Search

Tropical pastures have been little explored for haylage, due to the lack of information on nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation quality of different genotypes of forage grasses from tropical pastures in the form of haylage. Six genotypes of grasses were used to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, losses and presence of microorganisms in the in the haylage. The completely randomized design was used for all variables. Data were subjected to analysis of variance with all genotype’s means compared by the Scott Knott’s test at 5% probability. There was effect of interaction between form of material x genotype (P0.05). The concentrations of O2 in the haylage after 60 days of storage were lower for the genotypes Xaraés and Tupã. The highest levels of acetic acid were observed in genotypes Xaraés, Planaltina and Tupã. The Planaltina genotype presented the highest DM loss in the process of production and storage of the haylage, averaging 8.2 ± 0.37%. The haylage of the species B. brizantha and M. maximus presented better nutritional characteristics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate silages produced with different mixtures of melon biomass and different levels of ground corn. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (3 × 4), with four replications. The first factor consieted of three mixtures of plant (branch and leaf) and fruit (melon; scraps) on natural matter (NM) as follows: 0, 100 and 1000 g kg-1 fruit. The second factor consisted of the use of different amounts of ground corn (0, 50, 100 and 200 g kg-1). Experimental silos with capacity for 5 kg and density of 500 kg m-3 were used. After 90 days, the silos were opened and the evaluations were carried out. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were analyzed through the Tukey’s test (fermentative losses, chemical composition, aerobic stability), Scott-Knott test (microbiology and organic acids) and regression, and were compared with a significance level of p

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão da glicerina bruta (GB) oriunda da produção de biodiesel, a partir de óleos residuais de frituras, em substituição ao milho, sobre o consumo, parâmetros de fermentação e da degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca (MS) e da proteína bruta (PB). Utilizou-se quatro ovinos canulados no rúmen, recebendo dietas contendo 0, 25, 50 e 75 g GB kg-1 da MS total da dieta. O delineamento utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4×4. Para determinação da degradabilidade, amostras do concentrado foram incubadas no rúmen nos tempos 0h, 3h00, 6h00, 12h00, 18h00, 24h00, 48h00 e 72h00. Contrastes ortogonais foram testados para efeitos linear e quadrático, considerando estes significativos quando o P < 0,05 e tendência quando P < 0,10. A inclusão da GB não influenciou os consumos de MS (média = 991,5 g dia-1) e de PB (média = 114,65 g dia-1), no entanto, o consumo de extrato etéreo (EE) aumentou linearmente (P < 0,05), o qual variou de 20,8 a 36,7 g dia-1, respectivamente, para os níveis de 0 e 75 g GB kg-1 MS da dieta. Não houve efeito da interação (P > 0,05) entre o tempo de coleta e o nível de GB para o pH e o N-NH3 ruminal. Os menores valores de pH foram observados 2 h (5,83) e 4 h (5,87) após a alimentação. O N-NH3 sofreu redução quadrática (P = 0,02), com valor mínimo de 8 mg dL-1 ao nível de 41,5 g GB kg-1 MS. A fração “A” da MS do concentrado reduziu de forma quadrática (P = 0,05), com menor valor (19,7%) ao nível de 74,1 g GB kg-1 MS, a fração “B” e a degradabilidade efetiva (DE; 8%h-1) reduziram linearmente (P < 0,05) e a degradabilidade potencial (DP) tendeu a reduzir (P < 0,10) com o aumento do nível de GB. Não foi observado efeito da inclusão da GB sobre a fração “c”, o lag time e a DE (2% h-1) da MS do concentrado. Para a PB, não foi observado efeito paras as frações “A” (média = 41,5%), “B” (média = 51,0%) e “DP” (média =92,4%), por outro lado, a fração “c” e a DE aumentaram linearmente (P < 0,05), ao passo que o lag time diminuiu linearmente (P < 0,05) com o aumento do nível de GB. Conclui-se que a GB usada nesta pesquisa pode ser adicionada até 75 g kg-1 da MS total da dieta de ovinos.

The objective of this study was to obtain different dry matter contents and proportions of melon plant biomass for silage making. A completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (3 × 2) and four replications was adopted. The first factor consisted of three melon biomass mixtures based on as-fed composition of plant (branches + leaves) and harvested melon (fruits)—100% plant (0% fruit), 90% plant + 10% fruit, and 100% fruit. The second factor corresponded to the ensiled material, which was either fresh or dehydrated in the field after harvest (40% dry matter). Silages produced from dehydrated biomass after fruit harvest, containing 0% and 10% fruit, showed the highest dry matter contents: 297 g/kg and 293 g/kg, respectively. Silages produced from fresh biomass containing 0% and 10% fruit showed high concentrations of acetic acid, reaching 14.9 g/kg and 14.1 g/kg, respectively. Silages produced from dehydrated biomass containing 10% and 100% fruit showed better results in terms of the indicators associated with high-quality silage. Dehydration improves the fermentative profile and overall quality of melon silage.

This study aimed to create an equation to predict dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production and N-ureic in the milk of dairy cows managed in tropical conditions in Brazil. We used 113 observations from three experiments using lactating Jersey, Girolando, and Holstein cows. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated using the coefficients of determination (r2) and root mean square error (RMSE). There was a positive correlation between body weight and milk yield (MY) of r = 0.73. The equation considered DMI to be the most important variable to estimate the MY (r2 = 0.65). Four equations were adjusted to estimate the DMI, where, by a stepwise procedure, the first variable included in the equation was the neutral detergent fibre intake, which explained 92% of the DMI of the cows. However, when the variables BW, MY, and milk fat were included in the equation, there was a reduction of 0.06 in RMSE and an increase in precision (r2 = 0.94). The nutrient intake, milk production, and characteristics prediction equations present satisfactory precision and accuracy for dairy cows managed in tropical conditions in Brazil.

Forage sorghum is a crop that can be planted in semiarid regions, due to its greater adaptability to dry climate environments, and can replace maize in these regions, which are often unsuitable for its production. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the structural, morphological and nutritional characteristics of 23 sorghum hybrids forage cultivated in rainfed conditions, planted in different climate conditions, comparing the hybrids, in order to determine what produces the best in the climatic conditions of the explored region, and also to indicate whether this crop can be planted as a replacement for maize in environments not suitable for planting it. The research was conducted in climate BSh in the Municipality of Alvorada do Gurgueia, and climate Aw in the Municipality of Bom Jesus, both in the state of Piauí from 2014 to 2015. Each trial consisted of 20 experimental forage sorghum hybrids [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and three commercial hybrids. A randomized block design was used, with three replications in a factorial scheme (2 × 23). The growth characteristics determined were hybrid × climate interaction for the variables plant height, lodging and leaf/stem ratio. For the variable number of tillers, there was a significant difference only between hybrids. There was no difference between hybrids only for the lodging variable of climate Aw. The other variables showed a difference in all hybrids evaluated. There was an interaction for production of dead matter and total dry forage mass between the different environments and hybrids evaluated. For leaf production, there was an effect only for the different environments. For the chemical characteristics, there was an interaction for all variables analyzed between the different environments and hybrids evaluated. The semi-arid region of the State of Piauí, climate BSh which presents a high climatic risk for maize cultivation, proved to be favorable for forage sorghum production. The forage sorghum also presented agronomic characteristics similar to those found in semi humid climate Aw, a favorable region for maize cultivation. In addition, the tested hybrids showed good chemical characteristics, so the BSh climate has great exploratory potential for the cultivation of forage sorghum.

The objective of this study was to identify the hybrids of sorghum most suitable for the production of silage in the semiarid regions of northeastern Brazil. Twenty-three hybrids were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replicates. The dry mass yield; dry mass of leaf, stem, panicle, grains, and senescent matter; and chemical composition of the plant were evaluated. The pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3), and chemical composition of the silage were also assessed. The hybrids 947252, FEPAGRO 18, 12F042226, and SF 11 performed best in terms of morphological characteristics, with the highest mass of leaves and grains. The hybrid FEPAGRO 19 had the highest dry matter value (443.3 ± 17.0 g kg-1), whereas the hybrid 12F042496 had the lowest value (271.3 ± 17.0 g kg-1). The dry matter (DM) content of the other hybrids was within the recommended values for silage production (280 to 400 g kg-1). High levels of crude protein were observed in the grouped hybrids 12F042496, 947254, and 12F042422. The hybrid 12F042496 had the highest neutral detergent fiber content. The hybrids 9929036, 9929030, 9929012, 947254, 947072, PROG 134 IPA, 12F042226, 12F042422, and BRS 506 had pH values ranging between 3.8 and 4.2, indicating good quality silage. Overall, the sorghum hybrids 9929030, 12F042224, 12F042150, FEPAGRO19, and FEPAGRO11 had the best growth and production characteristics, and plant and silage chemical composition, and are thus recommended for the production of silage in the semiarid of northeastern Brazil.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation containing crude glycerin (CG) before and during the breeding season on the physiological and blood biochemical variables as well as on the reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes. A total of 24 ewes (12 pluriparous and 12 nulliparous ewes, 4 and 1.5 years old, weighing an average of 40 ± 5 and 27 ± 3 kg, respectively) were randomly assigned to three treatments consisting of different dietary concentrations of CG (0%, 5%, and 10 % of the total dry matter). The experiment lasted 63 days and was divided into three 21-day phases. In the first and second phases, the animals were subjected to flushing. In the second and third phases, we evaluated the animals’ reproductive performance. Weather, physiological, and blood biochemical variables were also studied. The results indicated that the inclusion of CG did not influence significantly (P > 0.05) either the ewes’ body weight or their body condition score. All ewes exhibited estrus during the breeding season. Their respiratory rate was significantly influenced by the time of day (P < 0.0001). A 10% CG supplementation did not drastically change the hematological and biochemical variables, which were within the reference ranges. However, the week of supplementation influenced serum metabolites (P < 0.05). Thus, these results indicate that CG could be used in up to 10% in replacement of ground corn without significantly affecting the physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters of the ewes or their reproductive performance before and during the breeding season.

Este trabalho objetiva a caracterização de seis cultivares de gramíneas forrageiras para a produção de feno. Na determinação dos componentes morfológicos e morfométricos dos seis cultivares de gramíneas forrageiras foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado, e para curva de desidratação da matéria seca e da perda de proteína bruta utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 6 x 5, onde os fatores corresponderam aos seis cultivares e cinco tempos de desidratação (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 horas), ambos utilizaram três repetições. Para análise dos dados das características morfogênicas, morfométricas e composição química dos cultivares foi utilizado o teste de Scott Knott e para análise no tempo de desidratação foi utilizado análise de regressão linear, todos a 5% de probabilidade. Houve efeito significativo (P < 0,05) para as análises morfométricas e morfológicas, exceto para as variáveis espessura de colmo (EC) (P=0,1) e relação matéria verde/matéria morta (P=0,27). Para relação lâmina foliar/colmo o capim-massai apresentou maior valor de lâmina foliar em relação ao colmo de 1,23±0,60. É possível observar resposta linear crescente (p < 0,05) para curva de desidratação dos 6 cultivares estudados neste experimento. O capim-massai atingiu ponto de feno (80% matéria seca) após 3 horas e 11 minutos de exposição ao sol, e taxa de desidratação com aumento de 10,34% de matéria seca por hora. Em relação ao teor de proteína bruta (PB) na desidratação, os capins paredão e marandú apresentam efeito linear decrescente para os períodos de coleta, onde o material in natura apresentaram 22,07 e 21,38±0,55% e após 4 horas de exposição ao sol apresentaram 20,13 e 18,11±0,55% respectivamente. O capim-massai foi o mais eficiente para desidratação, atingindo o ponto de feno em 3 horas e 6 minutos, com teor de PB de 18,63%.

A produção do sorgo se destaca na alimentação animal por permitir a sua utilização para conservação verde como silagem. Objetivou-se determinar a caracterização agronômica e composição química entre híbridos de sorgo em condições de sequeiro visando a produção de silagem. Foram utilizados 25 híbridos de sorgo em delineamento em blocos casualizados com três repetições. Avaliou-se número de perfilhos, altura planta, porcentagens de folha, colmo, panícula, grão e material morto, relações de folha:colmo e material vivo:material morto, produtividade total de massa verde e seca e produtividade de folha, colmo, panícula, grãos e material morto em t ha-1 MS e composição química. Os dados foram analisados pelo procedimento Scott-Knott ao nível 5% de significância. Maiores alturas observadas foram de 214,53, 229,00 e 240,07 cm para os híbridos SF15, SF25 e PROG134IPA, respectivamente. Houve efeito na caracterização morfológica (P < 0,001) em que as melhores médias foram observadas nos 9929030 e 9929026. Maior produtividade total de massa verde foi constatada em SF15, SF11, 12F042150 com 93,95, 82,61 e 79,27 t ha-1, respectivamente. Já para teor de matéria seca adequado para ensilagem, foi obtido nos 9929030, 12F042224, 12F042150, FEPAGRO18, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11, SF15, SF25, 1141572, 1141570 e BRS Ponta Negra. Com relação à proteína bruta, destacaram-se 9929030, FEPAGRO18, FEPAGRO11, 9929026, 947072, 947252, 12F042226 e BRS Ponta Negra com teores entre 6,55 a 8,64%. Os híbridos 9929030, 12F042224, 12F042150, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11, 1141572 e 1141570 apresentam potencial para produção de silagem.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential hay production from Spiny Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus), Hairy Woodrose (Merremia aegyptia), Malva (Sida galheirensis), Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) and Ervanço (Froelichia humboldtiana), native forage species of the semiarid region of Brazil by observing morphological components of the plant, such as the dehydration curve, crude protein loss (CPL) curve, chemical composition of plant and hay and hay degradability in situ. There were differences (P < 0.05) among species on leaf, stem and inflorescence quantification with Ervanço, Hairy Woodrose, and Mucuna having a greater number of leaves. There was a linearly increasing response for the dehydration curve of the five forage plants species. Mucuna forage had the greatest hay point at 800 g kg-1 dried matter (DM) after 11.8 hours and Woodrose had a lower dehydration efficiency, which required 25 hours of sun exposure. There was no difference in CPL. Mucuna had the lowest crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, 8.4, 67.7 and 73.8 g kg DM-1 in hay in relation to the plant, respectively. Ervanço, Spiny Amaranth, Hairy Woodrose and Malva hay had more of soluble fraction “a” of DM of 31.0, 26.2, 22.1 and 9.7 g kg-1 DM than Mucuna, respectively. Spiny Amaranth and Malva hay had values of 335.4 and 193.2 g kg-1 DM of fraction “b” more than Ervanço hay, respectively. For fraction “a’’ of CP, Spiny Amaranth and Hairy Woodrose hay obtained 312.6 and 227.4 g kg-1 CP more than that observed for Malva, respectively. Mucuna had better hay potential among the forage studied in the semiarid region of Brazil.

The objective was to determine chemical composition and in situ degradability for silages of dual-purpose sorghum hybrids. Twenty-five hybrids of double-purpose sorghum were investigated in a randomized block design with three replicates. Ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, chemical composition of the silage and in situ degradability were determined. Silage of the hybrids 9929012, 947216, 947030, 947254, 947072, 947252, 12F042066, 1141570 and 1141562 presented greater dry matter content, ranging from 402.9 to 470.7 g kg-1. The greatest crude protein content was presented by silages from the hybrids 9929036, 9929030, 12F042224, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11, 9929026, 947030, 947072, 947252, 12F042226 and BRS Ponta Negra. The silage of hybrid 1141562 exhibited the lowest neutral detergent fiber content (588 g kg-1). The highest values of dry matter and crude protein degradability were observed in the silages of the hybrids 9929030, 947252, 947072, 12F042066 and 12F042226. The use of ensilage of the 9929030 and 12F042226 hybrids is recommended because these silages present a better chemical composition of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber and better dry matter and crude protein degradability.