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Background: Oocyte quality and maturation are influenced by protein supplementation. Objective: To evaluate the influence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations on the recovery and in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes. Methods: The study was divided into Stage 1 (oocyte recovery), and Stage 2 (IVM). In the first stage, three experiments were conducted according to the recovery (R) medium used: (R1) 10 vs. 20% FBS; (R2) 5 vs. 10% BSA; and (R3) the best results from R1, R2, and the combination of FBS+BSA (5+5%). Within the second stage, the maturation medium was supplemented according to three experiments: (M1) 5 vs. 10% FBS; (M2) 0.4 vs. 0.8% BSA; and (M3) better results of M1, M2, and the combination of FBS+BSA (5+0.8%). Results: In Stage 1 (R1 and R2), the media with 10% FBS and 10% BSA showed better oocyte quality results and were defined for experiment R3. In R3, the 10% FBS and the combination of FBS+BSA (5+5%) allowed recovery of better-quality oocytes. In Stage 2 (M1 and M2), media with both levels of FBS (5 and 10%) and 0.8% BSA were defined as better according to the maturation and viability rates of cumulus cells, so they were defined for experiment M3. In M3, no difference was noted among the supplements. Conclusions: For oocyte recovery, 10% FBS and the combination of FBS+BSA (5+5%) can be used to obtain immature oocytes. For the in vitro maturation, FBS (both levels, 5 and 10%) and BSA (0.8%) can be used alone or in combination.

Background: Bovine papillomatosis represents a condition with significant economic implications in dairy farming. Papillomavirus induces benign tumors that can progress to cancer. Autogenous vaccination (ATV) and self-blood vaccination (AHV) are particularly interesting therapeutic strategies for treating cutaneous papilloma resulting from bovine papillomavirus (BPV). Objective: To investigate the immunological effects of AHV and ATV in cattle in Ecuador. Methods: One hundred fifty animals with clinical symptoms of BPV were diagnosed using PCR and distributed among different groups. To create the vaccines, a total of 50 animals were used in the AHV protocol (n = 25) with 20 mL and (n = 25) with 10 mL blood doses administered to them. In the ATV protocol another 50 animals were used, (n = 25) animals with 10 mL and (n = 25) with 20 mL. The vaccines were stored at 4°C until use. Vaccines (AHV and ATV) were administered subcutaneously four times at one-week intervals at 20 and 10-mL dosages, respectively. Hematological and immunological analyses involved the collection of blood samples both before and after each vaccination. The remaining subjects (n = 50) functioned as the positive control group (C). Results: A significant increase was observed in leukocyte count (14.5; 14; 15.4; 16 x 10^3/mm^3), lymphocyte percentage (55; 52; 58; 62%), and interleukin-6 levels (0.85; 0.80; 0.95; 0.97 ng/L) in both ATV at 10 and 20 mL doses and AHV at 10 and 20 mL doses compared to the positive control (C) group (Leu: 13 x 10^3/mm^3; Lym: 50%; IL-6: 0.54 ng/L). Notably, neutrophil (33; 35; 44; 40%) and monocyte (5; 8; 12; 13%) percentages also increased in AHV and ATV. Within the first month post-vaccination, both AHV and ATV exhibited signs of regression in cutaneous papilloma. Conclusion: This study underscores autogenous vaccination as a practical therapeutic approach, demonstrating its effectiveness in inducing lesion regression in cattle infected with papillomavirus. This effect occurs especially by stimulating the production of IL-6 and lymphocytes. Antecedentes: A papilomatose bovina representa uma condição de considerável importância econômica na pecuária leiteira. O papilomavírus é conhecido por induzir o desenvolvimento de tumores benignos nos hospedeiros, que podem progredir para cânceres malignos. Existem diversas abordagens terapêuticas para tratar a papilomatose cutânea resultante do vírus da papilomatose bovina (BPV), e a auto-hemovacina (AHV) e a vacina autógena (ATV) destacam-se entre elas. Objetivo: Examinar os efeitos imunológicos da AHV e da ATVem bovinos no Equador. Métodos: Foram diagnosticados 150 bovinos com sintomas de papilomatose cutânea por PCR e distribuídos em diferentes grupos. Para criar as vacinas, um total de 50 animais foi utilizado no protocolo AHV, sendo n=25 com doses de 20 mL e n=25 com doses de 10 mL de sangue. No protocolo ATV, foram utilizados outros 50 animais, sendo n=25 com 10 mL e n=25 com 20 mL. As vacinas foram armazenadas a 4°C até o uso. As vacinas (AHV e ATV) foram administradas quatro vezes de forma subcutânea, com intervalos de uma semana, em doses de 20 e 10 mL, respectivamente, para cada grupo de tratamento. Foram realizadas análises hematológicas e imunológicas, com coleta de amostras de sangue antes e depois de cada vacinação. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram, nos grupos ATV (10 e 20 mL) e AHV (10 e 20 mL), um aumento notável no número de leucócitos (14,5; 14; 15,4; 16 × 10³/mm³), linfócitos (55; 52; 58; 62%), interleucina-6 (0,85; 0,80; 0,95; 0,97 ng/L), neutrófilos (33; 35; 44; 40%) e monócitos (5; 8; 12; 13%) em comparação com o grupo controle positivo (C+) (Leu: 13 × 10³/mm³; Lym: 50%; IL-6: 0,54 ng/L; Neu: 34%; Mon: 6,5%). Nas vacinas AHV e ATV no primeiro mês após a vacinação, observaram-se sintomas clínicos de regressão dos papilomas cutâneos. Conclusão: O estudo destaca a vacinação autógena como uma intervenção terapêutica prática e eficaz, que promove efetivamente a regressão das lesões, especialmente mediante a estimulação da produção de IL-6 e linfócitos em bovinos infectados com papilomavírus. Antecedentes: La papilomatosis bovina representa una condición de considerable importancia económica en la ganadería lechera. El papillomavirus induce tumores benignos que pueden progresar hasta cáncer. Entre los diversos enfoques terapéuticos existentes para tratar la papilomatosis cutánea resultante del virus de la papilomatosis bovina (VPB) se destacan la autohemovacuna (AHV) y la vacuna autógena (ATV). Objetivo: Examinar los efectos inmunológicos de AHV y ATV en el ganado bovino en Ecuador. Métodos: Se diagnosticaron 150 bovinos con síntomas de papilomatosis cutánea mediante PCR y se distribuyeron en diferentes grupos. Para crear las vacunas, se utilizaron un total de 50 animales en el protocolo AHV, n = 25 con dosis de 20 mL y n = 25 con dosis de 10 mL de sangre. En el protocolo ATV, se utilizaron otros 50 animales (n = 25 con 10 mL y n = 25 con 20 mL). Las vacunas se almacenaron a 4°C hasta su uso. Las vacunas (AHVy ATV) se administraron subcutáneamente cuatro veces con intervalos de una semana en dosis de 20 y 10 mL, respectivamente. Se realizaron análisis hematológicos e inmunológicos de muestras de sangre antes y después de cada vacunación. Resultados: Tanto en ATV (10 y 20 mL) como en AHV (10 y 20 mL) se observó un aumento de leucocitos (14.5; 14; 15.4; 16 x 10^3/mm^3), linfocitos (55; 52; 58; 62%), interleucina-6 (0.85; 0.80; 0.95; 0.97 ng/L), neutrófilos (33; 35; 44; 40%) y monocitos (5; 8; 12; 13%) en comparación con C+ (Leu: 13 x 10^3/mm^3; Lym: 50%; IL-6: 0.54 ng/L; Neu: 34%; Mon: 6.5%). Durante el primer mes después de la vacunación se observaron signos clínicos de regresión del papiloma cutáneo. Conclusiones: La vacunación autógena es una intervención terapéutica práctica y efectiva que promueve eficazmente la regresión de lesiones en bovinos infectados con papilomavirus. Este efecto se da especialmente mediante estimulación de la producción de IL-6 y linfocitos.

According to FAO, world demand for animal products will double in the first half of this century as a result of increasing population and economic growth. During the same period, major changes are expected in world climate. Food security remains one of the highest priority issues in developing Latin American countries, a region where livestock production plays a fundamental role. Agricultural activities seriously threaten natural resources; therefore, it is necessary to ensure that livestock production contributes to satisfy the demand for animal products in a sustainable manner. Intensive silvopastoral systems (ISS) are becoming the technology of choice for Colombian and regional livestock sectors because it can help reduce the seasonality of plants and animal production, and therefore contribute to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. We have recently gained knowledge on the nutritional and productive attributes of these systems. However, in recent years, the low carbon approach acquired importance in animal agriculture, which seeks to primarily promote the adoption of programs running parallel activities aimed at adapting to and mitigating climate change. This review outlines projections on the effects of climate change on the livestock industry, presents concepts on Greenhouse Gas flow and highlights evidence in support of the conclusion that ISS is an interesting option to allow the livestock sector in the region to adapt to climate change and to mitigate some of its effects. The adoption of ISS may help to remove up to 26.6 tons of CO2 eq/Ha/yr from the atmosphere. Segundo a FAO, a demanda mundial de produtos de origem animal se duplicará durante a primeira metade deste século como resultado do aumento da população e dos recursos económicos; durante o mesmo período se esperam grandes mudanças no clima em todo o mundo. A segurança alimentar continua a ser uma das questões de maior prioridade no desenvolvimento dos países latino-americanos e a produção pecuária tem um papel fundamental em muitos destes. Todos estes elementos têm estreita relação com a enorme pressão sobre os recursos naturais, portanto, é necessário que a produção pecuária seja feita de uma maneira sustentável. Os sistemas silvipastoris intensivos (SSPi) estão se transformando em uma opção tecnológica de implementação progressiva na pecuária colombiana e da região porque podem reduzir a estacionalidade da produção vegetal e animal, portanto, podem mitigar os efeitos das mudanças climáticas e adaptar-se a eles. Nos últimos anos ocorreram avanços no conhecimento sobre os aspectos nutricionais e produtivos destes sistemas. No entanto, recentemente começou a ter importância o enfoque da agricultura com baixa produção de carbono que visa, principalmente, delinear programas de desenvolvimento onde se executem paralelamente atividades destinadas à adaptação e mitigação das mudanças climáticas. Esta revisão apresenta algumas projeções sobre os efeitos das mudanças climáticas na pecuária, apresenta alguns conceitos sobre o fluxo de gases do efeito estufa (GEEs) em sistemas de produção animal. Destaca algumas evidências para apoiar que os SSPi são uma opção interessante para permitir que a pecuária na região se adapte às mudanças climáticas e mitigue alguns dos seus efeitos, pois a adoção dos SSPi pode ajudar a remover até 26,6 tôn. CO2 eq/Ha/ano a partir da atmosfera. Según la FAO, la demanda mundial de productos de origen animal se duplicará durante la primera mitad de este siglo como resultado del incremento de la población y del crecimiento económico y durante el mismo período se esperan grandes cambios en el clima a nivel mundial. La seguridad alimentaria sigue siendo una de las cuestiones de más alta prioridad en el desarrollo de los países latinoamericanos y la producción ganadera tiene un papel fundamental en muchos de estos países. Todos estos elementos tienen estrecha relación con la enorme presión sobre los recursos naturales, por tanto, es necesario que la producción ganadera se realice de manera sustentable. Los sistemas silvopastoriles intensivos (SSPi) se están convirtiendo en una opción tecnológica de implementación progresiva en la ganadería colombiana y de la región porque pueden reducir la estacionalidad de la producción vegetal y animal; y por lo tanto pueden mitigar los efectos del cambio climático y adaptarse a ellos. En los últimos años se ha avanzado en el conocimiento sobre los atributos nutricionales y productivos de éstos sistemas. Sin embargo, ultimamamente empieza a tener importancia el enfoque de agricultura baja en carbono que busca principalmente, adelantar programas de desarrollo donde se ejecuten paralelamente actividades orientadas a la adaptación y a la mitigación del cambio climático. La presente revisión incluye algunas proyecciones sobre los efectos del cambio climático en la ganadería, presenta algunos conceptos sobre el flujo de los gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) en los sistemas ganaderos. Resalta algunas evidencias que permiten afirmar que los SSPi son una opción interesante para que la ganadería de la región se adapte al cambio climático y mitigue algunos de sus efectos, dado que con el establecimiento de SSPi se pueden remover hasta 26,6 ton de CO2 equivalentes/Ha/año.

Background: The genetic test for Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) is one of the newest technologies to reduce uncertainty in calf production. It provides information about the genetic composition of a bull, which relates to its propensity to produce offspring with specific growth and quality characteristics. Objective: To evaluate the influence of EPDs reports on the variation of Nellore bull semen prices for artificial insemination in the Brazilian beef cattle industry. Methods: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions were estimated. The study utilized genetic data provided by GENEPLUS as well as market prices of semen and physical measurements of the bulls collected from the Alta Genetics Insemination Agency. Results: Genetic results, except for age at first calving, weaning weight, and weight at 120 days EPDs, have little influence on semen prices. For each additional day expected for the first calving of the progeny average price of semen decreases by 0.66%. For each additional kg expected in weaning weight, the semen price was 1.73% higher. Furthermore, for each additional kg expected in the progeny at 120 days, semen price increased by 2.46%. Conclusion: Joint analyses of genetic reports and physical characteristics of bulls may provide a better explanatory power.

Daily activity is an important aspect of animal behavior and depends both on nutritional and reproductive demands. It also can be modified by—among other factors—interspecific competition, the need to minimize the risk of predation, and human disturbance, such as the presence of cattle. We studied the activity patterns and degree of overlap among carnivores, their potential wild prey, and livestock, in a Biosphere Reserve in the Chihuahuan Desert. There was no temporal segregation among the carnivores. Carnivores synchronized their activity with that of their main prey, the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus). In contrast, we did observe temporal segregation between the puma (Puma concolor), coyote (Canis latrans), and bobcat (Lynx rufus), with mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). There was little activity overlap between predators and livestock (Bos taurus, Equus caballus). However, to avoid conflict resulting from livestock predation we suggest increasing and improving surveillance, and that calves and females close to calving be sheltered. More studies on the multiniche interactions of livestock and their wild predators are needed to understand daily activity overlap in different seasons, and to better understand the mechanisms of coexistence in protected areas in order to make sound management recommendations to cattle growers and park rangers.

In the Paraguayan Chaco, cattle evoke images of power, prosperity, and celebration, but they also trigger one of the quickest deforestation processes in the world. The presence of cattle in the region has deep historical roots, dating back to the beginning of the colonization process, when the establishment of a double economy based on cattle ranching and the tannin industry dispossessed indigenous people of their territories. Through a historical and ethnographic analysis of the Carlos Casado tannin company, I suggest considering domestication and ferality—and their local related idioms (amansar, anestesiar, sagua’a, señuelo, carne)—as inter-species categories crucial for understanding processes of colonization from a local perspective. In particular, I claim that practices and idioms related to the (un)domestication domain have been used to make sense of ethnic, class, and power relationships, as well as of practices of resistance. En el Chaco paraguayo, el ganado bovino evoca imágenes de poder, prosperidad y abundancia. Pero, a la vez, es la causa de uno de los procesos de deforestación más rápidos del mundo. La presencia de ganado en la región tiene profundas raíces históricas y se remonta al principio del proceso de la colonización, cuando el establecimiento de una doble economía basada en la ganadería y la industria del tanino despojó a los pueblos indígenas de sus tierras. A través de un análisis histórico y etnográfico de la compañía taninera Carlos Casado S.A., propongo considerar a la domesticación y a lo asilvestrado—en sus distintas declinaciones: amansar, anestesiar, sagua’a, señuelo, carne—como categorías interespecíficas fundamentales para entender los procesos de colonización desde una perspectiva local. En particular, sostengo que las prácticas y los términos relacionados con el campo semántico de la (de)domesticación fueron utilizados para poner en escena y conceptualizar relaciones étnicas, de clase y de poder, como así también prácticas de resistencia.

Background: Genetic improvement programs in domestic species require a series of steps involving the definition of breeding objectives, information systems, variance component estimation, genetic evaluations, selection indexes, and the estimation of genetic progress and variability. Objective: To identify strengths and weaknesses in the design and implementation of genetic improvement programs in Colombian cattle through scientific and academic contributions derived from research. Conclusion: The greatest challenges in the design and implementation of genetic improvement programs in Colombian cattle are currently related to the lack of consensus on breeding objectives among farmers and associations. Additionally, there is a need in the short term to improve both the quality and quantity of information available on databases. Finally, conducting economic analyses that consider genetic parameters is essential for optimizing the response to genetic selection, taking into account the different production systems and environmental conditions that Colombia offers. Antecedentes: Para desenvolver um programa de melhoramento genético animal, é necessário definir objetivos de melhoramento, possuir sistemas de informação eficientes, realizar estimativas dos componentes de variância e a análise genética correspondente, além de estimar índices de seleção, progresso genético esperado e variabilidade genética.Objetivo: Identificar fragilidades e fortalezas no desenho e implementação de programas de melhoramento genético para gado bovino na Colômbia, por meio de uma revisão dos avanços científicos e acadêmicos obtidos na pesquisa sobre essa área no país. Conclusão: O principal desafio encontrado foi a ausência de objetivos de melhoramento definidos coletivamente entre produtores e pesquisadores. Além disso, é necessário, no curto prazo, aprimorar tanto a qualidade quanto a quantidade das informações disponíveis nos bancos de dados. Finalmente, torna-se essencial realizar análises econômicas que considerem o componente genético, a fim de otimizar a resposta à seleção genética, levando em conta as diferenças entre os sistemas produtivos e a diversidade ambiental que a Colômbia possui. Antecedentes: Los programas de mejoramiento genético en especies domésticas requieren una serie de pasos que involucran la definición de objetivos de cría, sistemas de información, estimación de componentes de varianza, evaluaciones genéticas, índices de selección y la estimación del progreso y la variabilidad genética. Objetivo:Identificar fortalezas y debilidades en el diseño e implementación de programas de mejoramiento genético bovino en Colombia mediante los aportes científicos y académicos derivados de la investigación en genética bovina en el país. Conclusión: Los mayores desafíos en el diseño e implementación de programas de mejoramiento genético bovino en Colombia actualmente están relacionados con la ausencia de objetivos de cría consensuados entre los productores y asociaciones. Asimismo, es necesario, a corto plazo, mejorar tanto la calidad como la cantidad de información disponible en las bases de datos. Finalmente, es fundamental suplir la falta de evaluaciones económicas que integren y se incluyan en los análisis genéticos para optimizar la respuesta a la selección genética, considerando los distintos contextos productivos y la diversidad de condiciones ambientales que posee Colombia.

Background: Mexico is innovating in the livestock industry through in vitro generation of bovine embryos with technologies such as well-of-the-well (WOW) and polyester mesh (PM) single-embryo culture systems. These techniques allow to maintain embryos in separate areas of a shared culture medium. Objective: To compare the quantity and quality of bovine embryos produced in WOW and PM culture systems versus the conventional (CG) culture system. Methods: In total, 345 embryos fertilized in vitro were evaluated for blastocyst yield in the three culture systems. To count blastocyst cell numbers, 69 embryos in each system were differentially stained for trophectoderm (TE), inner cell mass (ICM), and apoptotic cells. A qPCR gene expression analysis was performed for embryos in all three systems. Results: The WOW, PM and CG systems developed similar amount of blastocysts (41, 35 and 36%, respectively; p>0.05). Blastocysts in all three systems showed adequate amounts of ICM and apoptotic cells. Blastocysts in the PM system showed a greater number of TE cells [63.7 versus 58.6% in the CG system (p<0.05)]. Relative mRNA expression of the embryonic genes POUF5F1, GNAS and TP53 did not differ significantly among systems (p>0.05). The ATP5B expression was higher in WOW than in PM (p<0.05), but similar to CG (p>0.05). The TJP3 expression was higher in PM than in WOW and CG (p<0.05). Expression of ID2 and CLDN4 was higher in WOW than in PM and CG (p<0.05). The biplot graphic from Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that CG was located near degenerated embryos, whereas PM was located near arrested embryos, larger ICM and TE, and TJP3 expression. The WOW was located toward blastocysts, morulae, and expression of CLDN4, ID2 and GNAS. Conclusion: Compared with CG, both the PM and WOW systems are good options for culturing single embryos in the bovine model. Moreover, the PCA results suggest that embryos developed in the WOW system have greater capacity for generating blastocysts with increased ability to form TE and ICM layers, which might improve implantation.

New radar satellites provide global coverage and the possibility of long-term, regular frequency (days-weeks) surface displacement measurements through the application of high precision multi-temporal InSAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry) techniques. This represents an excellent opportunity to investigate and improve our understanding of the behavior of extremely slow landslides, as well as of the long- to short-term controls of their activity. In urban settings, such landslides deserve special attention, as their cumulative movements can cause significant socio-economic damage. Here, we re-examine the case of a long-lived, deep-seated landslide in the Apennine Mountains (Italy) which was urbanized between the late 1970s and early 2000s. The case provides a rare opportunity to highlight the benefits of the integrated analysis of long-term (several years) borehole inclinometer measurements with 15 years of multi-temporal InSAR displacement data. We present evidence of the landslide composite nature and asymmetry, and draw attention to the recent period of accelerated movement that coincided with the foot failure event. This helps constraining the interpretation of the borehole and InSAR data and demonstrating the predominantly rotational landslide mechanism. We show how a detailed analysis of sparse inclinometer and more spatially continuous InSAR measurements, when combined with local rainfall records, can reveal long- to short-term patterns of temporal variability in landslide motions and allow anticipating the consequences of future landslide activity.

The dairy production has been one of the big areas of the development of the Zootecnia. In her the genetic improvement meets, with achievements in the production of milk, disposition of the udder, speed of milking, variation in the chemical composition, lacteal performance in by-products; likewise, the advance in the nutrition to attend to the requirements of the high volumes of milk, evolution in the systems of production, technological innovations for milking, cleaning and quality insurance of the final product, use of biotechnologies for the optimization of the production and the reproduction, generation of new races and study of possible productive kindness of our genetic local resources. The aim objective of this document, it is in 80 years of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, to present a brief synopsis of the dairy production, as an honoring to the professionals and dairymen that have taken part in their development, especially the racial bovine groups Lucerne and Hartón of the Valley.