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)

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)

Evaluation of extruded roughage with different additives in sheep diet

The purpose was to evaluate the effect of extruded roughage Foragge® with different additives on intake, digestibility nutrients and nitrogen balance of sheep. Twenty adults, non-pregnant ewes with average weight 68 kg were used. The treatments were extruded roughage with additives (essential oil, virginiamycin, unpurified inactive yeast, tannin and purified inactive yeast). The design was in randomized blocks. The means were contrasted by SNK test, and the fecal score was tested by the Kruskal Wallis test (1952), at 5% significance. There was no difference in the intake of dry matter, crude protein, nitrogen, water, water in relation to dry matter, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (p > 0.05). As well as the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber, the fecal weight, fecal nitrogen, retained nitrogen and nitrogen retained in relation to nitrogen ingested (p > 0.05). However, dry matter intake as a function of body weight and metabolic weight, urinary nitrogen, hemicellulose intake, and hemicellulose as a function of NDF, were higher in the Foragge Factor® treatment (p < 0.05). The inclusion of different additives in the extruded roughage improved nutritional parameters, without causing disturbances.(AU)

Nutritional and metabolic parameters of ewe lambs fed yeast in the diet containing fibrolytic enzyme / Parâmetros nutricionais e metabólicos de borregas alimentadas com leveduras na ração contendo enzima fibrolítica

This study aimed to evaluate the dry matter digestibility, intake and metabolic profile of ewe lambs fed active or inactive yeasts in the diet containing fibrolytic enzyme. Twenty crossbred animals with an average weight of 33.4kg and an average age of six months were distributed in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of yeasts: Control (no yeast), Milk Sacc X® (active yeast), Active Flora®(active yeast + inactive yeast) and Rumen Yeast®(inactive yeast). Analysis of variance and SNK test were applied with a significance level of 5% for type I error. There was no difference for dry matter intake between treatments (P>0.05). There was a significant trend (P=0.0596) for dry matter digestibility, with higher values for the control treatment. There was a significant trend for blood metabolites (P=0.0705), in which the diet containing Milk Sacc® was superior to the other treatments for total protein concentration. In addition, there was a statistical difference (P<0.05) for urea concentration, in which control and Active Flora® treatments were superior to the others. The inclusion of active or inactive yeasts in the diet for ewe lambs containing fibrolytic enzyme reduces dietary digestibility, without affecting the dry matter intake, in addition, it increases urea and total protein levels without causing liver or kidney damage in ewe lambs.

Objetivou-se avaliar a digestibilidade da matéria seca, consumo e perfil metabólico de borregas alimentadas com leveduras vivas e inativadas na ração contendo enzima fibrolítica. Foram utilizados vinte animais mestiços com peso médio de 33,4kg e idade média de seis meses, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos consistiram nas leveduras: Controle (sem levedura), Milk Sacc X® (levedura ativa), Active Flora®(levedura viva mais levedura inativada) e Rúmen Yeast® (levedura inativa). Foi realizada à análise variância e teste SNK com nível de significância de 5% para o erro tipo I. Não houve diferença entre tratamentos para consumo de matéria seca com uso ou não de levedura na dieta (P>0,05). Houve tendência significativa (P=0,0596) para a digestibilidade da matéria seca sendo superior para com o tratamento sem inclusão de leveduras. Para os metabólitos sanguíneos houve tendência significativa (P=0,0705) sendo o Milk Sacc® superior aos demais tratamentos para concentração de proteínas totais. Além disso, houve diferença estatística (P<0,05) para concentração de ureia cujos tratamentos controle e Active Flora® foram superiores aos demais. A inclusão de leveduras vivas ou inativadas na dieta para borregas contendo enzima fibrolítica diminui a digestibilidade da dieta, sem afetar o consumo de matéria seca, além disso, aumenta teores de ureia e proteínas totais sem causar prejuízos hepáticos ou renais as borregas.

Reference interval of biochemical parameters of lactating sheep in the tropics / Intervalo de referência de parâmetros bioquímicos de ovelhas lactantes nos trópicos

The objective was to estimate the reference intervals of biochemical parameters of lactating ewes in the tropics. Information on up to 290 lactating ewes was compiled from 2006 to 2017. All animals were healthy and were not subjected to forced malnutrition. Animals were raised in different management systems (pasture, total confinement, partial confinement, collective and/or individual confinement). The biochemical profile consisted of information on cholesterol, triglycerides, fructosamine, HDL (high density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), total protein (TP), uric acid, urea, albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Reference values were estimated using the Dixon test, when parametric, and by boostrap, when non-parametric, with a 95% confidence interval. Estimated intervals were 36.3 - 94; 262.22 - 450.66; 7 - 43; 18.6 - 69.4; 1.4 - 8.4; 0.61 - 1.66; 5.4 - 11; 0 - 1.4; 8.4 - 61.5; 1.9 - 3.57 for cholesterol, fructosamine, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, creatinine, TP, uric acid, urea and albumin, respectively. For enzymes and mineral profile, 59 - 160; 37.9 - 127.8; 30 - 190; 8.23 - 12.45; 3.7 - 8.5; 1.7 - 3.8 for AST, GGT, ALP, Ca, P, and Mg, respectively. It can be concluded that the biochemical parameters of lactating ewes in the tropics are different from those determined in the literature.

Objetivou-se estimar os intervalos de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos de ovelhas lactantes nos trópicos. Foram compiladas informações de até 290 ovelhas lactantes no período de 2006 a 2017. Todos os animais eram saudáveis e não passaram por condições de desnutrição forçada. Os animais foram criados em diferentes sistemas de manejo (pasto, confinamento total, semiconfinamento, confinamento coletivo e/ou individual). O perfil bioquímico constituiu informações de colesterol, triglicerídeos, frutosamina, HDL (lipoproteína de alta densidade), VLDL (lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade), proteínas totais, ácido úrico, ureia, albumina, creatinina, cálcio, fósforo e magnésio, AST (aspartato aminotransferase), GGT (gama glutamil transferase) e fosfatase alcalina (FA). Os valores de referência foram estimados através do teste de Dixon, quando paramétrico e por boostrap quando não paramétrico, sendo o intervalo de confiança a 95% de probabilidade. Os intervalos estimados foram 36,3 - 94; 262,22 - 450,66; 7 - 43; 18,6 - 69,4; 1,4 - 8,4; 0,61 - 1,66; 5,4 - 11; 0 - 1,4; 8,4 - 61,5; 1,9 - 3,57 para colesterol, frutosanima, trigligeríceos, HDL, VLDL, creatinina, PT, ácido úrico, ureia e albumina, respectivamente. Para as enzimas e o perfil mineral foram 59 - 160; 37,9 - 127,8; 30 - 190; 8,23 - 12,45; 3,7 - 8,5; 1,7 - 3,8 para AST, GGT, FA, Ca, P, e Mg, respectivamente. Conclui-se que os parâmetros bioquímicos das ovelhas lactantes nos trópicos são discrepantes aos determinados na literatura.

Evaluation of extruded roughage with different additives in sheep diet

The purpose was to evaluate the effect of extruded roughage Foragge®with different additives onintake, digestibility nutrients and nitrogen balance of sheep. Twenty adults, non-pregnant ewes with average weight 68 kg were used. The treatments were extruded roughage with additives (essential oil, virginiamycin, unpurified inactive yeast, tannin and purified inactive yeast). The design was in randomized blocks. The means were contrasted by SNK test, and the fecal score was tested by the Kruskal Wallis test (1952), at 5% significance.There was no difference in the intake of dry matter, crude protein, nitrogen, water, water in relation to dry matter, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (p>0.05).As well as the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber, the fecal weight, fecal nitrogen, retained nitrogenand nitrogen retained in relation to nitrogen ingested (p>0.05).However, dry matter intake as a function of body weight and metabolic weight, urinary nitrogen, hemicellulose intake, and hemicellulose as a function of NDF, were higher in the Foragge Factor®treatment (p<0.05). The inclusion of different additives in the extruded roughage improved nutritional parameters, without causing disturbances.(AU)

Serum biochemical reference ranges for lambs from birth to 1 year of age in the tropics / Intervalos de referência de bioquímicos séricos para cordeiros do nascimento a um ano nos trópicos

The study aimed to determine the biochemical reference ranges for lambs from birth to 1 year of age in the tropics. Data were obtained from experiments performed in several institutions and commercial farms using Santa Inês, Dorper, Lacaune, Morada Nova, Bergamacia and Suffolk lambs reared under different conditions (grazing, feedlot, semi-feedlot) from 2006 to 2017. Serum energy-, protein-, mineral-, and enzyme-related metabolites were evaluated. The metabolic energy profile included data from glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, fructosamine, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; the metabolic protein profile included total protein, uric acid, urea, albumin, and creatinine; the metabolic mineral profile included data on calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium; and the metabolic enzymatic profile included the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatine kinase. The reference ranges were estimated using confidence intervals with a 95% confidence level, and percentiles were estimated or bootstrapped nonparametrically when the data were not normally distributed. The serum biochemical reference ranges determined for lambs are strongly divergent from those established by one of the most cited books on the topic, especially considering the high serum urea and cholesterol concentrations and low levels of blood glucose observed. Therefore, the serum biochemical reference ranges for lambs from birth to 1 year of age in the tropics differ from international data, which consider adult sheep in temperate climate zones.

Objetivou-se determinar as faixas de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos para cordeiros desde o nascimento até a idade de um ano nos trópicos. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de experimentos realizados em diversas instituições e fazendas comerciais, utilizando cordeiros Santa Inês, Dorper, Lacaune, Morada Nova, Bergamacia e Suffolk criados em diferentes condições (pastejo, confinamento, semi-confinamento) de 2006 a 2017. Foram avaliados os metabólitos séricos relacionados à energia, proteína, minerais e vitaminas. O perfil metabólico incluiu dados de glicose, colesterol, triglicerídeos, frutosamina, lipoproteína de alta densidade, lipoproteína de baixa densidade e lipoproteína de densidade muito baixa; o perfil metabólico proteico incluiu proteína total, ácido úrico, ureia, albumina e creatinina; o perfil mineral os dados sobre cálcio, fósforo e magnésio; e o perfil enzimático as enzimas aspartato aminotransferase, gama glutamil transferase, fosfatase alcalina e creatina quinase. As faixas de referência foram estimadas usando intervalos de confiança com nível de confiança de 95%, e os percentis foram estimados por métodos não paramétricos de reamostragem quando não apresentavam distribuição normal. Os intervalos bioquímicos séricos de referência para cordeiros determinados são fortemente divergentes dos estabelecidos por um dos livros mais citados sobre o tema, principalmente considerando as altas concentrações séricas de ureia e colesterol e baixos níveis de glicose observados no sangue. Portanto, as faixas bioquímicas séricas de referência para cordeiros do nascimento a um ano nos trópicos diferem dos dados internacionais, que contemplam ovelhas adultas em países temperados.

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.

Serum biochemical reference ranges for lambs from birth to 1 year of age in the tropics / Intervalos de referência de bioquímicos séricos para cordeiros do nascimento a um ano nos trópicos

The study aimed to determine the biochemical reference ranges for lambs from birth to 1 year of age in the tropics. Data were obtained from experiments performed in several institutions and commercial farms using Santa Inês, Dorper, Lacaune, Morada Nova, Bergamacia and Suffolk lambs reared under different conditions (grazing, feedlot, semi-feedlot) from 2006 to 2017. Serum energy-, protein-, mineral-, and enzyme-related metabolites were evaluated. The metabolic energy profile included data from glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, fructosamine, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; the metabolic protein profile included total protein, uric acid, urea, albumin, and creatinine; the metabolic mineral profile included data on calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium; and the metabolic enzymatic profile included the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatine kinase. The reference ranges were estimated using confidence intervals with a 95% confidence level, and percentiles were estimated or bootstrapped nonparametrically when the data were not normally distributed. The serum biochemical reference ranges determined for lambs are strongly divergent from those established by one of the most cited books on the topic, especially considering the high serum urea and cholesterol concentrations and low levels of blood glucose observed. Therefore, the serum biochemical reference ranges for lambs from birth to 1 year of age in the tropics differ from international data, which consider adult sheep in temperate climate zones.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar as faixas de referência dos parâmetros bioquímicos para cordeiros desde o nascimento até a idade de um ano nos trópicos. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de experimentos realizados em diversas instituições e fazendas comerciais, utilizando cordeiros Santa Inês, Dorper, Lacaune, Morada Nova, Bergamacia e Suffolk criados em diferentes condições (pastejo, confinamento, semi-confinamento) de 2006 a 2017. Foram avaliados os metabólitos séricos relacionados à energia, proteína, minerais e vitaminas. O perfil metabólico incluiu dados de glicose, colesterol, triglicerídeos, frutosamina, lipoproteína de alta densidade, lipoproteína de baixa densidade e lipoproteína de densidade muito baixa; o perfil metabólico proteico incluiu proteína total, ácido úrico, ureia, albumina e creatinina; o perfil mineral os dados sobre cálcio, fósforo e magnésio; e o perfil enzimático as enzimas aspartato aminotransferase, gama glutamil transferase, fosfatase alcalina e creatina quinase. As faixas de referência foram estimadas usando intervalos de confiança com nível de confiança de 95%, e os percentis foram estimados por métodos não paramétricos de reamostragem quando não apresentavam distribuição normal. Os intervalos bioquímicos séricos de referência para cordeiros determinados são fortemente divergentes dos estabelecidos por um dos livros mais citados sobre o tema, principalmente considerando as altas concentrações séricas de ureia e colesterol e baixos níveis de glicose observados no sangue. Portanto, as faixas bioquímicas séricas de referência para cordeiros do nascimento a um ano nos trópicos diferem dos dados internacionais, que contemplam ovelhas adultas em países temperados.(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.(AU)

Different roughage to concentrate ratios in extruded ration and metabolic parameters of growing lambs / Diferentes relações de volumoso e concentrado na ração extrusada e parâmetros metabólicos de borregas em crescimento

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dry matter intake and metabolic parameters of 30 lambs fed with extruded ration with different roughage to concentrate ratios. It was carried out at the Federal University of Uberlândia from 7 December 2016 to 22 March 2017. The treatments were extruded rations, at 30% roughage and 70% concentrate (30R:70C) and 70% roughage and 30% concentrate (70R:30C) ratios, distributed completely randomly with two treatments and 15 animals per treatment. The treatment means were evaluated by the Tukey test and a regression study with a significance level of 5%. The dry matter intake (DMI) was evaluated. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture to determine the concentration of energy-related, protein and mineral metabolites as well as enzymes indicative of hepatic and muscular activity. There was lower DMI for the 30R:70C treatment, as well as reduction in DMI in relation to body weight at the end of the experiment. The treatments influenced urea: animals with higher urea concentrations consumed the ration with higher concentrate content. Further, animals fed with more roughage had a higher concentration of phosphorus. In conclusion, the roughage to concentrate ratio of the extruded ration influenced the dry matter intake without triggering metabolic disorders in the animals.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo de matéria seca e parâmetros metabólicos de 30 borregas alimentadas com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso (V): concentrado (C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 22 de março de 2017. Os tratamentos consistiam de ração extrusada nas relações 30V:70C e 70V:30C, distribuídas inteiramente ao acaso com dois tratamentos e 15 repetições. As médias dos tratamentos foram avaliadas pelo teste de Tukey e os períodos de coleta por estudo de regressão ao nível de significância de 5%. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca (CMS), concentração sanguínea dos metabólitos energéticos, proteicos e minerais e concentração sanguínea de enzimas indicadoras de atividade hepática e muscular através de coleta de sangue por venopunção da jugular. Houve menor CMS para o tratamento 30V:70C, e redução do CMS em relação ao peso corporal no final do experimento. Houve influência dos tratamentos para a ureia com maior concentração nos animais consumindo a ração com maior teor de concentrado, enquanto houve maior concentração do fósforo nos animais alimentados com ração com maior teor de volumoso. A relação volumoso: concentrado da ração extrusada exerce influencia sobre o consumo de matéria seca, sem desencadear transtornos metabólicos nos animais.(AU)

Consumption and ingestive behaviour of lambs fed varying levels of babassu mesocarp bran / Farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu na alimentação de borregas: consumo e comportamento ingestivo

Voluntary consumption (VolC) and ingestive behaviour (IB) of lambs fed diets containing different percentages (0.0; 7.5; 15.0 and 22.5%) of babassu mesocarp bran (I-BMB) were evaluated. The trial was at the Federal University of Tocantins, Campus de Araguaína-TO. Twenty lambs were evaluated using a completely randomized design, and five replications were performed. VolC data was obtainedby measuring total volumes of both food supplied and food remaining after feeding. IB was evaluated throughout two, non-consecutive 24-h periods, with observations were recorded every five minutes that described the following behavioural variables: resting (REST), rumination (RUM), intake (INT) and chewing (CHEW). The particle size was also measured using a Penn State particle separator. All VolC parameters (dry matter intake, DMI; crude protein intake, CPI; neutral detergent fibre intake, NDFI; and acid detergent fibre intake, ADFI) increased linearly with I-BMB intake. I-BMB consumption did not interfere with water intake, nor did it affect I-BMB did not affect the duration of DMI, NDFI and ADFI. However, linear increases of rumination and chewing activities associated with DMI, NDFI and ADFI were observed as I-BMB levels increased. In summary, effects of inclusion I-BMB in diets of lambs included increased voluntary consumption, and reduced rumination and chewing, but not ingestion, efficiency. When economically favorable, these data suggest that inclusion of up to 22.5% I-BMB within balanced diets should be applied.

Avaliou-se o consumo voluntário (CVol) e o comportamento ingestivo (CI) de borregas alimentadas com rações contendo diferentes inclusões de farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu (I-FMB) (0,0; 7,5; 15,0 e 22,5%). O local do ensaio foi a ovinocaprinocultura da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Campus de Araguaína-TO. Foram utilizadas 20 borregas distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com cinco repetições. O CVol foi realizado pela mensuração do total de alimento fornecido e das sobras. Já o CI foi avaliado em dois períodos de 24 horas em dias não consecutivos, com observações de cinco em cinco minutos sendo as variáveis comportamentais: ócio (O), ruminação (R), ingestão (I)e mastigação (M). Mensurou-se também o tamanho de partícula com separador de partículas modelo Penn State. Foi observado aumento linear crescente com a I-FMB para todos os parâmetros de CVol estudados (consumo de matéria seca - CMS, consumo de proteína bruta - CPB, consumo de fibra em detergente neutro - CFND e consumo de fibra em detergente ácido - CFDA) em todas as unidades (gdia-1 animal-1, % do peso vivo (PV), g kg-0,75). A I-FMB não interferiu na ingestão de água de borregas. A I-FMB não afetou o tempo em ingestão por CMS, CFDN e CFDA. No entanto, a I-FMB aumentou linearmente as atividades ruminação e mastigação em função do CMS, CFDN e CFDA. A I-FMB na dieta de borregas aumenta o consumo voluntário de ovinos e influência de forma negativa na eficiência de ruminação e mastigação, sem prejudicar eficiência de ingestão. Quando economicamente favorável recomenda-se a inclusão de até 22,5 % de FMB em dietas balanceadas.

Different roughage: concentrate ratios in extruded feed, and feeding behavior of growing lambs / Diferentes relações volumoso:concentrado de ração extrusada e comportamento ingestivo de borregas em crescimento

Animal performance is directly related to the food quality and intake. Analyzing feeding behavior is an important tool to evaluate diet efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the intake of dry matter, feeding behavior and ruminal movement amongst lambs fed with extruded feed in different roughage (R) : concentrate (C) ratios. An experiment was carried out in the Experimental Farm Capim Branco, Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, from December 7, 2016 to March 22, 2017. It involved 30 3-month-old crossbred lambs (Santa Ines x Dorper) with a mean weight of 20.67 ± 4.57 kg allocated in collective stalls equipped with feeder, water fountain, salt shaker, and wooden slatted floor. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete design with 2 treatments and 15 replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of roughage and concentrate extruded and mixed in the following ratio 30R:70C and 70R:30C. The dry matter intake (DMI), 24-hour feeding behavior and 5-minute ruminal movement were evaluated. The findings pointed to reduced DMI in relation to body weight for 30R:70C at the end of the experiment. Reduced rumination time, total chewing and ruminal movement were found for both ratios. However, shorter rumination time and total chewing had been recorded for 30R:70C at the beginning of the experiment. Extruded feed with 70R:30C increased rumination and total chewing and, consequently, ruminal movement.

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar o consumo de matéria seca comportamento ingestivo e movimentação ruminal de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso(V):concentrado(C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, no período de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 22 de março de 2017. Foram utilizados 30 borregas, mestiças (Santa Inês x Dorper), com idade de três meses, e peso médio de 20,67 ± 4,57 kg. Os animais foram alocados em baias coletivas providas de comedouro, bebedouro, saleiro e piso ripado de madeira. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e quinze repetições por tratamento totalizando 30 unidades experimentais. Os tratamentos consistiam de volumosos e concentrado extrusados e misturados na seguinte proporção 30V:70C e 70V:30C. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca (CMS), comportamento ingestivo durante 24 horas e movimentação ruminal durante 5 minutos. Houve menor CMS para o tratamento 30V:70C, e redução do CMS em relação ao peso corporal no final do experimento. Os animais apresentaram redução no tempo gasto com ruminação e mastigação total e, também menor movimentação ruminal para as duas rações analisadas. Porém, no início de experimento houve menor tempo gasto com ruminação e mastigação total para o tratamento 30V:70C. O uso de ração extrusada com 70V:30C promove maior tempo dispendido em atividades de ruminação e mastigação total, e, consequentemente maior movimentação ruminal nos animais.

Extruded feed in different volume-concentrate ratios: in-vitro fermentation kinetics, consumption, and evaluation of lambs’ metabolic profile / Ração extrusada em diferentes relações de volumoso e concentrado: cinética de fermentação in vitro e avaliação do perfil metabólico de borregas

This study aimed both to evaluate the metabolic profile of lambs fed with extruded forage and concentrate containing different roughageconcentrate ratios (R:C) and to evaluate in-vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics of these rations. An experiment was carried out with 20 weanling, female crossbred lambs (½Dorper x ½Santa Inês) aged 120 ± 8 days. The treatments were four R:C ratios of extruded forage (Foragge®) and extruded concentrate (Beef Total®) – 30%F:70%C, 40%F:60%C, 50%F:50%C, and 60%F:40%C – distributed randomly with five replicates. The analysis targeted energy metabolites (VLDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol), hepatic metabolites (alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase [GGT], and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), and protein metabolites (total protein, uric acid, urea, creatinine, albumin, and globulin). In-vitro gas production was quantified by inoculating the extruded rations in bovine ruminal fluid with the following forage:concentrate proportions evaluated: 30%F:70%C, 40%F:60%C, 50%F:50%C, 60%F:40%C and 70%F:30%C. Fermentation kinetic values were compared using parallelism test and curve identity at the error probability level of 5%. A regression study was used to compare the means of the metabolites at the error probability level of 5%. Average dry matter intake data are provided descriptively. The extruded ration increased the hepatic metabolites (GGT and AST) without compromising the liver and kept the energy metabolites stable. Similarly, the serum concentration of protein metabolites remained at normal levels recommended to the ovine species. In-vitro fermentation pattern displayed high gas production associated with high ration digestibility. The extruded ration provides protein and energy supply to meet the animals’ nutritional requirements without compromising their health.

Objetivou-se avaliar (i) o perfil metabólico de borregas alimentadas com volumoso e concentrado extrusados em diferentes proporções de volumoso:concentrado (V:C) e (ii) a cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro dessas rações. Foram utilizadas 20 fêmeas mestiças ½Dorper x ½Santa Inês recém-desmamadas com 120 ± 8 dias de idade. Os tratamentos foram quatro relações de volumoso extrusado (Foragge® ) e concentrado extrusado (Beef Total® ): 30%V:70%C, 40%V:60%C, 50%V:50%C e 60%V:40%C, distribuídos inteiramente ao acaso com cinco repetições. Os metabólitos energéticos analisados foram: VLDL, triglicerídeos e colesterol. Os metabólitos hepáticos foram: fosfatase alcalina, gama glutamiltransferase (GGT) e aspartatoaminotransferase (AST). Os metabólitos proteicos avaliados foram: proteínas totais, ácido úrico, ureia, creatinina, albumina e globulina. A quantificação da produção in vitro de gás foi feita com as rações extrusadas inoculadas em líquido ruminal de bovinos, avaliando as seguintes proporções volumoso:concentrado: 30%V:70%C, 40%V:60%C, 50%V:50%C, 60%V:40%C e 70%V:30%C. Os valores de cinética de fermentação foram comparados por meio do teste de paralelismo e identidade de curvas ao nível de 5% de probabilidade de erro. Para comparação das médias dos metabólitos, foi adotado estudo de regressão a 5 % de probabilidade de erro. Os dados médios de consumo de matéria seca são apresentados de forma descritiva. A ração extrusada provocou aumento nas enzimas hepáticas (GGT e AST), sem provocar lesões hepáticas e manteve estáveis os metabólitos energéticos. Similarmente, os níveis séricos proteicos permaneceram nos níveis normais recomendados para a espécie. O padrão de fermentação in vitro mostrou alta produção de gases associadas à alta digestibilidade da ração. A ração extrusada fornece aporte energético e proteico para atender às demandas nutricionais dos animais sem comprometer a sua saúde.

Different roughage: concentrate ratios in extruded feed, and feeding behavior of growing lambs / Diferentes relações volumoso:concentrado de ração extrusada e comportamento ingestivo de borregas em crescimento

Animal performance is directly related to the food quality and intake. Analyzing feeding behavior is an important tool to evaluate diet efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the intake of dry matter, feeding behavior and ruminal movement amongst lambs fed with extruded feed in different roughage (R) : concentrate (C) ratios. An experiment was carried out in the Experimental Farm Capim Branco, Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, from December 7, 2016 to March 22, 2017. It involved 30 3-month-old crossbred lambs (Santa Ines x Dorper) with a mean weight of 20.67 ± 4.57 kg allocated in collective stalls equipped with feeder, water fountain, salt shaker, and wooden slatted floor. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete design with 2 treatments and 15 replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of roughage and concentrate extruded and mixed in the following ratio 30R:70C and 70R:30C. The dry matter intake (DMI), 24-hour feeding behavior and 5-minute ruminal movement were evaluated. The findings pointed to reduced DMI in relation to body weight for 30R:70C at the end of the experiment. Reduced rumination time, total chewing and ruminal movement were found for both ratios. However, shorter rumination time and total chewing had been recorded for 30R:70C at the beginning of the experiment. Extruded feed with 70R:30C increased rumination and total chewing and, consequently, ruminal movement.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar o consumo de matéria seca comportamento ingestivo e movimentação ruminal de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso(V):concentrado(C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, no período de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 22 de março de 2017. Foram utilizados 30 borregas, mestiças (Santa Inês x Dorper), com idade de três meses, e peso médio de 20,67 ± 4,57 kg. Os animais foram alocados em baias coletivas providas de comedouro, bebedouro, saleiro e piso ripado de madeira. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e quinze repetições por tratamento totalizando 30 unidades experimentais. Os tratamentos consistiam de volumosos e concentrado extrusados e misturados na seguinte proporção 30V:70C e 70V:30C. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca (CMS), comportamento ingestivo durante 24 horas e movimentação ruminal durante 5 minutos. Houve menor CMS para o tratamento 30V:70C, e redução do CMS em relação ao peso corporal no final do experimento. Os animais apresentaram redução no tempo gasto com ruminação e mastigação total e, também menor movimentação ruminal para as duas rações analisadas. Porém, no início de experimento houve menor tempo gasto com ruminação e mastigação total para o tratamento 30V:70C. O uso de ração extrusada com 70V:30C promove maior tempo dispendido em atividades de ruminação e mastigação total, e, consequentemente maior movimentação ruminal nos animais.(AU)

Consumption and ingestive behaviour of lambs fed varying levels of babassu mesocarp bran / Farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu na alimentação de borregas: consumo e comportamento ingestivo

Voluntary consumption (VolC) and ingestive behaviour (IB) of lambs fed diets containing different percentages (0.0; 7.5; 15.0 and 22.5%) of babassu mesocarp bran (I-BMB) were evaluated. The trial was at the Federal University of Tocantins, Campus de Araguaína-TO. Twenty lambs were evaluated using a completely randomized design, and five replications were performed. VolC data was obtainedby measuring total volumes of both food supplied and food remaining after feeding. IB was evaluated throughout two, non-consecutive 24-h periods, with observations were recorded every five minutes that described the following behavioural variables: resting (REST), rumination (RUM), intake (INT) and chewing (CHEW). The particle size was also measured using a Penn State particle separator. All VolC parameters (dry matter intake, DMI; crude protein intake, CPI; neutral detergent fibre intake, NDFI; and acid detergent fibre intake, ADFI) increased linearly with I-BMB intake. I-BMB consumption did not interfere with water intake, nor did it affect I-BMB did not affect the duration of DMI, NDFI and ADFI. However, linear increases of rumination and chewing activities associated with DMI, NDFI and ADFI were observed as I-BMB levels increased. In summary, effects of inclusion I-BMB in diets of lambs included increased voluntary consumption, and reduced rumination and chewing, but not ingestion, efficiency. When economically favorable, these data suggest that inclusion of up to 22.5% I-BMB within balanced diets should be applied.(AU)

Avaliou-se o consumo voluntário (CVol) e o comportamento ingestivo (CI) de borregas alimentadas com rações contendo diferentes inclusões de farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu (I-FMB) (0,0; 7,5; 15,0 e 22,5%). O local do ensaio foi a ovinocaprinocultura da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Campus de Araguaína-TO. Foram utilizadas 20 borregas distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com cinco repetições. O CVol foi realizado pela mensuração do total de alimento fornecido e das sobras. Já o CI foi avaliado em dois períodos de 24 horas em dias não consecutivos, com observações de cinco em cinco minutos sendo as variáveis comportamentais: ócio (O), ruminação (R), ingestão (I)e mastigação (M). Mensurou-se também o tamanho de partícula com separador de partículas modelo Penn State. Foi observado aumento linear crescente com a I-FMB para todos os parâmetros de CVol estudados (consumo de matéria seca - CMS, consumo de proteína bruta - CPB, consumo de fibra em detergente neutro - CFND e consumo de fibra em detergente ácido - CFDA) em todas as unidades (gdia-1 animal-1, % do peso vivo (PV), g kg-0,75). A I-FMB não interferiu na ingestão de água de borregas. A I-FMB não afetou o tempo em ingestão por CMS, CFDN e CFDA. No entanto, a I-FMB aumentou linearmente as atividades ruminação e mastigação em função do CMS, CFDN e CFDA. A I-FMB na dieta de borregas aumenta o consumo voluntário de ovinos e influência de forma negativa na eficiência de ruminação e mastigação, sem prejudicar eficiência de ingestão. Quando economicamente favorável recomenda-se a inclusão de até 22,5 % de FMB em dietas balanceadas.(AU)

Extruded feed in different volume-concentrate ratios: in-vitro fermentation kinetics, consumption, and evaluation of lambs metabolic profile / Ração extrusada em diferentes relações de volumoso e concentrado: cinética de fermentação in vitro e avaliação do perfil metabólico de borregas

This study aimed both to evaluate the metabolic profile of lambs fed with extruded forage and concentrate containing different roughageconcentrate ratios (R:C) and to evaluate in-vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics of these rations. An experiment was carried out with 20 weanling, female crossbred lambs (½Dorper x ½Santa Inês) aged 120 ± 8 days. The treatments were four R:C ratios of extruded forage (Foragge®) and extruded concentrate (Beef Total®) 30%F:70%C, 40%F:60%C, 50%F:50%C, and 60%F:40%C distributed randomly with five replicates. The analysis targeted energy metabolites (VLDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol), hepatic metabolites (alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase [GGT], and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), and protein metabolites (total protein, uric acid, urea, creatinine, albumin, and globulin). In-vitro gas production was quantified by inoculating the extruded rations in bovine ruminal fluid with the following forage:concentrate proportions evaluated: 30%F:70%C, 40%F:60%C, 50%F:50%C, 60%F:40%C and 70%F:30%C. Fermentation kinetic values were compared using parallelism test and curve identity at the error probability level of 5%. A regression study was used to compare the means of the metabolites at the error probability level of 5%. Average dry matter intake data are provided descriptively. The extruded ration increased the hepatic metabolites (GGT and AST) without compromising the liver and kept the energy metabolites stable. Similarly, the serum concentration of protein metabolites remained at normal levels recommended to the ovine species. In-vitro fermentation pattern displayed high gas production associated with high ration digestibility. The extruded ration provides protein and energy supply to meet the animals nutritional requirements without compromising their health.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar (i) o perfil metabólico de borregas alimentadas com volumoso e concentrado extrusados em diferentes proporções de volumoso:concentrado (V:C) e (ii) a cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro dessas rações. Foram utilizadas 20 fêmeas mestiças ½Dorper x ½Santa Inês recém-desmamadas com 120 ± 8 dias de idade. Os tratamentos foram quatro relações de volumoso extrusado (Foragge® ) e concentrado extrusado (Beef Total® ): 30%V:70%C, 40%V:60%C, 50%V:50%C e 60%V:40%C, distribuídos inteiramente ao acaso com cinco repetições. Os metabólitos energéticos analisados foram: VLDL, triglicerídeos e colesterol. Os metabólitos hepáticos foram: fosfatase alcalina, gama glutamiltransferase (GGT) e aspartatoaminotransferase (AST). Os metabólitos proteicos avaliados foram: proteínas totais, ácido úrico, ureia, creatinina, albumina e globulina. A quantificação da produção in vitro de gás foi feita com as rações extrusadas inoculadas em líquido ruminal de bovinos, avaliando as seguintes proporções volumoso:concentrado: 30%V:70%C, 40%V:60%C, 50%V:50%C, 60%V:40%C e 70%V:30%C. Os valores de cinética de fermentação foram comparados por meio do teste de paralelismo e identidade de curvas ao nível de 5% de probabilidade de erro. Para comparação das médias dos metabólitos, foi adotado estudo de regressão a 5 % de probabilidade de erro. Os dados médios de consumo de matéria seca são apresentados de forma descritiva. A ração extrusada provocou aumento nas enzimas hepáticas (GGT e AST), sem provocar lesões hepáticas e manteve estáveis os metabólitos energéticos. Similarmente, os níveis séricos proteicos permaneceram nos níveis normais recomendados para a espécie. O padrão de fermentação in vitro mostrou alta produção de gases associadas à alta digestibilidade da ração. A ração extrusada fornece aporte energético e proteico para atender às demandas nutricionais dos animais sem comprometer a sua saúde.(AU)

Effect of the inclusion of lysine and methionine on the nutritional performance and ingestive behavior of lambs / Efeito da inclusão de lisina e metionina protegidas sobre o desempenho nutricional e comportamento ingestivo de borregas

Lysine and methionine are the most limiting amino acids for ruminants; their inclusion in the free form is not effective, since they are quickly degraded by ruminal microorganisms, making the fulfillment of the requirements of metabolizable protein difficult. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of including different levels of lysine and methionine, protected from ruminal degradation, in the diet of lambs; more specifically, their effects on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and ingestive behavior. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm Capim Branco, Federal University of Uberlândia, from September to October 2016. Five 1/2Dorper x 1/2Santa Inês lambs, at approximately eight months of age and an average weight of 50 kg, were distributed in a 5x5 Latin square design, with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments consisted of different levels (0 g, 8 g, 16 g, 24 g and 32 g) of lysine and methionine added to the diet, protected from ruminal degradation (MicroPEARLS LM ®). The feed was composed of corn silage and concentrate (30V: 70C), offered twice daily at 08h00 and 16h00. The experiment lasted 75 days and was divided into five phases. Each phase lasted 15 days, with 10 days for adaptation of the animals and five days of data collection. The animals were kept in individual metabolic cages, with a feeder, drinker and salt shaker...(AU)

Lisina e metionina são os aminoácidos mais limitantes para ruminantes. Sua inclusão na forma livre não é eficaz, visto que os microrganismos ruminais os degradam rapidamente, dificultando o atendimento das exigências de proteína metabolizável. Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão de diferentes teores de lisina e metionina protegidos da degradação ruminal na ração de borregas, sobre o consumo, digestibilidade, balanço de nitrogênio e comportamento ingestivo. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, no período de setembro à outubro de 2016.Foram utilizadas cinco borregas 1/2 Dorper x 1/2Santa Inês, com aproximadamente oito meses de idade e peso médio de 50 kg, distribuídas em esquema quadrado latino 5x5, sendo cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na inclusão de diferentes teores de lisina e metionina protegidos da degradação ruminal (MicroPEARLS LM®) na ração, sendo: 0g, 8g, 16g, 24g e 32g. A ração era composta por silagem de milho e concentrado, na proporção 30V:70C, sendo ofertadas duas vezes ao dia (8 e 16 horas). O experimento teve duração de 75 dias, sendo divido em cinco fases. Cada fase teve duração de quinze dias, sendo dez dias de adaptação dos animais e cinco dias de coleta de dados.Os animais foram mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas individuais, dispostas de comedouro, bebedouros e saleiro. Foi realizado um ensaio de digestibilidade para determinar o consumo e os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro e ácido (FDN/FDA). Foram obtidos o volume e densidade de urina, peso das fezes e escore fecal, balanço de nitrogênio e estudo de comportamento ingestivo. Os consumos de MS (kg dia-1), e em relação ao peso metabólico e corporal, apresentaram equações...(AU)

Nutritional parameters of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage to concentrate ratios / Parâmetros nutricionais de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso: concentrado

The objective of our study was to compare the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, and the nitrogen balance, of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Experimental Farm Capim Branco, from 7 December 2016 to 6 January 2017. Ten lambs (Santa Inês × Dorper) aged between four and five months, and with a mean weight of 25.9 ± 2.8 kg, were used. The animals were placed in metabolic cages equipped with a feeder, drinking fountain, and salt shaker, and which had a wooden slatted floor. The treatments consisted of extruded ration with 30R:70C or 70R:30C. Treatments were distributed in a randomised, complete block design, with each treatment being performed twice and with ten replications. The experiment was carried out in two blocked stages. Differences in the means of treatments were evaluated by Tukeys test at a significance level of 5%. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, water intake by animals, and nitrogen balance were also analysed. The 30R:70C treatment resulted in a lower intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and hemicellulose, and caused higher dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. The 30R:70C treatment also resulted in a lower intake and faecal excretion of nitrogen, consequently establishing a higher ratio between retained and ingested nitrogen. In conclusion, the ration with 30R:70C results in lower intake, and better utilisation of nutrients by the animal.(AU)

Objetivou-se comparar o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, e o balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso (V):concentrado (C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, no período de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 06 de janeiro de 2017. Foram utilizados 10 cordeiros, mestiços (Santa Inês x Dorper), com idade entre quatro e cinco meses, e peso médio de 25,9 ± 2,8 kg. Os animais foram alocados em gaiolas metabólicas providas de comedouro, bebedouro, saleiro e piso ripado de madeira. Os tratamentos consistiam de ração extrusada nas relações 30V:70C e 70V:30C, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados com dois tratamentos e dez repetições por tratamento. O experimento foi feito em duas fases blocadas. As médias dos tratamentos foram avaliadas pelo teste de Tukey ao nível de significância de 5%. Foram analisados o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, o consumo de água pelos animais e o balanço de nitrogênio. O tratamento 30V:70C apresentou menor consumo de matéria seca, de proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e hemicelulose, e apresentou maior digestibilidade da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro. Apresentou menor consumo e excreção fecal de nitrogênio, consequentemente estabelecendo maior relação entre nitrogênio retido e nitrogênio ingerido. A ração extrusada com relação 30V:70C proporciona menor consumo e melhor aproveitamento dos nutrientes pelo animal.(AU)

Nutritional parameters of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage to concentrate ratios / Parâmetros nutricionais de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso: concentrado

The objective of our study was to compare the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, and the nitrogen balance, of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Experimental Farm Capim Branco, from 7 December 2016 to 6 January 2017. Ten lambs (Santa Inês × Dorper) aged between four and five months, and with a mean weight of 25.9 ± 2.8 kg, were used. The animals were placed in metabolic cages equipped with a feeder, drinking fountain, and salt shaker, and which had a wooden slatted floor. The treatments consisted of extruded ration with 30R:70C or 70R:30C. Treatments were distributed in a randomised, complete block design, with each treatment being performed twice and with ten replications. The experiment was carried out in two blocked stages. Differences in the means of treatments were evaluated by Tukeys test at a significance level of 5%. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, water intake by animals, and nitrogen balance were also analysed. The 30R:70C treatment resulted in a lower intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and hemicellulose, and caused higher dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. The 30R:70C treatment also resulted in a lower intake and faecal excretion of nitrogen, consequently establishing a higher ratio between retained and ingested nitrogen. In conclusion, the ration with 30R:70C results in lower intake, and better utilisation of nutrients by the animal.

Objetivou-se comparar o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, e o balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso (V):concentrado (C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, no período de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 06 de janeiro de 2017. Foram utilizados 10 cordeiros, mestiços (Santa Inês x Dorper), com idade entre quatro e cinco meses, e peso médio de 25,9 ± 2,8 kg. Os animais foram alocados em gaiolas metabólicas providas de comedouro, bebedouro, saleiro e piso ripado de madeira. Os tratamentos consistiam de ração extrusada nas relações 30V:70C e 70V:30C, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados com dois tratamentos e dez repetições por tratamento. O experimento foi feito em duas fases blocadas. As médias dos tratamentos foram avaliadas pelo teste de Tukey ao nível de significância de 5%. Foram analisados o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, o consumo de água pelos animais e o balanço de nitrogênio. O tratamento 30V:70C apresentou menor consumo de matéria seca, de proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e hemicelulose, e apresentou maior digestibilidade da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro. Apresentou menor consumo e excreção fecal de nitrogênio, consequentemente estabelecendo maior relação entre nitrogênio retido e nitrogênio ingerido. A ração extrusada com relação 30V:70C proporciona menor consumo e melhor aproveitamento dos nutrientes pelo animal.