Performance of pantaneiro, nellore and crossed calves reared in the Pantanal, Brazil

Abstract

In the Brazilian Pantanal, two breeds have been shown to be well adapted to the environmental conditions found there: Pantaneira (Bos taurus) and Nellore (Bos indicus). However, the Pantaneira breed has been almost entirely replaced by the Nellore, due to this latter be considered more productive by farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Pantaneiro, Nellore, Nellore x Pantaneiro and Nellore x Caracu calves, reared in the same environmental conditions in the Pantanal region. The data were collected from birth to 12 months of age , during the hydrological year of 2002/2003, considered to be extremely dry. A total of 40 cows and calves were evaluated, being 10 of each one of the genetic groups. In addition to weight, four body measurements including croup height (CH), body length (BC), thoracic perimeter (TP) and forelimb circumference (FC) were measured, using calipers and a steel tape. The statistical model included the effects of genetic group, sex, cow body condition score and date of measurement. The weight and all measures registered at birth presented significant differences (p<0.05) among genetic groups. The Nellore calves were heavier and presented larger TP and CH than the other groups. The Pantaneiro calves presented larger BC than the other evaluated genetic groups. Only the daily weight gain (DWG) and FC did not differ significantly among genetic groups. The weight measures were more influenced by dam age than skeletal measures. In general, the Nellore group had better growth performance followed by Nellore x Caracu, Nellore x Pantaneiro and purebred Pantaneiro. Even though DWG did not present significant differences among groups, where there was a tendency for the Nelore x Caracu show better responses followed by Nellore x Pantaneiro, Pantaneiro and Nellore. Additional studies are necessary to verify the precocity and meat quality of the different genetic groups, especially the Pantaneira bree