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ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine the effect of the increasing levels of inclusion of palm kernel cake (PKC) in the diet on the performance of feedlot heifers. Forty-eight Nelore heifers with an initial weight of 274 ± 4.58 kg, at 24 months of age, were confined for 98 days in a feedlot. The animals were allocated to the four treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of PKC levels of 0 (control), 10, 20, and 30% in the total dry matter of the diet. The roughage:concentrate ratio in the diets was 30:70. Ether extract intake increased, whereas the intakes of non-fiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients decreased with the inclusion of PKC. The apparent digestibility of all nutrients decreased, as well as the amounts of nitrogen digested and retained. Microbial protein synthesis and its efficiency also declined. The inclusion of up to 20% PKC increased feeding time and reduced rumination time of heifers. Intake and rumination efficiencies decreased with the inclusion of PKC in the diet. Final weight and average daily gain did not change, but feed efficiency increased with the inclusion of PKC. The inclusion of up to 30% PKC in the diet of feedlot heifers is recommended.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of three supplementation strategies on intake, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass traits, proximate composition, and the fatty acid profile of meat from steers on tropical pasture during the post-weaning and finishing stages. The experiment involved 33 1/2 Holstein × 1/2 castrated Zebu steers weighing 335 ± 42.90 kg, aged 22 ± 2 m. The animals were managed on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu using an intermittent grazing system with continuous stocking and variable stocking rates for 310 days. The supplementation strategies were as follows: MS/US (mineral salt/urea supplementation): mineral salt in the rainy season and mineral salt with urea in the dry season; US/PS1 (urea supplementation/protein supplementation): mineral salt with urea in the rainy season and protein supplement at 1 g/kg body weight (BW) in the dry season; and PS1/PS2 (protein supplementation 1/protein supplementation 2): protein supplement at 1 g/kg BW in the rainy season and 2 g/kg BW in the dry season. The dry matter intake did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between strategies. However, the post-weaning PS1/PS2 strategy resulted in higher (p < 0.05) crude protein intake. The final body weight did not differ (p > 0.05) between the strategies, but the average daily gain in post-weaning and finishing was higher (p < 0.05) for MS/US (restricted) animals. Carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, and lipid content in meat were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for steers in the PS1/PS2 group. Steers finished on MS/US produced meat with a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and ω-3 fatty acids (p < 0.05). Concentrate supplementation at 1 g/kg BW during the rainy season and 2 g/kg BW during the dry season is recommended for post-weaning and finishing steers on tropical pasture.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the non-carcass components of crossbred Santa Inês lambs finished in feedlot with the inclusion of different levels of red propolis extract (RPE). Thirty-five crossbred lambs were used with an average weight of 17.08 ± 2.36 kg and mean age of five months, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and seven replications. The treatments evaluated were: 0; 7; 14 and 21 mL of extract/animal/day Before slaughter, each animal was individually weighed to obtain the body weight at slaughter (BWS). The weights and yields of non-carcass components were evaluated, weights and yields of regional dishes (Buchada and Panelada). The addition of different levels of red propolis extract (RPE) did not influence (p > 0.05) the weights and yields of non-carcass components, by-products and adipose deposits, to the weight and yield of regional dishes. The use of red propolis extract in diets up to the level studied (28 mL day-1) did not change the characteristics evaluated.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacement of corn with pre-dried cassava root silage (CRS) on intake, ingestive behavior, production and composition of goat milk. Five lactating Saanen goats were used, with 42.5 ± 4.2 kg body weight and production of 2 kg milk day-1, distributed in a 5 x 5 Latin square with five treatments: 0, 28.6, 58.0, 81.6 and 100% replacement of corn with CRS in the diet dry matter. Goats were monitored for five periods of 15 days each. The intake of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly (p 0.05) by the replacement of corn with CRS, but the ingestion and rumination efficiencies had a linear increase (p > 0.05). Milk production (2.17 ± 0.45 kg day-1), fat (3.49 ± 0.42%), protein (3.11 ± 0.13%) and lactose (4.47 ± 0,11%) of goat milk were not influenced (p >0.05) by the replacement of corn with CRS. Therefore, it is recommended the total replacement of corn with pre-dried cassava root silage in the diet for dairy goats with an average production of 2 kg day-1.

Los objetivos fueron evaluar el efecto de la raza sobre el polimorfismo genético de la kappa-caseína, la composición fisicoquímica de la leche y del queso Coalho, y el rendimiento del queso, así como evaluar el efecto de diferentes periodos de almacenamiento sobre la aceptación sensorial del queso Coalho obtenido a partir de leche de vacas Guzerat, Gyr y Sindi. Se seleccionaron veinte (20) vacas de razas cebú y se obtuvieron sus valores de frecuencia del polimorfismo genético de la kappa-caseína. La leche se sometió a un análisis de grasa, proteína, lactosa, sólidos no grasos y sólidos totales, conductividad eléctrica y cuenta de células somáticas. Los quesos se sometieron a análisis de grasa, proteína, sólidos totales, pH, humedad y rendimiento (g ST/L). Se evaluaron los atributos apariencia, aroma, textura y sabor en los días 1, 25 y 46 de almacenamiento. La frecuencia total fue de 0.70 para el genotipo AA y 0.30 para el genotipo AB. No hubo diferencias significativas en la composición de la leche entre las razas estudiadas. Sin embargo, hubo diferencias en la composición fisicoquímica (exceptuando la proteína) y el rendimiento de los quesos; pero todas las razas mostraron un rendimiento real similar. El periodo de almacenamiento tuvo efectos observables sobre los atributos sensoriales de los quesos en las diferentes razas, con la excepción de su apariencia. La leche de las razas Guzerat, Gyr y Sindi constituye una excelente materia prima para la producción de cuajada y garantiza una aceptación sensorial satisfactoria del producto a los días 1, 25 y 46 de almacenamiento.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude glycerin supplementation on the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the muscle of cattle grazing on Urochloa decumbens. Thirty-five crossbreed bulls, with an average initial body weight of 428.0 ± 32.11 kg, were supplemented with dry matter corresponding to 1% body weight for 74 days on pasture and distributed to five treatments (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% low purity glycerin in the total dry matter of the supplement) in a completely randomised design. After 74 days, the animals were slaughtered, and the longissimus dorsi muscle was sampled and frozen for meat composition analysis. The addition of glycerin did not affect the mean moisture (73.6 ± 0.3%), protein (22.8 ± 0.4%), total lipid (1.1 ± 0.1%) and ash (1.0 ± 0.04%) contents of the animal muscle. However, there was an increasing linear effect (P < 0.05) on the contents of trans-vaccenic acid (increase of 175% in relation to the control) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (25% increase in relation to the control). We observed an increasing linear pattern in monounsaturated fatty acid levels (39.8 to 44.5%) and a decreasing linear pattern in polyunsaturated fatty acid content (13.5 to 9.5%). The inclusion of crude glycerin promoted a linear decreasing pattern for ?-3 fatty acids. Thus, the inclusion of crude glycerin in the supplement of beef cattle affects the fatty acid composition of the meat. The use of this byproduct promotes desirable changes in the chemical composition of fatty acids, increasing the levels of conjugated linoleic fatty acids (18: 2 c9 t11) and monounsaturated fatty acids.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of 50% broken rice (BR) in diets for meat quail from 1 to 35 days old, starting at different ages. A total of 875 mixed quail were allocated to five treatments in a completely randomized design with five replicates of 35 birds. The treatments consisted of a maize- and soybean meal-based control diet and four other similar diets in which the inclusion of 50% BR was started at different ages, namely, 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd days. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and mortality rate were evaluated weekly. At 35 days, 10 quail per plot were weighed and selected to be slaughtered for evaluations of live weight, carcass yield and gizzard yield. Lastly, a study of economic viability was carried out. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected for the performance parameters, live weight or carcass yield, but a higher gizzard yield was found (p < 0.05) in the treatment without BR. The inclusion of BR from the first day of life provided better economic viability. Diets with a maximum inclusion of 50% BR can be formulated for meat quail at any age.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de glicerina bruta sobre a morfologia testicular de touros Nelore. Para isso, foram utilizados 35 bovinos com peso corporal inicial de 428,0 ± 32,11 kg e aproximadamente 22 meses, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e sete repetições, suplementados durante 88 dias, com 14 dias de adaptação. Os tratamentos consistiram na inclusão de glicerina de baixa pureza nos níveis de 0, 3, 6, 9 e 12% da matéria seca total dos suplementos. Foi realizado uma coleta de sêmen no 88º dia experimental, posteriormente os animais foram pesados, abatidos e tiveram os testículos coletados, pesados e amostrados. A inclusão da glicerina bruta influenciou a motilidade e o vigor espermático (P0,05) pelos níveis de glicerina. Observou-se comportamento quadrático (P

This study evaluated the effect of replacing corn silage with spineless cactus, in combination with Tifton 85 hay or sugarcane bagasse, on the carcass measurements and sensory properties of the meat of lambs finished in feedlot. Twenty-one, intact, Santa Inês males, with an initial body weight of 22.86 ± 2.87 kg and an average age of 150 days, were individually confined for 74 days and fed at will three treatments diets: Corn silage (CS); Spineless cactus + Tifton 85 hay (CT) and Spineless cactus + sugarcane bagasse (CB). Lambs fed CT had a wider croup (p < 0.05) compared to animals fed CS. The replacement of corn silage with CT or CB did not influence (p > 0.05) the body length, withers height or chest circumference of the lambs. Values of carcass length and compactness index were similar (p > 0.05) between treatments. There was a high and positive correlation (p < 0.05) between chest width (0.82) and chest circumference (0.81) of animals with cold carcass weight. The odor and taste of sheep meat fed CT or CB was more accepted when compared to the meat of animals fed corn silage. The replacement of corn silage with spineless cactus in combination with Tifton 85 hay or sugarcane bagasse improves the sensory quality of sheep meat, but does not interfere with carcass measurements.

Our objective was to evaluate leg tissue composition and physico-chemical quality parameters of sheep meat fed with increasing levels of annatto coproduct. 32 male uncastrated animals without a defined breed were randomized in four treatments (0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg-1 of annatto coproduct in the DM diet). After 78 days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered and body components were recorded. Reconstituted leg weight, total muscle weight, biceps weight and semitendinosus weight showed a negative linear behavior (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of the annatto coproduct in the diet. No effects of the inclusion of annatto coproduct (P > 0.05) were found for leg tissue composition (%), muscle:bone ratio, relative fat or leg muscle. Meat physico-chemical parameters (color, shear force, water retention capacity and cooking losses) were not affected by the inclusion of the annatto coproduct in the diet. The annatto coproduct can be included in up to 300 g kg-1 of dietary dry matter without negative effects to the leg tissue composition (%) and physical parameters of confined sheep meat.

The objective was to evaluate the physico-chemical composition, somatic cell count and electrical conductivity of the milk from lactating Zebu cows. For this, monthly milk samples were collected on the official milk control day intended for analysis of electrical conductivity of milk (ECM), somatic cell count (SCC) and milk composition. We used monthly data from 680 controls, from 10 Gyr and 17 Guzerat cows from a herd located in the city of São Gonçalo do Amarante/RN, from August to November 2013. Analyses of variance, mean test and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted. The levels of fat (% F), protein (% P), lactose (% L), total solids (% TS) and non-fat dry extract (% NFDE) were dependent variables for the ECM and SCC. The milk of Gyr cows for ECM, SCC, GOR, PROT, LACT, TS and NFDE were respectively, 3.88±1.18 mS/cm, 1629±2195 thousands cells/mL, 4.71±1.77%, 3.29±0.31%, 4.5±0.33%, 13.5±1.78%, 8.79±0.37%, and for the Guzerat breed 3.59±0.88 mS/cm 1356±1793 thousands cells/mL, 4.47±0.98%, 3.43±0.32%, 4.52±0.24%, 13.5±1.19%, 9.02±0.48%. No significant correlations between SCC and ECM characteristics were observed. However, when the correlation of each of these parameters and milk composition in different classes for each breed was analyzed, a significant correlation of the SCC was observed with the protein and lactose in Gyr, of the ECM with the lactose and SCC with total solids and fat for the Guzerat cows.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and cellular milk profile for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in female buffaloes and to assess risk factors for predisposition of the disease. Methods Analyses were carried out by standard plate count (SPC), identification of species and antibiotic resistance, somatic cell count (SCC), electrical electrical conductivity of milk (ECM), and lactoferrin content in milk. Teat cups were swabbed to evaluate risk factors, observing hyperkeratosis, milking vacuum pressure and cleanliness of the site. Hence, 30 female buffaloes were randomly selected (15 from a group in early lactation and 15 in late lactation). Results The most common bacteria in the microbiological examination were Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Corynebacterium sp. In the antibiotic sensitivity test, 10 (58.82%) of the 17 antibiotics tested were sensitive to all isolates, and resistant bacteria were Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus haemolyticus, and Escherichia coli. It was observed that positive samples in the microbiological examination showed total bacterial count between 9.10×103 to 6.94×106 colony forming units/mL, SCC between 42,000 to 4,320,000 cells/mL and ECM ranging from 1.85 to 7.40 mS/cm. It was also found that the teat cups had high microbial counts indicating poor hygiene, and even faults in the cleanliness of the animals’ waiting room were observed. It is concluded that values of SCC above 537,000 cells/mL and ECM above 3.0 mS/mL are indications of mammary gland infection for this herd; however, the association of these values with a microbiological analysis is necessary to more accurately evaluate the health status of mammary glands with subclinical mastitis. Conclusion Through phenotypic characterization of bacteria involved in the samples, the genera Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Corynebacterimum bovis were the most prevalent in this study. Faults in environment and equipment hygienization are factors that are directly associated with mastitis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of parity on linear trait types in Guzerá cows using multivariate techniques. Data were collected from 68 purebred Guzera females, young (1st and 2nd calving order) and adults (3rd to 7th calving order). Measurements were collected using a tape measure, a hypometer, a 40 cm graduated ruler and a 180° protractor. PRCOMP procedure of the R program was used for analyzing the main components. The variables related to rump (height, angularity, ileum and ischium length and width), body (length), udder (height of posterior ligament) and milk production were more important to explain the phenotypic variation in Guzerá cattle. Young Guzerá cows had lower body length, narrower rumps, better udder ligaments and lower milk yield than adult cows.

Neste estudo foram avaliados três planos nutricionais para codornas de 1 a 42 dias de idade quanto ao desempenho, qualidade de carcaça e viabilidade econômica. Um total de 210 codornas européias foram distribuído em três tratamentos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições e 14 aves em cada parcela. Foram testados os três tratamentos seguintes: plano nutricional 1 - uma dieta, de 1 a 42 dias de idade; Plano nutricional 2 - duas dietas, de 1 a 21 e 22 a 42 dias de idade; e plano nutricional 3 - três dietas, de 1 a 14, 15 a 35 e 36 a 42 dias de idade. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Student Newman Keuls (SNK), ao nível de probabilidade de 5%. Aos 42 dias de idade, uma ave de cada sexo, de cada unidade experimental, foi abatida para avaliar os rendimentos de carcaça, peito, pernas e gordura abdominal. Os planos nutricionais por fase de criação com duas ou três dietas proporcionaram desempenho zootécnico semelhantes e melhor conversão alimentar quando comparado com o plano nutricional com apenas uma dieta. As características de carcaça estudadas não diferiram entre os tratamentos. O plano nutricional com três dietas proporcionou a melhor viabilidade econômica. O melhor plano nutricional para codornas de corte foi o que continha três tipos de rações, pois proporcionou um custo menor com ração por quilograma de codorna produzida sem comprometer o desempenho ou características de carcaça.

The aim of this study was to evaluate feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, water balance, and performance of lambs fed diets containing old man saltbush hay associated with a concentrate. Thirty-two castrated feedlot Santa Inês lambs at approximately eight months of age, with 22 ± 1.97 kg body weight, were distributed into a completely randomized experimental design. Acid detergent fiber intake increased (P < 0.05), whereas non-fibrous carbohydrates intake decreased (P < 0.01). Inclusion of old man saltbush in the diet reduced (P < 0.01) the digestibility of dry and organic matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The intakes of digestible dry and organic matter, ether extract, total carbohydrates, and digestible non-fibrous carbohydrates also decreased (P < 0.01). Inclusion of old man saltbush did not influence water consumption from the trough by the sheep, averaging 4,327.20 mL/day?1. Body weight at slaughter and daily weight gain decreased linearly (P < 0.05) and feed conversion worsened as old man saltbush hay was added to the diet. Inclusion of old man saltbush at up to 40% replacing the concentrate in feedlot lamb diets does not compromise the performance of these animals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior of sheep fed sugarcane silage enriched with increasing levels of detoxified castor bean meal. Twenty-four non-castrated male Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 25.34 kg and four months of age, were distributed in four treatments - 0, 7, 14 and 21% of the natural matter of detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage. There was a linear increase (p < 0.05) in time spent eating and feeding and rumination efficiency (g MS and NDF/h) with the inclusion of castor bean meal in silage. However, there was a linear decreasing response for time spent resting (p < 0.05). Time spent ruminating, number of boluses per day and numbers of chews per day per bolus were not affected (p > 0.05) by the inclusion of castor bean meal. The addition of detoxified castor bean meal to sugarcane silage reduces time spent eating and increases feed and rumination efficiency in sheep.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of supplementation on body weight components of Nellore cattle grazing in Urochloa brizantha. Twenty-four steers with initial body weight (BW) of 371 ± 14 kg and average age of 26 months were used. Four animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment as a reference and the others were distributed in 4 treatments [0.0% (mineral salt), 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9% supplement BW]. The slaughter of the experimental group was performed when the animals reached 450 kg and the body weight components were weighed. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The increase in supplementation level reduced (p < 0.05) pasture dry matter intake, but did not influence (p > 0.05) on empty body weight (EBW) (380.3 kg) and cold carcass weight (CCW) (247.5 kg). The weights of skin, liver, rumen and fat were not influenced (p > 0.05) by supplementation level. The animals gained, on average, 75.3 kg EBW and 50.7 kg CCW, but the treatments did not influence (p > 0.05) the gains of body weight components. The increasing of energetic-protein supplement level for Nellore steers in Urochloa brizantha pasture does not affect carcass and non-carcass components.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the replacement of Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) by maniçoba hay or silage (Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg) on sheep intake and performance. Twenty-four male Santa Ines animals were used, with initial body weight of 19.77 ± 1.95 kg and average age of 160 days. The animals were distributed in three treatments (Tifton 85 hay-TH, Maniçoba hay-MH and Maniçoba silage-MS), arranged in a randomized blocks design, with 8 replicates per treatment. The feedlot period lasted for 71 days. The means of the variables were tested by Tukey’s test at 5% probability. Sheep fed MH presented higher dry matter intake (p > 0.05) than those fed TH (1.17 kg day-1 vs 1.06 kg day-1). Neutral detergent fiber intake was higher (p > 0.05) for MH-fed sheep (0.394 kg day-1) when compared to MS (0.340 kg day-1). The digestibility of total carbohydrates was higher (p > 0.05) for MH diet (0.71 g kg-1) than TH (0.67 g kg-1). The average daily gain and body weight at slaughter did not differ (p > 0.05) among treatments. Maniçoba hay or silage can replace Tifton 85 hay in sheep diets.

Annatto byproduct is the residue from the extraction of powder dye that covers the seed pericarp; after processing, between 94% and 98% of the original product is considered a byproduct. The aim was to evaluate the influence of increasing levels of annatto byproduct on the components of sheep body weight. Thirty-two male sheep, not castrated, with initial weight of 23.17 ± 1.45 kg, without a defined breed, were used in randomized blocks in all four treatments (0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg?1 of annatto byproduct in the diet dry matter). The increase to 300 g kg?1 of annatto byproduct had a negative linear effect (P < 0.05) for hot carcass weight (kg) and cold carcass weight (kg). Increasing levels of annatto byproduct resulted in a linear reduction (P < 0.05) for palette weight (kg), leg weight (kg), carcass compactness index (kg cm?1), liver weight (kg) and skin weight (kg). The inclusion of annatto byproduct up to 200 g kg?1 of dry matter in sheep diets did not affect the components of sheep body weight.

This study evaluated the effect, on productive performance and on egg quality, of replacing corn with broken rice in the feed of 64-148 day-old Japanese quails. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with five treatments consisting of five inclusion levels of broken rice (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) with eight replicates of eight birds each. No significant differences were observed in productive performance variables across treatments (P > 0.05, all). Regarding egg quality, no significant differences were observed in yolk percentage, specific gravity, or Haugh unit across treatments (P > 0.05 for all parameters). However, yolk color index was negatively affected by dietary rice husk levels (Y = 4.080 - 0.0293X, R² = 98.56%; P < 0.05). Thus, corn can be replaced with up to 100% broken rice in diets for laying Japanese quails without losses in productive performance or egg quality, but corn replacement with broken rice affects yolk color.

Knowledge of the variation in milk composition is essential for determining milk quality, which is defined by several organoleptic properties. This study evaluated the effect of lactation stage and calving order on the physicochemical composition and sensory characteristics of milk from primiparous and multiparous lactating dairy cows. Milk samples were collected monthly from December 2011 to May 2012. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Milk production (PROD), somatic cell count (SCC), and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) were significantly higher in multiparous cows, whereas the casein to total protein ratio (C/TP) was significantly higher in primiparous cows. All milk components except for non-fat dry solids (NDE) were significantly affected by lactation stage. Body condition score (BCS) was not affected by calving order or lactation stage. Color was the only sensory attribute affected by calving order. In conclusion, the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of milk were affected by calving order and lactation stage.

Milk production has high economic importance in dairy cattle production systems, which justifies its inclusion in genetic breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic and phenotypic trends of dairy traits in Gyr (167 lactations) and Guzerá (148 lactations) breeds in the State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Milk, fat and protein production obtained from monthly dairy controls were the traits evaluated. The expected differences in progeny (DEPs) for these traits were estimated using an animal model. From the means of phenotypic values and DEPs, we estimated the genetic and phenotypic trends in linear regressions as a function of the year of calving of the animal. Positive genetic and phenotypic trends were observed for Gyr (26.8 and 88.7 kg year-1) and Guzerá (8.44 and 37.68 kg year-1). Gyr breed presented positive genetic trends for fat (1.08 kg year-1) and protein (0.45 kg year-1) production and the Guzerá breed showed positive genetic trends for fat (0.36 kg year-1) and protein (0.25 kg year-1) production. The selection applied in the evaluated herds has produced satisfactory genetic and phenotypic progress for milk, fat and protein production.

The use of native forages Caatinga set up as an alternative for the sustainable production systems in Northeast Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the substitution of Tifton 85 hay by Maniçoba hay in the components of the body weight of Moxotó goats. The animals were steers, initially weighing 21.67±3.92 kg, housed in individual pens and slaughtered at 58 days of confinement. The type of hay did not influence (P>0.05) any of the carcass traits. The animals presented for slaughter average body weight of 21.83 kg, and average weights of hot and cold carcass of 9.83 kg and 9.21 kg, respectively. The carcass were not affected by the type of hay (P>0.05) and average 44.98% and 42.11% for hot cold carcass. The loin eye area (LEA) and carcass compactness index had averages of 6.19 cm² and 0.159 kg cm-1, respectively, and did not influence the type of hay in the diet. There was no difference (P> 0.05) between diets for weight of organs and viscera. The diet Tifton 85 yielded higher (P

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de amostras de água de poço utilizada na ordenha, além de verificar sua influência na contagem bacteriana total (CBT) do leite obtido em propriedades no estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Amostras de 1.000 mL de água do poço e da água utilizada na ordenha foram coletadas em recipientes estéreis e realizadas análises de coliformes totais e termotolerantes, pelo método de membrana filtrante. Amostras da água do poço apresentaram valores de 21.250 UFC/100 mL para coliformes totais e 12.269 UFC/100 mL para coliformes termotolerantes e as amostras da água da ordenha apresentaram valores de 5.520 UFC/100 mL para coliformes totais e 3.483 UFC/100 mL para coliformes termotolerantes. A detecção de coliformes nas amostras analisadas afetou a qualidade microbiológica do leite avaliada por meio da CBT. Constatou-se que a qualidade microbiológica da água utilizada nas propriedades leiteiras apresenta-se fora do preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde para uso na higienização dos equipamentos e consumo pelos animais e seres humanos, quanto aos padrões de potabilidade.

The non-carcass components are configured in additional source of income for sheep producers. This study aimed to evaluate the non-carcass components in Morada Nova hair sheep fed hay or Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) or Maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii Pax & Hoffman) hay. The animals were males, initially weighing 18.86 ± 6.48 kg were housed in individual and slaughtered at 58 days of confinement. The Tifton 85 diet resulted in higher (P

This study aimed at evaluating the performance of Nelore cattle during growth classified for different classes of frame size regarding body weights and morphometric measures at different ages. Weights and morphometric measures Nelore bulls up to 1 year of age were monthly recorded. The characteristics evalu-ated were birth weight, 120, 205, 240 and 365 days of age, withers height and rump height, thoracic perimeter, distance between pin bones, distance between hip bones and chest width, depth of chest, space under sternal and hip length. Frame size scores classified as medium, large and extreme, were estimated using equations and tables according to Beef Improvement Federation (BIF). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer test at 5% probability and analyses were performed by canonical variables and the grouping analyses of genotype by method of Tocher. The animals with larger class of frame size were heavier and morphometric measurements as well, when compared with animals classified for smaller class. The correlation between weight at different ages were higher. The weight correlates with body features positively, indicating that the weight gain of the animals increased their influence on the frame size. Cluster analysis resulted in three distinct genetic groups that have similar within the group and genetic divergence between them.

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição tecidual da perna e os parâmetros físico-químicos de qualidade da carne de ovinos alimentados com níveis crescentes do subproduto do urucum (SU). Foram utilizados 32 animais machos, não castrados, sem padrão racial definido, casualizados em quatro tratamentos (0, 100, 200 e 300 g kg-1 do subproduto do urucum na MS da dieta). Após 78 de confinamento, os animais foram abatidos e tiveram os componentes corporais registrados. O peso da perna reconstituída, peso total de músculos, peso do bíceps e peso do semitendinoso apresentaram comportamento linear negativo (P < 0,05) com a inclusão do SU na dieta. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da carne (cor, força de cisalhamento, capacidade de retenção de água e perdas por cocção) não foram influenciados pela inclusão do SU na dieta. O subproduto do urucum pode ser incluído em até 300 g kg-1 da matéria seca da dieta sem efeitos negativos sobre a composição tecidual da perna (%) e parâmetros físicos da carne de ovinos confinados.

Objetivou-se avaliar a efeito da ordem de parto, por meio de técnicas multivariadas, sobre as características lineares de tipo de vacas da raça Guzerá. Foram utilizados dados de 68 fêmeas da raça Guzerá, puras de origem, jovens (1ª e 2ª ordem de parto) e adultas (3ª a 7ª ordem de parto). As medidas foram coletadas com auxílio de fita métrica, hipômetro, régua graduada de 40 cm e transferidor de ângulos 180°. Para as análises de componentes principais utilizou-se o procedimento PRCOMP do programa R. As variáveis relacionadas à garupa (altura, angulosidade, comprimento e largura de íleo e ísquios), corpo (comprimento), úbere (altura do ligamento posterior) e produção de leite apresentaram maior importância para explicar a variação fenotípica de bovinos Guzerá. Vacas jovens da raça Guzerá apresentaram menor comprimento corporal, garupas mais estreitas, melhores ligamentos de úbere e menor produção de leite que as vacas adultas.

The modern consumer of sheep meat requires uninterrupted market supply with qualitatively standardized meat, without excess fat and with high tenderness, which has encouraged producers to slaughter young sheep. A lamb’s diet during the pre-weaning phase was discussed in this review because it is of great importance for achieving success in a meat production system, given the high speed of lambs’ growth during their first weeks of life. Supplying palatable concentrate in creep-feeders from the first days of life promotes pre-stomach development and adapts the animal to a solid diet consumption; important processes for enhancing animal performance, since nutritional requirements, especially for energy, are high during this period and can only be met by milk for a short time. An early weaning technique can be adopted from 35 days old, when adequate nutritional support is provided. Unweaned lamb slaughtering combined with creep feeding and controlled feeding have superior effects to early abrupt weaning, probably by avoiding the adverse effects generated by post-weaning stress. The use of a milk replacer is seldom reported due to the difficulty in finding specific products for sheep and its high cost. Controlled suckling does not affect the performance of lambs. Further studies investigating lamb feeding strategies need to be developed during the pre-weaning period.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of the phytase enzyme in diets formulated with variations in the crude protein content on performance and egg quality of commercial layers. A total of 336 commercial layers were housed at eight birds per cage in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with seven replicates. Treatments consisted of four crude-protein levels (17, 15, and 13%) and two enzyme levels (0 and 500 FTU kg-1 diet), distributed in a completely randomized design. Feed intake, egg production, feed conversion per dozen eggs and per kilogram, egg weight and mass, specific gravity, eggshell thickness, and Haugh unit were measured over five 28-day periods. The performance of commercial layers fed the diet containing 13% crude protein worsened, irrespective of phytase addition. However, at 15% crude protein, phytase inclusion did not affect feed conversion or egg weight. Inclusion of phytase leads to equal egg-quality and performance results at the dietary crude protein levels of 17 and 15%. The crude protein content of 13%, with or without phytase, is not recommended for the diet of brown-egg layers.

We analyzed the quality of raw milk from eight dairy property in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, stored in a cooling tank, in order to evaluate methods for determining somatic cell counts (SCC). The Somaticell® kit and a portable Direct Cell Counter (DCC) were compared with each other and with the MilkoScanTM FT+ (FOSS Denmark), which uses Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIS). Direct cell counter data were processed for somatic cell scores (log-transformed somatic cell count) and analyzed with the SAS®, Statistical Analysis System. Comparison of means and correlation of somatic cell scores were conducted using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the Tukey Test at 1%. No significant difference was observed for comparison of means. The correlation between somatic cell scores was significant, that is, 0.907 and 0.876 between the MilkoScanTM FT + and the Somaticell® kit and Direct Cell Count (DCC) respectively, and 0.943 between the Somaticell® kit and Direct Cell Count (DCC). The methods can be recommended for monitoring the quality of raw milk kept in a cooling tank in the production unit.

Due to the damage caused by subclinical mastitis in loss of production and quality of milk, the present study aimed to verify the correlation between somatic cell count (SCC) and the chemical composition of cooled raw milk collected in the Agreste region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in drought and rain seasons. Samples were collected in seven dairy farms during morning time, between January 2010 and March 2012, and sent to the Brazilian et of Milk Quality Laboratory (ESALQ/USP). The contents of protein, fat, lactose, casein, total solids, nonfat dry extract and urea nitrogen, besides of SCC and total bacterial count were performed. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, correlation analysis and comparison of means by Tuckey test , 5%. The average SCC was 604,000 cells/mL and had significant variation in the dry period (558 000 cells/mL) and rainy (650 000 cells/mL). The SCC was positively correlated with fat and total solids but negatively with the lactose cow’s milk of bulk tank, regardless of the season in the Agreste of Rio Grande do Norte.

This study aimed at assessing the influence of different seasons of the year (dry and rainy) on urea nitrogen (MUN) concentration of buffalo milk in a commercial herd from Rio Grande do Norte state. The region is characterized by a rainy tropical climate with a dry and wet season from August to January and February to July, respectively. Samples were collected monthly from the cooling tank between February 2010 and February 2011, in the morning. Next, they were homogenized and packed in 40-mL plastic flasks, containing the preservative Bronopol® and later sent to the laboratory for urea nitrogen analysis. Although March 2010 exhibited greater ureanitrogen concentration (25.4 ± 4.4 mg/dL) and November the lowest mean (12 ± 0.4 mg/ dL), there was no significant variation in milk urea nitrogen in samples collected from cooling tanks during the rainy and dry seasons.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of partial or total replacement of Tifton 85 hay with fresh or dehydrated spineless cactus on performance and body weight components of sheep. Thirty hair lambs, with 19 kg ± 0.35 kg initial weight, were randomly divided into five treatments, namely: Tifton 85 Hay (HA); Tifton 85 Hay + fresh spineless cactus (HAFC); Tifton 85 Hay + dehydrated spineless cactus (HADC); fresh spineless cactus (FC); dehydrated spineless cactus (DC). In addition to the spineless cactus and hay, the complete mixture contained soybean meal, mineral salt and limestone in all treatments. Animals were confined for 75 days and then slaughtered. The weight of body components was recorded. Dry matter intake, total digestible nutrients intake and voluntary water intake were higher (p < 0.05) for the DC and HADC treatments. The average daily gain was 118 g day-1 and body weight at slaughter of 25.8 kg were not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. The cold carcass weight, rib eye area, weight and yield of the skin, liver, kidney and large intestine were higher (p < 0.05) for the DC and HADC treatments. Partial or total replacement of Tifton 85 hay with fresh or dehydrated spineless cactus, in complete diets for sheep, increases the weight of the cold carcass and non-carcass components.

The study was care out to evaluate the consumption and digestibility of rations with increasing levels of coconut meal by sheep. Eight sheep between six and ten months old installed in metabolism cages were use. The statistical design was a randomized blocks made by SISVAR 3.0 program. To calculate the nutrients consumption, the quantities supplied and the leftovers were weighed to form at the end of the period, a composite sample for laboratory analysis. There was significant difference (P 0.05%) between treatments to digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, energy, HEM, Cellular Content (CC), NFC and total digestible nutrients (TDN). Regarding the coefficient of digestibility of the ether extract (EE), as the by-product was included in the diet, increased the digestibility of this parameter. The digestibility of ADF and NDF decreased as it did the inclusion of the by-product of coconut. Thus, the use of byproduct over 6% of complete feed based on corn and soybeans meal is not recommended.

The objective of this study was to economically compare a corn silage diet supplemented with 1.3 kg/day of concentrate with sugarcane diets supplemented with a 9:1 mixture of urea plus ammonium sulphate and increasing levels o concentrate (1.3, 2.0, or 2.7 kg/day). Twelve Holstein and eight Brown Swiss dairy heifers averaging 176 kg of body weight (BW) in the beginning of the trial were blocked by breed and BW, and within each block, randomly assigned to treatments. Each experimental period lasted 28 days with 21 days for diet adaptation and seven days for data and sample collections. The average prices of feedstuffs in the state of Minas Gerais during the year of 2004 were used in the economical analyses. The sugarcane diet with greatest proportion of concentrate or, forage to concentrate ratio of 45:55 (dry matter basis), can replace corn silage in dairy production systems that plan heifer's birth age close to 24 months of age .

The experiment was conducted at "sitio cantos" of UFERSA, to evaluate the green mass production and the effect of the cut age (42, 56, 70, 84 and 98 days) on chemical-composition of the canarana erecta hay, cultivated in semi-arid climate area. The DM, CP, OM and ashes levels were affected by treatments. The age of 42 days presented production of green matter (45,88 ton/ha/year), and the CP (6,64%), EE (2,15%) and ash (14,08%) levels superior to the other ages, being therefore the more indicated for haymaking.

Os prejuízos do descarte de carnes com características alteradas afeta todos os países produtores. Portanto o aumento do desempenho sem preocupação com a qualidade desse produto e suas características atrativas ao consumidor pode não ser a melhor forma de viabilidade da produção. As características qualitativas e organolépticas são utilizadas pela indústria e pelos pesquisadores, buscando estabelecer características atrativas ao consumidor. O objetivo é fazer uma revisão atualizada sobre os métodos utilizados para determinações dos parâmetros qualitativos e organolépticos da carne.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da estação do ano e efeito do ano sobre a produção, contagem de células somáticas (CCS), gordura, proteína e extrato seco total (EST) em leite bubalino. Foram analisados dados referentes a 78 búfalas da raça Murrah no período de 2008 e 2009, armazenados em programas de controle de índices zootécnicos, na empresa Tapuio Agropecuária Ltda, localizada no município de Taipu, no estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Para avaliar o efeito da estação do ano na qualidade do leite, o ano foi dividido em duas épocas, a chuvosa, que compreende os meses de março a agosto e seca, que corresponde aos meses de setembro a fevereiro. Avaliou-se ainda, o efeito do ano sobre as mesmas variáveis. A contagem de células somáticas foi transformada em escore de células somáticas (ECS). Houve influencia da estação do ano sobre os teores do EST (p

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o custo operacional total de produção de animais de reposição de uma fazenda produtora de leite bovino. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de junho a dezembro de 2005 e janeiro a maio de 2006. As atividades realizadas com a cria e recria eram monitoradas e anotadas diária, semanal ou mensalmente. Para a análise dos custos de produção das foram utilizadas planilhas eletrônicas (Microsoft Excel® ) adaptadas para a realidade da fazenda. Os componentes que representaram as maiores porcentagens em relação ao COT na fase de cria foram o sucedâneo (59%) e o concentrado (10%). O componente que representou a maior percentagem em relação ao COT na recria foi o concentrado, com 64%, recria. A alimentação contribui significativamente para o custo de produção de bezerras e novilhas leiteiras. O sucedâneo mostrou-se economicamente viável. Nas condições deste trabalho, a criação de bezerras e novilhas apresentou margem bruta positiva.