Effect of shadow availability at pasture on reproductive traits of Nelore bulls (Bos indicus) raised in southeastern Brazil

Authors

  • Octavio Fabián Bao Tarragó University of São Paulo (USP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Semen Biotechnology and Andrology Laboratory, Pirassununga, SP
  • Mariana de Paula Rodrigues University of São Paulo (USP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Semen Biotechnology and Andrology Laboratory, Pirassununga, SP
  • Fabiane Gilli Zaffalon University of São Paulo (USP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Semen Biotechnology and Andrology Laboratory, Pirassununga, SP
  • André Furugen Cesar de Andrade University of São Paulo (USP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Semen Biotechnology and Andrology Laboratory, Pirassununga, SP
  • Paulo Fantinato Neto University of São Paulo (USP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Semen Biotechnology and Andrology Laboratory, Pirassununga, SP
  • Maria Augusta Alonso University of São Paulo (USP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Semen Biotechnology and Andrology Laboratory, Pirassununga, SP
  • Rubens Paes de Arruda University of São Paulo (USP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, Semen Biotechnology and Andrology Laboratory, Pirassununga, SP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.v50i6p482-487

Keywords:

Semen, Artificial shade, Nellore, Bull

Abstract

Solar radiation is responsible for bull body temperature elevation. An alternative to minimize heat stress is to use artificial shade. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermal stress reduction, through shade availability, on reproductive characteristics of Nellore bulls (Bos indicus). For this, ten bulls were divided in: Available artificial shade (AS, n = 5) and Unavailable shade (US, n = 5). Each group was kept in two hectare paddocks, in which shade availability for group AS was artificially created. Animals were submitted to a clinical-reproductive evaluation and seminal analyses. No interaction was observed between treatments (AS and US) and time (8 collections) for all analyzed variables (P>0.05). No significant effect (P > 0.05) of treatment was observed for all parameters analyzed. So, it can be concluded that the absence of shaded areas during summer does not negatively affect reproductive characteristics such as: scrotal circumference, testicular consistency, progressive motility, percentage of rapidly moving cells (Computer Assisted Semen Analysis - CASA), morphology or sperm viability in Nellore bulls raised in southeastern Brazil, considering that results could be different in other regions of the country where average temperature is higher.

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Published

2013-12-09

Issue

Section

ARTICLES

How to Cite

Effect of shadow availability at pasture on reproductive traits of Nelore bulls (Bos indicus) raised in southeastern Brazil. (2013). Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, 50(6), 482-487. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.v50i6p482-487