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The study was carried out in a randomized block design, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with the aim to evaluating during 21 days the short-term changes in plasma and milk fatty acid (FA) profile in Holstein x Gyr cows (444±84 kg; 75±31 days in milk; 15.4±4.8 kg day-1 of milk) fed 600 g kg-1 DM chopped elephant grass-based diets supplemented with 45 g kg-1 DM sunflower oil (SO). Two types of SO were evaluated: high oleic/low linoleic acid (HO) and medium oleic/medium linoleic acid (MO). The concentrates containing the SO were supplied separately from the forage twice a day (TAD) or as part of a total mixed ration (TMR). Temporal changes were analyzed by mixed models (P

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar a degradabilidade ruminal e os parâmetros da cinética de degradação da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e frações fibrosas dos fenos de Andropogon gayanus produzidos a partir de 56, 84 e 112 dias de idade. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo cinco animais utilizados como blocos, as três idades como parcelas e sete tempos (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 96 horas) de incubação como subparcelas. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste SNK ao nível de 5% de significância. O desaparecimento ruminal médio da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e das porções fibrosas, após 96 horas de incubação ruminal, foram maiores (P

Two experiments were carried out in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with the objective of evaluating two methods of concentrate feeding for Holstein x Gyr cows fed 600 g kg-1 chopped elephantgrass-based diets supplemented at 45 g kg-1 DM with two types of sunflower oil (SO). The types of SO differed in the levels of oleic and linoleic fatty acids (FAs): high oleic/low linoleic acid – HO (73 and 10 g 100 g-1 FA, respectively) and medium oleic/medium linoleic acid – MO (43 and 34 g 100 g-1 FA, respectively). The concentrates containing HO SO or MO SO were supplied separately from the forage twice a day after the two milkings (TAD) or as part of a total mixed ration (TMR). In Experiment 1, a 4 x 4 Latin square design was used to evaluate the ruminal fermentation and degradation parameters in four rumen-cannulated cows (430±39 kg; 79±20 days in milk; 16.4±3.1 kg day-1 of milk). In Experiment 2, a randomized block design was used to evaluate the nutrient intake, plasma contents of metabolites and FAs, milk yield and composition, and FA profile of milk fat in 32 cows (444±84 kg; 75±31 days in milk; 15.4±4.8 kg day-1 of milk). The results were analyzed by mixed models (P ? 0.05). The TMR diets promoted higher nutrient intake and rumen fermentation (higher ammonia N, acetate, propionate and total volatile FA contents) without affecting milk, fat, protein and lactose yields. TAD-fed cows presented higher feed efficiency and produced milk fat with a more nutritionally desirable FA composition, with higher vaccenic and rumenic acid contents and lower trans-10 C18:1 and palmitic acid contents. The DM intake, parameters of rumen fermentation and milk, fat, protein and lactose yields were similar for the HO SO and MO SO diets. The most nutritionally positive characteristics for human health in the milk fat of HO SO-fed cows were the higher eicosapentaenoic (+34%) and oleic acid (+11%) contents and lower palmitic acid content (-10%). Higher contents of vaccenic (+71%) and rumenic (+74%) acids and lower trans-10 C18:1 (-10%), elaidic (-32%), lauric (-14%) and myristic (-11%) acid contents were the most positive aspects of the milk fat of MO SO-fed cows. Considering the magnitudes of the differences in the levels of these FAs, it is concluded that the milk fat of cows fed MO SO showed a healthier milk FA profile.

The inclusion of plant oils in the diets of grazing cows represents a promising nutritional strategy for the production of milk naturally enriched with bioactive compounds, such as rumenic (cis-9, trans-11 CLA), vaccenic (trans-11 C18:1) and oleic (cis-9 C18:1) acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with sunflower oil (SO) on the fatty acid (FA) composition of milk from Holstein x Gyr dairy cows grazing on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu under rotational stocking. Sixteen multiparous cows with 185±10 days in milk received a concentrate containing 0% (control) or 15% SO on a dry matter basis in a randomized block design with two replications (paddocks). The results were analyzed with mixed models (P ? 0.05) using repeated measurements over time, as represented by sampling days 14, 35 and 62 (periods 1, 2 and 3, respectively). In any period, an effect of SO supplementation was observed on milk production, pasture dry matter intake and nutrients intake, whereas the concentrations of most milk FA were altered in SO-fed cows. In particular, dietary supplementation with SO resulted in the production of milk enriched with FA beneficial to human health (rumenic, vaccenic and oleic acids) and with lower levels of hypercholesterolemic lauric (C12:0), myristic (C14:0) and palmitic (C16:0) acids. This positive effect on the nutritional quality of milk fat was more noticeable from the 40th to 43rd days of sunflower oil supplementation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ruminal parameters of fermentation and degradation, kinetic flow of rumen digesta, and milk fatty acid composition of cows fed 52% chopped elephantgrass-based diets containing 0.0% (control), 1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5% soybean oil (SO) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Four rumen-cannulated Holstein x Gyr dairy cows with an average milk production of 15.6 ± 3.0 kg day-1 and 90 ± 25 days in milk were allocated in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. The results were analyzed by mixed models. Significant differences were declared at P ? 0.05, and P-values from 0.05 < P ? 0.10 were considered as a trend. The inclusion of SO in the diet had no effect on the ruminal pH or total volatile fatty acid concentration, but there was a quadratic effect on the ruminal ammonia nitrogen content and a trend for a linear reduction (P = 0.07) in the molar proportion of rumen acetate. Linear reductions were also observed in the DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) effective degradabilities of elephantgrass forage, but the fluid and particulate passage rates in the rumen and the DM and NDF intakes were unchanged by SO inclusion in the diet. Milk production, protein and lactose contents and yields were unaltered by dietary SO levels. There were linear reductions in the milk fat and total solids contents, but there was no effect of dietary treatments on their yields. The inclusion of soybean oil in the diet of Holstein x Gyr cows fed chopped elephantgrass improved the nutritional quality of milk fat as a result of increased contents of oleic, rumenic and vaccenic acids, which are beneficial to human health, and a concomitant reduction in hypercholesterolemic saturated fatty acids such as lauric, myristic and palmitic acids.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the milk fatty acid (FA) profile of Holstein x Gyr cows subjected to two different grazing managements (fixed and variable rest periods) of Urochloa brizantha 'Marandu' pastures. A randomized complete block design was used, with two replicates of pasture areas (blocks) per treatment and four cows per block. Milk production and composition were not affected by grazing strategies. No treatment effects were observed on the proportions (g 100 g-1 of total FA) of the main FAs (palmitic, linoleic, and α-linolenic) of the pasture, but their intakes (grams per day) were affected by differences in forage dry matter intake. The concentrations of FAs in milk plasma and fat were not affected by the treatments. Milk fat contents of rumenic, vaccenic, oleic, and α-linolenic acids varied from 0.71 to 0.93, 1.40 to 1.50, 19.40 to 19.70, and 0.39 to 0.43 g 100 g-1 total FAs, respectively. Grazing strategies of U.brizantha 'Marandu' cause no changes on the milk fatty acid profile of cows.

This study evaluated the inclusion of increasing contents (0; 35; 70; 105 and 140 g kg-1) of dried acerola fruit (Malpighia glabra, Linn.) by-product (DABP) in the ensilage of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.) considering the in situ degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and hemicellulose. Plastic drums with 210 L capacity were used as experimental silos. After 45 days of ensiling, silos were opened and silage samples were collected for the degradability trial and laboratory analysis. For the in situ degradability trial, was used one rumen-fistulated adult male cattle. The five by-product inclusion contents were tested in three replicates, with five incubation times, in a randomized complete split-plot design in which the contents of DABP were the treatments (plots), the different silos were the replicates and the incubation times were the sub-plots. Longer incubation times significantly increased (P < 0.05) the disappearance rates of DM, CP, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose. The effective degradability of the DM, NDF and hemicellulose was higher in the silages with 35 g kg-1 of DABP in the rumen passage rates of 0.02; 0.05 and 0.08 h-1. Dried acerola fruit by-product can be added to elephant grass ensiling up to 35 g kg-1 without reducing the effective degradability of nutrients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of cows fed with a total mixed ration composed of elephant grass and a concentrate containing 0.0% (control), 1.5%, 3.0% or 4.5% soybean oil on a dry matter basis. The effect of milking time (morning versus afternoon) on butter fatty acid composition was also evaluated. Twelve multiparous Holstein x Gyr cows with an average milk production of 18.0±4.6 kg day-1 and 90±25 days in milk were used in a triplicated 4 x 4 Latin square experimental design with 15-day periods. Data were analyzed using mixed models. There was no effect of soybean oil supplementation on dry matter or neutral detergent fiber intake (P > 0.05). The fat-corrected milk yield linearly decreased (P=0.0109) and the milk protein yield linearly increased (P=0.0023) in response to soybean oil supplementation. The butterfat trans-9 C18:1, cis-9 C18:1, trans-10 C18:1, trans-11 C18:1, cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-10, cis-12 CLA content linearly increased (P < 0.05), whereas the C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 content linearly decreased (P < 0.001) as the level of soybean oil in the diet increased. The butter produced from afternoon milk had a lower content of C16:0 and a higher content of cis-9 C18:1 (P < 0.05). The supplementation of elephant grass-based-diets with soybean oil and, to a small extent, the selective segregation of milk obtained from afternoon milking sessions are strategies that can be used to improve the fatty acid composition of butterfat.

We aimed to evaluate the economic feasibility of adding increasing levels of sunflower oil (0.0, 15, 30, and 45 g/kg of dry matter) to elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) based diets of milkproducing Holstein cows. Data were obtained and analyzed for 12 primiparous Holstein cows that produced on average 16.5 ± 2.8 kg of milk/day, at 95 ± 25 days of lactation. Cows were distributed by milk production, order of lactation, and body weight in a 4 × 4 triple Latin square. Isoproteic diets were provided ad libitum in the form of a forage:concentrate ratio of 60:40, on a dry matter basis. Daily milk production was recorded and milk was analyzed for fat, protein, and fatty acids contents. An economic feasibility study was performed considering the price of the supplied ingredients and the daily intake of each diet. The economic benefit was derived by the determining the difference between income from the sale of milk and the cost of animal feed. The quality-based payment was estimated by averaging the systems used by eight dairy companies, based on fat and protein contents and milk volume. The sunflower oil-free diet provided the greatest economic benefit. Adding sunflower oil to elephant grassbased diets was not economically viable because of its associated costs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in situ degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and hemicellulose of elephant grass (Pennisetumpurpureum, Schum.) with increasing levels (0; 35.0; 70.0, 105.0, and 140.0 g kg-1) of dried pineapple (Ananascomosus, L.) by-product (DPBP). The experimental silos consisted of plastic drums with 210 L capacity. After weighing and homogenizing the elephant grass with the DABP, the material was inserted in the silos (126 kg silage, at a density of 600 kg m-3) and compressed. After 45 days of ensilage, silos were opened and samples of the silages were collected for the trial. The study of degradability in situ was conducted using a rumen-fistulated male cattle. The animal was fed with corn silage supplemented with 1 kg concentrate daily. Five levels of addition of the by-product were tested, with three replicates and five times of incubation with an animal. The experimental design was completely randomized with split plots, in which the proportions of DPBP were the treatments (plots), the different silos were the replicates, and the incubation times were the subplots. The levels of inclusion of DPBP provided an increase (P < 0.05) in disappearance of DM and CP and in the effective degradability of DM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose. The dried pineapple by-product is a potential alternative to be used as additive in the ensilage of elephant grass, as it provides an increase in the rumen degradability parameters.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility (AD), and degradability in situ of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) silages containing 0, 35.0, 70.0, 105.0, and 140.0 g kg-1 by-product from dried cashew apple (DCBP) (as fed basis). A completely randomized design with four replicates was adopted. For the study of degradability in situ, one adult male cattle was used in a completely randomized design with split plots. Intake and AD of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, and cellulose were evaluated, and the digestible energy (DE) and nitrogen balance (NB) of the silages were determined. The degradability in situ of DM, CP, and NDF was also determined. Addition of DCBP provided an increase in the intakes of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF. No effects of the levels of addition of DCBP were observed on the coefficients of AD of the silages. Regarding NB, positive values were only detected in the treatment with 105.0 g kg-1 DCBP. In the analysis of the degradability in situ, the incubation periods increased the rates of disappearance of DM, CP, and NDF. However, no effect of the levels of DCBP were observed on the effective degradability of DM. The by-product from dried cashew apple can be included at up to 140.0 g kg-1 in silages of elephant grass, but the high contents of acid detergent insoluble nitrogen may compromise the use and availability of nitrogen to the animals.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os parâmetros de fermentação e degradação ruminal, a cinética de fluxo da digesta, e o perfil de ácidos graxos (AG) do leite de vacas alimentadas com 52% de capim-elefante picado e inclusão de 0,0 (controle), 1,5, 3,0 e 4,5% de óleo de soja (OS) na matéria seca (MS) da dieta. Foram utilizadas quatro vacas Holandês x Gir com 90 ± 25 dias em lactação, produzindo 15,6 ± 3,0 kg dia-1 de leite, canuladas no rúmen, e alocadas em delineamento Quadrado Latino 4 x 4. Os resultados foram analisados por modelos mistos. Efeitos foram considerados significativos quando P < 0,05, enquanto valores de P entre 0,05 e 0,10 foram considerados indicativos de tendência. A inclusão de OS na dieta não alterou o pH do rúmen, nem a concentração total de ácidos graxos voláteis, mas promoveu efeito quadrático sobre a concentração de N amoniacal, e tendência de redução linear (P = 0,07) sobre a proporção molar de acetato. Foram observadas reduções lineares nas degradabilidades efetivas da MS e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) do capim-elefante, mas não houve alteração nas taxas de passagem ruminal das fases líquida e sólida, nem nos consumos de MS e FDN. A produção de leite, os teores e as produções de proteína e lactose não foram alteradas pela inclusão de OS na dieta, mas houve redução linear nos teores de gordura e de sólidos totais do leite, mas sem efeito sobre as suas produções diárias. A inclusão de óleo de soja em dietas baseadas em capim-elefante picado melhorou a qualidade nutricional da gordura do leite, com aumento nos teores dos ácidos oleico, vacênico e rumênico, benéficos à saúde, e redução dos teores dos ácidos graxos hipercolesterolêmicos láurico, mirístico e palmítico.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the flow of nitrogenous compounds, protein degradability, rumen degradation of total carbohydrate and organic matter and microbial efficiency in heifers subjected to diets containing corn silage, sugarcane or Tifton. For this purpose, the 2,6-diaminopimelic acid (DAPA) technique was adopted and analytical procedures for amino acids by HPLC were adapted. Six rumen-fistulated Holstein-Zebu heifers with 480 kg of initial BW and at 24 months of age kept in individual tie stalls were assigned to two 3 × 3 Latin squares. Omasal digesta dry matter and microbial dry matter flows were determined using the isolated, purified and enriched lignin (LIPE®) and DAPA markers, respectively. Isolated bacteria from rumen showed on average 5.84 g/100 g microbial N, 0.25 g/100 g DAPA in dry matter and 44.61 DAPA:N ratio. The forage sources did not influence the flows of nitrogen compounds, except for total omasal flow and non-ammonia N in relation to N intake for the corn silage diet, for which there was an upward trend compared with the other diets. The degradation of the organic matter and total carbohydrates did not differ, averaging 6.1 kg/day and 5.2 kg/day, respectively. The studied forage sources do not influence the flows of nitrogen compounds, except for total omasal flow and non-ammonia N in relation N intake for the corn silage diet, for which there is an upward trend compared with the other diets. Protein degradability and microbial efficiency are similar between evaluated diets.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the voluntary intake and digestibility of three sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench) hybrid silages in sheep. The hybrids used were H1 -BRS 655 (CMSXS 222 A × CMSXS 235 R), with tannin; H2 -(ATF54 A × CMSXS 235 R), without tannin; and H3 -BRS 610 (CMSXS 232 A × CMSXS 234 R), without tannin. The intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein (CP) were measured. Eighteen crossbred sheep weighing 59.4 kg (±8.3) were used in the trial. A completely randomized design with three treatments (hybrids) and six repetitions (sheep) was used. There were no differences in the DM intake or apparent digestibility among the hybrids. Silage of hybrid BRS 610 displayed higher digestibility coefficients for CP, NDF, ADF, and GE compared with the other silages, which did not differ from each other. The neutral detergent fiber, ADF and digestible energy (DE) intakes were similar among the hybrids silages. All of the hybrids resulted in a positive N balance in sheep. The levels of DE were superior in hybrid silage BRS 610 in comparison with the other hybrids. Sorghum hybrid BRS 610 silage exhibited superior nutritional value compared with the other hybrids, which is most likely in part due to the absence of tannins. Sorghum silage made with hybrid BRS 610 (CMSXS 232 A × CMSXS 234 R) presents superior gross energy, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility coefficients, as well as greater digestible energy levels than BRS 655 (CMSXS 222 A × CMSXS 235 R) and (ATF54 A × CMSXS 235 R).

This research was carried out to evaluate the effects of pregnancy, number of fetuses and feed restriction on nutrients intake and digestibility and on ruminal rate passage. Twenty-four ewes were used at 90, 110 and 130 pregnancy days distributed among treatments according to the number of fetuses. They received balanced diet or restricted diet at 15% of energy and protein requirement. Ewes with two fetuses on feed restriction had more dry matter intake than those with one fetus. At 130 day there was the highest dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intake. Twin-pregnant ewes showed the highest nutrient digestibility, except for fiber fraction. Feed restriction caused the smallest dry matter intake. Ruminal rate passage increased in late pregnancy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability of feeding dairy cows with diets containing different levels of soybean oil. Cows were fed diets based on tropical forage (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) supplemented with different levels of soybean oil (0.0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5% of diet DM). The calculations were made considering the prices of the dietary ingredients and the daily consumption of each dietary treatment. The milk quality-based payment was estimated on the bonus paid for milk fat and protein contents according to two systems used by companies of the dairy sector. The economic benefit was calculated as the difference between the income obtained from milk sale and the cost associated with animal feeding. The MOP scenario analysis (most likely - optimistic - pessimistic) was performed on the basis of the real scenario and variations in milk price and inputs observed in season and off-season periods over the years under study. The diet with 1.5% soybean oil had higher economic benefit when compared with those containing 3.0 and 4.5% soybean oil. All the dietary soybean oil levels would result in bonuses for milk protein content (higher than 3.03 and 3.21). Only the control diet showed a positive economic balance. The bonuses paid for milk protein content were insufficient to cover the additional costs associated with the inclusion of soybean oil in the diets, resulting in negative balances for the treatments with 1.5; 3.0 and 4.5% soybean oil, demonstrating the economic non-viability of supplementing diets of lactating cows with soybean oil.

The objective of this research was to determine the chemical composition and ruminal degradation of the crude protein (CP), total and individual amino acids of leaves from tropical forages: perennial soybean (Neonotonia wightii), cassava (Manihot esculenta), leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and ramie (Boehmeria nivea), and to estimate the intestinal digestibility of the rumen undegradable protein (RUDP) and individual amino acids of leaves from the tropical forages above cited, but including pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). Three nonlactating Holstein cows were used to determine the in situ ruminal degradability of protein and amino acids from leaves (6, 18 and 48 hours of ruminal incubation). For determination of the intestinal digestibility of RUDP, the residue from ruminal incubation of the materials was used for 18 hours. A larger concentration of total amino acids for ramie and smaller for perennial soybean were observed; however, they were very similar in leucaena and cassava. Leucine was the essential amino acid of greater concentration, with the exception of cassava, which exhibited a leucine concentration 40.45% smaller. Ramie showed 14.35 and 22.31% more lysine and methionine, respectively. The intestinal digestibility of RUDP varied from 23.56; 47.87; 23.48; 25.69 and 10.86% for leucaena, perennial soybean, cassava, ramie and pigeon pea, respectively. The individual amino acids of tropical forage disappeared in different extensions in the rumen. For the correct evaluation of those forages, one should consider their composition of amino acids, degradations and intestinal digestibility, once the amino acid composition of the forage does not reflect the amino acid profiles that arrived in the small intestine. Differences between the degradation curves of CP and amino acids indicate that degradation of amino acids cannot be estimated through the degradation curve of CP, and that amino acids are not degraded in a similar degradation profile.

Foi objetivo deste trabalho avaliar o consumo e digestibilidade da MS e nutrientes. de silagens de capim-elefante (CE) contendo subproduto do processamento da acerola desidratada (SACD). Utilizaram-se 20 ovinos machos nãocastrados, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco níveis de SACD na silagem (0; 3,5; 7; 10,5 e 14% da matéria seca) e quatro repetições. Estimaram-se os consumos de matéria seca (MS), celulose, hemicelulose, proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), bem como os consumos de matéria seca (MSD), proteína bruta (PBD), fibra em detergente neutro (FDND) e energia digestível (ED). Foram avaliados também as digestibilidades da MS, PB, FDN, FDA, celulose, hemicelulose e EB, e o balanço de nitrogênio (BN). A adição de SACD, não influenciou o consumo de MS, FDN e FDA em g animal-1 dia-1 e g UTM-1 (unidade de tamanho metabólico = PV0,75), MSD, FDND em g animal-1 dia-1 e ED (0,86 Mcal dia-1). Contudo, a adição de 1% do SACD na ensilagem do capim-elefante resultou em aumento de 1,91 e 0,04 g nos consumos diários de PB e PBD, respectivamente. Com a adição do SACD, não houve alterações na digestibilidade da MS (43%), PB (36,4%), FDN (44,8%) e BN (0,22 g dia-1) das silagens. Entretanto, o BN atingiu valores positivos quando foram adicionados 10,5 e 14% do SACD à dieta. O subproduto da acerola desidratado pode ser adicionado em níveis de até 14% da matéria natural na ensilagem de capim-elefante, pois não compromete nem o consumo nem a digestibilidade dos nutrientes em ovinos.The present study aimed to determine de nutritional value of mixed elephant grass silages and increasing levels of dehydrated acerola industry by-product (PAC). Five PAC levels (0; 3.5; 7.0; 10.5 and 14%) were evaluated in a digestibility trial with 20 male non-castrated sheep in a randomized experimental design of five treatments (PAC levels) and four replications per treatment (sheep). Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (CEL), hemicelulose (HCEL) and energy digestible as well as nitrogen balance were determined. The addition of PAC, didn't influence the consumption of DM, NDF, ADF, DDM and DNDF. However, the addition of 1% PAC in the silage of elephant grass resulted in increase of 1.91 g and 0.04 g in the daily consumptions of CP and DCP, respectively. With the addition of PAC, there were no alterations in the digestibility of DM (43%), CP (36.4%), NDF (44.8%) and in nitrogen balance (0.22 g) of the silages. However, nitrogen balance reached positive values when 10.5 and 14% of PAC were added to the silage. The by-product of dehydrated acerola may be added in levels of up to 14% of the natural matter in the silage of elephant grass, because it doesn't affect the intake and digestibility of the nutrients by sheep.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características do pasto e o desempenho de novilhas oriundas do cruzamento Holandês x Zebu, em sistema silvipastoril (SSP) e em monocultivo de braquiária (Urochloa decumbens). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos: em monocultivo de braquiária; e o SSP, que apresentava faixas de braquiária consorciada com Stylosanthes guianensis, alternadas com faixas arborizadas. Os piquetes foram manejados sob lotação rotacionada, com 7 dias de ocupação e 35 e 49 dias de descanso, nas épocas chuvosa e seca, respectivamente. As características do pasto, o consumo e o ganho de peso não variaram com o sistema; porém, devido às reduções na quantidade e no valor nutritivo da forragem, apresentaram valores maiores na época chuvosa do que na época seca, respectivamente: massa de forragem pré-pastejo, 1.525 e 964 kg ha-1; teores de proteína bruta na gramínea, 9,3 e 8,2%; digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca, 56,1 e 50,3%; consumo de matéria seca, 2,3 e 1,6% do peso vivo; ganho de peso de 625 e 242 g por dia por novilha. O sombreamento moderado no SSP não interferiu nas características do pasto, nem no consumo de forragem, nem no desempenho de novilhas leiteiras, quando comparado aos valores obtidos na pastagem de braquiária em monocultivo.The objective of this work was to evaluate the pasture characteristics and the performance of heifers from the Holstein x Zebu cross in a silvopastoral system (SPS), and in a Brachiaria (Urochloa decumbens) pasture. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with two treatments: an exclusive Brachiaria pasture; and SPS, which had mixed U. decumbens and Stylosanthes guianensis strips alternating with strips with trees. Paddocks were grazed in rotational stocking, with seven days of grazing and 35 and 49 days of rest in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Pasture traits, dry matter intake and live weight gain did not vary with the systems. However, due to the reduction in the amount and nutritional value of the forage, these variables had higher values for the rainy season than the dry season, respectively: pre-grazing forage mass, 1,525 and 964 kg ha-1; crude protein, 9.3 and 8.2%; in vitro dry matter digestibility, 56.1 and 50.3%; dry matter intake, 2.3 and 1.6% of body weight; and live weight gain, 625 and 242 g per day per heifer. Moderate shading in SPS did not affect pasture traits, dry matter intake, or the performance of the heifers, in comparison to the values obtained for an exclusive Brachiaria pasture.

The objective of this experiment was to study in situ degradability and fermentation kinetics parameters of the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of the silages of four sorghum genotypes, with and without tannin in the grain. A randomized block in split plot design was applied, using animals as blocks, silages as splits and time as sub-splits. Means were compared by SNK test (p

The study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of cashew by-product (Anacardium occidentale L.) on the ammoniac nitrogen concentrations (N-NH3), pH and vollatile fatty acids concentrations (VFA) of the ruminal fluid, in sheep that received diets containing the cited by-product. Twenty male, entire sheep had been distributed in four treatments with different levels of cashew by-product inclusion (zero; 19%; 38%; 52%) in a randomized block design, in a split-plot project, having in the parcels the diets and the sub-parcels the times of collection (zero, two, five, eight hours after-feeding) with five replications. PH was remained inside of the normal standards cited by same literature in the raised cashew by-product inclusions. Diets with zero and 52% had gotten the biggest concentrations of N-NH3. The molar ratio of the AGV in the ruminal liquid in the diets with cashew by-product was typical of rich diets in voluminous. The relation acetate: propionate was not affected by the inclusion of the cashew by-product. The inclusion of the cashew by-product in up to 19 % of the dietary total presented better resulted in that it says respect to the parameters analyzed in this work.KEY WORDS: Ammoniac nitrogen, Ovis aries, pH, parameters ruminate, ruminants, volatile fatty acids. El estudio apunto evaluar la inclusión del subproducto de caju (Anacardium occidentale) en la concentración de nitrogeno amoniacal (N-NH3), el pH y las concentraciones de los acidos grasos vollatiles (AGV) en el liquido ruminal de ovinos que recibieron las dietas experimentales isofibrosas y isoproteic que contiene el subproducto en el niveles crescientes. Veinte ovinos machos habon distribuido en cuatro tratamientos con niveles de inclusion del subproducto de caju (cero, 19%, 38%, 52%) en un diseno de bloque al azar, en parcelas sudivididas, teniendo en los parcelas las dietas y los su-parcelas los tiempos de la coleccion (cero, dos, cinco y ocho horas despues de alimentacion) con cinco replicas. El pH se mantuvo dentro de los estándares normales citados en la literatura, cuando en alta inclusion del subproducto de caju. Los tratamientos cero y el 52% presentaron las mayores concentraciones de N-NH3. La proporción de moles de AGV en lo liquido ruminal en las dietas con subproducto de caju era típica de dietas ricas en volumoso. La relacion acetato: propionato no se afectou por la inclusión del subproducto del caju. La inclusión del subproducto de caju en 19% de la dieta total presento mejores resultados en los parámetros analizados en este trabajo. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a influência da inclusão de diferentes níveis do coproduto do processamento do caju (Anacardium occidentale L.) sobre a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3) em mg/100 mL, pH e concentrações molares de ácidos graxos voláteis (AGVs) do líquido ruminal, em ovinos recebendo dietas experimentais isofibrosas e isoproteicas. Distribuíram-se vinte ovinos machos, inteiros em quatro tratamentos de inclusão do coproduto de caju (zero %; 19%; 38%; 52%), segundo delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, em que as parcelas eram as dietas e as subparcelas os tempos de colheita (zero, duas, cinco, oito horas pós-prandial) com cinco repetições. O pH manteve-se dentro dos padrões citados na literatura, mesmo diante de elevadas inclusões de coproduto de caju. Os tratamentos com zero % e 52% apresentaram as maiores concentrações de N-NH3. A proporção molar dos AGVs no líquido ruminal dos ovinos alimentados com rações com o coproduto de caju foi típica de dietas ricas em volumosos. A relação acetato:propionato não foi afetada pela inclusão do coderivado de caju. A inclusão do coproduto de caju em até 19 % na ração apresentou os melhores resultados no que diz respeito aos parâmetros analisados neste trabalho.PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Ácidos graxos voláteis, nitrogênio amoniacal, Ovis aries, pH, parâmetros ruminais, ruminantes.

Com o objetivo de avaliar o valor nutritivo de silagens de capim-elefante (CE) contendo o subproduto do processamento de abacaxi desidratado (SAD), utilizaram-se 20 ovinos, machos não-castrados, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (0,0; 3,5; 7,0; 10,5 e 14% de SAD na silagem) e quatro repetições. Estimaram-se os consumos de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e energia digestível (ED), bem como as digestibilidades de MS, PB, FDN, FDA, hemicelulose e EB e o balanço de nitrogênio (BN). Com a adição de SAD, foram observados aumentos lineares nos consumos de MS, PB, MSD e ED. A adição de 1% de SAD na ensilagem do capim-elefante resultou em aumento de 16,17 g nos consumos diários de MS e PB. A adição de SAD na ensilagem de capim-elefante promoveu aumento 14,1 g; 0,60 g; e 0,60 Mcal nos consumos diários de matéria seca, proteína bruta e enegia digestíveis, respectivamente. Com a adição de SAD, não houve alterações na digestibilidade de MS (53,3%), PB (42,1%) e FDN (55,2%) das silagens nem no balanço de nitrogênio (2,92 g/dia). Entretanto, o balanço de nitrogênio só atingiu valores positivos quando adicionado SAD à dieta. O subproduto de abacaxi desidratado pode ser adicionado em níveis de até 14% da matéria natural na ensilagem de capim-elefante, pois melhora o valor nutritivo das silagens e possibilita maiores consumos de matéria seca, proteína bruta, matéria seca e energia digestíveis.The present study aimed to determine de nutritional value of mixed elephant grass silages in increasing levels with dehydrated pineapple industry by-product (PAB). Five PAB levels (0.0, 3.5, 7.0, 10.5, and 14.0%) were tested with 20 male non-castrated sheep in a randomized experimental design of five treatments (PAB levels) and four replications per treatment (sheep). Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (CEL), hemicelulose (HCEL) and energy as well as nitrogen balance were determined. Linear increases on the DM, CP intake and digestible energy occurred as the PAB content increased in the silage. For every increase of 1% of PAB in the silage, increments of 16.17 g and 1.55 g of DM and CP intakes, respectively, were observed. The addition of PAB in the silage increased the DDM, DCP and DE intake. However, the nutrients digestibility remained unchanged. Mean values were 53.3%, 42.1%, 55.2% and 2.92 g/day for DM, CP, NDF and NB, respectively. NB was positive only with PAB in the rations. It is concluded that additions of PAB in the elephant grass silage up to a level of 14% in a natural basis increases the digestible nutrients intake.

Avaliou-se a eficiência da lignina purificada e enriquecida (Lipe®) como indicador externo para estimar a digestibilidade dos nutrientes de dietas em eqüinos em comparação aos métodos de coleta total de fezes e do indicador óxido crômico. Foram utilizadas seis potras Mangalarga Marchador, com média de 2 anos de idade e 345 kg de peso vivo, alimentadas com feno de alfafa e concentrado comercial na proporção de 50:50, para ingestão de matéria seca de 3,1%PV, e sal mineral. O experimento teve duração de 29 dias, de modo que os 24 dias iniciais foram destinados à adaptação dos animais à dieta e às instalações e os cinco finais para coleta total das fezes. Utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizados, no qual cada animal constituiu um bloco e cada método de determinação da digestibilidade, um tratamento. Os cálculos de produção fecal e digestibilidade de cada nutriente foram feitos utilizando-se os indicadores e a taxa de recuperação fecal de cada nutriente. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade dos nutrientes obtidos utilizando-se o óxido crômico foram superiores aos da coleta total e Lipe®. Os resultados obtidos com Lipe® foram similares aos determinados por coleta total. O método do óxido crômico é inadequado, enquanto o Lipe® é eficiente para estimar a digestibilidade de nutrientes da dieta em eqüinos.The objective of this work was to test the efficiency of enriched and purified lignin, Lipe®, as external indicator in order to estimate the apparent digestibility of the nutrients in equine diets, compared with the total feces collection and the chromic oxide methods. Six female Mangalarga Marchador with average of two years of age and average weight of 331 kg were used. The diet was alfalfa hay, commercial grain and mineral salt. The experimental period was of 29 days, the first 24 used for the adaptation of animals to the diet and facilities and the last five days for feed estimation and total feces collection. A random blocks design was used in which each animal constituted one block and each digestibility determination method, one treatment. The digestibility of nutrients using chromic oxide were smaller than those from the total collection and Lipe®, and those estimated by the Lipe® were similar to those from the total collection. Chromic oxide revealed to be inadequate and Lipe® was considered efficient to estimate the apparent digestibility in equine.

This work evaluated the fermentation pattern of sorghum silage hybrid BR 601 with and without additives. At ensiling time, silages were enriched with the additives, adopting the following treatments: silages without additive (control), with 0.5% urea, 0.5% limestone, 0.5% urea plus limestone and bacterial inoculant. The materials were stored into PVC silos, opened after 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days of ensiling. Alterations were determined in dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), hemicellulose, cellulose, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin contents and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). A completely randomized experimental design was used, in a 5 x 7 factorial scheme, and the means were compared by the SNK test at 5% probability. The silage enriched with urea plus limestone showed highest loss of DM. No difference was observed between silage with additives and control regarding NDF, hemicellulose, cellulose and DMIVD. The additives promoted changes in the ADF and lignin contents.

Objectified in this study to determine the composition of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in the perennial soy (Neonotonia wightii), leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and guandu (Cajanus cajan). The samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after the acid hydrolyses or preoxidation. The higher and lower levels of soluble crude protein (A fraction) were obtained with leucaena and guandu (33.92 and 16.87%, respectively) and the higher and lower levels of acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP) were obtained with guandu and rami (26.68 e 2.83%). It were registered higher concentration of essential amino acids in rami (48.06%) and lower concentration in cassava (42.20%), being verified with it the higher level in lysine and methionine to the rami (6.41e 2.66%, respectively), and lower level to the cassava (5.49%) and to the guandu (2.02%) respectively. It were registered too higher concentration of non-essential amino acids to the rami (47.11%) and the lower level to the perennial soy (42.20%). Therefore, it can be concluded to the correct evaluation of these foods, should be considered the amino acid composition and fractionation of the crude protein, because the simply analysis of crude protein don't represent precisely and don't propitiate the correct estimative of the profile and biodisponibility of amino acids that them escape and flow to the intestinal tract of the animal and your metabolism.

Avaliaram-se as características fermentativas e a composição químico-bromatológica de silagens de capim-elefante contendo níveis crescentes de subproduto desidratado do maracujá (SDM). Foram testados cinco níveis de SDM (0,0; 3,5; 7,0; 10,5 e 14,0%) em relação à matéria natural do capim, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. A gramínea foi cortada aos 60 dias de idade, triturada e ensilada, obtendo-se densidade de 600 kg/m³. Após 28 dias, os silos foram abertos e amostras foram coletadas para análises laboratoriais. Os níveis crescentes de SDM tiveram efeito linear crescente sobre o teor de MS das silagens e efeito linear decrescente sobre o teor de ácido propiônico. Houve efeito quadrático com ponto de máximo para o teor de ácido lático. Os teores de ácido butírico foram desprezíveis. Os valores de pH e os teores de N-amoniacal, de ácido acético e de FDA não foram afetados. Verificou-se efeito linear dos níveis crescentes de SDM sobre os teores de PB e de EE das silagens. Os teores de FDN e hemicelulose das silagens foram afetados pelos níveis crescentes de SDM, com resposta linear decrescente. A adição de SDM na ensilagem do capim-elefante favoreceu o processo fermentativo e melhorou a composição químico-bromatológica das silagens, portanto, esse subproduto pode ser utilizado em quantidades de até 14% em relação à matéria natural da gramínea.The fermentative characteristics and the chemical composition of elephant grass silages with increasing levels of dehydrated passionfruit by-product (DPB) were evaluated. Five DPB addition levels (0.0; 3.5; 7.0; 10.5; and 14.0%; in a grass fresh matter basis), in a complete randomized design with four replicates were studied. The grass was cut at 60 days of age, chopped, and ensiled, reaching a packing density of 600 kg/m³. After 28 days of ensiling, the silos were opened and samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Addition of DPB promoted a linear increasing effect on the silages dry matter and a linear decreasing effect on the propionic acid levels. A quadratic effect with maximum point of the DPB increasing levels on the silages lactic acid levels was verified. The butyric acid levels were negligible. The pH values, N-ammonia, acetic acid, and the acid detergent fibre levels were not affected. A linear effect of the DPB increasing levels was verified on the crude protein and the ether extract concentrations. A linear decreasing effect of the DPB increasing levels on the silages NDF and hemicellulose concentration was observed. The DPB addition up to the level of 14% (on a grass fresh matter basis) at the elephantgrass ensiling promoted a good fermentative pattern and a better silage chemical composition.

Voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of four maize hybrid silages (SHS 4040, QPM 129, AG 1051 and BRS 3060) were evaluated in adult steer. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and five replications. Dry matter intake in grams per metabolic weight (g/MW) ranged from 61.2 (SHS 4040) to 68.1 g/MW/day (QPM 129). Observed dry matter apparent digestibility values were: 70.7% for AG 1051, 66.2% for BRS 3060, 66.1% for SHS 4040 and 64.5% for QPM 129. The gross energy intake levels of silages were similar and ranged from 266.5 Kcal/MW/day for SHS 4040 up to 292.3 Kcal/MW/day for QPM 129, no differences were observed to gross energy intakes. The same results were observed to gross energy apparent digestibility, digestible and metabolizable energy intakes, and the values observed were: 66.2%, 184.7 g/MW/day and 179.4 g/MW/day, respectively. The consumed nitrogen, fecal nitrogen and urinary nitrogen (grams per day) values did not differ among silages. The same result was observed for crude protein intake coefficient that ranged from 4.6 g/MW/day for BRS 3060 up to 5.0 g/MW/day for AG 1051. The highest neutral detergent fiber intake and digestibility were observed in SHS 4040 and AG 1051. The vitreouness did not significantly interfere with the parameters tested. The AG 1051 and SHS 4040 silages are superior.

Every year, genetic improvement companies introduce several corn hybrids in the market. A great number of those hybrids is used for silage production. Thus, this work was undertaken to study the main changes on chemical composition and fermentation pattern of silages produced with six corn hybrids (HD 9481, P 3041, C 435, HT 951005, HT 47C and AG 5011). Whole corn plants were ensiled at physiologic maturity (3/4 “milk line”) in laboratory silos (10 cm diameter). Forage was evaluated at 0 (zero), 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days after ensiling. Analyses were made for dry matter (DM), soluble carbohydrates (SC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), ammonium nitrogen, and pH. The dry matter contents in silages varied from 34.51 to 42.90%. The greatest part of SC was utilized until the 5th day of fermentation. Neutral detergent fiber and crude protein fractions remained practically constant during ensilage. All pH values were lower than 3.82 and tended to stability after the 5th day of fermentation. Ammonia nitrogen levels were lower than 10%, but did not stabilize until the 56th day of fermentation. All silages were classified as good quality.

Two dry stem intermediate height sorghum hybrids and a moist stem high height hybrid were ensiled in eight growing stages after bloom. Twenty four treatments were made with three repetitions each, being the three hybrids (AG2006 and BR700 – dry stem, and BR601 moist stem) ensiled in eight growing stages. Silages were evaluated for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), DM losses, silage density, pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, IVDMD and total phenols percentages. SNK test was used with a 3 x 8 random factorial design. DM production increased until fifth stage. DM values increased with growth and the best level occurred between 21st and 28th days after bloom. CP and fibrous fractions were reduced with growth. pH, N-NH3 and DM losses were low for all silages. Hybrids lignin and IVDMD varied in erratic ways. Silages were evaluated by Prussian blue assay to total phenols and tannins were detected in all of them. There were no negative correlations between tannins and IVDMD. AG2006 was better than the others two hybrids for some features, and IVDM of BR601, a forage sorghum, was better than BR700, an intermediate height sorghum.

Foram determinadas as degradabilidades in situ da MS e PB dos folíolos de três leguminosas tropicais leucena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit), guandu (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) e soja perene (Neonotonia wightii) e de folhas de outras duas forrageiras tropicais rami (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich) e mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Amostras de 3 g (guandu, soja e rami) ou 5 g (leucena e mandioca) do material foram incubadas no rúmen de quatro novilhos por períodos de 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 e 48 horas. As degradabilidades efetivas da MS e da PB para a taxa de passagem de 5% hora foram elevadas (acima de 60%). As taxas de degradação, exceto a do guandu, também foram consideradas elevadas. As forrageiras apresentaram alta digestibilidade total da proteína (acima de 88%), exceto os folíolos de guandu (69%). O guandu foi a forrageira com menor potencial de degradação da proteína.In situ DM and CP degradabilities of leaflets of three tropical legumes: leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), and glycine (Neonotonia wightii) and of leaves of two other tropical forages: ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich) and cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) were determined in this trial. Three grams of pigeon pea, glycine, and ramie and 5 g of leucaena and cassava were incubated in the rumen of four steers for 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 hours. Effective degradabilities of DM and CP assuming a passage rate of 5%/hour were greater than 60%. Degradation rates, except for pigeon pea, were also high in this study. Forages had high total digestibility of protein (greater than 88%), except for pigeon pea leaflets that was 69%. Pigeon pea was the forage with the lowest potential for ruminal protein degradation.

Foram desenvolvidas equações de predição de consumo de pasto de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum, Schumack) por vacas mestiças Holandês x Zebu em lactação, utilizando-se procedimentos de stepwise em regressões múltiplas, aplicados a um banco de dados de experimentos conduzidos ao longo de três anos na Embrapa Gado de Leite (Coronel Pacheco, MG). As variáveis independentes disponíveis foram relacionadas a características inerentes às vacas (dias em lactação; teores de proteína, gordura e extrato seco total e produções destes componentes no leite; produção de leite in natura ou corrigida para 4% de gordura; ordem de lactação; peso vivo atual; peso vivo ao parto e grau de sangue Holandês x Zebu); ao manejo (dias de pastejo; disponibilidade de forragem e período de descanso da pastagem); ao ambiente (estação do ano e precipitação pluviométrica) e à alimentação (digestibilidade in vitro e parâmetros da composição química do pasto de capim-elefante e da cana-de-açúcar - Saccharum officinarum (L.) corrigida com 1% de uréia; consumos de suplemento volumoso (cana corrigida com uréia) e concentrado; concentrações fecais de proteína bruta e de fibras em detergente neutro e ácido). Efeitos linear e quadrático e transformações logarítmicas foram adicionalmente incluídos no banco de dados. Foram obtidas equações de predição de consumo de pasto de capim-elefante (expresso em kg/vaca/dia ou % do peso vivo) com coeficientes de determinação de 65,2 a 67,0%. As principais variáveis independentes incluídas nas equações foram o consumo do suplemento volumoso usado na estação seca do ano (cana corrigida com uréia); a digestibilidade in vitro do pasto de capim-elefante; a precipitação pluviométrica; a produção de leite corrigida para 4% de gordura; o peso vivo atual ou, em alternativa a este, o valor da pesagem realizada após o parto da vaca; além do consumo de suplemento concentrado, que evidenciou um efeito de substituição àquele do pasto de capim-elefante.Equations for predicting elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schumack) dry matter intake (DMI) by Holstein x Zebu lactating dairy cows under grazing were developed by stepwise regression analysis. The dataset consisted of results of trials carried out at Embrapa Gado de Leite (Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil). The independent variables related to animal factors (days in milk; milk protein, fat and total solids contents and yields; live weight; live weight at calving; milk and fat-corrected milk yield; Holstein x Zebu gene fraction; order of parturition); management factors (occupation day of paddock; forage allowance and availability; resting periods); environmental factors (season of the year; rainfall) and feed factors (in vitro digestibility and parameters of chemical composition of elephantgrass herbage and sugarcane - Saccharum officinarum (L.) plus 1% urea; supplement intake - concentrate and sugarcane plus urea; fecal crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber concentration). Logarithmic and quadratic functions for some variables were also considered. The main independent variables selected at the best-fit regressions models (R2 = 65.2-67.0%) for elephantgrass herbage DMI were roughage supplement (sugarcane plus urea) DMI; elephantgrass in vitro digestibility; rainfall; fat-corrected milk yield; live weight (or alternatively live weight at calving) and concentrate intake that showed substitution effect to intake of elephantgrass in supplementing grazing cows.

As silagens de 13 cultivares de girassol (Helianthus annuus L.), produzidas com plantas contendo mais de 90% de grãos maduros, foram avaliadas quanto às características químicas e à digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS). Os dados foram analisados segundo delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso e a comparação das médias, feita pelo teste SNK. O menor teor de matéria seca (19,8%) foi obtido para o híbrido M737 e os maiores, para os híbridos Contiflor 7 (31,2%) e Cargill 11 (32,2%). Os valores de pH variaram de 4,1 a 5,5 e os teores nitrogênio amoniacal como porcentagem do nitrogênio total, de 5,9% a 14,6%; as médias gerais para os conteúdos dos ácidos lático, acético e butírico foram de 7,1%; 1,9% e 0,06%, respectivamente. O híbrido Rumbosol 91 apresentou a menor porcentagem de proteína bruta (7,2%), enquanto teores acima de 9,0% foram notados para cinco cultivares. A média geral (14,7%) de extrato etéreo (EE) foi maior que os valores normalmente observados para volumosos. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e lignina apresentaram médias gerais de 45,8; 35,7 e 6,4% e foram negativamente correlacionados com os valores de DIVMS (média geral de 49,8%). Todos os cultivares apresentaram silagens com baixas concentrações médias de carboidratos solúveis residuais. De maneira geral, os altos conteúdos de FDA e de lignina e a DIVMS média de 49,8% podem restringir a aplicação das silagens desses cultivares de girassol, para categorias mais exigentes, e o alto teor de EE pode limitar o nível de inclusão dessas silagens na dieta dos bovinos.Silages of thirteen cultivars of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were evaluated for chemical characteristics and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The silages were produced when the plants presented above 90% of ripe grains. The experimental procedure followed a entirely randomized design and the mean values were compared by SNK test (P

Para testar o efeito da presença de tanino no grão sobre os parâmetros de degradabilidade potencial dos componentes da parede celular de seis genótipos de sorgo para silagem, conduziu-se este experimento utilizando a técnica da degradabilidade "in situ". Quatro novilhos mestiços, canulados no rúmen, foram utilizados. Os novilhos foram alimentados "ad libitum" duas vezes ao dia, individualmente, com feno de Tifton 85. Foram incubadas silagens de sorgo no estádio de grão leitoso, pertencentes a seis genótipos: BR 303, BR 304, BR 601e AG 2006 (sem tanino no grão); BR 700 e BR 701 (com tanino). Foram incubadas 5 g de amostra dentro de bolsas de náilon suspensas no rúmen, nos tempos: 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. O tempo zero (t0) foi utilizado para cálculo da fração solúvel. A presença do tanino reduziu a extensão de degradação da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e da fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) nas silagens de sorgo BR 700 e BR 701. A degradabilidade potencial da FDN e da FDA foi reduzida pela presença do tanino. Não foi observado efeito depressivo do tanino sobre as taxas de degradação para nenhum nutriente, em nenhuma silagem testada.The aim of these experiment was to evaluate the effect of tannin on grain over potential degradability parameters of the cell wall compounds of six sorghum silage genotypes by "in situ" technique. Four crossbred steers, canulated in rumen, were used. The steers were fed "ad libitum" twice at day with a diet comprised by Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) hay. Six sorghum silage genotypes, harvested at milk stage, were incubated in the rumen: BR 303, BR 304, BR 601, and AG 2006 (without tannin on grain); BR 700, and BR 701 (with tannin on grain). Five grams of samples were incubated into nylon bags, and suspended in the rumen by times: 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The time zero (t0) was used to calculate the soluble fraction. Tannin decrease the extent of degradation of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of BR 700 and BR 701 sorghum silages. The potential degradability of the NDF and ADF was reduced by tannin presence on grain. There was not effect of tannin on degradation rate of the cell wall compounds in anyone sorghum silage genotypes tested.

Para testar o efeito da presença de tanino no grão sobre os parâmetros de degradabilidade potencial da matéria seca e da proteína bruta de seis genótipos de sorgo para silagem, foi conduzido um experimento utilizando a técnica da degradabilidade in situ. Quatro novilhos canulados no rúmen, alimentados individualmente, duas vezes ao dia ad libitum com feno de Tifton 85, foram utilizados para a incubação de silagens de sorgo no estádio de grão leitoso, pertencentes a seis genótipos: BR 303, BR 304, BR 601e AG 2006 (sem tanino no grão); BR 700 e BR 701 (com tanino). Foram incubadas 5 g de amostra nos tempos de incubação: 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. O tempo zero (t0) foi utilizado para cálculo da fração solúvel. A presença do tanino reduziu a extensão de degradação da matéria seca e da proteína bruta nas silagens de sorgo BR 700 e BR 701. As degradabilidades potenciais destes nutrientes foram influenciada pelo tanino. Não foi observado efeito depressivo do tanino sobre as taxas de degradação para nenhum nutriente, em nenhuma silagem testada.The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of tannin on grain over potential degradability parameters of the dry matter and crude protein of six sorghum silage genotypes by in situ technique. It was used four crossbred steers, canulated in rumen, fed ad libitum twice at day with a diet comprised by Cynodon dactylon hay. Six sorghum silage genotypes, harvested at milk stage, were incubated in the rumen: BR 303, BR 304, BR 601, and AG 2006 (without tannin on grain); BR 700, and BR 701 (with tannin on grain). Five grams of samples were incubated at times: 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The time zero (t0) was used to calculate the soluble fraction. Tannin decrease the extent of degradation of dry matter and crude protein of BR 700 and BR 701 sorghum silages. The potential degradabilities of these nutrients were reduced by tannin presence on grain. There was not effect of tannin on degradation rate of the nutrient compounds in anyone tested sorghum silage.

Utilizaram-se seis ovinos, sem raça definida, para avaliar o consumo e as digestibilidades aparentes totais da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), carboidratos totais (CHO), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), celulose (CEL), hemicelulose (HCEL) e energia do feno de Arachis pintoi. Também foi determinado o balanço de nitrogênio. Os animais foram colocados em gaiolas metabólicas e receberam apenas o feno de A. pintoi mais sal mineral como componentes da dieta. O Arachis pintoi foi colhido com aproximadamente 100 dias. O fornecimento do feno foi ad libitum, sendo a quantidade calculada para permitir sobras de 20%. O experimento teve 20 dias de duração, sendo 15 dias de adaptação e cinco dias para coletas de amostras do feno, sobras, fezes e urina. Foi utilizado o óxido crômico, em duas doses diárias de 1 g cada, como indicador externo para estimar a produção fecal. Os consumos de MS e MO do A. pintoi foram 90,17 e 85,67 g/kg0,75, respectivamente. Os teores de PB, nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) e energia metabolizável (EM) foram, respectivamente, 14,3%, 66,4% e 2,0 Mcal/kg MS. O balanço de nitrogênio (N) foi de 12,1 g/dia e representou 40,2% de todo N consumido. As digestibilidades aparentes totais da MS, MO, PB, EE, CHO, FDN, CNF, FDA, CEL, HCEL e energia foram 64,4, 68,4, 70,0, 63,4, 68,2, 53,6, 93,3, 47,2, 62,8, 66,8 e 63,7%, respectivamente. O feno de Arachis pintoi apresentou consumo e digestibilidades dos nutrientes elevados para uma forrageira, permitindo assim fornecer nutrientes em quantidades suficientes para ganhos de peso satisfatórios, o que dá maior suporte para o uso dessa leguminosa na alimentação de ruminantes.Six sheep were used to evaluate intake and total apparent digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (CHO), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non fibrous carboidratos (NFC), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (CEL), hemicellulose (HCEL) and energy of Arachis pintoi hay. Nitrogen balance was also determined. Animals were kept in metabolic cages and received A. pintoi hay plus mineral salt. The Arachis pintoi was harvested with approximately 100 days. The supply of the hay was ad libitum with 20% allowed refusals. The experiment had 15 days of adaptation period and five days for sampling of hay, refusals, feces and urine samples. Chromium oxide was used as external marker to estimate fecal production. The intake of DM and OM of A. pintoi was 90.17 and 85.67 g/kg0.75, respectively. The crude protein, total digestible nutrients (TDN) and metabolizable energy (EM) were, respectively, 14.3%, 66.4% and 2.0 Mcal/kg DM. The nitrogen (N) balance was 12.1 g/day and represented 40.2% of total intake N. The total apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, EE, CHO, NDF, NFC, ADF, CEL, HCEL and energy were 64.4, 68.4, 70.0, 63.4, 68.2, 53.6, 93.3, 47.2, 62.8, 66.8 and 63.7%, respectively. The Arachis pintoi hay showed high intake of digestible nutrients for a tropical legume forages, what gives support for its use in the feeding of ruminants.

Foram utilizados sete ovinos alimentados com feno de S. guianensis para avaliar a degradabilidade ruminal dos aminoácidos, o balanço nitrogenado e as concentrações de ácidos graxos voláteis (AGVs) no rúmen. A técnica de sacos de náilon foi empregada para determinação da degradabilidade in situ dos aminoácidos do feno de Stylosanthes guianensis. A retirada dos sacos do rúmen foi feita às 6, 24 e 48 horas após sua introdução. Amostras de duodeno e fezes foram utilizadas para determinar a quantidade de N total, amônia e nitrogênio não amoniacal. Amostras de urina foram coletadas para determinação do N total. Para determinação da concentração de AGVs no líquido ruminal, amostras de 80 mL foram coletadas manualmente, imediatamente antes da alimentação e 2, 4, 6 e 8 horas após. O balanço de nitrogênio foi de 6,0 g/dia. O feno de S. guianensis apresentou 10,4 e 6,3 g de metionina e lisina, respectivamente, por 100 g de aminoácidos totais. Os aminoácidos não essenciais apresentaram taxa de degradação duas vezes maior que os essenciais. Houve alteração no perfil aminoacídico da proteína não degradada no rúmen em relação ao alimento original. A relação acetato:propionato foi de 4,31. O elevado teor de metionina encontrado e sua baixa degradabilidade podem fazer do S. guianensis um alimento importante, quando este aminoácido estiver limitando a produção.Seven sheep fed S. guianensis hay were used to evaluate ruminal amino acid degradability, nitrogen balance and rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Nylon bags technique was used for determination of the in situ degradabilities of amino acids. Bags were collected at 6, 24 and 48 hours after insertion. Duodenum and feces samples were used to determine amoniacal-N and non-amoniacal-N. To determine ruminal VFA concentrations, samples of 80 mL were collected immediately before feeding and 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after. Nitrogen balance was 6.0 g/day. S. guianensis had 10.4 and 6.3 g of methionine and lysine, respectively, per 100 g of total amino acids. Non essential amino acids had degradation rates twice than essentials. Aminoacitic profile of undegradable protein was different than the original feed protein. The acetate:propionate ratio was 4.31. High concentrations of methionine and its low degradability make the S. guianensis an important feed when this amino acid is limiting.

Os vinte genótipos de sorgo estudados foram cultivados e ensilados aos 104 dias de idade, em estádio de grão pastoso, em silos de laboratório de "PVC", com 10 cm de diâmetro e 40 cm de comprimento. Os silos foram abertos aos 150 dias após a ensilagem. O delineamento adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado. No material estudado (verde e ensilado), foram determinados os valores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), hemicelulose, celulose, lignina, cinzas totais, matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB) e carboidratos solúveis em álcool, que apresentaram valores médios de 61,8; 34,2; 27,5; 29,5; 4,6; 3,8; 25,7; 7,7; e 8,5% no material original e de 55,9; 32,6; 23,3; 28,5; 3,9; 4,0; 27,5; 8,6; e 0,8% nas silagens, respectivamente. Os valores de hemicelulose e celulose diminuíram com a ensilagem, indicando que tais frações forneceram carboidratos adicionais para a fermentação. Os teores de carboidratos solúveis do material original foram altos para todos os genótipos, sendo intensamente consumidos no silo, garantindo bom padrão de fermentação. Nas silagens, os valores de pH foram, em média, 3,5 e os teores de nitrogênio amoniacal, inferiores a 8%, em todos os genótipos. As silagens estudadas apresentaram-se iguais para todas as características pesquisadas.

O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a influência da inclusão de diferentes níveis do coproduto do processamento do caju (Anacardium occidentale L.) sobre a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3) em mg/100 mL, pH e concentrações molares de ácidos graxos voláteis (AGVs) do líquido ruminal, em ovinos recebendo dietas experimentais isofibrosas e isoproteicas. Distribuíram-se vinte ovinos machos, inteiros em quatro tratamentos de inclusão do coproduto de caju (zero %; 19%; 38%; 52%), segundo delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, em que as parcelas eram as dietas e as subparcelas os tempos de colheita (zero, duas, cinco, oito horas pós-prandial) com cinco repetições. O pH manteve-se dentro dos padrões citados na literatura, mesmo diante de elevadas inclusões de coproduto de caju. Os tratamentos com zero % e 52% apresentaram as maiores concentrações de N-NH3. A proporção molar dos AGVs no líquido ruminal dos ovinos alimentados com rações com o coproduto de caju foi típica de dietas ricas em volumosos. A relação acetato:propionato não foi afetada pela inclusão do coderivado de caju. A inclusão do coproduto de caju em até 19 % na ração apresentou os melhores resultados no que diz respeito aos parâmetros analisados neste trabalho. PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Ácidos graxos voláteis, nitrogênio amoniacal, Ovis aries, pH, parâmetros ruminais, ruminantes.

Para que o girassol possa ser utilizado com sucesso na forma de silagem, é necessário que se determine o ponto ideal de ensilagem. O objetivo desse experimento foi avaliar através da técnica in vitro semi-automática de produção de gases a cinética de degradação da matéria orgânica (MO) e matéria seca (MS) das silagens do híbrido M734 ensilado com 100, 107, 114 e 121 dias após o plantio. As leituras de pressão dos gases foram feitas através de um transdutor de pressão às 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72, 96 h pós-inoculação. A cinética ruminal foi descrita matematicamente por meio dos parâmetros: potencial máximo de produção de gases, "lag time", taxa de produção de gases (m) e degradabilidade efetiva da MO e MS para diferentes taxas de passagem (2, 5 e 8%/h) por um modelo unicompartimental. Verificou-se que o corte da cultura em estádios mais tardios levaram a redução no potencial máximo de produção de gases para a MO (162, 155, 144 e 139 mL) e MS (138, 129, 121 e 119 mL); elevação da "lag time" para MO (2,4, 2,5, 2,8 e 2,9 h) e MS (2,5, 2,5, 3,0 e 3,0 h); e diminuição do m para a MO (0,023, 0,022, 0,017 e 0,017 mL/h) e MS (0,022, 0,020, 0,015 e 0,016 mL/h) para as épocas 100, 107, 114 e 121 dias após o plantio, respectivamente. As épocas mais indicadas para a ensilagem do híbrido M734 foram aos 100 e 107 dias após o plantio.

Este experimento foi conduzido para avaliar o valor nutricional (matéria seca e proteína bruta) de seis genótipos de sorgo para silagem, com e sem tanino no grão, colhidos no estádio de grão farináceo, utilizando a técnica da degradabilidade in situ. Seis silagens de genótipos de sorgo foram utilizadas: BR 303, BR 304, BR 601 e AG 2006 (sem tanino no grão) e BR 700 e BR 701 (com tanino no grão). Quatro bovinos machos, canulados no rúmen foram utilizados. Os tempos de incubação foram: 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. Utilizou-se o tempo zero (t0) para cálculo da solubilidade das silagens. A silagem do sorgo BR 304 apresentou os melhores resultados para a média de desaparecimento da MS e da PB às 96 horas de incubação, seguida pela do AG 2006. O tanino presente nos grãos dos genótipos BR 700 e BR 701 ensilados no estádio de grão farináceo, não respondeu por nenhum efeito depressivo sobre os parâmetros estudados de degradação da matéria seca e da proteína bruta.

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to determine the effects of the inclusion of macauba cake, from biodiesel processing, on profile of rumen protozoa of Santa Ines lambs. Twenty-four lambs were randomized in block design supplemented with macauba cake at 0, 100, 200, and 300 g/kg of dry weight of the diet. Concentrations of small, medium, and large protozoa had quadratic relationships with inclusion of macauba cake, with maximum protozoa occurring at 100 g/kg. High genus diversity occurred in rumen fluid of lambs that did not feed macauba cake, comprising 13 protozoa genera. However, only the genera Isotricha, Charonina, Entodinium, Diplodinium, Eodinium, Diploplastron, and Polyplastron were detected in lambs fed 300 g/kg macauba cake, indicating that these protozoa were resistant to the effects of the cake. Addition of macauba cake levels greater than 100 g/kg show antiprotozoal effect in the rumen.