Evaluation of phosphorus levels in bones and serum of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) before and after supplementation with a selective mineral mixture / Avaliação dos níveis de fósforo sérico e ósseo em búfalas (Bubalus bubalis) antes e após suplementação com mistura mineral seletiva

This study aimed to evaluate phosphorus (P) concentration in serum and bone, the percentage of ash and the specific bone density of buffaloes on Ilha de Marajó before and after mineral supplementation. For this study, 14 crossbred buffaloes of Murrah and Mediterranean descent aged between 18 and 36 months were used. The average values of P before supplementation in serum and bone, the percentage of bone ash and the specific bone density were 5.68mg/dL±1.18, 16.53%±0.53, 59.95%±1.96 and 1.52g/cm3±0.32, respectively, which demonstrated P deficiency in animals raised on Ilha de Marajó. After supplementation with P for a period of seven months, the values were 6.61mg/dL±0.87, 16.90%±0.56 and 60.30%±0.95 and 1.71g/cm3±0.21, respectively. These results showed a significant increase in P concentration in blood serum, specific bone density and percentage of P in ash (P<0.05), but there was no significant increase in the percentage of ash. The average increase in P in the serum and ash did not reach normal levels in all animals; however, 28.6% of the animals had normal values of P in serum and 50% in the ash, and 64.3% had normal specific bone density values. The nonre-establishment, in some of the animals, of the variables of P serum and bone after supplementation for seven months may have occurred as a result of the low intake of the mineral mixture and by the low concentration of P in the Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu used for feeding animals during the experiment.

Objetivou-se avaliar as concentrações de fósforo (P) no soro e no osso, o percentual de cinzas e a densidade óssea específica em búfalas da Ilha de Marajó antes e após suplementação mineral seletiva. Foram utilizadas 14 búfalas mestiças de Murrah com Mediterrânea, com idades entre 18 e 36 meses. Os valores médios de P, antes da suplementação, no soro, no osso, o percentual de cinzas e a densidade óssea específica foram de 5,68mg/dL±1,18, 16,53%±0,53, 59,95%±1,96 e 1,52g/cm3±0,32, respectivamente, o que demonstra deficiência de P nos animais criados na Ilha de Marajó. Após a suplementação com P por um período de sete meses os valores foram 6,61mg/dl±0,87, 16,90%±0,56 e 60,30%±0,95 e 1,71g/cm3±0,21 respectivamente. Esses resultados caracterizam um aumento significativo nas concentrações de P no soro sanguíneo, na densidade óssea específica e no percentual de P nas cinzas (P<0,05), porém não houve um aumento significativo no percentual de cinzas. O aumento médio nos valores de P no soro e nas cinzas não alcançou patamares de normalidade em todas as búfalas, entretanto 28,6% delas tinham valores normais de P no soro e 50% nas cinzas, 64,3% tinham valores normais da densidade óssea específica. O não restabelecimento, em parte dos animais, das variáveis ósseas e sanguíneas após suplementação com P durante sete meses pode ter ocorrido em virtude da baixa ingestão da mistura mineral e da baixa concentração de P em Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu utilizada para alimentação dos animais durante o experimento.

Impacts of trace element supplementation on productive/reproductive postpartum performances of grazing dairy heifers from volcanic soils

This study has been designed to evaluate the effect of trace elements (TE) on the reproductive and productive performances of postpartum Holstein Friesian heifers, fed on pasture with origin on volcanic soils, poor in TE. Twenty-six heifers pregnant were divided into two groups: experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups (n=13, each group). For animals belonging to the EG, two intra-ruminal capsules with TE were administrated 60 days before partum, while in the CG, no boluses were administered. All animals' blood was collected weekly to assess progesterone levels by the ELFA technique for 11 weeks after partum. TE were evaluated on blood by AAS when the experience started, on the day of delivery, and after 60 days. Before calving, no statistical differences were observed between groups for the trace elements, although it has been noticed that heifers had deficiencies in Selenium, Copper, and Iodine. On the calving day and 60 days after, a statistical increase (p<0.05) in serum Copper and Selenium was observed in the animals belonging to the EG. For the other TE, no statistical differences were observed. Concerning reproductive characteristics, the EG, at five weeks postpartum, 70% of the cows were cyclic, while in the CG in the same period, 33% of animals showed signs of ovarian activity. At the level of productive parameters, no differences were observed between groups. The results obtained by the present study allow concluding that, under our experimental conditions, the administration of trace elements, in addition to reducing postpartum anestrus, increases the quality of the corpus luteum in the postpartum period of heifers.

Effect of mineral-energy supplementation on the performance of young bulls from different genetic groups on pasture / Efeito da suplementação energética-mineral no desempenho de tourinhos de diferentes grupos genéticos recriados a pasto

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of young bulls from three genetic groups, ½ Brangus x ½ Nellore (BRN), Nellore (NEL) and ½ Canchim x ½ Nellore (CAN), reared on pasture and supplemented with mineral (MS) or energy-mineral (MES) supplement. Eighty-one bulls, with a mean age of 12 months and mean body weight of 252 ± 33 kg were used. The experiment was conducted in a 3x2 factorial completely randomized design. Each genetic group was subdivided into six experimental plots, three received MS and three received MES. Animals were managed in a rotational stocking system in a Tifton 85 grass pasture. The consumption of MS was similar between the genetic groups with an average of 0.073 kg animal-1 day-1, whereas the consumption of MES was higher for BRN, 2.10 kg animal-1 day-1, followed by CAN, with 1.57 kg animal-1 day-1, and lower for NEL, with 1.28 kg animal-1 day-1. The average daily weight gain (ADG) was greater for animals that received MES compared to those that were given MS. For animals that received MS, the BRN group had ADG of 0.64 kg animal-1, while the NEL and CAN groups were similar with a mean of 0.46 kg animal-1. For animals that received MES, the CAN group had higher ADG, 0.97 kg animal-1, while the NEL and BRN groups were similar, with an average of 0.86 kg animal-1. Blood levels of total protein, albumin, creatinine, glucose and cholesterol did not change depending on the types of supplements used or between genetic groups. Higher serum urea levels were observed in NEL and CAN animals that received MS. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher in BRN and CAN animals that received MES. Gains in rump height, height at the withers, body length, rump width and chest perimeter were greater in animals that received MES. Mostly, the gains in morphometric measurements were greater for crossbred animals than for the NEL group. The supply of mineral-energy supplement in Tifton 85 grass pasture during the rainy season is recommended only for Nellore and ½ Canchim x ½ Nellore young bulls. Crossbred young bulls show greater gains in morphometric measurements than Nellore young bulls during rearing.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o desempenho de tourinhos de três grupos genéticos, ½ Brangus x ½ Nelore (BRN), Nelore (NEL) e ½ Canchim x ½ Nelore (CAN), recriados à pasto e suplementados com mineral (SM) ou energético-mineral (SEM). Foram utilizados 81 tourinhos, com idade média de 12 meses e peso corporal médio de 252 ± 33 kg. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3x2. Cada grupo genético foi subdividido em seis parcelas experimentais, em que três delas receberam SM e três receberam SEM. Os animais foram manejados em sistema de lotação rotacionada em pasto de capim Tifton 85. O consumo de SM foi semelhante entre os grupos genéticos com média de 0,073 kg animal-1 dia-1, já o consumo de SEM foi maior para o BRN com 2,10 kg animal-1 dia-1, seguido pelo CAN com 1,57 kg animal-1 dia-1 e menor para o NEL com 1,28 kg animal-1 dia-1. O ganho de peso médio diário (GMD) foi maior para os animais que receberam SEM em relação aos que receberam SM. Para os animais que receberam SM, o grupo BRN apresentou GMD de 0,64 kg animal-1, enquanto os grupos NEL e CAN foram semelhantes com média de 0,46 kg animal-1. Para os animais que receberam SEM o grupo CAN apresentou maior GMD com 0,97 kg animal-1, enquanto os grupos NEL e BRN foram semelhantes com média de 0,86 kg animal-1. Os níveis sanguíneos de proteína total, albumina, creatinina, glicose e colesterol não foram alterados em função dos tipos de suplementos utilizados ou entre os grupos genéticos. Maiores níveis séricos de ureia foram observados nos animais NEL e CAN que receberam SM. Os níveis séricos de aspartato aminotransferase foram maiores em animais BRN e CAN que receberam SEM. Os ganhos de altura de garupa, altura de cernelha, comprimento, largura de garupa, perímetro torácico e largura de peito foram maiores em animais que receberam SEM. Em sua maioria, os ganhos de medidas morfométricas foram maiores para os animais mestiços do que para o NEL. O fornecimento de suplemento energético-mineral em pasto de capim Tifton 85 durante o período das águas é recomendado apenas para tourinhos Nelore e ½ Canchim x ½ Nelore. Tourinhos mestiços apresentam maiores ganhos em medidas morfométricas que tourinhos Nelore durante a recria.(AU)

Performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets containing different types of carbohydrates associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with different types of carbohydrates associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thirty castrated male lambs (20.5 ± 7.6 kg) were used, distributed in a randomized block design under three experimental diets: High proportion of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) diet; High NFC diet + spineless cactus (high proportion of NFC and spineless cactus) and Low NFC diet (low proportion of NFC), in a 60 day experimental period. The variables of nutrient intake, performance, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. The animals fed the High NFC + spineless cactus diet presented a higher dry matter intake, organic matter, mineral matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrates intake (p <0.05). Carcass characteristics and weight of commercial cuts were improved in High NFC and High NFC + spineless cactus diets (p <0.05), on the other hand we observed a total fat weight reduction in animals fed with High NFC + spineless cactus. The results indicate that high levels of NFC positively influence animal performance, where the type of carbohydrate influences nutrient intake, also affecting carcass characteristics.(AU)

Evaluation of biochemical and electrolytic components of semen from ram supplemented with different concentrations of selenium and its correlation with sperm quality / Avaliação de componentes bioquímicos e eletrolíticos do sêmen de ovinos suplementados com diferentes concentrações de selênio e sua correlação com a qualidade espermática

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether supplementation with different levels of selenium (Se) can change the biochemical and electrolytic components of semen, causing an improvement in seminal quality in rams. Thirty animals were kept in an intensive pen system, fed with hay and commercial ration, allocated into five groups (six animals/pen) and supplemented with a mineral mixture containing Omg (G1), 5mg (G2), 10mg (G3), 15mg (G4) and 20mg (G5) of Se/kg. Each group received a different treatment every 56 days and treatments were rotated between groups following a dynamic sequence. Semen samples were collected by electroejaculation after the end of each treatment to evaluate the levels of fructose, citric acid, potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), Se, zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S) and lead (Pb). The statistical design was a 5x5 Latin square. The different levels of Se supplementation evaluated maintained the concentrations of electrolytes and minerals in the semen at the required levels and did not change the sperm quality, concluding that higher intakes of Se do not cause antagonistic effects on the absorption and subsequent action of other essential minerals supplied to the animals and still maintains electrolyte balance.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar se a suplementação com diferentes níveis de selênio (Se) pode alterar os componentes bioquímicos e eletrolíticos do sêmen, ocasionando, por conseguinte, uma melhoria na qualidade seminal em carneiros. Foram utilizados 30 animais, mantidos em sistema intensivo de baias, alimentados com feno e ração comercial, sendo alocados em cinco grupos (seis animais/baia) e suplementados com uma mistura mineral contendo 0mg (G1), 5mg (G2), 10mg (G3), 15mg (G4) e 20mg (G5) de Se/kg. Cada grupo recebeu um tratamento diferente a cada 56 dias, e foi realizado um rodízio de tratamentos entre os grupos seguindo uma sequência dinâmica. Amostras de sêmen foram colhidas por eletroejaculação após o fim de cada tratamento, a fim de se avaliarem os níveis de frutose, ácido cítrico, potássio (K), sódio (Na), cálcio (Ca), Se, zinco (Zn), manganês (Mn), enxofre (S) e chumbo (Pb). O desenho estatístico foi um quadrado latino 5x5. Os diferentes níveis de suplementação de Se avaliados mantiveram as concentrações de eletrólitos e de minerais do sêmen nos níveis exigidos e não modificaram a qualidade espermática, concluindo-se que maiores ingestões de Se não causam efeitos antagônicos na absorção e subsequente ação de outros minerais essenciais fornecidos aos animais e ainda mantêm o equilíbrio eletrolítico.

Chemical, mineral composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation and buffering capacity of some rangeland-medicinal plants

A diverse group of rangeland-medicinal plants are being used by ruminant whilst some of them have not been assessed for their nutritional value. This study was aimed to evaluate the chemical and mineral composition, buffering capacity, and in vitro fermentation of some rangeland-medicinal plants including Thymus kotschyanus, Ziziphora persica, Lallemantia royleana, and Scutellaria litwinowii in the family Lamiaceae, and Hypericum scabrum, in the family Hypericaceae. The results indicated that crude protein (CP) content ranged from 8.66% (S. litwinowii) to 12.17% of DM (H. scabrum). It was found that Z. persica had the highest potential gas production, metabolism energy (ME), relative feed value (RFV), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) values of 53.44 (mL 200-1 mg DM), 5.84 (MJ kg-1 DM), 170.66 and 70.88%, respectively. Mineral content differed among plants; Ca ranged from 5.79 to 41.96 g kg-1 DM. The concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Co were highest for L. royleana. Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and propionate concentrations were highest in the culture medium cultured with Z. persica, however, acetate, and butyrate were highest in H. scabrum. Acid-base buffering capacity was lower in T. kotschyanus and H. scabrum compared to other plants, while it was higher in S. litwinowii. Overall, it can be concluded that among plants evaluated in this study, Z. persica had higher nutritional value for sheep feeding.(AU)

Nutracêuticos na reprodução de padreadores caninos e felinos / Nutraceuticals in the reproduction of canine and feline stud dogs

Falha da fertilidade nas espécies canina e felina é uma das principais preocupações entre criadores e a busca por tratamentos específicos é uma constante. Assim, o uso de substâncias com poder antioxidante como vitaminas, minerais, flavonoides, ácidos graxos, etc. são requeridos em tratamentos para melhorar índices reprodutivos, tais substâncias são classificadas como nutracêuticos. Ação antioxidante se faz pertinente ao combate do estresse oxidativo proveniente dos radicais livre e peroxidação lipídica produzidos durante a espermatogênese e em casos de sub ou infertilidade. O desequilíbrio entre as ações oxidativas e antioxidativas acarreta diminuição dos parâmetros seminais.(AU)

Fertility failure in canine and feline species is one of the main concerns among breeders and the search for specific treatments is a constant. Thus, the use of substances with antioxidant power such as vitamins, flavonoids, fatty minerals, etc. are necessary in treatments to improve reproductive indices, such substances are classified as nutraceuticals. The antioxidant action is relevant to combat oxidative stress from free radicals and lipid peroxidide during spermatogenesis and in cases of sub or infertility and antioxidative as oxidative activities in seminal tissues.(AU)

Energy supplementation as strategy of pasture management

This study evaluated the effect of increased energy via supplementation on the performance, ingestive behavior, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen metabolism of grazing heifers fed tropical forage in the rainy-dry transition season. Treatments consisted of mineral supplementation ad libitum (control) and multiple supplements formulated to provide different energy levels and the same amount of protein (300 g CP animal d-1) and were denominated as low (LE; 340 g TDN animal d-1), medium (ME; 780 g TDN animal d-1) and high (HE; 1220 g TDN animal d-1) energy. Animals supplemented with ME, and HE had a greater average daily gain in relation to the control treatment, with an increase of 41 and 46%, respectively. Greater values for total apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber were observed for the treatment HE. Lesser values of urinary urea N were observed for the control and HE treatments. Our results define the use of energy levels in the supplement as a tool for pasture management. If the purpose of the production system is to enhance forage intake, the option is to supply supplements with less energy levels. In contrast, if the purpose is to increase the stocking rate, supplements with greater energy levels should be used.(AU)

Consumo e parâmetros digestivos de ovinos alimentados com capim marandu de baixa qualidade e diferentes suplementos / Intake and digestive parameters of sheep ingesting forage from marandu palisadegrass and different supplements

Avaliou-se o efeito de três tipos de suplementos sobre o consumo e parâmetros digestivos em ovinos alimentados com forragem tropical de baixa qualidade. Foram utilizadas três borregas meio sangue Santa Inês x SRD, com peso corporal médio de 43 kg, alocadas em delineamento Quadro Latino (3x3) duplicado, sendo que em cada período experimental (total de seis com 14 dias cada) foram submetidas a um dos três tratamentos: mistura mineral (tratamento testemunha); suplemento constituído por mistura mineral, ureia/sulfato de amônio (9:1) e suplemento proteico de baixo consumo: constituído por grão de milho moído, farelo de soja, ureia/sulfato de amônio (9:1) e mistura mineral. Todos os animais receberam como volumoso o capim marandu (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu), picado in natura, ofertado duas vezes ao dia. Os suplementos foram fornecidos uma vez ao dia e a mistura mineral ad libitum. Houve aumento linear (p<0,001) com a suplementação proteica, tanto do consumo de matéria seca de suplemento (0,026; 0,048; 0,084 kg/dia) quanto do consumo de proteína bruta total (0,02; 0,04; 0,08 kg/dia), sendo estes valores registrados para mistura mineral, mistura mineral + ureia e suplemento proteico de baixo consumo, respectivamente. A suplementação proteica promoveu incremento no consumo de matéria seca total (p=0,03) quando comparada à mistura mineral, e os valores observados foram de 0,4; 0,51; 0,53 kg/dia para mistura mineral, mistura mineral + ureia e suplemento proteico de baixo consumo, respectivamente. O suplemento proteico de baixo consumo proporcionou maiores digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e consumo de NDT (p<0,05), contudo, o uso da mistura mineral + ureia promoveu resultados semelhantes aos da mistura mineral para estes parâmetros. Recomenda-se o fornecimento de suplemento proteico de baixo consumo para ovinos alimentados com forragem de baixa qualidade.

Aiming to evaluate the effect of three supplements types on intake and digestive parameters of sheep fed with low-quality tropical forage, three ewes (Santa Inês x SRD) were used in a double-blank Latin Square (3x3) design. The ewes had 43 kg of mean body weight and in each experimental period (a total of six with 14 days) were submitted to one of three treatments: mineral mixture (control treatment); supplement composed by mineral mixture, urea/ammonium sulfate (9:1); and protein supplement for low ingestion: composed by milled grains corn, soybean meal, urea/ammonium sulfate (9:1) and mineral mixture. All animals received chopped Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha cv.Marandu) in natura, offered twice a day, the supplements were supplied once a day and the mineral mixture ad libitum. It was observed a linear increase (P <0.001) for the protein supplementation treatments on both SDMI (supplement dry matter intake) (0.026; 0.048; 0.084 kg.day-1) and total crude protein intake (0.02; 0.04; 0.08 kg.day-1), those values were recorded for treatments mineral mixture, mineral mixture + urea and protein supplement for low ingestion, respectively. The protein supplementation treatments provided an increase on total dry matter intake (p=0.03) when they were compared to the control (MM), the values recorded were 0.4; 0.51; 0.53 kg.day-1 for treatments mineral mixture, mineral mixture + urea and protein supplement for low ingestion, respectively. The low-consumption protein supplement provided greater values for parameters apparent nutrients digestibility and total digestive nutrients consumption (p<0.05), whereas mineral mixture + urea treatment had similar results as control group. It is recommended to provide the low-consumption protein supplement for sheep fed with low quality forage.

Consumo e parâmetros digestivos de ovinos alimentados com capim marandu de baixa qualidade e diferentes suplementos / Intake and digestive parameters of sheep ingesting forage from marandu palisadegrass and different supplements

Avaliou-se o efeito de três tipos de suplementos sobre o consumo e parâmetros digestivos em ovinos alimentados com forragem tropical de baixa qualidade. Foram utilizadas três borregas meio sangue Santa Inês x SRD, com peso corporal médio de 43 kg, alocadas em delineamento Quadro Latino (3x3) duplicado, sendo que em cada período experimental (total de seis com 14 dias cada) foram submetidas a um dos três tratamentos: mistura mineral (tratamento testemunha); suplemento constituído por mistura mineral, ureia/sulfato de amônio (9:1) e suplemento proteico de baixo consumo: constituído por grão de milho moído, farelo de soja, ureia/sulfato de amônio (9:1) e mistura mineral. Todos os animais receberam como volumoso o capim marandu (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu), picado in natura, ofertado duas vezes ao dia. Os suplementos foram fornecidos uma vez ao dia e a mistura mineral ad libitum. Houve aumento linear (p<0,001) com a suplementação proteica, tanto do consumo de matéria seca de suplemento (0,026; 0,048; 0,084 kg/dia) quanto do consumo de proteína bruta total (0,02; 0,04; 0,08 kg/dia), sendo estes valores registrados para mistura mineral, mistura mineral + ureia e suplemento proteico de baixo consumo, respectivamente. A suplementação proteica promoveu incremento no consumo de matéria seca total (p=0,03) quando comparada à mistura mineral, e os valores observados foram de 0,4; 0,51; 0,53 kg/dia para mistura mineral, mistura mineral + ureia e suplemento proteico de baixo consumo, respectivamente. O suplemento proteico de baixo consumo proporcionou maiores digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e consumo de NDT (p<0,05), contudo, o uso da mistura mineral + ureia promoveu resultados semelhantes aos da mistura mineral para estes parâmetros. Recomenda-se o fornecimento de suplemento proteico de baixo consumo para ovinos alimentados com forragem de baixa qualidade.(AU)

Aiming to evaluate the effect of three supplements types on intake and digestive parameters of sheep fed with low-quality tropical forage, three ewes (Santa Inês x SRD) were used in a double-blank Latin Square (3x3) design. The ewes had 43 kg of mean body weight and in each experimental period (a total of six with 14 days) were submitted to one of three treatments: mineral mixture (control treatment); supplement composed by mineral mixture, urea/ammonium sulfate (9:1); and protein supplement for low ingestion: composed by milled grains corn, soybean meal, urea/ammonium sulfate (9:1) and mineral mixture. All animals received chopped Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha cv.Marandu) in natura, offered twice a day, the supplements were supplied once a day and the mineral mixture ad libitum. It was observed a linear increase (P <0.001) for the protein supplementation treatments on both SDMI (supplement dry matter intake) (0.026; 0.048; 0.084 kg.day-1) and total crude protein intake (0.02; 0.04; 0.08 kg.day-1), those values were recorded for treatments mineral mixture, mineral mixture + urea and protein supplement for low ingestion, respectively. The protein supplementation treatments provided an increase on total dry matter intake (p=0.03) when they were compared to the control (MM), the values recorded were 0.4; 0.51; 0.53 kg.day-1 for treatments mineral mixture, mineral mixture + urea and protein supplement for low ingestion, respectively. The low-consumption protein supplement provided greater values for parameters apparent nutrients digestibility and total digestive nutrients consumption (p<0.05), whereas mineral mixture + urea treatment had similar results as control group. It is recommended to provide the low-consumption protein supplement for sheep fed with low quality forage.(AU)

Dietary chromium yeast supplementation length in diets for growing-finishing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate different periods of chromium yeast (CrY) supplementation on growth performance and quantitative carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. We used eighty barrows (Duroc/Pietran × Large White/ Landrace) with an initial body weight of 24.5±2.4 kg. A completely randomized block design was used within four periods of dietary CrY supplementation (control diet: CrY-free, from 25 to 110 kg; Cr25-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 25 to 110 kg; Cr50-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 50 to 110 kg; and Cr70-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 70 to 110 kg), with ten replicates and two animals each. The CrY supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) either the grow performance or the carcass characteristics evaluated. The dietary supplementation of 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY for growing-finishing pigs (25 to 110 kg) does not alter the performance neither the quantitative carcass characteristics.

Effects of chromium yeast supplementation on productive and metabolic responses of laying hens fed diets containing different energy levels

This study evaluated the effects of chromium yeast (Cr yeast) and two apparent metabolizable energy (AME) levels on productive performance, egg quality, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in laying hens. A total of 192 Bovans White laying hens at 47 weeks of age were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments (six replicates each) in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement: four levels of supplemental Cr (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 ppm as Cr yeast) and two AME levels (2,780 and 2,900 kcal AME kg−1). No significant effect of Cr yeast supplementation on feed intake, egg weight, egg production, intact eggs, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, or egg quality was observed. Egg quality parameters and Cr content in the yolk were not affected by dietary treatments. Plasma glucose and lipid levels were not influenced by either Cr yeast or AME levels used in this study. However, Cr yeast supplementation improved yolk percentage and hepatic glycogen content. The inclusion of Cr yeast at 0.2 and 0.4 ppm induced the highest hepatic glycogen content with the energy levels 2,900 and 2,780 kcal AME kg−1, respectively. Laying hens fed 2,900 kcal AME kg−1 showed the highest abdominal fat. The results observed in the present study support the hypothesis that the lack of positive effects of Cr yeast supplementation on production performance and egg quality may be related to good management practices, as the birds were not subjected to stressful conditions.

Replacement of common urea with protected urea in sheep supplement / Substituição da ureia comum por ureia protegida em suplementos para ovinos

The objective was to evaluate the effect of replacing common urea with protected urea in the supplement on the nutrient intake and digestibility and metabolic profile of sheep. Five adult sheep, with an average age of 4 years and an initial average body weight of 50 ± 4.03 kg, were used. The diet consisted of sorghum silage, supplemented with a multiple mixture of corn bran, soybean meal, white salt, mineral salt, common urea (CU) or protected urea (PU). The experimental design was a 5x5 Latin square. Treatments consisted of: control or 100% CU, 75% CU and 25% PU, 50% CU and 50% PU, 25% CU and 75% PU and 100% PU. Collections and analysis of feed, feces, urine and blood were carried out to assess intake, digestibility and blood metabolites. Analysis of variance and SNK test were applied considering 5% significance. Nonparametric data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis at a significance level of 5%. The replacement of common urea with protected urea did not (P> 0.05) alter the intake of dry matter, crude protein and water, and the dry matter digestibility. The production of urine and feces, and the density of urine also did not (P> 0.05) show statistical difference with the replacement of common urea with protected urea. As for protein and energy metabolites, only glycemia showed variation (P <0.05), with the proportion of 75% CU and 25% PU, indicating the highest concentration of glucose in relation to the replacement of 0, 50 and 100% PU in the supplement. There are no benefits from partial or total replacement of common urea with protected urea in sheep supplementation.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição da ureia comum por ureia protegida no suplemento sob o consumo de nutrientes e digestibilidade da matéria seca e perfil metabólico de ovelhas. Foram utilizadas 5 ovelhas adultas, com idade média de 4 anos e peso corporal médio inicial de 50 ± 4,03 kg. A dieta foi composta por silagem de sorgo, sendo suplementada por mistura múltipla composta de milho moído, farelo de soja, sal branco, sal mineral, ureia comum (UC) ou ureia protegida (UP). O delineamento experimental foi em quadrado latino 5x5. Os tratamentos consistiram em: controle ou 100% UC, 75% UC e 25% UP, 50% UC e 50% UP, 25% UC e 75% UP e 100% UP. Foram realizadas coletas e análise de alimentos, fezes, urina e sangue para avaliação do consumo, digestibilidade e metabolitos sanguíneos. Foi realizado análise de variância e teste SNK considerando 5 % de significância. Os dados não paramétricos foram analisados por Kruskal-Wallis ao nível de significância de 5%. A substituição da ureia comum por ureia protegida não alterou o consumo de matéria seca, de proteína bruta e água e a digestibilidade da matéria seca (P>0,05). A produção de urina e fezes, e a densidade da urina também não apresentaram diferença estatística com a substituição da ureia comum pela protegida (P>0,05). Quanto aos metabólitos proteicos e energéticos somente a glicemia demonstrou variação (P<0,05), sendo que a proporção de 75%UC e 25%UP apresentou a maior concentração de glicose em relação a substituição de 0, 50 e 100% de UP no suplemento. Conclui-se que não há benefícios na substituição parcial ou total da ureia comum pela ureia protegida na suplementação de ovinos.

Replacement of common urea with protected urea in sheep supplement / Substituição da ureia comum por ureia protegida em suplementos para ovinos

The objective was to evaluate the effect of replacing common urea with protected urea in the supplement on the nutrient intake and digestibility and metabolic profile of sheep. Five adult sheep, with an average age of 4 years and an initial average body weight of 50 ± 4.03 kg, were used. The diet consisted of sorghum silage, supplemented with a multiple mixture of corn bran, soybean meal, white salt, mineral salt, common urea (CU) or protected urea (PU). The experimental design was a 5x5 Latin square. Treatments consisted of: control or 100% CU, 75% CU and 25% PU, 50% CU and 50% PU, 25% CU and 75% PU and 100% PU. Collections and analysis of feed, feces, urine and blood were carried out to assess intake, digestibility and blood metabolites. Analysis of variance and SNK test were applied considering 5% significance. Nonparametric data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis at a significance level of 5%. The replacement of common urea with protected urea did not (P> 0.05) alter the intake of dry matter, crude protein and water, and the dry matter digestibility. The production of urine and feces, and the density of urine also did not (P> 0.05) show statistical difference with the replacement of common urea with protected urea. As for protein and energy metabolites, only glycemia showed variation (P <0.05), with the proportion of 75% CU and 25% PU, indicating the highest concentration of glucose in relation to the replacement of 0, 50 and 100% PU in the supplement. There are no benefits from partial or total replacement of common urea with protected urea in sheep supplementation.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição da ureia comum por ureia protegida no suplemento sob o consumo de nutrientes e digestibilidade da matéria seca e perfil metabólico de ovelhas. Foram utilizadas 5 ovelhas adultas, com idade média de 4 anos e peso corporal médio inicial de 50 ± 4,03 kg. A dieta foi composta por silagem de sorgo, sendo suplementada por mistura múltipla composta de milho moído, farelo de soja, sal branco, sal mineral, ureia comum (UC) ou ureia protegida (UP). O delineamento experimental foi em quadrado latino 5x5. Os tratamentos consistiram em: controle ou 100% UC, 75% UC e 25% UP, 50% UC e 50% UP, 25% UC e 75% UP e 100% UP. Foram realizadas coletas e análise de alimentos, fezes, urina e sangue para avaliação do consumo, digestibilidade e metabolitos sanguíneos. Foi realizado análise de variância e teste SNK considerando 5 % de significância. Os dados não paramétricos foram analisados por Kruskal-Wallis ao nível de significância de 5%. A substituição da ureia comum por ureia protegida não alterou o consumo de matéria seca, de proteína bruta e água e a digestibilidade da matéria seca (P>0,05). A produção de urina e fezes, e a densidade da urina também não apresentaram diferença estatística com a substituição da ureia comum pela protegida (P>0,05). Quanto aos metabólitos proteicos e energéticos somente a glicemia demonstrou variação (P<0,05), sendo que a proporção de 75%UC e 25%UP apresentou a maior concentração de glicose em relação a substituição de 0, 50 e 100% de UP no suplemento. Conclui-se que não há benefícios na substituição parcial ou total da ureia comum pela ureia protegida na suplementação de ovinos.(AU)

Phosphorus supplementation does not affect the intake, digestibility, and meat quality of Nellore young bulls fed with high-grain diets

This study evaluated the effect of phosphorus (P) supplementation on the intake, digestibility, and quality of aged meat from Nellore young bulls fed on high-grain diets finished in feedlot. Forty young bulls (30 months old) with an initial body weight (IBW) of 296 ± 25 kg were used. It was distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. The treatments were: without P supplementation (CO), commercial mineral supplement (CM), and supplementation with dicalcium phosphate (DP) with 2.4, 4.2, or 5.0 g of P per kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. Diets were composed of sugarcane bagasse (200 g kg-1) plus concentrate (800 g kg-1) on a dry matter (DM) basis. The meat quality parameters analyzed were pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, and water-holding capacity. P supplementation did not affect the intake and digestibility of nutrients There was no interaction (p > 0.05%) between diets and the aging time for the meat quality parameters. However, bulls fed with DP exhibited lower pH (5.98) compared to CO and CM (6.19 and 6.14, respectively). The longer aging time increased the cooking losses and intensity of yellow (b*). Under Brazilian conditions, feedlot Nellore cattle fed with high-grain diets do not require additional mineral supplements.(AU)

Vitamin and mineral supplementation improves erythrocytic recovery and productive performance of infected by gastrointestinal parasites / A suplementação de vitaminas e minerais melhora a recuperação eritrocítica e o desempenho produtivo de cordeiros infectados por parasitas gastrointestinais

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a vitamin and mineral complex, associated with the application of an efficient anthelmintic, in parasitized lambs, with characteristic signs of gastrointestinal nematode infection, on hematological clinical parameters of clinical improvementand weight gain. 60 lambs Australian Merino breed, with 8 and 9 months of age, were segregated in four groups: control (no supplemetation); formula 1 (Iron Dextran, Organic Phosphorus, Cyanocobalamin and Vitamin k); formula 2 (Iron Dextran, Organic Phosphorus and Cyanocobalamin); and formula 3 (Vitamin k). Hematocrit, prothrombin time, total plasma proteins, color of the conjunctiva and weight gain were analyzed. The results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) through the repeated measures test. There was no statistical difference between treatments for the variables of hematocrit (P = 0.564), prothrombin time (P = 0.911) and plasma proteins (P = 0.6), for the conjunctiva color variable there was a difference (P = 0.052 ), with greater results for the groups supplemented with Vitamin K, Butafosfan, Cyanocobalamin and Iron (groups F1 and F3), as well as those same groups reached higher body weight at D35 (P = 0.023). It can be concluded that the administration of vitamin and mineral complex, associated with efficient anthelmintic, promoted a better performance in parasitized lambs.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de um complexo vitamínico e mineral, aplicado junto com a administração de um anti-helmíntico eficiente, em cordeiros parasitados, com sinais característicos de infecção por nematóide gastrointestinal, sobre os parâmetros clínicos hematológicos de melhora clínica e ganho de peso. Foram utilizados 60 cordeiros da raça Merino Australiano, com 8 e 9 meses de idade, segregados em quatro grupos: controle (não suplementado); fórmula 1 (Ferro Dextrano, Fósforo Orgânico, Cianocobalamina e Vitamina k); fórmula 2 (Ferro Dextrano, Fósforo Orgânico e Cianocobalamina); e fórmula 3 (Vitamina k). Foram analisados hematócrito, tempo de protrombina, proteínas plasmáticas totais (PPT), coloração da conjuntiva e ganho de peso. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) através do teste de medidas repetidas. Não houve diferença estatísticas entre os tratamentos para as variáveis de hematócrito (P=0,564), tempo de protrombina (P=0,911) e PPT (P=0,6), para a variável de coloração da conjuntiva houve diferença (P=0,052), com resultados superiores para os grupos suplementados com Vitamina K, Butafosfan, Cianocobalamina e Ferro (grupos F1 e F3), assim como esses mesmos grupos atingiram peso vivo no D35 superior (P=0,023). Podendo concluir que a administração de complexo vitamínico e mineral, administrado em conjunto com anti-helmíntico eficiente, promoveu um melhor desempenho em cordeiros parasitados.(AU)

Vitamin and mineral supplementation improves erythrocytic recovery and productive performance of infected by gastrointestinal parasites / A suplementação de vitaminas e minerais melhora a recuperação eritrocítica e o desempenho produtivo de cordeiros infectados por parasitas gastrointestinais

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a vitamin and mineral complex, associated with the application of an efficient anthelmintic, in parasitized lambs, with characteristic signs of gastrointestinal nematode infection, on hematological clinical parameters of clinical improvementand weight gain. 60 lambs Australian Merino breed, with 8 and 9 months of age, were segregated in four groups: control (no supplemetation); formula 1 (Iron Dextran, Organic Phosphorus, Cyanocobalamin and Vitamin k); formula 2 (Iron Dextran, Organic Phosphorus and Cyanocobalamin); and formula 3 (Vitamin k). Hematocrit, prothrombin time, total plasma proteins, color of the conjunctiva and weight gain were analyzed. The results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) through the repeated measures test. There was no statistical difference between treatments for the variables of hematocrit (P = 0.564), prothrombin time (P = 0.911) and plasma proteins (P = 0.6), for the conjunctiva color variable there was a difference (P = 0.052 ), with greater results for the groups supplemented with Vitamin K, Butafosfan, Cyanocobalamin and Iron (groups F1 and F3), as well as those same groups reached higher body weight at D35 (P = 0.023). It can be concluded that the administration of vitamin and mineral complex, associated with efficient anthelmintic, promoted a better performance in parasitized lambs.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de um complexo vitamínico e mineral, aplicado junto com a administração de um anti-helmíntico eficiente, em cordeiros parasitados, com sinais característicos de infecção por nematóide gastrointestinal, sobre os parâmetros clínicos hematológicos de melhora clínica e ganho de peso. Foram utilizados 60 cordeiros da raça Merino Australiano, com 8 e 9 meses de idade, segregados em quatro grupos: controle (não suplementado); fórmula 1 (Ferro Dextrano, Fósforo Orgânico, Cianocobalamina e Vitamina k); fórmula 2 (Ferro Dextrano, Fósforo Orgânico e Cianocobalamina); e fórmula 3 (Vitamina k). Foram analisados hematócrito, tempo de protrombina, proteínas plasmáticas totais (PPT), coloração da conjuntiva e ganho de peso. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) através do teste de medidas repetidas. Não houve diferença estatísticas entre os tratamentos para as variáveis de hematócrito (P=0,564), tempo de protrombina (P=0,911) e PPT (P=0,6), para a variável de coloração da conjuntiva houve diferença (P=0,052), com resultados superiores para os grupos suplementados com Vitamina K, Butafosfan, Cianocobalamina e Ferro (grupos F1 e F3), assim como esses mesmos grupos atingiram peso vivo no D35 superior (P=0,023). Podendo concluir que a administração de complexo vitamínico e mineral, administrado em conjunto com anti-helmíntico eficiente, promoveu um melhor desempenho em cordeiros parasitados.

Phosphorus supplementation does not affect the intake, digestibility, and meat quality of Nellore young bulls fed with high-grain diets

This study evaluated the effect of phosphorus (P) supplementation on the intake, digestibility, and quality of aged meat from Nellore young bulls fed on high-grain diets finished in feedlot. Forty young bulls (30 months old) with an initial body weight (IBW) of 296 ± 25 kg were used. It was distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. The treatments were: without P supplementation (CO), commercial mineral supplement (CM), and supplementation with dicalcium phosphate (DP) with 2.4, 4.2, or 5.0 g of P per kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. Diets were composed of sugarcane bagasse (200 g kg-1) plus concentrate (800 g kg-1) on a dry matter (DM) basis. The meat quality parameters analyzed were pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, and water-holding capacity. P supplementation did not affect the intake and digestibility of nutrients There was no interaction (p > 0.05%) between diets and the aging time for the meat quality parameters. However, bulls fed with DP exhibited lower pH (5.98) compared to CO and CM (6.19 and 6.14, respectively). The longer aging time increased the cooking losses and intensity of yellow (b*). Under Brazilian conditions, feedlot Nellore cattle fed with high-grain diets do not require additional mineral supplements.

Effects of an injectable mineral supplement on physiological responses and milk production of heat-stressed Holstein cows

Summer heat stress in northwest Mexico compromises the physiological thermoregulation capacity and productive performance of lactating Holstein cows, and supplementation of minerals appears to reduce the adverse impact of heat stress in cattle. The objective herein was to evaluate the effects of an injectable mineral supplement containing phosphorus, selenium, potassium, magnesium, and copper on physiological responses, milk production, and milk composition of Holstein cows exposed to heat stress. Sixteen cows were blocked by parity and assigned to one of two treatments (n = 8) using a randomized complete block design: 1) control cows and 2) mineral-treated cows. All cows were exposed to environmental heat stress conditions (i.e., temperature-humidity index = 79.4 ± 4.3 units). No study variable was affected (P ≥ 0.20) by the treatment x sampling day interaction. While the mineral supplement did not affect any physiological variable in the afternoon, this treatment decreased breaths per min (P = 0.01) and most body surface temperatures (P ≤ 0.06; head, shoulder, leg, right-flank, and udder) in the morning. There was no effect (P = 0.37) of the mineral supplementation on milk yield but increased (P ≤ 0.03) the percentages of solids non-fat, protein, lactose, and density in the milk. In conclusion, Holstein cows' physiological thermoregulation and milk composition experiencing summer heat stress were improved by applying an injectable mineral supplement.

Influence of energy supplementation on associative effects in Nellore bulls on a tropical pasture during the rainy season / Influência da suplementação energética nos efeitos associativos em touros Nelore em pastagem tropical durante o período das águas

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of energy supplementation on associative effects between forage and concentrate supplements and on the performance of beef cattle on a tropical pasture during the rainy season. Twenty-eight Nellore bulls averaging 19 months of age and 325.2 ± 4.1 kg were allotted to a completely randomized design and distributed into four paddocks of two hectares each with a tropical pasture for 84 d. The treatments consisted of bulls on Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés pasture without concentrate supplementation or bulls on Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés pasture receiving concentrate supplementation at 15 (S15), 30 (S30) or 45% (S45) of the total digestible nutrients (TDN) requirement. All bulls had ad libitum access to mineral supplementation. The amount and chemical composition of the supplement were adjusted every 28 d. Forage and supplement intakes were evaluated in all animals using fecal markers. Crude protein: digestible organic matter ratio decreased with supplementation; consequently, the imbalance between dietary protein and energy increased. Forage intake decreased with increasing supplementation. The substitution rates of pasture for supplementary feed were 0.14, 0.33, and 0.46 for bulls from S15, S30, and S45 treatments, respectively. However, the apparent DM digestibility increased linearly with supplementation level. Supplementation improved the assimilation of ammonia-N in the rumen. Energy supplementation for Nellore bulls on tropical pastures during the rainy season provides excess energy relative to protein, resulting in a substitution effect of supplement intake on forage intake. Moreover, energy supplementation does not improve body weight gain. Protein sources should be added to supplements for balancing protein and energy levels, thereby reducing a likely substitution effect.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da suplementação energética nos efeitos associativos entre a forragem e suplemento concentrado e no desempenho de bovinos de corte em pasto tropical durante o período chuvoso. Vinte e oito touros da raça Nelore com idade média de 19 meses e 325,2 ± 4,1 kg foram alocados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e distribuídos em quatro piquetes de dois hectares cada, com pasto tropical por 84 dias. Os tratamentos consistiram de touros em pastagem com Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés sem suplementação concentrada e touros em pastagem de Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés recebendo suplementação concentrada com 15 (S15), 30 (S30) ou 45% (S45) da necessidade de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Todos os touros tiveram acesso ad libitum à suplementação mineral. A quantidade e a composição química do suplemento foram ajustadas a cada 28 dias. A ingestão de forragem e suplemento foi avaliada em todos os animais por meio de marcadores fecais. A relação proteína bruta: matéria orgânica digestível diminuiu com a suplementação, consequentemente, o desequilíbrio entre proteína e energia da dieta aumentou. O consumo de forragem diminuiu, com efeito substitutivo do consumo de pasto pelo suplemento de 0,14, 0,33 e 0,46 para touros dos tratamentos S15, S30 e S45, respectivamente. No entanto, a digestibilidade aparente da MS aumentou linearmente com o nível de suplementação. A suplementação melhorou a assimilação do nitrogênio amoniacal no rúmen. A suplementação energética para touros Nelore em pastagens com pasto tropical durante a estação chuvosa fornece excesso de energia em relação à proteína, resultando em um efeito de substituição do consumo de forragem por suplemento. Além disso, a suplementação energética não melhora o ganho de peso corporal. Fontes de proteína devem ser adicionadas aos suplementos para equilibrar os níveis de proteína e energia, diminuindo um provável efeito de substituição.(AU)