Importance of reproductive traits on the moment of semen acquisition for dairy cattle by public agencies in Western Santa Catarina State - Brazil

摘要

The announcements to buy dairy cattle semen by public agencies of Western Santa Catarina State in Brazil do not consider reproductive traits.Introduction The dairy production has been occupying a great and significant space in the Brazilian economy, increase in the national production, prominently in Santa Catarina state. In some cities of Santa Catarina State programs funded by the government are the most effective way found by them to improve the genetics of the herds. These programs consists in aquisition of the semen by the government and provide that to the farmers without costs or lower costs. Considering the importance of dairy activity to the regional economy and the impact of animal breeding programs proposed by public agencies through Artificial Insemination (AI), the criteria used for purchase the semen must be monitored. Although the reproductive traits in dairy cattle suffer great environmental influence and consequently low heritability, it is highly important to choose appropriate breeding schemes to improve this traits. The reproductive performance of a herd is one of the most important components in the economic performance of a dairy farm (Leite et al., 2001). The aim of the present study was to verify the importance of reproductive traits in the criteria adopted in the purchase of dairy cattle semen in Western of Santa Catarina State - Brazil.