The silvopastoral's system influence on heifers' puberty

Abstract

As a result of current concern with the depletion of natural resources, combined with a larger quest for better reproductive rates, the Brazilian cattle industry has been taking measures giving priority to sexual precocity of his flock. In Brazil, a tropical country, which has a production system basically livestock grazing, heat stress factor is becoming a limiting factor in the sustainability of cattle breeding. High temperatures can negatively influence the main reproductive characteristic indicator of sexual precocity in cattle is age puberty. This negative effect of heat (stress) implies physiological adjustments in the animal in search of maintaining homeothermy, among them are alterations in blood flow, behavior, food intake and hormonal factors influencing the onset of puberty. Livestock keepers, high precocity increase production anticipates the recovery of investments, increase the productive life of animals allowing for greater profitability. In search of sustainability and competitiveness of dairy farming, the research has been pointing the silvopastoral systems involving the cultivation of woody perennials, grasses and animals as a good option. This is explained by the formation of a thermally comfortable microclimate, mitigating the harmful effects of heat stress on reproduction, besides improving the soil and pasture.