Applying assisted reproductive technology and reproductive management to reduce CO2-equivalent emission in dairy and beef cattle: a review

Methane emission from beef and dairy cattle combined contributes around 4.5-5.0% of total anthropogenic global methane. In addition to enteric methane (CH4) produced by the rumen, cattle production also contributes carbon dioxide (CO2) (feed), nitrous oxide (N2O) (feed production, manure) and other CH4 (manure) to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) budget of beef and dairy production systems. The relative contribution in standard dairy systems is typically enteric CH4 58%, feed 29% and manure 10%. Herds with low production efficiency can have an enteric CH4 contribution up to 90%. Digestibility of feed can impact CH4 emission intensity. Low fertility herds also have a greater enteric CH4 contribution. Animals with good feed conversion efficiency have a lower emission intensity of CH4/kg of meat or milk. Feed efficient heifers tend to be lean and have delayed puberty. Fertility is a major driver of profit in both beef and dairy cattle, and it is highly important to apply multi-trait selection when shifting herds towards improved efficiency and reduced CH4. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified for feed efficiency in cattle and are used in genomic selection. SNPs can be utilized in artificial insemination and embryo transfer to increase the proportion of cattle that have the attributes of efficiency, fertility and reduced enteric CH4. Prepubertal heifers genomically selected for favourable traits can have oocytes recovered to produce IVF embryos. Reproductive technology is predicted to be increasingly adopted to reduce generation interval and accelerate the rate of genetic gain for efficiency, fertility and low CH4 in cattle. The relatively high contribution of cattle to anthropogenic global methane has focussed attention on strategies to reduce enteric CH4 without compromising efficiency and fertility. Assisted reproductive technology has an important role in achieving the goal of multiplying and distributing cattle that have good efficiency, fertility and low CH4.(AU)

O efeito de probióticos fúngicos adicionados a uma dieta rica em grãos no trato gastrointestinal de ovinos / The effect of fungal probiotics added to a high-grain diet on the gastrointestinal tract of sheep

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of the ruminal fluid and histological characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of sheep on a high-grain diet containing the probiotic fungi Aspergillus terreus and Rhizomucor spp. The study included four treatment groups (without probiotic, with Rhizomucor spp., with Aspergillus terreus, and with a mixture of both fungi), and two types of corn (ground/whole), in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) arranged in 4 x 2 factorial design. Santa Inês x Dorper lambs were housed in eight pens with five lambs each for 75 days. Rumen fluid was collected to study the rumen microbiological profile, macroscopic characteristics, ammonia nitrogen concentration, and microbiological activity. In addition, GIT samples were taken for histological analysis. Fluid analyses showed that the animals presented a low acidosis index. The samples presented a predominantly aromatic odor and blackish-brown color, indicating a neutral pH and high microbial activity. The rumen pH differed (P < 0.05) according to the level of processed corn consumed, being higher for ground grain corn (GGC). There was no difference for any of the microbiological communities analyzed (P > 0.05) (Lac+ and Lac- bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and protozoa). Six genera of facultative anaerobic fungi were identified in 15 observations. Cladosporium spp. was the most prevalent genus (46.66%), followed by Aspergillus spp. (26,66%). The width of the base of rumen papillae showed significant correlation being greater for GCG (P < 0.05) with Rhizomucor and for the control (P < 0.05). The rumen fluid of sheep on a high-grain diet with added Aspergillus terreus and Rhizomucor spp. showed no microbiological and physicochemical changes.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características microbiológicas e físico-químicas do fluido ruminal e histológicas do trato gástrico intestinal (TGI) de ovinos sob dieta de alto grão com probiótico fungos Aspergillus terreus e/ou Rhizomucor spp. Analisou-se quatro probióticos (sem inóculos, com Rhizomucor spp., com Aspergillus terreus e com mistura dos dois fungos) e dois processamentos de milho (moído/inteiro), em fatorial 4x2 em em Delineamento Inteiramente Casualizados (DIC). Borregos Santa Inês/Dorper foram alojados em oito baias com cinco borregos em cada, durante 75 dias. Coletou-se fluido ruminal para o estudo do perfil microbiológico do rúmen, da característica macroscópica, da concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal e da atividade microbiológica, além dos fragmentos do TGI para análises histológicas. Pelas análises dos fluidos, os animais apresentaram baixo índice de acidose. O odor aromático e a cor castanho-enegrecido predominaram, o que caracteriza ambiente com pH neutro. As amostras do fluido apresentaram alta atividade microbiana. O pH ruminal diferenciou-se (P<0,05) quanto ao tipo de processamento, sendo maior para milho grão moído (MGM). Não houve diferença para nenhuma das comunidades microbiológicas analisadas (P>0,05) (bactérias Lac+ e Lac-, fungos, leveduras e protozoários). Seis gêneros de fungos anaeróbicos facultativos foram identificados num total de 15 observações. O Cladosporium spp. foi o gênero mais prevalente (46,66%), seguido do Aspergillus spp. (26,66%). A largura da base das papilas ruminais apresentou interação significativa, sendo maior para MGM (P<0,05) com Rhizomucor e o controle (P<0,05). O fluido ruminal de ovinos sob dieta de alto concentrado de grão com adição dos fungos Aspergillus terreus e Rhizomucor spp. não tiveram afetadas as características microbiológicas e físico-químicas.

Nutritional quality of wet distillers’ grains co–ensiled with whole–plant maize and its feeding value for lambs

The high moisture content of wet distillers' grains with solubles (WDGS) has limited its feeding value despite the relatively high nutritive value. The co–ensiling with whole–plant maize, as a complementary feed, was evaluated for growing lambs by formulating diets whose contents were: whole plant maize silage (WPMS) + sunflower oilcake meal (SOM) (control, WPMS + SOM), whole plant maize silage + dried distillers' grains (WPMS + DDGS), and whole–plant maize (WPM) co–ensiled with WDGS (WPM – WDGS). Rumen fermentation parameters and in situ degradability of the diets were evaluated using three cannulated Merino wethers in a cross over 3 × 3 Latin square design experiment that lasted 39 days. Concurrently, feed intake and growth performance of South Africa Mutton Merino lambs (29.7 ± 3.6 kg) were evaluated over 45 days. The WPMS + DDGS diet had a lower rate of dry matter degradation (p 0.05). No differences in rumen volatile fatty acid, ammonia nitrogen concentration nor rumen pH of the wethers as a result of diet differences were observed. Lambs consuming the WDGS–based diet had a lower average daily intake and average daily gain (p 0.05). In conclusion, co–ensiling WDGS with whole–plant maize provides the opportunity for the long–term storage and utilization of WDGS in lamb feeding.

Beneficial effects of a calf starter versus forage on rumen development and bacteria populations in beef calves / Efeitos benéficos de um concentrado de bezerro versus forragem no desenvolvimento ruminal e na população de bactérias em bezerros

Rumen development depends on the intake of solid food that is fermented into volatile fatty acids that stimulate the development of the rumen papillae in calves. The starter feeding can promote the growth of papillae in the rumen and as a consequence an earlier weaning. We evaluated the effects of calf starter on ruminal development, and productive response of lactating bull calves raised for meat in the tropics. Twelve male Brahman × Swiss American cross beef calves from a dual-purpose system were randomly assigned two treatments with six animals per treatment: milk-fed calves + Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpureum, MT) and MT + calf starter, (MTS). Feed intake and growth were measured at 7-day intervals throughout until 210 d of age. At 90 days old, three calves from each treatment were harvested, and fluid and ruminal tissues were collected from the cranial, ventral, dorsal, and dorsal blind ruminal sacs for measurements of many papillaes per cm2 (NP), papillae length (LP) and papillae width (WP). Ruminal bacterial genotype identification was determined by amplicon generation with the Illumina platform. Calf starter-improved weight (Live weight, LW) and average weight gain (ADG) and NP, but, LP and WP was similar in both treatments (p 0.05). In calves with starter feed treatment, we observed the bacteria Desulfonauticus autotrophicus sp. nov.that was not previously reported in ruminants. Use of calf starter showed benefit for calves with improved feed intake and rumen development because promoted a greater number of rumen papillae.(AU)

O desenvolvimento do rumen depende da ingestão de alimentos sólidos fermentados em ácidos graxos voláteis que estimulam o desenvolvimento das papilas de rúmen em bezerros. A alimentação inicial pode promover o crescimento das papilas no rúmen e, como consequência, um desmame mais cedo. Avaliamos os efeitos da concentrado de bezerros no desenvolvimento ruminal, e a resposta produtiva dos bezerros lactantes criados para carne nos trópicos. Doze bezerros de carne bovina cruza Brahman × suíço-americano machos de de um sistema de dupla finalidade foram aleatoriamente atribuídos a dois tratamentos, com seis animais por tratamento: bezerros alimentados com leite + grama taiwanesa (Pennisetumpurpureum, MT) e MT+ concentrado de bezerro, (MTS). A ingestão de ração e o crescimento foram medidos. Aos 90 dias de idade, três bezerros de cada tratamento foi amostrado, e foram coletados tecidos fluidos dos sacos ruminais cranianos, ventral, dorsal e dorsal cegos para medições do número de papilas por cm2 (NP), comprimento das papilas (LP) e largura da papila (PM). A identificação do genótipo das bactérias ruminais foi determinada pela geração de amplicon com a plataforma de ilumine. O concentrado de bezerro melhorou o peso (LW) e o ganho diário médio (AGD) e NP, mas, LP e WP foram semelhantes nos dois tratamentos. Bezerros em MTS uma bactéria não encontrada anteriormente em ruminantes Desulfonauticus autotrophicus sp. nov. foi detectado. O uso de concentrado de bezerro mostrou benefício para bezerros com melhor ingestão de ração e desenvolvimento de rúmen, pois promove um maior número de papilas de rúmen.(AU)

Narasin inclusion for feedlot lambs fed a diet containing high amounts of ground flint corn

Narasin is an antibacterial agent that may change rumen fermentation. Two experiments were proposed to evaluate the efficiency of narasin inclusion for lambs fed a diet containing high amounts of ground flint corn. Thirty rumen-cannulated wethers were used to evaluate nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and rumen metabolism (Exp. 1); and forty-five lambs were used to evaluate performance (Exp. 2) of animals fed with narasin for high flint corn diets. The experimental diets were: control or basal diet without additives (C); 25 mg of monensin kg-¹ of dry matter (DM) (M); and inclusion of 5 (N5), 10 (N10), and 15 (N15) mg of narasin kg-¹ of DM. The statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Monensin increased DM digestibility compared to C (p = 0.01) and increasing doses of narasin linearly increased DM digestibility (p < 0.01). There was a quadratic effect (p = 0.10) for molar proportion of acetate peaking at N15. Monensin inclusion increased (p = 0.07) propionate compared to C; however, it did not differ from narasin. The increasing levels of narasin linearly decreased the total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen (p = 0.02). Monensin and C showed a similar performance. The increasing levels of narasin linearly increased (p <= 0.04) average daily gain and feed efficiency. Monensin and narasin changed rumen fermentation and improved overall nutrient digestibility. However, lambs that received narasin showed improved performance when compared with animals that received M.

Narasin inclusion for feedlot lambs fed a diet containing high amounts of ground flint corn

Narasin is an antibacterial agent that may change rumen fermentation. Two experiments were proposed to evaluate the efficiency of narasin inclusion for lambs fed a diet containing high amounts of ground flint corn. Thirty rumen-cannulated wethers were used to evaluate nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and rumen metabolism (Exp. 1); and forty-five lambs were used to evaluate performance (Exp. 2) of animals fed with narasin for high flint corn diets. The experimental diets were: control or basal diet without additives (C); 25 mg of monensin kg-¹ of dry matter (DM) (M); and inclusion of 5 (N5), 10 (N10), and 15 (N15) mg of narasin kg-¹ of DM. The statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Monensin increased DM digestibility compared to C (p = 0.01) and increasing doses of narasin linearly increased DM digestibility (p < 0.01). There was a quadratic effect (p = 0.10) for molar proportion of acetate peaking at N15. Monensin inclusion increased (p = 0.07) propionate compared to C; however, it did not differ from narasin. The increasing levels of narasin linearly decreased the total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen (p = 0.02). Monensin and C showed a similar performance. The increasing levels of narasin linearly increased (p <= 0.04) average daily gain and feed efficiency. Monensin and narasin changed rumen fermentation and improved overall nutrient digestibility. However, lambs that received narasin showed improved performance when compared with animals that received M.(AU)

Low doses of monensin for lambs fed diets containing high level of ground flint corn

Two experiments were proposed to evaluate the addition of monensin for lambs fed diets containing a high level of mature ground flint corn. The experimental diets were as follows: no inclusion of monensin (M0) and inclusion of 8 (M8), 16 (M16) and 24 mg kg-¹ of monensin (M24). In experiment 1, eight cannulated wethers were divided into a double 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design to evaluate nutrient digestibility, plasma parameters and rumen fermentation. The experiment lasted 112 days, divided into four periods of 28 days each. In experiment 2, ninety-two lambs were used in a randomized block design to evaluate the performance over 56 days. In experiment 1, doses of monensin had no effect on nutrient intake (p >= 0.07) and digestibility (p >= 0.09). There was a quadratic effect for acetate molar proportion (p = 0.01), acetate to propionate ratio (p = 0.04) and rumen pH (p < 0.01). However, there was no effect on the molar proportion of propionate and butyrate. The monensin decreased linearly the total SCFA concentration (p < 0.01). The inclusion of monensin increased glucose (p < 0.01) and decreased lactate concentration in plasma (p = 0.05). In experiment 2, monensin decreased dry matter intake (p = 0.04). However, there was a quadratic effect for average daily gain (p = 0.03) and feed efficiency (p < 0.01), with the greatest values observed for the M8 diet. Thus, the inclusion of 8 mg kg-¹ of dry matter diet (DM) improves ruminal fermentation and plasma parameters, resulting in greater growth performance in lambs.(AU)

Low doses of monensin for lambs fed diets containing high level of ground flint corn

Two experiments were proposed to evaluate the addition of monensin for lambs fed diets containing a high level of mature ground flint corn. The experimental diets were as follows: no inclusion of monensin (M0) and inclusion of 8 (M8), 16 (M16) and 24 mg kg-¹ of monensin (M24). In experiment 1, eight cannulated wethers were divided into a double 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design to evaluate nutrient digestibility, plasma parameters and rumen fermentation. The experiment lasted 112 days, divided into four periods of 28 days each. In experiment 2, ninety-two lambs were used in a randomized block design to evaluate the performance over 56 days. In experiment 1, doses of monensin had no effect on nutrient intake (p >= 0.07) and digestibility (p >= 0.09). There was a quadratic effect for acetate molar proportion (p = 0.01), acetate to propionate ratio (p = 0.04) and rumen pH (p < 0.01). However, there was no effect on the molar proportion of propionate and butyrate. The monensin decreased linearly the total SCFA concentration (p < 0.01). The inclusion of monensin increased glucose (p < 0.01) and decreased lactate concentration in plasma (p = 0.05). In experiment 2, monensin decreased dry matter intake (p = 0.04). However, there was a quadratic effect for average daily gain (p = 0.03) and feed efficiency (p < 0.01), with the greatest values observed for the M8 diet. Thus, the inclusion of 8 mg kg-¹ of dry matter diet (DM) improves ruminal fermentation and plasma parameters, resulting in greater growth performance in lambs.

Effect of advancing maturity stages of corn for silage on chemical characterization, digestibility and production costs / Efeito do avanço do estádio de maturação do milho para silagem sobre a caracterização bromatológica, digestibilidade e custos de produção

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the biomass and grain yield, the morphological and chemical composition, production costs and the ruminal disappearance of the whole corn plant and grain-free corn plant harvested at different reproductive stages. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of six treatments, where each treatment corresponded to a stage of corn maturity. The advance of plant cycle promoted an increase in dry biomass and grain yields per unit area, reducing production costs. Higher participation of grains and lower participation of structural components promoted a reduction in NDF and ADF, with the lowest values in dough grain (R4) and dent grain (R5) stages. The advancement of stages promoted an increase in production and a reduction in costs, but significantly reduced the quality of grain-free plants, increasing the NDF, ADF and ADL; but R4 and R5 presented NDFd of 84.80 % and 82.79 %, respectively, showing to be a good quality fiber. R4 stage had the highest rumen disappearance values after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Based on chemical data, ruminal disappearance, ruminal degradation kinetics of the whole corn plant and without grains, the R4 stage of the evaluated hybrid is the stage at which the plant had the best quality, representing the appropriate stage to harvest the material for making silage, aiming at the production(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa e de grãos, a composição morfobromatológica, os custos de produção e o desaparecimento ruminal da planta de milho inteira e sem grãos, colhidas em diferentes estádios reprodutivos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, composto por seis tratamentos, onde cada tratamento correspondeu a um estádio de maturação do milho. A evolução do ciclo das plantas promoveu aumento na produção de biomassa seca e de grãos por unidade de área, proporcionando redução nos custos de produção. A maior participação de grãos e a menor de componentes estruturais promoveu redução nos teores de FDN e FDA, tendo os menores valores nos estádios de grão farináceo (R4) e grão duro (R5). O avanço dos estádios promoveu aumento na produção e redução nos custos, porém reduziu significativamente a qualidade da planta sem grãos, elevando os teores de FDN, FDA e LDA, porém R4 e R5 obtiveram FDNd de 84,80 % e 82,79 % respectivamente, mostrando ainda ser uma fibra de boa qualidade, o estádio R4 possuiu os maiores valores de desaparecimento ruminal em 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Embasado nos dados bromatológicos, nos custos de produção, desaparecimento ruminal, cinética da degradação ruminal da planta de milho inteira e sem grãos o estádio R4 do híbrido avaliado é o estádio em que a planta possuiu melhor qualidade, sendo este o momento adequado para realizar a colheita do material para confecção de silagem, visando a produção de uma silagem com boa qualidade bromatológica.(AU)

Effect of advancing maturity stages of corn for silage on chemical characterization, digestibility and production costs / Efeito do avanço do estádio de maturação do milho para silagem sobre a caracterização bromatológica, digestibilidade e custos de produção

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the biomass and grain yield, the morphological and chemical composition, production costs and the ruminal disappearance of the whole corn plant and grain-free corn plant harvested at different reproductive stages. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of six treatments, where each treatment corresponded to a stage of corn maturity. The advance of plant cycle promoted an increase in dry biomass and grain yields per unit area, reducing production costs. Higher participation of grains and lower participation of structural components promoted a reduction in NDF and ADF, with the lowest values in dough grain (R4) and dent grain (R5) stages. The advancement of stages promoted an increase in production and a reduction in costs, but significantly reduced the quality of grain-free plants, increasing the NDF, ADF and ADL; but R4 and R5 presented NDFd of 84.80 % and 82.79 %, respectively, showing to be a good quality fiber. R4 stage had the highest rumen disappearance values after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Based on chemical data, ruminal disappearance, ruminal degradation kinetics of the whole corn plant and without grains, the R4 stage of the evaluated hybrid is the stage at which the plant had the best quality, representing the appropriate stage to harvest the material for making silage, aiming at the production

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa e de grãos, a composição morfobromatológica, os custos de produção e o desaparecimento ruminal da planta de milho inteira e sem grãos, colhidas em diferentes estádios reprodutivos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, composto por seis tratamentos, onde cada tratamento correspondeu a um estádio de maturação do milho. A evolução do ciclo das plantas promoveu aumento na produção de biomassa seca e de grãos por unidade de área, proporcionando redução nos custos de produção. A maior participação de grãos e a menor de componentes estruturais promoveu redução nos teores de FDN e FDA, tendo os menores valores nos estádios de grão farináceo (R4) e grão duro (R5). O avanço dos estádios promoveu aumento na produção e redução nos custos, porém reduziu significativamente a qualidade da planta sem grãos, elevando os teores de FDN, FDA e LDA, porém R4 e R5 obtiveram FDNd de 84,80 % e 82,79 % respectivamente, mostrando ainda ser uma fibra de boa qualidade, o estádio R4 possuiu os maiores valores de desaparecimento ruminal em 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Embasado nos dados bromatológicos, nos custos de produção, desaparecimento ruminal, cinética da degradação ruminal da planta de milho inteira e sem grãos o estádio R4 do híbrido avaliado é o estádio em que a planta possuiu melhor qualidade, sendo este o momento adequado para realizar a colheita do material para confecção de silagem, visando a produção de uma silagem com boa qualidade bromatológica.

Babassu mesocarp meal for ewe lambs feeding: In vitro ruminal fermentation and in vivo apparent digestibility

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the in vitro fermentation (IVRF) and apparent in vivo digestibility (AIVD) of diets formulated with four inclusion levels of babassu mesocarp meal (BMM) (0.0; 7.5; 15.0 and 22.5%) in ewe lambs. The IVRF test was performed through the "Hohenheim Gas Test" technique, following a randomized complete block design, with four blocks (rumen fluids from four different bovines). Gas production was measured at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after incubation. For the AIVD trial, 20 ewe lambs were used in a completely randomized design with five replicates. The animals were housed in metabolic cages during the digestibility test. Diets with BMM showed lower fermentation levels than those without BMM. The BMM reduced the gas production per incubation time and dry matter effective degradability (DMED), possibly due to its chemical characteristics, or even to the influence of other factors, such as physical properties. The BMM negatively influenced the AIVD of DM. Thus, it can be stated that, despite being a starch source, BMM reduces ruminal fermentation parameters when included in ruminant diets, negatively interfering with diet digestibility. Therefore, its use should be cautious.(AU)

Babassu mesocarp meal for ewe lambs feeding: In vitro ruminal fermentation and in vivo apparent digestibility

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the in vitro fermentation (IVRF) and apparent in vivo digestibility (AIVD) of diets formulated with four inclusion levels of babassu mesocarp meal (BMM) (0.0; 7.5; 15.0 and 22.5%) in ewe lambs. The IVRF test was performed through the "Hohenheim Gas Test" technique, following a randomized complete block design, with four blocks (rumen fluids from four different bovines). Gas production was measured at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after incubation. For the AIVD trial, 20 ewe lambs were used in a completely randomized design with five replicates. The animals were housed in metabolic cages during the digestibility test. Diets with BMM showed lower fermentation levels than those without BMM. The BMM reduced the gas production per incubation time and dry matter effective degradability (DMED), possibly due to its chemical characteristics, or even to the influence of other factors, such as physical properties. The BMM negatively influenced the AIVD of DM. Thus, it can be stated that, despite being a starch source, BMM reduces ruminal fermentation parameters when included in ruminant diets, negatively interfering with diet digestibility. Therefore, its use should be cautious.

Subproduct of the Wine Industry to Replace Forage for Feeding Confined Ovine / Coproduto da Indústria de Vitivinificação como Substituto ao Volumoso na Alimentação de Ovinos Confinados

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep receiving alternative food with grape pomace to replace roughage, as well as its impacts on the rumen environment. It was observed that BU had higher TOC, TRAM and pH of the ruminal liquid, while there was less TRU (P < 0,05). As for the other parameters, no significant differences were found. In this study, just as the feeding time was not influenced due to the similarity of the concentrate: roughage ratio in the diet, the protozoan count did not change. This finding reinforces the possibility of using grape marc as a tool for formulating feed, reducing the risk of ruminal disturbances. It was observed that the group control had lower TRAM, indicating that the diet of this group promoted greater microbial activity and, consequently, greater digestibility, corroborating the already observed TOC. This result was the opposite of what was expected, since the grape pomace has probiotic properties, precisely because the fruits have more fungi and bacteria in their microbiota. This also confirms that the co-products of vitiviniculture can act as promoters of the intestinal health of ruminants, justifying further studies in order to improve this use. Therefore, the use of wine by-products is an alternative to reduce production costs, as its use in diets for confined sheep can improve the performance of the animals, increasing the total feed consumption and improving microbial activity.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos recebendo ração alternativa com bagaço de uva em substituição ao volumoso, bem como seus impactos no ambiente ruminal. Observou-se que a BU apresentou maiores COT, TRAM e pH do líquido ruminal, enquanto houve menor TRU (P <0,05). Quanto aos demais parâmetros, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas. Neste estudo, assim como o tempo de alimentação não foi influenciado pela similaridade da relação concentrado: volumoso na dieta, a contagem de protozoários não se alterou. Esse achado reforça a possibilidade do uso do bagaço de uva como ferramenta na formulação de rações, reduzindo o risco de distúrbios ruminais. Observou-se que o grupo controle apresentou menor TRAM, indicando que a dieta desse grupo promoveu maior atividade microbiana e, consequentemente, maior digestibilidade, corroborando o COT já observado. Esse resultado foi o oposto do esperado, já que o bagaço de uva tem propriedades probióticas, justamente porque os frutos possuem mais fungos e bactérias em sua microbiota. Isso também confirma que os coprodutos da vitivinicultura podem atuar como promotores da saúde intestinal de ruminantes, justificando novos estudos no sentido de aprimorar esse uso. Portanto, a utilização de subprodutos do vinho é uma alternativa para reduzir os custos de produção, pois seu uso em dietas para ovinos confinados pode melhorar o desempenho dos animais, aumentando o consumo total de ração e melhorando a atividade microbiana.(AU)

Doenças do sistema digestório de pequenos ruminantes no norte do Paraná / Digestive disorders of small ruminants in northern Paraná

As doenças do sistema digestório de ovinos e caprinos no norte do Paraná foram avaliadas por meio de um estudo retrospectivo de 427 pequenos ruminantes atendidos no Ambulatório de Grandes Animais, do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2015. Para isso, foi realizada revisão das fichas clínicas dos pequenos ruminantes com afecções do sistema digestório, determinando a ocorrência, principais características clínicas, tratamentos instituídos e evolução dos casos. Os dados foram tabulados e submetidos a um estudo descritivo das variáveis, observando a distribuição das frequências (%) das condições analisadas. As afecções do sistema digestório foram diagnosticadas em 38,64% (165/427) dos atendimentos realizados. Vinte e seis animais apresentaram duas afecções no momento do atendimento, totalizando 191 enfermidades diagnosticadas. Dentre essas enfermidades, as mais comumente diagnosticadas foram: hemoncose (27,7%; 53/191), acidose láctica ruminal aguda (18,8%; 36/191), eimeriose (13,6%; 26/191) e indigestão simples (6,8%; 13/191). O aumento da criação de ovinos e caprinos no estado do Paraná reitera a importância do desenvolvimento de estudos como o presente trabalho, a fim de identificar as enfermidades mais frequentes e preparar o médico veterinário para o diagnóstico e tratamento correto.

Sheep and Goat's digestive disorders in northern Paraná were evaluated by a retrospective study of 427 small ruminants treated at the State University of Londrina's Veterinary Hospital (HV-UEL), from January 2006 to December 2015. Analysis of medical records of small ruminants with digestive disorder were performed, determining the occurrence, main clinical signs, established treatments and outcome of cases. Data were tabulated and submitted to a descriptive study of variables, observing frequency distribution (%) of analyzed conditions. Digestive disorders occurs in 38,6% (165/427) of cases in small ruminants at the studied period. Among these diseases, the most common were: hemoncose (27.7%; 53/191), acute rumen lactic acidosis (18.8%; 36/191), eimeriosis (13.6%; 26/191) and simple indigestion (6.8%; 13/191). The increase in sheep and goats' flock in the state of Paraná reiterates the importance of developing studies such as the present study, in order to identify the most frequent diseases and prepare the veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Doenças do sistema digestório de pequenos ruminantes no norte do Paraná / Digestive disorders of small ruminants in northern Paraná

As doenças do sistema digestório de ovinos e caprinos no norte do Paraná foram avaliadas por meio de um estudo retrospectivo de 427 pequenos ruminantes atendidos no Ambulatório de Grandes Animais, do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2015. Para isso, foi realizada revisão das fichas clínicas dos pequenos ruminantes com afecções do sistema digestório, determinando a ocorrência, principais características clínicas, tratamentos instituídos e evolução dos casos. Os dados foram tabulados e submetidos a um estudo descritivo das variáveis, observando a distribuição das frequências (%) das condições analisadas. As afecções do sistema digestório foram diagnosticadas em 38,64% (165/427) dos atendimentos realizados. Vinte e seis animais apresentaram duas afecções no momento do atendimento, totalizando 191 enfermidades diagnosticadas. Dentre essas enfermidades, as mais comumente diagnosticadas foram: hemoncose (27,7%; 53/191), acidose láctica ruminal aguda (18,8%; 36/191), eimeriose (13,6%; 26/191) e indigestão simples (6,8%; 13/191). O aumento da criação de ovinos e caprinos no estado do Paraná reitera a importância do desenvolvimento de estudos como o presente trabalho, a fim de identificar as enfermidades mais frequentes e preparar o médico veterinário para o diagnóstico e tratamento correto. 

Sheep and Goats digestive disorders in northern Paraná were evaluated by a retrospective study of 427 small ruminants treated at the State University of Londrinas Veterinary Hospital (HV-UEL), from January 2006 to December 2015. Analysis of medical records of small ruminants with digestive disorder were performed, determining the occurrence, main clinical signs, established treatments and outcome of cases. Data were tabulated and submitted to a descriptive study of variables, observing frequency distribution (%) of analyzed conditions. Digestive disorders occurs in 38,6% (165/427) of cases in small ruminants at the studied period. Among these diseases, the most common were: hemoncose (27.7%; 53/191), acute rumen lactic acidosis (18.8%; 36/191), eimeriosis (13.6%; 26/191) and simple indigestion (6.8%; 13/191). The increase in sheep and goats flock in the state of Paraná reiterates the importance of developing studies such as the present study, in order to identify the most frequent diseases and prepare the veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and treatment.(AU)

Doenças do sistema digestório de pequenos ruminantes no norte do Paraná / Digestive disorders of small ruminants in northern Paraná

As doenças do sistema digestório de ovinos e caprinos no norte do Paraná foram avaliadas por meio de um estudo retrospectivo de 427 pequenos ruminantes atendidos no Ambulatório de Grandes Animais, do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2015. Para isso, foi realizada revisão das fichas clínicas dos pequenos ruminantes com afecções do sistema digestório, determinando a ocorrência, principais características clínicas, tratamentos instituídos e evolução dos casos. Os dados foram tabulados e submetidos a um estudo descritivo das variáveis, observando a distribuição das frequências (%) das condições analisadas. As afecções do sistema digestório foram diagnosticadas em 38,64% (165/427) dos atendimentos realizados. Vinte e seis animais apresentaram duas afecções no momento do atendimento, totalizando 191 enfermidades diagnosticadas. Dentre essas enfermidades, as mais comumente diagnosticadas foram: hemoncose (27,7%; 53/191), acidose láctica ruminal aguda (18,8%; 36/191), eimeriose (13,6%; 26/191) e indigestão simples (6,8%; 13/191). O aumento da criação de ovinos e caprinos no estado do Paraná reitera a importância do desenvolvimento de estudos como o presente trabalho, a fim de identificar as enfermidades mais frequentes e preparar o médico veterinário para o diagnóstico e tratamento correto.

Sheep and Goat’s digestive disorders in northern Paraná were evaluated by a retrospective study of 427 small ruminants treated at the State University of Londrina’s Veterinary Hospital (HV-UEL), from January 2006 to December 2015. Analysis of medical records of small ruminants with digestive disorder were performed, determining the occurrence, main clinical signs, established treatments and outcome of cases. Data were tabulated and submitted to a descriptive study of variables, observing frequency distribution (%) of analyzed conditions. Digestive disorders occurs in 38,6% (165/427) of cases in small ruminants at the studied period. Among these diseases, the most common were: hemoncose (27.7%; 53/191), acute rumen lactic acidosis (18.8%; 36/191), eimeriosis (13.6%; 26/191) and simple indigestion (6.8%; 13/191). The increase in sheep and goats’ flock in the state of Paraná reiterates the importance of developing studies such as the present study, in order to identify the most frequent diseases and prepare the veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Desenvolvimento e fisiologia do trato digestivo de ruminantes / Development and physiology of the digestive tract of ruminants

Os animais ruminantes possuem algumas modificações em seu trato digestório decorrentes da evolução, tais modificações surgiram principalmente devido ao tipo de dieta desses animais, que é baseada em alimentos com alto teor de fibra. O estômago dos ruminantes é dividido em quatro compartimentos, sendo estes o rúmen, retículo, omaso e abomaso. Os três primeiros compartimentos (rúmen, retículo e omaso) abrigam os microrganismos e, portanto, possuem atividade fermentativa. O abomaso assemelha-se o estômago dos não ruminantes, possuindo epitélio revestido por mucosa com glândulas secretoras de ácido, muco e hormônios. A ingestão de forragem auxilia no desenvolvimento do tamanho e volume do rúmen, retículo e omaso, já a ingestão de alimento concentrado desenvolve as estruturas (papilas ruminais) do rúmen. Para que haja uma digestão dos alimentos de forma eficiente através dos microrganismos quês estão presentes no rúmen, as condições deste devem ser: pH ideal entre 5,5 e 6,8, substrato constante para fermentação, temperatura ideal entre 38 e 42 °C, anaerobiose, potencial redutor e taxa de passagem constante da digesta, além da remoção dos produtos da fermentação (AGCC, CH4, CO2, entre outros gases). Além dessas condições, existem funções motoras, de secreção e absorção do trato digestivo dos ruminantes que são reguladas pela interação dos mecanismos de controle do sistema nervoso central e pelo sistema endócrino, de maneira semelhante aos demais órgãos e sistemas do organismo. A complexa participação dos hormônios a garantir a degradação e absorção dos alimentos, dos quais são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento e produção dos animais ruminantes.

Ruminant animals have some modifications in their digestive tract, due to the evolution, such modifications arose mainly due to the type of diet of these animals, which is based on foods with high fiber content. The stomach of ruminants is divided into four compartments, being the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. The first three compartments (rumen, reticulum and omasum) harbor the microorganisms and, therefore, have fermentative activity. The abomasum resembles the stomach of non-ruminants, having mucosa-lined epithelium with acid-secreting glands, mucus, and hormones. The ingestion of forage aids in the development of the size and volume of the rumen, reticulum and omasum, while the ingestion of concentrated food develops the structures (ruminal papillae) of the rumen. In order to efficiently digest food through the microorganisms that are present in the rumen the conditions of this should be: ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.8, constant substrate for fermentation, ideal temperature between 38 and 42 °C, anaerobiosis , reducing potential and constant passage rate of the digesta, besides the removal of the products of the fermentation (AGCC, CH4, CO2, among other gases). In addition to these conditions, there are motor functions, secretion and absorption of the digestive tract of ruminants that are regulated by the interaction of central nervous system control mechanisms and the endocrine system, similar to other organs and systems of the body. The complex involvement of hormones will ensure the degradation and absorption of food, which are key to the development and production of ruminant animals.

Desenvolvimento e fisiologia do trato digestivo de ruminantes / Development and physiology of the digestive tract of ruminants

Os animais ruminantes possuem algumas modificações em seu trato digestório decorrentes da evolução, tais modificações surgiram principalmente devido ao tipo de dieta desses animais, que é baseada em alimentos com alto teor de fibra. O estômago dos ruminantes é dividido em quatro compartimentos, sendo estes o rúmen, retículo, omaso e abomaso. Os três primeiros compartimentos (rúmen, retículo e omaso) abrigam os microrganismos e, portanto, possuem atividade fermentativa. O abomaso assemelha-se o estômago dos não ruminantes, possuindo epitélio revestido por mucosa com glândulas secretoras de ácido, muco e hormônios. A ingestão de forragem auxilia no desenvolvimento do tamanho e volume do rúmen, retículo e omaso, já a ingestão de alimento concentrado desenvolve as estruturas (papilas ruminais) do rúmen. Para que haja uma digestão dos alimentos de forma eficiente através dos microrganismos quês estão presentes no rúmen, as condições deste devem ser: pH ideal entre 5,5 e 6,8, substrato constante para fermentação, temperatura ideal entre 38 e 42 °C, anaerobiose, potencial redutor e taxa de passagem constante da digesta, além da remoção dos produtos da fermentação (AGCC, CH4, CO2, entre outros gases). Além dessas condições, existem funções motoras, de secreção e absorção do trato digestivo dos ruminantes que são reguladas pela interação dos mecanismos de controle do sistema nervoso central e pelo sistema endócrino, de maneira semelhante aos demais órgãos e sistemas do organismo. A complexa participação dos hormônios a garantir a degradação e absorção dos alimentos, dos quais são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento e produção dos animais ruminantes.(AU)

Ruminant animals have some modifications in their digestive tract, due to the evolution, such modifications arose mainly due to the type of diet of these animals, which is based on foods with high fiber content. The stomach of ruminants is divided into four compartments, being the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum. The first three compartments (rumen, reticulum and omasum) harbor the microorganisms and, therefore, have fermentative activity. The abomasum resembles the stomach of non-ruminants, having mucosa-lined epithelium with acid-secreting glands, mucus, and hormones. The ingestion of forage aids in the development of the size and volume of the rumen, reticulum and omasum, while the ingestion of concentrated food develops the structures (ruminal papillae) of the rumen. In order to efficiently digest food through the microorganisms that are present in the rumen the conditions of this should be: ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.8, constant substrate for fermentation, ideal temperature between 38 and 42 °C, anaerobiosis , reducing potential and constant passage rate of the digesta, besides the removal of the products of the fermentation (AGCC, CH4, CO2, among other gases). In addition to these conditions, there are motor functions, secretion and absorption of the digestive tract of ruminants that are regulated by the interaction of central nervous system control mechanisms and the endocrine system, similar to other organs and systems of the body. The complex involvement of hormones will ensure the degradation and absorption of food, which are key to the development and production of ruminant animals. (AU)

Performance and development of gastric compartments of calves fed with cheese whey and transition milk / Desempenho e desenvolvimento dos compartimentos gástricos de bezerros alimentados com soro de queijo e leite de transição

This study aimed to evaluate whether cheese whey associated with transitional milk or not, could serve as a suitable alternative to whole milk for calf rearing. For this, twenty-four male calves of crossbred Holstein-Zebu, were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments (8 calves per treatment) and fed for 60 days with one of the following liquid diets: i) 100% whole milk, ii) 50% whole milk and 50% cheese whey, and iii) 30% transitional milk and 70% cheese whey. There was no difference in food intake between treatments. The analysis showed that whole milk replacement did not alter the stomach weight or the ruminal cell proliferation when compared to treatment using 100% whole milk; however, the transitional milk/cheese whey group showed larger ruminal papillae. These results suggested that a transitional milk-cheese whey diet associated with solid food and proper nutrient complements might enhance the post-natal development of rumen papillae in calves, which might contribute to prepare them for weaning.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar se o soro de queijo associado ou não ao leite de transição poderia servir como uma alternativa adequada ao leite integral para a criação de bezerros. Para isso, 24 bezerros machos, mestiços Holandês-Zebu, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (oito bezerros por tratamento) e alimentados por 60 dias com uma das seguintes dietas líquidas: i) 100% leite integral; ii) 50% de leite integral e 50% de soro de queijo, e iii) 30% de leite de transição e 70% de soro de queijo. Não houve diferença na ingestão de alimentos entre os tratamentos. A análise mostrou que a substituição do leite integral não alterou o peso do estômago ou a proliferação das células ruminais quando comparado ao tratamento com 100% de leite integral. No entanto, o grupo de soro de queijo/leite de transição mostrou papilas ruminais maiores. Esses resultados sugerem que uma dieta de soro de queijo com leite de transição associada a alimentos sólidos e a complementos nutricionais apropriados pode aumentar o desenvolvimento pós-natal de papilas no rúmen de bezerros, o que pode contribuir para prepará-los para o desmame.(AU)

The effect of vinasse on the growth performance and feed digestibility of Holstein male calves

Industrial effluents of alcohol production are problematic for the environment. One of the proposed solutions to the reduction of harmful effects of the wastewater is to convert it into vinasse. The purpose of the present study is to investigate effects of rations with different levels of vinasse as a source of protein in the diet of 28 male Holstein calves, previously health checked, with an average initial weight of 300 ± 22.56 kg and the maximum similarity of weight and age. The calves were divided randomly into four treatments varied in vinasse (substituted for cottonseed meal): 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 % with seven replications and each group was given its own specific diet for 110 days. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and feed intake were examined. Final body weight, average daily weight gain and dry matter intake were significantly higher in calves fed diet with 10% vinasse compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). Rumen pH significantly increased in treatment four (15% vinasse) (p < 0.05). Crude fat, NDF, non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) and dry matter digestibility didnt show any significant difference between treatments (p > 0.05), but treatments with 10 and 15% vinasse significantly increased organic matter andcrude protein digestibility compared with control (p < 0.05). Totally substituting cottonseed meal with 10% vainasse in calves diet improved body weight gain and organic matter digestibility without any significant effects on rumen pH.(AU)