Nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, and performance of feedlot goat kids fed high-concentrate diets containing licury cake (Syagrus coronata).

The current trial was carried out to evaluate the impacts of adding licury cake (Syagrus coronata) in high-concentrate diets for goat kids feedlot-finished on growth performance and metabolic parameters. Forty crossbred non-castrated Boer goat kids with approximately four months and similar initial live weights (20.15 ± 2.79 kg). The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized, with four diets (0, 10, 20, and 30% of licury cake inclusion in a dry matter basis (DM)). Licury cake inclusion decreased nutrient intake and digestibility (P < 0.05). Times spent in feeding (P < 0.001) and rumination (P = 0.003) activities, number of events in feeding (P < 0.001) and idling (P = 0.015) increased, whereas a linear reduction occurred in feeding and rumination efficiencies of DM and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.001). Nitrogen (N) intake, retained N (P < 0.001), triglycerides concentrations (P = 0.002), aspartate-aminotransferase, alanine-aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase decreased with the licury cake inclusion (P < 0.05). Final body weight (P = 0.008), average daily gain (P = 0.001), and total weight gain (P = 0.001) decreased linearly when licury cake was included in diets. High-concentrate diets containing increasing levels of licury cake decrease intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients and performance when supplied for goat kids feedlot-finished. Therefore, the inclusion of the studied levels of licury cake in goat kids fed high-concentrate diets is not recommended for feedlot-finished systems.

Productive characteristics of feedlot Santa Inês and Dorper lambs: intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of feedlot Santa Inês (locally adapted breed) and Dorper (transboundary breed) lambs. Twenty non-castrated lambs were used (10 from the Santa Inês genetic group and 10 Dorper), with approximately 3 months of age and an initial body weight of 22.95 ± 2.1 kg (mean ± standard deviation), distributed in a completely randomized design. Nutrient intake and digestibility, feeding behavior, and liver metabolism enzymes were similar (P > 0.05) between genetic groups. Dry matter (DM) feeding and ruminating efficiency were higher (P < 0.05) in the Santa Inês genetic group. There was also no difference (P > 0.05) in the subjective evaluation and morphometric measurements. Genetic groups showed differences and trend to differences (P < 0.05) in performance and commercial cuts. The physicochemical characteristics, centesimal composition, and sensory attributes of the Longissimus lumborum muscle did not differ between the genetic groups (P > 0.05). The Santa Inês genetic group showed higher feeding efficiency and productive parameters when compared to Dorper lambs. Therefore, Santa Inês lambs have greater potential for meat production than Dorper lambs, when kept in the same breeding system as the feedlot.

Feeding behavior of lambs fed diets containing old man saltbush hay / Comportamiento ingestivo de corderos alimentados con dietas conteniendo heno de hierba-sal / Comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo feno de erva-sal

Abstract Background: We hypothesized that a diet with old man saltbush hay used as an alternative source of nutrients could partially replace the concentrate in the feeding of feedlot lambs. Objective: This study evaluated the behavior and performance of lambs fed diets containing increasing levels of old man saltbush hay plus concentrate. Methods: Twenty-four castrated Santa Inês lambs at approximately eight months of age (22 ± 1.97 kg) were confined in a randomized complete design and fed diets containing 30, 40, 50, and 60% (dry matter: DM) of old man saltbush hay. Results: The intake of DM and neutral detergent fiber was not affected (p>0.05) by the level of old man saltbush hay. Intake of mineral salt decreased (p<0.01) as the proportion of old man saltbush in the diet increased. Weight gain (kg) and feed efficiency worsened (p<0.05) with 40% inclusion of old man salt bush hay. The time spent on feeding and chewing increased (p<0.05), while idle time was reduced (p<0.01) with dietary inclusion of old man saltbush. Feed efficiency decreased (p<0.05) with the inclusion of old man saltbush. Conclusion: Dietary inclusion of old man saltbush affects the feeding behavior and performance of lambs in feedlot.

Resumen Antecedentes: Nuestra hipótesis consistió en que una dieta con heno de hierba-sal como fuente alternativa de nutrientes puede sustituir parcialmente el concentrado en la alimentación de corderos confinados. Objetivo: Evaluar el comportamiento ingestivo de corderos alimentados con dietas conteniendo niveles incrementales de heno de hierba-sal asociado al concentrado. Métodos: Veinticuatro corderos Santa Inés, castrados, con aproximadamente ocho meses de edad, peso corporal de 22 ± 1,97 kg, confinados, fueron distribuidos en un arreglo experimental completamente aleatorizado y alimentados con dietas conteniendo 30, 40, 50 y 60% (materia seca: MS) de heno de hierba-sal. Resultados: El consumo de MS y fibra detergente neutra no se vió afectado (p>0,05) por los diferentes niveles de inclusión de hierba-sal. La ingestión de sal mineral se redujo (p<0,01) al incrementar la hierba-sal en la dieta. La ganancia de peso (kg) y la eficiencia alimenticia empeoraron (p<0,05) con la inclusión de 40% de heno de hierba-sal. El tiempo empleado para las actividades de alimentación y masticación aumentó (p<0,05), mientras que el de ocio se redujo (p<0,01) con la inclusión de hierba-sal. La eficiencia alimenticia de la materia seca disminuyó (p<0,05) a medida que aumentó el nivel de inclusión de heno de hierba-sal. Conclusión: La inclusión de heno de hierba-sal en la dieta afecta el comportamiento ingestivo y el rendimiento de corderos confinados.

Resumo Antecedentes: A hipótese foi que uma dieta com o feno de erva-sal como fonte alternativa de nutrientes poderia substituir parcialmente o concentrado na alimentação de cordeiros confinados. Objetivo: Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo feno de erva-sal associado com o concentrado. Métodos: Vinte e quatro cordeiros Santa Inês, castrados, com aproximadamente oito meses de idade, peso corporal de 22 ± 1,97 kg, confinados, foram distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado e alimentados com dietas contendo 30, 40, 50 e 60% (matéria seca (MS)) de feno de erva-sal. Resultados: O consumo de matéria seca e fibra em detergente neutro não foram comprometidos (p>0,05) pelos diferentes níveis de erva-sal. A ingestão de sal mineral reduziu (p<0,01) com o aumento de erva sal nas dietas. O ganho de peso e a eficiência alimentar pioraram (p<0,05) a partir da inclusão de 40% de feno de erva-sal na dieta dos cordeiros. O tempo despendido para as atividades de alimentação e mastigação aumentaram (p<0,05), enquanto que o de ócio reduziu (p<0,01) com a inclusão da erva sal nas dietas. A eficiência de alimentação da matéria seca diminuiu (p<0,05) à medida que se incluiu o feno de erva-sal. Conclusão: A inclusão de feno de erva-sal na dieta afeta o comportamento ingestivo eo desempenho de cordeiros confinados.

Diurnal variations and time to reach steady state of external markers used to estimate fecal excretion in sheep.

We executed two studies to investigate time to reach steady state (EXP1) and diurnal variations (EXP 2) of markers, in order to recommend spot fecal sampling in sheep. Eight lambs were used in EXP 1. Each animal has received titanium dioxide (TDOX) and chromium oxide (COX) together during two periods of 15 days. Thirty sheep of the Santa Ines breed were used in EXP 2. Fecal samples were taken with 2-h intervals in the last 5 days of each period, simultaneously to total feces collection. A sine-cosine model was used to evaluate EXP 2, and broken-line model for EXP 1. TDOX could complete its recovery after 2.3 days, and it could accurately promote fecal estimates after 3 days of marker infusion. COX could stabilize after 4.1 days, and it could promote fecal estimates after 5 days. However, estimated fecal excretion became similar to total feces output after 3 days for TDOX and after 6 days for COX. For both markers, a total 6 days of adaptation period could be summed to a 3-day collection period. Spot sampling was similar to total fecal output at 6:00 to 8:00 on morning and between 5:00 and 7:00 on afternoon for TDOX. Also, COX could be sampled at 6:00 to 8:00 on morning and between 5:00 and 7:00 on afternoon. External markers could be evaluated from 3-day fecal spot collection. Fecal collections could be made before the morning feeding, and around 6 p.m. for both markers.

Palm kernel cake in high-concentrate diets for feedlot goat kids: nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, and performance.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including palm kernel cake (PKC) in high-concentrate diets for feedlot goat kids on nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, and performance. Thirty-two castrated crossbred Boer × mixed breed goat kids with an average age of 4 months and an initial body weight of 19.65 ± 3.00 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. The diets included one of four levels (0, 12, 24, and 36%) of PKC on a total dry matter basis. The PKC inclusion in the diets promoted quadratic effects in the nutrient intakes (P ≤ 0.05). The digestibility of ether extract increased (P = 0.010), whereas the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased (P = 0.017) with the inclusion of PKC. Palm kernel cake inclusion promoted a quadratic effect on the time spent per episode feeding and decreased the times spent idling and ruminated bolus per day (P ≤ 0.05). The ingested and retained nitrogen decreased with the inclusion of PKC (P ≤ 0.05). The inclusion of PKC in the diets had quadratic effects in the cholesterol concentrations, albumin (A), globulin (G), A:G ratio, and gamma-glutamyltransferase enzyme activity (P ≤ 0.05). The PKC inclusion promoted a quadratic increase in total weight gain (P = 0.026), with the highest value achieved at the inclusion level of 11.68%. The inclusion of up to 12% PKC in high-concentrate diets increases the intake and growth performance without compromising the digestibility of nutrients and feed efficiency.

Chitosan and cottonseed processing method association on carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot lambs.

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

Corn silage rehydrated with crude glycerin in lambs' diets.

We investigated whether the feed intake efficiency, digestibility, microbial efficiency, and nitrogen balance would be affected by inclusion of rehydrated corn grain silage with crude glycerin or water to substitute the dry corn in diets for feedlot lambs. Ten crossbred (Santa Ines × Dorper) uncastrated male lambs (25.6 ± 4.0 kg body weight) were assigned in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design and subjected to five experimental diets, one containing dry corn and four diets containing corn grain silage rehydrated with crude glycerin in levels of 0, 75, 150, and 225 in g/kg of natural matter. The moisture of 32.5% was maintained in all silages. The inclusion of crude glycerin represented 0, 40, 80, and 120 g/kg of total diet. The inclusion of rehydrated corn silage did not affect the DM, CP, EE, and ED intake. The diets with rehydrated corn silage improved the digestibility of DM, without affecting the fiber digestibility. The nitrogen losses were insignificant, resulting in the efficient use of dietary nutrients. In conclusion, corn silage rehydrated with 150 g/kg NM of crude glycerin is recommended as a feed to substitute dry corn diet, as it did not influence the nutrients intake, increased the dry matter digestibility with efficient use of the dietary nutrients, improving the animal performance in the feedlot.

Impact of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate on the metabolic, productive, and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic, productive, and carcass parameters of feedlot lambs fed high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate. Treatments consisted of diets including whole cottonseed, crushed cottonseed, whole cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), crushed cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), and a control diet without cottonseed. Thirty ½ Dorper ½ Santa Inês, non-castrated male lambs with an average live weight of 24.9 ± 3.6 kg and an average age of 3.5 months were evaluated in a completely randomized design. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The crushing of cottonseed and association with lignosulfonate increased (P < 0.01) the intake and digestibility of ether extract. No effect was observed (P > 0.05) for the concentrations of urine and plasma urea N, which averaged 616.2 and 108.6 mg/dL, respectively. There was a change (P < 0.01) in nitrogen balance for digested N in g/day. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the urinary concentration of purine derivatives, except for uric acid excretions (P < 0.05). Lignosulfonate associated with cottonseed provided an average daily gain of 0.293 kg/day, which was higher than the 0.226 kg/day obtained without lignosulfonate, but lower than control (0.302 kg/day), which also showed higher values of carcass yield. High-concentrate diets formulated without cottonseed improve lamb production performance. The use of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate provides greater weight gains in lambs.

Feeding behavior of feedlot lambs fed diets containing levels of cassava wastewater.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of including cassava wastewater in the diet on the feeding behavior of feedlot lambs in 35 male uncastrated Santa Inês × Dorper crossbred lambs at an approximate age of 3 months, with an average live weight of 20.0 ± 3.4 kg. Diets were formulated with hay of cassava shoots (roughage) and a concentrate based on corn and soybean, with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 50:50, plus inclusion of cassava wastewater at the levels of 0, 12, 24, 36, or 48 g/kg of the total diet. Feeding behavior was evaluated between the 46th and 52nd days of the experiment. Increasing cassava wastewater levels in the diet reduced (P < 0.05) the intakes (kg/day) of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber as well as the efficiency of rumination (g/cud and g/h) of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber. The other behavioral parameters were not affected by wastewater inclusion in the diet. Therefore, the inclusion of up to 48 g/kg of cassava wastewater on fresh matter of diets is not recommended for feedlot lambs.