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ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine the physicochemical composition and sensory properties of Boursin cheese made from the milk of goats fed diets with increasing levels of cassava chips replacing corn. Eight lactating Alpine goats were distributed into two 4 × 4 Latin squares, where they were subjected to diets in which 0, 33, 66, and 100% of corn was replaced with cassava chips. The cheeses were prepared with individual milk of each goat for physicochemical, yield, and texture analyses. Sensory analysis consisted of flavor and texture appraisal by 50 untrained tasters, using the difference-from-control test and the acceptance test. The cheeses from the four treatments did not differ in their fat, protein, and total solid contents; acidity; moisture; ash; pH; yield; or the texture parameters of gumminess, cohesiveness, hardness, and chewiness. They also showed no difference in the sensory acceptance of flavor and texture, indicating that the panelists did not perceive the replacement of corn with cassava chips.

ABSTRACT: This trial evaluated the production performance, gastrointestinal nematode infection (GIN), and selected blood analytes, in Corriedale lambs during the finishing phase in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) with 2 stocking rates. Fifty-two Corriedale lambs were divided into 4 groups: a semi confinement system with a low stocking rate (T1) for 70 days; a semi confinement system with a high stocking rate (T2) for 70 days; confinement for 28 days, followed by semi confinement with a low stocking rate (T3) for 42 days; and confinement for 28 days, followed by semi confinement with a high stocking rate (T4) for 42 days. Body weight, dry matter intake, blood collection, and faecal analysis of nematode eggs were performed for each animal. The stocking rates did not influence body weight gain for the semiconfined lambs (T1 and T2) or for the confined/semiconfined lambs (T3 and T4). All treatments had lower EPG counts at the end of the experimental period. The nematode genera identified during the experiment trial were Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for packed cell volume, total plasma protein, and eosinophil means between treatments. These results suggested that the confinement followed by semi confinement in an ICLS, was an option for lamb production during the finishing phase which could be useful in reducing GIN without affecting the production performance.

The Pantanal has been facing consecutive years of extreme drought, with an impact on the quantity and quality of available pasture. However, little is known about how locally adapted breeds respond to the distribution of forage resources in this extreme drought scenario. This study aimed to evaluate the movement of free-grazing Pantaneiro sheep using a low-cost GPS to assess the main grazing sites, measure the daily distance traveled, and determine the energy requirements for walking with body weight monitoring. In a herd of 100 animals, 31 were selected for weighing, and six ewes were outfitted with GPS collars. GPS data collected on these animals every 10 m from August 2020 to May 2021 was analyzed using the Python programming language. The traveled distance and activity energy requirements (ACT) for horizontal walking (Mcal/d of NEm) were determined. The 31 ewes were weighed at the beginning and end of each season. The available dry matter (DM) and floristic composition of the grazing sites were estimated at the peak of the drought. DM was predicted using power regression with NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) (R2 = 0.94). DM estimates averaged 450 kg/ha, ranging from traces to 3830 kg/ha, indicating overall very low values. Individual variation in the frequency of use of grazing sites was observed (p < 0.05), reflecting the distances traveled and the energetic cost of the activity. The range of distances traveled by the animals varied from 3.3 to 17.7 km/d, with an average of 5.9 km/d, indicating low energy for walking. However, the traveled distance and ACT remained consistent over time; there were no significant differences observed between seasons (p > 0.05). On average, the ewes’ initial weight did not differ from the weight at the drought peak (p > 0.05), indicating that they maintained their initial weight, which is important for locally adapted breeds as it confers robustness and resilience. This study also highlighted the importance of the breed’s biodiverse diet during extreme drought, which enabled the selection of forage for energy and nutrient supplementation. The results demonstrated that precision tools such as GPS and satellite imagery enabled the study of animals in extensive systems, thereby contributing to decision-making within the production system.

The present study aimed to evaluate the application of shear strength and its correlations with leaf blade morphological and chemical variables as a tool capable of detecting differences between species and accessions of the genus Paspalum in the early stages of a forage plant breeding programme. A total of 13 Paspalum accessions from two species (Paspalum atratum and Paspalum regnellii) were subjected to analyses of shear strength, which also analysed the neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, lignin, and digestibility. Morphological measurements were also performed to standardize the shear strength per unit of leaf tissue. The experimental design consisted of complete randomized blocks, with four replications and eight cuts performed over 2 years. Shear strength was evaluated for its potential usefulness for detecting differences between accessions of the same species and the correlations of accessions. It was possible to use the shear strength measured with the texturometer to detect differences between species and accessions of the Paspalum genus. The results showed significant correlations of shear strength and neutral detergent fibre (r = 0.49), and negative correlations were found between digestibility and shear strength (r = -0.55). These correlations were maintained when the strength variables were standardized according to the morphological variables. Thus, shear strength can be used in the initial stages of the selection of species of the genus Paspalum.

Foram utilizadas as carcaças de 78 cabritos, abatidos com média de 120 dias de idade, de cinco grupos raciais: Alpina, ½ Boer + ½ Alpina, ½ Anglo Nubiano + ½ Alpino, ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpino, e ¼ Boer + ¼ Alpino + ½ Anglo Nubiano, machos e fêmeas e dois sistemas de terminação (T1 – cabrito + mãe em pasto e T2 – cabrito desmamado e confinado, a partir dos 60 dias de idade). As carcaças foram cortadas ao meio, a metade esquerda dividida nos cortes paleta, perna, costela, lombo e pescoço, e esses cortes foram dissecados, separados em músculo, osso, gordura e outros tecidos. O grupo racial, gênero e sistema de terminação influenciaram os rendimentos de gordura e osso na carcaça. O rendimento de músculo foi influenciado apenas pelo sistema de terminação, e o rendimento de outros tecidos, influenciado pelo gênero. O cruzamento com a raça Boer influenciou a deposição de tecidos da carcaça, tendo os mestiços ½ sangue Boer um melhor acabamento de carcaça. As fêmeas apresentaram maior proporção de gordura e menor de ossos que os machos. Houve correlação significativa entre músculo, gordura e osso da carcaça com todos os cortes. Os cortes que melhor representaram a composição tecidual da carcaça dos cabritos através do coeficiente de correlação e equações de predição foram costela e perna. Palavras- chave: cruzamento, equações de predição, gordura, músculo, osso

ABSTRACT This study examined the replacement of maize and soybean meal with cassava chips and alfalfa grazing, respectively. Twelve lactating Anglo-Nubian goats were kept on a Panicum maximum cv. Tobiatã pasture. The experiment was laid out in a Latin square design in which the following diets were tested: ground maize + soybean meal, cassava chips + soybean meal, ground maize + alfalfa grazing, and cassava chips + alfalfa grazing. The evaluated variables were feed intake, daily weight gain, milk yield and composition, and feeding behavior of the goats as well as production costs. Cassava chips and grazed alfalfa influenced the intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients. However, milk yield, body weight, and body score did not change. There was no diet effect on the proportions of protein, solids-not-fat, somatic cell count, or urea nitrogen in the milk. Treatments influenced the levels of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk, with the highest fat levels achieved with diets containing alfalfa. Grazing, rumination, and idle times and time spent interacting with other goats were not influenced by diets. The evaluated feedstuffs improved feed efficiency and reduced production costs. Therefore, cassava chips and alfalfa can replace certain ingredients without impairing the production performance of goats, but rather improving the profit of the producer.

The purpose of this trial was to evaluate serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and biochemical analytes in crossbred lambs during the rearing phase in an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) to control gastrointestinal parasites. The experiment used 36 crossbred lambs (cross: Ile de France × White Dorper × Texel) divided into two groups. The WCS group was supplemented with whole cottonseed (WCS), and controls had no supplementation. Body weight, blood collection, and fecal analysis of nematode eggs and Eimeria oocysts counting per gram of feces were performed for each animal within 84 days of experiment. The following serum analytes were determined: total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, haptoglobin, and 10 oxidative stress biomarkers: cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing ability of plasma, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, thiol, uric acid, paraoxonase-1, total oxidant status, ferric-xylenol orange, advanced oxidation protein products, and reactive oxygen metabolites derived compounds. The inclusion of WCS suggested the benefit in controlling infection as well as inducing an increase in antioxidants and a decrease in oxidants in lambs naturally infected by gastrointestinal parasites. The combination of WCS and ICLS could be a useful tool in controlling gastrointestinal parasite infection without affecting the production performance.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of breed group, slaughter weight, and sex on the muscle fiber area, collagen percentage, and fatty acid profile of goat kid meat. A total of 74 animals (Alpine; ½ Boer + ½ Alpine; ½ Nubian + ½ Alpine; ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpine; and three-cross [¼ Boer + ¼ Alpine + ¼ Nubian]) were used. One animal was selected per slaughter weight, sex, and breed group to evaluate the fatty acid profile. One-third of the animals was slaughtered upon reaching 25, 30, and 35 kg. The experimental design was completely randomized and Tukey’s test was used to compare the means. There was no difference for muscle fiber area or collagen percentage between the tested parameters, indicating similar texture of the meat from the evaluated animals. Sex influenced the C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C20:3n3, C20:5n3, and omega-3 fatty acids, whereas breed group influenced the levels of C18:2n6c, C20:0, C24:1, and CLA cis. Slaughter weight did not affect the fatty acid profile, but the sex × slaughter weight interaction influenced the levels of C18:0, unsaturated fatty acids, and the polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio. Male and heavier animals produce the best meat in terms of nutrition. Key Words: breed, Capra hircus, fat, muscle, quality, tenderness

This study characterizes the changes in leaf mass, morphological composition and nutritional value of leaf blades of palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) under continuous grazing in the first year of implementation of pasture and after second year of the eucalyptus planting in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System and Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest, which were tested in the four seasons. The experimental design was in random blocks, with three treatments: Crop-Livestock System (ICL) and Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest with two eucalyptus tree densities (ICLF-1L, 196 eucalyptus trees ha-1 and ICLF-3L, 448 eucalyptus trees ha-1) and four replicates. Sixty castrated Nellore cattle with initial weight of 235.43 ± 25.46 kg and mean age of 16 ± 2.81 months were used during the growing phase under continuous grazing. The agronomic variables were: total dry mass of forage, leaves, stem and dead material; leaf:stem and live:senescent material ratios; and accumulation rate. The leaf:stem and live: senescent material relation did not obtain any difference between the evaluated systems. Dry matter, crude protein, fiber fractions and digestibility of leaf blades were evaluated. Dry mass of the forage (6775 kg ha-1), stem (2175 kg ha-1), senescent material (3175 kg ha-1) and dry matter content (28.6%) were greater in the ICL, whereas crude protein (11.3%) was greater in the ICLFs. On the other hand, accumulation rate and dry mass of leaf blades did not change between systems. Thus, until the first year of grazing, tree systems have advantages, because the forage production (accumulation rate) and leaf mass are similar to those of plants in full sun, besides showing higher nutritional value.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of vegetable oils in goat kid diets on performance, carcass traits, and meat composition, quality, and fatty acid profile. Forty-eight Anglo Nubian kids were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments, namely, control diet and diets including 2.5% canola, sunflower, or soybean oils. The animals were slaughtered at 30 kg live weight and performance, carcass and meat quality, centesimal composition, and fatty acid profile were evaluated. The treatments did not influence carcass yield or meat color. Among the saturated fatty acids, only caprylic, palmitic, and heptadecanoic acids differed among the treatments, whereas total saturated fatty acids decreased in the sunflower oil treatment. Monounsaturated fatty acids were not influenced by lipid supplementation. Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic acid was highest in the sunflower oil-treated group. Total PUFA were higher for the soybean oil-supplemented group, but similar to that achieved with sunflower oil. The highest omega-6 content was obtained with dietary inclusion of sunflower oil, whereas conjugated linoleic acid, atherogenicity index, and hypocholesterolemic:hypocholesterolemic ratio improved with the inclusion of sunflower and soybean oils. Supplementation with vegetable oils improves the fatty acid profile of kid meat without affecting animal performance. Better results are obtained with sunflower and soybean oils; therefore, it is up to the producer to choose the diet according to its cost.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils. Four rumen-cannulated Saanen goats were allocated to four treatments, which consisted of a control diet and diets with the inclusion of 30 g of canola, sunflower, or soybean oils per kilogram of diet dry matter (DM). The experiment lasted 40 days, which were divided into four 10-day periods. Forage intake was estimated using chromium oxide as an external marker, and supplement intake was determined as the difference between the daily amount supplied and orts. Rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated from samples of rumen fluid collected every 2 h, for 12 h. Rumen pH and short-chain fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were measured. There was no effect of lipid supplementation on DM intake. Ether extract intake was highest in the treatments with oil inclusion, and the highest acid detergent fiber intake was obtained with the diet containing canola oil. The pH was highest in the group fed soybean oil and responded quadratically to the collection times. Total short-chain fatty acid and acetic acid concentrations also responded quadratically to the collection times. Propionic and butyric acid concentrations and acetic:propionic acid ratio showed a cubic behavior with the increasing collection times. Canola, sunflower, or soybean oils can be included at 30 g/kg of the diet DM as a strategy to increase the energy density of goat diets.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade e valor nutritivo de silagens de milho em consórcio com Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (capim-marandu) em sistema integrado de produção agropecuária colhidas em diferentes maturidades, alturas de corte e submetidas ou não a processamento mecânico antes da ensilagem. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 2x2x2+1, sendo os tratamentos compostos por silagem de milho em consórcio com o capim-marandu, em duas alturas de corte (20 e 45 cm), dois estádios de colheita (1/4 do grão leitoso e maturidade fisiológica) e duas formas de processamento da massa antes da ensilagem (esmagado e não esmagado) e o cultivo exclusivo do milho como testemunha. A produtividade de massa seca das plantas não diferiu estatisticamente entre os tratamentos, demonstrando a viabilidade do consórcio entre as culturas. Embora o teor de matéria seca das plantas de milho no momento da ensilagem ter sido superior ao recomendado, não houve comprometimento da qualidade das silagens. A elevação da altura de corte do milho causa incremento na proporção de grãos na massa ensilada, além de não comprometer o desenvolvimento subsequente do capim em consórcio. As silagens oriundas de plantas colhidas no ponto de maturidade fisiológica e as submetidas ao processamento mecânico foram as que apresentaram melhor qualidade fermentativa e nutritiva.

Objetiva-se avaliar o milho em consórcio com forrageiras em sistema integrado de produção agropecuária para produção de silagem, com posterior formação da pastagem. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições sendo duas modalidades de cultivo do milho, consorciado com duas braquiárias (capim marandu e capim convert) e, com e sem consórcio com feijão guandu (Cajanus cajan) cv. BRS Mandarim. Foi avaliada a produtividade de massa seca, a composição morfológica do milho, a composição botânica das braquiárias e do feijão guandu, bem como a composição bromatológica das silagens e das braquiárias e, as perdas por efluentes. Os consórcios não interferiram na produtividade do milho para silagem, sendo que a silagem proveniente do consorcio com o feijão guandu apresentou maior concentração de proteína bruta, evidenciando que a modalidade do sistema integrado de produção agropecuária da cultura do milho com braquiárias e feijão guandu constitui alternativa para aumentar o teor de proteína do material ensilado e proporcionar maior diversidade da forragem remanescente.

ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the inclusion of three sources of vegetable oil in the diet of lactating goats on production in 120 days of lactation and the effect of these sources and lactation stage on fortnightly composition and fatty acid profile of goat milk at 20, 50, 80, and 110 days of lactation. A completely randomized design was adopted and 32 Anglo Nubian goats were used, distributed in four treatments: control diet and diets with inclusion of 30 g/kg of dry matter of diet of canola, sunflower, or soybean oil. The dairy production was 182.75 kg, and there was no difference for treatments. Among the constituents, only urea nitrogen was influenced by treatment and presented lower content for control treatment. Day of lactation had an effect on lactose. Defatted dry extract and somatic cell count had a quadratic effect with minimum values around 100 and 33 days of lactation, respectively. The content of urea nitrogen, also with a quadratic effect, was higher at 93 days of lactation. For protein, there was an interaction between treatments and period and, at the end of lactation, its content was increased. The inclusion of vegetable oils promoted reduction in total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and increased the total content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid. The proportions MUFA:SFA and PUFA:SFA, the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes, and the relation hypocholesterolemic fatty acids:hypercholesterolemic fatty acids improved with oil addition in animal diets. The addition of vegetable oil to diets for lactating goats improve the fatty acid profile with no impairment on milk production and composition, and the milk from early stages of lactation has better nutritional quality of the lipid fraction.

In the context of sustainable tropical agriculture, an innovative corn (Zea mays L.) to silage-grass-legume intercropping system can promotes plant diversity, improves agronomic performance and land-use efficiency, and increases the yield of oversown black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to silage in succession. Thus, during three growing seasons on a Typic Haplorthox in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, four treatments of a corn to silage production system were implemented in summer/autumn with black oat oversown in winter/spring: (1) corn intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha “Marandu”) and black oat overseeded in lines; (2) corn intercropped with palisade grass and black oat overseeded in a broadcast system with superficial incorporation; (3) corn intercropped with palisade grass + pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and black oat overseeded in lines; and (4) corn intercropped with palisade grass + pigeon pea and black oat overseeded in a broadcast system with superficial incorporation. During winter/spring, the black oat pastures were grazed by lambs, but results on forage allowance and nutritive value for animal grazing and on animal performance are not reported in the present manuscript. In the fourth growing season, the effect of soybean to silage intercropped with guinea grass (Panicum maximum “Aruana”), with only a residual effect of the four production systems from the previous three growing seasons, was evaluated. Despite greater interspecific competition of palisade grass and pigeon pea intercropped with corn, this more complex system produced better results. Thus, when analyzing this system as a whole, the triple intercrop (corn + pigeon pea + palisade grass) combined with oversown black oat in lines was the most effective option for silage production and for the improvement of other elements of system productivity, such higher surface mulch quantity, leaf nutrient concentrations, and yield of soybean to silage intercropped with guinea grass. This intercrop also generated better nutrient cycling because an increased quantity of nutrients was retained in standing plant residue and surface mulch, which resulted in better land- and nutrient-use efficiency, with an emphasis on nitrogen and potassium.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of dried distillery grains (DDGS) as a replacement for soybean meal in the diet of lambs in feedlot and to evaluate the performance, yield characteristics, and meat quality. Three diets with different DDGS levels were provided: diet with soybean meal (control); diet with 50% replacement of soybean meal by DDGS; diet with 100% replacement of soybean meal with DDGS. The average feed intake of the animals and the difference between the leftovers showed no difference among the treatments. No differences of average daily weight gain, body score and feed conversion index were observed among treatments. The same was observed for biometric measurements. However, warm carcass weight and chest perimeter were higher without the use of DDGS. The final weight, muscle, bone, intermuscular, subcutaneous and total fat weight did not differ among treatments. No difference was also found for tissues color. The kilogram of the concentrate mixture that uses soybean meal as the main source of protein (control) was approximately 12% more expensive than the mixture using DDGS (100%). The use of DDGS as an alternative source in confined lamb feeding may be recommended in up to 24% replacement in dietary dry matter.

ABSTRACT Pasture-based production systems and alternative foods can be used to reduce goat milk production costs by around 20%.The objective of this study was to examine the effect of substituting the corn and soybean meal of the concentrate with cassava chips and alfalfa, respectively, on the feed intake, fermentation, and rumen degradability parameters of adult, dry, empty, rumen-cannulated Saanen goats reared in a feedlot. The experiment was conducted as a Latin square design in which the following diets were tested: ground corn and soybean meal; cassava chips and soybean meal; ground corn and alfalfa; and cassava chips and alfalfa. The following variables were evaluated: feed intake, rumen parameters, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and feed degradation kinetics. Inclusion of cassava chips and alfalfa did not influence feed intake or ammonia production. Rumen pH and SCFA production were influenced by the collection times, presenting a high pH (6.29) at the first measurement (07 h 00) and then decreasing, thus influencing SCFA production throughout the day.Acetic acid and total SCFA production were influenced by the diets, with the highest values for the cassava/alfalfa diet (68.03 and 93.64 mM 100 mM-1, respectively) and the lowest values for the corn/soybean diet (55.40 and 76.03 mM 100 mM-1, respectively).Nutrient digestibility was also influenced by diets, with those containing cassava and cassava/alfalfa, providing the greatest effective degradability (57.57 to 0.02 h-1 and 53.49 to 0.05 h-1; 57.25 to 0.02 h-1and 53.26 to 0.05 h-1, respectively). This finding demonstrates that cassava and alfalfa can substitute the corn and soybean meal of concentrates without changing feed intake or the ruminal environment of goats. Rather, this substitution improves acetic acid production and diet digestibility.

This work aimed to evaluate the thiol-disulphide homeostasis in serum of lambs naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes presenting different levels of parasite load indirectly indicated by faecal worm egg counts (EPG). Furthermore, the possible changes in the thiol-disulphide dynamic after different procedures to reduce the parasitic charge, such as the integrated crop-livestock system or anthelmintic treatment, were assessed. The results were compared with a panel of various oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The lambs were divided into three groups: animals highly infected (EPG higher than 5000) and packed cell volume (PCV) lower than 24% (G1); animals highly infected (EPG higher than 5000) and normal PCV (>24%) (G2); and animals presenting EPG lower than 5000 and normal PCV (>24%) (G3). The highly infected lambs (G1 and G2) showed lower total thiol (TT) and native thiol (SH) (p ≤ 0.01) than those from G3. After treatment, TT and SH increased significantly in all groups (p ≤ 0.01), and the disulphide (SS)/TT and SS/SH ratios decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in G1 and G2. These results show that the thiol-disulphide balance was impaired in lambs infected by gastrointestinal nematodes and that it could be potentially used as a biomarker to monitor this disease.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the diet components - crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin - as internal indicators in the determination of the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, gross energy, and of the nutrients - crude protein, phosphorus, and amino acids - in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Groups of ten juveniles (80.3±1 g) were randomly distributed in six tanks of 250 L and fed two practical diets, either of a plant-origin diet or of a plant- and animal-origin diet. Both diets were supplemented with 0.1% chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3). Faeces were collected by the modified Guelph system. The apparent digestibility coefficients were determined by the content difference of the internal indicators, present in the diets and faeces, and compared by Dunnett’s test to those obtained by the use of Cr2O3. Cellulose was effective in the determination of the apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, and nutrients of both experimental diets; and the acid detergent fiber was effective only for the diet composed exclusively of plant-origin ingredients. The use of crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and lignin as digestibility indicators was inefficient for the analyzed nutrients of both diets. Therefore, cellulose is the most suitable indicator for digestibility evaluation in Nile tilapia.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of intercropping systems between corn and tropical forages, at different cutting heights, on silage production, light interception, land use efficiency, intercropping competition factors, and pasture production. In the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 crop seasons, two cultivation modalities were evaluated in the summer/autumn - monocropped corn with residual regrowth of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) from the soil seed bank and corn intercropped with palisade grass (U. brizantha 'Marandu') -, in a factorial arrangement with two cutting heights for silage production - 0.20 and 0.45 m. After corn silage harvest, the forages were grazed by lambs in a semi-feedlot system, in the winter/spring. Monocropped corn and 0.45-m cutting height both reduced dry matter yield for silage. Corn intercropped with palisade grass improved land use efficiency from 13 to 31% compared with monocropped crop, with land equivalent ratio greater than 1. Palisade grass showed higher light interception than signal grass over the intercrop period with corn and provided greater forage yield for lambs to graze during winter/spring. Corn intercropped with palisade grass, compared with monocropped corn, especially at the cutting height of 0.45 m, is a viable option for improving silage and pasture production, as well as land use efficiency in the integrated crop-livestock system.

A adaptação da Urochloa brizantha aos ecossistemas brasileiros e a utilização de sombreamento artificial em estudos de produção sob baixas luminosidades são ferramentas importantes para se obter respostas produtivas e conhecer o comportamento das plantas quando utilizadas em integrações com componentes arbóreos. O experimento foi conduzido na FMVZ – UNESP Botucatu, com objetivo de avaliar a produtividade da cultivar de Urochloa brizantha (syn Brachiaria brizantha) cv. Xaraés submetida a três intensidades luminosas e quatro cortes. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, sendo os tratamentos: luminosidade natural, redução de 30% e 60% de luz, com três repetições e quatro cortes. Foi realizada a separação morfológica, índice de área foliar e a taxa de acúmulo, também foi calculada a produção de massa seca total, colmo e folhas, além da produção de material morto. A produtividade foi influenciada pelos níveis de intensidade de luz, sendo o melhor desempenho obtido no tratamento com 60% de sombreamento, que apresentou maior produção de massa seca total, de folha e colmo, índice de área foliar e maior taxa de acúmulo em comparação ao pleno sol. O tratamento com 60% de redução de luminosidade foi o mais produtivo, sendo o melhor tratamento nestas condições.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito das associações de grãos secos e úmidos de milho e sorgo nas características de carcaça de cordeiros mestiços Suffolk x Santa Inês terminados em confinamento. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizado com quatro tratamentos e três repetições. Foram utilizados 60 cordeiros machos não castrados, com média de 15,5 kg de peso corporal. Quatro associações de grãos na dieta foram avaliadas: sorgo seco triturado + silagem de grãos úmidos de sorgo (SS:SU); milho seco triturado + silagem de grãos úmidos de sorgo (MS:SU); milho seco triturado + silagem de grãos úmidos de milho (MS:MU); sorgo seco triturado + silagem de grãos úmidos de milho (SS:MU). Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos para rendimento, peso de carcaça quente e fria e para perda por resfriamento. Os pesos de abate dos cordeiros alimentados com associações MS:SU foram superiores (29,46 kg) aos dos cordeiros alimentados com MS:MU (24,17 kg) porém, ambos não diferiram SS:SU (26,18 kg) e SS:MU (25,21 kg). Houve influência das associações de grãos sobre rendimento dos cortes comerciais paleta e pernil. As associações de grãos de milho e sorgo, secos e ensilados, podem ser utilizadas na alimentação de cordeiros em confinamento para produção de carne.

This study aimed to evaluate and quantify the methodology of stable isotopes, 15N values for the organic fertilizer (chicken manure) and inorganic (urea). In addition to evaluating the incorporation rate, chemical half-life and analysis thereof, for possible traceability through the pasture fertilized with different sources of N. The technique of employment with use of tracer stable isotope 15N possible to estimate the changes in the N soil, even in the face of the various changes that take place concurrently. The methodology determines the path of both N isotopes (15N and 14N), providing information about the system and estimating N transformation rates The experimental work was conducted at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP Botucatu. An area of 576m2 was used for the parcels, which were divided between the 3 treatments with 4 repetitions each: T1 - control treatment without fertilization; T2 - fertilization with urea and T3 - organic fertilizer with poultry litter. The grass was cut every 15 days, three months after fertilization, for a total of four periods of grazing exclusion. Experimental samples were analyzed for the isotopic nitrogen and crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin composition. Degradation of poultry litter, the sand bag method was analyzed by linear regression. (delta-N-15) forage, fodder percentage of nitrogen, percentage of total nitrogen sheet, (delta-N-15) on the sheet, and (delta-N-15) at the helm were different between treatments. To this end collection, difference was observed for% Total Nitrogen, % Total N in sheet, % Total N in the trunk and% Total N at the helm. The crude protein analysis revealed significant differences between treatments, while the crude protein and lignin differ according to time after fertilization. The technique of N stable isotope effectively distinguish the composition of organic and inorganic fertilizers in deferred grazing pastures of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu. Forage quality was not influenced by the source of N.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of 2 feeding systems and 5 breeding groups on the growth performance, biometric features, and stomach morphology of feedlot goat kids. The experiment utilized gender as a randomized blocking factor in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme. The study goats were from the Alpine, Anglo-Nubian, 1/2 Boer x Alpine, 3/4 Boer x Alpine, and 7/8 Boer x Alpine breeds. Half of the goats were fed an experimental diet, whereas the other half were given the same diet supplemented with 1.5 L milk daily. The kids were slaughtered after they attained 30 kg body weight. The 1/2 Boer x Alpine goats showed superior growth performance because they exhibiting considerable heterosis. These animals are especially easy to use given that there is no need to maintain cross-bred females (½ Boer x Alpine e ¾ Boer x Alpine) in the flock. Using milk in the feed the animals does not adversely affect growth performance or biometric features. Moreover, it helps to reduce the total weight of the stomach and leads to a 51.39% savings on feed. Dietary supplementation of milk in goat feed is recommended so long as there is excess milk available on the property.

Sixty goats (20 Alpine, 18 Anglo-Nubian, and 22 crossbred Boer), with average body weight 49.33 ± 1.41 kg, were raised on Panicum maximum cv. Tobiatã pasture with two different levels of concentrate supplementation, 300 (SL30) and 600 g kg-1 (SL60) of the daily requirements, and evaluated from the pre-mating season until an average of 110 days of lactation. Milk controls were performed every 14 days. The following milk production curve parameters were estimated: time to reach peak milk production (TP), peak milk production (PP) and milk production during the first 110 days of lactation (MP). The following milk components were determined: fat, protein, lactose, total solids (TS), defatted dry extract (DDE), urea nitrogen (UN) concentrations, and somatic cell count (SCC). Goat prolificacy and birth weight of the kids were also determined. Breed affected the lactation curve, with Alpine and Anglo- Nubian goats presenting higher TP, PP, and MP. Protein, TS, and DDE concentrations were also affected by breed, being higher for crossbred Boer goats. Milk fat, lactose concentrations, and the log of SCC were affected by the concentrate supplementation level, being higher for SL30, as well as by the breed, with crossbred Boer goats presenting higher fat concentrations and log of SCC, and crossbred Boer and Alpine goats presenting higher lactose concentrations. UN was affected by the stage of lactation. Prolificacy and birth weight were affected by breed and concentrate supplementation level, being higher for Anglo-Nubian and crossbred Boer goats with SL60. Kids from single births presented higher birth weights. The Anglo-Nubian breed presented good milk production and the best body condition, which might indicate the effectiveness of this production system, SL60 supplementation resulted in higher birth weight and prolificacy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of different levels of pelleted citrus pulp (PCP) on the quality of xaraés grass silage. Xaraés grass was ensiled at 54 days of growth with 0, 10, 20 and 30% PCP and divided into 20 experimental silos (five repetitions/treatment). A completely randomized design was adopted. The silos were opened after 67 days for the determination of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), pH, and titratable acidity of the silages. The inclusion of PCP did not influence DM content, but reduced CP content. NDF and ADF content decreased with the addition of citrus pulp. Regarding pH, a significant difference was only observed for the inclusion of 30% PCP. Titratable acidity in the silage was lower in the absence of PCP (0%) compared to the treatment with 30% (P

Indigestible fractions of dry matter (iDM) and neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) in the feed of ruminants are mainly estimated by in situ incubation time with regard to particle size and textile types. Samples of alfafa, ground into three particle sizes, were analyzed. Samples, processed in a Willey mill with 1.0; 2.0 and 3.0 mm sieve pores, were conditioned in F57 (Ankon®), nonwoven (100 g m-2) and polyester textile bags measuring 4 x 5 cm. Material was divided into 13 incubation periods and 8 replications, and incubated in the rumen of two multiparous cows adapted to a 70:30 diet, roughage:concentrate, respectively, for 288h. iDM and iNDF rates were evaluated sequentially for non-digested percentage and data underwent analysis of variance (ANOVA p < 0.05); means were compared by tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Particle size and material employed for incubation affected iDM and iFDN at the initial periods of incubation (p < 0.05).

Current paper assesses the relationship between in situ incubation time, particle size and types of materials on estimates of indigestible fractions of dry matter (iDM) and neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) in cattle feed and feces. Samples of soybean meal, alfalfa and feces of cattle fed on high concentrated diets were analyzed. The samples were processed in a Wiley mill, with 0.5 and 1.5 mm porosity for food and 1.5 mm for feces, which were packed in 4 × 5 cm F57 bags (Ankon®) and nonwoven fabric (100 g m-2) of two brands. The material was divided into two groups, with and without treatment with acetone, and five replications. Samples of each group were incubated in the rumen of a multiparous cow adapted to a 70:30 diet, forage:concentrate diet, for 240 hours. The iDM and iNDF levels were evaluated sequentially to interpret the percentages of undigested material. Data underwent analysis of variance (ANOVA, p < 0.05) and means were compared by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Material, size of particles and incubated material affected iDM and iNDF estimates.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of processing two corn hybrids conserved, dry and humid grains, the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability in situ. The particle size was determined and difference was verified in MGD (Medium Geometric Diameter) of processed ingredients. Three sheep were used with rumen canulated, in a completely randomized design, using a factorial outline 2 x 2 x 3, being two corn hybrid, two conservation methods and three processing forms (whole, coarsely and finely ground), with five times of incubation (3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours). The fraction A in SDC (silage of dent corn) of DM was superior to GDC (grain of dent corn) in all of the particles size. The ensiling process increased the DM solubility, reducing the fraction B in comparison to dry grain. The values regarding the fractions DP and DE the 5% per hour of the protein, were larger for SDC and GDC, it presents a decreasing when the incubation time advances. The fermentation rate was superior for SDC and GDC. The ensiling process has positive effect in the decreasing of DM and CP in comparison to GDC.

The dry matter content increase due to the extension of the harversted period beginning and the kind of hybrid used can affect the starch digestibility and voluntary intake of ruminants. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the best corn hybrid and processing type of silage corn, and evaluate the possible effects on starch digestibility and voluntary intake of lambs. It was used 24 Santa Inês lambs with average age of three months and average initial weight of 25.0 kg. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2x2 factorial design (dent and flint hybrids; crushed and not crushed). The processing of the dent hybrid resulted in less dry matter intake (0.583 kg/day) associated to higher total digestibility of dry matter and starch, 68.21 and 95.33% respectively. Thus, the processing of corn plants used for silage should be performed on hybrids with the dent grain texture to provide the best digestibility of silage to lambs.

Water deficiency during the dry seasons influences the relationship between water and gas exchange in tropical grasses, reducing their productive potential. In addition, the phosphorus (P) deficiency Brazilian soils adds to the set of factors limiting crop production. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of different tropical forage species to phosphorus supplementation as mitigating the damage caused by water stress. Seeds of Urochloa brizantha cv. MG-4, Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk, Panicum maximum cv. Áries, Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia and Paspalum atratum cv. Pojuca were germinated in pots containing 10 liters of red-yellow podzolic type soil. Experiments were conducted by combining levels of phosphorus, 8,0 and 100,0 mg of P dm-3, with two irrigation regimes, 100% and 40% replacement of transpired water. The biometric parameters, photosynthetic capacity, leaf water potential and soil chemical characteristics were evaluated, and the data was submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA, p < 0.05), and subsequently the means were compared using a Tukey test (p < 0.05). The results showed for tropical grasses grown under water stress, there is a clear mitigating effect of phosphorus supplementation, especially on the maintenance of biomass growth.

The feeding diets were evaluated containing low and high levels of soybean oil for horses athletes subjected to two protocols of aerobic training on the response of basal blood biochemical parameters. Four horses were used in latin square design with treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted levels of 5 and 15% oil concentrates and two aerobic training, 40' and 60' minutes. Plasmatic parameters were monitored, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glucose (GLU) and lactate (LAC), during basal metabolism. The TG, TC, GLU and LAC from horses at rest were not affected (P> 0.05) neither of diet and physical activity, 0.21, 3.79, 4.18, 0.93 mmol L-1, respectively. It can be concluded that offer concentrate with high content of soybean oil to athletic horses in aerobic activities can be performed without altering the blood biochemical profile of basal metabolism.

The greatest limitation to the sustainability of no-till systems in Cerrado environments is the low quantity and rapid decomposition of straw left on the soil surface between fall and spring, due to water deficit and high temperatures. In the 2008/2009 growing season, in an area under center pivot irrigation in Selvíria, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, this study evaluated the lignin/total N ratio of grass dry matter , and N, P and K deposition on the soil surface and decomposition of straw of Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia, P. maximum cv. Mombaça, Brachiaria. brizantha cv. Marandu and B. ruziziensis, and the influence of N fertilization in winter/spring grown intercropped with maize, on a dystroferric Red Latosol (Oxisol). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design in split-plots; the plots were represented by eight maize intercropping systems with grasses (sown together with maize or at the time of N side dressing). Subplots consisted of N rates (0, 200, 400 and 800 kg ha-1 year-1) sidedressed as urea (rates split in four applications at harvests in winter/spring), as well as evaluation of the straw decomposition time by the litter bag method (15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 days after straw chopping). Nitrogen fertilization in winter/spring of P. maximum cv. Tanzânia, P. maximum cv. Mombaça, B. brizantha cv. Marandu and B. ruziziensis after intercropping with irrigated maize in an integrated crop-livestock system under no-tillage proved to be a technically feasible alternative to increase the input of straw and N, P and K left on the soil surface, required for the sustainability of the system, since the low lignin/N ratio of straw combined with high temperatures accelerated straw decomposition, reaching approximately 30 % of the initial amount, 90 days after straw chopping.

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito dos níveis de suplementação com concentrado contendo 25 % de PB e 3,18 Mcal EM kg-1 MS-1 para cordeiras em pastagem com comedouro privativo sobre o peso e desempenho em distintas idades, início da puberdade e desempenho reprodutivo, foram utilizadas 21 cordeiras Suffolk, divididas em três lotes, sem e com suplementação, alimentadas do nascimento ao desmame com dois níveis de ingestão de concentrado (300 e 600g dia-1) fornecido uma vez ao dia com o registro das sobras diárias. As cordeiras foram identificadas, pesadas ao nascimento e a cada 30 dias, sendo desmamadas aos 60 dias. Não houve diferença significativa para peso e ganho médio de peso diário aos 30 dias de idade. O peso e ganho médio de peso diário foram influenciados pelo nível de suplementação alimentar. O lote com consumo de 600 g mostrou desempenho superior aos demais lotes aos 60 e 120 dias de idade. Para os lotes de 300 gramas e sem suplementação não houve diferença para os parâmetros analisados. A disponibilidade de 600 g diários de concentrado para as cordeiras até o desmame promoveu maior ganho médio de peso diário aos 60 e 120 dias de vida e melhor desempenho reprodutivo no segundo ano de cobertura.

This research evaluated corn grains with flint and dent texture (ensiled high-moisture or dried), submitted to grinding degrees, using the in situ ruminal degradation technique. Three rumen canulated adult sheeps were used in a complete randomized design, using a factorial outline 2 x 2 x 3, with two corn hybrids (flint and dent texture), two conservation methods (ensiled high-moisture and dry) and three grinding degress (whole, coarsely and finely ground, corresponding to the sieve of 12; 10 and 8 mm). Starch soluble fraction (A) of the dent hybrid ensiled corn grains was greater comparing to the dry materials and in both conservation forms this fraction was reduced in the flint texture hybrid, while the insoluble fraction potentially degradable (B) the opposite occurred. The degradation potential was higher in grains ensiled in two textures. The ensiled allowed more starch effective degradation in relation to dry grain in two textures and the grains dent texture hybrid also increased such degradation in both conservation methods. The dent texture and the ensiled high-moisture grains proved the best option considering the starch degradability. Regardless of the conservation forms, the grains of corn hybrid flint texture should be finely ground, for providing higher ruminal degradation, while for the dent texture hybrid, the coarsely and whole grinding are the most suitable for ensiled and dry grain, respectively.

This study was carried out at Campo Experimental do Cerrado in Embrapa Amapá, Brazil, aiming to select, based on the agronomic characteristics of productivity, dry matter and nutritional quality of the forage, the accesses of species from the genus Paspalum that possess potentiality of use as forage plants. During the years 2000, 2001 and 2002, 21 accesses of grasses were evaluated, including 18 of Paspalum and three control species: Brachiaria decumbens, Andropogon gayanus cv. Baetí and Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú. The experimental design was complete randomized block with three replications. The variables studied were: production of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber on the dry matter, in vitro digestibility of dry matter and crude protein content in the dry matter. All the accesses showed marked reduction in productivity and quality of produced forage, when the climatic conditions became unfavorable, showing that Paspalum as the other tropical grasses have high seasonal production. Based on the variables studied, the selected accesses were P. guenoarum (BRA-014851), P. atratum (BRA-9661) and Paspalum sp. (BRA- 009407).

Due to its nutritional characteristics sorghum has been indicated as substitute cereal to corn and wheat. Besides, in Brazil sorghum is not used for human feeding unlike corn, witch reduces its costs in almost 20% in comparison to corn costs. This research was conducted at UNESP, in Botucatu and Jaboticabal Campus, São Paulo, Brazil, with the purpose to evaluate the grinding effect on two sorghum genotypes grain (with and without tannin) preserved dry or ensiled humid above the degradability in situ of the dry matter, crude protein and starch. Three rumen fistulated sheep were used, distributed in an experimental block design, at 2 x 2 x 3 factorial outline, with two sorghum genotypes (with and without tannin), two forms of conservation (dry grain and high moisture grains silage) and three grinding ways (undivided, thick grinding and fine grinding) and the time as sub-portion. According to the results the grinding is recommended to sorghum grains because it increases the ruminal and effective degradability of the dry matter, crude protein and starch. The presence of tannin in sorghum grain changed the degrability potential of crude protein and starch. The thick grinding in dry grain without tannin was the better treatment.

The objective of this experiment was to verify the outcome of the grazing above the productivity and the persistence of three accesses of Paspalum. The experiment was developed on Southeastern Cattle Embrapa, in São Carlos, SP, in the period of January to December 2005. Three genotypes of Paspalum (Paspalum. Guenoarum – BRA-006572, Paspalum malacophyllum - BRA-003077 and Paspalum atratum – BRA-011681) and two controls (Brachiaria decumbens and Paspalum atratum cv. Pojuca) were compared under two grazing intensities (1500 and 3000 kg MS/ha of post-graze residue). Plots were mob grazed (1-day grazing followed by 27-day rest (water period) and 1-day grazing followed by 55-day rest (dry period) and stocking rate was adjusted according to the herbage mass available and the treatment grazing intensity. The following variables have been evaluated: total herbage mass before and after grazing; proportion of leaf, stem and dead material; occurrence of weeds and tiller density and occurrence of diseases and symptoms of mineral toxicity or deficiency. For both grazing intensities the Paspalum atratum demonstrated positive characteristics of production and persistence indicating that these are promising genotypes for use in intensive systems of pasture. KEY WORDS: Intensity of grazing, pasture, production of forage, tillers. Desenvolveu-se o experimento na Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, localizada em São Carlos, SP, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2005, objetivando verificar o efeito do pastejo sobre a produtividade e a persistência de três acessos de Paspalum (Paspalum guenoarum – BRA-006572, Paspalum malacophyllum – BRA-003077 e Paspalum atratum – BRA-011681) comparados com duas testemunhas (Brachiaria decumbens e Paspalum atratum cv. Pojuca), em dois níveis de desfolha (1.500 e 3.000 kg MS/ha de resíduo pós-pastejo). O ensaio foi do tipo mob grazing, em que se utilizou o método de pastejo rotacionado com 27 dias de descanso e um dia de ocupação (período das águas) e 55 dias de descanso e um dia de ocupação (período das secas). Ajustou-se a taxa de lotação animal das parcelas de acordo com a massa de forragem disponível antes do pastejo e com o nível de desfolha previsto pelos tratamentos. As variáveis foram: massa de forragem antes e após o pastejo; proporções de folhas, hastes e material morto; densidade de perfilhos; incidência de plantas invasoras; observações relativas à susceptibilidade a pragas e doenças, sintomas de toxidez e deficiência mineral. O Paspalum atratum BRA-011681 apresentou características positivas de produção e persistência, tanto na altura de pastejo de 0,15 m como na de 0,30 m, evidenciando que essa espécie é promissora para uso em sistemas intensivos de pastejo. PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Intensidade de pastejo, pastagem, perfilhos, produção de forragem.

In the integrated crop-livestock system, the pasture establishment can be performed with intercrop of grains crops and tropical forages. This study was conducted during two growing seasons in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, evaluating the effect of two cutting heights of corn for ensilage in intercrop with palisade grass cv. Marandu (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu), palisade grass cv. Piatã (Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã) and sole-corn crop with regrowth of signal grass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf cv. Basilisk) and oversowing of yellow oat on the forage availability and botanical composition of pasture. The soil of experimental area is Typic Haplorthox. The experimental design was a randomized block, in split-plot, arranged in factorial scheme with four replications. Treatments consisted in the plots of three cropping systems (sole-corn crop with signal grass regrowth; corn and palisade grass cv. Marandu intercropped; corn and palisade grass cv. Piatã intercropped); two cutting heights of corn for ensilage (0.20 and 0.45 m); two growing seasons (2010/2011 and 2011/2012 crop years); and in the subplots, the absence or oversowing of yellow oat (Avena bysantina cv. São Carlos). The sowing of simple corn hybrid (2B587 HX) was spaced at 0.45 m. The seeds of grasses were mixing with fertilizer and deposited at depth of 0.08 m. The amount of fertilizers followed the recommendations to silage corn and applied reduced doses of post-emergence herbicides (Nicosulfuron and Atrazine). After the mechanical harvest of corn for ensilage, the oversowing of yellow oat was spaced at 0.17 m. After, all subplots were fertilized with 60 kg/ha of N. From August to November, the pastures were used to lamb’s grazing under continuous stocking with fixed stocking rate (133 lambs with average live weight of 30 kg/ha) during 70 days and the animals were supplemented with concentrate and silage from the same treatment. Over lamb’s grazing was collected forage at ground level in the pasture. The samples were separated botanically, dried and the amounts extrapolated to kg ha-1 of dry mass. The results were submitted to analysis of variance by test F (P≤0.05) and means, were compared by test LSD (P≤0.05). The best climate conditions in the second growing season increased the forage availability in the first 42 days of grazing by lambs. The corn harvest to ensilage at 0.45 m resulted in less damage to the apical buds and thus showed better recovery with greater forage availability over 70 days of lamb’s grazing, mainly in the pasture of palisade grass cv. Marandu. From 43 days of lamb’s grazing, the harvest of corn for ensilage at 0.20 m reduced the availability of signal grass forage, reaching values below 400 kg/ha of dry mass between 57 and 70 days of lamb’s grazing. In both growing seasons, the availability of yellow oat was restricted to the first 28 days of lamb’s grazing, however, increased the forage availability for lamb’s grazing. The palisade grass cv. Marandu presents higher competition with yellow oat, mainly in relation to signal grass. However, the sum of both crops increased the forage availability. The ensilage of corn in the cutting height at 0.45 m intercropped with palisade grass cv. Marandu, and oversowing of yellow oat is the most viable option to pasture formation and lamb’s grazing in integrated crop-livestock system.

O presente experimento teve como objetivo avaliar as característicasagronômicas, composição químico-bromatológica e extração de potássio de cinco genótipos de milho para silagem. O delineamento foi realizado em parcelas subdivididas no delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com 3 híbridos (DKB 390, AGX 8517, A-2560) e 2 variedades (AL-Bianco, Piratininga), em 2 alturas de corte (20 e 40 cm acima do solo) e 4 repetições. Após a colheita foram realizadas as determinações de parâmetros bromatológicos e potássio (K), bem como simulação para estimativa de produção de leite/ha (EPL) e da ingestão de MS (EIMS). Houve aumento no teor de MS com a elevação da altura de corte (pThe aim of this work was to evaluate the agronomical characteristics, chemical composition and removal of potassium of five different genotypes of corn grown for silage. A split-plot complete randomized block design was used, with three hybrids (DKB 390, AGX 8517, A-2560) and two varieties (ALBianco, Piratininga), using two cut heights (20 and 40 cm above soil level) and four replications per treatment. After harvest, plants were analyzed for chemical characteristics andpotassium (K). Milk production and DM intake were predicted for each treatment. There was an increase in DM content with the increase in cut height (p

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e amido e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) da silagem de híbridos de milho em função de duas texturas, três estádios de colheita, três tamanhos de partículas e processamento por meio do esmagamento. Após colheita e picagem, parte do material foi esmagado sendo posteriormente ensilados e vedados por 45 dias. Após a abertura dos silos, analisou-se a degradabilidade ruminal no tempo de incubação de 20 horas por meio da técnica in situ macro bag. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. A degradabilidade da MS foi influenciada apenas pelo efeito dos estádios de colheita utilizados. A degradabilidade da PB apresentou interação entre os fatores processamento e tamanho de partícula (Tp), observando aumento desta degradação em função do processamento. Para a degradação da FDN houve interação dos fatores, híbrido e processamento, sendo semelhante para a degradação do amido. A DIVMS foi influenciada pelos efeitos de híbrido, estádio, Tp e processamento. Pode-se concluir que foram maiores os benefícios com o uso do processamento associado a estádios mais avançados de colheita, em maiores granulometrias.

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

The implementation of silvopastoral systems (SSP) is a management option that gives good results for animal production, but the shading of the trees can alter production, growth behavior and morphological composition of the forage. The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphological composition of Urochloa brizantha cultivars Marandu and Piatã under natural light and artificial shading of 30 and 60%. The experiment was conducted at FMVZ - UNESP, Botucatu. The experimental design was a randomized block in factorial arrangement 3 x 2 (three shading levels: 0, 30 and 60% and two cultivars: Marandu and Piatã) with three replications and repeated measures in time (3 cuts). Sample collection occurred when the cultivars reached in 35 cm of height. Significant effects (P

The use of silvopastoral systems is a sustainable alternative for animal production in various regions of the Brazil. However to obtain satisfactory results in these systems, the selection of forage species that grows well in the shade should be done. The tolerance of plants to light restriction and the correctly choice of species, considering good nutritional values for these conditions has great importance. The study of artificial shading for forage production helps the clarification of issues related to the behavior of plants under reduced light prior to use in integrations with forests. The aim of the study was to evaluate the net herbage accumulation rate of forage (HAR) and crude protein (CP) of Urochloa brizantha cultivars (Marandu and Piatã) under natural light and shading of 30 and 60%. The experiment was conducted at FMVZ - UNESP, Botucatu. The experimental design was a randomized block in factorial arrangement 3 x 2 (three shading levels: 0, 30 and 60%, two cultivars: Marandu and Piatã) with three replications and repeated measures (3 cuts). Sample collection occurred when the cultivars reached 35 cm in height. The treatments with shading showed lower cutting intervals as compared to those subjected to full sunlight, because they have reached in a shorter time to time as determined cut-off criterion (mean of 37, 45 and 61 days for reduction of 60%, reduction of 30% and full sun). Significant effects (P

Desenvolveu-se o presente estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a planta do milho desidratada (MD) como volumoso na produção de leite de cabras e seus constituintes frente a volumosos tradicionalmente utilizados na alimentação de ruminantes: o feno de alfafa (FA) e o feno de Coastcross (FCC). Utilizaram-se 21 cabras mestiças com peso médio de 66,48 kg que, após o pico de lactação, foram distribuídas em sete quadrados latinos 3 x 3. As dietas experimentais foram compostas por cada um dos alimentos volumosos, fornecido à vontade e concentrado (C) comercial para cabras em lactação, fornecido na base de 1kg para cada 2,5 kg de leite. Cada grupo, composto por sete animais, alojados em baias coletivas em piso ripado, permaneceu por duas semanas em cada tratamento experimental, sendo a primeira semana de adaptação e a segunda de coleta das amostras de leite e registro diário da produção de leite. O consumo do FA foi maior que do MD e do FCC, com base na matéria natural (MN) e na matéria seca (MS). O consumo de concentrado não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos. O maior consumo de MS do FA levou os animais a ingerirem maiores quantidades de proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), minerais (MIN), extrato não nitrogenado (ENN), nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) do que os alimentados com MD e FCC, tanto no V quanto na dieta total (V+C). Não foi observado efeito de tratamento no consumo de fibra bruta (FB) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), no V e na dieta total. A produção de leite (PL) e a % de PB do leite foram maiores no FA do que no MD e FCC, enquanto a PL corrigida para 3,5% de gordura e a perda de peso foram maiores para o FA do que para o FCC, mas o MD não apresentou diferença para os outros dois volumosos. O custo de produção por quilo de leite produzido (PL e PLC) foi menor para MD que para o FA e FCC. Em função dos resultados obtidos o MD se mostrou uma alternativa viável como volumoso a ser usado na exploração de caprinos leiteiros.

O milho é a cultura mais utilizada para confecção de silagem. A eficiência do processo deve ser avaliada também pelos custos por kg de massa seca colhida (KgMS). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o consumo de energia na colheita de híbridos de milho para ensilagem em função da textura do híbrido, quatro maturidades de colheita e três tamanhos de partículas - Tp Foi utilizado um trator da marca Massey Ferguson, modelo MF 610 de 86 cv. Para colheita e corte da forragem, utilizou-se colhedora modelo JF92 Z10. Para obtenção dos dados de consumo de combustível (Cc) e tempo gasto para cada parcela utilizou-se um fluxômetro, instalado próximo ao filtro de combustível do trator. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. Foi verificada interação tripla entre os fatores hibrido*estádio de colheita*Tp. A velocidade e deslocamento do trator foram diferentes para as maturidades para o híbrido de textura dura. O Cc horário para o híbrido dentado aumentou em maturidades mais precoces de colheita e em menores Tp. O consumo por kgMS foi menor em maturidades mais tardias, textura dentada e dura respectivamente. A potência teórica foi maior em maturidades mais precoces e o rendimento, foram maiores para o híbrido de textura dura nas mais avançadas. O Cc foi menor em maturidades tardias sendo que o híbrido de textura dura pode ser utilizado para silagem no que tange ao Cc e rendimento em maturidades mais tardias em maiores Tp.

Este estudo foi conduzido na Fazenda Canchim em São Carlos-SP, área física da Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, objetivando selecionar, com base nas características agronômicas de produtividade de matéria seca e qualidade da forragem, os acessos das espécies do gênero Paspalum indicados por possuir potencialidade para utilização como plantas forrageiras. Foram avaliadas durante 3 anos, 22 gramíneas forrageiras, sendo 19 do gênero Paspalum e três testemunhas: Brachiaria decumbens, Andropogon gayanus cv. Baetí e Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia-1, submetidos a dois níveis de intensificação: alto (adubação após cada corte e irrigação suplementar) e baixo (somente adubação de reposição anual sem irrigação). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no espaço e no tempo, com duas repetições. As variáveis estudadas foram: produção de massa seca de forragem, digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca e percentual de proteína bruta na matéria seca. Os acessos responderam ao nível de intensificação, minimizando os efeitos negativos da estacionalidade de produção. Com base nas variáveis estudadas, os acessos selecionados são: BRA-011401 (Paspalum glaucescens); BRA-011681 (P. atratum); BRA009661 (P. atratum) e BRA-019186 (P. regnellii).

Este trabalho avaliou o efeito do processamento em dois híbridos de milho secos e ensilados úmidos, sobre a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (MS) e da proteína bruta (PB). A granulometria apresentou diferença no DGM (Diâmetro Geométrico Médio) dos ingredientes submetidos à moagem. Foram utilizados três ovinos fistulados no rúmen, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 3, sendo dois híbridos de milho (textura dura e mole), dois métodos de conservação e três processamentos (moído grosso, médio e fino), com cinco tempos de incubação (3, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas). Os valores da fração A na SMM (silagem de milho mole) da MS foram superiores ao GMM (grão de milho mole) em todas as granulometrias. A ensilagem aumentou a solubilidade da MS dos ingredientes, diminuindo a fração B comparada ao grão seco. Os valores das frações DP e DE a 5%/h da proteína foram maiores para SMM e GMM, apresentando maior desaparecimento com avanço do tempo de incubação. Para a MS a ensilagem aumentou a degradabilidade do milho textura mole. A taxa de fermentação foi superior para SMM e GMM. A ensilagem influencia positivamente no desaparecimento da MS e PB comparada com o GMM.