Ingestive behavior of Holstein × Zebu cows managed on deferred supplemented pasture

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows grazing on deferred pasture receiving different supplementation strategies. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3×4 factorial, with three supplementation strategies and four evaluation periods. The ingestive behavior of 24 cows divided into three groups of supplementation provided at milking was observed, and two of these groups received protein in the pasture. Ingestive behavior was monitored every 10 minutes for 24 hours and analyzed in the form of periods (morning, afternoon, night, and dawn) and total time. The animals remained longer grazing during the afternoon when the BGHI presented values of 83.8. Protein consumption did not influence grazing time but interfered with forage consumption. For the total grazing time, the animals in group 2 spent less time grazing. The groups of animals presented no difference concerning the time spent on rumination and idleness. During night and dawn, when the climate was characterized as thermal comfort, the animals spent more time ruminating. The climatic conditions did not influence the ingestive behavior, as the grazing peak was observed at times of higher BGHI. However, supplementation of the animals in group 2 modified the ingestive behavior of F1 H × Z cows.

Effects of different levels of nano-selenium on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, biochemical parameters, and selenium content in Landes geese

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of nano-selenium (NS) on growth performance, antioxidant activity, biochemical parameters, and selenium content in Landes geese. A total of 120 80-week-old healthy Landes geese (4.44±0.03 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups, each with four replicates of 10 birds. The control birds were fed a basal diet without further dietary supplementation (0.0 mg/kg of NS) and the two experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with dietary NS at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg of feed. The results demonstrated that NS dietary supplementation had no significant effect on growth performance. Increased total superoxide dismutase activity in serum, breast muscle and liver, glutathione peroxidase level in serum and liver, and catalase in breast muscle and liver were observed for both NS supplemented groups. Additionally, reduced malondialdehyde in serum, breast muscle, and liver was detected in both NS-supplemented groups. Compared with the control, the birds fed diets supplemented with NS had lower concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased. Furthermore, increased selenium, especially in the liver, was found in groups with dietary supplementation of NS. These findings suggest the supplementation of NS in diets can improve antioxidant status, biochemical parameters, and tissue selenium content, although it has no significant effect on growth performance of Landes geese.

Fatores que impactam na eficiência reprodutiva de vacas de corte / Factors that impact the reproductive efficiency of beef cows

A maior produtividade na pecuária está correlacionada com a eficiência reprodutiva do rebanho. As biotécnicas da reprodução, principalmente os protocolos de sincronização da ovulação, são de grande importância para otimizar a produção e acelerar o ganho genético em rebanhos de corte e de leite. No entanto, alguns fatores como a categoria animal, o manejo reprodutivo implementado na propriedade e o reprodutor utilizado podem afetar os resultados de fertilidade nos protocolos de IATF. Dessa maneira, algumas estratégias foram desenvolvidas para contornar alguns desafios inerentes a vacas de corte em anestro pós-parto e aumentar a eficiência reprodutiva dessas fêmeas. Dentre as estratégias, destacam-se a utilização de progesterona e a suplementação energética/proteica previamente ao início do protocolo de IATF.(AU)

The reproductive efficiency of the herd is correlated with higher productivity in livestock. Reproduction biotechniques as ovulation synchronization protocols are important to optimize production and accelerate genetic profit in beef and dairy herds. However, some factors such as the animal category, the reproductive management implemented on the farm and the sire used can affect the fertility results in the TAI protocols. In this way, some strategies were developed to overcome some challenges of postpartum anestrus beef cows and to increase the reproductive efficiency of these cows. The use of progesterone and energy/protein supplementation before starting the TAI protocol stand out are the strategies.(AU)

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in development and response to water stress in Eucalyptus benthamii seedlings (Myrtaceae) / Uso de diodosemissores de luz (LEDs) no desenvolvimento e resposta a estresse hídrico em mudas de Eucalyptus benthamii (Myrtaceae)

Plants use light as a source of energy in the process of photosynthesis. Different levels of luminosity cause physiological and morphological changes in the plant, and its success depends on its adaptation to these different levels. Light emitting diodes (LED) have been proposed as a light source in controlled environments. The present research evaluated physiological and morphological aspects in Eucalyptus benthamii (Myrtaceae) seedlings kept under different colors of LED lamps and submitted to water stress. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in which the treatments were defined as: T1 (control, with white light); T2 (blue light); T3 (red light) and T4 (mixed blue and red light). Red light resulted in the best response to most morphological variables in plant growth. In response to water stress, blue light LEDs resulted in a better seedling response, with slower reduction of photosynthetic rate and other variables. This may indicate the possibility of reducing water deficit damage in seedlings acclimated to blue light prior to field planting.

As plantas utilizam a luz como fonte de energia no processo de fotossíntese. Diferentes níveis de luminosidade causam mudanças fisiológicas e morfológicas na planta, e o seu sucesso depende da sua adaptação a esses diferentes níveis. Diodos de emissão de luz (LED) têm sido propostos como fonte luminosa para ambientes controlados. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar aspectos fisiológicos e morfológicos em mudas de Eucalyptus benthamii (Myrtaceae) mantidas sob diferentes cores de lâmpadas LED e submetidas ao estresse hídrico. Foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo que um avaliou o efeito de diferentes cores de LEDs no crescimento das mudas e outro analisou o efeito das luzes na aclimatação das mudas e após exposição a deficit hídrico. O experiment foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em que os tratamentos foram definidos como T1 (controle, com luz branca); T2 (luz azul); T3 (luz vermelha) e T4 (luz azul e vermelha mista). A luz vermelha resultou em melhor resposta para a maioria das variáveis morfológicas no crescimento das plantas. Emresposta ao estresse hídrico, os LEDs de luz azul resultaram em uma melhor resposta das mudas, reduzindo mais lentamente a taxa fotossintética e demais variáveis. Isso pode indicar a possibilidade de reduzir os danos de deficit hídrico nas mudas aclimatadas com luz azul anteriormente ao plantio a campo.

Methane emission, milk yield and behavior of ewes kept on pastures or supplemented with concentrate based on corn grain or whole cottonseed / Emissão de metano, produção de leite e comportamento de ovelhas mantidas em pastagem ou suplementadas com concentrado à base de milho grão ou caroço de algodão

This study aimed to evaluate methane emission, milk yield and behavior of ewes kept exclusively on irrigated pasture of Tifton 85 grass (Cynodon spp.) or supplemented with ground corn or whole cottonseed (WCS) based concentrates. Twelve Lacaune x Santa Ines ewes (43.07±0.83 kg of body weight, 77±24 days after parturition, on average) were distributed in replicated 3x3 Latin square. Treatments consisted of three diets: pasture (no concentrate supplementation); corn (pasture + corn-based supplement); whole cottonseed (pasture + whole cottonseed-based supplement), offering 0.5 kg/ewe/day. The WCS group showed the highest concentrate dry matter intake (DMI) (p=0.049) and crude protein (CP) intake (p=0.001) compared to the others. There was no difference on total DMI (p=0.115) for the tested diets. Animals exclusively kept on pasture had the greatest forage DMI (p=0.004), lowest CP digestibility (p=0.015), showed longer grazing time (p=0.01) and shorter idle time (p=0.01) compared to the supplemented groups. Milk yield (0.36 kg/ewe/day) (p=0.15) and methane emission (33.12 g/ewe/day) (p=0.95) were similar for all three evaluated groups. Supplementation with concentrate based on corn or whole cottonseed does not improve productive performance nor decrease methane emission. However, lactating ewes kept exclusively in pasture show longer grazing time, without changes in milk yield and methane emission.

Objetivou-se avaliar a emissão de metano, a produção de leite e o comportamento de ovelhas mantidas exclusivamente em pastagem irrigada de Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) ou suplementadas com concentrados à base de milho grão ou caroço de algodão. Doze ovelhas Lacaune x Santa Inês (43,07±0,83 kg de peso corporal e 77±24 dias após a parição, em média) foram distribuídas em quadrados latinos 3x3 replicados. Os tratamentos consistiram em três dietas: pastagem (sem suplementação concentrada); milho (pastagem + suplemento à base de milho); caroço de algodão integral (pastagem + suplemento à base de caroço de algodão), oferecendo 0,5 kg/ovelha/dia. O grupo caroço de algodão apresentou maior consumo de matéria seca (CMS) (P=0,049) e consumo de proteína bruta (PB) (P=0,001) em relação aos demais. Não houve diferença no CMS total (P=0,115) para as dietas testadas. Os animais exclusivamente em pastagem apresentaram maior consumo de forragem (P=0,004), menor digestibilidade da PB (P=0,015), maior tempo em pastejo (P=0,01) e menor tempo em ócio (P=0,01), em relação aos grupos suplementados. A produção de leite (0,36 kg/ovelha/dia) (P=0,15) e a emissão de metano (33,12 g/ovelha/dia) (P=0,95) foram semelhantes nos três grupos avaliados. A suplementação com concentrado à base de milho grão ou caroço de algodão não melhorou o desempenho produtivo e não reduziu a emissão de metano. Entretanto, as ovelhas lactantes mantidas exclusivamente em pastagem apresentaram maior tempo em pastejo, sem alterações na produção de leite e na emissão de metano.

Extruded urea could replace true protein source in supplements for lambs finished in tropical pastures / A ureia extrusada pode substituir a fonte de proteína verdadeira em suplementos para cordeiros terminados em pastagens tropicais

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing 50% of the true protein from soybean meal with extruded urea on the performance and carcass characteristics of lambs finished on pasture. Twenty lambs with initial weight of 29.9±6.2kg and 5 months of age, distributed in two treatments in blocks at random, were kept in pastures of Urochloa spp. Supplemented with 2% of body weight (BW). The treatments consisted of supplements containing soybean meal as the only true protein source (control), or extruded urea replacing 50% of soybean meal (NPN treatment). There was no effect of treatment on total supplement intake. There were differences in average daily gain (242.1 vs. 264.6g/day), slaughter weight (41.9 vs. 45.0kg) and carcass weight (18.9 vs. 20.1kg). There was no effect of the treatment on the final body condition score, hot carcass yield, carcass length, breast depth, subcutaneous fat thickness or rib eye area. The group of animals that received extruded urea showed superior carcass finishing characteristics (99.0% vs. 66.0%), maturity (22.0% vs. 0.0%), marbling (55.0% vs. 33.0%), meat texture (44.0% vs. 33.0%) and fat (66.0% vs. 22.0%). There were no significant effects on tenderness (7.5kg/f) or flesh color (L* = 33.2; a* = 16.2; b* = 8.3). There were no significant changes in the biochemical profile of the animals' blood during the experiment for both treatments. The replacement of 50% of protein from soybean meal by the extruded urea as NPN source in the supplement for lambs finished in Urochloa spp pastures provides better animal performance and qualitative characteristics of meat, without altering quantitative carcass characteristics.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da substituição de 50% da proteína verdadeira do farelo de soja por ureia extrusada sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de cordeiros terminados em pasto. Vinte cordeiros de 29,9+6,2kg de peso inicial e com cinco meses de idade, distribuídos em dois tratamentos em blocos ao acaso, foram mantidos em pastagens de Urochloa spp. suplementado com 2% do peso vivo (PV). Os tratamentos consistiram em suplementos contendo farelo de soja como única fonte de proteína verdadeira (controle), ou ureia extrusada em substituição a 50% do farelo de soja (tratamento NPN). Não houve efeito do tratamento na ingestão total de suplemento. Houve diferenças no ganho médio diário (242,1 vs. 264,6 g/dia), no peso ao abate (41,9 vs. 45,0kg) e no peso da carcaça (18,9 vs. 20,1kg). Não houve efeito do tratamento sobre escore de condição corporal final, rendimento de carcaça quente, comprimento de carcaça, profundidade do peito, espessura de gordura subcutânea ou área de olho de lombo. O grupo de animais que recebeu ureia extrusada apresentou características superiores de acabamento de carcaça (99,0% vs. 66,0%), maturidade (22,0% vs. 0,0%), marmoreio (55,0% vs. 33,0%), textura da carne (44,0% vs. 33,0%) e gordura (66,0% vs. 22,0%). Não houve efeitos significativos na maciez (7,5 kg/f) nem na cor da carne (L*= 33,2; a*= 16,2; b * = 8,3). Não houve mudanças significativas no perfil bioquímico do sangue dos animais durante o experimento para ambos os tratamentos. A substituição de 50% da proteína do farelo de soja pela ureia extrusada como fonte de NPN no suplemento para cordeiros terminados em pastagem de Urochloa spp. proporciona melhor desempenho animal e características qualitativas da carne, sem alterar as características quantitativas da carcaça.

Bioeconomic evaluation of pasture sheep finishing using castor bean cake / Avaliação bioeconômica da terminação de ovinos sob pastejo utilizando torta de mamona

This study evaluates the economic viability of sheep finishing systems on irrigated Tamani grass pasture under continuous stocking, using castor bean cake. Four production systems were simulated: sheep supplemented with soybean meal on pasture fertilized with urea (SMUR), sheep supplemented with detoxified castor bean cake on pasture fertilized with urea (CCdUR), sheep supplemented with soybean meal on pasture fertilized with in natura castor bean cake (SMCC) and sheep supplemented with detoxified castor bean cake on pasture fertilized with in natura castor bean cake (CCdCC). A minimum unit of 3 hectares and an average slaughter weight of 28 kg were considered. A minimum selling price, at which the least profitable system would become profitable, was stablished: US$ 2.38 and US$ 4.45/kg per kilogram of body weight and carcass weight equivalent, adopting a minimum rate of return of 3.5% per year, based on the Selic rate. The costs for organic fertilization were 46.01% higher than in systems using chemical fertilization. The selling of live animals was not attractive in any of the systems evaluated, and the opposite was observed for the selling of carcasses and non-carcass components. System SMUR proved to be more profitable, with a gain of US$ 0.53 per kg carcass.

Objetivou-se avaliar a economicidade de sistemas de terminação de ovinos em pastagem irrigada de capim-tamani sob lotação contínua, utilizando torta de mamona. Foram simulados quatro sistemas de produção: ovinos suplementados com farelo de soja e o pasto adubado com ureia (FSUR), ovinos suplementados com torta de mamona destoxificada e o pasto adubado com ureia (TMdUR), ovinos suplementados com farelo de soja e o pasto adubado com torta de mamona in natura (FSTM) e ovinos suplementados com torta de mamona destoxificada e o pasto adubado com torta de mamona in natura (TMdTM). Foi considerada a unidade mínima de 3 hectares e determinado um peso médio ao abate de 28 kg de peso corporal. Estabeleceu-se um preço de venda mínimo, no qual o sistema de criação menos lucrativo se tornasse rentável de 2,38 e 4,45 dólares por quilograma de peso corporal e por equivalente de peso da carcaça, dotando uma taxa mínima de atratividade de 3,5% ao ano, com base na taxa Selic. Os custos com adubação orgânica, em média, são 46,01% superiores aos sistemas que utilizam adubação química. A venda de animais vivos não é atrativa em nenhum dos sistemas avaliados, sendo o contrário observado para a comercialização de carcaças e dos não componentes da carcaça de ovinos. O sistema de produção FSUR se mostrou mais lucrativo, com ganho de US$ 0.53 centavos por kg de carcaça.

Feed technologies and efficiency in cow-calf systems

This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency index of cow-calf systems, based on different feed technologies commonly employed in the Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil. Hence, the efficiency of 35 cow-calf herds was evaluated by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Data was collected by online survey and in-depth interviews, as well as data registers from the cow-calf systems, located in 31 municipalities. The analyzed indicators included rates of mortality, pregnancy, birth, and productivity. The feed technologies evaluated were the use of cultivated pastures during winter and summer, supplementation during winter and summer, creep feeding, deferral of natural pasture, use of grazing systems, and employee's capacitation. Approximately 80% of the evaluated farms showed low-to-medium Efficiency Index (EI; up to 0.79 in a scale of 0 to 1), 13% presented high EI, and only 7% had very high EI (above 0.95). The use of cultivated pastures with the inclusion of protein supplementation and employees' capacitation were highlighted as the main practices to increase efficiency of cow-calf systems in Rio Grande do Sul. The technologies identified as most impactful raise the EI of production systems from low to medium. Our results assist in decision-making in the use of feed technologies, pointing out a direction for the use of technologies that make breeding systems more efficient from a productive point of view.(AU)

Energy supplementation as strategy of pasture management

This study evaluated the effect of increased energy via supplementation on the performance, ingestive behavior, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen metabolism of grazing heifers fed tropical forage in the rainy-dry transition season. Treatments consisted of mineral supplementation ad libitum (control) and multiple supplements formulated to provide different energy levels and the same amount of protein (300 g CP animal d-1) and were denominated as low (LE; 340 g TDN animal d-1), medium (ME; 780 g TDN animal d-1) and high (HE; 1220 g TDN animal d-1) energy. Animals supplemented with ME, and HE had a greater average daily gain in relation to the control treatment, with an increase of 41 and 46%, respectively. Greater values for total apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber were observed for the treatment HE. Lesser values of urinary urea N were observed for the control and HE treatments. Our results define the use of energy levels in the supplement as a tool for pasture management. If the purpose of the production system is to enhance forage intake, the option is to supply supplements with less energy levels. In contrast, if the purpose is to increase the stocking rate, supplements with greater energy levels should be used.(AU)

Glycerin supplementation strategies for three or seven days affects oxidative stress, follicle dynamics and ovulatory response in Morada Nova sheep

The Ziwuling black goat is an indigenously in China, their offspring are frequently affected by congenital cryptorchidism. The extracellular matrix (ECM) contains cytokines and growth factors that regulate the development of the testis, and component changes often result in pathological changes. Cryptorchidism is closely related to structural changes in ECM. In this study, the histochemical staining, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and Western blot combined with semi-quantitative analysis was used to describe the distribution of the important ECM components Collagen type IV (Col IV), laminin (LN)and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) in the normal and cryptorchid testes of Ziwuling black goats. Results showed that: The histochemical staining showed that the dysplasia of seminiferous tubules and decreased number of Sertoli cells in cryptorchidism, as well as sparse collagen fiber. Meanwhile, the distribution of reticular fibers is relatively rich. Furthermore, the PAS and AB staining in the interstitial vessels and lamina propria of seminiferous tubules is weak. The immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence revealed that Col IV, LN was strongly expressed in Leydig, Sertoli cells of normal testes and moderately positive in the spermatogonia and spermatids, but HSPG was not expressed in the spermatogonia. However, cryptorchidism, the expression of Col IV, LN and HPSG in Leydig, Sertoli cells significantly decreased, as well as the expression of Col IV and LN in capillary endothelial cells, but HSPG was moderately expressed in spermatogonia. Based on these data, the underdevelopment of spermatogenic epithelium, decreased synthesis function of collagen fibers and Leydig cells develop usually in the cryptorchidism were shown to be closely related to the abnormal metabolism of Col IV and LN. The positive expressed of HSPG in the spermatogonia of cryptorchid testes is related to the compensatory development of spermatogonia.(AU)

Evaluation of biochemical and electrolytic components of semen from ram supplemented with different concentrations of selenium and its correlation with sperm quality / Avaliação de componentes bioquímicos e eletrolíticos do sêmen de ovinos suplementados com diferentes concentrações de selênio e sua correlação com a qualidade espermática

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether supplementation with different levels of selenium (Se) can change the biochemical and electrolytic components of semen, causing an improvement in seminal quality in rams. Thirty animals were kept in an intensive pen system, fed with hay and commercial ration, allocated into five groups (six animals/pen) and supplemented with a mineral mixture containing Omg (G1), 5mg (G2), 10mg (G3), 15mg (G4) and 20mg (G5) of Se/kg. Each group received a different treatment every 56 days and treatments were rotated between groups following a dynamic sequence. Semen samples were collected by electroejaculation after the end of each treatment to evaluate the levels of fructose, citric acid, potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), Se, zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S) and lead (Pb). The statistical design was a 5x5 Latin square. The different levels of Se supplementation evaluated maintained the concentrations of electrolytes and minerals in the semen at the required levels and did not change the sperm quality, concluding that higher intakes of Se do not cause antagonistic effects on the absorption and subsequent action of other essential minerals supplied to the animals and still maintains electrolyte balance.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar se a suplementação com diferentes níveis de selênio (Se) pode alterar os componentes bioquímicos e eletrolíticos do sêmen, ocasionando, por conseguinte, uma melhoria na qualidade seminal em carneiros. Foram utilizados 30 animais, mantidos em sistema intensivo de baias, alimentados com feno e ração comercial, sendo alocados em cinco grupos (seis animais/baia) e suplementados com uma mistura mineral contendo 0mg (G1), 5mg (G2), 10mg (G3), 15mg (G4) e 20mg (G5) de Se/kg. Cada grupo recebeu um tratamento diferente a cada 56 dias, e foi realizado um rodízio de tratamentos entre os grupos seguindo uma sequência dinâmica. Amostras de sêmen foram colhidas por eletroejaculação após o fim de cada tratamento, a fim de se avaliarem os níveis de frutose, ácido cítrico, potássio (K), sódio (Na), cálcio (Ca), Se, zinco (Zn), manganês (Mn), enxofre (S) e chumbo (Pb). O desenho estatístico foi um quadrado latino 5x5. Os diferentes níveis de suplementação de Se avaliados mantiveram as concentrações de eletrólitos e de minerais do sêmen nos níveis exigidos e não modificaram a qualidade espermática, concluindo-se que maiores ingestões de Se não causam efeitos antagônicos na absorção e subsequente ação de outros minerais essenciais fornecidos aos animais e ainda mantêm o equilíbrio eletrolítico.

Biochemical profile of castrated and uncastrated male goats supplemented with vitamin E or not / Perfil bioquímico de caprinos machos castrados e não castrados suplementados ou não com vitamina E

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biochemical parameters of goats submitted to castration or not and receiving supplementation with vitamin E or not. A total of 24 goats, uncastrated (12 experimental units) and castrated males (12 experimental units), with average body weight weighing 17.6 kg ± 2.67 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with two animal conditions (castrated and uncastrated male) and vitamin E supplementation (with and without supplementation), with six replications. There was an effect of treatments (P<0.05) over time for all studied variables. There was an effect of vitamin supplementation (P<0.05) for phosphorus, iron, protein, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Vitamin supplementation increased glucose, creatinine and GTT levels over time, and reduced levels of phosphorus, iron, protein, albumin, AST and ALP. We conclude that vitamin E influenced the biochemical parameters studied, but castration did not change the biochemical profile of goats, regardless of whether they were supplemented with vitamin E or not.

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros bioquímicos de caprinos submetidos ou não a castração e recebendo ou não suplementação com vitamina E. Um total de 24 caprinos, machos não castrados (12 unidades experimentais) e machos castrados (12 unidades experimentais), com peso corporal médio de 17,6 kg ± 2,67 kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2, sendo duas condições animais (macho castrado e não castrado) e suplementação com vitamina E (com e sem suplementação), com seis repetições. Houve efeito dos tratamentos (P<0,05) ao longo do tempo para todas as variáveis estudadas. Houve efeito da suplementação vitamínica (P<0,05) para fósforo, ferro, proteína, glicose, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALP) e gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT). A suplementação vitamínica elevou os níveis de glicose, creatinina e GTT ao longo do tempo, e reduziu os níveis de fósforo, ferro, proteína, albumina, AST e ALP. Concluímos que a vitamina E influenciou nos parâmetros bioquímicos estudados, porém a castração não alterou o perfil bioquímico de caprinos, independentemente de estarem suplementados ou não com a vitamina E.

Características de carcaças e vísceras de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas com enzima beta mananase e soja integral desativada / Characteristics of carcass and viscera of broiler chickens fed with diets containing beta mananase enzyme and deactivated soybean

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características de carcaça e a biometria gastrointestinal de frangos de corte alimentados com ração contendo soja desativada suplementada com níveis de enzima Beta mananase. Para tal, foram utilizados 1152 frangos de corte de lotes diferentes da linhagem COOB 500. Estes foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4x2, com quatro níveis de enzima Beta mananase (0, 80, 160, 240g/ton) e inclusão ou não de soja desativada, com oito repetições, sendo 18 aves em cada unidade experimental. No 42° dia, foram avaliados o rendimento de carcaça, cortes e vísceras, em peso e em porcentagem, e a biometria gastrointestinal dos frangos de corte. O peso pós-jejum, a carcaça cheia, a carcaça vazia, o peito, a coxa e a sobrecoxa tiveram maior peso (p<0,05) para o tratamento com a inclusão de soja desativada. No entanto, não houve diferença (p>0,05) para o rendimento de vísceras comestíveis. Além disso, houve um aumento (p<0,05) do trato gastrointestinal das aves, conforme a adição da enzima Beta mananase. Desta forma, indica-se, a utilização de soja desativada aliada à suplementação de 240 mg de enzima de Beta mananase em dietas de frangos de corte de um a 42 dias de idade, pois favorece o rendimento de carcaça e a morfologia do trato gastrointestinal das aves.

This study aimed to evaluate the carcass characteristics and gastrointestinal biometry of broiler chickens fed with ration containing deactivated soybean supplemented with levels of beta mannanase enzyme. For this purpose, 1152 broilers from different lots of COOB 500 lineage were used. They were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 4x2 factorial scheme, with four levels of beta mannanase enzyme (0, 80, 160, 240g/ton) and inclusion or not of deactivated soybean, with eight replicates with 18 birds in each experimental unit. On the 42nd day, carcass, cuts, and viscera yield, in weight and percentage, and the gastrointestinal biometry of broiler chickens were evaluated. The post-fast weight, full carcass, empty carcass, breast, thigh, and drumstick had higher weight (p<0.05) for the treatment with the inclusion of deactivated soy. However, there was no difference (p>0.05) in the yield of edible viscera. In addition, there was an increase (p<0.05) in the gastrointestinal tract of birds as the enzyme beta mannanase was added. Thus, the use of deactivated soybean combined with the supplementation of 240 mg of beta mannanase enzyme in broiler chicken diets from 1 to 42 days of age is indicated, as it favors carcass yield and the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract of the birds.

Performance of forage cactus submitted to different levels of irrigation and organic fertilization in the semi-arid region of Paraiba / Desempenho de palma forrageira submetida a diferentes lâminas de irrigação e adubação orgânica no semiárido Paraibano

The forage cactus represents one of the main sources of fodder for livestock in the semi-arid region. However, although it is cultivated on a large scale in several regions, there are still few studies addressing issues of improved management, especially about irrigation and fertilization of recently used varieties, such as those resistant to false carmine cochineal. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of irrigation and sources of organic fertilizer on the productive performance of forage cactus variety Mexican Elephant's Ear (Opuntia stricta). The experiment was set up at Fazenda Riachão, municipality of Boa Vista, Paraíba. Two types of manure (bovine and caprine) and the control were used, associated with the absence of irrigation and five different depths, which varied from 1.5 to 5.5 L of water per week per plant. A 3x6 factorial design with five repetitions was used in a randomized block design. The depths of water applied promoted a significant increase in the variables analyzed. The goat manure was the most effective in obtaining better values of the number of cladodes per plant and productivity.

A palma forrageira representa uma das principais fontes de forragem para a pecuária do Semiárido. No entanto, embora seja cultivada em larga escala em diversas regiões, ainda são escassos trabalhos que abordem questões de melhoria de manejo, principalmente no que tange a irrigação e adubação de variedades de uso recentes, como as resistentes a cochonilha do carmim. Assim, este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito de diferentes lâminas de irrigação e fontes de adubação orgânica sobre o desempenho produtivo da palma forrageira variedade Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia stricta). O experimento foi instalado na Fazenda Riachão, município de Boa Vista, Paraíba. Utilizou-se dois tipos de esterco (bovino e caprino) e a testemunha, associados com a ausência de irrigação e cinco lâminas diferentes, que variaram de 1,5 a 5,5 L de água por semana por planta. Utilizou-se um fatorial 3x6, com delineamento experimental em blocos casualisados, com cinco repetições. As lâminas de água aplicadas promoveram aumento significativo nas variáveis analisadas. O esterco caprino foi o mais efetivo na obtenção de melhores valores do número de cladódios por planta e de produtividade.

Estratégias para melhorar a qualidade seminal em garanhões / Strategies to improve seminal quality in stallions

A grande quantidade de garanhões com alteração na qualidade seminal, seja pela idade, genética ou afecções do trato reprodutivo, resultou nos últimos anos, no rápido avanço do desenvolvimento de técnicas para recuperar e aumentar o potencial reprodutivo dos animais. Os detalhes antes e após a colheita seminal são fundamentais para alcançar o máximo da eficiência reprodutiva e obter índices de concepção adequados. Objetiva-se com esta revisão de literatura abordar as principais técnicas para melhorar a qualidade espermática em garanhões.(AU)

The large number of stallions with alterations in seminal quality, whether due to age, genetics or reproductive tract disorders, has resulted in the rapid advance of the development of techniques to recover and increase the reproductive potential of animals in recent years. Details before and after seminal collection are essential to achieve maximum reproductive efficiency and obtain adequate conception rates. The aim of this paper was to review the main techniques to improve sperm quality in stallions.(AU)

Biochemical profile of castrated and uncastrated male goats supplemented with vitamin E or not / Perfil bioquímico de caprinos machos castrados e não castrados suplementados ou não com vitamina E

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biochemical parameters of goats submitted to castration or not and receiving supplementation with vitamin E or not. A total of 24 goats, uncastrated (12 experimental units) and castrated males (12 experimental units), with average body weight weighing 17.6 kg ± 2.67 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with two animal conditions (castrated and uncastrated male) and vitamin E supplementation (with and without supplementation), with six replications. There was an effect of treatments (P<0.05) over time for all studied variables. There was an effect of vitamin supplementation (P<0.05) for phosphorus, iron, protein, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Vitamin supplementation increased glucose, creatinine and GTT levels over time, and reduced levels of phosphorus, iron, protein, albumin, AST and ALP. We conclude that vitamin E influenced the biochemical parameters studied, but castration did not change the biochemical profile of goats, regardless of whether they were supplemented with vitamin E or not.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros bioquímicos de caprinos submetidos ou não a castração e recebendo ou não suplementação com vitamina E. Um total de 24 caprinos, machos não castrados (12 unidades experimentais) e machos castrados (12 unidades experimentais), com peso corporal médio de 17,6 kg ± 2,67 kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2, sendo duas condições animais (macho castrado e não castrado) e suplementação com vitamina E (com e sem suplementação), com seis repetições. Houve efeito dos tratamentos (P<0,05) ao longo do tempo para todas as variáveis estudadas. Houve efeito da suplementação vitamínica (P<0,05) para fósforo, ferro, proteína, glicose, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALP) e gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT). A suplementação vitamínica elevou os níveis de glicose, creatinina e GTT ao longo do tempo, e reduziu os níveis de fósforo, ferro, proteína, albumina, AST e ALP. Concluímos que a vitamina E influenciou nos parâmetros bioquímicos estudados, porém a castração não alterou o perfil bioquímico de caprinos, independentemente de estarem suplementados ou não com a vitamina E.(AU)

Biochemical profile of castrated and uncastrated male goats supplemented with vitamin E or not

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the biochemical parameters of goats submitted to castration or not and receiving supplementation with vitamin E or not. A total of 24 goats, uncastrated (12 experimental units) and castrated males (12 experimental units), with average body weight weighing 17.6 kg ± 2.67 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with two animal conditions (castrated and uncastrated male) and vitamin E supplementation (with and without supplementation), with six replications. There was an effect of treatments (P 0.05) over time for all studied variables. There was an effect of vitamin supplementation (P 0.05) for phosphorus, iron, protein, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Vitamin supplementation increased glucose, creatinine and GTT levels over time, and reduced levels of phosphorus, iron, protein, albumin, AST and ALP. We conclude that vitamin E influenced the biochemical parameters studied, but castration did not change the biochemical profile of goats, regardless of whether they were supplemented with vitamin E or not.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros bioquímicos de caprinos submetidos ou não a castração e recebendo ou não suplementação com vitamina E. Um total de 24 caprinos, machos não castrados (12 unidades experimentais) e machos castrados (12 unidades experimentais), com peso corporal médio de 17,6 kg ± 2,67 kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2, sendo duas condições animais (macho castrado e não castrado) e suplementação com vitamina E (com e sem suplementação), com seis repetições. Houve efeito dos tratamentos (P 0,05) ao longo do tempo para todas as variáveis estudadas. Houve efeito da suplementação vitamínica (P 0,05) para fósforo, ferro, proteína, glicose, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALP) e gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT). A suplementação vitamínica elevou os níveis de glicose, creatinina e GTT ao longo do tempo, e reduziu os níveis de fósforo, ferro, proteína, albumina, AST e ALP. Concluímos que a vitamina E influenciou nos parâmetros bioquímicos estudados, porém a castração não alterou o perfil bioquímico de caprinos, independentemente de estarem suplementados ou não com a vitamina E.

Effect of growth and carcass traits on likelihood of early pregnancy in Nellore heifers raised at intensive nutritional plan

This study evaluated the influence of the quantitative traits measured by real-time ultrasound (adjusted longissimus muscle area [AdjLMA], adjusted rump fat thickness [AdjRFT], and adjusted marbling [AdjMAR]) as well as age at first breeding [AFB] and adjusted weight [AdjWeight], on the probability of occurrence of early pregnancy (EP) in 55 Nellore heifers, and also performed an economic analysis. All calves received supplementation in creep-feeding (ad libitum), and at weaning (average age= 210 ± 30 days; average weight= 241 ± 33 kg) until first breeding by artificial insemination (May to November) all heifers were managed in the same group (two paddocks of 25 ha each evenly covered with Urochloa Marandu Grass) and received protein-energy supplementation (1% of average BW per animal/day). The quantitative variables were collected immediately after timed artificial insemination (average age= 392 ± 27 days; average weight= 431.90 kg), and the pregnancy diagnosis was completed at 30 days following insemination. For economic analysis, two systems were compared (age at first breeding at 13 and 24 months). The greater adjusted weight on the first breeding increased the probability of occurrence of early pregnancy, while the greater adjusted longissimus muscle area reduced. In addition, intensive meat production systems provide greater economic return throughout cow-calf operation.(AU)

Nutracêuticos na reprodução de padreadores caninos e felinos / Nutraceuticals in the reproduction of canine and feline stud dogs

Falha da fertilidade nas espécies canina e felina é uma das principais preocupações entre criadores e a busca por tratamentos específicos é uma constante. Assim, o uso de substâncias com poder antioxidante como vitaminas, minerais, flavonoides, ácidos graxos, etc. são requeridos em tratamentos para melhorar índices reprodutivos, tais substâncias são classificadas como nutracêuticos. Ação antioxidante se faz pertinente ao combate do estresse oxidativo proveniente dos radicais livre e peroxidação lipídica produzidos durante a espermatogênese e em casos de sub ou infertilidade. O desequilíbrio entre as ações oxidativas e antioxidativas acarreta diminuição dos parâmetros seminais.(AU)

Fertility failure in canine and feline species is one of the main concerns among breeders and the search for specific treatments is a constant. Thus, the use of substances with antioxidant power such as vitamins, flavonoids, fatty minerals, etc. are necessary in treatments to improve reproductive indices, such substances are classified as nutraceuticals. The antioxidant action is relevant to combat oxidative stress from free radicals and lipid peroxidide during spermatogenesis and in cases of sub or infertility and antioxidative as oxidative activities in seminal tissues.(AU)

Dried distiller's grains plus solubles supplementation improves low-quality tropical grass utilization on beef steers / Suplementação de grãos de destilação secos com solúveis melhora a utilização de grama tropical de baixa qualidade para novilhos de corte

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of corn dried distiller's grains (DDGS) supplementation on feed intake, total tract digestibility, and ruminal fermentation of beef steers fed low-quality Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus, cv. Gatton panic). Twelve Braford crossbred steers were housed in individual pens (n = 4 steers/treatment), provided with three levels of DDGS supplement: 0%, 0.6%, or 1.2% BW. Steers were blocked by live weight and randomly assigned to treatments within the block. Corn DDGS supplementation increased total OM intake (21.55, 40.23, and 56.69 g/kg BW0.75) and tract OM digestibility (46.33, 49.03, and 72.39 % DM). Total tract digestible OM, CP, NDF and EE intake also increase in response to DDGS supplementation. Forage OM intake decreased when supplementation level reached 1.2 % BW. Also, ruminal pH decreased with DDGS supplementation level (6.88, 6.47, and 6.27). No differences were observed in total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration; however, the molar proportion of acetate decreased (77.98, 73.90, and 67.29 % Total VFA) as well as acetate: propionate ratio (4.38, 3.48, and 2.74). On the contrary, propionate proportions increased (18.32, 21.86, and 24.81 % Total VFA). Levels of ammonia and lactate were within suggested values for optimal fermentation and bacterial growth. Low-quality grass supplementation with corn DDGS increased total OM intake and digestibility. Also, DDGS inclusion favorably altered volatile fatty acids profile by reducing the acetate to propionate ratio regarding forage-only diets.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação com grãos de destilação secos de milho com solúveis (DDGS) no consumo, digestão e fermentação ruminal de novilhos de corte alimentados com capim-da-índia de baixa qualidade (Megathyrsus maximus, cv. Gatton panic). Doze novilhos mestiços Braford foram alojados em baias individuais (n = 4 novilhos / tratamento), fornecidos com três níveis de suplemento de DDGS: 0%, 0,6% ou 1,2% PV. Os novilhos foram bloqueados pelo peso vivo e atribuídos aleatoriamente aos tratamentos dentro do bloco. A suplementação com DDGS de milho aumentou o consumo de matéria orgânica total (21,55, 40,23 e 56,69 g / kg PV0,75), a digestibilidade da matéria orgânica (46,33, 49,03 e 72,39% MS) e o consumo de todos os nutrientes digestíveis. O consumo de matéria orgânica da forragem diminuiu quando o nível de suplementação atingiu 1,2% PV. Além disso, o pH ruminal diminuiu com o nível de suplementação com DDGS (6,88, 6,47 e 6,27). Não foram observadas diferenças na concentração de ácidos graxos voláteis totais, no entanto, a proporção molar de acetato diminuiu (77,98, 73,90 e 67,29% de AGV total), bem como a relação acetato: propionato (4,38, 3,48 e 2,74). Pelo contrário, as proporções de propionato aumentaram (18,32, 21,86 e 24,81% Total de AGV). Os níveis de amônia e lactato estavam dentro dos valores sugeridos para fermentação ideal e crescimento bacteriano. A suplementação de gramíneas de baixa qualidade com DDGS de milho aumentou o consumo e a digestibilidade da MO total. Além disso, a inclusão de DDGS alterou favoravelmente o perfil de ácidos graxos voláteis, reduzindo a proporção de acetato para propionato em relação às dietas apenas com forragem.