Weight Development and Growth Curves of Grazing Santa Inês Sheep Supplemented with Concentrate in the Pre-Weaning Phase.

Monitoring weight development is essential for decision-making and assessing the effectiveness of management strategies. However, this practice is often hindered by the lack of scales on farms. This study aimed to characterize the weight development and growth curves of male and female Santa Inês lambs from birth to weaning, managed on pasture with creep-fed concentrate supplementation. Data from 212 lambs during the pre-weaning phase were analyzed. The animals were weighed every seven days to evaluate total weight gain and average daily gain. Biometric measurements were taken every 28 days. Mixed models were used to assess the effects of sex and birth type on birth and weaning weights. Simple and multiple linear regression models were employed to estimate live weight using biometric measurements. The non-linear Gompertz model was utilized to describe weight development and formulate growth curves. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05. An interaction effect between birth type and sex (p < 0.05) was noted for birth weight, with the lowest weight observed in twin-birth females (2.96 kg) and the highest in single-birth males (3.73 kg) and females (3.65 kg) (p > 0.05). Birth type significantly influenced average daily gain, total weight gain, and weaning weight (p < 0.05). The Gompertz model accurately depicted the growth curves, effectively describing the weight development. Pearson's correlation coefficients between biometric measurements and weight were positive and significant (p < 0.05), ranging from 0.599 for hip height to 0.847 for heart girth. Consequently, the simple and multiple regression equations demonstrated high precision in predicting weaning weight. In conclusion, twin-birth lambs receiving concentrate supplementation via creep-feeding and managed on pasture showed different developmental patterns compared to single-birth lambs under the same conditions. The Gompertz model proved effective for monitoring development during the pre-weaning phase. All simple and multiple linear regression models were effective in predicting weaning weight through biometric measurements. However, for practical application, the model incorporating two measurements-body length and abdominal circumference-is recommended.

Cactus species and tree forage hay in the diet of dairy goats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the association of Opuntia stricta (OS) or Nopalea cochenillifera (NC) with Moringa hay (MY) or Leucaena hay (LY) on nutrient intake, ingestive behavior, serum biochemistry, and milk production and composition of dairy goat. Eight multiparous Saanen goats were used, with an average of 68 ± 8 days in milk and 48.5 ± 6 kg of initial weight, fed with the following treatment diets: OS + MY; OS + LY; NC + MY, and NC + LY. The treatments were distributed in a double Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two varieties of cactus and two of hay). Goats fed with NC had higher (P < 0.05) intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates. There was no influence (P > 0.05) on milk production, but goats fed with OS produced milk with higher (P < 0.05) fat content and presented higher (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the hay type on the nutrient intake and milk production and composition of goats, but the animals fed with MY had higher (P < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and greater efficiency of NDF rumination. Goats fed with OS showed greater feeding and rumination efficiency. Our results indicated that both cactus species could be successfully included in the diet of low yielding dairy goats fed 18.4% concentrate.

Characterization of Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Cheeses Added with Bovine Colostrum.

The objective of this study was to develop fresh and matured cheeses with different bovine colostrum levels, aiming to promote the consumption of dairy products with the addition of colostrum. Four different cheese formulations were produced with a mixture of 0:100, 15:85, 20:80, and 25:75, bovine colostrum:milk (v:v), and aged for 0, 10, 20, and 40 days. Milk, colostrum, and fresh and matured cheeses were submitted to physicochemical characterization. Moreover, microbiological quality, yield, texture profile, color, and sensory acceptance of cheese samples were evaluated. Colostrum supplementation favored low acidity, high moisture, a pH range of 5.0-6.2, and water activity of 0.94-99. Sensory attributes and overall evaluation of all cheese formulations achieved an Acceptability Index above 70, indicating good acceptability. Since cheese with colostrum presented the potential to be used as human food, assessing the presence of colostrum bioactive components in those dairy products is a promising goal for further research.

Phytogenic Bioactive Compounds in the Diet of Lactating Sows, Litter Performance, and Milk Characteristics.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of phytogenic supplementation in the feed of lactating sows on the performance parameters of sows and suckling piglets. Ninety-three lactating sows of commercial lines (sows TN70) were distributed in a completely randomized design. The treatments adopted were a control diet without phytogenics (control) and a control diet with phytogenic supplementation in the feed. Performance parameters and the behaviors of sows and piglets were evaluated, in addition to milk composition and the biochemical parameters of the animals. The use of phytogenics did not affect the feed intake or tissue mobilization of the sows. However, it improved the production and quality of milk and reduced the possibility of light piglets at weaning by 22.16 percentage points. Regarding biochemical parameters, phytogenics improved animal recovery in the lactation period, as proven by an increase in the serum concentration of total protein and urea. Sows that received phytogenics exhibited increased behaviors of inactivity (3.16%), breastfeeding (1.15%), and water consumption (0.95%). In conclusion, using phytogenics in the feed of lactating sows improves the performance of the litters without affecting the body condition of the sows, with increased milk production and enhanced protein and lactose concentration.

Nutrient Intake, Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Cost Analysis of Sheep Submitted to Intermittent Supplementation on Masai Grass Pastures.

This study aimed to assess nutrient intake, performance, intake behavior, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of sheep managed on Masai grass pastures along with intermittent concentrate supplementation, in addition to the economic impacts of applying that strategy. A sample of 24 Santa Inês sheep (12 males and 12 females) was kept for 80 days on Panicum maximum cv. Massai pastures and was supplemented daily or every other day. The voluntary intake of dry matter and nutrients was estimated. Mean daily weight gain and total weight gain were calculated and intake behavior parameters were assessed. The males were slaughtered and the weight and yield of the carcasses and meat cuts were assessed. The meat was analyzed for cooking losses, shear force, and color. The gross margin of the system was estimated from the difference between total income and operational cost. No effect was seen of the interaction between supplementation frequency and sex for any parameter assessed (p > 0.05). Intermittent supplementation of Santa Inês sheep managed with Masai grass is recommended since the strategy does not impact nutrient intake, performance, intake behavior, carcass characteristics, or meat quality, but lowers the costs of producing 1 kg of meat by 15%.

An Overview of the Occurrence of Bioactive Peptides in Different Types of Cheeses.

The search for improvements in quality of life has increasingly involved changes in the diet, especially the consumption of foods which, in addition to having good nutritional value, are characterized by offering health benefits. Among the molecules that trigger several beneficial responses are peptides, which are specific fragments of proteins known to produce positive effects on the human body. This review aimed to discuss the bioactive potential of peptides from cheeses. Studies show that the protein composition of some cheese varieties exhibits a potential for the release of bioactive peptides. The production of these peptides can be promoted by some technological procedures that affect the milk structure and constituents. The cheese maturation process stands out for producing bioactive peptides due to the action of enzymes produced by lactic acid bacteria. Thus, in addition to being proteins with high biological value due to their excellent amino acid profile, peptides from some types of cheeses are endowed with functional properties such as anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, opioid, and zinc-binding activities.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs fed with cassava foliage hay and spineless cactus.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the total or partial replacement of Tifton 85 hay (TH) by cassava foliage hay (CH) and/or spineless cactus (SC) on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of confined lambs. Thirty-five Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs were used, with an initial average weight of 16.0 ± 1.9 kg, fed with five treatment diets: 70% TH, 70% CH, 35% TH + 35% CH, 35% TH + 35% SC, and 35% CH + 35% SC. After 90 days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered and the carcass and meat data were compared using the Tukey test at 5%. The partial replacement of TH by SC increased the cold carcass weight by 3.9 kg (p < .05). The proportion of fat (%) increased (p < .05) when TH was replaced by CH + SC. The intensity of red (a*) was lower (p < .05) in the meat of animals fed with CH or CH + SC. It is recommended to partially replace TH with SC, or to replace totally with CH in association with SC.

Caracterização físico-química do colostro de búfalas na primeira ordenha pós-parto por meio de absorção infravermelha / Physico-chemical characterization of buffalo colostrum at the first postpartum milking by infrared absorption

Objetivou-se caracterizar o colostro da primeira ordenha de búfalas da raça Murrah utilizando a metodologia não oficial de absorção infravermelha. Para isso, foram colhidas amostras individuais de 42 fêmeas multíparas, por meio de ordenha manual. As amostras foram coletadas em até 12 h após o parto e encaminhadas para determinação de gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais e sólidos não gordurosos por meio de absorção infravermelha. Realizamos também a contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e leitura de condutividade elétrica (CE) do colostro. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva através do procedimento proc means. Os valores de condutividade elétrica foram divididos em quatro classes e as médias das características físico-químicas das diferentes classes foram comparadas pelo teste T com 5% de significância. Também foi realizada análise de correlação entre as características químicas, CCS e CE do colostro. Foram obtidas médias de 4,34 ± 3,24% para gordura, 11,88 ± 3,93% para proteína, 2,54 ± 0,9% para lactose, 10,01 ± 3,33% para caseína, 26,56 ± 4,18% para sólidos totais, 16,20 ± 3,70% para sólidos não gordurosos, 316,86 ± 341,56 mil células somáticas, e 4,44 ± 0,81 mS cm-1 para condutividade elétrica do colostro. O colostro de búfalas ordenhadas em até 12h pós-parto apresenta elevado teor de proteína. Além disso, observamos que quanto maior a leitura da condutividade elétrica, menores são os percentuais de proteína, caseína e sólidos não gordurosos no colostro.

The objective of this study was to characterize the colostrum of the first milking of buffaloes of the Murrah breed using the infrared absorption. For this, individual samples of 42 multiparous females were collected by manual milking. Samples were collected up to 12h after delivery and sent for determination of fat, protein, lactose, total solids and non-greasy solids by the infrared absorption method. We also performed somatic cell counts (SCC) and electric conductivity (EC) reading of colostrum. The data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis through the procedure proc means. The values of electrical conductivity were divided into four classes and the means of physical-chemical characteristics of the different classes were compared by the T test with 5% significance. A correlation analysis was also performed between the chemical characteristics, SCC and EC of colostrum. Averages of 4.34 ± 3.24% for fat, 11.88 ± 3.93% for protein, 10.01 ± 3.33% for casein, 2.54 ± 0.9% for lactose, 26, 56 ± 4.18% for total solids, 16.20 ± 3.70% for non-greasy solids, 316.86 ± 341.56 mil somatic cells and 4.44 ± 0.81 mS cm -1 for electrical conductivity of colostrum. The colostrum of milked buffaloes up to 12 hours postpartum presents high protein content. In addition, we observed that the higher the electrical conductivity reading, the lower the percentages of protein, casein and non-greasy solids in colostrum.

Lactose intolerance and cow's milk protein allergy

Adverse reactions to food intake have very diverse etiology and symptomatology. Regarding milk, its food allergy is presented as lactose intolerance, the sugar in milk, or allergy to milk protein. Despite having different symptomatology, confusions among allergic conditions to dairy and its mediators are common. Milk protein allergy originates from protein components present in milk, causing reactions to either the protein fractions in emulsion (caseins) or in whey (milk albumin). The allergic reaction is type IV mediated by T lymphocytes. The allergic reaction produces severe cellular damage and it triggers physical, mental and emotional symptomatology that may vary in time, intensity and severity. Lactose intolerance is originated by total or partial absence of the enzyme that digests this disaccharide. Lactose intolerance can be primary or congenital and secondary; the former being more rare and severe, the latter being more common. Lactase deficiency can be diagnosed by symptoms associated with cramping and diarrhea. Thus, the objective of this study was to conduct a review of available literature on cow's milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance.(AU)

Qualidade do leite bovino nas diferentes estações do ano no estado do Rio Grande do Norte / Quality of milk in different seasons in the Rio Grande do Norte State

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar indicadores da qualidade do leite cru de tanques de expansão em dois períodos do ano (seco e chuvoso) na região agreste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de leite cru diretamente do tanque de expansão de oito propriedades no período de janeiro de 2010 a março de 2012. Os índices mensais médios de precipitação foram coletados do banco de dados da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à composição, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT). A composição do leite não foi influenciada pela estação do ano (P>0,05) e apresentou médias de 3,53% para gordura, 3,30% para proteína e 12,19% para estrato seco total. Apesar do aumento na precipitação (P<0,05), não houve influencia da estação do ano (P>0,05) sobre os valores de CCS e CBT do leite nos tanques de expansão. A contagem bacteriana total variou de 795 a 505 mil UFC/mL de leite para o período seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. A estação do ano não influenciou na composição, CCS e CBT do leite bovino armazenado em tanques de expansão no agreste do Rio Grande do Norte.

The objective of this study was to evaluate indicators of the quality of raw milk from bulk tanks in two seasons (dry and rainy ) in the wild in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. For this, we collected samples of raw milk directly from the expansion tank eight properties in the period January 2010 to March 2012. The average monthly rainfall indices were collected from the database of the Agricultural Research Company of Rio Grande do Norte. The samples were analyzed for composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). Milk composition was not affected by season (P > 0.05) and showed an average of 3.53% for fat, protein and 3.30% to 12.19% for total dry stratum. Despite the increased precipitation (P <0.05), there was no influence of season (P> 0.05) on the values of the milk SCC and TBC in the expansion tank. The total bacterial count ranged 795-505 mil CFU / ml of milk to the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The season does not influence the composition, SCC and TBC bovine milk stored in bulk tanks in rural Rio Grande do Norte

Qualidade do leite bovino nas diferentes estações do ano no estado do Rio Grande do Norte / Quality of milk in different seasons in the Rio Grande do Norte State

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar indicadores da qualidade do leite cru de tanques de expansão em dois períodos do ano (seco e chuvoso) na região agreste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de leite cru diretamente do tanque de expansão de oito propriedades no período de janeiro de 2010 a março de 2012. Os índices mensais médios de precipitação foram coletados do banco de dados da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à composição, contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT). A composição do leite não foi influenciada pela estação do ano (P>0,05) e apresentou médias de 3,53% para gordura, 3,30% para proteína e 12,19% para estrato seco total. Apesar do aumento na precipitação (P0,05) sobre os valores de CCS e CBT do leite nos tanques de expansão. A contagem bacteriana total variou de 795 a 505 mil UFC/mL de leite para o período seco e chuvoso, respectivamente. A estação do ano não influenciou na composição, CCS e CBT do leite bovino armazenado em tanques de expansão no agreste do Rio Grande do Norte.

The objective of this study was to evaluate indicators of the quality of raw milk from bulk tanks in two seasons (dry and rainy )in the wild in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. For this, we collected samples of raw milk directly from the expansion tank eightproperties in the period January 2010 to March 2012. The average monthly rainfall indices were collected from the database of theAgricultural Research Company of Rio Grande do Norte. The samples were analyzed for composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). Milk composition was not affected by season (P > 0.05) and showed an average of 3.53% for fat, protein and 3.30% to 12.19% for total dry stratum. Despite the increased precipitation (P 0.05) on the values of the milk SCC and TBC in the expansion tank. The total bacterial count ranged 795-505 mil CFU / ml of milk to the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The season does not influence the composition, SCC and TBC bovine milk stored in bulk tanks in rural Rio Grande do Norte.