Ingestive behavior of Holstein × Zebu cows managed on deferred supplemented pasture

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing on deferred pasture receiving different supplementation strategies. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3×4 factorial, with three supplementation strategies and four evaluation periods. The ingestive behavior of 24 cows divided into three groups of supplementation provided at milking was observed, and two of these groups received protein in the pasture. Ingestive behavior was monitored every 10 minutes for 24 hours and analyzed in the form of periods (morning, afternoon, night, and dawn) and total time. The animals remained longer grazing during the afternoon when the BGHI presented values of 83.8. Protein consumption did not influence grazing time but interfered with forage consumption. For the total grazing time, the animals in group 2 spent less time grazing. The groups of animals presented no difference concerning the time spent on rumination and idleness. During night and dawn, when the climate was characterized as thermal comfort, the animals spent more time ruminating. The climatic conditions did not influence the ingestive behavior, as the grazing peak was observed at times of higher BGHI. However, supplementation of the animals in group 2 modified the ingestive behavior of F1 H × Z cows.

Nutritional, physiological, hematological, and biochemical responses of lambs fed increasing levels of Pornunça silage

ABSTRACT: Pornunça (Manihot sp.) is a potential forage to feed ruminants in drylands worldwide; however, evaluations of animal diets are necessary. This study assessed intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, physiological responses, ingestive behavior, water intake, as well as hematological and biochemical responses of lambs fed diets containing increasing levels of Pornunça silage (PS) replacing Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.). Treatments consisted of 0, 33, 66, and 100 % PS considering the roughage portion of the diet (% dry matter DM). The experimental design was completely randomized with six replicates. Cyanide acid (HCN) levels in fresh Pornunça leaves were 207.7 mg kg1 DM and 76.78 mg kg1 DM in PS. Intake of DM and crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) increased linearly with increasing levels of PS in the diet. Digestibility of DM, NDF, and CP were higher with increasing levels of PS. Idle time decreased linearly, while water balance, water intake via food, and total water in feces increased with PS. Nitrogen balance, physiological, and hematological responses were not influenced by treatments, while the final alanine aminotransferase increased for lambs fed all diets evaluated. The PS up to 100 % of the roughage portion increased DM and nutrient intake and digestibility without altering physiological responses and the hematological and biochemical parameters, resulting in greater water intake via food.

Ammonium dipropionate in the total mixed ration does not change the ingestive behavior but improves the productive performance of feedlot bulls / A adição do dipropionato de amônio na ração total misturada não altera o comportamento ingestivo, mas melhora o desempenho produtivo de novilhos confinados

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the productive performance, the ingestive behavior, the apparent digestibility of the diet, and the carcass characteristics of beef steers finished in confinement under the effect of ammonium dipropionate in the diet, and the fractionation or not in the supply of the diet. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme, totaling four treatments, as follows: Diet without ammonium dipropionate provided twice a day; Diet without ammonium dipropionate given once daily; Diet with ammonium dipropionate provided twice daily; Ammonium dipropionate diet provided once daily. Thirty-two ½ Angus ½ Nellore bulls were used, with an average age of 11 months. The use of ammonium dipropionate in the overall average increased average daily gain, dry matter intake, and carcass gain. The diet provided twice a day provided, on average, greater weight gain, greater carcass gain, and better feed conversion. When evaluating the association between treatments, the use of dipropionate plus the diet supplied twice a day showed greater daily carcass gain during the experimental period and higher hot carcass weight (1.251 kg, 111.4 kg, and 308.6 kg respectively), as well as ensuring better apparent digestibility of dry matter (74.57%). With the data obtained in the present study, it is possible to state that it is advisable to use ammonium dipropionate while maintaining the fractionation of the diet for beef steers in the finishing phase.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo, o comportamento ingestivo, a digestibilidade aparente da dieta e as características de carcaça de novilhos de corte terminados em confinamento sob efeito do dipropionato de amônio na dieta, e do fracionamento ou não no fornecimento da dieta. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em um esquema fatorial 2 x 2, totalizando quatro tratamentos, sendo: Dieta sem dipropionato de amônio fornecida duas vezes ao dia; Dieta sem dipropionato de amônio fornecida uma vez ao dia; Dieta com dipropionato de amônio fornecida duas vezes ao dia; Dieta com dipropionato de amônio fornecida uma vez ao dia. Utilizou-se 32 novilhos ½ sangue Angus ½ sangue Nelore, com idade média de 11 meses. O uso do dipropionato de amônio na média geral aumentou o ganho médio diário, a ingestão de matéria seca, e o ganho de carcaça. A dieta fornecida duas vezes ao dia proporcionou na média geral, maior ganho de peso, maior ganho de carcaça e melhor conversão alimentar. Ao avaliar a associação entre os tratamentos, o uso de dipropionato mais a dieta fornecida duas vezes ao dia mostrou maior ganho de carcaça diário, durante o período experimental e maior peso de carcaça quente (1,251 kg, 111,4 kg e 308,6 kg respectivamente), assim como garantiu melhor digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (74,57%). Com os dados obtidos no presente estudo é possível afirmar que é recomendável utilizar o dipropionato de amônio mantendo o fracionamento da dieta para novilhos de corte em fase de terminação.(AU)

Effect of replacing corn with cactus pear on the performance and carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot finished lambs / Efeito da substituição do milho pela palma forrageira sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cordeiros terminados em confinamento

The aim was to evaluate the effect of replacing ground corn with spineless cactus from two species Orelha de Elefante Mexicana-OEM (Opuntia stricta Haw.) and Gigante (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) in a total mixed ration for finishing lambs evaluating its effects on intake, ingestive behavior, performance, carcass traits, commercial cuts and physiochemical composition of the meat. Eighteen crossbred lambs with average body weight of 15.0 ± 2.32 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments (OEM and Gigante spineless cactus and ground corn as control treatment) and six replications. Spineless cactus species replacing ground corn in lambs diets does not change the intake of dry matter (DMI), crude protein and neutral detergent fiber or time (min/d) of ingestion, rumination and idleness, or final body weight gain. Lambs fed with ground corn and "Gigante" cactus presented a higher total weigh gain (TWG) and average daily weight gain (ADG) when compared to OEM spineless specie. Ground corn diet promoted better hot and cold carcass yield in lambs receiving spineless cactus, regardless of species. Feed and total costs (kg/lamb) were higher for the ground corn diet. The replacement of ground corn with spineless cactus did not change moisture, protein, and ash meat contents, as well as water holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, and a* color intensity. However, there was an effect for the meat lipid content, b* and L* color intensity and color index, where the species of cactus Gigante on ground corn presented the highest lipid content and yellowness (b*) intensity and lower L* color compared to OEM. Spineless cactus species Gigante can replace ground corn as a source of energy in diets for finishing lambs because it significantly improves the financial income for the producer without changing the ADG, DMI, ingestive behavior and yield of commercial cuts.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho moído por duas espécies de palma forrageira, Orelha de Elefante Mexicana-OEM (Opuntia stricta Haw.) e espécie Gigante (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) em uma ração completa para terminação de cordeiros avaliando seus efeitos sobre consumo, comportamento ingestivo, desempenho, características de carcaça, cortes comerciais e composição físico-química da carne. Foram utilizados dezoito cordeiros sem padrão racial definido com peso corporal médio de 15,0 ± 2,32 kg e foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (OEM e palma Gigante e grão de milho como controle) e seis repetições. As duas espécies de palma forrageira em substituição ao milho moído na dieta de cordeiros não modificaram o consumo de matéria seca (CMS) proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro nem o tempo (min/dia) de ingestão, ruminação e ócio ou ganho corporal final. Cordeiros alimentados com milho moído e palma Gigante apresentaram maior ganho de peso total (GPT) e médio diário (GMD) em relação à espécie OEM. A dieta com milho moído promoveu melhor rendimento de carcaça quente e fria comparando cordeiros recebendo palma forrageira, independente da espécie. Os custos com ração e total (kg/cordeiro) foram maiores para a dieta com milho moído. A substituição do milho moído pela palma forrageira não alterou os teores de umidade, proteína e cinzas da carne, bem como a capacidade de retenção de água, perda por cozimento, força de cisalhamento e intensidade de cor a*. No entanto, houve efeito para o teor de lipídios da carne, índice de intensidade de cor b* e L*, sendo que a espécie de palma Gigante e o milho grão moído apresentou o maior teor de lipídios e intensidade de amarelo (b*) e menor cor L* em relação ao OEM. A espécie palma forrageira Gigante pode substituir o milho moído como fonte de energia em dietas para cordeiros em terminação, pois melhora significativamente o rendimento financeiro do produtor sem alterar o GMD, CMS, comportamento ingestivo e rendimento dos cortes comerciais.

Nutritional, physiological, hematological, and biochemical responses of lambs fed increasing levels of Pornunça silage

Pornunça (Manihot sp.) is a potential forage to feed ruminants in drylands worldwide; however, evaluations of animal diets are necessary. This study assessed intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, physiological responses, ingestive behavior, water intake, as well as hematological and biochemical responses of lambs fed diets containing increasing levels of Pornunça silage (PS) replacing Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.). Treatments consisted of 0, 33, 66, and 100 % PS considering the roughage portion of the diet (% dry matter - DM). The experimental design was completely randomized with six replicates. Cyanide acid (HCN) levels in fresh Pornunça leaves were 207.7 mg kg-¹ DM and 76.78 mg kg-¹ DM in PS. Intake of DM and crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) increased linearly with increasing levels of PS in the diet. Digestibility of DM, NDF, and CP were higher with increasing levels of PS. Idle time decreased linearly, while water balance, water intake via food, and total water in feces increased with PS. Nitrogen balance, physiological, and hematological responses were not influenced by treatments, while the final alanine aminotransferase increased for lambs fed all diets evaluated. The PS up to 100 % of the roughage portion increased DM and nutrient intake and digestibility without altering physiological responses and the hematological and biochemical parameters, resulting in greater water intake via food.

Replacing corn silage with extruded forage in sheep feeding

The objective was to evaluate levels of replacement of corn silage with extruded forage (Foragge®) in sheep feeding. Twenty adult Santa Inês ewes in maintenance, and 55.8 kg average weight were housed in metabolic cages, and the treatments consisted of 20, 40, 60 and 80% replacement of corn silage with Foragge®extruded forage with 60% Uruchloa brizanthain the diet. The design was completely randomized, with regression analysis and non-parametric analysis at 5% probability. The supply of up to 80% extruded roughage to replace corn silage increased dry matter intake and digestibility, and fecal output in dry matter (p < 0.05). Also, it increased the efficiency of ingestion, rumination and chewing activities of sheep, but did not alter urinary parameters and energy metabolites (p > 0.05). However, it reduced the concentration of uric acid (p < 0.05). Foragge®extruded roughage can replace corn silage by up to 80% with changes in intake, digestibility, fecal parameters, ingestive behavior and concentration of uric acid and urea, with no modifications in urinary parameters and energy metabolites.(AU)

Intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior of sheep fed with thornless Mandacaru, cactus pear genotypes Orelha de Elefante Mexicana and Miúda

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior of sheep fed with different species of forage cacti. Fifteen sheep (17.27kg ± 1 kg) were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments and five replicates. The treatments were diets on a dry matter basis composed of 430.9 g kg-1of thornless Mandacaru cactus (Cereus hildmannianus), 525.7 g kg-1of cactus pear cv. Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia stricta) and 492.1 g kg-1of cactus pear cv. Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera) in addition to Sabiá hay (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia) (194.7 to 233.8 g kg-1), plus concentrate feed. The intake of the dry matter,organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, total digestible nutrientsand voluntary water intake in g day-1was not differ (p > 0.05) by experimental diets. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in digestibility coefficients of the dry matter,organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrientsbetween the experimental diets. The feeding times differed (p < 0.05) between diets, with a higher value for the Opuntiadiet, while the rumination times, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency did not differ (p > 0.05). The cactus Cereusand Opuntiaand Nopaleahave similar nutritional value in sheep's diet.(AU)

Influence of irrigation and supplementation on performance and ingestive behavior of beef cattle on mixed grass pastures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef cattle with two levels of energy-protein supplementation of low-consumption on African Bermudagrass pasture, overseeded in winter with oat and ryegrass, with or without irrigation. Twenty-four castrated Angus steers (11 months old and had an initial average of 220 kg body weight (BW)) were used in experimental area of 3.6 ha. The experiment was completely randomized in a 2×2 factorial design, with three replicates. The evaluation period was 249 days (July/2019 to March/2020). The treatments were: irrigated pasture with supplementation of 1 g/kg BW or 2.7 g/kg BW and non-irrigated pasture with 1 g/kg BW of supplement or 2.7 g/kg BW. The grazing method was continuous with a variable stocking rate. Irrigation provided pastures with better chemical composition in winter and spring. Irrigation increased the daily accumulation rate in winter (84.6 vs. 45.9 kg DM/ha/day), providing a greater stocking rate (1,702 vs. 1,385 kg/ha) and, consequently, body weight gain per hectare. Supplementation of 2.7 g/kg BW provided a greater stocking rate in winter (1,652 vs. 1,435 kg/ha) and spring (3,096 vs. 2,811 kg/ha), not changing in summer. The association of irrigation and supplementation of 2.7 vs. 1.0 g/kg BW improves the intake pattern by the animal in summer without changing productivity parameters. Irrigation increases productivity and the nutritional value of pasture with higher livestock production per area in periods of water deficit. The supply of 2.7 vs. 1.0 g/kg BW provides a greater stocking rate and body weight gain per hectare.(AU)

Supplementation of yeast culture combined with an enzyme complex in the diet for confined steers / Suplementação de cultura de leveduras em associação com complexo enzimático na dieta de novilhos confinados

The objective was to evaluate the productive performance, apparent digestibility of the diet and ingestive behavior of beef cattle finished in feedlot under the effect of the inclusion of yeast culture or enzyme complex. The treatments were: diet without additives (control); diet with enzyme complex (7 g animal day-1); diet with yeast culture (7g animal day-1) and diet with the association of enzymatic complex (7 g animal day-1) and yeast culture (7g animal day-1). The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replications. Forty ½ Angus ½ Nellore steers, with an average initial body weight of 362 kg ± 6 kg, were used. Regardless of the evaluation period, non-supplementation caused the animals to gain less weight (0 to 21 days: 1.267 kg day-1; 0 to 42 days: 1.377 kg day-1; 0 to 63 days: 1.368 kg day-1) compared to supplemented animals, feed conversion for non-supplemented animals was also worse. Starch apparent digestibility showed higher averages when steers were supplemented with yeast culture alone and yeast culture combined with enzyme complex (97.30% and 97.07%, respectively). Supplementation using a combination of yeast culture with enzyme complex did not cause additional effects on weight gain, but resulted in the lowest averages for feed conversion.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo, digestibilidade aparente da dieta e comportamento ingestivo de bovinos de corte terminados em confinamento sob efeito da inclusão de cultura de leveduras ou de complexo enzimático. Os tratamentos foram assim constituídos: dieta sem aditivos (controle); dieta com complexo enzimático (7 g animal dia-1); dieta com cultura de levedura (7g animal dia-1) e dieta com a associação de complexo enzimático (7 g animal dia-1) e cultura de levedura (7g animal dia-1). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições. Utilizou-se 40 novilhos inteiros, ½ sangue Angus ½ sangue Nelore, com peso vivo médio inicial de 362 kg ± 6kg. Independente do período de avaliação, a não suplementação fez com que os animais ganhassem menos peso (0 a 21 dias: 1,267 kg dia-1; 0 a 42 dias: 1,377 kg dia-1; 0 a 63 dias: 1,368 kg dia-1) em relação aos animais suplementados, a conversão alimentar para os animais não suplementados também foi pior. A digestibilidade aparente do amido apresentou maiores médias quando os novilhos foram suplementados com cultura de levedura isolada e com cultura de levedura associada com complexo enzimático (97,30% e 97,07% respectivamente). A suplementação na forma de associação da cultura de leveduras ao complexo enzimático não apresentou efeitos adicionais sobre o ganho de peso, mas possui as menores médias para conversão alimentar.(AU)

Performance supplementation and ingestive behavior of sheep finished in continuous pasture in the period of water restriction

The objective was to evaluate the performance and ingestivebehavior of grazing sheep in the finishing stage, with supplementation in the period of water restriction. Fifteen male crossbred sheep were used in continuous pasture in Massai grass and supplied supplement formulated with 18% of crude protein in three levels (0.0; 0.3 and 0.6% of body weight), individually. Bromatological and fodder production analyses were performed, as well as foliar mass production, stem mass and senescent material mass. The performance and ingestive behavior of the animals were evaluated. The design was in four randomized blocks for the variables measured in the fodder. For the biometry, weight gain and behavior variables measured in the animals, the design was entirely randomized with five repetitions. The total forage mass production was 5512.41 kg ha-1, with 6.58% of crude protein, 79 38% of neutral detergent fiber and with 65% of foliar mass. The total weight gain and daily weight gain were higher in animals that received a supplement of 0.6% of body weight. In general, the animalsgrazed more in the morning period and the supplemented ones destined more time for rumination and leisure than the ones not supplemented.(AU)

Ingestive behavior of lambs fed relocated and inoculated whole-plant corn silage

We aimed to determine the effect of relocation of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) with different fermentation profiles on ingestive behavior of lambs. Twenty-four male Santa Inês lambs, were used in a completely randomized block design based on initial bodyweight (17.5 ± 1.8 kg) for the following treatments: CS: WPCS (not inoculated and not relocated); R-12h: WPCS relocated for 12h; IR-12h: WPCS inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarumand relocated for 12h; and R-24h: WPCS not inoculated and relocated for 24h. Ingestive behavior was observed as continuous (feeding, ruminating, and idling) and specific (urination, defecation, and water and salt access frequency) activities for 48h (3h intervals for a total of eight periods in 24h). The behavioral activities were affected only by periods (p = 0.0001). Feeding peaks was high at 8:00–11:00am(54.2%) and 5:00-8:00pm(54.9%) in compare to ruminating and idling at the same period. Rumination time was intense at night, at 63.7% (2:00–5:00am) and 69.7% (5:00–8:00am). Idling time (49.7%) was long after silage supply. The specific activities were intense during the morning periods. Supply of WPCS relocated up to 24h did not alter the ingestive behavior.(AU)

Feeding behavior of sheep in feedlot and fed with diets containing detoxified castor cake in substitution to the soybean meal

To evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep confined and fed with substitution levels of soybean meal (SM) by detoxified castor cake (DCC). We adopted a completely randomized design, with four levels of substitution (0; 33; 67 and 100%) with five replicates (sheep). We estimated the percentages of total times of intake of feed, time of rumination, in 'other activities', in idle agreed and in idle sleeping, dividing the day into eight periods (5h00 to 8h00; 8h01 to 11h00; 11h01 to 14h00; 14h01 to 17h00; 17h01 to 20h00; 20h01 to 23h00; 23h01 to 2h00 and 2h01 to 5h00). No interaction was observed between levels of substitution of the SM by DCC and period of the day to go. However, the isolated effect period of the day, there is more time to go from 8h00 to 11h00. The time rumination was not influenced by the levels of substitution of the SM by DCC. As for the variable other activities, the level of 67% DCC was superior to that of 100%. Regarding the variables idle agreed and idle sleeping, were not observed effects of substitution levels of SM by DCC. The DCC provides no changes in the behavior of the sheep, but the period of the day exerts influence on the behavioral pattern of such animals.(AU)

Physiological responses, water consumption, and feeding behaviour of lamb breeds fed diets containing different proportions of concentrate

The use of adapted breeds, such as Santa Inês, is of paramount importance for regions with high temperatures because they develop efficient mechanisms for heat dissipation. Furthermore, some breeds have physiological adaptations, such as more efficient mechanisms for the digestion of fibrous foods (e.g. Rabo Largo), which can reduce the harmful effects of semiarid environments. We studied the ingestive behaviour, water consumption, and physiological parameters during feeding of two native sheep breeds fed diets containing high (700 g/kg DM; HC diet) or low (300 g/kg DM; LC diet) percentages of concentrates, based on dry matter (DM). A total of 40 uncastrated male lambs (20 Rabo Largo [breed 1] and 20 Santa Inês [breed 2], with an average body weight of 16.68 ± 2.78 kg, and 19.29 kg ± 3.28 kg, respectively), were distributed in a randomised block design in a two-by-two factorial scheme (breeds × diets) with 10 repetitions. Santa Inês lambs consumed and ruminated DM (P = 0.029 for both) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF; P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively) more efficiently than RaboLargo lambs, while the latter showed an increase in respiratory rate (+19 breaths/min) and rectal temperature (+1.3 °C) compared to the Santa Inês lambs (P = 0.001). The HC diet negatively affected (P < 0.05) the feeding behaviour of the animals, reflecting the higher (P < 0.05) water consumption. The results showed that diets rich in concentrate negatively affected the thermoregulation of lambs. Santa Inês have greater feed and thermoregulatory efficiency than Rabo Largo lambs under conditions of heat stress in the feedlot.

On the efficacy, innocuity and residual depletion of flavomycin in confined steers / Avaliação da eficácia, inocuidade e depleção residual da flavomicina em novilhos confinados

Flavomycin is a non-ionophore additive little studied in finishing confined cattle. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of flavomycin on productive performance, ingestive behavior, carcass traits and biochemical parameters of steers finished in confinement. 32 whole steers, ½ Angus e ½ Nellore blood, from the same herd, with a mean age of 11 ± 1.5 months and initial body weight of 337 ± 6 kg were evaluated. The experiment was a randomized block design, consisting of two treatments and eight replications, as follows: Diet without flavomycin (control) and Diet with flavomycin (0.5 g FLAVIMPEX®80 animal day-1). There was no difference between treatments, the average dry matter intake of the animals was 10.03 kg day-1, feed efficiency was 0.158 kg, average daily gain was 1.593 kg day-1, apparent diet digestibility was 61.69%. The use of flavomycin was not effective in animal performance, and caused no changes in ingestive behavior and carcass traits of the animals. Total Plasma Protein, Aspartate amino-transferase and creatinine were lower for animals supplemented with flavomycin compared to the control group. In relation to the experimental period, there was a reduction in the levels of Total Plasma Protein, an increase in albumin, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase and urea in cattle, but all remained within the reference range for the species.(AU)

A flavomicina é um aditivo que pertence à classe dos não ionóforos, contudo, com poucos estudos realizados com bovinos confinados em fase de terminação. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da flavomicina sobre o desempenho produtivo, comportamento ingestivo, características de carcaça e os parâmetros bioquímicos de novilhos terminados em confinamento. Foram avaliados 32 novilhos inteiros, ½ sangue Angus ½ sangue Nelore, provenientes do mesmo rebanho, com idade média de 11 meses ± 1,5 meses e peso corporal inicial de 337 kg ± 6 kg. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, composto por dois tratamentos e oito repetições, sendo: Dieta sem flavomicina (controle) e Dieta com flavomicina (0,5 g animal dia-1 do produto FLAVIMPEX®80). Não ocorrendo diferença entre os tratamentos, o consumo de matéria seca médio dos animais foi de 10,03 kg dia-1, eficiência alimentar de 0,158 kg, ganho médio diário de 1,593 kg dia-1, digestibilidade aparente da dieta de 61,69%. O uso da flavomicina não foi eficaz no desempenho animal, assim como não trouxe alterações no comportamento ingestivo e melhorias nas características de carcaça dos animais. A Proteína Plasmática Total, Aspartato amino-transferase e creatinina foram inferiores para os animais suplementados com flavomicina em relação ao grupo controle. Em relação ao período experimental houve redução nos índices de Proteína Plasmática Total, aumento na albumina, Gama-Glutamil Transferase e ureia dos bovinos, mas todos se mantiveram dentro dos valores de referência para a espécie.(AU)

Physiological responses, water consumption, and feeding behaviour of lamb breeds fed diets containing different proportions of concentrate

The use of adapted breeds, such as Santa Inês, is of paramount importance for regions with high temperatures because they develop efficient mechanisms for heat dissipation. Furthermore, some breeds have physiological adaptations, such as more efficient mechanisms for the digestion of fibrous foods (e.g. Rabo Largo), which can reduce the harmful effects of semiarid environments. We studied the ingestive behaviour, water consumption, and physiological parameters during feeding of two native sheep breeds fed diets containing high (700 g/kg DM; HC diet) or low (300 g/kg DM; LC diet) percentages of concentrates, based on dry matter (DM). A total of 40 uncastrated male lambs (20 Rabo Largo [breed 1] and 20 Santa Inês [breed 2], with an average body weight of 16.68 ± 2.78 kg, and 19.29 kg ± 3.28 kg, respectively), were distributed in a randomised block design in a two-by-two factorial scheme (breeds × diets) with 10 repetitions. Santa Inês lambs consumed and ruminated DM (P = 0.029 for both) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF; P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively) more efficiently than RaboLargo lambs, while the latter showed an increase in respiratory rate (+19 breaths/min) and rectal temperature (+1.3 °C) compared to the Santa Inês lambs (P = 0.001). The HC diet negatively affected (P < 0.05) the feeding behaviour of the animals, reflecting the higher (P < 0.05) water consumption. The results showed that diets rich in concentrate negatively affected the thermoregulation of lambs. Santa Inês have greater feed and thermoregulatory efficiency than Rabo Largo lambs under conditions of heat stress in the feedlot.(AU)

Productive performance and ingestive behavior of crossbred heifers in integrated livestock-forest systems

The present study aimed to assess the productive performance, ingestive behavior, and thermal condition of crossbred beef heifers in an integrated livestock-forest (ILF) system with different tree-planting designs. Seventy-two ½ Angus ½ Nellore heifers were divided in three treatments­conventional system (CS) without eucalyptus, integrated livestock system with 187 eucalyptus ha−1 (ILF-1L), and integrated livestock system with 446 eucalyptus ha−1 (ILF-3L)­, in the winter and summer. Total dry mass of forage (TDM), chemical analysis of Marandu palisadegrass, average daily gain (ADG), stocking rate (SR), weight gain per area (WGA), behavior, microclimatic variables, and thermal comfort indexes were evaluated. A higher percentage of crude protein and lower TDM and SR were observed in ILF-1L and ILF-3L, with no differences for ADG and WGA. Ambient temperature, temperature-humidity index, black globe-humidity index, and radiant heat load were better in ILF-1L and ILF-3L. Heifers in ILF-1L and ILF-3L carried out grazing, resting, rumination, and other activities in the shade. In the summer, heifers in ILF-1L and ILF-3L spent less time resting and more time in rumination and performing other activities than those in the CS. In conclusion, the better forage quality in ILF-1L and ILF-3L does not alter the performance of heifers or WGA, despite the decreased TDM and SR. Furthermore, ILF-1L and ILF-3L provide better thermal comfort, and heifers that do not have access to shade decrease their activities as a strategy to reduce the use of energy for thermal regulation process.(AU)

Influence of pasture, silvopastoral, and feedlot production systems and the recording interval of behavioral activities on the ingestive behavior of lambs / Influência dos sistemas de produção em pastagem, silvipastoril e confinamento, e do intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais no comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros

The evaluation of the ingestive behavior of ruminant animals is important to identify the animal response to the particularities of the different production systems. However, the five-minute evaluation technique requires personnel, making it difficult to adhere to farms and research in more complex pastoral systems. Thus, this study objected to evaluating the influence of pasture, silvopastoral, and feedlot production systems on the ingestive behavior of lambs and to defining the behavior recording interval in each of the systems. Twenty-four lambs were distributed in an experimental design in split plots. The plots were the production systems (pasture without shading - PS, silvopastoral - SS, and feedlot systems - FS) and the subplots were the behavior observation intervals (5, 10, 15, and 20 min.). In the pasture without shading and silvopastoral systems, the lambs were kept on Aruana grass (Megathyrsus maximus) pasture and supplemented with concentrate at 1.5% of body weight per day, on a dry matter (DM) basis. In the feedlot system, the lambs received a diet consisting of 200 g kg DM-1 of annual ryegrass hay (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and 800 g kg DM-1 of concentrate. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between the production system and the recording interval of behavioral activities. The time spent on food intake was higher (P < 0.05) in the pasture (533 min d-1) and silvopastoral (513 min d-1) systems than in the feedlot (225 min d-1). In contrast, for water intake, time was higher (P < 0.05) in the feedlot (21 min d-1) and lower in the silvopastoral system (5 min d-1). There was no difference (P > 0.05) between the systems for rumination and idle activities, of which daily averages were 378 and 587 min d-1, respectively. There was also no difference (P > 0.05) between the observation intervals for feed, water, rumination, and idleness activities. Lambs in pasture-based systems spend more time feeding, and feedlot lambs spend more time ingesting water. Feedlot lambs ruminate as much as grazing animals when fed hay, even though hay represents only 20% of the total diet. The recording interval of behavioral activities in these production systems can be up to 20 minutes.(AU)

A avaliação do comportamento ingestivo de animais ruminantes é importante para identificar a resposta animal frente às particularidades dos diferentes sistemas de produção. Entretanto, a técnica de avaliação usualmente utilizada, com intervalos de cinco minutos, requer mão de obra, dificultando sua adesão em propriedades e em pesquisas em sistemas pastoris de maior complexidade. Assim, este estudo foi realizado com os objetivos de avaliar a influência dos sistemas de produção em pastagem, silvipastoril e confinamento sobre o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros e definir o intervalo de registro do comportamento em cada um dos sistemas. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros distribuídos em delineamento experimental em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas os sistemas de produção (pastagem sem sombreamento, sistema silvipastoril e confinamento) e as subparcelas os intervalos de observação do comportamento (5, 10, 15 e 20 min.). Nos sistemas em pastagem sem sombreamento e silvipastoril, os cordeiros permaneceram em pastagem de capim Aruana (Megathyrsus maximus) e foram suplementados com concentrado a 1,5% do peso corporal ao dia em base de matéria seca (MS). No sistema em confinamento, os cordeiros receberam ração composta por 200 g kg MS-1 de feno de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) e 800 g kg MS-1 de concentrado. Não houve interação (P > 0,05) entre sistema de produção e intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais. O tempo despendido para a ingestão de alimento foi maior (P < 0,05) no sistema de pastagem (533 min d-1) e silvipastoril (513 min d-1) em relação ao confinamento (225 min d-1), enquanto que para ingestão de água foi maior (P < 0,05) no confinamento (21 min d-1) e menor no silvipastoril (5 min d-1). Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) entre os sistemas para as atividades de ruminação e ócio, cujas médias diárias foram de 378 e 587 min d-1, respectivamente. Também não houve diferença (P > 0,05) entre os intervalos de observação para as atividades de ingestão de alimento, água, ruminação e ócio. Cordeiros em sistemas à base de pastagem gastam mais tempo se alimentando, e cordeiros confinados mais tempo ingerindo água. Cordeiros confinados ruminam tanto quanto animais em pastejo quando alimentados com feno, mesmo que este represente apenas 20% da dieta total. O intervalo de registro das atividades comportamentais nestes sistemas de produção pode ser de até 20 minutos.(AU)

Associative effect of essential oils, tannins, and sodium monensin on the performance of steers finished in feedlot / Efeito associativo de óleos essenciais, taninos e monensina sódica sobre o desempenho de novilhos terminados em confinamento

The objective was to evaluate the productive performance, ingestive behavior, apparent digestibility of the diet and carcass traits of beef steers finished in feedlot under the effect of including tannins and essential oils (TAN+EO) alone or combined with sodium monensin (MO) in the feed. For this purpose, 30 ½ blood Angus steers from the same herd, with an average age of 12 months and an average initial body weight of 367.8 kg were used. The experimental design was randomized blocks, consisting of three treatments: MO - diet with sodium monensin (25 mg kg DM-1); TAN+EO - diet with tannins and essential oils (1.5 g kg DM-1); and MO+TAN+EO - diet with sodium monensin + tannins and essential oils (25 mg kg DM-1 + 1.5 g kg DM-1), with five repetitions, where each repetition was represented by a stall with two animals. Diets were formulated and consisted of a mixture of 40% corn silage and 60% concentrate, which was fed to the animals twice a day, at 06h00 am and 05h30 pm. There was no difference (P>0.05) in average daily weight gain of animals between treatments, with an average of 1.392 kg day-1. Carcass yield was higher for animals that received the compound of essential oils and tannins (55.72%), compared to animals fed the combination of tannins, essential oils and monensin (54.54%) but did not differ from those supplemented with sodium monensin alone (55.58%). Supplementation with essential oils and tannins improved the apparent digestibility of the diet, however, did not promote changes in the ingestive behavior and carcass traits of steers. The combination of essential oils and tannins with sodium monensin did not show a potentiated effect on animal performance, digestibility of DM, digestive and ingestive behavior and carcass traits of feedlot finished steers compared to the combined use of essential oils with tannins.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo, o comportamento ingestivo, a digestibilidade aparente da dieta e as características de carcaça de novilhos de corte terminados em confinamento sob efeito da inclusão de taninos e óleos essenciais (TAN+OE) de forma isolada ou associada a monensina sódica (MO) na ração. Para tal utilizou-se 30 novilhos, ½ sangue Angus, provenientes de mesmo rebanho, com idade média de 12 meses e peso vivo médio inicial de 367,8 kg. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, constituído de três tratamentos sendo: MO - dieta com monensina sódica (25 mg kg MS-1); TAN+OE - dieta com taninos e óleos essenciais (1,5 g kg MS-1); e MO+TAN+OE - dieta com monensina sódica + taninos e óleos essenciais (25 mg kg MS-1 + 1,5 g kg MS-1), com cinco repetições, onde cada repetição foi representada por uma baia com dois animais. As dietas foram formuladas e constituídas por uma mistura de 40% de silagem de milho e 60% de concentrado, a qual foi fornecida aos animais duas vezes ao dia, às 06h00 e às 17h30 horas. Não ocorreu diferença (P>0,05) no ganho de peso médio diário dos animais entre os tratamentos, apresentando média de 1,392 kg dia-1. O rendimento de carcaça foi superior para os animais que receberam composto de óleos essenciais e taninos (55,72%), em relação aos animais que receberam a associação de taninos, óleos essências e monensina (54,54%) no entanto não diferiram dos suplementados com monensina sódica isolada (55,58%). A suplementação com óleos essenciais e taninos melhorou a digestibilidade aparente da dieta, entretanto, não promoveu alterações no comportamento ingestivo e nas características de carcaça de novilhos. A associação de óleos essenciais e taninos à monensina sódica não apresentou efeito potencializado no desempenho animal, digestibilidade da MS, comportamento digestivo e ingestivo e características de carcaça de novilhos terminados em confinamento frente ao uso de óleos essenciais com taninos.(AU)

Exogenous enzymes in sheep diet: nutritional and physiological parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding exogenous enzymes to the diet on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior and rumen movement of ewe lambs. Five ewe lambs, Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred, with an average age of 7 ± 1 months, average weight of 36.40 ± 2.36 kg were assigned in a 5x5 Latin square design. The treatments consisted of adding exogenous enzymes to the concentrate: Allzyme, Fibrozyme®, Amaize®, Mix and Control. Analyses of variance were applied and means were compared by the SNK test, and non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test at 5% significance. The dry matter intake in relation to body weight, crude protein intake and nitrogen intake were higher with the use of amylolytic enzyme compared to the other treatments (p <0.05). Nitrogen balance was higher with the use of amylolytic enzymes and the Allzyme® enzyme complex (p <0.05). A longer time spent in total chewing was observed with the inclusion of fibrolytic and amylolytic enzymes without changes in rumen movement. The use of exogenous enzymes promotes better use of nutrients, with high digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and crude protein.(AU)

Replacement of corn with pre-dried cassava root silage in the diet for dairy goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacement of corn with pre-dried cassava root silage (CRS) on intake, ingestive behavior, production and composition of goat milk. Five lactating Saanen goats were used, with 42.5 ± 4.2 kg body weight and production of 2 kg milk day-1, distributed in a 5 x 5 Latin square with five treatments: 0, 28.6, 58.0, 81.6 and 100% replacement of corn with CRS in the diet dry matter. Goats were monitored for five periods of 15 days each. The intake of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly (p <0.05) with the replacement of corn with CRS. Feeding (348.5 ± 62.1 min.) and rumination (468.8 ± 83.8 min.) times were not influenced (p >0.05) by the replacement of corn with CRS, but the ingestion and rumination efficiencies had a linear increase (p > 0.05). Milk production (2.17 ± 0.45 kg day-1), fat (3.49 ± 0.42%), protein (3.11 ± 0.13%) and lactose (4.47 ± 0,11%) of goat milk were not influenced (p >0.05) by the replacement of corn with CRS. Therefore, it is recommended the total replacement of corn with pre-dried cassava root silage in the diet for dairy goats with an average production of 2 kg day-1.(AU)