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The aim of this study was to evaluate silages produced with different mixtures of melon biomass and different levels of ground corn. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (3 × 4), with four replications. The first factor consieted of three mixtures of plant (branch and leaf) and fruit (melon; scraps) on natural matter (NM) as follows: 0, 100 and 1000 g kg-1 fruit. The second factor consisted of the use of different amounts of ground corn (0, 50, 100 and 200 g kg-1). Experimental silos with capacity for 5 kg and density of 500 kg m-3 were used. After 90 days, the silos were opened and the evaluations were carried out. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were analyzed through the Tukey’s test (fermentative losses, chemical composition, aerobic stability), Scott-Knott test (microbiology and organic acids) and regression, and were compared with a significance level of p

Abstract The use of hydrogels helpsthe production of plants in drought-stress environments. Thus, this work evaluated using different hydrogels to minimize drought stress in soybean cultivation. The treatments employed two different hydrogels, one already commercialized and the other produced with cashew gum (Anacardium occidentale), five levels (0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 mg pot−1) of the hydrogels, and two levels of drought stress in sandy soil. The growth and yield of soybeans and the levels of macro- and micronutrients in soybeans were evaluated.growth. The use of CG hydrogel promoted 12% increase in protein content in the seeds in the when soybean plants were subjected to drought stress. The levels of 30 mg pot-1, corresponding to 7.5 kg ha−1, improved the ’morphological and productive parametersof the soybeans. The increasing levels of hydrogel promoted the increase in P, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe and reduced S and Cu on an exponential scale. The use of cashew gum hydrogel increased the K and Ca contents in soybean seeds compared to commercial hydrogel.

This review aimed to analyze the effects of additives in producing silage from rehydrated corn grains for ruminants. The control treatment studies used in this analysis involved corn grain rehydrated with water only. To be included in the review, the studies needed to follow standardized criteria, including the absence of additives in the control treatment and the silage evaluation of the in animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep. A total of fifteen publications between 2014 and 2023 were included in the final dataset. The PROC ANOVA of SAS was used to compare the results, which included a random effect of comparison within the study, performing a paired comparison. It was observed that additives did not influence the chemical composition, pH, organic acid, ethanol content, microbial population, fermentative losses, aerobic stability, and dry matter in vitro digestibility of rehydrated corn grain silage (p > 0.05). Using additives in corn silage is a promising practice that can significantly benefit silage fermentation. Moisture silage additives mitigate high mycotoxin levels, enhance aerobic stability, improve cell wall digestibility, and increase the efficiency of utilization of silage nitrogen by ruminants. Using fermentation-stimulating additives (Lactobacillus buchneri) can improve the quality of rehydrated corn grain silage. There are still a few studies and more research to elucidate the best additives and the ideal amount to be added to ground corn grain silage.

Fermentation losses and aerobic stability of elephant grass silages with inclusion of 4 levels of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) (0, 10, 20 and 30 %) and 2 levels of urea (0 and 1.5 %) on as-fed basis were evaluated. The silages were analyzed for gas and effluent losses, dry matter recovery (DMR), pH and aerobic stability (pH and temperature) to determine effects of interactions between levels of urea and PP on gas losses, dry matter recovery, temperature and pH of the silages. The combination of urea and PP increased gas losses and reduced the DMR. PP reduced effluent losses and urea increased aerobic stability of the silages. pH values decreased with inclusion of PP and increased with use of urea. Silages containing 20 and 30 % PP showed greater stability over time, especially when associated with urea. PP with urea were effective in reducing effluent losses, maintaining DMR and allowing higher aerobic stability, with stability rupture from 40 h with the inclusion of 20 % of PP in elephant grass silages.

The objective of this study was to assess the agronomic and nutritional responses of Carajás grass (Cenchrus purpureus × C. americanus, syn. Pennisetum purpureum × P. glaucum, cultivar ‘Carajás’) fertilized with protected urea. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks in split-plot arrangement over time. The treatments consisted of 5 levels of nitrogen (0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 kg N/ha/year) and measurements were made over 2 seasons (spring 2015 and summer 2016), with 8 replicates. Leaf and stem elongation and senescence rate of tillers increased as N dosage increased, while tiller density, leaf:stem ratio, live:dead material ratio and phyllochron declined. Forage biomass increased with N dosage reaching 47 t DM green forage/ha at 800 kg N/ha but DM production per unit of N applied declined dramatically as level of N applied increased. There was no effect of season. For crude protein (CP) and fiber concentrations, a positive effect was observed with increasing N application, with maximum CP% of 172 g/kg with 800 kg N/ha in spring. Further studies are warranted to determine if economics indicate that the higher fertilizer levels are justified and even protected urea should still be applied on a number of occasions, but still less often than conventional urea, rather than as a single dose at the beginning of spring.

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão da glicerina bruta (GB) oriunda da produção de biodiesel, a partir de óleos residuais de frituras, em substituição ao milho, sobre o consumo, parâmetros de fermentação e da degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca (MS) e da proteína bruta (PB). Utilizou-se quatro ovinos canulados no rúmen, recebendo dietas contendo 0, 25, 50 e 75 g GB kg-1 da MS total da dieta. O delineamento utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4×4. Para determinação da degradabilidade, amostras do concentrado foram incubadas no rúmen nos tempos 0h, 3h00, 6h00, 12h00, 18h00, 24h00, 48h00 e 72h00. Contrastes ortogonais foram testados para efeitos linear e quadrático, considerando estes significativos quando o P < 0,05 e tendência quando P < 0,10. A inclusão da GB não influenciou os consumos de MS (média = 991,5 g dia-1) e de PB (média = 114,65 g dia-1), no entanto, o consumo de extrato etéreo (EE) aumentou linearmente (P < 0,05), o qual variou de 20,8 a 36,7 g dia-1, respectivamente, para os níveis de 0 e 75 g GB kg-1 MS da dieta. Não houve efeito da interação (P > 0,05) entre o tempo de coleta e o nível de GB para o pH e o N-NH3 ruminal. Os menores valores de pH foram observados 2 h (5,83) e 4 h (5,87) após a alimentação. O N-NH3 sofreu redução quadrática (P = 0,02), com valor mínimo de 8 mg dL-1 ao nível de 41,5 g GB kg-1 MS. A fração “A” da MS do concentrado reduziu de forma quadrática (P = 0,05), com menor valor (19,7%) ao nível de 74,1 g GB kg-1 MS, a fração “B” e a degradabilidade efetiva (DE; 8%h-1) reduziram linearmente (P < 0,05) e a degradabilidade potencial (DP) tendeu a reduzir (P < 0,10) com o aumento do nível de GB. Não foi observado efeito da inclusão da GB sobre a fração “c”, o lag time e a DE (2% h-1) da MS do concentrado. Para a PB, não foi observado efeito paras as frações “A” (média = 41,5%), “B” (média = 51,0%) e “DP” (média =92,4%), por outro lado, a fração “c” e a DE aumentaram linearmente (P < 0,05), ao passo que o lag time diminuiu linearmente (P < 0,05) com o aumento do nível de GB. Conclui-se que a GB usada nesta pesquisa pode ser adicionada até 75 g kg-1 da MS total da dieta de ovinos.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2 concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage. Highlights: • Haylage can be defined as stored pre-dried forage with a dry matter (DM) content of approximately 400 to 800 g/kg. • Aerobic stability was affected by the interaction between the different plant DM contents and hours of exposure of the Tanzania grass haylage to air after opening the bales. • Haylage surface temperature has a linear relationship with the length of time the materials are exposed to air. • Higher plant DM yields Tanzania grass haylage of high quality. • Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM for haylage production is indicated.

A trial was conducted to investigate the growth and production characteristics of four plant species, marking the initiation of research on roadside revegetation processes in the southern region of Piauí state, Brazil. The trial was conducted in greenhouse conditions to evaluate the response of the species—two native legumes (Arachis pintoi and Stylosanthes macrocephala) and two grasses (Brachiaria humidicula—non-native and Paspalum notatum—native)—under different fertilization and irrigation treatments. Data were collected in two harvest operations, measuring the following variables: total plant height, population density per pot, number of live leaves, plant moisture content, total forage biomass, and root biomass. The results suggested that fertilization and irrigation caused no significant effect on the major species development characteristics that allay with the highway agency interests. Arachis pintoi showed the best results with the lowest height (24.1 cm in Experiment 1 and 19.2 cm in Experiment 2) and the greatest total forage biomass yield (6.4 g plant−1 in Experiment 1 and 4.1 g plant−1 in Experiment 2). Thus, we recommend that the results found in this study should be extended to field experiments and long-term research. Because our study did not explore mixed-species designs, adopting such evaluation could offer advantages in achieving more comprehensive and resilient revegetation outcomes and help decision-making regarding target species to compose the roadside revegetation operations.

The objective of this study was to obtain different dry matter contents and proportions of melon plant biomass for silage making. A completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (3 × 2) and four replications was adopted. The first factor consisted of three melon biomass mixtures based on as-fed composition of plant (branches + leaves) and harvested melon (fruits)—100% plant (0% fruit), 90% plant + 10% fruit, and 100% fruit. The second factor corresponded to the ensiled material, which was either fresh or dehydrated in the field after harvest (40% dry matter). Silages produced from dehydrated biomass after fruit harvest, containing 0% and 10% fruit, showed the highest dry matter contents: 297 g/kg and 293 g/kg, respectively. Silages produced from fresh biomass containing 0% and 10% fruit showed high concentrations of acetic acid, reaching 14.9 g/kg and 14.1 g/kg, respectively. Silages produced from dehydrated biomass containing 10% and 100% fruit showed better results in terms of the indicators associated with high-quality silage. Dehydration improves the fermentative profile and overall quality of melon silage.

Currently, there is no use for melon plant biomass in agriculture and animal feeding. Using this biomass as silage provides a more sustainable production system. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the silage produced with different mixtures of melon plant biomass and ground corn. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (5 × 2) with five replications. The treatments consisted of five mixtures of melon plant biomass between the plant (branch + leaf) and the fruit (melon scrapings) in amounts of 0% fruit, 5% fruit, 10% fruit, 20% fruit, and 100% fruit on an as-fed basis and ground corn in amounts of 0% and 5% AF of the ensiled biomass. The greatest dry matter contents were found in silages with corn and 0 and 5% fruit, which were 225.6 g/kg and 235.2 g/kg, respectively. The highest concentrations of acetic acid were found in the silages with 0% fruit without corn and 20% fruit with ground corn and were 10.96 and 10.00 g/kg DM, respectively. The use of melon fruit biomass with 0%, 5%, and 100% fruit is the most suitable for silage making, and adding ground corn improves silage quality parameters.

The objective was to evaluate the fermentation parameters, chemical composition and in situ degradability of sesame silage in comparison to usual silages. The losses, fermentation quality and chemical composition of the forages and silages were evaluated using a completely randomised design with four treatments (sesame, corn, millet and sunflower) and four replicates per treatment, the silages were produced in experimental silos. In-situ degradability was evaluated using a completely randomised design with four treatments and three replicates (animals) per treatment. The results were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test with a level of 5% of probability. Three rumen fistulated non-castrated Santa Inês rams were used. Sunflower and corn silages presented higher percentages of losses through gases (p = .0256). Millet silage presented higher losses by effluent (p

Forage sorghum is a crop that can be planted in semiarid regions, due to its greater adaptability to dry climate environments, and can replace maize in these regions, which are often unsuitable for its production. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the structural, morphological and nutritional characteristics of 23 sorghum hybrids forage cultivated in rainfed conditions, planted in different climate conditions, comparing the hybrids, in order to determine what produces the best in the climatic conditions of the explored region, and also to indicate whether this crop can be planted as a replacement for maize in environments not suitable for planting it. The research was conducted in climate BSh in the Municipality of Alvorada do Gurgueia, and climate Aw in the Municipality of Bom Jesus, both in the state of Piauí from 2014 to 2015. Each trial consisted of 20 experimental forage sorghum hybrids [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and three commercial hybrids. A randomized block design was used, with three replications in a factorial scheme (2 × 23). The growth characteristics determined were hybrid × climate interaction for the variables plant height, lodging and leaf/stem ratio. For the variable number of tillers, there was a significant difference only between hybrids. There was no difference between hybrids only for the lodging variable of climate Aw. The other variables showed a difference in all hybrids evaluated. There was an interaction for production of dead matter and total dry forage mass between the different environments and hybrids evaluated. For leaf production, there was an effect only for the different environments. For the chemical characteristics, there was an interaction for all variables analyzed between the different environments and hybrids evaluated. The semi-arid region of the State of Piauí, climate BSh which presents a high climatic risk for maize cultivation, proved to be favorable for forage sorghum production. The forage sorghum also presented agronomic characteristics similar to those found in semi humid climate Aw, a favorable region for maize cultivation. In addition, the tested hybrids showed good chemical characteristics, so the BSh climate has great exploratory potential for the cultivation of forage sorghum.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the silage produced with different mixtures of melon biomass with urea used as an additive. It adopted a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with five replications. The first factor was made up of five mixtures on an as-fed basis (AF) of the melon, including plant (branch and leaf) and fruit (culled melon, after harvest), where the amount of fruit varied as follows: 0% fruit, 5% fruit, 10% fruit, 20% fruit, and 100% fruit. The second factor was represented by the use of urea in the silage as follows: 0% and 1.5% urea AF. The highest silage dry matter (DM) content (200 g/kg DM) was observed in the silage with 20% fruit. Regarding the crude protein, the highest content (69.8 g/kg DM) was found in the silage with the addition of urea. The highest loss through the gas (GAS) was observed in the silages with 0% and 100% fruit (0.6 and 1.13%), with no addition of urea. The silages made with melon biomass and the addition of 20% and 100% fruit showed differences regarding the fermentative pattern, chemical composition, and aerobic stability, thus being the most indicated mixtures for silage making.

The objective of this study was to evaluate water loss and chemical composition of cactus pear genotypes submitted to post-harvest storage periods. The experimental design adopted was a the completely randomized, in a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement, with three cactus pear genotypes and five storage periods, and ten replications. The cactus pear genotypes [Doce, Baiana and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM)] were harvested after 2 years of cultivation under rainfed conditions, and stored in a ventilated shed (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days). The genotype Baiana showed greater water reduction in the stored cladodes when compared to the other genotypes. All cactus pear genotypes showed reduction in crude protein and carbohydrates in the storage period of 60 days. There were no losses of nutrients, dry matter and ether extract during the storage periods for the genotype Doce. There was increase in the fiber content of the cladodes of all stored genotypes. During the storage period of the cladodes of all genotypes, there was reduction in the contents of Ca, Mg and Cu. The cactus pear genotypes Doce and OEM can be stored for up to 60 days after harvest. Highlights: • Cactus is also considered a strategic forage reserve and, in this case, the frequency of cutting can vary according to the producer's needs and weather conditions. • Post-harvest storage can be an alternative to reduce costs, as well as transporting the material. • The variety Doce Baiana showed greater water loss in relation to the other varieties.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage yield and morphological responses of 34 cactus pear (Nopalea cochenillifera and Opuntia ficus indica) genotypes. The genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design, with 34 treatments and three replicates. After 330 days of cultivation, morphological characteristics, plant mortality and pest and disease occurrence on the plants were assessed, and plant cutting was performed. Multivariate analyses were performed to assign the 34 cactus genotypes to homogenous groups. The average Euclidian distance was adopted as a dissimilarity measurement for use with the standardized data Variables with relatively high levels of independence among the agronomic categories and with biological importance to animal nutrition and forage yield were assessed. To identify associative effects, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed among all the studied variables. The formation of five distinct groups was observed, and some morphological responses correlated with the productivity characteristics. Green mass production was positively correlated with dry mass production, water accumulation, water-use efficiency, water accumulation and cladode number per plant. The following genotypes had remarkably high yields of dry and green mass, a greater ability to accumulate water and relatively high water-use efficiency and support capacity: Negro Michoacan (V07), Tamazunchale (V12), California (V14), Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (V17), and Amarillo 2289 (T32).

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses in lactating goats. Eight apparently healthy, adult, multiparous Anglo-Nubian goats, with an average body weight of 42.06±3.5 kg and approximately 52±4 days in lactation, were randomly assigned into two Latin squares (4×4) composed of four levels of PP (0, 33.3, 66.7, and 100% of dry matter) for four periods. Daily feed intake, feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers (hemogram and biochemical parameters), and physiological responses (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate) were assessed. Intake, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency were not affected by the replacement of ground corn with PP. At these replacement levels, the goats significantly spent more time feeding and ruminating. There was a significant decrease in the number of chews (number/day and number/min) with an increase in PP inclusion. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate were higher in the afternoon for the three periods measured. There were no negative changes in blood markers or rumen health with the use of PP. The current findings indicate that PP can be used to replace up to 100% of the corn in the diet of lactating goats without causing significant changes in animal health, feeding behavior, or physiological parameters.

The objective of this study was to identify the hybrids of sorghum most suitable for the production of silage in the semiarid regions of northeastern Brazil. Twenty-three hybrids were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replicates. The dry mass yield; dry mass of leaf, stem, panicle, grains, and senescent matter; and chemical composition of the plant were evaluated. The pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3), and chemical composition of the silage were also assessed. The hybrids 947252, FEPAGRO 18, 12F042226, and SF 11 performed best in terms of morphological characteristics, with the highest mass of leaves and grains. The hybrid FEPAGRO 19 had the highest dry matter value (443.3 ± 17.0 g kg-1), whereas the hybrid 12F042496 had the lowest value (271.3 ± 17.0 g kg-1). The dry matter (DM) content of the other hybrids was within the recommended values for silage production (280 to 400 g kg-1). High levels of crude protein were observed in the grouped hybrids 12F042496, 947254, and 12F042422. The hybrid 12F042496 had the highest neutral detergent fiber content. The hybrids 9929036, 9929030, 9929012, 947254, 947072, PROG 134 IPA, 12F042226, 12F042422, and BRS 506 had pH values ranging between 3.8 and 4.2, indicating good quality silage. Overall, the sorghum hybrids 9929030, 12F042224, 12F042150, FEPAGRO19, and FEPAGRO11 had the best growth and production characteristics, and plant and silage chemical composition, and are thus recommended for the production of silage in the semiarid of northeastern Brazil.

Este trabalho objetiva a caracterização de seis cultivares de gramíneas forrageiras para a produção de feno. Na determinação dos componentes morfológicos e morfométricos dos seis cultivares de gramíneas forrageiras foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado, e para curva de desidratação da matéria seca e da perda de proteína bruta utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 6 x 5, onde os fatores corresponderam aos seis cultivares e cinco tempos de desidratação (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 horas), ambos utilizaram três repetições. Para análise dos dados das características morfogênicas, morfométricas e composição química dos cultivares foi utilizado o teste de Scott Knott e para análise no tempo de desidratação foi utilizado análise de regressão linear, todos a 5% de probabilidade. Houve efeito significativo (P < 0,05) para as análises morfométricas e morfológicas, exceto para as variáveis espessura de colmo (EC) (P=0,1) e relação matéria verde/matéria morta (P=0,27). Para relação lâmina foliar/colmo o capim-massai apresentou maior valor de lâmina foliar em relação ao colmo de 1,23±0,60. É possível observar resposta linear crescente (p < 0,05) para curva de desidratação dos 6 cultivares estudados neste experimento. O capim-massai atingiu ponto de feno (80% matéria seca) após 3 horas e 11 minutos de exposição ao sol, e taxa de desidratação com aumento de 10,34% de matéria seca por hora. Em relação ao teor de proteína bruta (PB) na desidratação, os capins paredão e marandú apresentam efeito linear decrescente para os períodos de coleta, onde o material in natura apresentaram 22,07 e 21,38±0,55% e após 4 horas de exposição ao sol apresentaram 20,13 e 18,11±0,55% respectivamente. O capim-massai foi o mais eficiente para desidratação, atingindo o ponto de feno em 3 horas e 6 minutos, com teor de PB de 18,63%.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein energetic, enzymatic and mineral profile of Nellore cows during the pregnancy, parturition and postpartum. Fifteen multiparous cows with 4 ± 1 years of age and live weight of 400 ± 50 kg were used at different stages (non-pregnant, in the initial, middle and late pregnancy, at birth, one day postpartum, 30 and 60 days postpartum). Blood collections were performed every 30 days and assayed for the following blood biomarkers: Protein (total proteins, albumin, urea and creatinine), energetic (cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and beta hydroxybutyrate), mineral (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) and enzymatic (alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase). Calcium had the lowest concentrations (p < 0.05) in the initial pregnancy, while phosphorus had the highest concentration at parturition (p < 0.05). Triglycerides, glucose and beta hydroxybutyrate were influenced by the stages of pregnancy, reducing in the late pregnancy and at parturition. Glucose had a reduction in the late pregnancy and elevation in the postpartum. Beta hydroxybutyrate showed increase at the late pregnancy. Although lipomobilization occurred in the phases of higher metabolic demands in the attempt to maintain homeostatic conditions. Nellore cows did not present negative energy balance in the late pregnancy period, maintaining normal variation in blood markers throughout the experimental period.

A produção do sorgo se destaca na alimentação animal por permitir a sua utilização para conservação verde como silagem. Objetivou-se determinar a caracterização agronômica e composição química entre híbridos de sorgo em condições de sequeiro visando a produção de silagem. Foram utilizados 25 híbridos de sorgo em delineamento em blocos casualizados com três repetições. Avaliou-se número de perfilhos, altura planta, porcentagens de folha, colmo, panícula, grão e material morto, relações de folha:colmo e material vivo:material morto, produtividade total de massa verde e seca e produtividade de folha, colmo, panícula, grãos e material morto em t ha-1 MS e composição química. Os dados foram analisados pelo procedimento Scott-Knott ao nível 5% de significância. Maiores alturas observadas foram de 214,53, 229,00 e 240,07 cm para os híbridos SF15, SF25 e PROG134IPA, respectivamente. Houve efeito na caracterização morfológica (P < 0,001) em que as melhores médias foram observadas nos 9929030 e 9929026. Maior produtividade total de massa verde foi constatada em SF15, SF11, 12F042150 com 93,95, 82,61 e 79,27 t ha-1, respectivamente. Já para teor de matéria seca adequado para ensilagem, foi obtido nos 9929030, 12F042224, 12F042150, FEPAGRO18, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11, SF15, SF25, 1141572, 1141570 e BRS Ponta Negra. Com relação à proteína bruta, destacaram-se 9929030, FEPAGRO18, FEPAGRO11, 9929026, 947072, 947252, 12F042226 e BRS Ponta Negra com teores entre 6,55 a 8,64%. Os híbridos 9929030, 12F042224, 12F042150, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11, 1141572 e 1141570 apresentam potencial para produção de silagem.

The objective of this study was to assess the agronomic and nutritional responses of the elephant grass cultivar Carajas when subjected to fertilization with protected and conventional urea. A randomized block design with 4×2+1 factorial arrangement was adopted. The treatments consisted of four doses (100, 200, 400, and 800 kg N ha-1), two nitrogen sources (conventional and protected urea), and one additional treatment without fertilization. The experiment was carried out from October 2015 to March 2016, in a semi-arid region with a dystrophic yellow latosol type soil. The application of conventional urea was done with each of the multiple cuts performed per year, whereas the protected urea was applied in a single dose. Total senescence rate (TSR), leaf and stem elongation, height, tiller density, total forage biomass, green leaf and stem biomass, and dry matter all increased with increasing N doses. However, the phyllochron, live material/dead material ratio, and agronomic efficiency all decreased with N increasing dose. Plants fertilized with protected urea presented greater TSR and phyllochron. Mineral matter content was higher in plants fertilized with conventional urea. Neutral detergent fiber content was maximized at a dose of 437.63 kg N ha-1. The protected urea resulted in a higher value of leaf/stem ratio at the 400 kg N ha-1 dose, whereas ether extract and crude protein at the 800 kg N ha-1. With application of conventional urea, the highest crude protein value occurred at a dose of 100 kg N ha-1. The morphogenesis, structure, production, and chemical composition of elephant grass ‘Carajas’ were all positively influenced when nitrogen doses were increased, with the recommended optimal dose for use being 400 kg N ha-1 for both sources. The use of protected urea is recommended because of its slow release and need for only a single application.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential hay production from Spiny Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus), Hairy Woodrose (Merremia aegyptia), Malva (Sida galheirensis), Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) and Ervanço (Froelichia humboldtiana), native forage species of the semiarid region of Brazil by observing morphological components of the plant, such as the dehydration curve, crude protein loss (CPL) curve, chemical composition of plant and hay and hay degradability in situ. There were differences (P < 0.05) among species on leaf, stem and inflorescence quantification with Ervanço, Hairy Woodrose, and Mucuna having a greater number of leaves. There was a linearly increasing response for the dehydration curve of the five forage plants species. Mucuna forage had the greatest hay point at 800 g kg-1 dried matter (DM) after 11.8 hours and Woodrose had a lower dehydration efficiency, which required 25 hours of sun exposure. There was no difference in CPL. Mucuna had the lowest crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, 8.4, 67.7 and 73.8 g kg DM-1 in hay in relation to the plant, respectively. Ervanço, Spiny Amaranth, Hairy Woodrose and Malva hay had more of soluble fraction “a” of DM of 31.0, 26.2, 22.1 and 9.7 g kg-1 DM than Mucuna, respectively. Spiny Amaranth and Malva hay had values of 335.4 and 193.2 g kg-1 DM of fraction “b” more than Ervanço hay, respectively. For fraction “a’’ of CP, Spiny Amaranth and Hairy Woodrose hay obtained 312.6 and 227.4 g kg-1 CP more than that observed for Malva, respectively. Mucuna had better hay potential among the forage studied in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Pastures are important food sources for Brazilian cattle herds. However, inadequate management of soil fertility has emerged as a major cause of low yield rates and of progressive degradation of these areas. The objective of the present study was to evaluate growth, by means of morphogenetic and structural characteristics, and yield of Brachiaria brizantha Stapf. cv. Marandu as functions of the application of the mycorrhizae stimulant formononetin, associated with lime and phosphate application. The experimental design was completely randomised with four replications, and the treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 x 5 factorial scheme, consisting of two liming treatments (with and without limestone), two formononetin treatments (with and without application) and five P2O5 doses (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg dm-3). Three shoot cuttings were carried out after a first standardisation cutting to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics as well as the dry matter yield of different morphological fractions. Liming and phosphate application at the dose of 141 mg dm-3 P2O5 increased growth and yield of Marandu grass, and these practices are essential for the cultivation of this pasture grass in Yellow Latosol of the Cerrado region of Piauí, Brazil. The application of formononetin increased stem elongation rate, total number of tillers and green stem dry matter, and decreased dead dry matter of Marandu grass, which are effects that contribute to the improvement of pasture quality.

The objective of this research was to evaluated the inclusion of buriti fruit peel as additive on the fermentation profile, losses, chemical composition and degradability of elephant grass silage. We used a completely randomized design with five levels of buriti fruit peel (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 g kg-1). The silos were opened after 28 days of storage. In situ degradability monitoring was conducted using a split-plot design in which four animals represented the blocks and silage supplemented with five levels of buriti fruit peel represented the treatments. The use of the additive in elephant silage increased dry matter (DM) (P < 0.001), ether extract (EE) (P < 0.001), ash (P < 0.001), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P < 0.001) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (P= 0.0000). The pH (P= 0.0000), N-NH3 (P = 0.024) and there was a decrease in gas losses (P < 0.001), effluent losses and dry matter recovery (P = 0.218) not were influenced by the addition of buriti fruit peel. The inclusion of buriti fruit peel linearly reduced the ruminal degradability DM of soluble fraction (a) (P < 0.001) and potentially degradable insoluble fraction (b) (P < 0.001). The DM content increase with the addition of the buriti fruit peel to the elephant grass silage promotes improvements in the fermentation process, reduces losses of nutrients and ruminal disappearance of dry matter and does not significantly change the chemical composition with the inclusion of 166.7 g kg-1 of the buriti fruit peel.

The objective was to determine chemical composition and in situ degradability for silages of dual-purpose sorghum hybrids. Twenty-five hybrids of double-purpose sorghum were investigated in a randomized block design with three replicates. Ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, chemical composition of the silage and in situ degradability were determined. Silage of the hybrids 9929012, 947216, 947030, 947254, 947072, 947252, 12F042066, 1141570 and 1141562 presented greater dry matter content, ranging from 402.9 to 470.7 g kg-1. The greatest crude protein content was presented by silages from the hybrids 9929036, 9929030, 12F042224, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11, 9929026, 947030, 947072, 947252, 12F042226 and BRS Ponta Negra. The silage of hybrid 1141562 exhibited the lowest neutral detergent fiber content (588 g kg-1). The highest values of dry matter and crude protein degradability were observed in the silages of the hybrids 9929030, 947252, 947072, 12F042066 and 12F042226. The use of ensilage of the 9929030 and 12F042226 hybrids is recommended because these silages present a better chemical composition of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber and better dry matter and crude protein degradability.

This study was conducted to evaluate changes in hematological biomarkers of Nellore cows at different reproductive stages. Fifteen multiparous cows with 4 ± 1 years of age and live weight of 400 ± 50 kg were used at different stages (non-pregnant, in the initial, middle and late pregnancy, at birth, one day postpartum, 30 and 60 days postpartum). Blood collections were performed every 30 days and assayed for the following hematological biomarkers: hemogram (red blood cells, globular volume, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)) and leukogram (total and differential counts). The erythrogram was influenced (p < 0.001) by the reproductive stages, with variation in the results obtained for the total red cell count, hemoglobin content, globular volume, MCV, MCHC and total plasma proteins. The reproductive stages influenced the leukocyte profile with variation in the total leukocyte count and in the absolute values of neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Hematological biomarkers of Nellore cows showed significant changes due to the physiological adjustments required in response to the metabolic requirements imposed in the final stage of pregnancy and in the beginning of lactation, ensuring the nutritional contribution in energy and oxygen transported through the blood.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a influência de diferentes níveis do pedúnculo de caju desidratado na alimentação de vacas mestiças da raça Girolando na produção de leite e perfil hematobioquímico. O experimento foi realizado com oito vacas distribuídas aleatoriamente em um quadrado latino (4 × 4), com tratamentos que consistiram de quatro níveis de suplementação com pedúnculo de caju desidratado (PCD) em dietas de animais, a saber: 0% PCD (dieta controle), 1,0 kg de PCD, 1,5 kg de PCD e 2,0 kg de PCD na matéria seca total. O leite e os animais foram pesados e a condição corporal dos animais foi avaliada durante sete dias em cada período experimental. Para determinar a bioquímica sérica e hemograma das vacas, três amostras de sangue foram colhidas em cada período, aos 7, 14 e 21 dias antes do fornecimento diário de suplementação com amostras de 5 ml de sangue coletadas por punção da veia jugular. A suplementação com 2 kg de PCD reduziu a produção de leite e os níveis de glicose e proteínas totais no plasma em relação ao grupo controle, devido ao nível mais elevado de tanino deste grupo. A suplementação com PCD aumentou a contagem total de eritrócitos, reduziu o volume corpuscular médio (VCM) e não alterou o número de leucócitos. Aumento dos níveis de compostos fenólicos na dieta inibiu a absorção de proteínas na dieta, o que diminuiu a produção de leite..

The water restriction conditions in the Brazilian semiarid region are one of the most limiting factors to the establishment and yield of forage grasses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different irrigation regimes on morphogenetic, structural and productive traits of buffel grass. Arandomized blocks design, with five treatments and six replications, was used. Treatments consisted of five irrigation regimes, corresponding to the intervals of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. The traits analyzed were: leaf emergence rate, phyllochron, leaf and stem elongation rate, leaf senescence rate, final leaf length, number of green leaves per tiller, number of tillers, stem height, leaf/stem ratio, leaf area index, dry mass of green leaf and stem, dry mass of green, dead and total forage, root dry mass, dry mass and green dry mass/dead dry mass ratio. The final leaf length and dead forage dry mass were not affected by the irrigation regimes. The leaf/stem ratio followed a quadratic model, maintaining the value of 0.51 up to the irrigation regime of four days. The other morphological, structural and productive traits decreased linearly with increasing irrigation frequencies. The irrigation intervals promoted reductions in the morphological, structural and productive parameters of buffel grass, when grown under greenhouse conditions. The irrigation regime of 2 days stands out as the least restrictive to the development of buffel grass.

Pornunça is a species of the genus Manihot that has been cultivated as an option for animal feeding in the Brazilian semi-arid. Leaf area (LA) is important to determine forage plant growth, whose evaluation model has to meet the following characteristics: practicality, precision and low cost. The objective of this study was to set a model to determine the leaf area in Pornunça (Manihot sp.) from morphometric measurements of the leaf. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with three methods for determination of leaf area, and three blocks, with 144 replicates (leaves). For the determination of LA, the direct method (FAReal), treadmill leaf area meter (Li-Color 3100©) and linear dimensions were used. Data were subjected to regression analysis. There was a relationship between the actual leaf area (FAReal) for small, medium, large and total leaves, and the leaf area determined by the treadmill leaf area meter (FALi-Cor©) with a high coefficient of determination for linear fit. The Pornunça leaf area obtained by the Li-Cor3100© meter is approximately 10% lower compared to the FAReal method. The model that best fit the Ponunça leaf area estimation was the potential.

This study aimed to characterize the harvest phenological stages of soybean cultivars intended for silage. Cultivars were evaluated for dry weight of the composite sample, branches, leaves and pods; wet mass of branches, leaves, pods and ground natural matter. This experiment was a 3 x 2 factorial randomized block design, with four replications each, where the first factor corresponds to the harvest stage: R4, R5 and R6; and the second factor refers to two soybean maturity groups (8.0 and 8.1). A significant interaction was detected only for ground natural matter. Higher values of most traits evaluated were observed for the R6 harvest phenological stage. The cultivar with maturity group 8.0 showed higher values for ground natural matter.

O trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a composição químico-bromatológica de silagem de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum, Shum) com adição de diferentes proporções de feno de gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp), utilizando-se mini-silos experimentais em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos: 100% capim-elefante, 95% de capim-elefante e 5% de feno de gliricídia, 90% de capim-elefante e 10% de feno de gliricídia, 80% de capim-elefante e 20% de feno de gliricídia e 60% de capim-elefante e 40% de feno de gliricídia com cinco repetições por tratamento. Os silos foram abertos com 28 dias após a ensilagem, em que foram determinados os teores de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), hemicelulose (HEM), celulose (CEL), lignina (LG), extrato etéreo (EE), matéria mineral (MM) e carboidratos totais (CHOT). As variáveis MS, CEL e EE apresentaram respostas lineares (P

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationships between morphological characteristics and fresh matteryield of cactus pear and identify their direct and indirect effects. Nineteen accessions were evaluated for the following traits: number(NCl), thickness (ThCl), length (LCl) and width (WCl) of cladodes, plant height (PH) and plant width (PW), and green matter yield(GMY), dry matter yield (DMY) and dry matter percentage (DM). The correlations were estimated, and path analysis was performedby the method proposed by Wright. GMY was strongly correlated with DMY, allowing indirect selection for this trait. NCl and ThClhad a direct effect on GMY and can be used for indirect selection or as secondary traits in the selection process. Given the lack ofsignificant correlations between MS and DMY, it is possible to select a palm variety with high DMY and DM.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic divergence of 25 sorghum hybrids (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in the semiarid region of Paraiba. A randomized block design with three replications was used for evaluation of plant height (PH), total natural matter production (TNMP) and total dry matter production (TDMP) and the percentage of components of DM (panicle, leaf blade, stem and dead matter) of the following hybrids: 866005, 866019, 866033, 866034, 866035, 866036, 866037, 866040, 866041, 866042, 866043, 866044, 870025, 870031, 870035, 870041, 870051, 870067, 870081, 870085, 870095, 1F305, BRS 610, Volumax, and XBS60329. Hybrid 1F305, followed by hybrid 866034, presented the highest average PH. There was a range from 7.679 to 20.948 kg/ha (average of 13,799 kg/ha) for TDMP. Hybrids 1F305, BRS 610 and Volumax presented less potential, and hybrids 866,041 and 866,042 were the most productive. Based on cluster analysis and subjective cut in 50% of dissimilarity, it was possible to establish four hierarchical groups, from which two stood out concerning productive characteristics. The group formed by hybrids Volumax, BRS 610, and XBS60329 presented lower averages for yield and lower percentage of panicle. Hybrids 866041 and 866042 show a higher total dry matter production, with values around 20,000 kg/ha.

Foram avaliadas a composição bromatológica e a degradabilidade da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) de silagens de capim-mombaça colhido em diferentes idades de rebrotação (35, 45, 55 e 65 dias), utilizando-se silos laboratoriais de 2kg de capacidade. Os períodos de fermentação foram 1; 3; 7; 14; 28 e 56 dias. Os teores de MS, FDN, fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e carboidratos solúveis (CHO) aumentaram linearmente, enquanto que os valores de PB diminuíram com a idade de rebrotação das plantas. Houve redução linear dos teores de MS, PB, FDN e CHO, com o avanço do período fermentativo. O teor de nitrogênio amoniacal decresceu e aumentou linearmente com a idade de rebrotação e com o período de fermentação, respectivamente. Com relação à degradabilidade da MS, houve diminuição da fração solúvel com o aumento da idade de rebrotação. O mesmo comportamento foi observado para a fração potencialmente degradável. As taxas de degradação da fração b também diminuíram, com valores de 0,0197; 0,0168; 0,0166 e 0,0130 %.h-1 para as idades de 35; 45; 55 e 65 dias, respectivamente. Com relação à degradabilidade da FDN, os valores da fração potencialmente degradável reduziram com o avanço da idade de rebrotação, ao passo que a fração indigestível aumentou. Da mesma forma que na fração potencialmente degradável, uma menor taxa de degradação foi observada na silagem de plantas colhidas aos 65 dias de rebrotação.