Suchergebnisse

Voluntary consumption (VolC) and ingestive behaviour (IB) of lambs fed diets containing different percentages (0.0; 7.5; 15.0 and 22.5%) of babassu mesocarp bran (I-BMB) were evaluated. The trial was at the Federal University of Tocantins, Campus de Araguaína-TO. Twenty lambs were evaluated using a completely randomized design, and five replications were performed. VolC data was obtained by measuring total volumes of both food supplied and food remaining after feeding. IB was evaluated throughout two, non-consecutive 24-h periods, with observations were recorded every five minutes that described the following behavioural variables: resting (REST), rumination (RUM), intake (INT) and chewing (CHEW). The particle size was also measured using a Penn State particle separator. All VolC parameters (dry matter intake, DMI; crude protein intake, CPI; neutral detergent fibre intake, NDFI; and acid detergent fibre intake, ADFI) increased linearly with I-BMB intake. I-BMB consumption did not interfere with water intake, nor did it affect I-BMB did not affect the duration of DMI, NDFI and ADFI. However, linear increases of rumination and chewing activities associated with DMI, NDFI and ADFI were observed as I-BMB levels increased. In summary, effects of inclusion I-BMB in diets of lambs included increased voluntary consumption, and reduced rumination and chewing, but not ingestion, efficiency. When economically favorable, these data suggest that inclusion of up to 22.5% I-BMB within balanced diets should be applied.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the main pre-slaughter factors contributing to bruising on cattle carcasses in the micro-region of Araguaína, Tocantins. The experiment was conducted from January to June using data from 414 cattle heads of different breeds, body weight and sex. Factors related to bruises in cattle were evaluated from the farms to a federally inspected slaughterhouse in Araguaína. The independent variables were road type, journey distance (paved and mixed roads), journey time (paved and mixed roads), driver's experience, prevalence of horns, sex class, falls during unloading, use of devices during unloading, truck maintenance conditions, presence of loose and/or protruding boards in the truck, condition of the truck floor, use of electric cattle prods during handling, presence of protruding nails and/or screws in the truck, arrangement of boards in the crowding pen, presence of broken boards in the cattle handling facility, angle of loading ramp, presence of protruding nails and/or screws in the cattle handling facility, and design and material of the cattle handling facility. The frequency of bruises was associated with the independent variables using contingency tables by the chi-square test (?2) to measure the association between variables. The variables road type, journey distance (mixed roads), journey time (mixed roads), animal behavior, falls during unloading, truck maintenance conditions, presence of loose and/or protruding boards in the truck, condition of the truck floor, arrangement of boards in the crowding pen, and presence of broken boards in the cattle handling facility had a significant effect on carcass bruising. Therefore, several pre-slaughter factors contribute to bruising on cattle carcasses.

Objetivou-se estimar os intervalos de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos de ovelhas lactantes nos trópicos. Foram compiladas informações de até 290 ovelhas lactantes no período de 2006 a 2017. Todos os animais eram saudáveis e não passaram por condições de desnutrição forçada. Os animais foram criados em diferentes sistemas de manejo (pasto, confinamento total, semiconfinamento, confinamento coletivo e/ou individual). O perfil bioquímico constituiu informações de colesterol, triglicerídeos, frutosamina, HDL (lipoproteína de alta densidade), VLDL (lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade), proteínas totais, ácido úrico, ureia, albumina, creatinina, cálcio, fósforo e magnésio, AST (aspartato aminotransferase), GGT (gama glutamil transferase) e fosfatase alcalina (FA). Os valores de referência foram estimados através do teste de Dixon, quando paramétrico e por boostrap quando não paramétrico, sendo o intervalo de confiança a 95% de probabilidade. Os intervalos estimados foram 36,3 - 94; 262,22 - 450,66; 7 - 43; 18,6 - 69,4; 1,4 - 8,4; 0,61 - 1,66; 5,4 - 11; 0 - 1,4; 8,4 - 61,5; 1,9 - 3,57 para colesterol, frutosanima, trigligeríceos, HDL, VLDL, creatinina, PT, ácido úrico, ureia e albumina, respectivamente. Para as enzimas e o perfil mineral foram 59 - 160; 37,9 - 127,8; 30 - 190; 8,23 - 12,45; 3,7 - 8,5; 1,7 - 3,8 para AST, GGT, FA, Ca, P, e Mg, respectivamente. Conclui-se que os parâmetros bioquímicos das ovelhas lactantes nos trópicos são discrepantes aos determinados na literatura.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of extrused roughage on nutritional and metabolic parameters in sheep. Eighteen 3-year-old sheep in metabolic cages were randomly assigned to two treatments: corn silage and extruded roughage. Dry matter intake (DMI) and water intake were calculated as the difference between offered feed and orts left. Ruminal movement was assessed through auscultation of the rumen for five minutes, glycemia and other metabolites through blood collection by jugular venipuncture, and feeding behavior by observation every 5 minutes for 24 hours. DMI per animal, both as a percentage of live weight and in relation to metabolic weight, was higher for animals fed extrused roughage. The extrused roughage treatment also resulted in reduced ruminal movement and higher dry matter digestibility (DMD), glycemia and drinking water intake. Animals fed with extrused roughage reduced the time of rumination and total chewing, thus increasing ingestion, chewing and rumination efficiency. Blood concentrations of glucose and urea were higher in animals fed extrused roughage, while cholesterol concentration was lower. We conclude that the use of extrused roughage promotes improvement in the nutritional parameters of sheep by increasing DMI and DMD, and reducing chewing and rumination times, without causing disorders in energy and protein metabolism.

<p>Crop-livestock integration is an alternative method of rehabilitating degraded pastures. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the initial responses of morphostructural characteristics of two different <em>Urochloa brizantha </em>cultivars grown in monocropping or intercropping systems over two agricultural years. <em>U. brizantha </em>cultivars Marandu and Piatã were grown as monocrops or intercropped with corn or sorghum. A randomized block experimental design with a triple factorial scheme, two additional treatments (2x2x2+2) and four replicates was used. The following factors were tested: two <em>U. brizantha </em>cultivars (Marandu or Piatã), two intercropping combinations (with corn or sorghum), and two agricultural years (2010/2011 and 2011/2012). An additional treatment included <em>U. brizantha </em>cultivars grown as monocrops. The morphogenic and structural characteristics and forage gross production rates were evaluated in the different cropping systems. Intercropping with grain crops had a negative effect on the initial productivity of <em>U. brizantha</em>, and areas with intercropping presented higher tiller density, lower rates of leaf emergence and elongation and lower forage gross production rates relative to the monocropping systems. However, intercropping is a viable alternative to conventional monocropping systems, which was indicated by the land equivalent ratio.</p>

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) concentration during the establishment period of Mombasa grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.). The experiment was conducted using four different N concentrations (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N/ha) during the establishment period in order to evaluate the effect of nitrogen on the plant. These effects were assessed using different indexes, including the efficiency of nitrogen use and agricultural, physiological and nutritional efficiencies. We also determined the total dry matter and nitrogen accumulation in the plant. The recovery of applied N and the agronomic efficiency of Mombasa grass were found to be greater with increasing N concentrations, and all indexes tested were found to be affected by the concentration of applied N. Based on the indexes studied, 90 kg N/ha was found to be most suitable for Mombasa grass during the establishment period.

The objective of our study was to compare the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, and the nitrogen balance, of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Experimental Farm Capim Branco, from 7 December 2016 to 6 January 2017. Ten lambs (Santa Inês × Dorper) aged between four and five months, and with a mean weight of 25.9 ± 2.8 kg, were used. The animals were placed in metabolic cages equipped with a feeder, drinking fountain, and salt shaker, and which had a wooden slatted floor. The treatments consisted of extruded ration with 30R:70C or 70R:30C. Treatments were distributed in a randomised, complete block design, with each treatment being performed twice and with ten replications. The experiment was carried out in two blocked stages. Differences in the means of treatments were evaluated by Tukey's test at a significance level of 5%. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, water intake by animals, and nitrogen balance were also analysed. The 30R:70C treatment resulted in a lower intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and hemicellulose, and caused higher dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. The 30R:70C treatment also resulted in a lower intake and faecal excretion of nitrogen, consequently establishing a higher ratio between retained and ingested nitrogen. In conclusion, the ration with 30R:70C results in lower intake, and better utilisation of nutrients by the animal.

The aim was to evaluate if the inclusion of exogenous amylolytic enzyme affect the nutrient intake and digestibility in ewes fed high-concentrate diets containing flint corn. Five Santa Inês × Dorper crossbred ewes (54.04 ± 4.5 kg and aged 8 months) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. All animals were housed in individual metabolic cages for 60 days. The treatments consisted of a control diet (without amylolytic enzyme) and four inclusion levels of an amylolytic enzyme (3,000, 6,000, 9,000, and 12,000 α-amylase dextrinizing units [DU] kg-1 dry matter [DM]). The enzyme was mixed into the feed at the time of supply to the animals. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, and orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used. Nutrient intake was not influenced by amylolytic enzyme inclusion. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and gross energy showed a quadratic increase with enzyme inclusion (P<0.05), with maximum values at levels of 7,600, 7,500, 6,300, 7,500, 7,400, and 7,800 DU kg-1 DM, respectively. Total digestible nutrients of diets also showed a quadratic increase, with a maximum value of 894 g kg-1 at a level of α-amylase activity of 7,786 DU kg-1 DM. The inclusion of the exogenous amylolytic enzyme from 6,300 to 7,800 DU kg-1 DM doesn't alter nutrient intake and improves the digestibility in ewes fed high-concentrate diets.

Esse estudo avaliou o efeito da inclusão da torta de cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum.) na alimentação de ovinos em confinamento. Foram avaliados o consumo (em kg dia-1, % PV e kg PV-0, 75), ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, medidas morfométricas da carcaça, características de carcaça, comportamento ingestivo e qualidade da carne. Foram utilizados vinte e cinco ovinos castrados, sem raça definida (SRD), com peso médio vivo inicial de 17,4 (±1,90) kg, mantidos em confinamento até que atingissem 35 kg de peso vivo (PV). As dietas experimentais eram compostas por 26 % de silagem de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) e 74 % de concentrado, composto de milho moído, farelo de soja, farelo de trigo, calcário calcítico e torta de cupuaçu, e consistiram na substituição do milho e do farelo de trigo pela torta de cupuaçu nos níveis 0 (controle), 7,4, 14,8, 22,2 e 29,6 % da matéria seca total. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. A substituição dos alimentos padrões pela torta de cupuaçu não influenciaram (P>0,05) nas variáveis avaliadas, indicando que a torta pode ser utilizada em dietas para ovinos em confinamento em até 30 % da matéria seca total, sem comprometer consumo, características da carcaça e qualidade da carne.

This study aimed to evaluate the morphogenic, structural, chemical characteristics, and forage yield of Massai grass, as well as the performance of sheep under three pre-grazing canopy heights. Eighteen Dorper x crossbred sheep (12 males and 6 females) were subjected to three pre-grazing canopy heights of Massai grass (45, 35, and 25 cm). Rotational grazing was adopted, with a fixed rest period of 12 days and occupation of four days. Before placing animals in the paddock, stocking rate was estimated to ensure a reduction of about 50% in the initial height. Morphogenic and chemical characteristics of forage were evaluated, as well as animal intake and performance. Pasture managed at 25 cm height induced reductions in stem and sheath sizes, and phyllochron but an increased leaf: stem ratio. However, the pasture cut at 35 cm above ground promoted an increase in total dry mass and foliar leaf productions, in addition to greater forage availability and daily accumulation. Yet, pastures with a height of 45 cm had a higher percentage of stem and senescent material, decreasing leaf intake by animals. Among the studied heights, 35 cm is the most suitable for Massai grass, when used for rearing sheep for meat production under pasture conditions in the northern Tocantins. This is because this management provided a greater availability of good quality forage and thereby increasing weight gains per area in animals.

This study evaluated the ingestive behavior of sheep when fed a corn-silage-based diet with varying levels (0%, 15%, 30%, and 60%) of Brazil nut cake (NC) (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.). Sixteen mongrel sheep with an average weight of 33 ± 6.04 kg were randomly distributed between four treatments. Data were tested for assumptions of normality, subjected to an analysis of variance, and adjusted in regression equations and by Williams' test, to estimate the W point. The voluntary intake of dry matter (DM) and insoluble neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased linearly (P = 0.013 and P = 0.002) by 5.0 g and 2.41 g d-1, respectively, for every 1% of NC added to the diet. The time the animals spent feeding (288.75 min d-1) was not significantly affected; time spent idle increased linearly (P= 0.0002) by 3.10 min, and time spent during rumination decreased linearly by 2.62 min (P = 0.001) for each 1% addition of the co-product. The number of ruminated boluses (NRB) displayed a decreasing effect (P = 0.004) of 4.61 d-1 for each 1% of NC. For ruminating chews, the time spent per bolus (37.5 sec) and the number per bolus (56.14) did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between treatments. However, the total chewing time (TCT) decreased linearly (P = 0.002) by 0.05 h d-1 and the number of chews per day displayed a quadratic effect (P = 0.008), with a maximum value estimated at 17.5% of NC in the diet. Rumination efficiency did not differ between the treatments (101.95 g DM h-1 and 36.76 g NDF h-1). The feeding efficiency (FE) had a linear reduction (P = 0.045) of 0.42 g NDF h-1, but was similar for g DM h-1 (172.5). The daily intake of DM and NDF showed W points estimated at 51.96% and 30.67% NC, respectively. The variables NRB, TCT, and FE (g NDF h-1) had W points estimated at 56.64%, 56.19%, and 56.33% NC, respectively. The Brazil nut cake, when present at levels greater than 56% of the diet's DM, affects the ingestive behavior of the animals, particularly rumination-related variables, and at levels of 30.67%, it begins to affect the consumption of NDF, primarily due to the ether extract content and the diet's fiber source.

The aim of this study was to evaluate poultry performance and diet metabolisability in slow- growing naked neck chickens fed different substitution levels of soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein. The trial was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% substitution of soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein), six replicates and fifteen birds per replicate. The birds and diets of each experimental unit were weighed at one day old. At 30, 60 and 85 days old, the chickens and leftovers were weighed again to estimate the feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion (FC) and final weight (FW) from 1 to 30 days, from 1 to 60 days and from 1 to 85 days old. To evaluate diet metabolisability, a three-day total excreta collection (26 to 28 days of age) was performed. A quadratic effect was reported for diet metabolisability, in which the minimum substitution level was 17.45% and 17.69% for apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn), respectively. Based on performance, it is recommended to replace 40% soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of including purified glycerin in the diets of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age. Eighty Cobb 500® lineage broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD) to one of four treatment groups (0, 2, 4 and 6% of purified glycerin inclusion in feed) and five replicates of four birds. The birds were evaluated for performance (weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion); carcass yield; special cuts yield (thigh, drumstick and breast); muscle colour (L* = lightness, a* = redness, b* = yellowness); and crude protein, ether extract and moisture content of the breast muscle. Inclusion of purified glycerin in the diet did not affect (p > 0.05) any of the growth performance indicators, which demonstrated the technical feasibility of including up to 6% glycerin in the diet. Similarly, there was no effect on carcass yield; special-cut yields; muscle colour (L* = lightness, a* = redness, b* = yellowness); or crude protein, ether extract and moisture content of breast muscle. The inclusion of purified glycerin at up to 6% in the diet proved to be feasible in broilers treated from 22 to 42 days of age.

The inclusion effect of 0 (control), 15, 30, 45, 60, and 100% dry matter (DM) of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) cake (BNC) aiming at replacing corn silage was assessed on fermentation kinetics and effective degradability (ED) by means of in vitro gas production at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. A randomized block design was used with six treatments, three blocks, and two replications per block. France's model was fit to the data. An in vivo experiment, conducted in fistulated ovine, assessed the effects of BNC inclusion levels of 0, 15, 30, and 45% DM replacing corn silage on ruminal parameters. Ruminal fluid samples were collected postprandial at 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 h for determining the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), pH, and N–NH3. A completely randomized design with repeated measures in time was used, with four treatments and three replications. Results of acetate, propionate, butyrate, acetate to propionate ratio, pH, and NH3 were submitted to analysis of variance and regression (linear and quadratic) considering treatment, time and interaction of both. In addition, the F test with a 5% (P < 0.05) significance level was applied to the data. Fermentation kinetics pattern and ED presented a linear decreasing (P < 0.05), which means a decrease in total gas production at each coproduct inclusion level. No interaction effect between treatment and time was observed for total SCFA (P > 0.40), acetic acid (P > 0.41), propionic acid (P > 0.85), butyric acid (P > 0.62) and pH (P > 0.57). BNC replacements of 0, 15, 30 and 45% did not change (P > 0.05) total SCFA concentration, as well as acetic acid concentration in ovine. When including 45% DM of BNC, concentrations (mMol/100 mL) of propionic (P < 0.001) and butyric (P < 0.022) acids was reduced in the ruminal fluid. The highest concentrations at measurement times were observed 4 hours after feeding. The pH values presented a quadratic effect on both inclusion (P < 0.001) and time (P < 0.001). An interaction was observed between treatment and time for N–NH3 concentration (mg/ml) (P < 0.001) and acetic to propionic acids ratio (P < 0.014). Fermentation kinetics was negatively affected by Brazil nut cake inclusion to corn silage-based diet. Therefore, the use of this coproduct is recommended associated with non-structural carbohydrate sources.