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The aim of this study was to assess the seasonal effects of the environment on semen quality in bulls, using infrared thermography. Sperm motility (M), mass motion (MM), and vigor (VIG) were evaluated in sperm samples from 17 Bradford bulls aged approximately 24 months at the beginning of the study. Infrared thermography images and data were collected using an infrared FLIR T 300 camera and Quick Report 1.2 SP2 software to determine the temperature of the proximal and distal poles of the testis and to assess the testicular temperature gradient. The seasonal effects on physiological, seminal, and climatic variables were analyzed by the GLM ANOVA and CORR procedures using SAS®. The microclimatic factors were recorded in hourly intervals, and the daily mean temperature and mean relative humidity were calculated to determine the daily temperature-humidity index (THI) every day for 1 year. The temperature gradient (TG) variations of the testes were significantly higher in the autumn (4.5 °C), winter (4.0 °C), and spring (2.9 °C) compared to summer (0.9 °C) (P < 0.05). Ocular globe temperatures were lower in the winter (27.6 °C) and autumn (26.8 °C) compared to summer (33.9 °C) and spring (31.1 °C) (P < 0.05). The average MM (2.58), M (52.64), and VIG (2.70) of the semen decreased in the summer compared to other seasons (P < 0.01). The TG was negatively correlated with THI (-0.44; P < 0.05). For the seminal variables, MaD (-0.45; P < 0.05) and TD (-0.50; P < 0.01) presented a negative correlation with TG. The TG had a positive correlation between M and VIG, which had values of 0.36 and 0.35, respectively (P < 0.05). We have concluded that infrared thermography can be used to assess the testicular temperature gradient and its consequences on physical and quantitative aspects of sperm.

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RESUMO: Avaliou-se a qualidade química e fermentativa de silagens de milho e sorgo enriquecidas com planta inteira de soja. Foram utilizadas as proporções de 75%, 50% e 25% da planta de soja na ensilagem de milho ou de sorgo. Com o acréscimo do nível de inclusão da planta inteira de soja houve aumento linear no teor de proteína da dieta na silagem de milho e sorgo, e aumento no teor de fibra em detergente ácido na silagem de milho, porém houve decréscimo no teor energético da silagem de milho e do teor de fibra em detergente neutro da silagem de sorgo. Não foram observadas diferenças nos níveis de inclusão da planta de soja na ensilagem de milho e sorgo quanto à digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca e da matéria orgânica. A adição da planta inteira de soja aumentou o pH e a concentração de N-NH 3 das silagens de milho e sorgo, mas manteve o pH em níveis aceitáveis quando o nível de inclusão da planta de soja foi 50%. Sob o ponto de vista da composição química, a planta de soja pode ser adicionada em até 50% na ensilagem de milho e na ensilagem de sorgo, trazendo melhorias ao produto final.Palavras-chave: digestibilidade, gramínea, leguminosa, qualidade. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CORN AND SORGHUM SILAGE WITH INCLUSION OF WHOLE-PLANT SOYBEANSABSTRACT: This study evaluated the chemical and fermentation quality of corn and sorghum silage enriched with whole-plant soybeans. Whole soybean proportions of 75%, 50% and 25% were used for ensiling corn or sorghum. The increasing inclusion levels of whole-plant soybeans resulted in a linear increase in the dietary protein content of corn and sorghum silage and in an increase in acid detergent fiber of corn silage, while a decrease was observed in the energy content of corn silage and in neutral detergent fiber content of sorghum silage. The in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility did not differ between soybean inclusion levels in corn or sorghum silage. The addition of whole-plant soybeans increased the pH and N-NH3 concentration of corn and sorghum silage, but maintained the pH at acceptable levels when the inclusion level of whole soybeans was 50%. With respect to chemical composition, whole soybeans can be added to corn and sorghum silage at a proportion of up to 50%, with improvements of the final product.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate heat tolerance using heat tolerance indices, physiological, physical, thermographic, and hematological parameters in Santa Ines and Morada Nova sheep breeds in the Federal District, Brazil.MethodsTwenty-six adult hair sheep, one and a half years old, from two genetic groups (Santa Ines: 12 males and 4 females; Morada Nova: 7 males and 3 females) were used and data (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, skin temperatures; hematological parameters) were collected during three consecutive days, twice a day (morning and afternoon), with a total of six repetitions. Also physical parameters (biometric measurements, skin and hair traits) and heat tolerance indices (temperature-humidity index, Iberia and Benezra) were evaluated. The analyses included analyses of variance, correlation, and principal components with a significance level of 5%.ResultsThe environmental indices, in general, indicate a situation of thermal discomfort for the animals during the afternoon. Breed significantly influenced (p<0.001) physiological and physical characteristics of skin, hair, biometric measurements and Iberia and Benezra heat tolerance indices. Santa Ines animals were bigger and had longer, greater number and darker hair, thicker skin, greater respiratory rate and Benezra index and lower Iberia index compared with Morada Nova breed.ConclusionAlthough both breeds can be considered adapted to the environmental conditions of the region, Morada Nova breed is most suitable for farming in the Midwest region. The positive correlation found between the thermographic temperatures and physiological parameters indicates that this technique can be used to evaluate thermal comfort. Also, it has the advantage that animals do not have to be handled, which favors animal welfare.

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-It was evaluated the bioeconomic impact of the breeding soundness evaluation on beef cattle production in southern Brazil. Two similar production systems, with and without the use of breeding soundness evaluation, were compared during 4 years in the municipality of Júlio e Castilhos. The rate of unsound bulls in the first examination was 22.8%. By performing the examination, calf production increased by 31%, 13.8 calves/bull/year and 24 kg of calves/cow/year. The benefit/cost ratio on the investment with the breeding soundness evaluation was R$ 35.84. The breeding soundness evaluation improves bioeconomic aspects of beef cow-calf systems.