15:39 Nov 15, 2010 

Hi Tobias, the context is as in the question. The translation is: "Ruggedness tests were conducted to define the experimental procedure." Now I know the term to search for, I see that this is widely used in this context. I think you are correct that the usual Portuguese expression is "Teste de robustez", not the expression used in the source.

10:28 Nov 15, 2010 

Why not just provide a some lexical context?

10:09 Nov 15, 2010 

Many thanks for the suggestions. I have been advised the correct translation in the context of experimental design is ruggedness test. An example from, 'Ruggedness testing in analytical chemistry': "As a ruggedness test examines a number of variables simultaneously and hence a large experimental response surface, the design has to be carefully chosen." See: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V...

22:19 Nov 10, 2010 

Question is about produce, but hey - I like beef too.
"Simmental cattle are healthy, hardy and show an excellent adaptability to the different geographical and climatic conditions. Easy calving, high fertility and a long productive lifes are, besides the high performance potential for milk and beef, the basis for efficient production."
http://www.mala-daki.com/originofthebreed.htm

22:06 Nov 10, 2010 

Rusticidade:
Animais rústicos são aqueles que ficam saudáveis e produtivos em manejo sob várias condições climáticas, com pouca assistência do homem. Em vários países, o Beefmaster tem sido testado e aprovado em ambientes os mais severos. No Brasil, tolera bem os ectoparasitas como carrapato e mosca-do-chifre.

http://www.agrov.com/animais/bovinos/beefmaster.htm
=========

bom trabalho!
beatriz souza (q prefere esses animais rústicos abatidos, preparados e servidos)

18:51 Nov 10, 2010 

You're right! Its brilliant! Bad call on my part, I didn't read it all but should have heard warning bells when it read "The Zebu cattle of Indian origin, is noted for its rusticity" but didn't want to step on anyone's toes, translators can be so touchy :-O

17:21 Nov 10, 2010 

'rusticidade' seems to be rendered as 'rusticity' with a certain frequency on European and Brazilian sites, but a closer look at
http://www.abiec.com.br/eng/3_rebanho.asp
reveals such gems as
"In the CIF, all the logistic one, disembarrassments and etc., are the incubency of the supplier that only must supply the withdrawal guide the similar customer of whom this can remove the order next to courrier in question."
Who needs Benny Hill when you can look at this stuff all day?

17:02 Nov 10, 2010 

as i read it, it is something to do with ability to cope with "non domestic" environment so probably hardiness is closest in common parlance.

16:21 Nov 10, 2010 

rusticity
n. quality of being rustic, ruralness; rural character, simplicity, unsophisticated character.

15:55 Nov 10, 2010 

the quality of being rustic (not a trait you would breed for in agriculture or animal husbandry).

15:43 Nov 10, 2010 

15:41 Nov 10, 2010 

The Zebu cattle of Indian origin, is noted for its rusticity