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In ruminants, diet composition has a positive correlation with heat production, which can influence thermoregulation, energy expenditure and, consequently, animal performance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions and supplementation based on palm kernel cake, on the thermoregulation of crossbred buffaloes in the eastern Amazon. The research was carried out at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (01°26′ S and 48°24′ W), Belém, Pará, and lasted 12 months (representing the entire year). Twenty-four buffaloes, females, with initial age and an average weight of 54 ± 7 months and 503.1 ± 23 kg, respectively, non-pregnant, non-lactating and clinically healthy were used, divided into four treatments based on the supplementation content of the palm cake (%DM) in relation to their body weight (%): 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0. The animals were kept in paddocks with Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu), in a rotating system, with water to drink and mineral salt ad libitum. Equipment was installed to record environmental data (temperature and relative humidity, dew point temperature, wet bulb and black globe) and physiological data: rectal temperature (RT); respiratory rate (RR); and body surface temperature (BST), recorded twice a day, always in the morning (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) and afternoon (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.) shifts, and were used to calculate the Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI). Supplementation did not influence the physiological variables of thermoregulation (p > 0.05). However, there were differences in the GTHI between the shifts, with higher means in the afternoon shift, especially in the less rainy period of the year, where the GTHI reached 92.06 ± 2.74 (p < 0.05). In all periods of the year, the mean values of RT, RR and BST were higher in the afternoon shift (p > 0.05). The respiratory rate (RR) is associated with the annual seasonality of the thermal waters, with higher averages in the afternoons of the rainy season. The positive correlation for rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body surface temperature indicated that buffaloes respond to thermal elevations in the atmosphere (afternoon period) and, consequently, reflect on the GTHI. Supplementation does not influence thermoregulation; the changes observed occurred in response to the region’s thermal and rainfall conditions (mainly in the afternoon shift), with higher GTHI values.

The use of palm kernel cake as an alternative to conventional ingredients, due to the presence of residual fat, can also reduce methane emissions. The objective of the study was to evaluate, in two different experiments, the effects of palm kernel cake supplementation on feed intake, enteric methane production and estimates, and the ingestive behavior of buffaloes in the Amazon biome. In experiment 1, to evaluate feed intake, methane production, and feed efficiency, 20 crossbred females, dry and empty, with a mean age of 34 months and an initial body weight of 514 ± 69 kg, were supplemented with palm kernel cake for 60 days. The supply was calculated in relation to body weight (BW) in four treatments: 0% (control); 0.25, 0.50, and 1% of palm kernel cake, distributed in a completely randomized design. In experiment 2, to evaluate the ingestive behavior, 24 mixed-breed, dry, and non-pregnant buffaloes supplemented with palm kernel cake were evaluated in the less rainy season (LR) and the wettest season (WS) of the eastern Amazon, distributed in a completely randomized in the same treatments as experiment 1. The inclusion of palm kernel cake in the supplementation increased the feed intake of dry matter and components (MM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and EE) (P < 0.01), reducing the production of enteric methane intake (P < 0.01), the ratio per kg of meat produced (P < 0.01) and feed efficiency (P < 0.01), and influenced the ingestive behavior (time grazing, rumination, and idleness) during the day. We suggest that further research be carried out to verify the results and improve the use of this co-product as a methanogenesis mitigator.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of palm kernel cake (PKC) supplementation on voluntary feed intake, in situ rumen degradability and performance in the wettest (WS—January to June) and less rainy seasons (LR—July to December) in the eastern Amazon. A total of 52 crossbred buffaloes that were neither lactating nor gestating were used, with 24 for the LR, aged 34 ± 04 months and an initial average weight of 503 ± 48 kg, and 24 for the WS aged 40 ± 04 months with an average weight of 605 ± 56 kg. The four treatments (levels of PKC in relation to body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with 0% (PKC0), 0.25% (PKC0.2), 0.5% (PKC0.5) and 1% (PKC1) with six repetitions. The animals were housed in Marandu grass paddocks, intermittently, with access to water and mineral mixture ad libitum. Degradability was evaluated by the in situ bag technique in four other crossbred buffaloes with rumen cannulae, in a 4 × 4 Latin square (four periods and four treatments). The inclusion of PKC increased supplement consumption and production of ether extracts and reduced the intake of forage and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The dry matter degradability of Marandu grass was not affected; however, the fermentation kinetics in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) differed between the treatments. The co-product dry matter colonization time was greater in PKC1 and the highest effective degradability rates were from PKC0, but the productive performance of the animals was not influenced. Supplementation of buffaloes with PKC is recommended for up to 1% of body weight.

This study employed infrared thermography to assess the thermoregulatory responses of female buffaloes reared in a hot and humid climate as a function of variations in time and the thermal environment, and to correlate rectal temperature with that of different body areas. The trial was carried out at Embrapa Eastern Amazon (01°26'S and 48°24'W) in Belém, PA, Brazil. Twenty-four female buffaloes fed exclusively on pasture and exposed to the sun throughout the day in an open area were used. The animals were taken back to the corral at 6 A.M., 9 A.M., 12 P.M., 3 P.M., 6 P.M., and 9 P.M. for measurements of rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), and body surface temperature (BST) using infrared thermography (IRT). Data on air temperature (AT), relative air humidity (RH), wind velocity (WV), and solar radiation (SR) were also recorded. A quadratic effect of AT, RH, SR, RR, and RT (P < 0.01) was found as a function of measurement time. Between 12 P.M. and 3 P.M., AT, SR, RR, and RT values were the highest, while RH values were the lowest (P < 0.05). WV was the highest between 12 P.M. and 9 P.M. A difference was found in RR and RT among the day's times, with the highest values at 12 P.M. and 3 P.M. (P

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.

In order to evaluate the feeding behavior of sheep fed with diets containing different levels of palm kernel meal (PKM) substituted for corn silage, a metabolic assay was performed on 20 ewes (5 treatments × 4 replicates) over 25 d. The animals received corn silage diets with the addition of increasing levels of PKM (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60%). The following parameters were evaluated: dry matter (DM) intake, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, feeding time, rumination time, idle time, number of merycism mastications per bolus, time spent ruminating each bolus, DM and NDF per bolus, number of ruminated boluses per day, feeding and rumination efficiency, total chewing time, and number of merycism mastications per day. The daily intake of both DM and NDF increased linearly (P < 0.05), and when sheep were fed diets of at least 43.18 and 39.15% PKM, respectively, the consumption values were significantly different than when sheep were fed diets with 0% PKM (P < 0.05). In contrast, feeding time declined linearly, and in response to diets with at least 28.05% PKM, the sheep exhibited significantly different feeding times from those of sheep fed 0% PKM, with a reduction of 0.0613 percentage points per 1% increase in PKM. Idle time, rumination time, and rumination time per bolus each exhibited quadratic responses (P < 0.05), and the minimum rumination time per bolus was 44.37 s with 35.19% PKM. A quadratic response was also observed for total chewing time and both measures of merycism mastications (P < 0.05). Therefore, we concluded that the inclusion of PKM in the diets of sheep improves some parameters of feeding behavior, and the use of PKM is recommended at DM percentages of up to 40%.

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão da torta da amêndoa de castanha-do-pará (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) - (TAC) nas proporções 0 (controle), 15, 30, 45, 60 e 100% da matéria seca (MS) em substituição à silagem de milho (SM), sobre a cinética de fermentação e a degradabilidade efetiva (DE), através da produção de gases in vitro, nos tempos 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. Utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizado, com seis tratamentos, três blocos e duas repetições por bloco. O modelo de France foi ajustado aos dados. Ensaio in vivo, conduzido em ovinos fistulados, avaliou-se a influência da TAC nos níveis 0, 15, 30 e 45% (MS), em substituição à silagem de milho, sobre os parâmetros ruminais desses animais. As coletas de líquido ruminal para determinação da concentração dos Ácidos Graxos de Cadeia Curta (AGCC), pH e N-NH3 foram realizadas às 08h00, 10h00, 12h00, 14h00, 16h00 e 18h00, pós-prandial. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com medidas repetidas no tempo, sendo quatro tratamentos e três repetições. Os resultados das variáveis: acetato, propionato, butirato, relação acetato:propionato, pH e NH3 foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão (linear e quadrática) considerando-se tratamento, tempo e a interação de ambos. Aplicou-se teste F, com nível de significância de 5% (P < 0,05). O padrão de cinética de fermentação e DE foi linear decrescente (P < 0,05), diminuiu a produção de gás total à cada nível de inclusão do coproduto. Não houve efeito da interação tratamento vs tempo para as variáveis AGCC total (P > 0,40), ácido acético (P > 0,41), propiônico (P > 0,85), butírico (P > 0,62) e pH (P > 0,57). As substituições de TAC de 0, 15, 30 e 45% não alteraram (P > 0,05) a concentração de AGCC total, da mesma maneira, não modificou a concentração do ácido acético dos ovinos. Com inclusão de 45% MS de TAC, a concentração dos ácidos propiônico e butírico mMol/100 mL de líquido ruminal reduziram (P < 0,001) e (P < 0,022), respectivamente. As maiores concentrações, nos tempos de mensuração foram observadas 4 horas após a alimentação. Os valores de pH apresentaram efeito quadrático tanto na inclusão (P < 0,001), quanto no tempo (P < 0,001). Houve interação tratamento vs tempo na concentração de N-NH3 (mg/ml) (P < 0,001) e na relação dos ácidos acético:propiônico (P < 0,014). A cinética de fermentação foi afetada negativamente pela inclusão de torta da amêndoa da castanho-do-pará, à dieta à base de silagem de milho. Recomenda-se o uso desse coproduto, associado à fontes de carboidrato não estrutural.

Objetivou-se avaliar o requeijão cremoso de leite de búfalas suplementadas com concentrados proteicos, T1 (controle): farelo de milho e soja, T2: farelo de milho e soja e torta de cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), e T3: farelo de milho e soja e torta de murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru), em três repetições. Os animais são provenientes do rebanho experimental da Unidade de Pesquisa "Dr. Felisberto Camargo" (01º28'S e 48º27'W), Belém, Pará, da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais, a fim de detectar diferenças na utilização de leite oriundo de diferentes dietas alimentares. A composição nutricional dos derivados lácteos não resultou em diferenças significativas (p

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de um sistema silvipastoril no conforto térmico de 20 búfalas Murrah, das quais 10 criadas em piquetes sem sombra (SS) e 10 com sombreamento (CS) de Racosperma mangium, em Belém, PA. Os animais foram alimentados em pasto, com Urochloa humidicola, com acesso livre à água para beber e sal mineral. A cada três dias, foram mensuradas: temperatura do ar (TA), umidade relativa do ar (UR), temperatura de globo negro (TGN), temperatura retal (TR), frequências respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC), e a temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC), pela manhã (7h) e à tarde (13h). Os valores de TR, TSC, FR e FC foram maiores à tarde, especialmente no grupo SS. Mais altas no período menos chuvoso, a TR, TSC e FR apresentaram correlação linear positiva com a TA e o índice de temperatura e umidade (ITGU) e negativa com a UR. Tanto na estação mais chuvosa quanto na menos chuvosa, a FC apresentou correlações significativas positivas com a TA e ITGU e negativas com a UR, apenas no período mais chuvoso. A arborização da pastagem é eficiente para melhorar o conforto térmico das búfalas Murrah, principalmente à tarde.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de sistemas silvipastoris como ferramenta de manejo para manter as características fisiológicas de búfalas leiteiras e promover mais altos níveis de conforto térmico. Foram avaliadas 56 fêmeas adultas (79±44,12 meses; 575±92,90 kg): 30 em sistema silvipastoril sem sombra útil e 26 em sistema silvipastoril com 19,9% de sombra útil. Foram mensuradas semanalmente: frequência cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura retal e índice de conforto animal. As médias foram comparadas por análise de variância e as variáveis meteorológicas e fisiológicas foram correlacionadas pelo método de Pearson. O sombreamento diminuiu significativamente a frequência cardíaca e a temperatura retal. Em 71,4% das observações, os animais mantidos em sistema silvipastoril com sombreamento apresentaram índices de conforto próximos ao ideal. O sombreamento mantém os parâmetros fisiológicos de búfalas leiteiras mais próximos da normalidade e melhora o índice de conforto animal. A adoção de sistemas silvipastoris na produção de bubalinos, na região tropical, pode evitar gastos energéticos com termólise.

Foi avaliado o efeito da inclusão de níveis crescentes de torta de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) sobre a ingestão de alimentos e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da fibra em detergente neutro e da fibra em detergente ácido. Foram utilizados 16 ovinos não-castrados, com peso corporal médio de 28 kg (± 3,2 kg), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo quatro tratamentos (0; 0,4; 0,8 e 1,2% PV de inclusão de torta de coco) equatro repetições. Houve um período experimental de 21 dias com 14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta de dados, em que se monitorou o fornecimento da dieta e a coleta total de fezes. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente ácido apresentou efeitos lineares e crescentes com a inclusão da torta de coco na dieta (44,9 a 57 e 30,57 a 40,32%) para os níveis de 1,2% de inclusão, respectivamente. A fibra em detergente neutro apresentou comportamento quadrático, e o melhor nível de inclusão ocorreu com 0,89% e digestibilidade máxima da FDN de 59,39%. A torta de coco é uma excelente fonte de suplementação alimentar e pode contribuir no atendimento das demandas nutricionais para produção de carne e leite na Amazônia Oriental. This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of coconut cake (Cocos nucifera L.) on feed intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. We used 16 non-castrated sheep with mean body weight of 28 kg (± 3.2 kg), distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% BW of inclusion of coconut pie) and four replications. There was a trial period of 21 days with 14 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection, which monitored the supply of diet and total fecal collection. The apparent digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber effects were linear and increasing with the inclusion of coconut cake in the diet (44.9 to 57 and from 30.57 to 40.32%) to levels of 1.2% inclusion, respectively. Neutral detergent fiber showed a quadratic response, with the best level of 0.89% and maximum digestibility of NDF of 59.39%. Coconut cake is an excellent source of supplemental feed, and can contribute in meeting the nutritional demands for meat and milk production in the eastern Amazon.

Foi analisado o efeito de dois sistemas silvipastoris nos índices de conforto ambiental e alterações nos parâmetros fisiológicos de bezerros bubalinos criados na Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém-PA (clima Afi), no Período 1 (abril a setembro/2007) e Período 2 (outubro/2007 a março/2008). Foram inseridos onze bezerros no Sistema Silvipastoril 1 (SSP1), que apresentava sombreamento útil nas pastagens de 18 a 21%, e oito no Sistema Silvipastoril 2 (SSP2), sem sombreamento, com lago para banho. Foram mensuradas as variáveis fisiológicas: temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura da pele (TP), e calculados o Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) e Índice de Conforto de Benezra (ICB), nos dois períodos experimentais, comparados pelo Teste Tukey (P < 0,05). O ITU apresentou diferença estatística entre horários (P < 0,05) e período do ano (P < 0,05), e oscilou de 73,5 ± 1,3 até 82,2 ± 0,8. A TR apresentou diferença estatística entre horários e períodos do ano (P < 0,05), com amplitude de 38,3 ± 0,26 a 39,3 ± 0,38 °C. A FR apresentou diferença significativa entre horários (P < 0,05), com amplitude de 32,2 ± 9,2 a 56,5 ± 19,0 mov min-1, consideradas acima dos níveis normais, enquanto a TP foi diferente estatisticamente entre períodos e horários (P < 0,05) e variou de 23,6 ± 8,3 a 31,7 ± 5,4 °C. Nos Períodos 1 e 2 e nos dois SSP's, os ICBs estiveram acima do valor ideal, variando de 2,46 ± 0,33 a 3,31 ± 0,62 (SSP1) e 2,42 ± 0,30 a 3,45 ± 0,66 (SSP2).This aim of the study was evaluating effects of two different silvopastoral systems on environmental comfort and changes in physiological parameters of buffalo calves bred in the Eastern Amazon. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém-PA, (Afi climate type) in two periods of the year: Period 1 (April to Sep/2007) and Period 2 (Oct/2007 to March/2008). Eleven calves were included in the Silvopastoral System 1 (SSP1), with a useful shaded pasture area of 18 to 21%; and eight calves were included in the Silvopastoral System 2 (SSP2), without shading, but with a lake for swimming. Physiological status of animals bred in the two SSP's were measured (rectal temperature-RT; respiratory frequency-RF and skin temperature-ST). The Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and Benezra´s Animal Comfort Index (ACI) were calculated, in two phases of the year, and were compared by the Tukey test (P < 0.05). THI ranged from 73.5 ± 1.3 to 82.2 ± 0.8. RT was 38.3 ± 0.26 to 39.3 ± 0.38 °C, but within the normal range for buffalo. RF ranged from 32.2 ± 9.2 to 56.5 ± 19.0 mov min-1, above the levels considered normal, and ST ranged from 23.6 ± 8.3 and 31.7 ± 5.4 °C. In both periods of the year and the two SSP's, ACIs were considered higher than ideal, ranging from 2.46 ± 0.33 to 3.31 ± 0.62 (SSP1) and 2.42 ± 0.30 to 3.45 ± 0.66 (SSP2).

O experimento avaliou o efeito da vermifugação e da utilização de bioestimulantes no ganho de peso e no escore de condição corporal (ECC) de bovinos de corte, criados em sistema de pastejo rotacionado com suplementação a pasto, no Estado do Pará, durante 160 dias. Foram utilizados 132 bovinos machos não castrados, com idade média de 24 meses, da raça Nelore (Bos taurus indicus). Os grupos experimentais compreenderam o grupo G1 (controle; n=33), G2 (moxidectina 1%; n=33), G3 (moxidectina 10%; n=33) e G4 (ivermectina 3,15%; n=33). Em todos os grupos foram estabelecidas três subparcelas, a fim de serem testados dois bioestimulantes de crescimento animal (bioestimulante 1 e bioestimulante 2). Não houve diferença estatística significativa no ganho de peso médio, no ECC e nas contagens de OPG entre animais do G1, G2, G3 e G4, independentemente dos anti-helmínticos e/ou bioestimulantes usados. Contudo, o tratamento baseado na associação de moxidectina 1% e o bioestimulante 2 apresentou maior receita líquida e incrementou a lucratividade da terminação em 1,24%. Os resultados sugerem que não há necessidade de um controle contra nematódeos durante a terminação, desde que os animais apresentem uma baixa carga parasitária, porém o uso de fármacos pode, sob certas condições, apresentar resultado econômico favorável.PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Anti-helmíntico, bovinocultura, crescimento, rentabilidade, sistema de produção. The experiment evaluated the effect of vermifuges and biostimulants on weight gain and body condition score (BCS) of beef cattle, created in pasture supplementation system, in the State of Pará, during 160 days. Experimental animal were 132 Nelore (Bos taurus indicus), non-castrated male, with average age of 24 months. Experimental groups were: G1 group (control; n=33), G2 (1% moxidectin; n=33), G3 (10% moxidectin; n=33) and G4 (3.15% ivermectin; n=33). Each group was divided in three plots, in order to test two biostimulants for animal growth (biostimulant 1 and biostimulant 2). No statistical difference was detected on weight gain , BCS or eggs per gram of feces counting on animals of the G1, G2, G3 and G4, despite vermifuges and/or biostimulants used. However, treatment based on 1% moxidectin and biostimulant 2 association presented greater net revenue and increased the profitability of the termination in 1,24%. Results suggest that it’s not necessary controlling nematode parasites during the termination, since animals present a low parasite infestation to the entrance. However, the use of drugs can, under certain conditions, presents economic favorable results.KEY WORDS: Antihelmintic, bovine, beef production, growth, rentability.

O presente estudo visou avaliar os efeitos da associação da medroxiprogesterona (análogo sintético da progesterona) ao protocolo Ovsynch sobre o crescimento folicular, a ovulação e a taxa de concepção de búfalas criadas na Amazônia Oriental (Tracuateua-PA). Vinte e sete fêmeas adultas (G1 n=14 e G2 n=13), cíclicas, sem bezerro ao pé e com ECC 3,5 foram submetidas a Ovsynch. Os animais do G2 receberam 60 mg de medroxiprogesterona entre D0 e D7 (D0=início do tratamento). A ultra-sonografia ovariana foi realizada nos D 0, 7, 9 e 10. O contingente de folículos pequenos diferiu no D7 (G1: 4,57±0,60 versus G2: 6,54±0,67; P=0,05). Tempo e tratamento influenciaram o diâmetro folicular no D7. O crescimento do folículo dominante entre D7 e D9 foi maior nos animais tratados (G1: 2,05±0,49 mm/dia versus 3,48±0,41 mm/dia; P0,05). Os achados sugerem que a medroxiprogesterona (1) aumenta recrutamento folicular e retarda o crescimento dos folículos com diâmetro maior que 5,0 mm entre D0 e D7; (2) sua retirada incrementa em 1,7 vezes o crescimento folicular do D7 ao D9; (3) pode contribuir para a ovulação de folículos maiores e, em tese, para maior formação de tecido luteínico; (4) não promove ovulação precoce após o Ovsynch; (5) não eleva as taxas de concepção após sincronização de fêmeas cíclicas e com bom escore corporal, devendo ser avaliada para uso em fêmeas acíclicas ou com ECC mais baixo.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association of medroxyprogesterone with the Ovsynch protocol on the follicular growth, ovulation, and conception rate of buffaloes in the Eastern Amazon (Tracuateua-PA). Twenty-seven cyclic, non-lactating females (G1 n=14 and G2 n=13) with a 3.5 BCS were synchronized with the Ovsynch. Animals from G2 received a supplementation of 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone from D0 to D7 (D0=starting day of treatment). Ultrasonography evaluation on ovaries was realized on Days 0, 7, 9, and 10. A significant effect of treatment on follicle number was observed on D7 (G1: 4.57±0.60 versus G2: 6.54±0.67; P=0.05). Time and treatment influenced follicular diameter on D7. The growth of the dominant follicular was increased from D7 to D9 on treated females (G1: 2.05±0.49 mm/day versus 3.48±0.41 mm/day; P0,05). The findings suggest that medroxyprogesterone: (1) increases follicular recruitment and inhibits the growth of follicles whose diameter was larger than 5.0mm from D0 to D7; (2) the withdrawal of medroxyprogesterone speeds up follicular growth 1.7 fold from D7 to D9; (3) would probably contribute to the ovulation of larger follicles thereby forming more luteal tissue; (4) does not stimulate early ovulation after Ovsynch; and (5) does not elevate the conception rate after the synchronization of cyclic females with good body condition, and should be evaluated for the utilization in acyclic/reduced BCS females.

Foi avaliado o efeito da inclusão de níveis crescentes de torta de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) sobre a ingestão de alimentos e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da fibra em detergente neutro e da fibra em detergente ácido. Foram utilizados 16 ovinos não-castrados, com peso corporal médio de 28 kg (± 3,2 kg), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo quatro tratamentos (0; 0,4; 0,8 e 1,2% PV de inclusão de torta de coco) e quatro repetições. Houve um período experimental de 21 dias com 14 dias de adaptação e sete dias de coleta de dados, em que se monitorou o fornecimento da dieta e a coleta total de fezes. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente ácido apresentou efeitos lineares e crescentes com a inclusão da torta de coco na dieta (44,9 a 57 e 30,57 a 40,32%) para os níveis de 1,2% de inclusão, respectivamente. A fibra em detergente neutro apresentou comportamento quadrático, e o melhor nível de inclusão ocorreu com 0,89% e digestibilidade máxima da FDN de 59,39%. A torta de coco é uma excelente fonte de suplementação alimentar e pode contribuir no atendimento das demandas nutricionais para produção de carne e leite na Amazônia Oriental.

Twenty neutered male sheep were subjected to 26 days of a metabolic assay at Embrapa Eastern Amazon in Belém, PA, Brazil (01°26’02”S and 48°26’21”W; altitude 8 m). The trial followed a completely randomized design, with five treatments and four repetitions. Treatment A (control) consisted of a diet containing 100% grass. The diet in treatment B contained 10% CM and 90% grass; that in treatment C contained 20% CM and 80% grass; that in treatment D contained 40% CM and 60% grass; and that in treatment E contained 60% CM and 40% grass. Intake of experimental diet and apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ethereal extract (EE), cellulose (CEL), hemicellulose (HEM), and nitrogen balance (NB) were assessed. Results showed that the level of CM replacement significantly affected intake of mineral matter (IMM), crude protein (ICP), ethereal extract (IEE), and cellulose (ICEL), with the highest (P < 0.05) values of IMM, ICP, and IEE being observed for feed in which 60% of grass was replaced by CM, indicating that the acceptance of the experimental diet was good. ICEL decreased as levels of CM replacement increased. At 40% replacement, the apparent DM digestibility coefficient was the lowest (41.54%) and did not statistically differ from diets with 60% (45.74%) and 20% (54.19%) CM replacement. The lowest values for the apparent digestibility coefficients of OM, CP, NDF, and ADF were observed when grass was replaced with 40% and 60% CM. For diets with up to 20% replacement of Mombaça grass by CM, the apparent digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF were the highest and did not significantly differ from those of the control treatment. Nitrogen excretion in feces differed significantly; the lowest values were found with 0%, 10%, and 20% CM replacement. Use of CM represents an alternative method of dietary supplementation for ruminants and is a good source of protein and energy, since replacing Mombaça grass with increasing levels of CM led to an increase in the voluntary feed intake by ovines.