Paternal effects on fetal programming

Paternal programming is the concept that the environmental signals from the sire's experiences leading up to mating can alter semen and ultimately affect the phenotype of resulting offspring. Potential mechanisms carrying the paternal effects to offspring can be associated with epigenetic signatures (DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNAs), oxidative stress, cytokines, and the seminal microbiome. Several opportunities exist for sperm/semen to be influenced during development; these opportunities are within the testicle, the epididymis, or accessory sex glands. Epigenetic signatures of sperm can be impacted during the pre-natal and pre-pubertal periods, during sexual maturity and with advancing sire age. Sperm are susceptible to alterations as dictated by their developmental stage at the time of the perturbation, and sperm and seminal plasma likely have both dependent and independent effects on offspring. Research using rodent models has revealed that many factors including over/under nutrition, dietary fat, protein, and ingredient composition (e.g., macro- or micronutrients), stress, exercise, and exposure to drugs, alcohol, and endocrine disruptors all elicit paternal programming responses that are evident in offspring phenotype. Research using livestock species has also revealed that sire age, fertility level, plane of nutrition, and heat stress can induce alterations in the epigenetic, oxidative stress, cytokine, and microbiome profiles of sperm and/or seminal plasma. In addition, recent findings in pigs, sheep, and cattle have indicated programming effects in blastocysts post-fertilization with some continuing into post-natal life of the offspring. Our research group is focused on understanding the effects of common management scenarios of plane of nutrition and growth rates in bulls and rams on mechanisms resulting in paternal programming and subsequent offspring outcomes. Understanding the implication of paternal programming is imperative as short-term feeding and management decisions have the potential to impact productivity and profitability of our herds for generations to come.(AU)

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.

Blood biochemical parameters of lambs fed diets containing cactus cladodes / Parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo palma forrageira

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial replacement (750g/kg) of Tifton hay by two cactus cladodes (Nopalea or Opuntia) on the metabolic profile of lambs. Thirty-six uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs (22.0±2.9kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and 12 repetitions. The animals were fed a control diet (Tifton hay as exclusive roughage), Miúda cactus cladodes-based diet or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (O.E.M.) cactus cladodes-based diet. Blood samples were collected one day before (baseline) and 45 days after the introduction of the tested diets. The Miúda cactus cladodes caused an increase (P=0.055) in the serum activity of the gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme (53.66U/L) and in the blood content of glucose and fructosamine. The O.E.M. cactus cladodes caused lower (P=0.038) serum cholesterol content (41.33mg/dL). Regardless of the variety, there was a decrease (P=0.001) in the serum content of indirect bilirubin, urea, and sodium, and increase in the serum magnesium concentration. The partial replacement of the Tifton hay by Miúda or O.E.M. cactus cladodes in lamb feeding increases the enzyme activity, indicating liver and/or kidney changes, but does not cause relevant damage to energy, protein, and mineral metabolism.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da substituição parcial (750g/kg) do feno de Tifton por duas variedades de palma forrageira (Nopalea ou Opuntia) no perfil metabólico de cordeiros. Trinta e seis cordeiros Santa Inês, machos, não castrados (22,0 ± 2,9kg de peso corporal inicial), foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e 12 repetições. Os animais foram alimentados com dieta controle (feno de Tifton como volumoso exclusivo), dieta à base de palma forrageira Miúda ou dieta à base de palma forrageira Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas um dia antes (baseline) e 45 dias após a introdução das dietas testadas. A palma Miúda causou aumento (P=0,055) na atividade sérica da enzima gamaglutamiltransferase (53,66U/L) e no teor sanguíneo de glicose e frutosamina. A palma OEM causou menor teor (P=0,038) de colesterol sérico (41,33mg/dL). Independentemente da variedade, houve diminuição (P=0,001) do teor sérico de bilirrubina indireta, ureia e sódio, e aumento na concentração sérica de magnésio. A substituição parcial do feno de Tifton por palma Miúda ou por OEM na alimentação de cordeiros aumenta a atividade enzimática, o que indica alterações hepáticas e/ou renais, mas não causa danos relevantes nos metabolismos energético, proteico e mineral.

Dehydrated cashew apple in different grinding sizes to sheep

The cashew pseudo fruit can be used to animal feeding in tropical and subtropical countries as Brazil, Ivory Coast and Vietnam. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the intake, digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance of dehydrated cashew apple by-product to sheep. The experiment was carried out with 24 sheep in a completely randomized design with the treatments distributed in a 4 x2 factorial scheme to test the inclusion (11, 21, 28 and 33% dry matter basis) and the grinding sizes (3 and 19 mm diameter) of dehydrated cashewappleby-product. To grinding sizes there was no effect to intake and digestibility, suggesting the use of dehydrated cashewappleby-product either finely or coarsely milled. The inclusion up to 33% of dehydrated cashewappleby-product inclusion did not affect voluntary intake and nitrogen balance. However, when including above 21%, there was a reduction of ether extract digestibility and more than 28% reduced dry matter and organic matter digestibility.(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)

Sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) feed affects intake, digestibility and nitrogen retention of ovine fed with ryegrass hay (Lolium multiflorum Lam) / [Influência da inclusão de farinha de batata-doce (Ipomoea batatas) sobre a digestibilidade, o consumo e a retenção de nitrogênio em ovinos alimentados com feno de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum Lam)]

This study aimed to evaluate sweet potato feed as an alternative energy supplement for ovine. A latin-square design was used to assess the effects of feeding the animals 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% their body weight in sweet potato as well as ryegrass hay (Lolium multiflorum) twice daily, mineral salt and water ad libitum. During this study 8 males were housed in metabolic cages with urine and feces collectors. Each round of experimentation consisted of 14 days adaptation followed by 5 days evaluating the diet, left-overs, feces, and urine to determine intake, digestibility, and nitrogen retention. The results show a linear increase in intake of ryegrass hay, FDN, DM and OM because of the increasing supplementation levels. Similarly, we observed a linear increase in DM and OM intake, as well as in the OM digestibility. Additionally, BP digestibility decreased considering nitrogen excretion. In conclusion, sweet potato feed is a viable alternative for ovine receiving ryegrass hay since it increased DM and OM digestibility, albeit reducing NDF and BP digestibility.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a viabilidade da inclusão da farinha de batata-doce na ração de ovinos, como estratégia alimentar alternativa ao uso de outras culturas, tradicionalmente utilizadas como suplemento energético. Para isso, foi realizado delineamento em quadrado latino para avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de 0, 0,5, 1 e 1,5% do PV de farinha de batata-doce, para ovinos alimentados duas vezes ao dia com feno de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum) e com acesso a sal mineral e a água ad libitum. Durante o período de estudo, oito machos da raça foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas com coletores de urina e fezes. Cada rodada do experimento consistiu em 14 dias de adaptação da dieta e cinco dias de coleta, que incluíram consumo, dieta, sobras, fezes, urina, a fim de determinar consumo, digestibilidade e retenção de N. Como reflexo dos níveis crescentes de suplementação, os resultados demonstraram um padrão linear tanto de redução da ingestão do feno de azevém e da FDN quanto de aumento do consumo total de MS e MO. Da mesma forma, foi observado um padrão linear de aumento na digestibilidade da MS, da MO e na digestibilidade verdadeira da MO, assim como de diminuição na digestibilidade da PB (com base na eliminação de N). Conclui-se que a inclusão de farinha de batata-doce na alimentação de ovinos alimentados com feno de azevém é viável e que aumentou a ingestão e a digestibilidade da MS e da MO, embora tenha reduzido a digestibilidade da FDN e da PB.

Interação entre fotoperíodo e nutrição e reprodução caprina / Interaction between photoperiod and nutrition on goat reproduction

A reprodução é um processo fisiológico complexo que visa perpetuar as espécies. Esse processo é regulado por um grande número de fatores, entre os quais se destacam o fotoperíodo e o nível nutricional dos animais. O fotoperíodo é o principal fator ambiental que controla a atividade reprodutiva em caprinos e suas informações são transduzidas pela secreção de melatonina. As cabras apresentam um padrão sazonal na atividade reprodutiva relacionado às variações anuais do fotoperíodo. Dias curtos estimulam a atividade reprodutiva e dias longos inibem. O fato de sua atividade reprodutiva ser sazonal afeta a distribuição de sua produção ao longo do ano e isso é um problema tanto nos sistemas de produção de leite como de carne que buscam uma produção constante durante todo o ano. Dessa forma, as técnicas de controle da reprodução caprina permitem uma melhor distribuição de suas produções, leite e carne, ao longo do ano. Os tratamentos fotoperiódicos baseiam-se na alternância entre dias longos e curtos. Por outro lado, o nível nutricional que os animais recebem também é essencial para que eles apresentem atividade reprodutiva, de forma que uma melhora na alimentação permita um período mais longo de atividade e maiores desempenhos reprodutivos. Nesse sentido, a cabra é uma espécie que costuma ser criada em sistemas agrícolas com condições de alimentação flutuantes, que devem ser levadas em consideração para que a reprodução não seja comprometida.

Reproduction is a complex physiological process that aims to perpetuate species. This process is regulated by a large number of factors, among which the photoperiod and the nutritional level of the animals should be highlighted. The photoperiod is the main environmental factor that controls reproductive activity in goats and their information is transduced by the melatonin secretion. Goats show a seasonal patter in reproductive activity related to the annual variations of photoperiod. Short days stimulate the reproductive activity and long days inhibit. The fact that their reproductive activity is seasonal, affects the distribution of their production over the year and this is a problem both in dairy and meat production systems which attempt to have a constant production year-round. In this way, goat reproduction control techniques allow a better distribution of their productions, milk and meat, throughout the year. Photoperiodic treatments are based on the alternation between long and short days. On the other hand, the nutritional level that the animals receive is also essential for them to show reproductive activity, so that an improvement in feeding allows a longer period of activity and greater reproductive performances. In this regard, the goat is a species that is usually raised in farming systems with fluctuating feeding conditions, which must be taken into account so that reproduction is not compromised.

Investigation of the feed resource for buffalo

Buffaloes make better use of coarse and inferior feed by converting them to biologically valuable animal production. They make very good use of the additional production of crop production, such as straw, sunflower cakes, sprouts and other. The aim is to study the physicochemical and fatty acid composition of the rations of buffalo of the Bulgarian mura breed in a church farm in Gigentsi village, Pernik District. The application of standard methods for the nutrition of buffaloes in separate periods - pastured with succulent fodder, winter (indoor) with coarse fodder, through which the ruminants are provided with the necessary nutritional components, allows to obtain high quality milk as a basic raw material for the production of dairy products. The use of succulent fodder and the incorporation of root crops into the feed instead of the buffalo concentrate provides them with respect to linoleic and alphalinolenic fatty acids, which are substrates for the synthesis of CLA (anticancer action) in rumen of ruminants.(AU)

Investigation of the feed resource for buffalo

Buffaloes make better use of coarse and inferior feed by converting them to biologically valuable animal production. They make very good use of the additional production of crop production, such as straw, sunflower cakes, sprouts and other. The aim is to study the physicochemical and fatty acid composition of the rations of buffalo of the Bulgarian mura breed in a church farm in Gigentsi village, Pernik District. The application of standard methods for the nutrition of buffaloes in separate periods - pastured with succulent fodder, winter (indoor) with coarse fodder, through which the ruminants are provided with the necessary nutritional components, allows to obtain high quality milk as a basic raw material for the production of dairy products. The use of succulent fodder and the incorporation of root crops into the feed instead of the buffalo concentrate provides them with respect to linoleic and alphalinolenic fatty acids, which are substrates for the synthesis of CLA (anticancer action) in rumen of ruminants.

Ruminal kinetics and degradability of energetic feedstuffs used in diets for ruminants / Degradabilida de e cinética ruminal de alimentos energéticos utilizados em dietas para ruminantes

This study aimed to evaluate energetic feedstuffs regarding chemical composition, in situ ruminal degradability of dry matter (DMD), ruminal kinetics and ruminal disappearance rate of dry matter. Seven feedstuffs (treatments) were evaluated: ground corn, ground oat, ground barley, wheat bran, soybean hull, malt root and corn germ, in a completely randomized design of four repetitions each. Two bovines ruminally cannulated were used for incubation, wherein each treatment was subjected to seven periods of exposure to the rumen (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 hours). Among the evaluated feedstuffs, soybean hull had the highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content (68.91%) and the lowest DMD at 24 h (64.91%). Ground barley and ground corn contained the lowest content of soluble fraction (SF) (26.34 and 28.7%, respectively), among which ground barley had the highest DMD at 24 h (90.48%) and therefore showed the highest rumen disappearance rate (2.50%.h-1) by combining both parameters, while the ground oat presented the highest SF (47.75%) and the lowest rumen disappearance rate (1.09%.h-1).

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar alimentos energéticos quanto a composição química, degradabilidade ruminal in situ da matéria seca (DMS), cinética ruminal e taxa de desaparecimento ruminal da matéria seca. Foram avaliados sete alimentos (tratamentos): grão de milho moído, grão de aveia moído, grão de cevada moído, farelo de trigo, casca de soja, radícula de malte e gérmen de milho, num delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições cada. Para a incubação dos materiais foram utilizados dois bovinos com cânula ruminal, e cada tratamento foi submetido a sete períodos de exposição ao rúmen (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 e 24 horas). Dentre os alimentos avaliados, a casca de soja teve o maior teor de fibra em detergente neutro (68,91%) e apresentou a menor DMS em 24 h (64,91%). O grão de cevada moído e o grão de milho moído tiveram os menores níveis de fração solúvel (FS) (26,34% e 28,7%, respectivamente), porém o grão de cevada moído apresentou a maior DMS em 24 h (90,48%), que por conciliar estes parâmetros teve a maior taxa de desaparecimento ruminal (2,50%.h-1), enquanto o grão de aveia moído teve a maior FS (47,75%) e a menor taxa de desaparecimento ruminal (1,09%.h-1).

Pejibaye heart-of-palm residue silage as an option for ruminants roughage / Ensilagem de resíduos de palmito de pupunha como opção de forragem para ruminantes

It was aimed in this study to evaluate the ensiled pejibaye residue in the feeding of ruminants as roughage. For the in vitro digestibility assay, a randomized block design was used, with four treatments (pejibaye residue without additives; pejibaye residue + banana residue; pejibaye residue + rice residue and pejibaye residue + citrus pulp), with four replications. The variables studied were: chemical composition, specific mass, pH, average particle size, fermentation temperature and fermentative losses. Apparent digestibility was performed with sheep in a completely randomized design, to evaluate the same treatments mentioned above, using five replications. Heart-of-palm pejibaye residue silages showed average particle size, pH and density values within the range appropriate for their manufacture. Among the additives used in this study, silage with 15 g/100g of rice provided improvements in several nutritional parameters, such as DM, NDF, ADF, CF and NDF/NFC. High moisture content impairs the ensiling process, but it was solved with high dry matter content ingredients addition to promote the material stability.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o resíduo de pupunha ensilada na alimentação de ruminantes como volumoso. Para o ensaio de digestibilidade in vitro, foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos (resíduo de pupunha sem aditivos; resíduo de pupunha + resíduo de banana; resíduo de pupunha + resíduo de arroz e resíduo de pupunha + polpa cítrica), com quatro repetições. As variáveis estudadas foram: composição bromatológica, massa específica, pH, tamanho médio de partícula, temperatura de fermentação e perdas fermentativas. A digestibilidade aparente foi realizada com ovinos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, para avaliar os quatro tratamentos mencionados acima, usando cinco repetições. As silagens apresentaram valores adequados para matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro/carboidratos não fibrosos. Os resultados obtidos demonstram a eficiência do uso de silagens de resíduo de pupunha como volumoso na alimentação de ruminantes, o que pode servir como ferramenta para a sustentabilidade da cadeia de produção de pupunha e animal nas regiões onde os negócios coexistem.

Pejibaye heart-of-palm residue silage as an option for ruminants roughage / Ensilagem de resíduos de palmito de pupunha como opção de forragem para ruminantes

It was aimed in this study to evaluate the ensiled pejibaye residue in the feeding of ruminants as roughage. For the in vitro digestibility assay, a randomized block design was used, with four treatments (pejibaye residue without additives; pejibaye residue + banana residue; pejibaye residue + rice residue and pejibaye residue + citrus pulp), with four replications. The variables studied were: chemical composition, specific mass, pH, average particle size, fermentation temperature and fermentative losses. Apparent digestibility was performed with sheep in a completely randomized design, to evaluate the same treatments mentioned above, using five replications. Heart-of-palm pejibaye residue silages showed average particle size, pH and density values within the range appropriate for their manufacture. Among the additives used in this study, silage with 15 g/100g of rice provided improvements in several nutritional parameters, such as DM, NDF, ADF, CF and NDF/NFC. High moisture content impairs the ensiling process, but it was solved with high dry matter content ingredients addition to promote the material stability.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o resíduo de pupunha ensilada na alimentação de ruminantes como volumoso. Para o ensaio de digestibilidade in vitro, foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos (resíduo de pupunha sem aditivos; resíduo de pupunha + resíduo de banana; resíduo de pupunha + resíduo de arroz e resíduo de pupunha + polpa cítrica), com quatro repetições. As variáveis estudadas foram: composição bromatológica, massa específica, pH, tamanho médio de partícula, temperatura de fermentação e perdas fermentativas. A digestibilidade aparente foi realizada com ovinos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, para avaliar os quatro tratamentos mencionados acima, usando cinco repetições. As silagens apresentaram valores adequados para matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro/carboidratos não fibrosos. Os resultados obtidos demonstram a eficiência do uso de silagens de resíduo de pupunha como volumoso na alimentação de ruminantes, o que pode servir como ferramenta para a sustentabilidade da cadeia de produção de pupunha e animal nas regiões onde os negócios coexistem.(AU)

Feed value of dried and ensiled paulownia (Paulownia spp) leaves and their relationship to rumen fermentation, in vitro digestibility, and gas production characteristics

The study aimed to evaluate the potential use of dried or ensiled paulownia (Paulownia spp.) leaves as roughage source for ruminants. Paulownia tree leaves were collected from one-year-old hybrid (C-125, CAR, and TF-33 clones) trees. Dried paulownia leaves of the clones were different in dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), and nitrogen-free extract (NfE) and similar in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL); however, these values (except EE and ADL) of ensiled leaves were significantly different among the clones. Mean CP, CA, and condensed tannin contents in dried leaves were 15.36, 9.21, and 1.75%, respectively; NDF, ADF, and ADL contents were 38.35, 35.49, and 12.08%, respectively. Mean total volatile fatty acids, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) value in dried leaves were 95.26 mmol/L, 76.34%, and 10.77 MJ/kg, respectively, whereas, CO2 and CH4 production were 54.66 and 29.78 mmol/L, respectively. Buffering capacity and water-soluble carbohydrates varied among the pre-ensiled paulownia leaves, although their means were 395.66 mEq/kg DM and 86.63 g/kg DM, respectively. In ensiled leaves, the pH, lactic acid ratio, and acetic acid ratio were 4.98, 11.23, and 2.56%, respectively, and butyric acid was not detected in any of the silages. Mean values of IVOMD and ME in ensiled leaves were 72.30% and 9.93 MJ/kg, respectively. Dried paulownia leaves are a high-quality alternative forage and the ensiled form is of medium quality. Therefore, paulownia leaves could be used as an alternative roughage source for ruminants.

Ruminal parameters and in-situ degradability of rations with wheat middling substitution for corn / Parâmetros ruminais e degradabilidade in situ de rações com triguilho em substituição ao milho

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substituting corn with wheat middling on the in-situ degradability of foods and ruminal parameters of cattle. The experiment was conducted at the Ruminant Studies Unit and the Laboratory of Food Analysis and Animal Nutrition of Londrina State University. Five rumen-fistulated cattle with an average weight of 521 ± 38.22 kg were housed in individual stalls. The experimental design used was a Latin square with five treatments (100% C, 75% C 25% WM, 50% C 50% WM, 25% C 75% WM, and 100% WM) and five periods of 25 days each. The pH and ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) concentration in ruminal fluid was measured before feeding and 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after feeding in subdivided parcels. The in-situ degradability of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined by incubating silage samples and measuring concentrates in the rumen of cattle. The levels of substitution of corn by wheat middling did not alter the pH and N-NH3 values but was influenced by the collection time. The N-NH3 presented quadratic behavior with a point of maximum rumen concentration (5.31 mgdL-¹) reached 1.12 h after feeding. The pH presented quadratic behavior with a point of minimum (6.04) reached 4.32 h after feeding. The effective degradability (ED) of DM with 2, 5 and 8%h-¹ of passage rate was influenced by the substitution of corn by wheat middling, with increasing linear behavior. The ED 2%h-¹ varied from 46.19% to 50.24%, the ED 5%h-¹ varied from 33.76% to 38.68%, and the ED 8%h-¹ values ranged from 28.16% to 32.92% for the 100% C and 100% WM treatments. Higher values, for treatments with higher levels of substitution of corn by wheat middling, occurred owing to the lower fiber content and to the largest soluble fractions and degradation rate of DM in rations with wheat middling. The ED of CP and NDF with passage rates of [...].

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho por triguilho sobre a degradabilidade in situ das rações e os parâmetros ruminais de bovinos. O experimento foi conduzido na Unidade de Estudos de Ruminantes (UNER) e no Laboratório de Análises de Alimentos e Nutrição Animal (LANA) da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Foram utilizados cinco bovinos fistulados no rúmen, com peso médio de 521 ± 38,22 kg, alojados em baias individuais. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o quadrado latino, com cinco tratamentos, sendo as proporções de milho e triguilho (100% M, 75% M 25% T, 50% M, 50% T, 25% M 75% T e 100% T) e cinco períodos de 25 dias cada. O pH e nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3) do líquido ruminal foram mensurados antes da alimentação e 2, 4, 6 e 8 horas após alimentação, em parcelas subdivididas. A degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram determinadas com a incubação das amostras de silagem e concentrados no rúmen dos animais. Os teores de substituição do milho pelo triguilho não influenciaram os valores de N-NH3 e pH ruminal, mas os mesmos foram influenciados pelos tempos de coleta. O N-NH3 apresentou comportamento quadrático com ponto de máxima concentração no rúmen (5,31 mgdL-¹) 1h12 após a alimentação. O pH apresentou comportamento quadrático com ponto de mínima (6,04) 4h32 após a alimentação dos animais. A degradabilidade efetiva (DE) da MS com 2, 5 e 8%h-¹ de taxa de passagem foram influenciadas pela substituição do milho por triguilho, observando comportamento linear crescente. A DE 2%h-¹ apresentou variação de 46,19% a 50,24%, a DE 5%h-1 variou de 33,76% a 38,68% e a DE 8%h-¹ apresentou valores de 28,16% a 32,92% para os tratamentos 100% M e 100% T. Os valores superiores, observados nos tratamentos com maiores teores de substituição do milho pelo triguilho, ocorreram devido ao [...].

Ruminal parameters and in-situ degradability of rations with wheat middling substitution for corn / Parâmetros ruminais e degradabilidade in situ de rações com triguilho em substituição ao milho

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substituting corn with wheat middling on the in-situ degradability of foods and ruminal parameters of cattle. The experiment was conducted at the Ruminant Studies Unit and the Laboratory of Food Analysis and Animal Nutrition of Londrina State University. Five rumen-fistulated cattle with an average weight of 521 ± 38.22 kg were housed in individual stalls. The experimental design used was a Latin square with five treatments (100% C, 75% C 25% WM, 50% C 50% WM, 25% C 75% WM, and 100% WM) and five periods of 25 days each. The pH and ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) concentration in ruminal fluid was measured before feeding and 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after feeding in subdivided parcels. The in-situ degradability of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined by incubating silage samples and measuring concentrates in the rumen of cattle. The levels of substitution of corn by wheat middling did not alter the pH and N-NH3 values but was influenced by the collection time. The N-NH3 presented quadratic behavior with a point of maximum rumen concentration (5.31 mgdL-¹) reached 1.12 h after feeding. The pH presented quadratic behavior with a point of minimum (6.04) reached 4.32 h after feeding. The effective degradability (ED) of DM with 2, 5 and 8%h-¹ of passage rate was influenced by the substitution of corn by wheat middling, with increasing linear behavior. The ED 2%h-¹ varied from 46.19% to 50.24%, the ED 5%h-¹ varied from 33.76% to 38.68%, and the ED 8%h-¹ values ranged from 28.16% to 32.92% for the 100% C and 100% WM treatments. Higher values, for treatments with higher levels of substitution of corn by wheat middling, occurred owing to the lower fiber content and to the largest soluble fractions and degradation rate of DM in rations with wheat middling. The ED of CP and NDF with passage rates of [...].(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho por triguilho sobre a degradabilidade in situ das rações e os parâmetros ruminais de bovinos. O experimento foi conduzido na Unidade de Estudos de Ruminantes (UNER) e no Laboratório de Análises de Alimentos e Nutrição Animal (LANA) da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Foram utilizados cinco bovinos fistulados no rúmen, com peso médio de 521 ± 38,22 kg, alojados em baias individuais. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o quadrado latino, com cinco tratamentos, sendo as proporções de milho e triguilho (100% M, 75% M 25% T, 50% M, 50% T, 25% M 75% T e 100% T) e cinco períodos de 25 dias cada. O pH e nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3) do líquido ruminal foram mensurados antes da alimentação e 2, 4, 6 e 8 horas após alimentação, em parcelas subdivididas. A degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram determinadas com a incubação das amostras de silagem e concentrados no rúmen dos animais. Os teores de substituição do milho pelo triguilho não influenciaram os valores de N-NH3 e pH ruminal, mas os mesmos foram influenciados pelos tempos de coleta. O N-NH3 apresentou comportamento quadrático com ponto de máxima concentração no rúmen (5,31 mgdL-¹) 1h12 após a alimentação. O pH apresentou comportamento quadrático com ponto de mínima (6,04) 4h32 após a alimentação dos animais. A degradabilidade efetiva (DE) da MS com 2, 5 e 8%h-¹ de taxa de passagem foram influenciadas pela substituição do milho por triguilho, observando comportamento linear crescente. A DE 2%h-¹ apresentou variação de 46,19% a 50,24%, a DE 5%h-1 variou de 33,76% a 38,68% e a DE 8%h-¹ apresentou valores de 28,16% a 32,92% para os tratamentos 100% M e 100% T. Os valores superiores, observados nos tratamentos com maiores teores de substituição do milho pelo triguilho, ocorreram devido ao [...].(AU)

Protected and partially protected fat sources from ruminal degradation for pregnant sheep

Fat sources are important component on animal feed. However, ruminants did not evolve to efficient degrade lipids. Thus, it is necessary to study how its supplementation may affect animal performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of different lipids sources over consumption, performance, metabolites, and feed behavior of pregnant sheep. The experiment was carried out at Capim Branco Experimental Farm, at goat and sheep sector of Federal University of Uberlândia, from August to November 2015. Twenty-four pregnant sheep were used, mean body weight 50 kg and approximate 12 months age. The animals were divided into three treatments (Control, palm oil protected fat and cottonseed). The corn silage was used as the bulk. The roughage: concentrate ratio was 60:40 (on dry matter). Measurements of body weight, body condition score and biometric measurements were taken every 21 days. Ingestive behavior evaluation was performed throughout the experiment. The consumption measurement was made in descriptive way. Shortly after birth, the sheep and their offspring were weighed, the barrel circumference was taken, and samples from the mother's blood were collected. The experimental design was completely randomized with repeated measurements in time. It was verified greater time spent with feeding and chewing in the treatment with cottonseed and consequently less time in idle. There was no statistical difference in weight, barrel circumference (BC) and body condition score (BCS) of the sheep under the different treatments. There was a linear growth in BC measurements and sheep weight over the evaluated periods. There were differences between the treatments for the offspring's average weight. The use of cottonseed as a fat source increases the birth weight of the progeny and improves pregnant sheep metabolic profile in relation to inert fat.

Protected and partially protected fat sources from ruminal degradation for pregnant sheep

Fat sources are important component on animal feed. However, ruminants did not evolve to efficient degrade lipids. Thus, it is necessary to study how its supplementation may affect animal performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of different lipids sources over consumption, performance, metabolites, and feed behavior of pregnant sheep. The experiment was carried out at Capim Branco Experimental Farm, at goat and sheep sector of Federal University of Uberlândia, from August to November 2015. Twenty-four pregnant sheep were used, mean body weight 50 kg and approximate 12 months age. The animals were divided into three treatments (Control, palm oil protected fat and cottonseed). The corn silage was used as the bulk. The roughage: concentrate ratio was 60:40 (on dry matter). Measurements of body weight, body condition score and biometric measurements were taken every 21 days. Ingestive behavior evaluation was performed throughout the experiment. The consumption measurement was made in descriptive way. Shortly after birth, the sheep and their offspring were weighed, the barrel circumference was taken, and samples from the mother's blood were collected. The experimental design was completely randomized with repeated measurements in time. It was verified greater time spent with feeding and chewing in the treatment with cottonseed and consequently less time in idle. There was no statistical difference in weight, barrel circumference (BC) and body condition score (BCS) of the sheep under the different treatments. There was a linear growth in BC measurements and sheep weight over the evaluated periods. There were differences between the treatments for the offspring's average weight. The use of cottonseed as a fat source increases the birth weight of the progeny and improves pregnant sheep metabolic profile in relation to inert fat.(AU)

Glyphosate in the production and forage quality of marandu grass / Glifosato na produção e qualidade de forragem de capim marandu

The drift of the herbicide glyphosate, used for desiccating crops or controlling weeds, can result in growth promoting or non-target plant development effects. Thus, it is possible to use the compound to increase the biomass of forage through the hormone effect. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sublethal doses of glyphosate on the production of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (Marandu grass) and its nutritional quality in ruminants. The design used was completely randomized, with five replications in a factorial scheme. The treatments used were as follows: control (without glyphosate application) and four sublethal doses of glyphosate (4, 10, 14, and 20 g ha-¹ of the acid equivalent). The monthly collections consisted of collecting the plant material (0.20 m) from the surface, comprising of leaves and pseudocolmos (stem and leaf sheath) to determine the dry matter production and forage chemical-bromatological parameters. The results showed that leaf/stem ratio, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were affected exclusively by the harvest factor. The hormone effect of the herbicide occurs in the production of dry matter and lignin in the evaluated subdoses. For crude protein, there was an interaction between the factor doses and harvest, due to the effect of glyphosate and the management applied to the harvests, showing that the sublethal doses of glyphosate promoted the production of dry matter and the food quality of Marandu grass.

A deriva do herbicida glifosato, usado para dessecação de culturas ou no controle de plantas daninhas, pode resultar em efeitos promotores de crescimento ou desenvolvimento de plantas não alvo. Assim, surge a possibilidade de utilização do composto para incremento da biomassa de forrageiras, por efeito hormese. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de doses subletais de glifosato na produção de Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (capim Marandu) e sobre a qualidade nutricional para ruminantes. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições, em esquema fatorial. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: controle (sem aplicação de glifosato) e quatro doses subletais de glifosato (4, 10, 14 e 20 g ha-¹ do equivalente ácido). As coletas mensais consistiram do recolhimento do material vegetal a 0,20 m da superfície, compreendendo folhas e pseudocolmos (colmo e bainha foliar) para determinação da produção de matéria seca e de parâmetros químico-bromatológicos da forragem. Os resultados mostraram que relação folha/colmo, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido sofreram efeitos exclusivamente do fator corte. O efeito hormese do herbicida ocorre na produção de matéria seca e lignina nas subdoses avaliadas. Para proteína bruta houve interação entre os fatores doses e cortes, por efeito do glifosato e do manejo aplicado nos cortes, mostrando que as doses subletais do glifosato promovem a produção de matéria seca e a qualidade alimentar do capim Marandu.

Glyphosate in the production and forage quality of marandu grass / Glifosato na produção e qualidade de forragem de capim marandu

The drift of the herbicide glyphosate, used for desiccating crops or controlling weeds, can result in growth promoting or non-target plant development effects. Thus, it is possible to use the compound to increase the biomass of forage through the hormone effect. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sublethal doses of glyphosate on the production of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (Marandu grass) and its nutritional quality in ruminants. The design used was completely randomized, with five replications in a factorial scheme. The treatments used were as follows: control (without glyphosate application) and four sublethal doses of glyphosate (4, 10, 14, and 20 g ha-¹ of the acid equivalent). The monthly collections consisted of collecting the plant material (0.20 m) from the surface, comprising of leaves and pseudocolmos (stem and leaf sheath) to determine the dry matter production and forage chemical-bromatological parameters. The results showed that leaf/stem ratio, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were affected exclusively by the harvest factor. The hormone effect of the herbicide occurs in the production of dry matter and lignin in the evaluated subdoses. For crude protein, there was an interaction between the factor doses and harvest, due to the effect of glyphosate and the management applied to the harvests, showing that the sublethal doses of glyphosate promoted the production of dry matter and the food quality of Marandu grass.(AU)

A deriva do herbicida glifosato, usado para dessecação de culturas ou no controle de plantas daninhas, pode resultar em efeitos promotores de crescimento ou desenvolvimento de plantas não alvo. Assim, surge a possibilidade de utilização do composto para incremento da biomassa de forrageiras, por efeito hormese. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de doses subletais de glifosato na produção de Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (capim Marandu) e sobre a qualidade nutricional para ruminantes. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições, em esquema fatorial. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: controle (sem aplicação de glifosato) e quatro doses subletais de glifosato (4, 10, 14 e 20 g ha-¹ do equivalente ácido). As coletas mensais consistiram do recolhimento do material vegetal a 0,20 m da superfície, compreendendo folhas e pseudocolmos (colmo e bainha foliar) para determinação da produção de matéria seca e de parâmetros químico-bromatológicos da forragem. Os resultados mostraram que relação folha/colmo, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido sofreram efeitos exclusivamente do fator corte. O efeito hormese do herbicida ocorre na produção de matéria seca e lignina nas subdoses avaliadas. Para proteína bruta houve interação entre os fatores doses e cortes, por efeito do glifosato e do manejo aplicado nos cortes, mostrando que as doses subletais do glifosato promovem a produção de matéria seca e a qualidade alimentar do capim Marandu.(AU)

Evaluation of non-carcass components of goat grazing in Caatinga rangeland supplemented with spineless cactus and native plants

The objective of this study was to evaluate non-carcass components of goats submitted to grazing in the Caatinga rangeland and supplemented with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochelinifera Salm Dick), Jitirana hay (Merremia aegyptia L. Urban) and Mororó hay (Bauhinia cheilanta Bong Stend). Thirty male goats (castrated), with no defined breed, with an initial mean body weight of 19 ± 0.35 kg and approximately 90 days of age were used. The treatments consisted of grazing without supplementation (GWS), grazing + Jitirana hay (GJ); grazing + Jitirana hay + spineless cactus (GJSC); grazing + Mororó hay (GM); grazing + Mororó hay + spineless cactus (GMSC). The means of the variables were tested by Tukey's test at 5% probability. The goats fed GWS, GJSC, GM and GMSC presented higher weights and yields of the diaphragm, and the spleen weight (p < 0.05). The highest yield of omasum (p < 0.05) occurred with goats fed GJ treatment. There were treatments (p < 0.05) on omental fat weight and leg yield, with the highest values for goats, fed GWS, GJSC, GM, and GMSC. The "Buchada" EBW-1 yield was higher (p < 0.05) for animals fed GWS. Feeding supplementation of goats grazing in the Caatinga had few influences on weights and yields of non-carcass componentes.(AU)