Frame e características corporais em vacas da raça holandesa na região do pampa gaúcho

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the frame of dairy cattle raised in the Pampa’s region, checking the height of the rump of the animal (cm) and frame as well as weight and type traits. Evaluations were performed in cows of two properties located in the region. To develop this work were used only in the reproductive phase cows and the characteristics were height, body condition, weight, Entering Fore Udder Depth, Average ligament, udder height, rump angle, rump width, Strength Rib spacing and hamstrings. All data were collected individually and expressed in frequency. Descriptive analysis was calculated using the Statistical Package R. The mean height was 1,36±0,04 m in the farm 1 and 1,31±0,02 m in the farm 2. The body condition covered 3,5 and 4,0 score. The anterior udder ligament showed strong score in the farm 1 and intermediate in the farm 2. The posterior udder height showed averages less than 25 cm in both farms. The udder depth ranged between the intermediate and shallow, the median ligament showed high rates for strong score and the hip angle ranged intermediate and high scores. The ischium distance average 21,26 ±1,03 cm in the farm 1 and 19,77±2,04 cm in the farm 2. The force back showed high índices of intermediate scores. The animals mean weight was 581,25±50,56 kg and 464,11±46,09 kg in the farm 1 and 2, respectively. The knowledge scores of frame and body characteristics becomes important in a production system for decision making regarding the nutritional management of premises and animals according to their needs, also aiming to lower costs. With this study we found uniformity in the scores of frame type and individual characteristics among animals within the properties evaluated. However, it is necessary a more comprehensive study, including a larger number of physical characteristics as well as greater number of properties studied.