezende Moreira; Silva, Bruna Paula Alves da; Ferro, Diogo Alves da Costa; Santos, Fernanda Maria dos; Santos, Aracele Pinheiro Pales dos; Santos, Klayto José Gonçalves dos
Cattle production systems are characterized by an almost exclusive dependence on pasture. Based on this production profile, it is necessary to determine production goals and perform an economic and financial assessment of the supplementation strategy. The objective of this study was toevaluate the economic performance of different supplementation strategies for Nelore animals, in a rearing or finishing system, under different supplementation levels and seasons. The data used to compose this study are individual results of six experiments carried out at CEPPEX-UFG, located in São Francisco de Goiás-Goiás, which formed a database with 864 individual animal data, obtained according to the experiment in which they were part. The supplement consumption was determined based on the animal's body weight, the daily supplement consumption and subsequently the total consumption to form the nutritional costs. The total cost, purchase and sale value of the animals, and economic indicators such as the cost of @ produced, break-even point, animal result in reais (R$), animal result per month in % were determined. Of the supplementation systems evaluated, the most economically viable adopted supplementation levels of 1% and 2% of body weight, and obtained profitability of 14.26% and 7.10%, respectively. There was variability in the results with the same supplementation level adopted and at the same time of year. The productive performance of animals, even when subjected to similar strategies, whether at the same time of year or not, presents inconsistencydue to several factors such as genetics, climate, management and entry weight.Keywords: Economic Evaluation,Financial Management,Pasture Finishing,Pasture Rearing,Performance.
Aspectos produtivos e econômicos da bovinocultura de corte a pasto
(2025) Alcântara, Kaique Tavares de; Ferro, Rafael Alves da Costa; Couto, Victor Rezende Moreira; Silva, Bruna Paula Alves da; Ferro, Diogo Alves da Costa; Santos, Fernanda Maria dos; Freitas, Paulo Vitor Divino Xavier de; Santos, Bruno Moreira dos
In tropical countries, such as Brazil, cattle farming is mostly carried out using production systems based on forage as the main source of food. The continental dimensions and climate variability make nutritional strategies dynamic throughout the year, which must keep up with the variation in forage quality in accordance with the production goals previously determined by the rural producer. However, a nutritional strategy does not necessarily provide the same performance at different times of the year, even in the same season. Several factors influence production performance, such as breed, sex, age, pasture quality and level of supplementation. In this context, changes throughout history in the economy and in production methodologies with the advancement of science have influenced the production profile on Brazilian properties. Factors such as the appreciation of land, the narrowing of profit margins and environmental pressure not to open new areas have driven the optimization of production systems, making them more efficient over the decades since the introduction of the first animals with superior genetics into the herds existing here. The objective of this literary review was to address the aspects related to the supplementation of cattle on pasture and the technical factors that influence animal productivity, addressing the economic aspects of the activity.
A farm-level comparison of health disorders and reproductive performance in Holstein-Gyr and Holstein dairy cows
(2026) Macedo, Isabelle Matos; Gambarini, Maria Lúcia; Oliveira Filho, Paulo César de; Peixoto, Arthur Araújo; Zacaroni, Ozana de Fátima; Lima, Fabio Soares de
Holstein-Gyr crossbred dairy cows are commonly used in Central and South American countries to combine the perceived benefits of heat and health disorders tolerance of Gyr cows with the milk production of Holstein cows. The objectives of this study were to compare the incidence of health disorders and reproductive performance in Holstein-Gyr and Holstein cows managed and housed identically in a single herd. The animals were followed up to 300 days in milk, and health and reproductive data were retrieved from farm records. Among the diseases diagnosed, breed affected only metritis, with a higher incidence in Holstein cows. Cows that calved in the cool season had an increased incidence of dystocia and hyperketonemia compared to calving in the warm season. Cows calving in the warm season had a higher incidence of stillbirth, retained fetal membranes (RFM), metritis, and multimorbidity than cows calving in the cool season. Multiparous cows had a greater incidence of retained fetal membranes, uterine diseases, purulent vaginal discharge, hypocalcemia, and morbidity than primiparous cows. An interaction between breed category and calving season was present for RFM, with Holstein cows in the warm season having a higher incidence than Holstein-Gyr. Primiparous cows had a greater pregnancy rate at first service and fewer services than multiparous cows. Morbidity and multimorbidity were associated with prolonged open days, independent of breed. In summary, Holstein-Gyr and Holstein cows housed and managed similarly experienced similar incidences of health disorders and reproductive performance, with morbidity negatively impacting the interval from calving to pregnancy in both groups.
Regional impacts of heat stress on livestock in Brazil under climate change scenarios
(2026) Ferreira, Nicole Costa Resende; Rosa, Delane Ribas da; Ferreira, Leonardo Nascimento; Rodrigues, D. C.; Barbari, Matteo; Chou, Sin Chan; Andrade, Rafaella Resende
Rising temperatures and humidity threaten global livestock production and food security. This study assesses the future impacts of heat stress in regions with high livestock production in Brazil by analyzing high-resolution (5 km) climate projections from the Eta Regional Climate Model under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Using the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), we evaluated future heat stress conditions for dairy and beef cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, broilers, and layers. The results indicate a substantial increase in both the frequency and intensity of heat stress events across Brazil during the 21st century, especially under the RCP8.5 scenario. The number of days reaching extreme heat-stress levels (ndaysTHI) is projected to increase significantly, particularly in the western and central regions of the study area, and for more vulnerable species such as pigs and poultry. For instance, the number of extreme THI days for dairy cattle and goats is projected to increase by up to 244 days by the end of the century (long-term period compared to historical) under RCP8.5. This research provides essential data for developing effective and sustainable adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on Brazil's livestock sector, offering insights applicable to other countries facing similar challenges. It addresses a significant knowledge gap by providing high-resolution, localized projections of future heat stress across Brazil's major production regions.
Performance of lambs born to energy- and protein-supplemented ewes during gestation and lactation
(2026) Ferreira, Nicole Costa Resende; Cabral Filho, Sergio Lucio Salomon; Freitas, I. O. M. A.; Rocha, Fernanda Cipriano; Azevedo, Alcinei Místico; Rocha Júnior, Vicente Ribeiro; Ribeiro, Marinaldo Divino
Maternal nutrition and supplementation during gestation and lactation improve fetal development, survival, and growth of lambs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of energy and protein supplementation in the diet before, during, and in the final third of gestation and lactation, within a synchronized breeding system, on the health and performance of lambs. Forty Santa Inês × Dorper ewes, averaging ten months of age and two previous births, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments: mineral supplementation only, supplementation initiated before breeding, supplementation starting after pregnancy confirmation, and supplementation restricted to late gestation. Supplements were provided daily at 4 pm at 1% of body weight (BW), adjusted every 15 days when ewes were weighed. The experimental period lasted 60 days, with 10 days of adaptation. Variance analysis was performed in subdivided plots, and the means were compared using Tukey's test at 5% probability. Concentrated supplementation altered (p<0.0072) birth weight 3.79 kg, colostrum intake, daily gain (p<0.0028) 242.39 g/animal/day, morphometric measurements, eggs per gram of feces, protein and energy metabolic profiles, and cortisol levels in lambs. There was no difference in lambing rate, litter type, sex, fecal score, or mineral metabolism. However, supplementation begun 20 days before breeding and after pregnancy confirmation improved anthelmintic response 272.49 EPG and produced heavier lambs at weaning 20.78 kg. Maternal energy and protein supplementation, especially when started before breeding or after pregnancy confirmation, improves lamb growth, metabolic status, and parasitic resistance.
Climate change impacts and seasonality changes on beef cattle in Brazil
(2026) Ferreira, Nicole Costa Resende; Ferreira, Leonardo Nascimento; Rosa, Delane Ribas da; Andrade, Rafaella Resende
Climate change, global warming, and natural resource depletion pose significant challenges to global beef cattle farming, with animal heat stress emerging as a widespread limitation. This is particularly critical in Brazil, a major global beef producer and exporter that supplies a substantial portion of the world's food. This study investigated the impact of seasonality changes on beef cattle welfare under various climate change scenarios, using the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). Our analysis employed CMIP6 ensemble models for historical data and future projections, with a specific focus on the SSP5-8.5 scenario. The research focused on Brazil's most productive cattle farming regions. Historically, the North and Mid-West regions exhibited the highest THI values, mostly between September and December. Projections show low values of THI anomaly in the short-term (2021–2040). However, the medium-term (2041–2060) reveals a significant increase in THI anomalies in the Mid-West and North, with some regions approaching 30 days per month of extreme THI (values>94). The long-term (2061–2080) represents the worst-case scenario, with high THI anomalies persisting year-round across most of Brazil. States like Acre, Amazonas, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Pará, and Rondônia are projected to experience 28–31 days per month of extreme THI during critical periods (September-December), while Paraná remains relatively low. The findings underscore an urgent need for robust adaptation strategies, including genetic improvement, integrated crop-livestock systems, and precision livestock farming technologies, alongside national mitigation efforts, to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of Brazilian beef production.
Environmental effects on mineral supplement intake in grazing Nellore heifers under tropical conditions
(2026) Braga, Bruna Cardoso; Ribeiro, Marinaldo Divino; Gomes, Raphael dos Santos; Barbosa, Luiz Gustavo; Villela, Severino Delmar Junqueira; Engle, Terry Eugene; Leonel, Fernando de Paula
Environmental factors can influence nutrient intake in grazing cattle, yet few studies have evaluated how such conditions affect mineral supplement intake. This study assessed the effects of ambient temperature, rainfall, and seasonal variation on mineral supplement intake in Nellore heifers under tropical grazing conditions. Thirty-six heifers (initial age: 9±1 months.; final age: 28 months; initial and final average body weights: 170 and 386 kg, respectively) were managed in a continuous grazing system on a 24 ha pasture of Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG4. Individual supplement intake was recorded via electronic smart feeders (Intergado®), and environmental data were collected hourly from 09:00 to 18:00 h during a 21-month experimental period. Days were categorized based on the thermal comfort zone (TCZ) for zebu cattle (10 °C to 27 °C) as: within TCZ, below 10 °C (TL10), or above 27 °C (TH27). Supplement intake was evaluated in relation to hours spent outside the TCZ, rainfall occurrence, and season (dry or wet). Average intake on days within the TCZ did not differ from TL10 or TH27 (P=0.07). However, as the duration of thermal stress increased, supplement intake and feeder visitation rates declined (P<0.001). Heifers exposed to more than three hours below or two hours above the TCZ showed the lowest intakes. Rainfall and season had no effects on mineral intake. Prolonged exposure to environmental temperatures outside the TCZ negatively affects mineral supplement intake, highlighting the importance of considering climatic stressors in pasture-based nutrition programs.
Responses of Bos indicus cattle to phytogenic feed additives compared with monensin in feedlot diets
(2025) Moreira, Kíria Karolline Gomes; Guimarães, Tiago Pereira; Lemos, Barbara Juliana Martins; Lino, Fabiola Alves; Sousa, Debora Gomes de; Souza, Flávia Martins de; Neves Neto, José Tiago das; Couto, Victor Rezende Moreira; Padua, Joao Teodoro; Conceição, Edemilson Cardoso da; Fernandes, Juliano José de Resende
Two experiments assessed the responses of Bos indicus cattle fed monensin (MON), Stryphnodendron adstringens extract (BBT), a blend of essential oils (BEO), and a blend of functional oils (BFO). Feed additives were added to a total mixed ration (TMR) with a 20:80 roughage to concentrate ratio. Experiment 1, lasting 104 d, used a randomized complete block design. One hundred fourteen (114) crossbred bulls (336 ± 26 kg BW) were assigned to four treatments: MON (30 mg/kg DM), BBT (1500 mg/kg DM), BEO (118 mg/kg DM), and BFO (250 mg/kg DM). MON resulted in the lowest dry matter intake. Average daily gain, final body weight, and carcass traits were similar across treatments. Feed efficiency was 13 %, 11 %, and 4 % greater with MON compared to BBT, BEO, and BFO, respectively. Experiment 2 employed a 5×5 Latin square with five ruminally fistulated Bos indicus steers to test the same four treatments and a control diet without additives. Each period lasted 14 d. Apparent nutrient digestibility and concentrations of volatile fatty acids and NH3-N were similar among treatments. BBT and BFO had the lowest (6.54) and highest (6.75) ruminal pH values, respectively. Monensin showed superior feed efficiency despite similar nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation profiles compared to phytogenic additives.
Would L-carnitine improve the survival and viability of vitrified/warmed in vitro bovine blastocysts?
(2025) Diesel, Tiago Omar; Marques, Thaisa Campos; Martins, Carlos Frederico; Santos, Rhaquel Teixeira; Pessoa, Caique Michel Barbosa; Teixeira, Rafaela Cavalcanti; Moreira, Rafael Carrijo; Gambarini, Maria Lúcia
The experiment was conducted to verify the effects of delipidation using L‑carnitine on the development and survival of in vitro‑produced bovine embryos, cryopreserved by vitrification, using the evaluation of the intracytoplasmic content of lipids, cellular apoptosis, mitochondrial potential, the rates of re‑expansion and hatching post‑warming. The embryos were cultured without the addition of L‑carnitine (Control), in the presence of L‑carnitine (0.6 mg/mL) added to the culture medium of D1 to D7 (L‑Ivc), during the culture before vitrification and post‑warming re‑culture (L‑IvcR) and during in vitro maturation, in vitro culture before vitrification and post‑warming re‑culture (L‑ IvmIvcR). The supplementation with L‑carnitine did not change the cleavage rate in D3 (p ˃0.05) but increased the production of blastocysts in D7 by 20.7% and the proportion of grade I embryos by 30.1% in LIvc (p<0.05), as well as the re‑expansion rate (2‑hour) (p<0.05), but the hatching rates and the number of degenerate structures at the 24 and 48‑hour post‑warming did not differ between treatments (p˃0.05). The treatment with L‑carnitine was effective in reducing cell apoptosis, intracytoplasmic content of lipids, and mitochondrial potential of blastocysts (p<0.001). In conclusion, media supplementation with 0.6 mg/mL of L‑carnitine during in vitro embryo production improved vitrified/warmed bovine blastocysts' survival and viability, reducing cell apoptosis and intracellular lipids' amount and positively impacting mitochondrial activity potential. Under the presented conditions, this supplementation can be used only in the culture medium since no additional benefit was verified by adding this L‑carnitine concentration during oocyte maturation, blastocyst culture, or post‑warming culture.
Avaliação de parâmetros hematológicos em bovinos confinados
(2025) Santos, Izadora Mazagão Veloso; Santos, Matheus Pereira dos; Costa Filho, Alessandro Rodrigues; Silva, Taylon Antônio Sales da; Costa, Pedro Eduardo Rodrigues; Silva Junior, Wanderley Cabral; Barreto, Yasmin Machado; Cunha, Roberta Dias da Silva; Cunha , Paulo Henrique Jorge da; Fernandes, Juliano José de Resende
Diets with high levels of concentrate for beef cattle may be capable of promoting metabolic and systemic changes due the sudden decrease in rumen pH. In some cases, changes in the blood count of these animals may be observed due to the pro-inflammatory response generated by this disorder. 70 Nelore cattle with an average weight of 385kg were used, using the ladder protocol to adapt the animals to the final diet consisting of 10.3% fresh sugarcane bagasse and 89.7% concentrate. During the experimental period, three blood samples were collected through venipuncture of the coccygeal vein to evaluate blood parameters. There was leukocytosis caused by handling stress in collection one, together with a high concentration of fibrinogen, indicating a possible inflammatory response present. In the other parameters, collection three demonstrated a significant difference (pValue<0.001) with the other collections and there were no values above or below the reference values. Therefore, adequate adaptation to the diet is capable of maintaining hematological characteristics within the normal range, without loss of performance due to the possibility of inflammatory processes resulting from the drop in ruminal pH.

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