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The objective of this study was to obtain different dry matter contents and proportions of mel-on plant biomass for silage making. A completely randomized design was adopted with a facto-rial scheme (3 x 2) in four replications. The first factor corresponded to three mixtures of melon biomass on as fed basis (AF) of plant (branch + leaf) and fruit (harvested melon) as follows: 100% plant, 90% plant + 10% fruit, and 100% fruit. The other factor corresponded to the ensiled materi-al with fresh and dehydrated melon plant biomass (40% DM) which was dried in the field, after harvest. Silages with partial dehydration of the biomass available after fruit harvest with 0% and 10% fruit showed the greatest DM values: 297 and 293 g/kg DM, respectively. Silages with 0, 100 and 10% fruit showed medium LAB populations: 5.79, 5.14 and 4.58 logs CFU/g, respectively. Higher concentrations of acetic acid contents were observed in silages with 0 and 10% fresh fruit, which were 14.9 and 14.1 g/kg DM, respectively. Silages with 0% and 100% of dehydrated fruit showed better results for the indicators of good-quality silage. Dehydration improves the fer-mentative profile and quality of the melon silage.

The intercropping of corn and grass allows for the production of grains, and simultaneously, the recuperation and renovation of pastures. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of N doses on the yield, structure, chemical-bromatological characteristics, and the N use efficiency of Brachiara brizantha cultivars in an integrated crop-livestock system. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications, in a slip-plot scheme. The plots were formed of two grass plants, Marandu and Paiaguás, intercropped with corn and subplots composed of nitrogen doses (70, 100, and 130 kg N ha-1). During the system’s establishment (1st cycle), the Paiaguás grass presented higher values for all morphogenic and structural characteristics and higher forage yield when compared to Marandu grass. After the corn harvest, the interaction effect of the N doses and the cultivars for the foliar structure emergence and the number of living leaves was observed. The variables foliar elongation rate, stem elongation rate, and phyllochron were not influenced by any of the investigated factors (P>0.05). The highest DM content was obtained with the application of 100 kg ha-1 of N, whereas, for the other chemical characteristics, there was only an effect among the cultivars. Paiaguás grass exhibited the highest levels of NDF, ADF, lignin, and MM. CP levels were not influenced by the factors studied. Marandu grass and the use of 70 kg N ha-1 are recommended for intercropping with corn

This research evaluated the effects of biscuit bran and cashew nut bran as energy source and additional energy level on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, energy partitioning, N balance, and blood parameters on ewes. Twenty Morada Nova cull ewes breed (average age of 3 years old and initial body weight of 30.1 ± 3.56 kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme of two energy sources (biscuit bran vs. cashew nut bran) and two levels of energy above 10% and 25% of the recommended energy requirements. The inclusion of cashew nut bran above 10% of the recommended energy promoted a lower crude protein (CP) and ethereal extract intake (P 0.01) than cashew nut bran above 25% of the recommended energy. The interaction between energy source × energy level did not affect digestibility and energy partition on ewes (P 0.05). The diet containing cashew nut bran above 10% of the recommended energy presented lower metabolizable energy intake and energy balance (P 0.05). Regarding N balance, the cashew nut bran diet above 10% of the recommended energy decreased N

The current study assessed ruminal fermentation parameters and bacterial community, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of goats fed diets containing buffel grass hay and ruminal ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3). Five rumen-cannulated mixed-breed castrated adult goats (45 ± 2.3 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design represented by five N-NH3 levels (3.43, 9.95, 17.2, 23.0 and 33.7 mg/dl). Control animals were fed hay exclusively. Other treatments were represented by ruminal infusion composed of a mixture containing urea, ammonium sulphate and casein. The increasing N-NH3 concentrations did not affect rumen fluid pH, which averaged 6.43. Rumen ammoniacal nitrogen increased linearly in response to N-NH3. Volatile fatty acids were not affected by increasing N-NH3 concentrations. A higher abundance of Ruminococcaceae (Ruminococcus 1, Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 and Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group) was observed in the rumen of goats infused with higher concentrations of N-NH3 (17.2 and 33.7 mg/dl N-NH3). There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.050) of N-NH3 levels on neutral detergent fibre intake with maximum values estimated at 13.7 mg/dl N-NH3. Nutrient intake, nitrogen excretion and nitrogen balance presented a positive linear effect (P < 0.050). In conclusion, 3.43 mg/dl of N-NH3 is the minimum level to maintain microbial activity, whereas the recommended level to optimize the microbial community is 14.5 mg/dl of N-NH3 in the rumen of goats fed buffel grass.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the growth and in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic, glycolytic, and amylolytic microorganisms from the rumen of a goat. Six concentrations of each salt were tested separately, namely 0 mg/dL, 100 mg/dL, 200 mg/dL, 400 mg/dL, 800 mg/dL, and 1600 mg/dL in the culture medium. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 6 x 3 factorial arrangement of salt concentration and substrate (starch, cellulose, and glucose) with three replications of each treatment combination. Concentrations of microbial protein, ammonia (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) were measured. A quadratic effect of CaCl2 concentration on the production of microbial protein was observed in the cellulose medium. The effect of MgCl2 on NH3-N production in the cellulose medium decreased linearly. Propionate concentration decreased linearly with increasing levels of NaCl and MgCl2 in the media containing starch. There was a decreasing linear effect of MgCl2 on the concentration of butyrate in the media containing glucose. In conclusion, concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 up to 1,600 mg/dL did not affect the microbial activity of starch, cellulose, and glucose-fermenting organisms. However, the microbial activity of starch-fermenting microbes was inhibited at salt concentrations above 800 mg/dL. Thus, brackish water could be used by goats in semiarid regions, but its use should be managed carefully so that it does not have a negative impact on rumen microbial populations.Keywords: cellulose, glucose, saline water, starch, ruminants

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentative characteristics and chemical composition of cochineal nopal cactus silage additives with urea or Lactobacillus buchneri (LB), as well as the association of both additives in four storage times (7, 15, 60 and 120 days) and during aerobic stability, with evaluations at 0, 48 and 96 h. Four silages were used: no additive, addition of 2% urea, addition of LB and addition of 2% urea and LB. The study was divided into two experiments: the first experiment evaluated the silages at different storage times, and the second experiment evaluated the silages during the aerobic stability test. In both experiments, the experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (4 × 4 and 4 × 3) with three replicates per treatment. After the ensiling process, lactic acid bacteria predominated in all treatments. The concentration of lactic acid increased significantly from 60 days of ensiling. The concentration of acetic acid varied significantly between the storage times only for the silages treated with urea and LB alone. The silage treated with urea maintained a constant pH value up to 120 days of storage. During the 96 h aerobic stability test, no breaking in the stability of silages was observed. The exclusive or associated use of urea and LB promotes improvement in the fermentative characteristics of cochineal nopal cactus silage, without major alterations in the chemical composition or interfering with the aerobic stability of the silages.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cactus (Opuntia spp) levels in total mixed ration silages based on Cactus and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud) on the fermentation profile, microbial populations, aerobic stability and taxonomic diversity. The completely randomized design was used in a 4 × 4 factorial design with four replications, being four rations with different levels of Cactus (15, 30, 45, 60% based on the dry matter) and four opening periods (0, 15, 30 and 60 days of fermentation). An interaction effect (P < 0.050) was observed among the diets and opening times for mould and yeast populations. An interaction effect for the levels of acetic acid was observed, where the diets 15, 30, 45 and 60% showed higher values at 60 days (0.44, 0.41, 0.35 and 0.40 g/kg DM, respectively). A significant difference was observed for the richness and diversity index (Chao1 and Shannon). The most abundant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and the genera Lactobacillus and Weissella. Cactus can be added in total mixed ration silages up to the level of 60% in a way that it positively affects the qualitative indicators of the silages, modulating the taxonomic communities and allowing the predominance of important groups for preservation of the ensiled mass.

Um bom manejo da palma forrageira e de suma importância para o desenvolvimento satisfatorio e obter altas producoes da palma forrageira. Vale ressaltar que praticas ideais de manejo possibilitam a planta expressar seu melhor potencial produtivo, principalmente em regioes com elevada sazonalidade de producao e irregularidade de chuvas como o semiarido brasileiro. Objetivou-se nesse estudo avaliar a influencia da densidade de plantio de duas variedades de palma forrageira dos generos Nopalea e Opuntia sobre as caracteristicas morfologicas e produtivas. O experimento foi estabelecido em um delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com tres repeticoes, em um arranjo fatorial 2 x 2, compostos por duas densidades de plantio: 40.000 e 20.000 plantas ha-¹ e duas variedades de palma forrageira: Palmepa-PB01 e Palmepa-PB04 (Nopalea cochinilifera e opuntia ficus indica, respectivamente), a variedade Palmepa-PB01 apresentou medias de 62.33 e 71.33 cm para altura e largura de planta, respectivamente, apresentando valores 33 e 32% superiores em relacao a Palmepa-PB04. O indice de area dos cladodios foi maior para a densidade de 40.000 plantas ha-¹, com 2.01 m² m-², apresentando valor 54.22% em relacao a densidade de 20.000 plantas ha-¹ que apresentou 0.92 m² m-². A densidade de plantio de 20.000 plantas ha-¹ foi 19 % superior em relacao a densidade de 40,000 plantas ha-¹. A variedade Palmepa-PB01 foi 18.18 % superior em relacao a variedade Palmepa-PB04 com um rendimento de 40.70 toneladas ha-¹. A variedade Palmepa-PB01 e mais produtiva que a Palmepa-PB04 recomendando seu plantio na menor densidade de plantio nas condicoes edafoclimaticas encontradas nesse estudo.

Babassu is a palm tree that occupies a vast area of the Brazilian and Central South American territory, extending from Mexico to the south of the Amazon Forest and the “cerrado” biome. The objectiv...

Foi avaliada a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (DMS) de duas cultivares de Urochloa brizantha cvs. Xaraés e Piatã em seus respectivos componentes: folhas e haste, no mesmo período de incubação de 6 horas e a diferentes níveis de suplementação com concentrado com base na porcentagem de peso vivo (PV) animal. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições em arranjo fatorial 4x2 (quatro níveis de concentrado na dieta animal 0,0%, 0,33%, 0,67% e 1,0% PV por duas cultivares de Urochloa brizantha). Foi observado que o DMS das folhas de capim Piatã não diferiu quando o animal consumiu o concentrado em níveis 0,0%, 0,33% e 0,67%, para as hastes, o nível de 0,00% PV apresentou menor DMS. As folhas do capim Xaraés apresentaram menor DMS no consumo de concentrado em 1,0% PV e no colmo os maiores valores foram nos níveis 0,00 %, 0,33 % e 0,67% PV. Realizada a equação de regressão foram obtidos maiores valores de concentrado aliados a maior DMS das forrageiras. Para a haste do capim Xaraés o nível ideal de suplementação foi 0,38% do PV de concentrado. Já para as folhas este valor foi 0,41% PV. Para o capim Piatã, os valores de folha e colmo foram de 0,62% e 0,44% PV, respectivamente.

The objective was to cover and discuss the characteristics of haylage that makes it an alternative of forage conservation. The haylage is based on the dry matter content after a wilt process, then baled similar to hay and wrapped with plastic films in order to be conserved under anaerobic fermentation. The dry matter content after wilt exceeds 500 g kg-1. Conserved forages with high content of dry matter present stabilization at high pH, which favors bacteria of the genus Clostridium. The pH of the haylage, because it has a high content of dry matter in its confection, limits the capacity of bacterial fermentation, it does not produce sufficient acid and becomes resistant to pH drops, this characteristic must be considered along with other factors. The preservation quality of haylage cut under the same conditions of the hay presents similar chemical composition, therefore, when the haylage is preserved under ideal conditions, it is an alternative to replace the hay. The definition and characteristics of haylage clearly expresses that it is an alternative conservation to hay and silage.

The objective evaluates the anatomy of elephant grass under different defoliation frequencies and levels of insertion on the tiller. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design with...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenic and structural characteristics, and demographic patterns of Andropogon gayanus subjected to different cutting frequencies and intensities. A completely randomized design was adopted in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, corresponding to three cutting heights (50, 70, and 90 cm), and two cutting intensities (50 and 70%) with four repetitions, totaling 24 plots of 7.50 × 6.25 m. For morphogenesis, there was no interaction effect (P ≤ 0.05) of treatments on stem elongation rate, leaf appearance rate, and phyllochron rate. The highest rate of leaf elongation was observed at a height of 90 cm and cut intensity of 50%, with 1.69 and 0.84 cm tiller-1 d-1 of leaf elongation at heights of 50 and 70 cm, respectively. For forage production, there was no interaction (p > 0.05) between cutting intensity and cutting height. When the pasture was managed to a cutting height of 90 cm, there was a greater increase in dry leaf mass, stalk dry mass, dead forage dry mass, and total dry forage mass, which was 50.89% and 53.29% higher than pasture heights of 50 and 70 cm, respectively. There was no interaction between factors on demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). A cutting height of 70 cm with a cutting intensity of 50% is recommended when handling this grass.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of sugarcane silage with or without inoculation with P. acidipropionici or L. buchneri, over three fermentation periods. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 3 inoculant by fermentation period factorial arrangement (without inoculant, inoculant 1, inoculant 2; x three fermentation periods, 10, 60, 90 days). Values of pH, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HEM) and lignin were determined and in situ DM degradability profiles were modelled for parameters a, b and c, potential degradation (A) and effective degradability (ED). The 90 day fermentation yielded a lower pH for both inoculants. There was an interaction between inoculant and fermentation period (P < 0.05) for DM content, with a reduction in silage DM without the additive at 90 days. The CP, HEM, ADF and lignin contents of sugarcane were not influenced by the treatments. The addition of P. acidipropionici provided the lowest NDF content at 10 days and presented a higher fraction a, potential degradation and ED. At 60 days, there was no variation in soluble fraction, the control silage showed a higher fraction b, higher potential degradation and ED. At 90 days of fermentation, L. buchneri silages presented a higher fraction a, degradation rate and DE and a higher b value was obtained in the silage without inoculant. Inoculants are effective in maintaining the silage DM content and nutritional value during prolonged fermentation periods. RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o valor nutritivo de silagens de cana-de-açúcar com ou sem inoculante, em diferentes períodos de fermentação. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 3 x 3 (sem inoculante, inoculante 1 e inoculante 2 x três períodos de fermentação, 10; 60 e 90 dias). Analisou-se pH, matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), hemicelulose (HEM) e lignina; e degradabilidade in situ da MS, quanto aos parâmetros a, b e c, degradação potencial (A) e degradabilidade efetiva (DE). Houve diferença para o pH, o período de 90 dias apresentou menor média para ambos inoculantes. Houve interação inoculante x período de fermentação (P

As fontes de energia hoje usadas pelo homem nao sao renovaveis e se encontram em condicoes limites. Logo, o uso sem controle e insustentavel dessas procedencias de energia fez com que o complexo energetico mundial entrasse em estado de alerta, sendo necessaria a busca por novos meios alternativos e renovaveis de energia. A mudanca de atitude no consumo de energia tende a diminuir o aproveitamento de recursos naturais, diminuindo os impactos no meio ambiente e para que essa mudanca aconteca o uso de biomassa como fonte energetica e uma opcao. A energia oriunda da biomassa vegetal representa um grande desafio para a ciencia, pois os combustiveis de origem fossil e seus derivados sao fontes finitas e ameacam o meio ambiente. Dentre as plantas forrageiras que podem ser usadas para producao de bioenergia o capim-elefante ganha destaque por possuir caracteristicas quantitativas e qualitativas que torna possivel seu uso para fabricacao de energia renovavel, faltando apenas ajustes tecnologicos para que isso ocorra.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value and the in situ degradability of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) silages with addition of babassu meal (BaM). PVC silos with 0.25 m in diameter and 0.75 m in height were used. It was done by adopting a compression of 550 kg/m3 in a completely randomized design with five repetitions. It was found that increasing linear effect (P< 0.05) on the average content of silage DM, estimating an increase of 0.74% for each unit added. The crude protein content of the silage without BaM was lower than the fresh grass. There was a linear effect on the levels of neutral detergent fiber, with an estimated reduction of 0.17% per unit added. Acid detergent fiber and lignin showed linear response to increasing levels of BaM. Disappearance of DM was significant to the extent that the material remained in the rumen, the best disappearance values were observed in the time of 72 h for all levels of inclusion and among the levels of inclusion of 20% showed the best values of the disappearance of DM at all incubation times. The bran of babassu oil improves the nutritive value, the degradation parameters and provides better conservation of ensiled mass. Key words: Additive, conservation, by-product, Pennisetum purpureum.

SUMMARY This study evaluated the intake of dry matter (IDM), nutrients and the economic analysis of F1 young bulls from the cross between Nellore and Guzera on pastures of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in silvopastoral systems composed of babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) and Marandu monoculture in the Pre-Amazon region of the state of Maranhão. Animals were evaluated in four systems consisting of 0, 80, 131, 160 palms ha-1, characterizing monoculture (MC), low density of palm trees (LDP), average density of palm trees (ADP) and high density of palm trees (HDP) during the rainy (RP) and dry (DP) periods. The dry matter intake, in g day-1, %BW and g kg-075 was influenced by the densities of babassu palm trees (P

SUMMARY This study aimed to determine the area occupied by different tissues present in the leaf blade and the in situ degradability of leaf and stem of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) under different defoliation frequencies (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days). Plants were classified into three levels of insertion in the tiller (apical, medial and basal). The results were presented as a proportion of the area of each tissue in relation to the total area of the leaf blade, namely, parenchyma tissue (PT), lignified vascular tissue (LVT) and non-lignified vascular tissue (NLVT). The proportion of tissue in the leaf blade is altered in accordance with the insertion in the tiller and increase in cutting age of the plant. PT has greater proportion at lower cutting ages, LVT increases with frequency and NLVT is higher at 60 days. The parameters of DM degradation in the two fractions evaluated decreased significantly with increasing maturity of the plant. The effective degradability of CP in leaf and stem decreased with the increase in the rate of passage (2, 5, and 8% h-1). The highest rate (c) of CP degradation for the leaf fraction was obtained with a frequency of 60 days, for the stem, with 45 days. The advance in plant maturity increases the proportion of lignified vascular tissue, thus influencing the ruminal degradation parameters of elephant grass. The defoliation frequency of 60 days offers an optimal point regarding the proportion of anatomical tissues correlated with the degradation of elephant grass.

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic, structural traits and chemical composition of andropogon grass subjected to different defoliation intensities and rest periods. Two defoliation intensities (15 and 30 cm) and four rest periods (25; 35, 45 and 55 days) were evaluated in a factorial completely randomized design, with four replications. The rest period promoted a linear decreasing effect (P

The objective was to evaluate the grazing behavior and the spatial distribution of feces of F1 young bulls from the cross between Nellore and Guzera on pastures of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in silvopastoral systems composed of babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) and Marandu monoculture in the Pre-Amazon region of the state of Maranhão. Animals were evaluated in four systems consisting of 0, 80, 131, 160 palms ha-1, characterizing monoculture (mono), low density of palm trees (LD), medium density of palm trees (MD) and high density of palm trees (HD) during the rainy (RE) and dry (DE) periods. Five animals (repetitions) were used in each system, with 231-303 days of age and 180±15 kg body weight. Determinations of behavioral patterns were made by instant sampling, at 10 min intervals. In each system, we demarcated 50 squares of 100 m2, which served as useful area to evaluate the dispersion of feces. The grazing behavior was influenced by the sward structure, which, in turn, was influenced by densities of palm trees, due to shading. The distribution of feces was affected by both the presence of babassu plantations and periods. The silvopastoral systems made the environment more pleasant to animals, since activities considered more stressful and avoided during the daytime were performed by animals of these environments, unlike animals in the monoculture system. RESUMO. Objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento de pastejo e a distribuição espacial de fezes de tourinhos F1 do cruzamento de Nelore com Guzerá em pastagens de Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu em sistemas silvipastoris compostos por palmeiras de babaçu (Attalea speciosa) e em monocultivo de capim-Marandu na região pré-amazônica maranhense. Os animais foram avaliados em quatro sistemas, sendo 0, 80, 131, 160 palmeiras ha-1, caracterizando monocultura (mono), baixa densidade de palmeiras (BDP), média densidade de palmeiras (MDP) e alta densidade de palmeiras (ADP), respectivamente, durante os períodos chuvoso (PC) e seco (PS). Foram utilizados cinco animais (repetições) em cada sistema, os animais tinham entre 231 e 303 dias de vida e peso vivo de 180±15 kg. As medidas dos padrões comportamentais foram realizadas por colheita instantânea, a intervalos de 10 min. Em cada sistema foram demarcados 50 quadrados de 100 m2, que serviram como área útil para avaliar a dispersão das fezes. Observou-se que o comportamento de pastejo foi influenciado pela estrutura do pasto, que por sua vez foi influenciado pelas densidades de palmeiras pelo sombreamento e a distribuição das fezes foi influenciada tanto pela presença dos babaçuais quanto pelos períodos avaliados. Os sistemas silvipastoris tornaram o ambiente mais agradável aos animais, visto que as atividades consideradas mais estressantes e que são evitadas durante o dia foram realizadas pelos animais desses ambientes, ao contrário dos animais do sistema de monocultivo.

This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics, population density of tillers and stability index of Urochloa brizantha in silvopastoral systems composed of babassu palm trees in the Pre-Amazon region. Four systems consisting of different densities of palm trees (80, 131, and 160 palms ha-1) and a monocrop were evaluated. The rates at which the basal tillers appeared in systems with 131 and 160 palms ha-1 were similar to each other and were slower compared to the monocrop pasture and the system with 80 palms ha-1. Despite the variations, the stability index was always higher than 1.0, which infers a compensatory mechanism between tiller appearance and mortality rate, since monocrop pastures and systems with 80 palms ha-1 have a higher rate of tissue turnover with high rates of tiller appearance and mortality; in contrast, the system with 160 palms ha-1 presents high tiller survival rates. Both the 160 and 131 palms ha-1 systems indicate impaired canopy renewal, as seen in the low appearance rate of basal tillers due to shading. As such, the tillering dynamics of the systems vary according to the density of palm trees, and the smaller tree densities favor the tiller turnover in the first generations evaluated.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (MS) e a composição químico-bromatológica dos componentes morfológicos folha e colmo da Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu em sistemas silvipastoris compostos por palmeiras de babaçu (Attalea speciosa) e em monocultivo na região Pré-Amazônica Maranhense. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 0, 80, 131, 160 palmeiras adultas.ha-1, caracterizando monocultura (Mono), baixa densidade de palmeiras (BDP), média densidade de palmeiras (MDP) e alta densidade de palmeiras (ADP) durante os períodos chuvoso e seco. Foram colhidas amostras representativas de cada um dos sistemas silvipastoris, utilizando quadrados de 0,25m2. Eles foram posicionados de forma aleatória em pontos representativos dos pastos no momento da amostragem e as plantas contidas no interior de cada quadrado foram cortadas a cada 28 dias, rente ao solo. As amostras, após pesadas, foram separadas em componentes morfológicos folhas e colmos, levadas a estufa e feitas as análise laboratoriais. O sombreamento proporcionado pelas palmeiras de babaçu influenciou o valor nutritivo do capim-Marandu em ambos os períodos de avaliação, principalmente no teor de proteína bruta nos sistemas silvipastoris, observou-se que a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca das folhas foi maior que o colmo e que houve pouca influência dos sistemas pastoris nos parâmetros de degradabilidade. SUMMARY The objective of the present work was to evaluate the in situ degradability of dry matter (DM) and the composition of components morphological leaf and stem of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in silvopastoral systems composed of palms of babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) and monoculture systems in region Pre-Amazon Maranhense. The experimental design was completely randomized with 0, 80, 131, 160 adult palms.ha-1, characterizing monoculture (Mono), low density of palm trees (LDP), average density of palm trees (ADP) and high density of palm trees (HDP) during the periods rainy and dry. Representative samples were taken from each one of the systems silvipastoris, using squares of 0.25m2. They were positioned at random in representative points of pastures at the time of sampling and the plants contained inside of each square were cut every 28 days, flush to the ground. The samples, after heavy, morphological components were separated in leaves and culms, carried the oven and made the laboratory analysis. The shade provided by trees of babassu influenced the nutritive value of Marandu grass both evaluation periods, mainly in crude protein content in silvopastoral systems, it has been observed that the in situ degradability of dry matter of the leaves was greater than the stem and that there was little influence of grazing systems in parameters of degradability.

This work aimed to evaluate dry matter intake (DMI) and performance of F1 Nellore x Guzera with live weight (LW) of 180±15 kg (5 months) on pastures of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in silvo-pastoral systems composed of babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) and monoculture systems in Pre-Amazonic region of Maranhao state, Brazil. Animals were evaluated in four systems: 0, 80, 131 and 160 adult palms ha-1, characterizing monoculture (MC), low density (LD), average density (AD) and high density palm trees (HD), respectively, during the rainy (RS) and dry season (DS). Comparing seasons, only DMI in MC and AD were affected. DMI was between 2.6% LW for the RS and 2.8% LW for the DS, These values are very close as suggested by NRC, which is 2.7% LW for animals in this category. Higher average daily gain per ha was observed in animals kept in pastures with LD (0.750 g.day-1 and 84.37 kg.ha-1, respectively). It was observed that animal performance was influenced by density of palm trees and the DMI by season, probably by the sward structure. Animal performance and production forage biomass were higher in 0 and 80 palm systems. This greater forage biomass allow higher stocking rate and, consequently higher animal production per ha. Key words: Silvo-pastoral systems, pasture, season, Guzera, Nelore, matter intake, daily gain.

This study aimed to evaluate the economic and financial viability of the creation of Nellore cattle in feedlot in Brazil. To do so, we performed a meta-analysis of productive data of Brazilian research published in the last ten years, and before the data, simulated to economic analysis. Three scenarios were simulated, the first according to projections of commodity prices, the second with a reduction of 10% of those prices and the third with an increase of 10%. In first scenario the termination provided positive net income, with total factor productivity (TFP) of R$ 1.04. On the other hand, with the increase of 10% of the costs of production, there is an income and a negative rate of return. On the other hand, with a reduction of 10% of the costs of production, the system will only 1,289 animals and, at the same time, the TFP shall be 1.16, with a return rate of 16.32%. We observed payback with values of less than one year, but with an increase of 10% on the cost with feeding all indicators were negative. Sensitivity analyzes showed that in most scenarios evaluated, only in situations more unfavorable economic performance indicators were not attractive. A meta-analysis of data from the termination of bovine animals shows that, before the current scenario, the price of commodities provides favorable economic indices, but with a negative variation of 10% on the price of the same, the indicators are to be negative, even with the price of the @ remaining stable.

he aim of this study was to evaluate fermentation and chemical characteristics and the in situ degradability of sorghum silages enriched with dried Leucaena. The experiment was conducted as completely randomized design with four treatments (0 - control silage, silage without leucaena; 10.0, 20.0, or 30.0% inclusion of Leucaena) and five replicates, totaling 20 experimental units. The inclusion levels of leucaena influenced (P 0.05), with all silages having values above 90%. Gas loss decreased (P < 0.05) as the level of leucine increased in sorghum silage. A linear increase was observed for dry matter (P ? 0.0001) and crude protein (P = 0.0008) contents in response to Leucaena inclusion. There was a linear (P < 0.05) linear effect on neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose and acid detergent fiber. As leucaena inclusion levels increased, for each 1% inclusion a reduction of 0.179 was observed; 0.059 and 0.119% for the values of neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose and acid detergent fiber respectively. The inclusion of leucaena influenced (P < 0.05) the increase of silage lignin levels, probably due to the higher lignin content of the legume. The soluble fraction (a) of the silages increased along with the Leucaena inclusion levels, with highest values observed at the inclusion of 20 and 30% of the legume, respectively. Potential degradation (A) increased linearly with the levels of Leucaena added to the silage; the highest value for this variable was observed at 30% inclusion. Effective degradability (ED) increased up to the inclusion level of 20% (46.77%). Degradation rate (c) decreased markedly with the use of 30% Leucaena. The use of the forage part of Leucaena dried for three hours leads to reduced gas production, increased dry matter and crude protein contents, and decreased fiber contents. The degradability of dry matter increases up to the inclusion level of 20%. O experimento foi conduzido nas instalações do Núcleo de Produção Animal (NUPRAN) do Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais da Universidade Estadual do Centro Oeste - UNICENTRO - Campus CEDETEG em Guarapuava-PR. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a produção de biomassa, a composição física da planta, a bromatologia e os teores de matéria seca da planta e componentes estruturais do milho para forragem. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos inteiramente casualisados, em esquema fatorial 5x5, com cinco densidades de plantio (80, 160, 240, 320 e 400 mil plantas ha-1), colhidas em 5 épocas (40, 50, 60, 70 e 80 dias após o plantio). O fator época de colheita apresentou diferença estatística em todos os parâmetros, e o fator densidades de plantio só apresentou diferença estatística em participação de folhas e produção de biomassa seca. Não houve interação em nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados. O milho forragem, cortado em período vegetativo, pode ser um grande aliado do produtor rural, pois apresenta alto potencial de produção de alimento com alto valor nutritivo em período reduzido de tempo, e em quantidade significativas com produção de até 14.720 kg há-1 de biomassa seca alcançada aos 80 dias de ciclo com 320 mil ha-1, liberando o solo para produção de outra cultura.

Agroforestry systems (AFS) are considered alternative land use options to help prevent soil degradation and improve soil microbial biomass and organic C status. However, it is unclear how different densities of babassu palm [Attalea speciosa (syn. Orbignya phalerata)], which is an important tree in Northeast Brazil, affect the soil microbial biomass. We investigated the soil microbial biomass C and activity under AFS with different densities of babassu palm associated with Brachiaria brizantha grass. Soil microbial biomass C (MBC), soil microbial biomass N (MBN), MBC:total organic C ratio, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and dehydrogenase activity showed highest values in plots with high density of babassu palm. On the other hand, the respiratory quotient (qCO2) was significantly greater in plots without babassu palm. Brachiaria brizantha in monoculture may promote C losses from the soil, but AFS with high density of babassu palm may increase the potential of soils to accumulate C.Keywords: Enzyme activity, tropical soil, babassu palm, silvopastoral system, soil quality.DOI: 10.17138/TGFT(3)41-48

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a redução de níveis proteicos e energéticos em dietas para cordeiros mestiços deslanados do semiárido brasileiro em terminação e seus efeitos sobre o consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes, bem como sobre o desempenho animal e avaliação econômica. O Experimento foi conduzido no laboratório de Respirometria da Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos. Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros provenientes de um rebanho comercial, sem padrão racial definido, com quatro meses de idade e peso corporal de 14,8 ± 3,52 kg. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram de um fatorial constituído de duas formulações dietéticas para diferentes maturidades (precoce e tardia), conforme o NRC (2007), e dois níveis de reduções destas formulações (0 e 10% de redução dos valores de PB e NDT indicados pelo referido sistema internacional. Observou-se maiores consumos das frações fibrosas para os animais alimentados com dietas para maturidade tardia. Houve um aumento no consumo de matéria seca para os animais de maturidade tardia, esse aumento pode ter sido a estratégia dos animais para atender as exigências nutricionais de proteína bruta e nutrientes digestíveis totais. Os maiores valores de digestibilidade da matéria seca observado para maturidade precoce, podem relacionar-se com maiores concentrações energéticas nas dietas. No que diz respeito ao balanço de nitrogênio (%) foi positivo para os níveis de redução e maturidades, o que indica que houve retenção de proteína no corpo dos animais. Houve efeito de interação (P