Effect of Ammonia Gas in Poultry Litter Contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg

Salmonella Heidelberg is an emerging pathogen in Brazilian poultry production. The traditional methods (quicklime, windrowing and tarpaulin-on-surface) used for disinfecting reused poultry litter between flocks does not guarantee its elimination, thus allowing the transmission of this agent from one flock to another. The new tarpaulinon-surface method with controlled injection of ammonia gas has proven to be effective in its control, however, it is still unknown what dose of ammonia gas is needed to eliminate Salmonella Heidelberg in reused poultry litter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ammonia gas at different concentrations in sterile poultry litter artificially contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg. Then, ammonia gas was injected in concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%, and 48 hours later, a sample was collected from each repetition in an entirely randomized design, and bacterial isolation was performed. All treatments, including positive and negative controls, were tested in quadruplicate and the parameters temperature, humidity, pH and water activity were evaluated. In the 0.5% and 1% treated samples the pathogen was not isolated, while in the 0.25% concentration one of the four samples tested was positive. The study reveals that ammonia gas is efficient in killing Salmonella Heidelberg in poultry litter at concentrations of 0.5 % or more within a 48-hour period and that the litter treated with ammonia gas increases its pH and water activity.(AU)

Urea poisoning in cattle: a brief review and diagnostic approach / Intoxicação por ureia em bovinos: breve revisão e abordagem diagnóstica

Urea is an organic compound characterized as a white, solid, and hygroscopic substance. It is recognized as a source of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and is widely used as a partial replacement for protein in cattle diets due to the ability of the ruminal microbiota to convert it into microbial protein. Despite the advantages of using urea, it also has limitations, particularly the proximity between metabolizable and toxic or fatal doses. Furthermore, for safe use, a period of adaptation is necessary for the animals. Poisoning is characterized by rapid and generally fatal development, which is frequent in non-adapted animals but can also occur in those with previous adaptations. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological aspects of urea poisoning through a brief review and a retrospective study. In addition, interviews were conducted with veterinarians who frequently send diagnostic material to the Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology of the "Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia" (LAP-FAMEZ) to assess their perception of the outbreaks of urea poisoning. The objective was to obtain a comparative scenario between published cases and those received by the laboratory while considering the real situation of this condition in the field. During this retrospective study, only four outbreaks were investigated; in one, the diagnosis was possible through experimental reproduction. Of 35 interviewees, 88.9% said they had seen more than one case compatible with urea poisoning, but 87.5% did not perform a necropsy and/or send material to confirm the diagnosis. The results show that the reality of urea poisoning may be very distant from that reported in previous studies due to the difficulty often observed in the diagnostic approach, so we developed a flowchart aiming to provide a useful guide for field veterinarians.

A ureia é um composto orgânico, que se apresenta como uma substância branca, sólida e higroscópica, e é reconhecida como fonte de nitrogênio não proteico (NNP), sendo amplamente utilizada como fertilizante e também como substituto parcial de proteína em bovinos devido à capacidade da microbiota ruminal de convertê-la em proteína microbiana. Apesar das vantagens que envolvem o uso da ureia, ela também apresenta limitações, a principal delas é a proximidade entre doses metabolizáveis e tóxicas ou fatais, e para que seja utilizada com segurança é necessário um período de adaptação dos animais. A intoxicação é caracterizada por evolução rápida e geralmente fatal, sendo frequente em animais não adaptados, mas pode ocorrer naqueles com adaptação prévia. O objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos da intoxicação por ureia por meio de uma breve revisão e um estudo retrospectivo. Adicionalmente foram realizadas entrevistas com médicos veterinários que frequentemente enviam material para diagnóstico no Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (LAP-FAMEZ) com o objetivo de avaliar a percepção dos mesmos em relação aos surtos de intoxicação por ureia, na expectativa de se obter um quadro comparativo entre os casos recebidos pelo laboratório e levantamentos publicados e a real situação desta condição a campo. No período do estudo retrospectivo, foram acompanhados apenas quatro surtos, sendo que em um deles foi possível diagnosticar por reprodução experimental. Dos 35 entrevistados, 88,9% afirmaram ter atendido mais de um caso compatível com intoxicação por ureia, mas 87,5% deles não realizaram necropsia e/ou envio de material para confirmação do diagnóstico. Foi possível observar que a realidade da intoxicação por ureia pode estar muito distante daquela relatada em estudos anteriores, e devido à dificuldade muitas vezes observada na abordagem diagnóstica, desenvolvemos um fluxograma na expectativa de que ele constitua um guia útil para veterinários de campo.

Efficacy of Aluminum Sulfate Addition to Poultry Litter on Productive Performance of Laying Hens, Ammonia Emissions, and Litter Quality

The objective of this research was to examine whether different types of litter (New, used, and mixed) and alum could interfere in litter quality, thereby also influencing the productive performance of laying hens. A total number of 450 Inshas chickens aged 24 weeks were randomly distributed into six groups (5 replicates, each with 15 hens) of floor litter. The groups included (G1) new wheat straw litter, (G2) used wheat straw litter, (G3) mixed wheat straw litter (50% new+50% used) and (4, 5 and 6) the same litter types in groups 1, 2 and 3 supplied with 500g of alum /m2 litter. The experiment lasted 16 weeks. Laying hens productive parameters, blood parameters, carcass parameters, respiratory rate, coliform count and pH, as well as ammonia emission, litter quality were assessed.The results showed that the litter type significantly affects the level of ammonia emission, litter characteristics, carcass characteristics, intestinal pH and coliform count, blood characteristics (T3, cholesterol, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, hemoglobin, and PCV), as well as the body weight gain. In general, we found that reused litter followed by the mixed litter without added alum resulted in the lowest efficiency on the studied traits, as compared to the same types of litter treated with alum and the new litter. We therefore conclude that the addition of alum reduces ammonia emission and improves the characteristics of the litter, which is reflected in enhancement of productive performance and properties of blood and carcass.(AU)

Supplying Hydrogen Water to Ducks Did Not Influence Ammonia Content and Duck Litter Quality

Drinking hydrogen-rich water shows a remarkable antioxidant effect in preventive and therapeutic applications. However, there is no previous report and information on ammonia (NH3) production and duck litter quality when hydrogen water was supplied to ducks. This study verified the effects of supplying hydrogen water to ducks on NH3 production and duck litter quality in a duck rearing environment. A total of 1,200 0-d-old Pekin ducks were divided into 2 groups of similar body weight (3 replicates with 200 ducks per pen) and used for 42 days. The two groups consisted of general water and hydrogen water in the water supply system, as the control and treatment groups, respectively. There were no statistical differences between two groups for NH3 contents for the five weeks (p>0.05), except for week 6. For litter quality, no effects (p>0.05) between the two water groups were found in the pH, total nitrogen (TN), ammonia-N (VBN), and VFA content of litter. The only significant difference observed in duck litter quality was litter moisture contents (p<0.05). Lastly, mineral and heavy metal contents did not significantly differ between the two water groups. As the first pen trials evaluating the effects of hydrogen water on duck litter, these results verify that supplying hydrogen water to ducks did not influence ammonia and duck litter quality.(AU)

Supplying Hydrogen Water to Ducks Did Not Influence Ammonia Content and Duck Litter Quality

Drinking hydrogen-rich water shows a remarkable antioxidant effect in preventive and therapeutic applications. However, there is no previous report and information on ammonia (NH3) production and duck litter quality when hydrogen water was supplied to ducks. This study verified the effects of supplying hydrogen water to ducks on NH3 production and duck litter quality in a duck rearing environment. A total of 1,200 0-d-old Pekin ducks were divided into 2 groups of similar body weight (3 replicates with 200 ducks per pen) and used for 42 days. The two groups consisted of general water and hydrogen water in the water supply system, as the control and treatment groups, respectively. There were no statistical differences between two groups for NH3 contents for the five weeks (p>0.05), except for week 6. For litter quality, no effects (p>0.05) between the two water groups were found in the pH, total nitrogen (TN), ammonia-N (VBN), and VFA content of litter. The only significant difference observed in duck litter quality was litter moisture contents (p<0.05). Lastly, mineral and heavy metal contents did not significantly differ between the two water groups. As the first pen trials evaluating the effects of hydrogen water on duck litter, these results verify that supplying hydrogen water to ducks did not influence ammonia and duck litter quality.

Ammonia gas for bacterial control in poultry litter

ABSTRACT: The current techniques used in the disinfection of reused poultry litter, such as lime addition, windrowing and plastic cover on the surface, do not guarantee the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, causing damage to the environment and animal health. Gram negative bacteria, i.e., Salmonella and Escherichia coli, can be transmitted from one batch to another through reused litter, causing health damage to broilers and humans that consume food contaminated by these agents. Our study assessed the effectiveness of the methods plastic cover on the surface (PCS) and plastic cover on the surface with ammonia gas injection (PCSAI) in the control of Gram negative bacteria. The results obtained, both in laboratory conditions (Experiment 1) and in the field (Experiment 2), demonstrate that the method PCSAI with 0.22% ammonia gas had a significant reduction (P 0.05) of Gram negative bacteria in the period of 48 hours This new methodology for disinfecting poultry litter will allow its reuse in a practical and safe way, improving the preservation of the environment, of the health of broilers and consumers of poultry products.

RESUMO: O reaproveitamento de camas aviárias na criação de frangos de corte é uma prática muito utilizada no Brasil. Essa prática reduz custos de produção e contribui na conservação do meio ambiente. As técnicas atuais utilizadas na desinfecção de camas aviárias reaproveitadas, como adição de cal, enleiramento e lona na superfície, não garantem a eliminação de microrganismos patogênicos porque não geram quantidade suficiente de amônia. O gás amônia, em concentrações elevadas, tem efeito biocida. Bactérias Gram negativas, como as Salmonelas e Escherichia coli, podem ser transmitidas de um lote para outro através do reaproveitamento da cama, ocasionando prejuízos para a saúde das aves e dos humanos que consomem alimentos contaminados por estes agentes. Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia do método lona na superfície com injeção de gás amônia no controle de microrganismos Gram negativos. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que esse método controlou os microrganismos Gram negativos num período de 48 horas em camas de frangos de corte reaproveitadas. Assim, essa nova metodologia de desinfecção de camas de aviário permitirá sua reutilização de forma prática e segura, melhorando a saúde das aves e dos consumidores dos produtos avícolas.

Ammonia gas for bacterial control in poultry litter / Gás amônia para controle bacteriano em cama aviária

The current techniques used in the disinfection of reused poultry litter, such as lime addition, windrowing and plastic cover on the surface, do not guarantee the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, causing damage to the environment and animal health. Gram negative bacteria, i.e., Salmonella and Escherichia coli, can be transmitted from one batch to another through reused litter, causing health damage to broilers and humans that consume food contaminated by these agents. Our study assessed the effectiveness of the methods plastic cover on the surface (PCS) and plastic cover on the surface with ammonia gas injection (PCSAI) in the control of Gram negative bacteria. The results obtained, both in laboratory conditions (Experiment 1) and in the field (Experiment 2), demonstrate that the method PCSAI with 0.22% ammonia gas had a significant reduction (P<0.05) of Gram negative bacteria in the period of 48 hours This new methodology for disinfecting poultry litter will allow its reuse in a practical and safe way, improving the preservation of the environment, of the health of broilers and consumers of poultry products.

O reaproveitamento de camas aviárias na criação de frangos de corte é uma prática muito utilizada no Brasil. Essa prática reduz custos de produção e contribui na conservação do meio ambiente. As técnicas atuais utilizadas na desinfecção de camas aviárias reaproveitadas, como adição de cal, enleiramento e lona na superfície, não garantem a eliminação de microrganismos patogênicos porque não geram quantidade suficiente de amônia. O gás amônia, em concentrações elevadas, tem efeito biocida. Bactérias Gram negativas, como as Salmonelas e Escherichia coli, podem ser transmitidas de um lote para outro através do reaproveitamento da cama, ocasionando prejuízos para a saúde das aves e dos humanos que consomem alimentos contaminados por estes agentes. Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia do método lona na superfície com injeção de gás amônia no controle de microrganismos Gram negativos. Os resultados obtidos demostraram que esse método controlou os microrganismos Gram negativos num período de 48 horas em camas de frangos de corte reaproveitadas. Assim, essa nova metodologia de desinfecção de camas de aviário permitirá sua reutilização de forma prática e segura, melhorando a saúde das aves e dos consumidores dos produtos avícolas.

Intoxicação por ureia em ruminantes - Revisão de literatura / Urea poisoning in ruminants - Literature review / Envenenamiento por urea en rumiants

A proteína é um dos principais limitantes dentro do planejamento alimentar nos sistemas de criação extensivos, principalmente no período do inverno, as gramíneas de clima tropical e subtropical já possuem baixos teores deste nutriente e no período seco se torna um desafio manter boa ofertae disponibilidade. Com o passar dos anos se intensificou o uso de pastagens, necessitando a utilização de suplementos que permitem suprir as necessidades nutricionais, porém, devido ao alto custo da proteína de origem vegetal, novas formas de suplementação através de fontes de nitrogênio não-proteico foram ganhando espaço, principalmente pelo menor custo, a fonte mais utilizada no brasil é a uréia. Seu uso proporciona diversas vantagens, mas devido a utilização inadequada, tem causado muitos casos de intoxicação, necessitando conhecer a forma como ela é utilizada pelos microrganismos ruminais e pelo ruminante, para entender a forma como a intoxicação ocorre no rebanho e evitar com que ocorra os quadros de intoxicação.(AU)

Protein is one of the main limitations within food planning in extensive creation systems, especially in the winter period, grasses of tropical and subtropical climate already have low levels of this nutriente and in the dry period it becomes a challenge to maintain good supply and availability. Over the years, the use of pastures has intensified, requiring the use of supplements that allow to meet nutritional needs, however, due to the high cost of vegetable protein, new forms of supplementation through sources of non-protein nitrogen have been gaining space, mainly due to its lower cost, the most used source in Brazil is urea. Its use provides several advantages, but due to improper use, it has caused many cases of intoxication, needing to know the way it is used by ruminal microorganisms and by the ruminant, to understand how the intoxication occurs in the herd and to prevent the occurrence of intoxication.(AU)

La proteína es uno de los principales factores limitantes em la planificación alimentaria em los sistema de crianza extensivos, especialmente em el período invernal, las gramíneas em climas tropicales y subtropicales ya presentan bajos niveles de este nutriente um buen suministro y disponibilidade. A lo largo de los años, se há intensificado el uso de los pastos, requiriendo el uso de suplementos que permitam cubrir las necesidades nutricionales, sin embargo, debido al alto costo de la proteína de origen vegetal, han ido ganando nuevas formas de suplementación a través de fuentes nitrogenadas no proteicas espacio, principalmente por el menor costo, la fuente más utilizada em Brasil es la urea. Su uso brinda varias vetajas, pero debido al uso inadequado há causado muchos casos de intoxicación, siendo necessário conocer como es utilizado por los microorganismos ruminales y por el ruminante, para compreender como se produce la intoxicación el rebaño y prevenir la apararición de cuadros de intoxicación.(AU)

Effect of soybean meal replacement by slow-release urea on ruminal parameter, blood metabolites, and microbial protein synthesis in Zel ram

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of soybean meal replacement by slow-release urea on feed intake, ruminal parameters, blood metabolites, dry matter, nutrients digestion, and microbial protein synthesis (MPS) in ram. Rams were used for four 21-day periods. The experimental design was a 4×4 Latin square design. The experiment has consisted of the following four rations: 1) basic diet with soybean meal as a protein source, 2) basic diet with soybean meal plus 0.5 % of DM slow-release urea (SRU), 3) basic diet with soybean meal plus 1 % of DM SRU, and 4) basic diet with soybean meal plus 1.5 % of SRU, respectively. Soybean meal replacement by SRU decreased ruminal ammonia and blood urea. SRU increase in diets significantly increased acetic acid 3 hours after morning feeding, blood glucose, total purine, uric acid excretion, microbial nitrogen, and microbial protein. The results showed that soybean meal replacement by SRU sources had no negative effect on rams performance.(AU)

Intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils. Four rumen-cannulated Saanen goats were allocated to four treatments, which consisted of a control diet and diets with the inclusion of 30 g of canola, sunflower, or soybean oils per kilogram of diet dry matter (DM). The experiment lasted 40 days, which were divided into four 10-day periods. Forage intake was estimated using chromium oxide as an external marker, and supplement intake was determined as the difference between the daily amount supplied and orts. Rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated from samples of rumen fluid collected every 2 h, for 12 h. Rumen pH and short-chain fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were measured. There was no effect of lipid supplementation on DM intake. Ether extract intake was highest in the treatments with oil inclusion, and the highest acid detergent fiber intake was obtained with the diet containing canola oil. The pH was highest in the group fed soybean oil and responded quadratically to the collection times. Total short-chain fatty acid and acetic acid concentrations also responded quadratically to the collection times. Propionic and butyric acid concentrations and acetic:propionic acid ratio showed a cubic behavior with the increasing collection times. Canola, sunflower, or soybean oils can be included at 30 g/kg of the diet DM as a strategy to increase the energy density of goat diets.

Fostering bacterial growth in BFT aquaculture tanks by early Nile tilapia stocking

The current study aimed at fostering bacterial growth in BFT aquaculture tanks by early Nile tilapia stocking. Control tanks had no tilapia but received daily applications of dry molasses (NT+) or had tilapia but no C:N ratio adjustment (T-). Experimental tanks had tilapia and received daily application of molasses to adjust the C:N ratio of water to 15:1 (T+). The development of bioflocs in NT+ was insignificant as demonstrated by low levels of settleable solids (SS) and total suspended solids (TSS). Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was significantly higher in NT+ than in T+. In the C:N-ratio adjusted tanks, the presence of fish shortened the control of TAN in several days. As nitrite declined in T+, it increased in NT+. The final concentrations of TSS in T+, T- and NT+ were 236 ± 29 mg L-1, 100 ± 32 mg L-1, and 40 ± 22 mg L-1, respectively (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that stable nitrifying and heterotrophic bacterial communities could be attained in BFT aquaculture tanks, before the end of the 4th week of culture, if the bacterial growth is fostered by early Nile tilapia stocking.(AU)

Effect of soybean meal replacement by slow-release urea on ruminal parameter, blood metabolites, and microbial protein synthesis in Zel ram

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of soybean meal replacement by slow-release urea on feed intake, ruminal parameters, blood metabolites, dry matter, nutrients digestion, and microbial protein synthesis (MPS) in ram. Rams were used for four 21-day periods. The experimental design was a 4×4 Latin square design. The experiment has consisted of the following four rations: 1) basic diet with soybean meal as a protein source, 2) basic diet with soybean meal plus 0.5 % of DM slow-release urea (SRU), 3) basic diet with soybean meal plus 1 % of DM SRU, and 4) basic diet with soybean meal plus 1.5 % of SRU, respectively. Soybean meal replacement by SRU decreased ruminal ammonia and blood urea. SRU increase in diets significantly increased acetic acid 3 hours after morning feeding, blood glucose, total purine, uric acid excretion, microbial nitrogen, and microbial protein. The results showed that soybean meal replacement by SRU sources had no negative effect on rams performance.

Fostering bacterial growth in BFT aquaculture tanks by early Nile tilapia stocking

The current study aimed at fostering bacterial growth in BFT aquaculture tanks by early Nile tilapia stocking. Control tanks had no tilapia but received daily applications of dry molasses (NT+) or had tilapia but no C:N ratio adjustment (T-). Experimental tanks had tilapia and received daily application of molasses to adjust the C:N ratio of water to 15:1 (T+). The development of bioflocs in NT+ was insignificant as demonstrated by low levels of settleable solids (SS) and total suspended solids (TSS). Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was significantly higher in NT+ than in T+. In the C:N-ratio adjusted tanks, the presence of fish shortened the control of TAN in several days. As nitrite declined in T+, it increased in NT+. The final concentrations of TSS in T+, T- and NT+ were 236 ± 29 mg L-1, 100 ± 32 mg L-1, and 40 ± 22 mg L-1, respectively (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that stable nitrifying and heterotrophic bacterial communities could be attained in BFT aquaculture tanks, before the end of the 4th week of culture, if the bacterial growth is fostered by early Nile tilapia stocking.

Eventração em Iguana verde (Iguana iguana) / Eventration in green iguana (Iguana iguana)

Background: The reptile class could be considered one of the biggest vertebrate groups and are divided in orders andsuborders according to their characteristics. These animals’ maintenance in captivity, either at home, captive bred or atzoos, can generate risk to their health, if the required cares are not given for each respective species. The lack of individualcares could lead to bone and muscular diseases and to traumatic lesions in soft tissues, mainly in the coelomic cavity. Thereport that is being presented aims to describe the case of a green iguana (Iguana iguana) that presented an increase ofvolume in the coelomic cavity. The animal belongs to the squad of the Zoo “Dr. Fábio de Sá Barreto”.Case: A green iguana arrived at the Zoo in February 2019 coming from another establishment, with already an increaseof volume in the coelomic cavity. The animal was put in quarantine and later on, it was put in display at a terrarium in theZoo considered adequate to reptiles, with another seven green iguanas along with an argentine tegu (Salvator rufescens).Their feed was offered in the morning and was composed of fruits, vegetables and flowers like hibiscus. In the end of June2019, it was reported by the attendant that the animal was presented with anorexia and prostration, and these symptomsprogressed to neurologic signs, as it walked in circles. So, the animal was evaluated by the Zoo veterinarians and on examthey noticed lethargy, dehydration, absence of reflexes (pupillary, eyelid and painful), locomotion difficulty and when theiguana moves, it walks in circles. The increase in volume had the same size as reported in February and a soft consistency.After that, the animal was interned and treated according to the symptoms and the clinical evolution. Ten days after thehospitalization, the animal was still not eating, and locomotion stopped completely. It was performed in an...

Eventração em Iguana verde (Iguana iguana) / Eventration in green iguana (Iguana iguana)

Background: The reptile class could be considered one of the biggest vertebrate groups and are divided in orders andsuborders according to their characteristics. These animals maintenance in captivity, either at home, captive bred or atzoos, can generate risk to their health, if the required cares are not given for each respective species. The lack of individualcares could lead to bone and muscular diseases and to traumatic lesions in soft tissues, mainly in the coelomic cavity. Thereport that is being presented aims to describe the case of a green iguana (Iguana iguana) that presented an increase ofvolume in the coelomic cavity. The animal belongs to the squad of the Zoo “Dr. Fábio de Sá Barreto”.Case: A green iguana arrived at the Zoo in February 2019 coming from another establishment, with already an increaseof volume in the coelomic cavity. The animal was put in quarantine and later on, it was put in display at a terrarium in theZoo considered adequate to reptiles, with another seven green iguanas along with an argentine tegu (Salvator rufescens).Their feed was offered in the morning and was composed of fruits, vegetables and flowers like hibiscus. In the end of June2019, it was reported by the attendant that the animal was presented with anorexia and prostration, and these symptomsprogressed to neurologic signs, as it walked in circles. So, the animal was evaluated by the Zoo veterinarians and on examthey noticed lethargy, dehydration, absence of reflexes (pupillary, eyelid and painful), locomotion difficulty and when theiguana moves, it walks in circles. The increase in volume had the same size as reported in February and a soft consistency.After that, the animal was interned and treated according to the symptoms and the clinical evolution. Ten days after thehospitalization, the animal was still not eating, and locomotion stopped completely. It was performed in an...(AU)

Fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of sweet sorghum silage with Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass / Características fermentativa e valor nutritivo da silagem de sorgo sacarino com capins Paiaguás e Ipyporã

Ensiling sorghum with tropical forages has been shown to be a promising alternative for ruminant feed production, as this approach improves the quality of the sorghum silage. In this context, the goal of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of sweet sorghum silage made with different levels of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized 2 x 6 factorial design with four replications. Two forages (Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass) were added to sorghum at six levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%), for a total of 48 experimental silos. After 50 days of fermentation, the silos were opened, and the fermentation profile and chemical composition of the silage were analysed. The results showed that the addition of Paiaguas palisade grass and Ipyporagrass to the sorghum silage increased the pH, buffering capacity and NH3-NT of the silage and reduced its dry matter content but did not affect its fermentation characteristics, which remained within an appropriate range. The addition of increasing levels of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass to the sorghum silage increased the crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the silage and decreased the fibre fraction (neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and lignin) and ether extract contents. Adding tropical forages to sorghum silage material at levels above 40% is recommended. Among forage crops, addition of Paiaguas palisadegrass to sorghum silage resulted in higher content of crude protein and IVDMD. Mixed silages can be an effective alternative to improve the quality of forage sorghum silage.

A cultura do sorgo ensilado com forrageiras tropicais, vem se mostrando alternativa promissora de alimentação para a produção de ruminantes, por proporcionar melhorias na qualidade da silagem. Neste contexto, objetivou-se avaliar as características fermentativa e valor nutritivo da silagem de sorgo sacarino com níveis de capins Paiaguás e Ipyporã. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 2 x 6, sendo duas forrageiras (Paiaguás e Ipyporã) adicionados ao sorgo em seis níveis (0; 20; 40; 60, 80 e 100%), totalizando 48 silos experimentais. Após 50 dias de fermentação, os silos foram abertos para realização das análises do perfil fermentativo e composição bromatológica. Os resultados mostraram que a adição dos capins Paiaguás e Ipyporã na ensilagem de sorgo aumentou o pH, capacidade tampão e N-NH3 e, reduziu os teores de matéria seca, mas não comprometeu as características fermentativas das silagens, ficando dentro do padrão adequado. A adição de níveis crescente de capins Paiaguás e Ipyporã na ensilagem de sorgo aumentou os teores de proteína bruta e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e diminuiu as frações fibrosas (fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina) e extrato etéreo, sendo recomendando níveis cima de 40%. Entre as forrageiras, a adição de capim-paiaguás na ensilagem de sorgo apresentou maior teor de proteína bruta e DIVMS. Silagens mistas podem ser uma alternativa eficaz para melhorar a qualidade da silagem exclusiva de sorgo sacarino.

Fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of sweet sorghum silage with Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass / Características fermentativa e valor nutritivo da silagem de sorgo sacarino com capins Paiaguás e Ipyporã

Ensiling sorghum with tropical forages has been shown to be a promising alternative for ruminant feed production, as this approach improves the quality of the sorghum silage. In this context, the goal of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of sweet sorghum silage made with different levels of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized 2 x 6 factorial design with four replications. Two forages (Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass) were added to sorghum at six levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%), for a total of 48 experimental silos. After 50 days of fermentation, the silos were opened, and the fermentation profile and chemical composition of the silage were analysed. The results showed that the addition of Paiaguas palisade grass and Ipyporagrass to the sorghum silage increased the pH, buffering capacity and NH3-NT of the silage and reduced its dry matter content but did not affect its fermentation characteristics, which remained within an appropriate range. The addition of increasing levels of Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass to the sorghum silage increased the crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the silage and decreased the fibre fraction (neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and lignin) and ether extract contents. Adding tropical forages to sorghum silage material at levels above 40% is recommended. Among forage crops, addition of Paiaguas palisadegrass to sorghum silage resulted in higher content of crude protein and IVDMD. Mixed silages can be an effective alternative to improve the quality of forage sorghum silage.(AU)

A cultura do sorgo ensilado com forrageiras tropicais, vem se mostrando alternativa promissora de alimentação para a produção de ruminantes, por proporcionar melhorias na qualidade da silagem. Neste contexto, objetivou-se avaliar as características fermentativa e valor nutritivo da silagem de sorgo sacarino com níveis de capins Paiaguás e Ipyporã. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 2 x 6, sendo duas forrageiras (Paiaguás e Ipyporã) adicionados ao sorgo em seis níveis (0; 20; 40; 60, 80 e 100%), totalizando 48 silos experimentais. Após 50 dias de fermentação, os silos foram abertos para realização das análises do perfil fermentativo e composição bromatológica. Os resultados mostraram que a adição dos capins Paiaguás e Ipyporã na ensilagem de sorgo aumentou o pH, capacidade tampão e N-NH3 e, reduziu os teores de matéria seca, mas não comprometeu as características fermentativas das silagens, ficando dentro do padrão adequado. A adição de níveis crescente de capins Paiaguás e Ipyporã na ensilagem de sorgo aumentou os teores de proteína bruta e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e diminuiu as frações fibrosas (fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina) e extrato etéreo, sendo recomendando níveis cima de 40%. Entre as forrageiras, a adição de capim-paiaguás na ensilagem de sorgo apresentou maior teor de proteína bruta e DIVMS. Silagens mistas podem ser uma alternativa eficaz para melhorar a qualidade da silagem exclusiva de sorgo sacarino.(AU)

Dry matter intake and ruminal fermentation parameters in goats fed sugarcane in replacement of corn silage / Parâmetros de ingestão de matéria seca e fermentação ruminal em cabras alimentadas com cana-de-açúcar em substituição à silagem de milho

The trial was conducted with the objective to evaluate fresh sugarcane as a replacement for corn silage on dry matter intake, ruminal parameters (pH, short chain fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen concentration), and degradation kinetics of forages and concentrate in maintenance adult goats. Four nonlactating ruminally cannulated goats were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with the replacement of 0, 33, 67, and 100% of corn silage by sugarcane as the independent variable. The substitution of sugarcane for corn silage did not affect dry matter intake, daily weight gain, or ruminal pH. A quadratic effect was observed for ammonia nitrogen concentration with a maximum concentration at 74.43% of sugarcane inclusion, as well as for short chain fatty acids, with maximum concentrations of acetate and butyrate at 0.59 and 32.70% of sugarcane inclusion, respectively. The minimum concentration of propionate was verified on 10.36% of sugarcane inclusion. However, the acetate:propionate ratio linearly decreased with increased sugarcane content. No effect was observed of different rumen environments on forage dry matter and neutral detergent fiber degradability (effective and potential degradability, soluble and potential degradable fractions). Dry matter degradability was 66.79% for sugarcane and 72.62% for corn silage after 96 h of incubation. Neutral detergent fiber was 37.10 and 51.82% for sugarcane and corn silage, respectively, after 96 h of incubation. In conclusion, sugarcane can be used as a replacement for corn silage in maintenance adult goats feed without altering dry matter intake and forage degradability while increasing propionate production.(AU)

O experimento foi conduzido para avaliar a cana-de-açúcar in natura em substituição à silagem de milho no consumo de matéria seca, parâmetros ruminais e cinética de degradação de forragens e concentrado em cabras adultas em mantença. Quatro cabras não lactantes canuladas no rúmen foram utilizadas em um delineamento em quadrado latino 4 × 4 com a substituição de 0, 33, 67 e 100% da silagem de milho por cana-de-açúcar. A substituição da cana-de-açúcar pela silagem de milho não afetou o consumo de matéria seca, o ganho de peso diário e o pH ruminal. Foi observado efeito quadrático para a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal com concentração máxima de 74,43% de inclusão da cana, e também para ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, com concentrações máximas de acetato e butirato de 0,59 e 32,70% de inclusão da cana, respectivamente. A concentração mínima de propionato foi verificada em 10,36% de inclusão de cana-de-açúcar. No entanto, a relação acetato: propionato diminuiu linearmente com o aumento do teor de cana-de-açúcar. Não foi observado efeito de diferentes ambientes ruminais sobre a degradabilidade da matéria seca da forragem e da fibra em detergente neutro. A degradabilidade da matéria seca foi de 66,79% para a cana-de-açúcar e 72,62% para a silagem de milho após 96 h de incubação. A fibra em detergente neutro foi 37,10 e 51,82% para cana-de-açúcar e silagem de milho, respectivamente, após 96 h de incubação. Em conclusão, a cana-de-açúcar pode ser usada como substituto da silagem de milho na alimentação de cabras adultas de manutenção, sem alterar o consumo de matéria seca e a degradabilidade da forragem, aumentando a produção de propionato.(AU)

Dry matter intake and ruminal fermentation parameters in goats fed sugarcane in replacement of corn silage / Parâmetros de ingestão de matéria seca e fermentação ruminal em cabras alimentadas com cana-de-açúcar em substituição à silagem de milho

The trial was conducted with the objective to evaluate fresh sugarcane as a replacement for corn silage on dry matter intake, ruminal parameters (pH, short chain fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen concentration), and degradation kinetics of forages and concentrate in maintenance adult goats. Four nonlactating ruminally cannulated goats were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with the replacement of 0, 33, 67, and 100% of corn silage by sugarcane as the independent variable. The substitution of sugarcane for corn silage did not affect dry matter intake, daily weight gain, or ruminal pH. A quadratic effect was observed for ammonia nitrogen concentration with a maximum concentration at 74.43% of sugarcane inclusion, as well as for short chain fatty acids, with maximum concentrations of acetate and butyrate at 0.59 and 32.70% of sugarcane inclusion, respectively. The minimum concentration of propionate was verified on 10.36% of sugarcane inclusion. However, the acetate:propionate ratio linearly decreased with increased sugarcane content. No effect was observed of different rumen environments on forage dry matter and neutral detergent fiber degradability (effective and potential degradability, soluble and potential degradable fractions). Dry matter degradability was 66.79% for sugarcane and 72.62% for corn silage after 96 h of incubation. Neutral detergent fiber was 37.10 and 51.82% for sugarcane and corn silage, respectively, after 96 h of incubation. In conclusion, sugarcane can be used as a replacement for corn silage in maintenance adult goats feed without altering dry matter intake and forage degradability while increasing propionate production.

O experimento foi conduzido para avaliar a cana-de-açúcar in natura em substituição à silagem de milho no consumo de matéria seca, parâmetros ruminais e cinética de degradação de forragens e concentrado em cabras adultas em mantença. Quatro cabras não lactantes canuladas no rúmen foram utilizadas em um delineamento em quadrado latino 4 × 4 com a substituição de 0, 33, 67 e 100% da silagem de milho por cana-de-açúcar. A substituição da cana-de-açúcar pela silagem de milho não afetou o consumo de matéria seca, o ganho de peso diário e o pH ruminal. Foi observado efeito quadrático para a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal com concentração máxima de 74,43% de inclusão da cana, e também para ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, com concentrações máximas de acetato e butirato de 0,59 e 32,70% de inclusão da cana, respectivamente. A concentração mínima de propionato foi verificada em 10,36% de inclusão de cana-de-açúcar. No entanto, a relação acetato: propionato diminuiu linearmente com o aumento do teor de cana-de-açúcar. Não foi observado efeito de diferentes ambientes ruminais sobre a degradabilidade da matéria seca da forragem e da fibra em detergente neutro. A degradabilidade da matéria seca foi de 66,79% para a cana-de-açúcar e 72,62% para a silagem de milho após 96 h de incubação. A fibra em detergente neutro foi 37,10 e 51,82% para cana-de-açúcar e silagem de milho, respectivamente, após 96 h de incubação. Em conclusão, a cana-de-açúcar pode ser usada como substituto da silagem de milho na alimentação de cabras adultas de manutenção, sem alterar o consumo de matéria seca e a degradabilidade da forragem, aumentando a produção de propionato.

Dry matter intake and ruminal fermentation parameters in goats fed sugarcane in replacement of corn silage

ABSTRACT The trial was conducted with the objective to evaluate fresh sugarcane as a replacement for corn silage on dry matter intake, ruminal parameters (pH, short chain fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen concentration), and degradation kinetics of forages and concentrate in maintenance adult goats. Four nonlactating ruminally cannulated goats were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with the replacement of 0, 33, 67, and 100% of corn silage by sugarcane as the independent variable. The substitution of sugarcane for corn silage did not affect dry matter intake, daily weight gain, or ruminal pH. A quadratic effect was observed for ammonia nitrogen concentration with a maximum concentration at 74.43% of sugarcane inclusion, as well as for short chain fatty acids, with maximum concentrations of acetate and butyrate at 0.59 and 32.70% of sugarcane inclusion, respectively. The minimum concentration of propionate was verified on 10.36% of sugarcane inclusion. However, the acetate:propionate ratio linearly decreased with increased sugarcane content. No effect was observed of different rumen environments on forage dry matter and neutral detergent fiber degradability (effective and potential degradability, soluble and potential degradable fractions). Dry matter degradability was 66.79% for sugarcane and 72.62% for corn silage after 96 h of incubation. Neutral detergent fiber was 37.10 and 51.82% for sugarcane and corn silage, respectively, after 96 h of incubation. In conclusion, sugarcane can be used as a replacement for corn silage in maintenance adult goats feed without altering dry matter intake and forage degradability while increasing propionate production.

RESUMO O experimento foi conduzido para avaliar a cana-de-açúcar in natura em substituição à silagem de milho no consumo de matéria seca, parâmetros ruminais e cinética de degradação de forragens e concentrado em cabras adultas em mantença. Quatro cabras não lactantes canuladas no rúmen foram utilizadas em um delineamento em quadrado latino 4 × 4 com a substituição de 0, 33, 67 e 100% da silagem de milho por cana-de-açúcar. A substituição da cana-de-açúcar pela silagem de milho não afetou o consumo de matéria seca, o ganho de peso diário e o pH ruminal. Foi observado efeito quadrático para a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal com concentração máxima de 74,43% de inclusão da cana, e também para ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, com concentrações máximas de acetato e butirato de 0,59 e 32,70% de inclusão da cana, respectivamente. A concentração mínima de propionato foi verificada em 10,36% de inclusão de cana-de-açúcar. No entanto, a relação acetato: propionato diminuiu linearmente com o aumento do teor de cana-de-açúcar. Não foi observado efeito de diferentes ambientes ruminais sobre a degradabilidade da matéria seca da forragem e da fibra em detergente neutro. A degradabilidade da matéria seca foi de 66,79% para a cana-de-açúcar e 72,62% para a silagem de milho após 96 h de incubação. A fibra em detergente neutro foi 37,10 e 51,82% para cana-de-açúcar e silagem de milho, respectivamente, após 96 h de incubação. Em conclusão, a cana-de-açúcar pode ser usada como substituto da silagem de milho na alimentação de cabras adultas de manutenção, sem alterar o consumo de matéria seca e a degradabilidade da forragem, aumentando a produção de propionato.