How do relocation time and length of storage after relocation affect fermentation and nutritive value of corn silage?

This study aimed to determine the effects of relocation time (RT; Experiment 1) and storage time after relocation (ST; Experiment 2) on microbial population, fermentative characteristics, and chemical composition of corn silage. In experiment 1, corn silage was stored for 30 d, subjected to different RT (0­60 h), and stored again for 30 d. Thirty experimental silos were used in a completely randomized design, with three replicates per treatment. In experiment 2, after 150 d of ensiling, silage was removed from a bunker silo, exposed to air for 9 h, relocated to experimental silos, and stored for periods ranging from 0 to 128 d. Twenty-eight experimental silos were used in a completely randomized design, with four replicates per treatment. Relocation time had no effect on fungi counts and concentrations of lactic and propionic acids in corn silage but resulted in a significant increase in dry matter content. In experiment 2, dry matter recovery and concentration of non-fiber carbohydrates decreased in corn silage stored for more than 32 d after relocation. Exposure of corn silage to air during relocation for up to 60 h followed by 30 d of storage did not compromise the fermentation profile or nutritive value of the silage. Increased storage time of relocated corn silage (up to 128 d) consistently decreases its nutritional value. The storage period seems to have an increased impact on nutrient loss in relocated silage than the relocation period.

Growth curves of broilers fed different nutritional relationships using the Gompertz model

The study aimed to evaluate performance and growth curves of broilers fed different nutritional relations. A total of 1,440 Cobb-500 male day-old chicks were assigned to eight treatments in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with six replicates of 30 birds each. The main factors were nutritional density (control and high), lysine source (HCl and sulfate), and calcium pidolate (presence and absence). Analyses were made for body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion rate (FCR) at 21, and 42 days of age. The growth curves were adjusted by weighing a bird per plot every three days. Data for BWG were tested by ANOVA to evaluatethe effects of treatments and their interactions at 5% significance, and the Gompertz model was adjusted by NLS. Birds fed a high nutritional density had higher BWG and lower FCR. Calcium pidolate and different sources of lysine did not influence the FCR of broilers, however a triple interaction was evidenced for BWG at 1 to 42 days of age. The day with maximum gain adjusted by Gompertz of all treatments was at the 32ndday of age and the maximum weight (A) was around 5.85 kg.(AU)

Nutrient compositional variation and interrelationship in the muscle of wild and plastic-reared brachyuran

Edible brachyurans are recognized as a popular source of food due to their delicious taste and nutritional quality. This study investigated the nutrient compositional variation and interrelationship in the muscle of wild and plastic-reared Cardisoma armatum. The plastic-reared crab had 27.81 ± 2.29 g 100 g-1protein while crab from the wild contained 22.45 ± 2.65 g 100 g-1protein. The difference in protein content of plastic-reared and its counterpart from the mangrove swamp was not significantly different(p > 0.05). This is also true of other proximate composition except that wild crabs were slightly higher in both crude fat (2.68 ± 0.35 g 100 g-1) and carbohydrate (5.89 ± 3.05 g 100 g-1). Generally, the total energy contributed due to protein, carbohydrate and fat in the tissues of both wild and plastic-reared C. armatumare similar. In the wild crab, contents of calcium (16083.27 ± 2127.90 mg 100 g-1) and phosphorus (1191.42 ± 199.21) were relatively higher, while contents of magnesium (368.69 ± 111.05 mg 100 g-1), sodium (125.30 ± 11.18 mg 100 g-1) and potassium (87.36 ± 7.27 mg 100 g-1) were relatively higher inplastic-reared crabs. All significant mineral ratios in wild and plastic-reared C. amartumfall within acceptable range. The positive relationship in the nutritional quality indicates that changes in proximate composition are associated with changes in mineral contents of the crab tissue.(AU)

Productivity and nutrient export in a maize and forage grasses intercropping under semiarid conditions / Produtividade e exportação de nutrientes em um consórcio de milho e gramíneas forrageiras nas condições do semiárido

The aim was to evaluate the productive performance and nutrient export of maize intercropped with drought-tolerant forage grasses. The experimental design was a randomized blocks in a 2x2x2+1 factorial scheme (two forage grasses species ­ Massai and Buffel; two forage sowing methods - in the furrow and broadcast; and two forage sowing times - anticipated and simultaneous; and monoculture maize as an additional control), with three replicates. The maize+forage intercropping promoted greater competition for resources, especially water, limiting N uptake, chlorophyll synthesis, and biomass production by maize under semiarid conditions. Early sowing gave forage plants a competitive advantage, favoring forage establishment before or immediately after the sowing of maize. Thus, the simultaneous sowing of forage grasses in a semiarid environment is a more appropriate option considering the importance of high levels of chlorophyll to ensure high photosynthetic activity in maize plants and greater capacity of biomass synthesis. Massai intercropped with maize exhibits a greaterpotential for biomass production than Buffel under semiarid conditions. Maize+Buffel result in highest macronutrient export by maize, while maize+Massai result in highest macronutrient exports by total forage biomass under a semiarid environment. The choice of the forage species and its sowing time in relation to maize are the main determinants of successful intercropping systems under semiarid conditions.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a exportação de nutrientes do consórcio de milho com gramíneas forrageiras tolerantes ao estresse hídrico. O experimento foi delineado em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2x2x2+1 (duas espécies de gramíneas forrageiras ­ Massai e Buffel; dois métodos de semeadura ­ no sulco e a lanço; e duas épocas de semeadura ­ antecipada e simultânea; e monocultivo de milho como um controle adicional), com três repetições. O consórcio milho+forragem promoveu maior competição por recursos, principalmente água, limitando a absorção de N, síntese de clorofila e produção de biomassa pelo milho para condições semiáridas. A semeadura precoce deu vantagem competitiva às plantas forrageiras, favorecendo seu estabelecimento antes ou imediatamente após a semeadura do milho. Assim, a semeadura simultânea de gramíneas forrageiras em ambiente semiárido é uma opção mais adequada, considerando a importância de garantir altos teores de clorofila e, consequentemente, alta atividade fotossintética nas plantas de milho para garantir a capacidade de síntese de biomassa.Massai consorciado com milho apresenta maior potencial para produção de biomassa do que Buffel em condições semiáridas.Milho+Buffel resulta em maior exportação de macronutrientes pelo milho, enquanto milho+Massai resulta em maior exportação de macronutrientes pela biomassa forrageira total em ambiente semiárido.A escolha da espécie forrageira e sua época de semeadura em relação ao milho são os principais determinantes do sucesso do consórcio no semiárido.(AU)

Effect of Sunflower Kernel Peptides Produced by Dual-Degradation on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Health Status of Broilers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sunflower kernel peptides produced by enzymatic digestion, fermentation, or both on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and health status of broilers. Four diets contained 20% of sunflower kernel meal as its raw form (CON) or degraded by protease (ESM), Bacillus pumilus (FSM), or both (DSM). A total of 480 yellow broilers at one day old were randomly distributed to 4 groups with 6 replicates of 20 chicks each. The feeding trial lasted for 63 d. Results showed that peptide content was increased (p<0.001) from 3.97% (CON) to 32.5% (ESM), 24.2% (FSM), and 39.1% (DSM). The three sunflower peptide groups improved (p≤0.001) feed intake and body weight gain. The peptide groups increased (p≤0.015) ileal apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, crude protein, and amino acids (methionine, lysine, tryptophan, and threonine). Furthermore, the peptide groups improved (p≤0.029) the health status by increasing serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG) and glutathione peroxidase. Additionally, among the peptide groups, DSM showed more pronounced effects (p<0.05) on these parameters than ESM or FSM. It is concluded that dual-degradation by enzymolysis and fermentation has a better improvement in the nutrition and application of sunflower kernel meal in broilers.(AU)

Influence of irrigation and supplementation on performance and ingestive behavior of beef cattle on mixed grass pastures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef cattle with two levels of energy-protein supplementation of low-consumption on African Bermudagrass pasture, overseeded in winter with oat and ryegrass, with or without irrigation. Twenty-four castrated Angus steers (11 months old and had an initial average of 220 kg body weight (BW)) were used in experimental area of 3.6 ha. The experiment was completely randomized in a 2×2 factorial design, with three replicates. The evaluation period was 249 days (July/2019 to March/2020). The treatments were: irrigated pasture with supplementation of 1 g/kg BW or 2.7 g/kg BW and non-irrigated pasture with 1 g/kg BW of supplement or 2.7 g/kg BW. The grazing method was continuous with a variable stocking rate. Irrigation provided pastures with better chemical composition in winter and spring. Irrigation increased the daily accumulation rate in winter (84.6 vs. 45.9 kg DM/ha/day), providing a greater stocking rate (1,702 vs. 1,385 kg/ha) and, consequently, body weight gain per hectare. Supplementation of 2.7 g/kg BW provided a greater stocking rate in winter (1,652 vs. 1,435 kg/ha) and spring (3,096 vs. 2,811 kg/ha), not changing in summer. The association of irrigation and supplementation of 2.7 vs. 1.0 g/kg BW improves the intake pattern by the animal in summer without changing productivity parameters. Irrigation increases productivity and the nutritional value of pasture with higher livestock production per area in periods of water deficit. The supply of 2.7 vs. 1.0 g/kg BW provides a greater stocking rate and body weight gain per hectare.(AU)

Intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior of sheep fed with thornless Mandacaru, cactus pear genotypes Orelha de Elefante Mexicana and Miúda

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior of sheep fed with different species of forage cacti. Fifteen sheep (17.27kg ± 1 kg) were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments and five replicates. The treatments were diets on a dry matter basis composed of 430.9 g kg-1of thornless Mandacaru cactus (Cereus hildmannianus), 525.7 g kg-1of cactus pear cv. Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia stricta) and 492.1 g kg-1of cactus pear cv. Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera) in addition to Sabiá hay (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia) (194.7 to 233.8 g kg-1), plus concentrate feed. The intake of the dry matter,organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, total digestible nutrientsand voluntary water intake in g day-1was not differ (p > 0.05) by experimental diets. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in digestibility coefficients of the dry matter,organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrientsbetween the experimental diets. The feeding times differed (p < 0.05) between diets, with a higher value for the Opuntiadiet, while the rumination times, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency did not differ (p > 0.05). The cactus Cereusand Opuntiaand Nopaleahave similar nutritional value in sheep's diet.(AU)

Evaluation of Lactobacillus Plantarum Additive on Growth Performance, Excreta Microbiota, Nutrient Digestibility, Gas Emission, and Meat Quality in Ross308-Broilers

The intention of this study was to analyze the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) additive with different nutrient density diets on growth performance, excreta microbiota, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, and meat quality in Ross308-broilers. A total of 576 mixed-sex, 1-d old Ross-308 chicks were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups with 8 replication and 18 chicks/cage. For a period of 35 days, HD and LD group chicks were fed with commercial corn and soybean meal-based basal diet which contains high and low nutrient density diet, respectively. The other treatment groups LP1 and LP2 chicks were fed with LD+ 0.05% and 0.01 % of L. plantarum, respectively. During day 21 and the overall experimental period, the body weight gain of broilers significantly increased (p<0.05) in HD and L. plantarum groups compared to the LD group. On day 35, broilers fed L. plantarum additive had significantly increased (p<0. 05) the nutrient digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen compared to those fed HD and LD diets. Moreover, dietary inclusion of L. plantarum additive had significantly increased (p<0.05) lactobacillus population and decreased (p>0.05) E. coli and ammonium emission. However, the meat quality traits were not affected by experimental diets. In conclusion, we infer that a low-density diet with 0.1% of L. plantarum additive could serve as an excellent alternative feed additive to enhance the performance of broilers.(AU)

Energy and nutrient digestibility from mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal for Nile tilapia

The aim of this study was to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients and digestible values of crude protein, ethereal extract, gross energy and dry matter of mulberry leaf meal (MLM) (Morus albaL.) as Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) feed. A total of 135 Nile tilapia juveniles were used, and the indirect methodology (Cr2O3) was applied for digestibility determinations.Mulberry leave meal presented good apparent digestible coefficients of protein, ethereal extract and energy with respective values of 0.94, 0.58 and 0.39. The mulberry leave meal thus comprises adequate digestible protein and digestible energy values, similar or better than other leafy foods, presenting potential for inclusion in Nile tilapia diets.(AU)

The Effect of Dietary Glucose Oxidase Supplementation on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Nutrient Digestibility in Laying Hens

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of GOX on performance, egg quality, and nutrient digestibility in laying hens. In total, 432, 50-week-old Hy-Line brown breeder hens were assigned into four treatments, and fed a basal diet with GOX at 0, 100, 200 and 300 units for 10 weeks, respectively. A Quadratic decrease in FI in week 3 (p<0.05) and linear increase in egg production in week 6 to 10 and overall experiment period (p<0.05) and Quadratic increase in egg production in week 7 (p<0.05), a linear decrease in broken egg rate in week 6 (p<0.05) a quadratic increase in egg weight on day 14 (p<0.05), alinear increase in egg weight on day 28 (p<0.05), and linear decrease in yolk color on day 7 (p<0.05), a linear increase in yolk color on day 42 and day 70 (p<0.05), and linear increase in haugh unit on day 28 and 70 (p<0.05), a linear increase albumen height on day 28 and day 56 (p<0.05), and linear decrease in shell color on day 14 (p<0.05) and day 28(p<0.05), a linear and quadratic increases in eggshell strength and eggshell thickness on day 56 (p<0.05), and linear increase in eggshell strength and eggshell thickness on day 70 (P0.05) were observed with the addition of GOX the the diet. Conclusion: This study suggested that the supplementation of GOX may have beneficial effects on feed intake and egg quality in laying hens.(AU)

Composition differences between organic and conventional processed foods: a meta-analytical study / Diferenças de composição entre alimentos processados orgânicos e convencionais: um estudo meta-analítico

Comparisons between the nutritional quality of organic and conventional fresh foods are frequently reported in the literature; however, discussion about processed foods is less frequent. Therefore, this study compared the nutritional content of processed products from both production systems using a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, regarding aspects of raw material management and processing. The study reviewed scientific articles published between 2010 and 2020 and the data obtained were analyzed using the standardized mean difference method with Hedges' adjustment and a random analytical model. Thirty-seven articles were selected, and the foods analyzed in the studies were grouped into five categories: meat products, dairy products, caught fish, wines, and fruit juices/pulps. In products of animal origin, the comparative focus shown was mainly that of the fatty acid profile, while in those of vegetable origin it was that of phytochemicals. Related to the comparison of nutrient contents, it was possible to verify the similarities in organic and conventional products in most studies; however, specific differences were verified (P < 0.05): organics contained more proteins (meat), omega 3 (dairy), and less linoleic acid (dairy and caught fish). Also, there were differences in the management of organic and conventional raw materials, and similarities in processing. Therefore, the choice for organic processed foods should not be made exclusively based on nutritional aspects, considering that the differences in nutrient contents in relation to those of conventional products are practically nonexistent.

Frequentemente são encontradas na literatura comparações entre a qualidade nutricional dos alimentos orgânicos e convencionais in natura, no entanto, pouco se discute acerca dos processados. Assim sendo, o objetivo desse estudo foi comparar o teor nutricional dos processados de ambos os sistemas de produção utilizando uma revisão sistemática da literatura e meta-análise, associando a aspectos de manejo das matérias-primas e processamento. Para isso, buscou-se artigos científicos publicados entre 2010 e 2020 e os dados obtidos foram analisados utilizando o método da diferença média padronizada com ajuste de Hedges e modelo analítico aleatório. Trinta e sete artigos foram selecionados, e os alimentos analisados em tais estudos foram agrupados em cinco categorias: cárneos, lácteos, pescado, vinhos e sucos/polpas de frutas. Nos produtos de origem animal o foco comparativo evidenciado foi principalmente o do perfil de ácidos graxos, enquanto nos de origem vegetal foi o dos fitoquímicos. Em relação à comparação do teor de nutrientes, foi possível constatar a similaridade nos orgânicos e nos convencionais na maioria dos estudos, entretanto, diferenças pontuais foram verificadas (P < 0,05): orgânicos com mais proteínas (cárneos), ômega 3 (lácteos) e menos ácido linoleico (lácteos e pescado). Também, notaram-se diferenças no manejo das matérias-primas orgânicas e convencionais, e similaridade no processamento. Portanto, a escolha por alimentos processados orgânicos não deve ser feita exclusivamente baseada em aspectos nutricionais, tendo em vista que as diferenças nos teores dos nutrientes em relação aos convencionais são praticamente inexistentes.

Potassium and growth-promoting fungi improve the postharvest quality of grape tomato / Potássio e fungos promotores de crescimento melhoram a qualidade pós-colheita de minitomates

Tomato plants respond well to potassium fertilization, whose insufficiency leads to a drop in fruit production and quality. On the other hand, the association of growth-promoting fungi (GPF) with roots has been shown to be able to optimize nutrient absorption, which implies lower financial costs and a decreased risk of loss of K applied to the soil. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inoculation with GPF and K rates on the postharvest quality of grape tomato hybrid 'Mascot' grown in a hydroponic system. The plants were cultivated in a hydroponic drip system using washed and sterilized sand as substrate. They were trained with two stems, leaving three bunches per stem. The experiment was carried out in a splitsplit-plot arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Ripe fruits were stored for 30 days in PET containers in storage chambers at a temperature of 25 °C. After 0, 10, 20 and 30 days of storage, five fruits were collected to determine the titratable acidity (TA) and soluble solids (SS), reducing sugars (RS) and vitamin C contents. The K rates provided an increase in the quality attributes. At low K rates, inoculation with GPF led to higher TA, SS, RS and vitamin C values. Inoculation of the plants with GPF improved the postharvest preservation of the fruits, especially when the plants underwent nutritional stress during cultivation.(AU)

O tomateiro responde bem à fertilização potássica, cuja insuficiência acarreta queda na produção e qualidade dos frutos. Por outro lado, a associação de fungos promotores de crescimento (FPC) com raízes tem-se mostrado capaz de otimizar a absorção de nutrientes, o que implica menor custo financeiro e menor risco de perdas do K aplicado ao solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os efeitos da inoculação com FPC e de doses de K na qualidade pós-colheita do minitomate hibrido Mascot cultivado em hidroponia. As plantas foram cultivadas em sistema hidropônico de gotejamento, usando areia lavada e esterilizada como substrato. Foram conduzidas com duas hastes, deixando-se três cachos por haste. O experimento foi realizado em parcelas sub-subdividadas e em delineado inteiramente ao acaso, com três repetições. Os frutos maduros foram armazenados por 30 dias em embalagens PET em câmaras de armazenamento à temperatura de 25°C. Após 0, 10, 20 e 30 dias de armazenamento coletaram-se 5 frutos para determinação do teor de sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), de açúcares redutores (AR) e vitamina C. As doses de K tiveram efeito crescente nos atributos de qualidade. Em baixas doses de K a inoculação com FPC resultou em maiores valores de SS, AT, AR e vitamina C. A inoculação das plantas com FPC promoveu melhor conservação dos frutos na pos-colheita, especialmente quando as plantas sofreram estresse nutricional durante o cultivo.(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)

Informação nutricional de doces de abóbora moranga ao leite / Nutritional information on pumpkin jam with milk

A abóbora moranga é um alimento rico em vitaminas e minerais. É uma fonte de fibras alimentares e pode fazer parte de receitas doces e salgadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a informação nutricional de cinco formulações de doces preparados com 40% de abóbora moranga e 20% de açúcar. Entre as formulações, variaram os teores de leite e água potável, do seguinte modo: 40% de leite no doce A; 30% de leite e 10% de água potável no doce B; 20% de leite e 20% de água potável no doce C; 10% de leite e 30% de água potável no doce D; e 40% de água potável no doce E. A partir dos pesos dos ingredientes e dos doces prontos foram efetuados os cálculos necessários para a elaboração das tabelas de informação nutricional dos doces. Os resultados foram analisados através de ANOVA e teste de Tukey. Houve diferença entre as médias dos valores calóricos da porção dos doces A e D; A e E; B e E; C e E. Não houve diferença entre as médias dos valores calóricos dos doces A, B e C; B, C e D; D e E. Houve diferença entre as médias das quantidades de carboidratos, proteínas e gorduras totais da porção de todos os doces avaliados. O doce E, sem leite, apresentou a porção mais calórica, e o doce A, com maior teor de leite, foi o menos calórico e o de maior teor proteico.(AU)

The pumpkin is a food rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a source of dietary fiber and can be part of sweet and savory recipes. The objective of this project was to compare the nutritional information of five formulations of sweets prepared with 40% pumpkin and 20% sugar. Among the formulations, the contents of milk and drinking water varied, as follows: 40% milk in sweet A; 30% milk and 10% drinking water in sweet B; 20% milk and 20% drinking water in sweet C; 10% milk and 30% drinking water in sweet D; and 40% of drinking water in sweet E. Based on the weights of ingredients and ready-made sweets, the necessary calculations were made for the preparation of nutritional information tables for sweets. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test. There was a difference between the average caloric values ​​of the portion of sweets A and D; A and E; B and E; C and E. There was no difference between the average caloric values ​​of sweets A, B and C; B, C and D; D and E. There was a difference between the average amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and total fat in the portion of all sweets evaluated. Sweet E, without milk, presented the most caloric portion, and sweet A, with the highest milk content, was the least caloric and the one with the highest protein content.(AU)

Forage production, morphogenetic and structural components, and nutritional value of tropical grasses in the semiarid condition / Produção de forragem, componentes morfogênicos e estruturais e valor nutricional de gramíneas tropicais em condição semiárida

The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage mass, morphogenetic and structural characteristics, and nutritional value of tropical forage grasses in semiarid conditions. Nine grasses were evaluated, namely, three cultivars of Urochloa brizantha (Marandu, MG4, and Piatã); Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk; Urochloa humidicola cv. Llanero; Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Kennedy; and three cultivars of Megathyrsus maximum (Massai, Mombaça, and Tanzania). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement in which the main factor were the grass cultivars and the secondary factor the seasons, with five replications per treatment. The statistical model included the fixed effect of treatment (grass), whereas the season was included as a random effect within treatments. Urochloa brizantha cvs. Marandu, MG4, and Piatã and Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk produced on average 858 kg ha-1 more forage mass than cvs. Kennedy and Basilisk. Megathyrsus maximum cv. Mombaça produced 40% more forage mass than the other cultivars of M. maximum (4205 vs. 3001 kg ha-1). Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Kennedy showed the lowest water use efficiency (36%). Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Kennedy exhibited the lowest leaf weight among the Urochloa cultivars (740 vs. 1319 kg ha-1). There was no treatment effect for leaf weight in the M. maximum cultivars. Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Kennedy showed the highest values of total digestible nutrients and dry matter digestibility (1.84 and 2.34%, respectively) among the other Urochloa cultivars. The M. maximum cultivars showed little differences in nutritional values. Cultivars Marandu, Piatã, and Massai exhibited better productive responses in the edaphoclimatic conditions of this study. However, future studies must be conducted evaluating the adaptation of the forage grass under semiarid conditions. Considering the settings of this study, the grasses Urochloa brizantha cvs. MG4, Marandu, and Piatã, as well as Megathyrsus maximum cvs. Massai and Mombaça, can be used in the semiarid condition.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a produtividade, características morfogênicas e estruturais e valor nutritivo de gramíneas forrageiras tropicais em condições semiáridas. Nove gramíneas foram avaliadas: Três cultivares de Urochloa brizantha (Marandu, MG4 e Piatã), Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk, Urochloa humidicola cv. Llanero, Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Kennedy e três cultivares de Megathyrsus maximum (Massai, capim-Mombaça e Tanzânia). O experimento foi conduzido em blocos completos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas com o fator principal (cultivar) e o fator secundário (estação) com cinco repetições por tratamento. O modelo estatístico incluiu o efeito fixo de tratamento (cultivar), e a estação do ano foi incluída como efeito aleatório dentro do tratamento. Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu, MG4 e Piatã e Urochloa decumbens cv Basilisk produziram em média 858 kg ha-1 de massa de forragem a mais que a cv. Kennedy e Llanero. Megathyrsus cv. Mombaça produziu 40% (4205 vs. 3001 kg ha-1) a mais de massa de forragem do que as demais cultivares de Megathyrsus maximum. Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Kennedy apresentou a menor (36%) eficiência no uso da água (EUA). Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Kennedy produziu menor quantidade de folhas (740 vs. 1319 kg ha-1) para as demais cultivares de Urochloa. Não houve efeito do tratamento na produtividade de folhas para as cultivares Megathyrsus maximum. Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Kennedy apresentou os maiores valores de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) e digestibilidade da matéria seca (DMS) (+1,84 e 2,34%, respectivamente) em relação à outra cultivar de Urochloa. As cultivares Megathyrsus maximum tiveram pouco efeito sobre os valores nutritivos. As cultivares Marandu, Piatã e Massai apresentaram melhores respostas produtivas nas condições edafoclimáticas deste estudo. No entanto, estudos futuros devem ser realizados avaliando a adaptação da forrageira em condições semiáridas. Nesta condição de estudo, as gramíneas Urochloa brizantha cv. MG4, Marandu e Piatã, assim como o Megathyrsus maximum cv. Massai e Mombaça podem ser usados em condições semiáridas.

Exogenous enzymes in sheep diet: nutritional and physiological parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding exogenous enzymes to the diet on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior and rumen movement of ewe lambs. Five ewe lambs, Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred, with an average age of 7 ± 1 months, average weight of 36.40 ± 2.36 kg were assigned in a 5x5 Latin square design. The treatments consisted of adding exogenous enzymes to the concentrate: Allzyme, Fibrozyme®, Amaize®, Mix and Control. Analyses of variance were applied and means were compared by the SNK test, and non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test at 5% significance. The dry matter intake in relation to body weight, crude protein intake and nitrogen intake were higher with the use of amylolytic enzyme compared to the other treatments (p <0.05). Nitrogen balance was higher with the use of amylolytic enzymes and the Allzyme® enzyme complex (p <0.05). A longer time spent in total chewing was observed with the inclusion of fibrolytic and amylolytic enzymes without changes in rumen movement. The use of exogenous enzymes promotes better use of nutrients, with high digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and crude protein.(AU)

Performance of Isa-Brown Layers and the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer of the Mineral Content of Eggs Produced by Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Supplementation

Moringa oleifera leaves richly contain numerous nutrients that can be used to induce performance in animals and when supplemented in layer feeds can improve the feed intake, body weight, egg qualities and mineral content of the eggs. The study was aimed to determine the performance of layers, egg quality and mineral profile of the eggs produced by inclusion of varying percentages of M. oleifera leaf powder in the feed of layers. Two hundred and forty Isa-brown layer birds were offered 0%, 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5% M. oleifera leaf powder supplemented feeds respectively, using a completely randomized design. The mineral analysis was done following the procedure of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data collected were analysed using analysis of variance at 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated that the body weight, feed intake, FCR, egg weight, egg length and shell thickness were significantly higher in layers fed M. oleifera leaf powder. However, the laying percentage was significantly higher in the control. The phosphorous, sodium, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, selenium and chromium contents of the eggs increased as the percentage of moringa inclusion increased. The eggs produced by layers fed with 5% M. oleifera leaf powder had significantly highest contents of magnesium, potassium and calcium, but decreased with further supplementation of moringa. The findings indicated that the supplementation of M. oleifera leaf powder at various levels improves the mineral contents of eggs but this is significantly achieved at a higher inclusion rate.(AU)

Chemical, mineral composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation and buffering capacity of some rangeland-medicinal plants

A diverse group of rangeland-medicinal plants are being used by ruminant whilst some of them have not been assessed for their nutritional value. This study was aimed to evaluate the chemical and mineral composition, buffering capacity, and in vitro fermentation of some rangeland-medicinal plants including Thymus kotschyanus, Ziziphora persica, Lallemantia royleana, and Scutellaria litwinowii in the family Lamiaceae, and Hypericum scabrum, in the family Hypericaceae. The results indicated that crude protein (CP) content ranged from 8.66% (S. litwinowii) to 12.17% of DM (H. scabrum). It was found that Z. persica had the highest potential gas production, metabolism energy (ME), relative feed value (RFV), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) values of 53.44 (mL 200-1 mg DM), 5.84 (MJ kg-1 DM), 170.66 and 70.88%, respectively. Mineral content differed among plants; Ca ranged from 5.79 to 41.96 g kg-1 DM. The concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Co were highest for L. royleana. Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and propionate concentrations were highest in the culture medium cultured with Z. persica, however, acetate, and butyrate were highest in H. scabrum. Acid-base buffering capacity was lower in T. kotschyanus and H. scabrum compared to other plants, while it was higher in S. litwinowii. Overall, it can be concluded that among plants evaluated in this study, Z. persica had higher nutritional value for sheep feeding.(AU)

Análise de informações nutricionais em rações para gatos / Analysis of nutritional information in cats feeding / Análisis de información nutricional en la alimentación de gatos

A alimentação dos animais domésticos se torna cada dia mais exigente e balanceada, visando a melhora na qualidade de vida destes animais. Atualmente, existe uma grande variedade de rações para atender esta demanda e facilitar a oferta de alimentos aos animais pelos tutores. Neste trabalho foram avaliadas as informações nutricionais nos rótulos de rações para felinos domésticos comercializadas na cidade de Bom Jesus- PI e estabelecida a relação preço por quilograma, teor de nutrientes em cada categoria das rações para cada grupo de animais, com o objetivo informativo nutricional e estabelecer uma relação custo-benefício entre as mesmas. Os resultados revelaram que há diferenças entre as rações, seja da mesma classificação, entre elas e/ou grupos diferentes, tanto em questão de preço, como em quantidade e qualidade de nutrientes. Observou-se a mesma ração com preços diferentes, assim como rações da mesma categoria destinada ao mesmo grupo de animais, mas que possuem teores de nutrientes muito distintos. Este estudo ainda levou em conta as rações especiais destinadas a animais com problemas urinários, renais e obesos, demostrando a importância da diferença de nutrientes nas rações para esses animais. Pôde se observar com este trabalho que a escolha da ração baseada na qualidade e quantidade dos nutrientes é imprescindível para fortalecer e nutrir o animal, além de prevenir ou amenizar problemas de saúde, e que o custo com rações não difere muito mediante as categorias apresentadas.

Feeding domestic animals becomes more demanding and balanced every day, aiming to improve the quality of life these animals. Currently, there is a wide variety of feeds to meet this demand and facilitate the supply of food to animals by tutors. In this work, the nutritional information on the food labels for domestic cats sold in the city of Bom Jesus-PI was evaluated and the price per kilogram, nutrient content in each category of feed for each group of animals was established, with the purpose of nutritional information and establish a cost-benefit relationship between them. The results show that there is a lot of difference between the rations, whether of the same classification, between them and/or different groups, both in terms of price, and in terms of quantity and quality of nutrients. The same feed with different prices was observed, as well as feed from the same category destined to the same group of animals, but with very different nutrient content. This study also takes into account the special rations for animals with urinary, kidney and obese problems, demonstrating the importance of the difference in nutrients in the rations for those animals. What could be observed with this work is that the choice of feed based on the quality and quantity of nutrients is essential to strengthen and nourish the animal, in addition to preventing or alleviating health problems, and that the cost of feed does not differ much according to the categories presented.

La alimentación de los animales domésticos se vuelve cada día más exigente y equilibrada, con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de vida de estos animales. Actualmente, existe una amplia variedad de raciones para cubrir esta demanda y facilitar el suministro de alimento a los animales por parte de los tutores. En este trabajo se evaluó la información nutricional en las etiquetas de los alimentos para gatos domésticos vendidos en la ciudad de Bom Jesus-PI y se estableció el precio por kilogramo, contenido de nutrientes en cada categoría de alimento para cada grupo de animales, con el propósito de información nutricional y establecer una relación costo-beneficio entre ellos. Los resultados revelan que existe mucha diferencia entre las raciones, ya sea de la misma clasificación, entre ellas y / o grupos diferentes, tanto en términos de precio, como en términos de cantidad y calidad de nutrientes. Uma misma racion con diferentes precios se observa en las Tablas 1, 2 y 3, así como racion de la misma categoría destinado al mismo grupo de animales, pero con muy diferente contenido de nutrientes. Este estudio también tiene en cuenta las raciones especiales (Tabla 4) para animales con problemas urinarios, renales y obesos, demostrando la importancia de la diferencia de nutrientes en las raciones para estos animales. Lo que se pudo observar con este trabajo es que la elección del alimento en función de la calidad y cantidad de nutrientes es fundamental para fortalecer y nutrir al animal, además de prevenir o aliviar problemas de salud, y que el costo del alimento no difiere mucho según a las categorías presentadas.

Addition of a blend of exogenous enzymes to broiler chickens diets: impacts on performance and production costs / Adição de uma mistura de enzimas exógenas a dietas de frangos de corte: impactos no desempenho e custos de produção

Broiler diets are based on corn, soybean and wheat production; however, some protein ingredients have many antinutritional factors and low digestibility. The objective of this study was to add a blend of exogenous enzymes to the feed with low nutritional value for broilers to reduce production costs and improve digestibility while maintaining good zootechnical performance. The experimental design was completely randomized, including three treatments with five replications (n=15) each: a) positive control (PC), diet calculated for males with average performance; b) negative control + exogenous enzymes (NC+EE), minimum nutrient diet according to the requirements of the production phase, and the enzymatic blend was added; and c) negative control (NC), minimum levels of nutrients for each phase. At 21 days, the PC group showed greater weight gain and lower feed conversion than the NC (P<0.05). At 42 days, PC had lower feed intake than NC (P=0.040), while lower feed conversion was observed in groups PC and NC+EE than NC (P=0.001). The production efficiency index was higher in the PC treatment, but the NC+EE treatment was higher than the NC (P=0.001). Considering production costs and body weight, we found that NC+EE birds had greater profitability. Therefore, we conclude that the blend of exogenous enzymes added to a diet with minimal nutritional levels has practical application in the broiler production system.(AU)

As dietas de frangos de corte são baseadas na produção de milho, soja e trigo; no entanto, alguns ingredientes proteicos possuem muitos fatores antinutricionais e baixa digestibilidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi adicionar à ração uma mistura de enzimas exógenas com baixo valor nutricional para frangos de corte para reduzir os custos de produção e melhorar a digestibilidade, mantendo o bom desempenho zootécnico. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, incluindo três tratamentos com cinco repetições (n=15) cada: a) controle positivo (PC), dieta calculada para machos com desempenho médio; b) controle negativo + enzimas exógenas (CN+EE), dieta mínima de nutrientes de acordo com as exigências da fase de produção, e foi adicionada a mistura enzimática; c) controle negativo (CN), teores mínimos de nutrientes para cada fase. Aos 21 dias, o grupo PC apresentou maior ganho de peso e menor conversão alimentar que o NC (P<0,05). Aos 42 dias, PC apresentou menor consumo de ração que NC (P=0,040), enquanto foi observada menor conversão alimentar nos grupos PC e NC+EE que NC (P=0,001). O índice de eficiência de produção foi maior no tratamento PC, mas o tratamento NC+EE foi maior que o NC (P=0,001). Considerando os custos de produção e peso corporal, verificamos que as aves NC+EE tiveram maior rentabilidade. Portanto, concluímos que a mistura de enzimas exógenas adicionada a uma dieta com níveis nutricionais mínimos tem aplicação prática no sistema de produção de frangos de corte.(AU)