Search

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation depths (IDs) with brackish water and levels of organic fertilizer (OF) on the morphological aspects, production, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of cactus pear grown in a semiarid region. This experiment was conducted in an area already established for 2 years with cactus pear [Opuntia stricta (Haw.)] and started 18 months after the standardization cut. This was a 5 × 4 factorial design of five irrigation depths (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% evapotranspiration—ETo) and four levels of organic fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 megagram per hectare—Mg/ha), with four replications. The water used in the experiment was classified with high salinity and low sodium content (C3S1), and presented an electrical conductivity of 1.73 dS/m. There was no effect of the ID × OF interaction on the morphological and productive characteristics of cactus pear (p > 0.05); however, the ID × OF interaction promoted effects on ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent insoluble protein, neutral detergent insoluble ash, total carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates (p < 0.05). The ID and OF levels separately influenced the productive, morphological and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the use of organic fertilizer at a level up to 45 Mg/ha, which is associated with the use of lower brackish water levels for the cultivation of cactus pear. This study’s findings provide new insights into reducing the use of potable water in crop irrigation for dryland regions and other regions.

Brackish water can promote physicochemical changes in the soil. Aiming to mitigate the effect of excess salts in the soil, the use of organic matter promotes restructuring. The aim was to evaluate the productive and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear under different brackish water depths (ID) and levels of organic matter (OM). A factorial arrangement of 4 × 4 × 4 with four replications was utilized. Plots consisted of ID (0, 12, 20, and 28% reference evapotranspiration—ETo), and subplots were composed of OM levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 t/ha) and days after planting (DAP; 180, 270, 360, and 450 days). The growth, yield, and chemical composition of cactus pear were affected by ID and OM and/or by their interaction. The regular and increasing application of ID from 192 to 456 mm/year and a rainfall of 110 mm/year in cactus pear crops in biosaline systems improves the growth, freshness, dry matter yields, accumulation capacity per unit area, and chemical composition of cactus pear. The increase in OM up to the range from 30 to 45 Mg/ha linearly increases the agronomic performance of cactus pear. Biosaline systems with cactus pear should be adopted with the combined use of regular supplementary ID and OM, measuring at 304 mm/year and 45 Mg/ha, respectively.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of butterfly pea inclusion on the fermentation dynamics, nutritional quality and aerobic stability of mixed elephant grass silages. Butterfly pea levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% on a natural matter basis) were added to elephant grass silages. A completely randomized design was adopted, with 5 treatments and 3 replications, totaling 15 experimental silos, which were opened after 30 days of fermentation. The inclusion of butterfly pea in elephant grass silages resulted in a quadratic effect for permeability, density, maximum pH, final pH, time to reach maximum temperature and aerobic stability (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, water balance and growth performance of lambs receiving diets containing cactus silage under an intermittent water supply. Thirty-six male, uncastrated Santa Inês lambs with an initial weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and age of 6 months were distributed in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, with three proportions of cactus pear in the diets (0 (control diet containing Tifton hay), 21% and 42% of dry matter) and three periods of intermittent water supply (0, 24 and 48 h), with four repetitions. Lambs that received diets non-isonitrogenous with cactus silage showed higher intakes of dry matter (p < 0.001), total digestible nutrients (p < 0.001), water excretion via faeces (p < 0.001) and water balance (p < 0.001). Lambs that received diets with cactus silage showed higher digestibility of total carbohydrates, non-fibre carbohydrates (p = 0.005), water intake via food (p < 0.001), total water intake (p < 0.001), water excretion via urine (p < 0.001) and water balance (p < 0.05), when compared to the control diet. Lambs that received diets with cactus silage promoted growth performance (p = 0.001). When using 42% forage cactus silage in place of Tifton hay and water offered at 48 h intervals, intake, digestibility, and performance of feedlot lambs were improved.

Abstract The effect of different proportions of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage (CPS) and intermittent water supply (IWS) to crossbreed goats' diets on carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. The IWS caused a reduction (p = 0.03) in the percentage of leg fat in the animals. The rib eye area, carcass weight, and physical–chemical characteristics were not affected (p > 0.05) by the CPS or IWS. The IWS reduced (p = 0.04) the elongase enzyme activity. The CPS inclusion in the diet reduced C22:0 (p = 0.01), some branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), C20:1 (p = 0.03), c13-C18:1 (p = 0.01) fatty acids. Therefore, in situations of water scarcity, an intermittent water supply of up to 48 h and diets with up to 42% cactus pear silage, can be adopted in goat feedlot, without affecting carcass traits and meat quality.

Abstract Background The high amount of soluble carbohydrates and the reduced dry matter content in cactus pear can cause excessive fermentation, resulting in nutrient losses, when it is preserved in the silage form. Thus, the association of cactus pear with elephant grass in the production of mixed silages may reduce nutritional losses during the ensiling process. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the mineral profile, carbohydrates fractionation, nitrogen compounds, and in vitro gas production of elephant grass silages associated with a cactus pear levels (0, 150, 300, and 450 g/kg on dry matter basis). The study was carried out in a completely randomized design, with 4 treatments and 5 replications, totaling 20 experimental silos. Results The increase in cactus pear levels in elephant grass silages composition provided an increase in the contents of K (P = 0.013), Ca (P 0.05). Conclusions Under the experimental conditions, the addition of cactus pear in elephant grass silage at levels up to 450 g/kg dry matter does not affect the in vitro gas production, however, it improves the mineral profile, contributes to the increase in the total carbohydrate content and the A + B1 fraction in the silages. Besides this, cactus pear addition reduces the B1 + B2 protein fraction, increasing the fraction C content in the silages, suggesting the necessity to supply an additional soluble nitrogen source for good ruminal functioning.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inoculation with lyophilised and/or activated Lactobacillus buchneri on lactic acid bacteria populations in corn silage. Experimental treatments consisted of corn silage without additives or silage with the inoculants of L. buchneri (1 x 105 cfu/g) applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (1 g/tonne fodder) in the forms of the lyophilised inoculant and pre-activated inoculant. Purified isolates from corn silage with and without the inoculant were identified, and 93% of the isolates corresponded to the lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactobacillus plantarum. Among the isolates, no bacteria of the species L. buchneri were detected. The application of lyophilised or activated L. buchneri improved the microbiological profile and reduced ethanol production in corn silage, even without being identified among the isolates captured 70 days after ensilage. Highlights: • Lactic acid bacteria showed greater development at 7 days of fermentation. • Lactobacillus plantarum predominated at 70 days, representing 93% of the total LAB population. • Lactobacillus buchneri improved its microbiological profile with decreased ethanol production.

The aim was to evaluate the chemical composition, carbohydrates, protein fractionation and in vitro gas production of silages composed of spineless cactus and tropical forages and their effect on sheep performance. Treatments consisted of silages: corn silage (CS), spineless cactus silage (SCS), spineless cactus + gliricidia (SCG), spineless cactus + buffel grass silage (SCBG) and spineless cactus + pornunça (SCP). Silos were opened 60 days after ensiling, and analyses were carried out. The digestibility test lasted for 36 days, with eight animals per treatment. A completely randomized design was adopted. Considering carbohydrate fractionation, CS, SCS and SCBG silages had higher total carbohydrate content (p = 0.001). The SCS silage presented a higher A + B1 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG and SCG silages showed a higher B2 fraction (p < 0.0001) compared to the CS and SCS silages. The SCBG and SCP silages presented a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). For protein fractionation, the SCP and SCG silages showed higher crude protein contents (p = 0.001). The CS and SCS silages showed a higher A fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG silage presented a higher B1 + B2 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCG silage showed a higher B3 fraction (p = 0.006) compared to SCBG silage. The SCS and SCP silages showed a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). Exclusive SCS silage showed higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (p = 0.001), dry matter degradability (p = 0.001) and total gas production (p = 0.001). The use of the SCBG, SCP and SCG silages to feed sheep increased the dry matter intake (p < 0.001). Sheep fed the SCG silage showed greater dry matter and crude protein digestibility compared to the sheep fed the CS, SCS and SCP silages (p = 0.002). There was a higher water intake (p < 0.001) with the use of the SCS and SCG silages to feed the sheep. The SCP and SCG silages provided a greater intake (p < 0.001) and excretion (p < 0.001) of nitrogen by the animals. Although there were no differences between the treatments for daily gains, lambs that received the spineless cactus-based silage associated with tropical forages showed higher gains (160–190 g/day) than lambs that received CS silage (130 g/day). Thus, the use of spineless cactus associated with buffelgrass, pornunça and gliricidia to prepare mixed silages (60:40) to feed sheep has potential use to feed sheep, with positive effects on nutrient degradation and increases in dry matter intake. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the exclusive use of spineless cactus silage associated with buffel grass, pornunça and gliricidia in feeding sheep in semi-arid regions, as it provides nutrients, water and greater daily gains compared to corn silage.

Cactus pear is used in large proportions in diets for small ruminants in semiarid regions. However, its exclusive use is not recommended due to the low fiber and crude protein content and the high water and mineral content, leading to metabolic disorders, low dry matter intake, and weight loss. The use of mixed cactus silage associated with protein and fibrous sources seeks to overcome the deficits in dry matter, fiber and crude protein, aiming to improve the nutritional quality of the diets that will be offered to ruminants. Thus, the use of gliricidia hay in cactus pear silages could represent an important alternative to improve the nutritional and fermentative characteristics of the ensiled material. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the fermentation dynamics, nutritional characteristics, and aerobic stability of mixed silages of cactus pear combined with different levels of gliricidia hay. This was a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and five repetitions. The treatments consisted of different levels of inclusion of gliricidia hay (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% on a dry matter basis) in the composition of mixed cactus pear silages. The inclusion of gliricidia hay in the composition of mixed silages of cactus pear resulted in a quadratic effect for dry matter recovery, pH, NH3-N, buffering capacity, aerobic stability, ether extract, P, K, Na, and Zn (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in density, effluent losses, maximum pH, mineral matter, non-fiber carbohydrates, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn (p < 0.05), and an increase in the time to reach maximum pH as well as an upward trend in pH, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and B (p < 0.05). Under experimental conditions, the inclusion of gliricidia hay between 20 and 30% in cactus pear-based silage provided an improvement to the chemical composition and fermentation parameters of the silages.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlations between mineral profile, physical and chemical characteristics, and proximate composition of ewe meat receiving different water supply levels (100% - ad libitum group; 80%; 60% and 40% ad libitum group). Thirty-two Santa Ines ewes were assigned to a randomized block design, with 4 treatments, and 8 replications, during the 63-day experimental period. Significant correlations between all minerals (P

Objetivo. Determinar el perfil fermentativo, composición centesimal y estabilidad aerobia de ensilajes mezclados de hierba-elefante combinadas con niveles de maní forrajero. Materiales y métodos. Distintos niveles de maní forrajero (0,0, 20,0, 40,0, 60,0 y el 80,0% en la base de la materia fresca) se adicionaron a los ensilajes de hierba-elefante. Se adoptó el delineamento enteramente casualizado, con 5 tratamientos y 3 repeticiones, totalizando 15 silos experimentales que se abrieron tras 30 días de sellados. Perfil fermentativo, composición centesimal y estabilidad aerobia. Resultados. Se evaluaron el aumento de los niveles de maní forrajero en los ensilajes de hierba elefante promovió aumento en la porosidad, permeabilidad, densidad y pH (p

Leucaena has been used to make mixed silages to obtain nutritional enrichment of the silages. Thus, the inclusion of Leucaena as an additive in mixed elephant grass silages can reduce fermentation losses, and increase the nutritional value and aerobic stability of the mixed silage without changing the fermentation profile. This study evaluated the fermentation profile, nutritional composition, and aerobic stability of elephant grass silages combined with different levels of Leucaena. A total of five inclusion levels of Leucaena (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80% on a dry matter basis) were added to elephant grass silages. A completely randomized design was adopted, with 5 treatments and 3 repetitions, totaling 15 experimental silos that were opened after 30 days of sealing. Fermentation profile, chemical composition, and aerobic stability were analyzed. A descriptive analysis of temperature and pH peaks during aerobic stability was performed. The increase in the inclusion of Leucaena in the composition of silages reduced gas and effluent losses, neutral and acid detergent fiber, cellulose, lignin, total and fiber carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients, and resulted in increased dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein. A quadratic effect of treatments was found for the temperature to reach the maximum pH (P=0.009). Aerobic stability remained constant after 40% Leucaena inclusion in the composition of elephant grass silages. The inclusion of Leucaena up to 80% in the composition of elephant grass silages reduces fermentation losses, promotes a nutritional increase, and increases the aerobic stability of the silages.

The objective was to evaluate the fermentation profile, aerobic stability, chemical composition, and mineral content of silages of mango combined with cocoa pod husk meal. A completely randomized design was adopted, including four levels (65, 70, 75, and 80%) and five repetitions, totaling 20 experimental silos that were opened after 90 days of sealing. Increasing mango levels in the silages increased the dry matter recovery, total carbohydrates, and fraction B2 of carbohydrates, and reduced gas losses, dry matter, and mineral matter. The quadratic effect was found for pH, buffering capacity, potassium, boron, iron, and nitrogen fractions A and B1 + B2. Using unconventional products such as mango combined with cocoa pod husk meal for silage making can reduce the cost of food supplementation for ruminants, and the environmental contamination.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la ingesta, digestibilidad aparente, balance hídrico, balance de nitrógeno y rendimiento productivo en corderos alimentados con ensilaje de nopal asociado con forrajes tropicales. En el experimento se utilizaron 40 corderos machos cruzados intactos, con un peso corporal inicial de 18.85 ± 1.2 kg. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar, con 5 tratamientos y 8 repeticiones. Los tratamientos consistieron en dietas con diferentes proporciones de pasto buffel y salvado de trigo como fuentes de fibra detergente neutro (FDN), en ensilaje de alimento total (EAT) a base de nopal: EAT1 - 279 g/kg de pasto buffel; EAT2 - 240 g/kg de pasto buffel y 17 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT3 - 198 g/kg de pasto buffel y 34 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT4 - 108 g/kg de pasto buffel y 74 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT5 – 118 g/kg de salvado de trigo. La ingesta más baja de FDN se encontró en corderos que consumieron EAT5 (402 g/día). La digestibilidad aparente de los carbohidratos no fibrosos fue mayor para EAT5, mientras que la digestibilidad aparente de FDN de EAT5 y EAT4 fue mayor que la de EAT1. Las dietas promovieron una ganancia diaria de peso promedio de 180.8 g/día. En condiciones experimentales, el uso de nopal forrajero y concentrado en forma de raciones mixtas totales de ensilaje conduce a una mayor ingesta de proteína cruda, carbohidratos no fibrosos, extracto etéreo y mayor digestibilidad de carbohidratos no fibrosos y fibra detergente neutro, sin embargo, todas las dietas fueron viables en la alimentación de ovinos confinados, proporcionando ganancias de hasta 198 g/d según la formulación de la dieta.

This study aimed to assess the growth performance and nutritional status of sheep under intermittent water supply by means of performance, intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients, water balance and nitrogen. Thirty-two intact male sheep (20.7 ± 2.63 kg, 8 months of age) were distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 water supply intervals via drinking trough (0h00, 24h00, 48h00, and 72h00), with 8 replicates. The extension in the water restriction period caused a reduction in the intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, digestible energy, and metabolizable energy (P < 0.05). The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber showed a linear decrease with increasing periods of water restriction (P < 0.05). Water intake via food, total water intake, and water excretion via feces showed a linear increase in response to an increase in the water supply interval (P < 0.05). Water intake via drinking, metabolic water, total water excretion and water balance presented a linear decrease, with increasing periods of water restriction (P < 0.05). Nitrogen intake and absorbed nitrogen were influenced by water restriction, presenting a linear decreasing trend according to water supply periods (P < 0.05). Final weight, daily weight gain, and total weight gain, were influenced by the periods of water restriction, showing a linear reduction (P < 0.05). Feed conversion increased as the water restriction period increased (P=0.004). Intermittent water supply at intervals of up to 72h00 reduced nutrient intake and digestibility, resulting in a decrease in weight gain of the studied animals.

ABSTRACT: Pornunça (Manihot sp.) is a potential forage to feed ruminants in drylands worldwide; however, evaluations of animal diets are necessary. This study assessed intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, physiological responses, ingestive behavior, water intake, as well as hematological and biochemical responses of lambs fed diets containing increasing levels of Pornunça silage (PS) replacing Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.). Treatments consisted of 0, 33, 66, and 100 % PS considering the roughage portion of the diet (% dry matter – DM). The experimental design was completely randomized with six replicates. Cyanide acid (HCN) levels in fresh Pornunça leaves were 207.7 mg kg−1 DM and 76.78 mg kg−1 DM in PS. Intake of DM and crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) increased linearly with increasing levels of PS in the diet. Digestibility of DM, NDF, and CP were higher with increasing levels of PS. Idle time decreased linearly, while water balance, water intake via food, and total water in feces increased with PS. Nitrogen balance, physiological, and hematological responses were not influenced by treatments, while the final alanine aminotransferase increased for lambs fed all diets evaluated. The PS up to 100 % of the roughage portion increased DM and nutrient intake and digestibility without altering physiological responses and the hematological and biochemical parameters, resulting in greater water intake via food.

Semi-arid regions are characterized by high evapotranspiration and low rainfall, favoring the accumulation of salts when irrigated with brackish water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pearl millet cultivation with brackish water levels and fertilized with organic fertilizer on the chemical and physical properties of the soil. A split plot randomized block design was adopted, in a factorial arrangement, with three repetitions. Plots consisted of four irrigation levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% crop evapotranspiration) and subplots consisted of four levels of organic fertilizer (0; 15; 30 and 45 Mg ha-1). At the end of the pearl millet production cycle, soil was collected from layers 0-0.20 m and 0.20-0.40 m, for physical (soil bulk density, particle density and porosity) and chemical (EC, pH, K, Na, Ca, Mg, H + Al, SB, CEC, V) properties. There was no effect of interaction of brackish water levels and organic fertilizer levels on soil chemical properties. Brackish water reduced potassium on layer 0.20-0.40 m. A negative linear effect was found for density in the 0.20-0.40 m layer under different levels of organic fertilizer. Brackish water levels and organic fertilizer levels in the cultivation of pearl millet does not alter soil chemical and physical properties at the 0-0.20 m layer. However, the use of brackish water reduces the concentration of potassium in the soil and the application of organic fertilizer reduces soil density at the 0.20-0.40 m layer. Key words: Base saturation; Biosaline agriculture; Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.

The objective was to evaluate the forage yield and structural responses of spineless cactus ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ (OEM) (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw) at different planting densities. The experimental design was a randomized block with five treatments and four replicates, during two production cycles of 12 months each. The evaluated densities were 20,000; 25,000; 33,333; 50,000; and 100,000 plants ha-1. The increase in planting density caused a linear reduction in plant height, width, and mass, as well as in number of primary, secondary, tertiary, and overall cladodes. It also caused a linear increase in cladode area index, dry and green yield, water use efficiency, and forage accumulation rate. The increase in planting density promoted a quadratic effect on cladode thickness and dry matter content. Cladode thickness decreased with planting densities up to 47,500 plants ha-1 and increased from this point onwards. As for dry matter content, there was an increase up to the planting density of 61,428 plants ha-1 and a decrease from this point onwards. The increase in planting density of spineless cactus ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ caused changes in structural responses and in forage yield. The use of greater planting densities increased forage yield.

We evaluated the effects of urea addition on gas and effluent losses, fermentation profile, microbial populations, aerobic stability and chemical composition of corn silages. A completely randomised design with five levels of urea (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% based on dry matter) and five replicates was used. A decreasing linear effect of urea levels on effluent losses in corn silages was observed. In parallel, an increasing linear effect of urea levels on pH, increasing from 3.49 to 4.12 in silages without urea in relation to silages with the maximum urea level, was also observed. Urea addition improved the aerobic stability of the silages, with 62 h for the silages without urea and from 90 to >96 h for the silages with urea. Based on the results of the principal components, two groups (I and II) could be distinguished. The most discriminating variables in group I were dry matter (-0.9), pH (-1.2) and lactic acid bacteria (-0.9), while in group II, effluent losses (1.0), ethanol (1.0), acetic acid (0.8) and gas losses (0.8) were most important. The use of urea at inclusion levels of around 2% in corn silage reduced gas losses, improved the nutritive value and promote the aerobic stability of silages. Highlights: The addition of urea in the corn silages increased the pH values from 3.49 (control) to 4.12 (2% of urea DM). The use of urea improved chemical composition of corn silages. The addition of urea reduced the moulds and yeast populations in the corn silages after exposure to air. Urea addition improved the aerobic stability of the corn silages.

ABSTRACT The breeding systems of the small ruminants are extensive in the great majority, in which the animals are created in areas of native pasture named Caatinga, being necessary the knowledge on the chemical composition and its characteristics of feed degradation is crucial to increase nutrient use efficiency. Thereat, the objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, the minerals, the carbohydrates and nitrogenous compounds fractionation, the degradability, in vitro dry matter digestibility and the in vitro gas production of arboreal species, those are consumed by goats and sheeps. The species evaluated were Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Muell. Arg.) Pax. et K. Hoffman, Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poiret, Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All., Poincianella bracteosa (Tul.) L. P. Queiroz, Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam. and Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. It was found that Mimosa tenuiflora has a higher crude protein quantity (174.9 g.kg-1 DM). Spondias tuberosa and Myracrodruon urundeuva had the highest values for total carbohydrates compared to the other species analyzed. As for the fractionation of nitrogenous compounds, the highest proportion of fraction A was found for Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (375.5 g.kg-1 CP). Among the species studied, Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus is highlighted with the highest ruminal degradation (61.63%) and dry matter digestibility (627.1 g.kg-1 DM), reflecting higher gas production (206.02 mL.g-1 DM). Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus, Poincianella bracteosa and Myracrodruon urundeuva showed a greater availability of nutrients in the rumen which is fundamental to increase the amount of ruminal microbial protein which reaches the small intestine for use by the animal.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cactus silage and an intermittent water supply for lambs on carcass traits and meat quality. Thirty-six crossbreed lambs with an initial average weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and average age of 6 months were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial design comprising three addition ratios of cactus silage to the diet (0, 21, and 42% based on dry matter) and three water supply intervals (0, 24, and 48 h) with four replicates. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between the cactus silage ratio and intermittent water supply for any of the evaluated variables, with the exception of the yield of the half carcass commercial cuts. There was no significant effect of intermittent water supply (P > 0.05) on the carcass characteristics or meat quality. The addition of forage cactus silage as a substitute for Tifton hay affected the morphometric measurements (P < 0.05) and carcass compactness index (P < 0.05). The addition of 42% cactus silage to the diet increased (P < 0.05) the rib eye area (13.98 cm2). The addition of cactus silage as a substitute for Tifton hay positively affected (P < 0.05) the carcass weight of commercial cuts of the lambs. To the physical and chemical parameters of the Longissimus lumborum, the addition of 42% cactus silage to the diet reduced the color meat parameters (P < 0.05) and pH0 and 24h, cooking losses, and shear force were not affected (P > 0.05). The addition of forage cactus silage to the lambs' diet affected (P < 0.05) the composition of some saturated fatty acids in the meat. A water supply interval of up to 48 h does not influence carcass characteristics and meat quality. Therefore, the use of cactus silage can be recommended in situations of water scarcity without harming the production or meat quality of crossbreed lambs.

This study aimed to assess the effect of using forage cactus silage in the diet of sheep under intermittent water supply on its ingestive behavior and thermoregulation. We used in the experiment thirty-six intact male sheep of undefined genotype with an initial average weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and age of approximately six months. The experimental design was a randomized block design in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme composed of three levels of forage cactus silage in the diet (0, 21, and 42%), three water supply periods (0, 24, and 48 hours), and four replications. For the ingestive behavior, observations were carried out every 5 minutes for 2 periods of 24 hours. Thermoregulatory responses were taken at 7:00 and 15:00 h on days other than those intended for ingestive behavior tests. Intermittent water supply did not affect any of the studied variables (P > 0.05). The use of forage cactus silage significantly influenced the ingestive behavior of animals (P < 0.05). Sheep fed forage cactus silage in the diet presented an average feeding efficiency of 255.77 g DM h?1 and an average rumination efficiency of 102.16 g DM h?1, while animals fed control diet showed values of 198.63 and 78.45 g DM h?1, respectively. Urinary frequency increased according to the levels of forage cactus silage in the diet, with 23.60 urination per day in animals fed diets with 42% of forage cactus silage and 10.83 urination per day in animals fed control diet. However, the search for water reduced, with averages of 2.73 and 0.54 per day for animals fed 0 and 42% forage cactus silage, respectively. The use of forage cactus silage also increased thermoregulatory responses of sheep, with an average respiratory rate of 103.35 mov. min?1 and heart rate of 140.08 mov. min?1 in the warmest period of the day (in the afternoon). Thus, sheep fed forage cactus silage increases its feeding and rumination efficiencies, decreases its search for water, and increases its thermoregulatory responses. The intermittent water supply within 48 hours does not influence the ingestive behavior and thermoregulation of confined sheep.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentation profile and chemical composition of old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lindl.) silage supplemented with cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) scraps or grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in the proportion of 10% based on natural matter. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 7 factorial arrangement (3 treatments and 7 opening days), with three replications. The treatments consisted of three silages: old man saltbush silage, old man saltbush silage + cassava scrap, and old man saltbush silage + grain sorghum. The experiment was conducted at the EMBRAPA Semiarid Animal Nutrition Laboratory, located in the city of Petrolina-PE. Twenty-one experimental silos were used for each treatment; these silos were opened after 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days in ensiling. The pH, ammoniacal nitrogen and total nitrogen ratio, dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, mineral matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrate, and dry matter in vitro digestibility. The additives grain sorghum and cassava scrap increased the dry matter content and reduced pH values. N-NH3 NT-1 values increased as the fermentation processes progressed, and after 56 fermentation days were close to 11%. Silages were classified as excellent in the fermentation process. The addition of cassava scrap and grain sorghum favors the ensiling process of the old man saltbush, providing improvements in the silage nutritive value. During the storage period, the use of these additives promoted a reduction of total losses, inhibition of alcoholic fermentation, and greater carbohydrates recovery, resulting in silage with a nutritive value similar to that of fresh forage, representing an alternative source of additives.

Due to its necessity and magnitude, water is essential for animal nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of water salinity on the quality of goat milk in the Brazilian semiarid region. Twenty-four multiparous Alpine goats, with an average live weight of 38.0 ± 4.0 kg and an average lactation period of 30 days, distributed entirely at random, were used. The experiment lasted 64 days including an initial period of 14 days of adaption to the diet. The experimental treatments consisted of water with different levels of total dissolved solids (TDS): 640, 3188, 5740, and 8326 mg L−1, obtained using sodium chloride (NaCl). Increasing the levels of TDS in drinking water from 640 to 8326 mg L−1 did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the production and the physicochemical composition of the milk. There was a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the water consumption and acidity variables as a function of the total dissolved solid levels. The mineral composition of the milk was not altered with increasing levels of TDS in water from 640 to 8326 mg L−1. There was no negative effect (p > 0.05) for any of the sensorial attributes analyzed in relation to the treatments. Therefore, as a general conclusion, based on the analyses carried out in this experiment, it was found that water with total dissolved solids, when supplied for short periods of up to 48 days, does not alter the production, physicochemical characteristics, or the organoleptic properties of goat’s milk.

The aim of this study was to evaluate correlations among the feeding behavior, intake, in vitro digestibility and production parameters of feedlot-finished lambs. Thirty-two male uncastrated mixed-breed lambs with an average initial live weight of 17.39 ± 2.16 kg were distributed into four treatments (diets) with eight replicates (animals) each, as a function of their weight, in a completely randomized block design. Diets were composed of pearl millet silage with addition of levels of urea (0, 2, 4, and 6%, DM basis), ground corn, soybean meal, and a mineral mixture. The experimental period was 62 days, consisting of 10 days of adaptation and 52 days of data collection. Positive correlations were observed (P < 0.05) for rumination time and feeding efficiency in dry matter with the intakes of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter (OM), and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC). Negative correlations were detected (P < 0.05) between rumination efficiency in NDF and the intakes of DM, EE, NDF, OM, and NFC. Correlations were negative (P < 0.05) between the number of chews per cud and the digestibilities of DM, NDF, NFC, and TDN. The number of chews per day was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with the digestibility of NDF and with TDN. Rumination time had a positive correlation (P < 0.05) with average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE). Feeding efficiency in DM was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with ADG and FE, whereas rumination efficiency in NDF was negatively correlated with ADG and positively with feed conversion. The increase in feeding efficiency for dry matter generated positive effects on nutrient intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency of the lambs fed diets containing pearl millet silage with addition of urea.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the productive performance, biological efficiency, and the competitive ability of the forage cactus-sorghum intercropping under different irrigation depths with saline water in the Brazilian Semiarid Region. The experiment was carried out in Serra Talhada, in the state of Pernambuco, between 2014 and 2015, in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates, and a 5x3 factorial arrangement in split plots, with one year of forage cactus cycle and two years of sorghum cycles. The plots were composed by four irrigation water depths based on the fractions of 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the reference evapotranspiration, besides dry conditions; and the subplots consisted of three cropping systems (single crop of forage cactus, single crop of sorghum, and intercropping of forage cactus-sorghum). The increase of water irrigation depths increased the yields of sorghum in single crop and of the forage cactus-sorghum intercropping. The intercropping system promoted production stability with a higher system productivity index (SPI) for forage cactus-sorghum intercropping (6,279.02 kg ha-1 DM) than for forage cactus in single crop (4,626.98 kg ha-1 DM). The relative density coefficient (12.33) was indicative of the great compatibility of the intercropping system. The forage cactus-sorghum association shows biological advantage and competitiveness capacity, with a higher productive index than their monocultures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the density and phenotypical diversity of diazotrophic endophytic bacteria from the forage palm irrigated with different saline water depths. Opuntia stricta (IPA-200016) received five depths of saline water (L1: 80%. ETo; L2: 60%.ETo; L3: 40%; ETo; L4: 20%; ETo and, L5: 0% ETo, where ETo is the reference evapotranspiration). The roots were collected in the field, disinfected, grounded and serial diluted from 10-1 to 10-4. The total concentration of diazotrophic bacteria was determined by the most probable number method (MPN) and the isolated bacteria were characterized phenotipically. The concentration of bacteria found in forage palm roots ranged from 0.36 x 104 to 109.89 104 cells per gram of root, with highest occurrence on the 60 and 80% ETo. In the dendrogram of similarity it was possible to observe the formation of 24 phenotypic groups with 100% similarity. All bacteria presented similarity superior to 40%. Among these groups, 14 are rare groups, formed by only a single bacterial isolate. In the Semi-Arid conditions, the forage palm that receives the highest amount of saline water, presents a higher density of putative nitrogen-fixing endophytic bacteria with high phenotypic diversity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplying water with varying salinity levels to dairy goats on nutrient intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, and milk yield. The experiment lasted 65 days and involved 24 crossbred goats with mean body weight of 38±4 kg, which were randomly allotted. It was set in a completely randomized design with four treatments consisting of 640, 3188, 5740 and 8326 mg L?1 total dissolved solids (TDS) in the drinking water. The results showed that water salinity levels had no effect on the intake of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, crude protein, ether extract, total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrates, total digestible nutrients, metabolizable energy, digestible energy, or apparent nutrient digestibility. Water intake was influenced by the salinity, increasing as the salt level was increased. Moreover, the varying salinity had no significant effect on milk yield. Drinking water containing up to 8326 mg L?1 TDS provided no interference with the intake and nutrient digestibility of lactating goats in the feedlot. However, increasing the water salinity affects animal intake without any changes in milk yield. Therefore, this type of water can be used for crossbred goats at 30 days in milk, for up to 65 days in the feedlot.

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

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de silagens de leucena, gliricídia e pornunça com diferentes níveis de inclusão de erva sal em sua composição. Para tanto, foi adotado um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, composto por 5 níveis de inclusão de erva sal (Atriplex numulária Lindl.) (0; 25; 50; 75 e 100%) em silagens de Leucena (Leucaena leucocephala), Gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium) e Pornunça (Manihot sp.), com 5 repetições por tratamento, totalizando 75 mini silos experimentais que foram mantidos em galpão coberto e livre de animais oportunistas. Decorridos 100 dias da ensilagem, os silos foram abertos, desprezando-se a silagem dos primeiros 15 cm das extremidades dos silos. O material restante foi homogeneizado e amostrado para a determinação da composição bromatológica, digestibilidade in vitro e perfil fermentativo. Os níveis de inclusão de erva sal nas silagens de leucena promoveram um efeito linear negativo para matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, pH e nitrogênio amoniacal e um efeito linear positivo para matéria mineral, digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca, carboidratos totais, carboidratos não fibrosos e ácido propiônico (P < 0,05). Ainda para esta silagem, observou-se um efeito quadrático para o ácido lático. Nas silagens de gliricídia foi observado um comportamento linear positivo para as variáveis matéria seca, matéria mineral e carboidratos totais, já a matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e extrato etéreo apresentaram um comportamento linear negativo (P < 0,05). Os teores de ácidos orgânicos lático, acético e propiônico apresentaram efeito quadrático para a silagem de glíricidia a medida em que se aumentavam os níveis de erva sal (P < 0,05). Em relação a silagem de pornunça, as variáveis matéria seca, matéria mineral, carboidratos totais, ácido propiônico e ácido butírico apresentaram um comportamento linear crescente enquanto que as variáveis matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e carboidratos não fibrosos apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente (P < 0,05). As concentrações de ácido lático e ácido acético para as silagens de pornunça apresentaram um comportamento quadrático de acordo com os crescentes níveis de inclusão de erva sal (P < 0,05). A maior contribuição da erva sal nas silagens promoveu alterações no perfil de ácidos orgânicos, permitindo a melhora na qualidade das silagens, favorecendo a fermentação lática em detrimento a acética. Os teores de ácido butírico foram baixos para todos os tratamentos e indicam o controle de processos fermentativos indesejáveis. Os resultados indicam que a inclusão da erva sal na composição das silagens pode contribuir na composição bromatológica e com o processo fermentativo das silagens estudadas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate performance and economic viability of producing sheep fed different levels of roughage, concentrate, and water. Forty Santa Inês crossbred sheep with an average initial weight of 18.85 ± 2.80 kg and an average age of 5.0 ± 2.0 months were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement composed of two proportions of roughage and concentrate (30:70 and 70:30) and two levels of water supply (ad libitum, and 50% restriction), with 10 replicates. Water restriction had a negative effect (P0.05) feed conversion or feed conversion. Total weight gain, average daily gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency were influenced by the proportions of roughage and concentrate. In conclusion, the diet with 70% roughage, associated with a water restriction of 50%, reduced the uptake of energy and protein, compromising the animal performance. The combination of the diet plus concentrate and water restricted to 50% of the free consumption provides a better cost-benefit ratio.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of four water salinity levels on the ingestive behavior of non-castrated crossbred Santa Inês sheep. Thirty-two non-castrated crossbred Santa Inês sheep in feedlot, at seven months of age and initial average weight of 21.76±1.25 kg, were used in the experiment. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and eight replicates. Four concentrations of salts in the water fed to the animals were evaluated: low (640 mg/l); medium (3,188 mg/l); high (5,740 mg/l) and very high (8,326 mg/l) levels of total dissolved solids (TDS). For the ingestive behaviors, the animals were observed every ten minutes, for 24 hours, to determine the time spent feeding, ruminating and idle. Also, cud chewing and the average number of defecations and urinations and the frequency of water ingestion were determined. The time spent feeding, ruminating and idle were not changed by the salinity levels in the water. Dry matter intake, neutral detergent fiber intake, total chewing time, total cud chews per day, number of daily meals, average duration of each meal and number of defecations per day did not change either. However, feeding and rumination efficiency in grams of DM/h, water intake and number of urinations were linearly affected, whereas the variables rumination efficiency in grams of NDF/h, grams of dry matter per cud, grams of neutral detergent fiber per cud, number of cuds, number of chews per cud and chewing time per cud presented quadratic effect. The different levels of total dissolved solids (640; 3,188; 5,740; and 8.326 mg/l) in the water fed to the sheep did not cause alterations in their ingestive behavior. In conclusion, water with up to 8,326 mg TDS/l can be an alternative strategic and seasonal method to water crossbred Santa Ines sheep.

The objective was to evaluate the parameters of kinetics of ruminal fermentation of cocoa husks (CH) treated with alkali and thermal agents, using the semi-automated in vitro gas production technique. Cocoa husks samples were subjected to alkali and thermal methods (effect of time of exposure) treatment, as follows: control; alkaline treatment with calcium hydroxide ((Ca(OH)2) and calcium oxide (CaO), both doses of 15.0; 30.0 and 45.0 g kg-1 of CH; heat treatment in an autoclave at a pressure of 1.23 kg cm-2 (15 psi) and a temperature of 123°C for 30, 60 and 90 minutes. For statistical analysis, orthogonal contrasts and regression. The degradation rate and the final volume of gases of non-fiber carbohydrates decreased with the addition of Ca(OH)2 and CaO, however, for fibrous carbohydrates effects were positive. For each percentage of Ca(OH)2 and CaO included, it is estimated an increase of 5.74 and 2.9% in the final volume of the fiber, respectively. When the heat treatment, a decrease in all parameters was estimated. For each minute of exposure to heat, there was a decrease of 0.4% in total final volume of gases. The alkali treatment can be an efficient alternative for improving the digestibility of fibrous fractions of CH.

The current study aimed to evaluate the application effects of the preactivated Lactobacillus buchneri and urea on the fermentative characteristics, chemical composition and aerobic stability in corn silages. The design was completely randomized, in a 6 × 5 factorial arrangement, with six types of additive and five opening times. The treatments consisted of corn silage; corn silage with freeze-dried inoculant; corn silage with freeze-dried inoculant +1.0% urea; corn silage with activated inoculant; corn silage with activated inoculant +1.0% urea, and corn silage with 1.0% urea. Populations of lactic acid bacteria stabilized at the 70th day, with average values of 8.91 and 9.15 log cfu/g for corn silage with freeze-dried inoculant +1.0% urea and corn silage with freeze-dried inoculant, respectively. In contrast, the silages without additives showed significantly lower values of 7.52 log cfu/g forage at the 70th day. The silages with urea (isolated or associated with the inoculant) increased the total nitrogen content. The maximum temperature values were highest in the corn silages without additives, indicating that these silages were more prone to deterioration. The use of Lactobacillus buchneri activated proved to be more efficient in improving the fermentative profile of corn silages than the freeze-dried inoculant. The use of urea as an additive reduced the losses and improved the nutritional value and aerobic stability of corn silages. Additionally, the combination of Lactobacillus buchneri activated and urea may be used as a technique to improve the fermentative profile, chemical composition and aerobic stability of corn silages.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da utilização de silagem de palma forrageira na dieta de ovinos submetidos a oferta intermitente de água sobre o comportamento ingestivo e a termorregulação de ovinos. Foram utilizados 36 ovinos machos não castrados sem padrão racial, com peso médio inicial de 19,8 + 2,1 kg e idade aproximada de seis meses, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, composto por três proporções de silagem de palma na dieta (0; 21 e 42 %) e três períodos de oferta de água (0; 24 e 48 horas), com quatro repetições. Para o comportamento ingestivo foram realizadas observações a cada 5 minutos durante 2 períodos de 24 horas. As respostas termorregulatórias foram tomadas nos horários das 7 e 15 horas, em dias diferentes daqueles destinados ao comportamento. Observou-se que a oferta intermitente de água não afetou nenhuma das variáveis estudadas (P > 0,05). A utilização de silagem de palma influenciou significativamente o comportamento ingestivo dos animais (P < 0,05). Ovinos alimentados com silagem de palma forrageira na dieta apresentaram eficiência de alimentação média de 255,77 gMS h-1 e de ruminação de 102,16 gMS h-1, enquanto que aqueles que não recebiam esse alimento, apresentaram valores dessas variáveis de 198,63 e 78,45 gMS h-1, respectivamente. A frequência urinária dos animais se elevou conforme a proporção de silagem de palma na dieta, sendo observadas 23,60 micções dia-1 em animais que recebiam 42% e 10,83 micções dia-1 naqueles que não recebiam silagem de palma. A procura por água, entretanto, diminuiu. Foram observadas médias de 2,73 e 0,54 (nº dia-1) para animais alimentados com 0 e 42% de silagem de palma, respectivamente. A utilização da silagem de palma também elevou as respostas termorregulatórias dos ovinos. Ovinos alimentados com silagem de palma apresentaram média de frequência respiratória de 103,35 e cardíaca de 140,08 movimentos minuto-1 no período mais quente do dia (tarde). Concluiu-se que a silagem de palma na dieta aumenta as eficiências de alimentação e ruminação, além de diminuir a procura por água em ovinos em confinamento. No entanto, também eleva suas respostas termorregulatórias. A oferta intermitente de água em até 48 horas não influencia o comportamento ingestivo e a termorregulação de ovinos em confinamento.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o perfil fermentativo e a composição química da silagem de erva sal (Atriplex nummularia Lindl.) aditivada com raspa de mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) ou sorgo grão (Sorghum bicolor) na proporção de 10% com base na matéria natural. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 3 x 7, (3 tratamentos e 7 dias de aberturas), com três repetições. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de três silagens: silagem de erva sal, silagem de erva sal + raspa de mandioca e silagem de erva sal + sorgo grão moído. O experimento foi conduzido no laboratório de Nutrição Animal da Embrapa Semiárido, localizada no município de Petrolina-PE. Para cada tratamento foram utilizados 21 silos experimentais que foram abertos aos 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28 e 56 dias de ensilagem. Foram determinados o pH, nitrogênio amoniacal em relação ao nitrogênio total, matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, matéria mineral, matéria orgânica, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, carboidratos totais, carboidrato não fibroso e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca. Os aditivos: sorgo grão e raspa de mandioca elevaram o teor de matéria seca e reduziram os valores de pH. Os valores de N-NH3 NT-1 aumentaram com o decorrer dos processos fermentativos e após 56 dias de fermentação foram próximos a 11%. No processo fermentativo as silagens foram classificadas como excelentes. A adição da raspa de mandioca e do sorgo grão favorece o processo de ensilagem da erva sal proporcionando melhorias no valor nutritivo da silagem. Durante o período de conservação, a utilização desses aditivos promove redução das perdas totais, inibição da fermentação alcoólica e maior recuperação de carboidratos, resultando em silagem com valor nutritivo semelhante ao de forragem fresca, caracterizando assim como uma fonte alternativa de aditivos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting soybean meal for urea in diets based on deferred buffelgrass on the performance of feedlot sheep. Thirty mixed-breed sheep with an average initial body weight of 17±1.5 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design in which the experimental treatments consisted of five diets with six replicates. Diets were composed of deferred buffelgrass plus concentrates and calculated to be isoproteic. Treatments were represented by the substitution of soybean meal for the urea levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). Nutrient intake did not differ among animals fed diets with urea levels. Hot and cold carcass weights, hot and cold carcass dressing percentages, initial and final pH, and weight of commercial cuts did not differ among animal fed diets with urea levels. There was no difference for non-carcass components among animals, except for the empty carcass, gall bladder, and perirenal fat weights, which were influenced by dietary urea levels. Substituting the crude protein from soybean meal for the protein from urea provides a similar performance in sheep consuming deferred buffelgrass.

This study assessed the effects of different levels of oldman saltbush hay and ageing time on the physical characteristics of Santa Inês lamb meat. Sixty shoulders from 32 male lambs fed with 30, 40, 50 or 60% oldman saltbush hay for 60 days were vacuum-packaged and stored in a refrigerator at 0 ± 1°C for 0, 7 or 14 days of ageing. The shear force, cooking loss and water holding capacity were 3.06kgf cm-2, 37.28% and 76.71%, respectively, and there were no significant changed by studied factors (P>0.05)

Objetivou-se avaliar correlações entre o comportamento ingestivo, consumo, digestibilidade in vivo e os parâmetros produtivos em cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros sem padrão racial definido, machos, não-castrados, com peso vivo inicial de 17,39 ± 2,16 kg distribuídos em blocos inteiramente casualizados, em função do peso, com quatro tratamentos (dietas) e oito repetições (animais). As dietas foram compostas de silagem de milheto com adição de ureia (0, 2, 4 e 6% com base na MS), grão de milho moído, farelo de soja e mistura mineral. O período experimental foi de 62 dias, sendo 10 dias de adaptação e 52 dias de coleta de dados. Observou-se correlações positivas (P < 0,05) entre o tempo de ruminação (RUM), eficiência de alimentação da MS (EAMS) e o consumo de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), matéria orgânica (MO) e carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF). Correlações negativas (P < 0,05) foram observadas entre a eficiência de ruminação de FDN e os consumos de MS, EE, FDN, MO e CNF. A correlação foi negativa (P < 0,05) entre o número de mastigações por bolo (Nmbolo) e as digestibilidades da MS, FDN, CNF e NDT. O número de mastigações por dia (NMM) se correlacionou de forma negativa (P < 0,05) com a digestibilidade da FDN e com NDT. A variável RUM apresentou correlação positiva (P < 0,05) com o ganho médio diário (GMD) e eficiência de alimentação (EA). A EAMS correlacionou-se positivamente (P < 0,05) com GMD e EA, enquanto que, a eficiência de ruminação da FDN (ERFDN) se correlacionou negativamente com GMD e positivamente com conversão alimentar (CA). Aumento na eficiência de alimentação de matéria seca foi responsável pelos efeitos positivos no consumo de nutrientes, ganho de peso e eficiência alimentar d

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do fornecimento de água com diferentes salinidades sobre o consumo e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e produção de leite de cabras leiteiras. O experimento teve duração de 65 dias, sendo utilizadas 24 cabras mestiças, com 38±4 kg de peso corporal, sorteadas e distribuídas em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em quatro tratamentos contendo 640, 3.188, 5.740 e 8.326 mg l-1 de sólidos dissolvidos totais na água de beber. Os diferentes níveis de salinidade da água não influenciaram o consumo de matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, carboidratos totais, carboidratos não fibrosos, nutrientes digestíveis totais, energia metabolizável, energia digestível e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes. O consumo de água ofertado sofreu influência dos teores de salinidade, elevando o consumo à medida que aumentava o nível salino. Os diferentes níveis de salinidade da água utilizadas no experimento não afetaram significativamente a produção de leite dos animais. Águas com até 8.326 mg l-1 de SDT não interferiram no consumo e na digestibilidade dos nutrientes de cabras em lactação em confinamentos. Entretanto, o incremento da salinidade da água afeta o seu consumo, sem afetar a produção de leite, portanto, esse tipo de água pode ser utilizado para cabras mestiças com 30 dias de lactação durante um período em até 65 dias de confinamento.

The objective of this study was to evaluate water, mineral, feed and nutrient voluntary intakes, in addition to dry matter and nutrient digestibility and the nitrogen balance of lambs fed three mineral supplements. The first treatment consisted of solid salt residue (SSR) from an aquaculture tank; the second contained SSR from desalination waste; and the third treatment was control, which corresponded to the supplementation of a commercial mineral supplement. The study lasted 20 days, the first 15 of which were used for animals to adapt to the pens and diets, and the last five days were used for data collection. Twenty-four castrated male lambs with a body weight of 19.72±2.52 kg were utilized in the experiment. The mineral supplements evaluated did not affect the intake and digestibility of the dry matter and nutrients, the water and mineral-salt intake or nitrogen balance. Mineral supplements produced from the SSR from aquaculture tanks and from the desalination waste did not reduce feed, nutrient and water intakes or nutrient digestibility, which suggests that these raw materials can be used in the elaboration of mineral mixtures for lambs.

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar substratos e avaliar a emergência e a sobrevivência de sementes de milho, bem como o crescimento, massa seca da parte aérea e a massa seca da raiz de plântulas cultivadas com substratos (solo e dejetos de ovinos), alimentados com água com diferentes níveis de sólidos dissolvidos totais (SDT)- 640; 3.188; 5.740 e 8.326mgl. O estudo foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação no setor de produção de mudas da Embrapa Semiárido em Petrolina-PE. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e dez repetições. Os dados foram analisados por meio de contrastes ortogonais e regressão polinomial. Foi verificado efeito (P0,05).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of sheep kept in irrigated Tifton 85 pastures receiving concentrate supplementation containing different fruits processing by-products. The pasture area corresponded to 0.58 ha, divided in 24 paddocks, under rotational grazing with 20 days of interval of grazing and four days of grazing. 24 male sheep, castrated with 26.9±2.4 of initial body weight and ten months like testers animals, were used. Three fruit processing by-products (guava, barbados cherry and grape wine industry) including in 30% of dry matter basis in supplements, besides the treatment “control” containing traditional ingredients (dry ground corn, soybean meal and wheat bran), were compared. The experimental design was a completely randomized with six replicates by treatments. The concentrates evaluated containing fruit processing by-products did not affect the daily weight gain, the total weight gain and the final body weight of sheep kept in irrigated pastures. The stoking rate of pastures, an average was 90.96 lambs/ha and estimative of meat production by area of 2,756.50 kg/ha/year. Thus, guava, barbados cherry and grape wine industry by-products may substitute 30% of dry matter the traditional ingredients in concentrate without harming the productive performance of animals and area.

Fermentation profile and nutritional value of sisal co-product silage (SC) subjected to seven treatments (additives), were evaluated. The SC was ensiled in natura and added with: soy meal, urea, wheat meal, palm kernel cake, A. sisalana dust, licuri cake and cottonseed cake. Experimental silos with capacity for approximately 15 kg of silage, were used. The silos were opened 60 days after ensilage process. It was used a completely randomized design with three replications. The SC in natura present low values of dry mater (DM) 12.3% and the additives increased dry matter silages, exception for urea. The SC silage additivated with soybean meal (pH 4.9) and palm kernel cake (butyric acid = 0.07% DM) differed, respectively, for pH and butyric acid, compared with in natura SC silage (pH = 4.1 and butyric acid = 0.03% DM). The addition of soybean meal, urea, cottonseed meal, wheat bran and palm kernel, increased crude protein (CP) of in natura SC silage. The NDF in silage increased with addition of cottonseed meal or palm kernel cake (60.1 and 66.2% DM) in relation in natura SC silage (42.9% DM). The in natura and additivated silages of SC were considered as good or excellent quality.

The effects of the addition of saltbush on the fermentation characteristics and nutritional value of silages of elephant grass (Pennistum purpureum Schum.) were studied through a completely randomized design with six old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lind) levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 %) in substitution of the grass natural matter, with six replicates. Elephant grass presented 18.9% dry matter (DM) and silages were produced in experimental PVC silos, which were open at 70 days after ensilage. The increasing old man saltbush levels had increasing linear effect on the DM content of silages. There was quadratic effect for the contents of lactic and acetic acids and in vitro DM digestibility. Contents of butyric acid were negligible. Values pH of and N-NH3 contents had increasing linear effect. Linear effect of the increasing levels of old man saltbush was verified on the CP contents. Neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates and ether extract were not affected, whilst acid detergent fiber content showed decreasing linear effect. The addition of old man saltbush in the ensilage of elephant grass favored the fermentation process, promoting good lactic acid contents and reducing acetic acid, pH, dry matter loss and ammoniacal nitrogen, in addition to improving the nutritional quality of the elephant grass silages.

Castrated male goats (n = 40) of the Moxotó (n = 20) and Canindé (n = 20) breeds with an average weight of 15.3 kg were studied to determine intake, nutrient digestibility and weight gain for two diets with different energy levels. The experiment utilized a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two breeds and two diets), in which goats were randomly allocated. A diet of low energy density and a forage:concentrate ratio of 70:30 was utilized along with a diet of high energy density and a forage:concentrate ratio of 35:64. To determine the nutrient intake and digestibility, at the end of the experiment, goats were kept in metabolism cages for a period of 15 days. Weighing of the goats was conducted weekly over a period of 90 days. The goats that were fed a diet of high energy density displayed significantly increased consumption of metabolic fractions, with the exception of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, when compared with those fed a diet of low energy density. The lack of difference in dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intake indicated that goats have a high digestive capacity for the diet containing a greater quantity of Maniçoba hay. Weight gain was significantly greater for those on the diet of greater energy density. Among the breeds, Canindé goats recorded the highest average consumption and weight gain. Coefficients of digestibility were significantly greater for the more energy dense diet, with no difference between breeds. Regardless of diet, the Canindé breed shows greater weight gain than the Moxotó breed.

The intake of the dry matter (DM), the crude protein (CP) and the metabolizable energy intake (ME) in megacalories per day (Mcal/day) were not affected by the diets. In contrast, the intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in g/kg BW, increased linearly. An increasing linear effect was also observed for the ether extract (EE) intake, whereas a decreasing linear performance was observed for the non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) intake. The digestibility of DM, organic matter and NFC decreased linearly with the sunflower cake inclusion, whereas the digestibility of CP, NDF, and EE were not influenced by the diets. No effect was observed for the concentration of serum glucose or urea nitrogen serum. No effect was observed on the urea nitrogen serum in the hours after feeding; however, including sunflower cake in the diets resulted in a quadratic performance for the serum glucose concentrations in the hours after feeding. The average daily gain (ADG) had a decreasing linear effect, and the food conversions of the DM, CP, NDF, NFC and ME had increasing linear effects. The feeding costs decreased with the level of sunflower cake.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros sanguíneos, hepáticos e ruminais, bem como caracterizar e quantificar a população de protozoários ciliados, no rúmen de ovinos alimentados com dietas com farelo de mamona destoxificada (FM). Foram utilizados 32 ovinos, para a avaliação dos parâmetros sanguíneos e hepáticos, e quatro ovinos adultos fistulados no rúmen, para a avaliação dos parâmetros ruminais. A dieta controle foi composta por feno de capim-buffel, milho em grão moído, ureia e farelo de soja (FS). Nos tratamentos, o FS foi substituído parcialmente pelo FM a 15, 30 e 45% no concentrado. Não houve diferença, entre os tratamentos, quanto aos teores de ureia no soro, cuja média foi de 666,0 mg L-1. Não houve diferença entre as dietas quanto à glicose, ao aspartato aminotranferase e à alanina aminotransferase, que tiveram média de 690,3 mg L-1, 127,4 UI L-1 e 16,9 UI L-1, respectivamente. Os valores de nitrogênio amoniacal e pH apresentaram padrão linear crescente com a substituição do FS pelo FM. O gênero Entodinium foi o mais frequente em todos os tratamentos e obteve média geral de 76,4% do total de protozoários; o tratamento sem inclusão do FM obteve a maior percentagem deste gênero entre os tratamentos.Adieta com substituição de 45% do farelo de soja pelo de mamona destoxificado favorece o ambiente ruminal.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the daily intake and total apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, gross energy, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total and non-fibrous carbohydrates, total digestible nutrients, energy intake and nitrogen balance of silages of six maize varieties with early or super early cycles recommended to Northeast Brazil. Twenty-four male castrated lambs were lodged in metabolic cages. A completely randomized design with six treatments and four replications was used, with means compared by Tukey test at 5%. There were no differences among varieties for any of the evaluated variables regarding intake and apparent digestibility. Concerning the intake of digestible energy, metabolizable energy and the ratio content of digestible and metabolizable energy, significant differences were observed between varieties and BRS Assum Preto showed highest values of metabolizable energy (2.650,8 kcal/day). All of the treatments presented positive nitrogen balance and did not differ among themselves. The varieties asessed can be an additional option to the semiarid regions in Brazil.

The use of concentrate for sheep grazing Buffel grass may improve the productive performance and carcass traits of animals. The objective of present trial was to evaluate the productive performance and carcass traits of sheep grazing Buffel grass receiving different concentrate levels. The concentrate levels used were: 0; 0.33; 0.66 and 1.0% of dry matter in relation to body weight. Forty lambs were used, ten animals by treatments, with 16.5 ± 2.0 kg of initial body weight and 20.97 kg final body weight, distributed in four groups. The experimental design was a completely randomized with ten replicates by treatments. The concentrate levels did not influence the cold and hot carcass weight. However, the increasing levels of concentrate promoted higher cold and hot carcass yield. Blood, head, hide, heart, lung, kidney and liver (non carcass components) weights and proportion of slaughtered body weight (SBW) and leg, shoulder, brisket, rib, neck and loin weights (commercial meat cuts) were not affected by increasing levels of concentrate. Full intestine in proportion of SBW was lower with the increase of concentrate levels, while the brisket's weight was higher with increase of concentrate.O uso de concentrados para ovinos mantidos em pastagens de capim-bufel pode melhorar o desempenho produtivo e os parâmetros de carcaça dos mesmos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo e os parâmetros de carcaça de ovinos mantidos em pastagens de capim-bufel recebendo doses crescentes de suplemento concentrado. As doses de concentrado utilizadas foram: 0; 0,33; 0,66 e 1,0% na matéria seca do suplemento em relação ao peso corporal dos animais. Foram utilizados 40 cordeiros, dez animais por tratamento, com peso corporal inicial médio de 16,5 ± 2,0 kg e peso final de 20,97 kg, distribuídos em quatro grupos. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado. As doses de concentrado não influenciaram o peso de carcaça quente nem fria. Entretanto, o aumento nas doses de concentrado proporcionou maior rendimento de carcaça quente e fria. O peso e a proporção do peso corporal de abate (PCA) de sangue, cabeça, couro, coração, pulmão, rim e fígado (componentes não carcaça) e o peso e proporção da meia carcaça de pernil, paleta, carré, costela, pescoço e lombo (cortes cárneos comerciais) não foram afetados pelo aumento nas doses de concentrado. O intestino cheio em proporção ao PCA foi menor com o aumento de concentrado, enquanto que o peso do carré aumentou com as maiores doses de concentrado.