Abstract

MARTINS, Carlos Eduardo Nogueira; QUADROS, Sérgio Augusto Ferreira de; TRINDADE, José Pedro Pereira  and  QUADROS, Fernando Luiz Ferreira de. Use of optimization algorithm for determining of animal functional types. Cienc. Rural [online]. 2012, vol.42, n.8, pp. 1464-1470.  Epub July 10, 2012. ISSN 0103-8478.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782012005000054.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of optimization algorithm to determine functional types of animals Braford for different environmental conditions. We used specific optimization algorithms through the computer program SYNCSA in order to determine optimal subsets of attributes that define different functional types in view the efficiency of grazing by animals. These algorithms are based on the definition of incidence matrices that relate the variables of interest. In this study the matrix B defined the relationship animals x body measurements; the matrix W the relationship accumulated productivity x blood degree; and the matrix E the relationship blood degree x environments (with and without food restriction). These results showed the existence of three functional types: animals with larger body structure, intermediate structure and animals with less structure, except the trait width of the chest. The higher body structure animals had more 30 and 47.7kg of weaned calves, in the environment without food restriction, than animals of medium and small body frame, respectively. In the environment with dietary restriction, animals with intermediate body structure productive performed 18.5 and 36.8% better than higher and lower body structure types, respectively. These results demonstrate that the algorithm designed for determination of functional types be used in search of better animal biotype for different production systems.

Keywords : ambience; animal-environment interaction; biotype; feed level.