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The objectives of this study were 1) to compare models to describe the lactation curve of the Saanen, Moxotó, and Anglo-Nubian 2) to evaluate the effect of genetic groups on production and composition milk and efficiency of mobilization of body reserves during lactation. Twenty-three multiparous goats, newly calved, were divided into three treatments (genetic groups: 9 Saanen, 8 Moxotó, and 6 Anglo-Nubian). The goats were randomly distributed in collective pens, under the same feeding conditions. Five mathematical models were used to adjust the lactation curves: Wood (WD); Papajcsik and Bodero (PB); Adapted from Papajcsik and Bodero (APB); Nelder (ND) and Wilmink (WM). To indicate the best fit, the model evaluation system software was used, performing additional analyzes with the observed and predicted values for each fitted equation. There were differences (P<0.05) in the parameters a, b and c between the genetic groups in each mathematical model. The APB model is recommended for use in all genetic groups to evaluate milk yield (Y), following the parameters: Y = 1.196+0.0545×t×e (-0.038×t) for Saanen, Y = 0.297+0.031×t×e(-0.0462×t) for Moxotó and Y = 0.757+0.0554×t×e(-0.0417×t) for Anglo-Nubian. The results for average milk production during 27 weeks of lactation were 1.37; 0.37 and 0.9 kg d-1 for Saanen, Moxotó and Anglo-Nubian, respectively. Except for lactose, there was a difference (P<0.05) between the genetic groups for milk composition and plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels. Considering milk composition, the Saanen, Moxoto and Anglo Nubiana presented the averages (%) for fat of 3.66, 6.75, and 5.10, protein 3.32, 4.97, and 4.18 and lactose 4.28, 4.46, and 4.39%, respectively. There was no effect (P>0.05) on B-HBO in response to days of lactation, but Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats had higher plasma levels of this metabolite compared to Moxotó goats. Saanen had a greater weight loss of 12.83 kg, which was verified at 35 days of lactation. Saanen and Anglo-Nubian animals have a greater ability to mobilize body reserves compared to Moxotó. APB model is adequate to describe milk production of goats in tropical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the association of cottonseed processing method with chitosan on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs finished in feedlot. Eighty lambs with an average body weight of 20.6 kg, with 04 months of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The factors were represented by two cottonseed processing method (whole or ground) and two levels of chitosan (0 and 136 mg/kg BW). The association of cottonseed processing method with chitosan in the lamb diet did not affect (P>0.05) carcasses traits. The pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, and proximate composition of meat were also not affected (P>0.05) by the processing method of cottonseed or its association with chitosan in the lamb diets. There was an increase in palmitoleic (c9-C16:1; P = 0.01) and conjugated linoleic (P = 0.02) fatty acids when ground cottonseed was associated with chitosan. Ground cottonseed associated with chitosan increases the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in the meat of feedlot lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of body condition score (BCS) at calving on the metabolic status of female Murrah buffaloes in the transition period. Methods: Thirty-seven pregnant buffaloes (multiparous) were selected and monitored during the transition period based on their body condition score and on the estimated calving date. Two groups were formed: i) buffaloes with a BCS>3.5 (n = 17); this group was classified and named 'high BCS at calving' (HBCS); and ii) buffaloes with a BCS≤3.5 (n = 20); this group was classified and named 'low BCS at calving' (LBCS). All animals were monitored during the last 30 days of pregnancy and the first 70 days post-calving and kept in the same environment and under the same feeding and management conditions. Mean values for BCS at calving were 2.98±0.9 (mean±standard error of the mean [SEM]) and 4.21±0.9 (mean±SEM) for the HBCS and LBCS groups, respectively. Results: The HBCS group showed higher milk fat content (p = 0.007) and milk fat yield (p = 0.027) and a higher concentration of milk urea nitrogen (p = 0.001) than LBCS buffaloes, which in turn had a lower urine pH value (p = 0.033) than HBCS buffaloes in the pre-calving period (7.86 for HBCS vs 7.76 for LBCS). The HBCS animals had a higher concentration of erythrocytes (p = 0.001) and hematocrit (p = 0.012) post-calving and a higher hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.004) pre-calving. Conclusion: Buffaloes during the transition period exhibited some variations in the oxidative stress related to their metabolic status. After calving, buffaloes with a high BCS at calving and greater lipid mobilization have a more marked alteration in oxidative status, but improved produc tion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]