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ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effects of high-concentrate diets with and without the inclusion of soybean hull (SH; 0 or 500.8 g/kg) plus corn (whole or ground) on the performance, morphometric traits, and nutritional and metabolic parameters of crossbred dairy calves. We also aimed to assess the costs associated with the experimental diets employed. Thirty-six male calves with an average weight of 89±18.6 kg and age of 3.5 months were allocated to four treatments, with nine replicates of one calf/pen, in a completely randomized experimental design for 198 days. The inclusion of the SH and the physical form of corn did not influence animal performance or morphometric measurements; however, SH inclusion increased the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and the intakes of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, but did not affect total digestible nutrient intake. The physical form of corn did not influence nutrient intake or digestibility, which resulted in similar performance across the animals. Blood glucose levels as well as alkaline phosphatase and creatinine remained elevated regardless of the diet. The use of SH reduced the total plasma cholesterol content, and there was an interaction between the physical form of corn and SH inclusion in relation to creatinine levels, which were higher when using diets with whole corn and SH. Although the inclusion of up to 500.8 g/kg of SH in the diet reduces feed efficiency, its use decreases the cost per kilogram of weight gain. Dairy calves can exhibit satisfactory production performance when fed alternative ingredients such as whole corn or SH, which have a lower cost than ground corn, traditionally used in diet formulations.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the effect of increasing levels of babassu cake on the ingestive behaviour of dairy heifers in confinement. Twenty-four heifers with an average initial weight of 190.8 ± 40.8 kg were fed diets containing babassu cake (0, 100, 200, 300 mg kg-1 (dry matter basis) as a substitute for sugar cane, in a completely randomised design with four treatments and six replications. Observations were made every five minutes for 24 hours, assessing rumination, feeding, idle time, sleeping and other activities, in addition to the frequency with which the heifers searched for water, urinated and defecated. The time spent on feeding and rumination decreased by 0.1138% and 0.3106%, respectively, for every 10 g kg-1 substitute, while idle time increased by 0.3368% for every 10 g kg-1 substitute. The time spent sleeping and on other activities was not affected. Longer feeding times were seen whenever feed was offered, with more rumination activity at night. There was no effect on the specific activities (urination, defecation or drinking); however, urination and drinking were affected by the period, and was more frequent during the day. There was a linear increase in intake, and in feed and rumination efficiency for dry matter and neutral detergent fibre, with a reduction in total chewing time. Substituting babassu cake for sugar cane affects both the ingestive behaviour of dairy heifers and the rumination process as it does not stimulate chewing.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate intake, digestibility and performance in dairy heifers fed diets containing increasing levels of babassu cake (0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg-1 dry matter - DM) as a substitute for sugarcane treated with calcium oxide. Twenty-four heifers with an initial mean weight of 190.8 + 40.8 kg were used, distributed in a completely randomised design. The dry matter intake (DMI), neutral detergent fibre intake (NDFI) and acid detergent fibre intake (ADFI), as %BW and g BW-0.75 , showed an increasing linear response. The organic matter intake (OMI) showed a linear increase of 40 g day-1, 0.017%BW and 0.66 g BW-0.75 for each 10 g kg-1 increase in babassu cake in the diet. The apparent digestibility of the dry matter (ADDM) and organic matter (ADOM) showed a quadratic response (P < 0.05), with a minimum of 493 g kg-1 DM for 150 g kg-1 DM and 526.5 g kg-1 DM for 320 g kg-1 DM as a substitute for the sugarcane, respectively. The final mean weight was not altered, presenting a value of 299.7 + 45.5 kg. Daily weight gain (DWG) showed a quadratic response, with the highest value at a substitution level of 190 g kg-1 DM. The feed conversion rate of the DM was not affected by the addition of babassu cake, with an average of 4.6 + 0.74 kg DM kg-1 in weight gain. Babassu cake can substitute hydrolysed sugarcane in heifer diets up to 300 g kg-1 DM, with the greatest weight gain seen at a substitution level of 190 g kg-1 DM.

Objetivou-se avaliar o valor energético de rações contendo torta de babaçu em substituição ao feno de Tifton-85 (70; 140; 210; 280 e 350 g kg-1 de matéria seca, MS), pela técnica da calorimetria indireta. Foram utilizados 25 ovinos da raça Santa Inês, machos castrados, com peso corporal médio de 49,6 + 9,4 kg, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O ensaio experimental foi realizado em câmara respirométrica individual de fluxo aberto para pequenos ruminantes, permanecendo cada animal por período de 24 horas no interior da câmara. Os consumos de energia bruta e energia líquida não foram influenciados pela inclusão da torta. Os consumos de energia digestível e energia metabolizável apresentaram resposta linear, variando de 145,44 a 178,40 e de 121,85 a 158,08 kcal kg-0,75 por dia, respectivamente. As perdas de energia pelas fezes e pelo metano (% do consumo da energia bruta, CEB) apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente, enquanto o incremento calórico, em %CEB, apresentou resposta quadrática. Os valores de energia digestível e metabolizabilidade apresentaram respostas lineares crescentes. A eficiência parcial de uso da energia metabolizável para mantença variou entre 0,71 a 0,81, com resposta quadrática, porém os valores de energia líquida não diferiram. Para cada 10 g de inclusão de subproduto, houve redução de 0,31 g de metano por kg de MS consumida. A inclusão de torta de babaçu, em substituição ao volumoso, na ração de ovinos, em até 350 g kg-1 MS, aumenta a eficiência energética da ração e reduz a emissão de metano pelos animais.

The most used methods for the maturation process are vacuum (wet-aged) and dry (dry-aged), which can influence the microbiological quality and safety of meat for consumption. In this study, we aimed to verify the differences in microbiological quality between beef (Longissimus dorsi) that was wet-aged and dry-aged for 30 days, by quantification of indicator microorganism groups and molecular identification of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. This study verified that the meat matured by the dry-aged method showed significantly lower counts of total coliforms, aerobic mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and molds and yeasts as compared to wet-aged meat. While the Salmonella spp. was not isolated in any beef sample, L. monocytogenes and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) were isolated only from wet-aged beef. Thus, it was concluded that the superficial dehydration of the meat during dry-aged maturation, if carried out correctly and hygienically, confers higher microbiological quality and can reduce the occurrence of microbiological hazards.

ABSTRACT The use of agro-industrial by-products in feeding ruminants has nutritional, environmental and economic advantages, and helps to sustain the production system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of diets containing babassu cake as a substitute for Tifton-85 hay (70, 140, 210, 280 and 350 g kg-1 dry matter: DM). Twenty-five castrated male sheep with a mean body weight of 49.6 ± 9.4 kg were used, distributed in metabolic cages in a completely randomised design. Voluntary intake was obtained from the difference between the amount of feed provided and the leftovers the following morning. To evaluate nutrient digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance, samples of urine and faeces were collected separately. There was no effect on DM intake; however, crude protein (CP) and ether extract intake increased linearly increased linearly. The addition of babassu cake had no effect on DM digestibility (mean value of 604.6 ± 272.8 g kg-1). Apparent CP digestibility and total digestible nutrient content showed increasing linear behaviour, while the digestibility of acid detergent fibre decreased linearly. The level of retained N varied from 9.72 ± 1.12 to 15.51 ± 1.84 g day-1 with the ratio to ingested N ranging from 521.0 ± 26.7 to 578.4 ± 31.8 g kg-1 N. The addition of babassu cake to replace the roughage, increased the nutritional value of the diet. Babassu cake can be included up to a total of 350 g kg-1 DM in the diet as a substitute for Tifton-85 hay.

Resumo: Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho animal, as características de carcaça e a qualidade da carne de novilhos e novilhas F1 Angus-Nelore terminados em confinamento com similar grau de acabamento de carcaça. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos (novilhos e novilhas) e 11 repetições (animais). Foram utilizados 22 bovinos com 18 meses de idade inicial, 11 novilhos e 11 novilhas, com peso corporal inicial de 354,86±43,66 e 353,82±39,80 kg, respectivamente. Os animais foram terminados em confinamento (114 dias) com dieta contendo 200 g kg-1 de silagem de milho e 800 g kg-1 de concentrado composto principalmente por grão de milho moído e farelo de soja. O consumo de matéria seca (9,42 vs. 9,24 kg dia-1), o ganho de peso médio diário (1,44 vs. 1,38 kg dia-1), a conversão alimentar (6,49 vs. 7,05 kg de matéria seca kg-1 de ganho de peso), o peso de carcaça quente (284,62 vs. 268,16 kg) e a espessura de gordura subcutânea (12,09 vs. 13,05 mm) foram similares entre novilhos e novilhas (respectivamente). O rendimento de carcaça quente foi maior (P < 0,05) nos novilhos (58,14 vs. 55,53%). Os novilhos apresentaram maior proporção de dianteiro (39,26 vs. 37,53%), enquanto as novilhas apresentaram maior proporção do traseiro especial (49,87 vs. 48,85%). A carne dos novilhos apresentou coloração mais escura (P < 0,05). A força de cisalhamento da carne e o marmoreio não diferiram entre as condições sexuais, com valores médios de, 5,43 kgf cm-2 e 10,14 pontos (mediano), respectivamente. Exceto em relação à proporção dos cortes primários, rendimento de carcaça e cor da carne, novilhas jovens F1 Angus-Nelore apresentam similar desempenho animal, características de carcaça e de carne em relação aos novilhos abatidos com similar grau de acabamento.

Assessment of carcass and meat characteristics of Holstein-Zebu crossbred young bulls finished in feedlot with crude glycerin levels (0, 60, 120, and 240 g kg-1 dry matter) in replace of ground pearl millet grain and babassu mesocarp bran mixture-based diets. Twenty four bulls 30-month-old and initial average body weight of 390 ± 31.5 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replicates. The absolute weight (kg) of commercial cuts did not fit any of the tested regression models. However, the weight of the short ribs and the pistol cut were higher for animals fed with crude glycerin in relation to those fed without inclusion of this food in the diet. The proportion of the commercial cuts, however, was not changed. The increase of the crude glycerin levels linearly increased the proportion of carcass fat and reduced the muscle proportion, without changing the proportion of bone and the edible portion of the carcasses. The ratio muscle/fat reduced linearly with the advance of crude glycerin level of diets. The color of the meat, evaluated subjectively, increased linearly with the advance of crude glycerin levels of the diets, from dark red to slightly dark red. The texture, marbling, shear force, thawing loss and cooking loss were not changed by dietary levels of crude glycerin. The inclusion of up to 240 g kg-1 of crude glycerin in the diets increases the proportion of fat without changing the marketable portion of carcasses. The benefits to the meat quality refer to the improvement of color, without changing the other characteristics of economic interest.

Assessment of carcass and meat characteristics of Nellore young bulls finished in feedlot with crude glycerin levels (0, 60, 120, and 240 g kg-1 dry matter) in millet-based diets. Twenty-eight young bulls with mean age of 18 months and average weight of 357 ± 23.56 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and seven replicates. It was observed that the physical composition and edible portion of the carcass were not affected by crude glycerin levels in the diets. However, the increased dietary crude glycerin level raised the weights of the forequarters (kg and % of cold carcass weight), but not that of the pistol cut and short ribs. Among the commercial cuts prepared to marketing of the pistol cut, only the weight of the rump cap (% cold carcass weight) was changed, decreasing linearly with increasing dietary crude glycerin levels. Additionally, meat characteristics remained unaltered by the increased levels of crude glycerin. It was concluded that inclusion of up to 240 g kg-1 of crude glycerin in millet grain-based diets for Nellore young bulls finished in feedlot does not alter the main carcass and meat characteristics or affect their economic value.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effects of including crude glycerin in the diet on intake, performance, rumen development, and carcass traits of dairy crossbred veal calves fed starter concentrate containing 0, 80, 160, and 240 g kg−1 crude glycerin. Twenty-eight calves with an average weight of 38.03±6.7 kg and five days of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments with seven replications. Calves were individually housed in covered stalls equipped with feeders and drinkers for 56 days. The calf response to inclusion of crude glycerin in the concentrate changed over the weeks and the inclusion level of 240 g kg−1 resulted in greater dry matter intake and average daily gain. There was no effect on the final weight and total weight gain of the animals, with mean values of 73.60 and 35.16 kg, respectively. The weight of the rumen-reticulum adjusted for body weight, empty body weight, and total stomach weight increased linearly with the inclusion of crude glycerin. Blood total protein, globulin, urea, cholesterol, gamma glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations did not differ among treatments. Carcass traits and meat color were not affected. Crude glycerin can be added to dairy calf starter concentrate up to 240 g kg−1 dry matter because it benefits concentrate intake, performance, and rumen development without affecting animal health.

Assessment of carcass physical composition and physicochemical characteristics of meat from Nellore males distributed randomly into three treatments: males castrated at 13 months of age at puberty (n=26); castrated at 18 months of age, 15 days before confinement (n=26); and young bulls (n=25). For the evaluation of meat chemical characteristics, we used samples of 12 animals taken at random from each treatment. The experimental design was completely randomized. Animals were slaughtered at 22 months of age after 100 days of confinement. The carcasses of young bulls showed higher contents of muscle (66.46 %) and bone (16.03 %), and lower fat content (17.66 %), in relation to that of steers castrated at 13 (62.83,15.28, and 22.11 %, respectively) or 18 months (63.99, 15.29, and 21.53%, respectively), which did not differ amongst themselves. The meat of young bulls was darker (3.07 points) than the meat from those castrated at 13 months of age (3.43 points), while the meat from those castrated at 18 months displayed an intermediate color (3.29 points), not differing from the others. Young bulls yielded meat with lower content of intramuscular fat (3.18 points) and lipids (3.81%) in relation to those castrated at 13 (4.58 points and 6.77%, respectively) or 18 months (4.52 points and 5.66%, respectively). Protein content was higher (P 0.05) by the age of castration, with young bulls having lower values in relation to the castrated males. Castration of Nellore young bulls in early puberty increases the edible portion of the carcass due to the higher body fat deposit.

This study aimed to evaluate carcass and meat characteristics of feedlot-finished steers of dairy origin fed with pearl millet grain-based diets, containing inclusion levels of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48%). A total of 30 Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers with an average initial weight of 371.02 ± 27 kg were randomly divided into six groups fed with different experimental diets (five pearl millet-based diets containing inclusion levels of BMB and one standard corn-based diet). Each diet had five replications. Isonitrogenous diets had a roughage/concentrate ratio of 20/80. BMB inclusion level in the diet reduced slaughter and carcass weight from 488.4 and 242.2 kg to 454.0 and 226.7 kg, respectively. The subcutaneous fat thickness, conformation, and pistol cut weight were also reduced to 38.8, 13.6, and 9%, respectively, as the BMB inclusion level in the diet increased. Meat characteristics were not affected by BMB inclusion levels in the diet. Regarding carcass and meat characteristics, no difference was observed in the analysis of contrasts between BMB diets and corn- or millet-based diets, or between corn- or millet-based diets. The inclusion of BMB in millet-based diets should consider the cost/benefit ratio, as it reduces slaughter and carcass weight, while the main meat characteristics remain unchanged. However, total substitution of corn by millet grains in feedlot diets does not alter bovine carcass and meat characteristics.

ABSTRACT - The objective of this study was to find the best level of inclusion of crude glycerin (0, 60, 120, and 240 g kg−1 of dry matter of diet) in substitution of pearl millet in a feedlot diet. Twenty-eight Nellore young bulls with mean age of 18 months and average weight of 357±23.56 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and seven replications. The intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients were similar among the dietary levels of crude glycerin. The ether extract intake decreased with increase in the levels of crude glycerol in the diets. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and extract ether was similar among the dietary crude glycerin levels. Apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was lower in the diets with inclusion of crude glycerin in relation the other diets. The increase in the levels of crude glycerin did not affect the total digestible nutrients content of the diets. Average daily gain increased linearly with the increase in crude glycerin. Feed conversion was not altered by the increase in the levels of crude glycerin in the diets. The dietary increase in crude glycerin level did not affect the carcass characteristics. The inclusion of up to 240 g kg−1 of crude glycerin in pearl millet grain-based diets for feedlot-finished Nellore young bulls increases average daily gain, but does not change the main carcass characteristics of economic importance.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior and feedlot productive performance of dairy-origin steers fed for 84 days ground pearl millet grain-based diets with 0, 120, 240, 360, and 480 g kg-1 of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) and a standard diet based on ground corn. Thirty Holstein-Zebu steers with average initial body weight of 371.02±27 kg were used. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replications. Dry matter intake showed better fit with the quadratic regression equation with the inclusion of BMB, reaching a maximum value in diets with 360 g of this by-product. There was no difference for dry matter intake between pearl millet- and corn-based diets. There was no difference in total digestible nutrients intake between diets. The digestibility coefficient of organic matter decreased linearly with the increase in the dietary level of BMB. The digestibility coefficient of organic matter was not different between corn and millet diets. There was no difference in feeding time between diets. Total requirement of metabolizable energy increased linearly with inclusion of BMB. However, total requirements of metabolizable energy did not differ between the corn- and pearl millet-based diets. Average daily gain decreased linearly with the increase in BMB, with adjustment forced by the sharp decline of this variable in diets with 480 g of BMB. There was no difference in average daily gain between corn- and pearl millet-based diets. The inclusion of levels above 360 g of babassu mesocarp bran in pearl millet-based diets reduces the supply of metabolizable energy and the productive performance of feedlot dairy steers.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do peso de abate sobre o desempenho animal, cortes comerciais da carcaça e características da carne de vacas Purunã terminadas em confinamento. Foram utilizadas 28 vacas de descarte com 68,02±17,36 meses de idade abatidas com pesos distintos (434; 461; 476 e 522 kg). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (pesos de abate) e sete repetições (animais). O consumo de matéria seca, expresso em kg dia-1 e % do peso corporal, apresentou variação quadrática em função do avanço do peso de abate, sendo os maiores valores observados para o peso de abate de 461 kg. O ganho de peso médio diário diminuiu linearmente, enquanto que o peso absoluto do dianteiro, ponta de agulha e traseiro especial aumentou linearmente com avanço do peso de abate. Em termos relativos somente o corte ponta de agulha foi alterado pelo avanço do peso de abate, aumentando linearmente. Entre as proporções dos cortes cárneos preparados para comercialização, elevações lineares foram verificadas para o acém e contra filé. O aumento do peso de abate promoveu incrementos lineares nos escores de coloração, marmoreio e palatabilidade, mas não alterou a maciez da carne. O avanço do peso de abate de vacas de descarte da raça Purunã reduz o desempenho animal, aumentando as perdas pelo recorte de gordura, com benefícios importantes apenas para a palatabilidade da carne.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of corn milling and the inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) on productive performance, digestibility of dietary nutrients, and blood parameters of dairy crossbred (Holstein-Gyr) bulls finished in confinement. Twenty-four bulls were fed four different experimental diets, containing two levels of inclusion of BMB (0 and 41.24%) and corn supplied in two different forms (ground and whole), for 98 days (77 days of data collection and 21 days of adaptation). The intakes and digestibility coefficients of the dry matter (DM) and nutrients were determined. There were no significant interaction effects of the BMB inclusion level and the form of corn used on the performance and digestibility variables. The intakes of DM, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased with the inclusion of BMB in the diets. However, the inclusion of BMB in the diets decreased the ether extract intake, the NDF apparent digestibility, and the feed efficiency of DM and CP. Dry matter and NDF intakes also increased with the use of ground corn in the diet, which promoted an increase in the intake of total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates, and average daily gain. However, the supply of ground corn reduced the feed efficiency of TDN. The remaining measured variables did not vary with the tested diets. The levels of plasma protein and albumin remained normal, but glucose concentrations were always high, irrespective of the tested diet. The form of corn supplied and the level of BMB inclusion had a significant interaction effect on the levels of triglycerides, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Babassu mesocarp bran can be included up to 41.24% in the diet of confined bulls without a negative effect on the animal weight gain. Corn should be supplied ground because this form improves the performance of crossbred bulls

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grinding corn and inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) in the diet of crossbred dairy young bulls finished in feedlot on their carcass and meat characteristics. Twenty-four young bulls were fed four experimental diets containing two BMB inclusion levels (0 and 41.24%) and corn in two forms of processing (ground and whole grains) for 98 days, and then slaughtered in a commercial packing plant. Among the quantitative carcass characteristics, there was interaction only in fat trimmings/whole hot carcass weight and cold carcass yield. The whole hot carcass and hot carcass weights showed reduced means with the use of whole corn. The other quantitative variables were not separately affected by BMB inclusion levels or by the form corn was processed. There was interaction between the factors for pistol cut weight, edible portion and weight of the cuts of the pistol cut, in which the use of whole corn and BMB promoted reduction in the mean values. The use of the whole corn grain reduced the participation of flank cut and elevated the participation of the bone fraction in the carcass. Inclusion of 41.24% of BMB did not change the qualitative meat characteristics, but the use of corn grain resulted in darker meat. The use of whole corn resulted in alteration in the weight of cuts like eye of rump and striploin, which have a high commercial value. There was interaction between factors for the percentages of moisture and minerals of the meat, whereas the crude protein content was affected by the two factors. The use of diets with whole corn or with babassu mesocarp bran may modify the carcass and meat characteristics of finishing crossbred young bulls.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the crossbreed animals, in feedlot, previously fed with different supplemented energetic systems and Brachiaria brizantha pasture. The treatments were: TAA – high level intake of energy during the growing and finishing phases; TAM – high intake of energy during the growing phase and medium intake of energy during of the finishing phase; TMA – medium intake of energy during growing phase and high intake of energy during finishing phase; TMM – medium intake of energy during the growing and finishing phases. During the growth phase the animals received supplementation of 1.0% and 0.5% body weight of animals. In the finishing phase, the animals were fed diets containing 50% of concentrate (medium intake of energy, TDN = 71%) or 80% of concentrate (high intake of energy, TDN = 80%) in the dry matter of the total diet. The animals of the TAA and TAM treatments had higher average body weight at the beginning of feedlot due to that achieved average slaughter weights of 42 and 21 days less than the other treatments. The animals of the TAA and TAM treatments were more dry matter intake (P 0.05) between treatments for these measures at the end of the termination. The high level of energy supplementation during the growing phase allowed animals to a greater initial weight input in confinement, and consequently, the best performance.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the use of babassu mesocarp meal (BMM) and corn in different physical forms on the feeding behavior of crossbred young bulls of a dairy breed. Twenty-four crossbred (Nellore vs. Holstein) steers (307.35 kg) were fed four experimental diets containing two levels of inclusion of the babassu mesocarp meal (0 and 412.4 g/kg) and corn in two physical forms (kernels or ground) for 98 days. Data was collected on three days during the finishing phase, with observations every five minutes, for 24 hours. When the activities performed by the animals were evaluated as a function of the period of the day, the physical form of the corn showed interaction with the BMM inclusion level on the time spent feeding and on other activities. When the activities were evaluated over the day, the defecation frequency was affected and decreased as BMM was included. The feeding time was longer at the moments that followed feed supply, whereas the time used for other activities increased during the morning period, regardless of the diet utilized. Rumination and idle times were affected by the period of the day and remained high during the night and morning periods. There was increase in feeding time and dry matter rumination efficiencies and neutral detergent fiber as BMM was added to the diet. The number of rumination chews per bolus, however, decreased as BMB was included. Inclusion of babassu mesocarp meal increases the animal feeding time but the physical form of corn does not change its feeding behavior.

This research was conducted to assess the ingestive behavior during 24 hours in eight periods of the day of 24 Limousin x Nellore young bulls in feedlot, fed with diets containing 0; 15; 30 and 45% of whole corn germ. At 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the animals were fed with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 25:75. The inclusion of whole corn germ in the diets did not affect the time spent with food intake, sleeping and other activities, neither the frequencies of water drinking, urination and defecation. Food intake occurred more often during the periods when animals were fed, spending in average 137.10 minutes with this activity. Animals slept more during the night, from 2 to 5 a.m., whereas the time spent with other activities was higher from 5 to 8 p.m. Whole corn germ levels affected the rumination and leisure time in a quadratic form, with the 30% level showing higher rumination time (28.3% of the daily time), and lower leisure time (42.24% of the daily time). Animals submitted to different levels of whole corn germ showed distinct behavior for rumination, leisure, food intake, sleeping and other activities, and frequencies of water drinking, urination and defecation, during the different periods of the day. The inclusion of whole corn germ to the diet of bovines provides greater rumination time and modifies the distribution of this activity during the day.

The objective was to evaluate the empty body components of cull cows slaughtered at different weights. It was used 43 Purunã cull cows mean age of 68.02 ± 17.36 months. The experimental design used was the completely randomized. The slaughter weights studied were 401, 434, 461, 476 and 522 kg. Empty body weight and yield increased 65.16 g and 0.0253% for each kg increased in body weight, respectively. The increase slaughter weight promoted linear increase of the absolute amount of noncarcass components. The weight of the gastrointestinal tract increased to 9.61 g per kilogram over the weight of slaughter, not being changed by the independent variable when expressed as percentage of empty body. The absolute and relative weight of internal organs varied linearly positive and negative with increasing slaughter weight, respectively. The increase in slaughter weight resulted in a linear increase of the set of internal fat, both expressed in kg and percentage of empty body. The set of external components increased 8.6 g per kilogram of slaughter weight increase. The increase in slaughter weight above the minimum requirements by refrigerators reduces the efficiency of the production system, due to the increased proportion of non-carcass components. Objetivou-se avaliar os componentes do corpo vazio de vacas de descarte com pesos distintos. Utilizaramse 43 vacas da raça Purunã com idade média de 68,02 ± 17,36 meses. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado. Os pesos de abate estudados foram de 401, 434, 461, 476 e 522 kg. O peso e o rendimento de corpo vazio responderam linearmente à elevação do peso de abate, aumentando 65,16 g e 0,0253% a cada quilograma acrescida, respectivamente. O aumento do peso de abate proporcionou aumento linear da quantidade absoluta dos componentes não carcaça. O peso do trato gastrointestinal aumentou 9,61 g a cada quilograma acrescida no peso de abate, não sendo alterado pela variável independente quando expresso em percentagem do corpo vazio. O peso absoluto e peso relativo do conjunto de órgãos internos variou de forma linear positiva e negativa, respectivamente, com o avanço do peso de abate. O aumento do peso de abate proporcionou aumento linear do conjunto de gorduras internas. O conjunto de componentes externos aumentou 8,6 g a cada quilograma acrescida no peso de abate. A elevação do peso de abate, acima das exigências mínimas dos frigoríficos, prejudica a eficiência do sistema produtivo, em virtude do aumento proporcional dos componentes não carcaça.

Nutrient intake and digestibility and productive performance of 30 feedlot young bulls fed diets containing babassu mesocarp bran in replacement of corn were evaluated. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with five levels of replacement of corn by babassu mesocarp bran (BMB): 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 g/kg of dry matter, and six replications. The dry matter (DM) intake in kg/day, g/kg body weight (BW) and g/kgBW0.75 increased as the corn was replaced by BMB. The intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein (CP) increased linearly, whereas the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) had quadratic behavior. The digestibility of DM, CP, NDF and NFC and the total digestible nutrients (TDN) showed quadratic behavior with points of minimum digestibility of 850.0, 638.0, 867.0, 638.0 and 833.0 g/kg dry matter of replacement of corn by BMB, respectively. The final weight (476.82 kg) and average daily gain (1.55 kg/day) were not affected by experimental diets. The feed efficiencies of DM and CP decreased with increase in the levels of BMB, but the feed efficiency of TDN was not changed. Babassu mesocarp bran enables satisfactory performance, and depending on the price and opportunity cost, it can be utilized in the feeding of feedlot cattle totally replacing the corn of the diet.

We evaluated carcass characteristics, weight and percentage of prepared commercial cuts of the primal pistol cut (PC) of 30 young crossbred bulls fed diets which included replacement levels (0, 25, 50, 70 and 100% of the dry matter, DM) of corn by babassu mesocarp bran (BMB). The experiment was a completely randomized design with six replicates. Slaughter weight was not affected by treatments. Hot and cold carcass weights decreased linearly (P

Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes e o balanço de nitrogênio de dietas contendo farelo de mesocarpo de babaçu (FMB) em substituição à silagem de capim elefante (0; 21; 38; 62 e 78%). Utilizaram-se 20 ovinos alojados em gaiolas metabólicas individuais e distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Foram coletados e registrados o consumo de alimentos e excreções de fezes e urina. Os consumos de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, cinzas, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, hemicelulose e carboidratos totais não foram influenciados pelas dietas experimentais. Foi observada alteração nos consumos de carboidratos não fibrosos (CCNF) e redução nos consumos de extrato etéreo em % do PV e em gramas por unidade de tamanho metabólico (g UTM-1). O consumo de nutrientes digestíveis totais (CNDT) teve comportamento quadrático com pontos de máximo em 37,3 e 37,9% de FMB expressos em %PV e g UTM-1, respectivamente. As digestibilidades aparentes da matéria orgânica, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, proteína bruta e carboidratos não fibrosos reduziram na medida em que o FMB aumentou nas dietas. As digestibilidades aparentes da matéria seca (DAMS), extrato etéreo e carboidratos não fibrosos tiveram comportamento quadrático, com máxima DAMS estimada em 10% de FMB. O NDT reduziu 0,28% para cada ponto percentual de inclusão de FMB nas dietas. A adição do FMB reduziu a digestibilidade das frações fibrosas e aumentou o CCNF e o CNDT, o que indica que este subproduto pode ser utilizado como fonte energética em dietas para ruminantes.The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients and the nitrogen balance of diets containing babassu-mesocarp meal (BMM) as a replacement for elephant-grass silage (0, 21, 38, 62 and 78%). Twenty sheep were used, housed in individual metabolic cages and distributed in a completely randomized design with four replications. Food intake was noted and faeces and urine excretions were collected and recorded. Intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ash, neutral-detergent fibre, acid-detergent fibre, hemicellulose, and total carbohydrate was not affected by the experimental diets. Changes were observed in the non-fibrous carbohydrates intake (INFC) and a reduction in the intake of ether extract as a % of live weight (LW) and grams per unit of metabolic body size (g MBS-1). Total digestible nutrient intake (ITDN) presented quadratic behaviour, with maximum points at 37.3% and 37.9% of BMM expressed as %LW and g MBS-1 respectively. The apparent digestibility of organic matter, neutral-detergent fibre, acid-detergent fibre, crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrate decreased with the increase in BBM in the diet. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (ADDM), ether extract and non-fibrous carbohydrates showed a quadratic response, with maximum ADDM estimated at 10% of BMM. The TDN decreased by 0.28% for each percentage point of BMM added to the diet. The addition of BMM reduced digestibility of the fibres and increased both INFC and ITDN, indicating that this byproduct can be used as an energy source in ruminant diets.

The objective of this work was to study the effect of the fatness level on carcass and commercial cuts yields of 5/8 Hereford 3/8 Nellore cull cows, as well as to perform the economic analysis of the marketing of these cuts by the slaughterhouse industry. We used 42 adult cows, all with eight teeth at slaughter, and average live body weight of 530 kg. The experimental design was completely randomized. After slaughter, the carcasses were classified in relation to fat cover, and separated into fat 1 (absent), fat 2 (scarce), fat 3 (median) and fat 4 (uniform), according to the “Sistema Nacional de Tipificação e Classificação de Carcaças Bovinas”. Body weights at origin were higher for cows of fat class 4 in relation to class 2 and 1, being 571.9, 517.6, and 488.1 kg, respectively, not differing from fat class 3 (536.6 kg). The hot carcass yields increased as a function of the increase of the degree of carcass finishing, with mean values of 44.4, 46.1, 47.9 and 47.8% for fat classes 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The cut of the rib is the cut with the largest increase in weight when the fat level increases. Considering the commercial cuts prices at the wholesale markets of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul, the industry could pay better prices for cows with fat 2 in relation to the other classes. The break-even point of the slaughterhouse industry would be R$ 6.21/kg of carcass for fat 2 cows, against R$ 6.02/kg, R$ 5.99/kg and R$ 5.98/kg, respectively, for fat 1, 3 and 4 cows.

Foram avaliadas a composição tecidual da carcaça e as características qualitativas da carne de 30 tourinhos mestiços (18,9 meses e 346,8kg iniciais) alimentados com dietas formuladas com diferentes proporções de farelo de mesocarpo de babaçu (Orbygnia sp.) em substituição ao milho: 0; 25; 50; 75 e 100% de substituição. Os animais foram abatidos com peso médio de 476,7kg. A porcentagem de músculo na carcaça aumentou de forma linear: 0,022% para cada ponto percentual de inclusão de farelo de mesocarpo de babaçu (FMB). Por sua vez, os percentuais de gordura e osso da carcaça variaram de forma quadrática, sendo a maior proporção de gordura observada quando a substituição de milho por FMB na dieta foi de 25% e a menor proporção de osso obtida com 50% de substituição. A relação porção comestível:osso foi maior com 42,5% de substituição do milho por FMB. À medida que se elevou a proporção de FMB nas dietas, houve decréscimo na espessura do coxão, escore muscular e compacidade da carcaça. A força de cisalhamento da carne teve acréscimos de 44kgf para cada ponto percentual de substituição do milho por FMB. Quanto à composição química da carne, verificou-se aumento no teor de matéria mineral. O uso de FMB em dietas de terminação de bovinos reduziu a maciez da carne, não alterando as demais características qualitativas.We evaluated the carcass composition and meat qualitative characteristics, of 30 young crossbred bulls (18.9 months and 346.8kg) fed with diets with different proportion of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) (Orbygnia sp.); replacing corn: 0, 25, 50, 70 and 100% substitution. The percentage of muscle in the carcass increased linearly, 0.022% for each percentage point of including BMB and the percentages of fat and bone had a quadratic response in which adipose tissue has increased until the replacement of 25% and bone tissue decreased to 50% substitution. The ratio of edible portion: bone increased up to 42.5%. As the levels of BMB increased, a decrease in cushion thickness, muscle score and carcass compactness occurred. The shear force of meat was increased by 44kgf for each percentage point of corn replacement. For the physical-chemical composition we observed an increase in the meat mineral matter. The use of BMB in finishing diets for beef cattle reduced the tenderness of the meat, not altering the other qualitative characteristics.

Foram avaliadas as carcaças de 800 novilhos oriundos do cruzamento rotativo entre as raças Charolesa e Nelore abatidos aos 2 anos de idade. As características avaliadas foram: conformação, espessura de coxão, perímetro de braço, área de olho-de-lombo e área de olho-de-lombo dividida por 100 kg de peso da carcaça fria (AOL100). Na análise dos dados, consideraram-se dois modelos: o Modelo 1 incluiu os efeitos genéticos de sistema de acasalamento e grupo genético do novilho aninhado em sistema de acasalamento e o Modelo 2 correspondeu ao Modelo 1, porém o sistema de acasalamento e o grupo genético foram substituídos pelas covariáveis representativas da porcentagem da raça Charolesa no indivíduo e na sua mãe e da porcentagem de heterozigose no indivíduo e na sua mãe. Pela análise do Modelo 1, novilhos charoleses foram superiores aos nelores em todas as características avaliadas. A heterose retida foi significativa para conformação (4,2%), espessura de coxão (3,2%), perímetro de braço (4,2%), área de olho-de-lombo (7,3%) e AOL100 (-6,7%). O efeito genético aditivo individual da raça Charolesa em relação à Nelore foi de 1,89 pontos para conformação, 1,37 cm para espessura de cochão, 2,55 cm para perímetro de braço, 12,70 cm² para área de olho-de-lombo e 3,13 cm² para AOL100. O efeito genético heterótico individual (em relação à média dos definidos) foi de 3,9% para conformação, 3,8% para espessura de cochão, 3,1% para perímetro de braço e 9,8% para área de olho-de-lombo. A heterose materna é significativa apenas para perímetro de braço (1,6%) e AOL100 (-5,4%). Os efeitos genéticos não-aditivos, representados por epistasia e ligação gênica, não influenciam as características avaliadas.The carcasses of 800 steers derived from rotational crossbreeding between Charolais and Nellore breeds, slaughtered at two years of age, were evaluated. The evaluated characteristics were the following: conformation, cushion thickness, arm perimeter, Longissimus dorsi area, Longissimus dorsi area divided by 100 kg of cold carcass weight (AOL100). Two models were used for the data analyses: Model 1 included the genetic effects of the breeding system and steer genetic group nested within the breeding system and Model 2 corresponded to Model 1, but the breeding and genetic group were substituted by the covariables corresponding to the percentage of Charolais breed of the individual and its mother and the percentage of heterozygosis of the individual and its mother. From the analysis in Model 1, Charolais steers were superior to the Nelores in all assessed traits. The retained heterosis was significant for conformation (4.2%), cushion thickness (3.2%), arm perimeter (4.2%), Longissimus dorsi area (7.3%) and AOL100 (-6.7%). The individual additive genetic effect of Charolais breed regarded to Nelore was 1.89 points for conformation, 1.37 cm for cushion thickness, 2.55 cm for arm perimeter, 12.70 cm² for Longissimus dorsi area and 3.13 cm² for AOL100. The individual heterotic genetic effect (regarded to the straightbred mean) was 3.9% for conformation, 3.8% for cushion thickness, 3.1% for arm perimeter and 9.8% for Longissimus dorsi area. Maternal heterosis is significant only for arm perimeter (1.6%) and AOL100 (-5.4%). The nonadditive genetic effects, represented by epistasis and linkage, do not influence the evaluated characteristics.

Quantitative characteristics of the carcass of feedlot finished Nelore X Limousin bulls, receiving diets containing 0%, 15%, 30% and 45% corn germ meal (CGM) were evaluated. The initial average weight and age were 321.25 kg and 20 months, respectively. The experimental diets were composed by 25% of roughage and 75% of concentrate. Each 1% CGM inclusion provided the increase of 0.62 kg in the slaughter weight. The CGM addition to the diets provided linear increases in the weights of the hot and cold carcasses. There were no differences for hot and cold carcasses dressing percentages and chilling loss for the different diets. Observed averages were 55.21%; 54.42% and 0.78%, respectively. The hindquarter (pistol) (48.53%), spare ribs (11.66%) and forequarter (39.8%) cuts did not alter with the CGM inclusion in the diets. The weights and percentages of the commercial cuts of the hindquarter were, also not influenced by the CGM addition. Diets containing up to 45% of CGM can be supplied to feedlot finishing bovine, providing higher body and carcass weights, without affecting carcass yields. KEY WORDS: By-products, commercial cuts, carcass evaluation, carcass yield. Foram avaliadas as características quantitativas das carcaças de 24 tourinhos Nelore X Limousin submetidos a dietas contendo 0%, 15%, 30% e 45% de gérmen de milho integral (GMI), terminados em confinamento, com peso e idade média inicial de 321,25 kg e vinte meses, respectivamente. A dieta total conteve 25% de volumoso e 75% de concentrado. Cada 1% de inclusão de GMI às dietas proporcionou ganhos de 0,62 kg no peso de abate dos animais. Os pesos da carcaça quente e carcaça fria mostraram comportamento linear crescente (pPALAVRAS-CHAVES: Avaliação de carcaças, cortes comerciais, rendimento de carcaça, subprodutos agroindustriais.

Objetivou-se com este experimento avaliar modelos com diferentes números de coletas da produção de leite para estimativa da produção média diária de leite em vacas Nelore até os 217 dias de lactação. As oito avaliações da produção de leite foram realizadas em 29 vacas, através do método direto, aos 14, 42, 70, 98, 126, 154, 182 dias e ao desmame (217 dias). Para seleção dos modelos de regressão linear múltipla, objetivando estimar a produção média diária de leite de acordo com o número de coletas de leite, utilizou-se o procedimento Stepwise do SAS. Procedeu-se à análise residual através dos testes de heterocedasticidade da variância (estatística ?²), normalidade (estatística W de Shapiro-Wilk), a diagnóstico de observações influentes e a diagnóstico de multicolinearidade. Para a validação dos modelos de regressão selecionados, utilizou-se a estatística predição da soma de quadrados do erro (PRESS). Os dias da coleta de leite selecionados foram: 98 para 1 coleta; 70 e 98 para 2 coletas; 14, 70 e 98 para 3 coletas; 14, 70, 98 e 154 para 4 coletas; 14, 70, 98, 154 e 182 para 5 coletas; 14, 42, 70, 98, 154 e 182 para 6 coletas e 14, 42, 70, 98, 126, 154 e 182 para 7 coletas. Os R² ajustados para modelos com 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6 e 7 coletas foram, respectivamente, 0,7900; 0,8718; 0,9064; 0,9596; 0,9698; 0,9875 e 0,9972. Todos os modelos preditos foram considerados satisfatórios na estimativa da produção média diária de leite. Quando houver a possibilidade de executar diversas amostragens ao longo do período de lactação, três coletas em datas estrategicamente escolhidas ao longo do período de lactação são suficientes para predizer com elevada precisão a produção média diária de leite.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Análise residual, fase de cria, lactação, regressão linear múltipla, seleção de variáveis independentes, técnicas de validação de modelos de regressão. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate models with different number of collections of milk yield to estimate average daily milk yield in Nellore beef cows until 217 days of lactation. The eight evaluations of milk yield were taken from 29 cows, by direct method through milking, at 14, 42, 70, 98, 126, 154, 182 days and weaning (217 days). For the selection of multiple linear regression models, with objective of estimate the average daily milk yield according to number of milk collects, Stepwise procedure of SAS was used. The data were submitted to residual analysis by tests of heterocedasticity of variance (?² statistic), normality (W statistic of Shapiro-Wilk) and diagnosis of outliers (three observations were excluded from original n=30), beyond multicolinearity diagnosis. For validation of the selected regression models, the prediction error sum of squares statistic (PRESS), was used. The selected days of milk yield collections were: 98 for 1 collection; 70 and 98 for 2 collections; 14, 70, and 98 for 3 collections; 14, 70, 98 and 154 for 4 collections; 14, 70, 98, 154 and 182 for 5 collections; 14, 42, 70, 98, 154 and 182 days for 6 collections and 14, 42, 70, 98, 126, 154 and 182 days for 7 collections. The adjusted R² for models with 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6 and 7 collections were, respectively, 0.7900; 0.8718; 0.9064; 0.9596; 0.9698; 0.9875 and 0.9972. All the predicted models were satisfactory to estimate average daily milk yield. In a possibility of to execute various collections of milk yield during lactation period, three milk collections chosen in strategic dates during lactation period were sufficient to estimate with high precision the average daily milk yield.KEY WORDS: Lactation, maternal phase, multiple linear regression, selection of independent variables, residual analysis, techniques of validation of regression models.

Foram avaliadas as características quantitativas das carcaças de 24 tourinhos Nelore X Limousin submetidos a dietas contendo 0%, 15%, 30% e 45% de gérmen de milho integral (GMI), terminados em confinamento, com peso e idade média inicial de 321,25 kg e vinte meses, respectivamente. A dieta total conteve 25% de volumoso e 75% de concentrado. Cada 1% de inclusão de GMI às dietas proporcionou ganhos de 0,62 kg no peso de abate dos animais. Os pesos da carcaça quente e carcaça fria mostraram comportamento linear crescente (p

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the production performance of feedlot cattle fed diets containing chopped sugarcane ratios (580 or 380 g/kg of diet dry matter) as roughage and levels of inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB; 420 to 620 g/kg of concentrate dry matter). Twenty-four young Nellore bulls with 321±23 kg initial body weight, at 22 months of age, were used in a completely randomized experimental design with treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and six replicates. Dry matter intake (21.71 g/kg of body weight), average daily gain (1.46 kg/day), and cold carcass weight (232.59 kg) were not changed by proportion of sugarcane or BMB level. The proportions of sugarcane and BMB levels did not change the apparent digestibility of the diets, except the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, which was lower in the diet associating the lowest levels of sugarcane and BMB. Increasing proportions of sugarcane reduced subcutaneous fat thickness from 2.89 to 1.91 mm. Carcass commercial primal cuts were not affected by variation factors. Inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran enables the use of larger proportions of sugarcane as a result of the increased digestibility of the fiber fraction of feedlot cattle diets without changing the performance and main carcass traits of these animals.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to assess the effects of including 0, 79.8, 159.8, and 240.0 g kg-1 crude glycerin in the total diet dry matter on the 84 days feedlot performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and carcass characteristics of crossbred dairy steers. Experimental diets were composed of 98.5 g kg-1 of sorghum silage and 901.5 g kg-1 of concentrate. Twenty-four crossbred dairy steers (337.3±39.8 kg body weight and 15 months of age) were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replicates. The intake and digestibility of the dry matter and nutrients were not altered by including crude glycerin in the diet. Crude glycerol levels did not affect the final weight (430.2 kg), daily weight gain (1.38 kg day-1), total weight gain (97.2 kg), hot carcass weight (218.9 kg), cold carcass weight (215.2 kg), hot carcass yield (0.50 kg 100 kg-1 BW), longissimus dorsi area (62.86 cm²), subcutaneous fat thickness (4.05 mm), and carcass physical composition. Concentrations of serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and creatinine were not altered by including crude glycerin in the diet. Crude glycerin can be added to high concentrate diet up to 240 g kg-1 without changing the animal performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, the main carcass characteristics, and blood parameters of finishing crossbred dairy steers.