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ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the effects of the addition of oregano (Origanum vulgare) or green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) extracts (separately and associated) on feed intake, milk production, and hematological and antioxidant profiles of dairy cows. For that purpose, 16 Holstein and 16 Holstein-Gyr cows with 526.3±10.2 kg and within the first third of lactation were distributed according to a complete block design with measurements repeated in time. Treatments were control (CON), addition of 0.056% of oregano extract (OR), addition of 0.028% of green tea extract (GT), addition of a mixture of OR and GT extract (0.056% each) in the diet (MIX). Hematological and antioxidant profiles were monitored. Data were subjected to ANOVA, with block, treatment, days, and their interactions considered as fixed effects and animal and the residue as random effects. In Holstein cows, GT increased feed intake and milk yield compared with CON; in Holstein-Gyr crossbred cows, OR showed increased intake and GT increased milk yield compared with CON. Compared with CON, GT and OR decreased eosinophils concentration; OR showed the highest neutrophils concentration and neutrophils to leukocyte ratio. Compared with CON, OR presented increased catalase (CAT) activity, while GT increased the reduced glutathione concentration. The MIX treatment reduced CAT activity compared with OR, presented the lowest concentration of oxidized dichlorofluorescein in the erythrocytes (DCFER) and plasma (DCFPLA), and increased eosinophils concentration compared with GT and OR. Extracts differently affected feed intake and milk yield depending on genetic group. Feeding green tea and oregano extracts separately or associated distinctly affects the antioxidant indicators of lactating dairy cows.

This study evaluated a phytogenic feed additive for broiler chickens. A total of 1,632 broiler chicks were distributed into four treatments: negative control (without growth promoter); positive control (avilamycine, 10ppm + colistin, 15ppm); and two alternative treatments with 150ppm of phytogenic additive, one with a reduced Ca and P levels diet (PA-R1) and the other with lower energy, and amino acids, besides Ca and P (PA-R2). The trial was conducted with 12 replicates, each consisted of a pen with 34 birds. The alternative diets showed body weight intermediate to the two controls at 42 days, with no significant (P>0.05) treatment effect on feed conversion ratio. No treatment differences (P>0.05) on carcass yield and composition was observed. There was a tendency of abdominal fat lipids saturation, when the phytogenic additive was used, as possible consequence of a decreased level of soybean oil in the diets. A difference (PO objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a utilização de um aditivo fitogênico na dieta de frangos de corte. Um total de 1632 aves foram distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: controle negativo (sem antibiótico promotor de crescimento; controle positivo (com avilamicina, 100ppm + colistina, 15ppm), e dois tratamentos alternativos com 150ppm do aditivo fitogênico, um com níveis de Ca e P reduzidos (PA-R1) e outro também com menores níveis de energia e aminoácidos (PA-R2). O experimento foi conduzido com 12 repetições, cada uma delas com 34 aves. As aves submetidas às dietas alternativas apresentaram peso corporal médio, intermediário aos tratamentos de controle, aos 42 dias de idade, não se observando efeito significativo (P>0,05) na conversão alimentar. Nenhuma diferença (P>0,05) foi observada no rendimento e na composição centesimal da carcaça. Com adição do aditivo fitogênico, verificou-se aumento da saturação dos lipídios da gordura abdominal, possivelmente, devido à menor inclusão de óleo de soja em tais dietas. Houve diferença significativa (P

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar os parâmetros microbiológicos e físico-químicos do grão de soja (Glycine max L.) desativado, tratado com três diferentes dosagens (2, 4 e 6L t-1) de uma mistura de ácidos orgânicos e seus sais (AOS), com a função de aditivo antifúngico. O ensaio teve uma duração de 90 dias, em que foram feitas a contagem de bolores e leveduras (UFC g-1), e a identificação dos gêneros fúngicos, da umidade (U), da atividade de água (AA), do índice de peróxido (IP) e do índice de acidez (IA). As análises foram realizadas em triplicata, em intervalos de 15 dias entre cada análise, até o 60o dia de avaliação e depois no 90o dia do experimento. Verificou-se aumento na UFC g-1 nas doses de 2 e 4L t-1, bem como mudança nos gêneros fúngicos encontradas nestes tratamentos a cada avaliação, diferentemente da baixa UFC g-1 e da identificação de gêneros na dose de 6L t-1. Os valores de U e AA mantiveram-se acima dos padrões recomendados de 14% e 0,70, respectivamente em todos os tratamentos e avaliações. O IP aumentou significativamente a partir do 45o dia de avaliação no controle e a partir do 60o dia nos demais tratamentos. O IA não variou significativamente durante o período de avaliação. Conclui-se que a dosagem de 6L t-1 foi eficiente na proteção antifúngica desta matéria-prima.This research had the objective to evaluate microbiological and physical-chemical parameters of deactivated soybean grain (Glycine max L.) treated with three different dosages (2, 4 and 6L t-1) of organic acids and their salts mixture (AOS), as an antifungical additive. The assay had a duration of 90 days, where executed fungi count (UFC g-1), fungi specie identification, humidity (U), activity of water (AA), peroxide value (IP) and acidity value (IA). The analyses were carried out in triplicate, in intervals of 15 days among analysis, until 60th day of evaluation and, at the 90th day of evaluation. There were increases in the UFC g-1 in dosages of 2 and 4L t-1, as well a change in fungi species found in these treatment at each evaluation, distinguished of low UFC g-1 and fungi species in dosage of 6L t-1. The values of U and AA were above of recommended patterns of 14% and 0.70, respectively for all treatments and evaluations. The IP increased significative from 45th day of evaluation in control and from 60th day in other treatments. The IA had no significative variation during the period of evaluation. The dosage of 6L t-1 was efficient in the antifungical protection of this raw material.

This experiment aimed to describe the effects of Oregano extract (OE) inclusion into the concentrate fed to dairy heifers on physiological parameters, feeding behavior, intake, and performance. Thirty-two Holstein heifers were randomly distributed into four treatments: C = control, without addition of OE; OE2.5 = 2.5 g; OE5.0 = 5.0 g and OE7.5 = 7.5 g of Oregano extract per heifer/day. Feeding behavior and concentrate intake were assessed individually every day and total dry matter intake (DMI) was determined on the last week of the trial. Compared to control group, OE7.5 reduced by 32% the latency time to approach the feed bunk but increased by 6% the time spent eating the concentrate. Each inclusion of 2.5 grams of OE into the concentrate increased the occurrence of postingestive licking the feed bunk with abundant saliva production 1.2 times (P

While young ruminants prefer milk aroma and researches about this theme are being developed, the use of citric aroma, very appetized for older ruminants, are low utilized to young animals. This work aims to compare the influence of milk and citric flavor agents on the diets of nursing dairy calves. In this trial, 12 animals of Holstein breed were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments (concentrate without flavor agent, concentrate with milk flavor or citrus flavor, and concentrate with milk plus citrus flavor agent) and three repetitions. The parameters evaluated were: concentrate dry matter intake (CDMI), hay dry matter (HDMI), milk dry matter intake (MDMI) and total dry matter intake (TDMI), average weight gain (ADWG), feed conversion (FC), initial (IBW) and final body weight (FBW), initial thoracic perimeter (ITP) and final thoracic perimeter (FTP), initial abdominal perimeter (IAP) and final abdominal perimeter (FAP), initial withers height (IWH) and final withers height (FWH) and animal behavior. The CDMI, HDMI and TDMI, as well as IBW, FBW, ITP, FTP, IAP, FAP, IWH and FWH did not show differences (P>0.05). The averages daily gain and feed conversion showed no differences, with means of 0.55 kg/animal and 2.09, respectively. The diets did not affect animal behavior parameters (P>0.05).Enquanto ruminantes jovens preferem aroma de leite e pesquisas sobre este tema são desenvolvidas, o uso de aroma cítrico, muito apreciado por ruminantes adultos, é pouco utilizado para animais jovens. Portanto, com este trabalho visou-se comparar a influência de aromas lácteo e cítrico nas dietas de bezerros na fase de aleitamento. Neste experimento foram utilizados 12 animais da raça Holandesa, distribuídos em um delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quarto tratamentos (concentrado sem palatabilizante e concentrado com palatabilizante lácteo, cítrico e lácteo mais cítrico) e três repetições. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca do concentrado (CMSC), do feno (CMSF), do leite (CMSL) e do total (CMST), ganho médio diário (GMD), conversão alimentar (CA), peso inicial (PI) e final (PF), perímetro torácico inicial (PTI) e final (PTF), perímetro abdominal inicial (PAI) e final (PAF), altura de cernelha inicial (ACI) e final (ACF) e o comportamento animal. O CMSC, CMSF e CMST não apresentaram diferenças da mesma forma que as mensurações de PI, PF, PTI, PTF, PAI, PAF, ACI e ACF. O ganho médio diário e a conversão alimentar não foram diferentes, obtendo-se médias de 0,55 kg/animal e 2,09, respectivamente. As dietas também não influenciaram os parâmetros de comportamento animal (P>0,05).

The dynamics of nitrogen (N) in ryegrass intercropped with different forage species with regard to dry matter (DM) accumulation within an agroecological transition system was evaluated. Annual ryegrass was intercropped with black oats (RY + BO), white clover (RY + WC) and forage peanut (RY + FP). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three replications. The study applied the N dilution model for plant tissue which comparatively uses modifiable factors of the environment at optimal levels. The model shows decline in N concentration due to the DM accumulation of temperate grass pastures. Data were compared to model by the root mean square deviation analysis. Dilution coefficient (β), used in all pasture samples, was lower than -0.60. Highest N concentration decline in plant tissues, due to DM accumulation, occurred in RY + WC pastures (β = -0.94), followed by RY + FP (β = - 0.86) and RY + BO (β = - 0.67), respectively. Ryegrass intercropped with white clover showed the highest N content in plant tissue, with a nitrogen nutrition index close to the proposed model.

Three commercial feeds for ostrich, fish and horses were evaluated during the period from September 2005 to January 2006, with respect to their microbiological and physicochemical characteristics. The samples were collected in Industry, Ideal Distributor and Problem Distributor and storage conditions was considered as treatment. To define the storage conditions of rations were evaluated ambient temperature and relative air humidity in site. Data analyzed were mold and yeast count, humidity and water activity. The experiment was entirely randomized design, with factorial arranged 3x3x5. Rations stored on the Distributor Problem showed significantly higher evels in the molds and yeasts, humidity and activity of water than those stored in Industry and Ideal Distributor. Among rations, there were differences in molds and yeast count, but no difference in moisture and water activity. In the experiment a significant interaction between treatments and rations evaluated, as well as between treatment and storage time. In conclusion, environmental conditions during storage influenced the microbiological aspects of physical, chemical and commercial foods intended for animal feed.Foram avaliadas três rações comerciais para avestruz, peixe e equinos durante o período de setembro de 2005 a janeiro de 2006, com o objetivo de analisar os aspectos microbiológicos e físico-químicos. Foram coletadas amostras da Indústria, do Distribuidor Ideal e do Distribuidor Problema, sendo os ambientes da armazenagem considerados como os tratamentos. Para definir as condições de armazenamento das rações foram consideradas a temperatura no ambiente de estocagem e a umidade relativa do ar no local. As análises foram realizadas mediante a contagem de bolores e leveduras, umidade e atividade de água. O experimento foi delineado inteiramente ao acaso, em um arranjo fatorial 3 x 3 x 5. As rações armazenadas no Distribuidor Problema apresentaram contagens de bolores e leveduras, umidade e atividade de água superiores àquelas armazenadas na Indústria e no Distribuidor Ideal. Entre as rações, houve diferença na contagem de bolores e leveduras, porém não houve diferença nos parâmetros analisados umidade e atividade de água. No experimento ocorreu interação significativa entre os tratamentos utilizados e as rações avaliadas, bem como entre os tratamentos e o tempo de armazenamento. Concluiu-se que as condições ambientais na estocagem influenciaram os aspectos microbiológicos e físico-químicos das rações comerciais destinadas à alimentação animal. leveduras, umidade e atividade de água que àquelas armazenadas na Indústria e no Distribuidor Ideal. Entre as rações, houve diferença na contagem de bolores e leveduras, porém não houve diferença nos parâmetros analisados umidade e atividade de água. No experimento ocorreu interação significativa entre os tratamentos utilizados e as rações avaliadas, bem como entre os tratamentos e o tempo de armazenamento. Os autores concluem que as condições ambientais na estocagem influenciaram os aspectos microbiológicos e físico-químicos das rações comerciais destinadas à alimentação animal.

This experiment evaluated the effects in the performance and behavior parameters of Jersey dairy heifers supplemented with herbal extracts. The experiment was conducted in Boapaba Ranch, Silveira Martins (RS), from July to September, 2004, utilizing 12 Jersey’s heifers. The animals were separated in two groups, with the same number of replications, considered a Control group (without addition of phytogenic additive) and a Treatment group (with inclusion of 500 grams of phytogenic additive per ton. of concentrate). The phytogenic additive utilized was a commercial blend of essential oils, flavonoids and mucilage. The animals received daily, divided in two feeding, 2 kg. of concentrate and, 3 kg. of alfalfa hay and 10 kg. of chopped fresh black oat and ryegrass. The performance parameters evaluated were initial weight, final weight, and daily average daily weight gain and feed conversion and behavior parameters analyzed were feeding behavior, time of intake for concentrate and roughage, rectal temperature, and cardiac frequency. There were not significantly differences (P > 0.05) between treatments for performance parameters in general analysis of data, but occurred significantly differences between treatments when analyzed the periods (P< 0.05). Significant differences could be observed in feeding behavior (P < 0.05), cardiac frequency (P < 0.05), and time of intake for concentrate (P < 0.002),. The authors leading to the conclusion that the herbal extract influence on the performance and behavior parameters of dairy heifers receiving this supplement.Este experimento avaliou os efeitos no desempenho e no comportamento de novilhas leiteiras suplementadas com extratos herbais. O experimento foi conduzido na Granja Boapaba, no município de Silveira Martins (RS), de julho a setembro de 2004, com a utilização de 12 novilhas da raça Jersey. Os animais foram separados em dois grupos, com o mesmo número de indivíduos, considerados como grupo-controle (sem adição de aditivo fitogênico) e um grupo-tratamento (com inclusão de 500 gramas de aditivo fitogênico por tonelada de concentrado). O aditivo fitogênico utilizado foi uma mistura comercial de óleos essenciais, flavonoides e mucilagens. Os animais receberam, diariamente, em duas refeições, 2kg de concentrado, 3kg de feno de alfafa, 10kg de aveia preta e azevém fresco picado. Os parâmetros de desempenho avaliados foram peso final, ganho de peso médio diário e conversão alimentar. Já os de comportamento foram referentes a alimentação, tempo de consumo do concentrado e do volumoso, temperatura retal e frequência cardíaca. Para os resultados de desempenho, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos na análise geral dos dados, porém ocorreram diferenças entre os tratamentos quando os dados foram analisados entre os períodos. Diferenças puderam ser observadas no comportamento na alimentação, frequência cardíaca e no tempo de consumo do concentrado. Os autores concluem que os extratos vegetais influenciam nos parâmetros de desempenho e comportamento de novilhas leiteiras que receberam esse suplemento.

With objective to evaluate the effects of utilization of herbal extracts on supplementation of dairy heifers was conducted an experiment utilizing 12 Jersey’s heifers, with mean age and weight at start of trial of eight months old and 112 kg, respectively. The animals were separated in two groups, with same number of replications, considered a Control group (without addition of herbal extracts) and a Treatment group (with inclusion of 500 grams of herbal extracts per ton. of ration). The herbal extracts utilized were a mixture of garlic, onion, cinnamon, clove and linseed. The animals received, daily, divided in two feeding, 2 kg. of ration and, approximately, 3 kg. of alfalfa hay and 10 kg. of chopped fresh black oat and ryegrass. The hematological parameters evaluated were red blood cell count (106 units/ L), hemoglobin and plasmatic protein (g/ dL), hematocrit (%), leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes (units/ L). There were observed significantly differences to red blood cell count and monocytes count (P < 0.10), lymphocytes count (P < 0.05) and leukocytes count (P < 0.01). It is concluded what herbal extracts act above hematological parameters of dairy heifers receiving this supplement.Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da utilização de extratos vegetais na suplementação de novilhas leiteiras, foi conduzido um experimento com 12 novilhas Jersey, com idade e peso médio de 8 meses e 112kg, respectivamente. Os animais foram separados em dois grupos, com o mesmo número de repetições, um chamado grupo-controle (sem a adição de extratos vegetais) e um grupo-tratamento (com a inclusão de 500 gramas de extratos vegetais por tonelada de ração). Os extratos vegetais utilizados foram uma mistura comercial de alho, cebola, canela, cravo e linhaça. Os animais receberam, diariamente, divididos em duas refeições, 2kg de ração, 3kg de feno de alfafa e 10kg de aveia e azevém fresco. Os parâmetros hematológicos avaliados foram hemácias (106 unidades/L), hemoglobina e proteína plasmática (g/dL), hematócrito (%), leucócitos, linfócitos, neutrófilos e monócitos (unidades/L). Foram observadas diferenças significantes na contagem de hemácias e monócitos, contagem de linfócitos e de leucócitos. Os autores concluíram que os extratos vegetais atuam nos parâmetros hematológicos de novilhas leiteiras recebendo esse suplemento.