Effect of natural food consumption on the first phase of pirarucu grow-out in ponds and cages / Efeito do consumo de alimento natural sobre a recria do pirarucu em viveiros e tanques-rede

Pirarucu, Arapaima gigas is a fish species of great social and economic importance in the Amazon region, where they are often farmed in earthen ponds. Intensive cage aquaculture has been growing in Brazil, which could be an alternative means to farm pirarucu, reducing costs and increasing productivity. We evaluated the contribution of natural food organisms in semi-intensive (ponds) and intensive (cages) production systems, and their effect on pirarucu growth and economic performance during the first phase of grow-out. Four ponds (300 m2) and four cages (4.0 m³) were stocked, respectively, with 120 (0.4 fish m-²) and 160 (40 fish m-³) juvenile pirarucu (28.03 ± 6.34 g, 11.75 ± 0.80 cm). The study was conducted for 105 days and fish were fed with commercial feed. Fish growth and plankton intake were evaluated every two weeks. Survival rate, standard length, weight gain and final weight were higher in fish reared in earthen ponds than in cages. Feed conversion of fish kept in ponds was lower (0.96 ± 0.06) than in cages (1.20 ± 0.11). The consumption of natural food organisms was observed, despite artificial feed being fed in both systems. The relative abundance of zooplankton and insects in stomachs was directly proportional to fish weight gain in ponds, and inversely proportional in cages. Higher economic efficiency rate and lower average production cost were calculated for earthen ponds. Our results indicate that the cost-benefit of the first phase grow-out of A. gigas is better in earthen ponds.(AU)

O pirarucu, Arapaima gigas é um peixe de grande importância econômica e social na Amazônia, onde é comumente produzido em viveiros. A produção de peixes em tanques-rede tem crescido no Brasil, e este sistema poderia ser uma alternativa para a produção do pirarucu, reduzindo custos e melhorando os parâmetros produtivos. Nós avaliamos a contribuição do alimento natural na produção em sistema semi-intensivo (viveiros) e intensivo (tanques-rede) e seus efeitos sobre os aspectos produtivos e econômicos do pirarucu na fase de recria. Quatro viveiros (300 m2) e quatro tanques-rede (4,0 m3) foram estocados, respectivamente, com 120 (0,4 peixes m-2) e 160 (40 peixes m-3) juvenis de pirarucu (28,03 ± 6,34 g e 11,75 ± 0,80 cm). O estudo foi conduzido por 105 dias e os peixes foram alimentados com ração comercial extrusada. Crescimento e ingestão de plâncton pelos peixes foram avaliados quinzenalmente. Sobrevivência, comprimento padrão, ganho de peso e peso final foram maiores nos peixes cultivados em viveiros. A conversão alimentar nos viveiros (0,96 ± 0,06) foi menor que nos tanques-rede (1,20 ± 0,11). Mesmo sendo ofertada ração, os pirarucus consumiram alimento natural nos dois sistemas de produção. A abundância relativa de zooplâncton e insetos nos estômagos foi diretamente proporcional ao ganho de peso nos viveiros, e inversamente proporcional nos tanques-rede. Um índice de eficiência econômica mais alto e custo médio de produção mais baixo foram calculados para os viveiros escavados. Nossos resultados indicam que o custo-benefício do cultivo de A. gigas durante a fase de recria é melhor em viveiros.(AU)

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and genome editing to support a sustainable livestock

This article provides an overview of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and genome engineering to improve livestock production systems for the contribution of global sustainability. Most ruminant production systems are conducted on grassland conditions, as is the case of South American countries that are leaders in meat and milk production worldwide with a well-established grass-feed livestock. These systems have many strengths from an environmental perspective and consumer preferences but requires certain improvements to enhance resource efficiency. Reproductive performance is one of the main challenges particularly in cow-calf operations that usually are conducted under adverse conditions and thus ART can make a great contribution. Fixed-time artificial insemination is applied in South America in large scale programs as 20 to 30% of cows receive this technology every year in each country, with greater calving rate and significant herd genetic gain occurred in this region. Sexed semen has also been increasingly implemented, enhancing resource efficiency by a) obtaining desired female replacement and improving animal welfare by avoiding newborn male sacrifice in dairy industry, or b) alternatively producing male calves for beef industry. In vitro embryo production has been massively applied, with this region showing the greatest number of embryos produced worldwide leading to significant improvement in herd genetics and productivity. Although the contribution of these technologies is considerable, further improvements will be required for a significant livestock transformation and novel biotechnologies such as genome editing are already available. Through the CRISPR/Cas-based system it is possible to enhance food yield and quality, avoid animal welfare concerns, overcome animal health threats, and control pests and invasive species harming food production. In summary, a significant enhancement in livestock productivity and resource efficiency can be made through reproductive technologies and genome editing, improving at the same time profitability for farmers, and global food security and sustainability.(AU)

Effect of adding Spirulina platensis algae to small ruminant rations on productive, reproductive traits and some blood components

This experiment conducted using 20 Rahmani ewes at the last third of pregnancy in two equal groups. One group served as control, while the other group received Spirulina platensis(SP) at the rate of 0.5 gm 10 kg-1live body weight. The objective was to find out the effect of adding Spirulina platensisalgae to small ruminant rations on reproductive and productive traits and blood components of sheep. The experiments lasted for 120 days for both dams and their lambs after weaning. The findings proved that adding SP in ewes' diets had no effect on the average of live body weight change. Average milk yield was significantly (p <0.01) higher in the treatment group than the control. Lamb's birth weight and daily body gain of the treated group were significantly (p <0.01) higher than the control. Blood and serum picture profile of ewes were significantly higher when fed SP additive than the control.It could be concluded that the addition of SP to the ration of sheep positively preserved their health, productive and reproductive status as well as their lambs' growth rate. Also the additive improved the economic efficiency of treated animals by about 53.13%.(AU)

Chromium and energy restriction as substitutes for ractopamine in finishing gilts diet / Cromo e restrição energética em substituição a ractopamina na dieta de leitoas em terminação tardia

This study evaluated chromium supplements and energy restriction as substitutes for ractopamine in the diets of late finishing gilts. Sixty gilts were used, with initial weights of 98.87 ± 0.25 kg and final weights of 122.69 ± 10.97 kg, distributed in a randomized block design with five diets: control; yeast chromium (0.8 ppm); chromium picolinate (0.48 ppm); ractopamine (20 ppm) and energy restriction (reduction of 150 kcal of EM kg-1 of feed), with six replicates and two animals per experimental unit. Feeding diet containing ractopamine enabled better (P<0.05) feed conversion and greater weights of the hot carcass of the gilts. The diet containing ractopamine exhibited a lower (P<0.05) cost of feed per kilogram of gain and higher economic efficiency, when compared to diets containing chromium and energy restriction; these exhibited better outcomes, compared to the control diet. Diets supplemented with chromium and ractopamine resulted in a higher (P<0.05) percentage and quantity of lean meat and a higher rate of carcass bonus, when compared to the control diet and energy restriction. The energy reduction did not harm the gilts' responses, compared to the control diet. Ractopamine supplementation allowed for a better feed conversion, lower feed cost per kilogram of gain, and a higher economic efficiency index. Supplements of chromium and ractopamine increased the percentage and quantity of lean meat and the bonus index of the carcasses. Therefore, chromium picolinate and chromium yeast are potential substitutes for ractopamine for optimizing the gilts carcass characteristics.

Realizou-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar as suplementações de cromo e a restrição energética em substituição a ractopamina para leitoas em terminação tardia. Foram utilizadas 60 leitoas, com pesos inicial de 98,87±0,25 kg e final de 122,69 ± 10,97 kg, distribuídas em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com cinco dietas: controle; cromo levedura (0,8 ppm); picolinato de cromo (0,48 ppm); ractopamina (20 ppm) e restrição energética (redução de 150 kcal de EMkg-1 de ração), com seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. A dieta contendo ractopamina proporcionou melhor (P<0,05) conversão alimentar e maior peso de carcaça quente das leitoas. A dieta contendo ractopamina apresentou menor (P<0,05) custo de ração por quilograma de ganho e maior índice de eficiência econômica em relação as dietas contendo cromo e restrição energética que, por sua vez, foram superiores em comparação a dieta controle. Dietas suplementadas com cromo e ractopamina apresentaram maior (P<0,05) percentual e quantidade de carne magra e maior índice de bonificação de carcaça em relação a dieta controle e restrição energética. Concluiu-se que a redução energética não prejudica as respostas das leitoas em relação a dieta controle. A suplementação de ractopamina possibilita melhor conversão alimentar, menor custo de ração por quilograma de ganho e maior índice de eficiência econômica. As suplementações de cromo e ractopamina expressam aumento do percentual e quantidade de carne magra e do índice de bonificação das carcaças. O picolinato de cromo e o cromo levedura são potenciais substitutos a ractopamina para otimizar as características de carcaça das leitoas.

Effects of adding ground or steam-flaked corn and zinc-enriched yeast to grower pellet feed on fattening performance, development of rumen papilla, and some blood parameters in lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ground or steam-flaked corn and zinc-enriched yeast addition to grower pellet feed on fattening performance, rumen papillae development, and some blood parameters in lambs. For this purpose, thirty-six Kivircik male lambs were selected and divided equally into six groups: basal diet containing pellet feed without different corn form and yeast (control), basal diet 80% + ground corn 20% (PGC), basal diet 80% + steam-flaked corn 20% (PFC), PGC + Zn-enriched yeast (PGCZnY), PFC + Zn-enriched yeast (PFCZnY), and control + Zn-enriched yeast (PZnY). They were fed for 56 days according to the diets mentioned above. At the conclusion of the evaluations in fattening performance, rumen papillae development, and some blood parameters, there were no significant differences in body weight gain, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed efficiency among the experimental groups. In the PGCZnY group, rumen papillae length was found to be higher than the other experimental groups. At the end of the trial (day 0), leukocyte and lymphocyte counts decreased significantly only in the control group compared with the other groups in the present study. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values, analyzed at the beginning and at the end of the trial, increased significantly in all groups except in the PGCZnY group. Supplementation of Zinc-enriched yeast to ground corn can be used for increasing ruminal papilla length, however decreasing the serum BUN levels in lambs during the fattening period.(AU)

Dietary supplementation of Agaricus bisporus stalk meal on growth performance, carcass and organ traits, meat quality, cecum mesophilic aerobic bacteria counts and intestinal histology in broiler chickens / Efeitos da suplementação dietética de farelo de caule de Agaricus bisporus no desempenho de crescimento, características de carcaça e órgãos, qualidade da carne, contagem de bactérias aeróbias mesófilas cecais e histologia intestinal em frangos de corte

Effects of dietary Agaricus bisporus mixture or stalk or cap on growth performance, carcass components and some meat quality parameters, mesophilic aerobic bacterial counts, and intestinal histomorphology in broiler chickens were investigated. Two hundred and forty one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into 4 experimental groups with 4 replicates, each including 15 birds. Chickens were fed with basal diet (C), mushroom mixture (MM, 10 g stalk+10 g cap/kg diet), mushroom stalk (MS, 20 g/kg diet) and mushroom cap (MC, 20 g/kg diet). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (P < 0.01) by dietary MS while feed intake (FI) decreased (P < 0.01) in all treatment groups compared to control. However, body weight gain (BWG) was decreased (P < 0.01) by MC inclusion. Mushroom supplemented groups had higher (P < 0.05) mesophilic aerobic bacteria in the cecum. MS inclusion increased villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum (P < 0.01) and villus height in the ileum (P < 0.01) and jejunum (P < 0.05). MC increased (P < 0.01) crypt depth in the jejunum. There were no statistical differences among groups for carcass components (P > 0.05). The L* values were decreased (P < 0.01) in thigh meat but increased (P < 0.01) in breast meat by mushroom inclusion. The a* values were decreased (P < 0.01) and b* values were increased (P < 0.05) in both thigh and breast meat with mushroom addition to diet. The obtained results indicated that A. bisporus stalk meal at an inclusion level of 20 g/kg of diet had favourable effects on growth performance with higher feed efficiency, improved intestinal morphology with higher villus height and increased meat quality of broiler chickens.

Foram investigados os efeitos da mistura dietética de Agaricus bisporus ou talo ou tampa sobre o desempenho de crescimento, componentes da carcaça e alguns parâmetros de qualidade da carne, contagens de bactérias aeróbias mesofílicas e histomorfologia intestinal em frangos de corte. Duzentos e quarenta frangos de corte Ross 308 de um dia de idade foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais com quatro repetições, cada um incluindo 15 aves. Galinhas alimentadas com dieta basal (C), mistura de cogumelos (MM, 10 g caule + 10 g cap / kg de dieta), caule de cogumelo (MS, 20 g / kg dieta) e cogumelo (MC, 20 g / kg dieta). A taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR) foi melhorada (P < 0.01) por MS dietético enquanto o consumo de ração (FI) diminuiu (P < 0.01) em todos os grupos de tratamento em comparação com o controle. No entanto, o ganho de peso corporal (BWG) foi diminuído (P < 0.01) pela inclusão de MC. Os grupos suplementados com cogumelos apresentaram maiores (P < 0.05) bactérias aeróbias mesofílicas no ceco. A inclusão de MS aumentou a proporção entre a largura das vilosidades e a profundidade da cripta no jejuno (P < 0.01) e o comprimento das vilosidades no íleo (P < 0.01) e jejuno (P < 0.05). MC aumentou (P < 0.01) a profundidade de cripta no jejuno. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos nos componentes da carcaça (P > 0.05). Os valores L * diminuíram (P < 0.01) na carne da coxa, mas aumentaram (P < 0.01) na carne de peito com a inclusão de cogumelos. Os valores de a* diminuíram (P < 0.01) e os valores de b* aumentaram (P < 0.05) em ambas as coxas e peitos pela adição de cogumelos à dieta. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que a farinha de colmo de A. bisporus com um nível de inclusão de 20 g / kg de dieta teve efeitos favoráveis no desempenho do crescimento com maior eficiência alimentar, melhorou a morfologia intestinal com maior comprimento de vilosidade e aumentou a qualidade da carne de frangos de corte.

Compensatory growth of Nile tilapia fingerlings subjected to food restriction and re-feeding at low temperatures / Crescimento compensatório de alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo submetidos à restrição alimentar e realimentação em temperaturas amenas

This study aims to investigate the effect of different periods of fasting and re-feeding on compensatory responses in Nile tilapia fingerlings and the frequency of muscle fiber distribution. A total of 108 Nile tilapia fingerlings with initial weight of 1.64 ± 0.41 g and mean initial length of 3.60 ± 0.39 cm were used for 55 days. The fish were distributed in a water recirculation system in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replications: Control - CO - (fish fed until apparent satiation throughout the experimental period); fasting 10 - J10 - (fish fed to apparent satiation for 15 days, followed by 10 days of fasting and re-feeding to satiation for 30 days); and fasting 15 - J15 - (fish fed to apparent satiation for 15 days, followed by 15 days of fasting and re-feeding to satiation for 25 days). Fish from the J15 treatment showed unsatisfactory results in terms of productive performance (p<0.05), such as lower final weight, apparent feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, and survival, while fish from the J10 treatment achieved the same results as those animals kept in the CO treatment with the exception of the variables of relative weight gain and feed intake. Furthermore, food restriction directly influenced the growth of muscle fibers with a diameter smaller than 20 µm (p<0.05), and fish from the J15 treatment had the lowest frequency of fibers in this diameter class. Therefore, this study concludes that food restriction in short periods (10 days) and at low temperatures can present a compensatory growth, as they alter the process of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of muscle fibers without affecting the morphology of the fibers; however, 15 days of fasting under low temperatures do not compensate for growth and delays the hypertrophic growth of muscle fibers.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar o efeito de diferentes períodos de jejum alimentar e realimentação nas respostas compensatórias em alevinos de tilápias-do-Nilo, e a frequência de distribuição das fibras musculares. Foram utilizados 108 alevinos de tilápia-do-Nilo com peso inicial de 1,64±0,41 g e comprimento inicial médio de 3,60 ± 0,39 cm, durante um período de 55 dias. Os peixes foram distribuídos em um sistema de recirculação de água, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e quatro repetições: Controle - CO - (peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente durante todo período experimental); jejum 10 - J10 - (peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente por 15 dias, seguidos de 10 dias de jejum e realimentação até a saciedade por 30 dias); e jejum 15 - J15 - (peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente por 15 dias, seguidos de 15 dias de jejum e realimentação até a saciedade por 25 dias). Os peixes do tratamento J15 apresentaram resultados insatisfatórios de desempenho produtivo (p<0,05), como menor peso final, conversão alimentar aparente, taxa de eficiência proteica e sobrevivência, enquanto os peixes do tratamento J10, atingiram os mesmos resultados daqueles animais mantidos no tratamento CO, com exceção das variáveis de ganho em peso relativo e do consumo de ração. A restrição alimentar influenciou diretamente no crescimento das fibras musculares com diâmetro menor que 20 µm (p<0,05), sendo que os peixes do tratamento J15 apresentaram a menor frequência de fibras nesta classe de diâmetro. Conclui-se que a restrição alimentar em curtos períodos (10 dias) e em temperaturas amenas podem apresentar um crescimento compensatório, alterando o processo de hiperplasia e hipertrofia das fibras musculares, sem afetar a morfologia das fibras, entretanto, 15 dias de jejum e sob temperaturas amenas não ocorre uma compensação no crescimento e atrasa o crescimento hipertrófico das fibras musculares.(AU)

Vegetable choline as a replacement for choline chloride in broiler feed

The objective of this study was to determine choline chloride replacement effects by a vegetable choline source, compost by Trachyspermum amni, Citrullus colocynthis, Achyranthus aspera, and Azadirachta indica in broiler feed. These compounds are fonts of phosphatidylcholine, a high-disponible molecule for intestinal absorption and choline supply. A total of 640 animals were randomly allocated in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and eight repetitions (n = 20), and zootechnical performance (body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and productive efficiency index), carcass yield, cuts yield, and organs (heart, liver, proventriculus, gizzard, and small intestine) relative weights were evaluated. Were evaluated two choline chloride levels (600 and 800 mg kg-1) and two vegetable choline levels (100 and 200 mg kg-1), added in a corn-soybean meal basal diet, during 42 days of raising. Results revealed better feed conversion ratio (p < 0.001) and production efficiency index (p < 0.001) in broilers fed vegetable choline, with no differences on body weight (p = 0.372) and weight gain (p = 0.427) among broilers. Carcass, cuts yield, and organ relative weights do not alter (p > 0.05) due to different group of supplementations. Findings in this trial concludes vegetable choline can adequately replace choline chloride in broiler feed, with improvement on performance and no compromising carcass, cuts or organ development.(AU)

Nutritional plans of net energy with a constant calorie: nutrient ratio on the performance of piglets from 7 to 30 kg

This study was conducted to evaluate different nutritional plans of net energy (NE) with a constant calorie:nutrient ratio on the performance of piglets from 7 to 30 kg. Sixty barrows with an initial weight of 7.11±0.89 kg were distributed among five nutritional plans: two NE-decreasing plans (A and B, starting from NE concentrations of 2.47 and 2.52 Mcal kg−1, respectively, and ending both at 2.37 Mcal kg−1) and three NE-constant plans (C, 2.37 Mcal kg−1; D, 2.42 Mcal kg−1; and E, 2.47 Mcal kg−1). The nutritional plans were composed of two decreasing plans: A, 2.47-2.42-2.37- 2.37-2.37 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed; B, 2.52-2.47-2.42-2.37-2.37 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed; and three constant plans: C, 2.37 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed; D, 2.42 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed; E, 2.47 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed, from 7 to 10, 10 to 15, 15 to 20, 20 to 25, and 25 to 30 kg, respectively, with six replicates per treatment and two animals per experimental unit. Animal performance was evaluated through the following measurements: average daily feed intake (ADFI), NE intake, standardized ileal digestible lysine intake (SID Lys intake), average daily gain (ADG), feed:gain ratio (F:G), final weight (FW), feed cost per kg of weight gain (CWG), economic efficiency index (EEI), and fecal score. Piglets' final weight was 32.95±3.30 kg. Considering the total experimental period, there was no effect of the nutritional plan on ADG, F:G, CWG, and EEI. The final weight of piglets under plan D was higher than that recorded for those allocated to plan C, not differing from the other nutritional plans. Piglets fed under nutritional plans A and D presented higher ADFI compared with those subjected to other plans. Net energy and SID Lys intakes were significantly higher in piglets subjected to plans A, D, and E compared with those under plans B and C. Net energy nutritional plans did not influence the fecal score and the occurrence of diarrhea of the piglets. Based on our analysis, a nutritional plan containing a constant NE level of 2.42 Mcal kg−1 of feed may be recommended for piglets from 7 to 30 kg.

Vegetable choline as a replacement for choline chloride in broiler feed

The objective of this study was to determine choline chloride replacement effects by a vegetable choline source, compost by Trachyspermum amni, Citrullus colocynthis, Achyranthus aspera, and Azadirachta indica in broiler feed. These compounds are fonts of phosphatidylcholine, a high-disponible molecule for intestinal absorption and choline supply. A total of 640 animals were randomly allocated in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and eight repetitions (n = 20), and zootechnical performance (body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and productive efficiency index), carcass yield, cuts yield, and organs (heart, liver, proventriculus, gizzard, and small intestine) relative weights were evaluated. Were evaluated two choline chloride levels (600 and 800 mg kg-1) and two vegetable choline levels (100 and 200 mg kg-1), added in a corn-soybean meal basal diet, during 42 days of raising. Results revealed better feed conversion ratio (p 0.05) due to different group of supplementations. Findings in this trial concludes vegetable choline can adequately replace choline chloride in broiler feed, with improvement on performance and no compromising carcass, cuts or organ development.

Economic analysis of the use of wet brewery residue in sheep diets / Análise econômica do uso de resíduo úmido de cerveja em dietas de ovinos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production costs involved in sheep confinement fed diets containing different inclusion levels of wet brewery residue (WBR). The diets were constituted by different WBR proportions in the concentrate (0, 10, 20 and 30%). A total of 20 sheep were used, with an average body weight of 17.5 ± 1.5 kg, at 8 months of age. The experimental period lasted 77 days. The prices of feed ingredients, purchase and sale values of kg of body weight (BW) of the animals practiced in the local market and the interest rate were considered in the economic analysis, using the year 2015 as a reference. In addition, production performance, zootechnical and economic data, and investment and costing expenses were considered to determine the economic indicators. A linear response was observed in terms of average daily gain (P=0.0035) and feed efficiency (P=0.0042) in diets consisting of 20 and 30% WBR, with 0.196 kg of BW/day and 0.291 kg of BW/intake, respectively. The diet containing 20% WBR resulted in greater total production (7,503.07 kg of BW/year), greater daily production (9.78 kg of BW), and lower total expenditure on investments (R$ 0.371/kg of BW). The lowest total expenses (R$ 64,368.99) and the highest profit (R$ 1.32/kg of BW) were observed in the diet with 30% of WBR. The economic analysis showed the financial feasibility of including 20% and 30% WBR in diets for confined sheep.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os custos de produção envolvidos no confinamento de ovinos alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de inclusão de resíduo úmido de cervejaria (RUC). As dietas foram constituídas por diferentes proporções de RUC no concentrado (0, 10, 20 e 30%). Foram utilizados 20 ovinos, com peso corporal médio de 17,5 ± 1,5 kg, aos 8 meses de idade. O período experimental durou 77 dias. Os preços dos ingredientes da ração, valores de compra e venda em kg de peso corporal (PV) dos animais praticados no mercado local e a taxa de juros foram considerados na análise econômica, tendo como referência o ano de 2015. Além disso, o desempenho da produção, os dados zootécnicos e econômicos e as despesas de investimento e custeio foram considerados para determinar os indicadores econômicos. Uma resposta linear foi observada em termos de ganho médio diário (P = 0,0035) e eficiência alimentar (P = 0,0042) em dietas consistindo de 20 e 30% RUC, com 0,196 kg de PV / dia e 0,291 kg de PV / ingestão, respectivamente. A dieta contendo 20% de RUC resultou em maior produção total (7.503,07 kg de PV / ano), maior produção diária (9,78 kg de PV) e menor gasto total com investimentos (R$0,371 / kg de PV). Os menores gastos totais (R $ 64.368,99) e o maior lucro (R$1,32 / kg de PV) foram observados na dieta com 30% de RUC. A análise econômica mostrou a viabilidade financeira da inclusão de 20% e 30% de RUC em dietas para ovinos confinados.

Economic analysis of the use of wet brewery residue in sheep diets / Análise econômica do uso de resíduo úmido de cerveja em dietas de ovinos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production costs involved in sheep confinement fed diets containing different inclusion levels of wet brewery residue (WBR). The diets were constituted by different WBR proportions in the concentrate (0, 10, 20 and 30%). A total of 20 sheep were used, with an average body weight of 17.5 ± 1.5 kg, at 8 months of age. The experimental period lasted 77 days. The prices of feed ingredients, purchase and sale values of kg of body weight (BW) of the animals practiced in the local market and the interest rate were considered in the economic analysis, using the year 2015 as a reference. In addition, production performance, zootechnical and economic data, and investment and costing expenses were considered to determine the economic indicators. A linear response was observed in terms of average daily gain (P=0.0035) and feed efficiency (P=0.0042) in diets consisting of 20 and 30% WBR, with 0.196 kg of BW/day and 0.291 kg of BW/intake, respectively. The diet containing 20% WBR resulted in greater total production (7,503.07 kg of BW/year), greater daily production (9.78 kg of BW), and lower total expenditure on investments (R$ 0.371/kg of BW). The lowest total expenses (R$ 64,368.99) and the highest profit (R$ 1.32/kg of BW) were observed in the diet with 30% of WBR. The economic analysis showed the financial feasibility of including 20% and 30% WBR in diets for confined sheep.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os custos de produção envolvidos no confinamento de ovinos alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de inclusão de resíduo úmido de cervejaria (RUC). As dietas foram constituídas por diferentes proporções de RUC no concentrado (0, 10, 20 e 30%). Foram utilizados 20 ovinos, com peso corporal médio de 17,5 ± 1,5 kg, aos 8 meses de idade. O período experimental durou 77 dias. Os preços dos ingredientes da ração, valores de compra e venda em kg de peso corporal (PV) dos animais praticados no mercado local e a taxa de juros foram considerados na análise econômica, tendo como referência o ano de 2015. Além disso, o desempenho da produção, os dados zootécnicos e econômicos e as despesas de investimento e custeio foram considerados para determinar os indicadores econômicos. Uma resposta linear foi observada em termos de ganho médio diário (P = 0,0035) e eficiência alimentar (P = 0,0042) em dietas consistindo de 20 e 30% RUC, com 0,196 kg de PV / dia e 0,291 kg de PV / ingestão, respectivamente. A dieta contendo 20% de RUC resultou em maior produção total (7.503,07 kg de PV / ano), maior produção diária (9,78 kg de PV) e menor gasto total com investimentos (R$0,371 / kg de PV). Os menores gastos totais (R $ 64.368,99) e o maior lucro (R$1,32 / kg de PV) foram observados na dieta com 30% de RUC. A análise econômica mostrou a viabilidade financeira da inclusão de 20% e 30% de RUC em dietas para ovinos confinados.(AU)

Soybean meal from damaged grains replacing standard soybean meal in diets of feedlot lambs

Two studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of levels of soybean meal produced from damaged soybean grains replacing normal soybean meal on in vitro and in situ digestibility of ruminant diets as well as on intake, digestibility, and animal performance of growing/finishing lambs. In trial 1, we evaluated the in vitro digestibility of each soybean meals (normal and damaged), as well as diets containing levels of the damaged replacing the normal (0, 333, 667 and 1,000 g.kg−1) soybean meal on kinetic parameters of in vitro cumulative gas production, in vitro dry matter and crude protein digestibility, in situ rumen-degradable protein, rumen-undegradable protein, and in vitro intestinal digestibility of rumen-undegradable protein. In trial 2, we used 48 growing/finishing lambs to evaluate the effects of damaged soybean meal levels (0, 333, 667, and 1,000 g.kg−1) replacing normal soybean meal in feedlot diets (20:80 roughage:concentrate ratio) on intake and digestibility of nutrients and on animal performance. The damaged soybean meal presented lower values for total gas production and in vitro dry matter digestibility than normal soybean meal. Higher rumen-undegradable protein was estimated for damaged soybean meal than for the normal and consequently lower rumen-degradable protein for damaged compared to normal. Because of the lower rumen-degradable protein, damaged soybean meal promoted lower in vitro ammonium nitrogen (NH3 -N) concentrations than the normal in feedlot diets. In the in vivo trial, there were no effects of damaged soybean meal levels in the diets on intake and digestibility of nutrients (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and fiber) as well as on total weight gain, average daily gain, carcass yield, or feeding efficiency. Thus, damaged soybean meal can fully replace the normal one in lamb feedlot diets (in up to of 1,000 g.kg−1 of the normal soybean meal) without causing adverse effects on intake and digestibility of nutrients and on animal performance.

Efficiency of the anti-GnRH vaccine for castration of lambs intended for finishing in pastures / Eficiência da vacina anti-GnRH para castração de cordeiros destinados à terminação a pasto

It was aimed to evaluate anti-GnRH vaccine efficiency on productive characteristics, seminal performance, size, and histology of testicles of lambs submitted to immunocastration. Twenty contemporary Texel lambs were evaluated, being 10 animals received two doses of 1 mL of anti-GnRH vaccine and 10 received two doses of 1 mL of saline, with an interval of 30 days. Seminal characteristics, weight and histological cut for the testicles, productive performance, and blood parameters were analyzed. Andrological monitoring was carried out every 30 days. All animals were kept on pasture of Urochloa spp. receiving daily supplementation protein-energetic by 90 days. There was effect of immunocastration on slaughter weight (44.3 vs. 48.3 kg),total gain (9.9 vs. 10.3 kg), daily gain (104.5 vs. 108.9 g/day), and feed conversion (5.83 vs. 5.97) respectivelyto immunocastrated and intact lambs. There was immunocastration effect on testicle weight (0.09 vs. 0.35g), motility (4.5 vs. 61.0%), vigor (0.40 vs. 3.00), volume (0.09 vs. 0.74 mL) and swirling (0.20 vs. 2.70) in the third semen collection. Immunocastration through two doses of 1 mL of anti-GnRH vaccine with a 30-day interval between doses, causes infertility in sheep and can be adopted for lambs.

O objetivo foi avaliar a eficiência da vacina anti-GnRH quanto às características de desempenho produtivo e seminais, tamanho e histologia dos testículos de cordeiros submetidos à imunocastração. Foram avaliados 20 cordeiros contemporâneos cruzados SRD x Texel, dos quais 10 animais receberam duas doses de 1 mL de vacina anti-GnRH e 10 receberam duas doses de 1 mL de soro fisiológico, com intervalo de 30 dias entre doses. As variáveis analisadas foram concentração espermática, motilidade, vigor, turbilhonamento e volume de ejaculado para o sêmen, peso e corte histológico para os testículos, peso ao abate, ganho de peso total, ganho médio diário, consumo médio de suplemento e conversão alimentar para o desempenho produtivo e GGT, AST, albumina, creatinina, proteínas totais e ureia para o sangue. A cada 30 dias foi realizado o acompanhamento andrológico para verificação do efeito da vacina sobre características seminais e testiculares dos animais. Durante os 90 dias de duração do experimento, os animais foram mantidos a pasto de Urochloa spp., com suplementação diária, sendo abatidos ao final deste período. Houve diferença entre animais imunocastrados e inteiros respectivamente, para o peso ao abate (44,3 vs. 48,3 kg), ganho de peso total (9,9 vs 10,3 kg), ganho médio diário (104,5 vs. 108,9 g/dia) e conversão alimentar (5,83 vs. 5,97). Houve efeito significativo para motilidade (4,5 vs. 61,0%), vigor (0,40vs. 3,00), volume (0,09 vs. 0,74 mL) e turbilhonamento (0,20 vs. 2,70) na terceira colheita de sêmen, que foi 30 dias após a segunda dose da vacina. Houve efeito significativo para peso dos testículos (0,09 vs. 0,35g). No perfil bioquímico do sangue dos animais não houve alterações significativas durante o experimento em ambos os tratamentos. A imunocastração através de duas doses de 1 mL de vacina anti-GnRH com 30 dias de intervalo entre as doses, [...].

Efficiency of the anti-GnRH vaccine for castration of lambs intended for finishing in pastures / Eficiência da vacina anti-GnRH para castração de cordeiros destinados à terminação a pasto

It was aimed to evaluate anti-GnRH vaccine efficiency on productive characteristics, seminal performance, size, and histology of testicles of lambs submitted to immunocastration. Twenty contemporary Texel lambs were evaluated, being 10 animals received two doses of 1 mL of anti-GnRH vaccine and 10 received two doses of 1 mL of saline, with an interval of 30 days. Seminal characteristics, weight and histological cut for the testicles, productive performance, and blood parameters were analyzed. Andrological monitoring was carried out every 30 days. All animals were kept on pasture of Urochloa spp. receiving daily supplementation protein-energetic by 90 days. There was effect of immunocastration on slaughter weight (44.3 vs. 48.3 kg),total gain (9.9 vs. 10.3 kg), daily gain (104.5 vs. 108.9 g/day), and feed conversion (5.83 vs. 5.97) respectivelyto immunocastrated and intact lambs. There was immunocastration effect on testicle weight (0.09 vs. 0.35g), motility (4.5 vs. 61.0%), vigor (0.40 vs. 3.00), volume (0.09 vs. 0.74 mL) and swirling (0.20 vs. 2.70) in the third semen collection. Immunocastration through two doses of 1 mL of anti-GnRH vaccine with a 30-day interval between doses, causes infertility in sheep and can be adopted for lambs.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar a eficiência da vacina anti-GnRH quanto às características de desempenho produtivo e seminais, tamanho e histologia dos testículos de cordeiros submetidos à imunocastração. Foram avaliados 20 cordeiros contemporâneos cruzados SRD x Texel, dos quais 10 animais receberam duas doses de 1 mL de vacina anti-GnRH e 10 receberam duas doses de 1 mL de soro fisiológico, com intervalo de 30 dias entre doses. As variáveis analisadas foram concentração espermática, motilidade, vigor, turbilhonamento e volume de ejaculado para o sêmen, peso e corte histológico para os testículos, peso ao abate, ganho de peso total, ganho médio diário, consumo médio de suplemento e conversão alimentar para o desempenho produtivo e GGT, AST, albumina, creatinina, proteínas totais e ureia para o sangue. A cada 30 dias foi realizado o acompanhamento andrológico para verificação do efeito da vacina sobre características seminais e testiculares dos animais. Durante os 90 dias de duração do experimento, os animais foram mantidos a pasto de Urochloa spp., com suplementação diária, sendo abatidos ao final deste período. Houve diferença entre animais imunocastrados e inteiros respectivamente, para o peso ao abate (44,3 vs. 48,3 kg), ganho de peso total (9,9 vs 10,3 kg), ganho médio diário (104,5 vs. 108,9 g/dia) e conversão alimentar (5,83 vs. 5,97). Houve efeito significativo para motilidade (4,5 vs. 61,0%), vigor (0,40vs. 3,00), volume (0,09 vs. 0,74 mL) e turbilhonamento (0,20 vs. 2,70) na terceira colheita de sêmen, que foi 30 dias após a segunda dose da vacina. Houve efeito significativo para peso dos testículos (0,09 vs. 0,35g). No perfil bioquímico do sangue dos animais não houve alterações significativas durante o experimento em ambos os tratamentos. A imunocastração através de duas doses de 1 mL de vacina anti-GnRH com 30 dias de intervalo entre as doses, [...].(AU)

Dietary glutamine-glutamate supplementation enhances growth performance and intestinal villi development in cage-farmed Nile tilapia fingerlings

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of associated glutamine and glutamic acid on growth performance and intestinal development of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fingerlings. Five isoproteic (~344.70 g kg−1 crude protein) and isocaloric diets (~3,925 kcal kg−1 gross energy) were developed containing 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 g kg−1 of associated glutamine and glutamic acid in extruded diets. Fish (n = 2,000, mean body weight of 2.12±0.53 g) were distributed into twenty 1-m3 floating net cages in an entirely randomized design with five treatments and four replicates, and each replicate comprised one floating net cage with 100 fish. Fish were hand-fed seven days per week, three times a day until apparent satiety for 45 days. There was a quadratic effect on final body weight, body weight gain, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein retention efficiency, net protein utilization, and intestinal villi height with optimized values for supplementation of associated glutamine and glutamic acid at 10.77, 10.67, 10.00, 8.85, 9.85, 10.15, and 10.98 g kg−1, respectively. There was no effect of associated glutamine and glutamic acid supplementation on feed intake, survival, and body composition. We conclude that 10.67 g kg−1 of associated glutamine and glutamic acid is adequate for growth performance optimization, and supplementation at 10.98 g kg−1 exerts trophic action and improves intestinal morphometry in cage-farmed Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Energy and protein requirements for Nellore steers estimated with the deuterium oxide marker

The aim of this study was determine the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and gain of Nellore steers. Thirty six Nellore steers with an average weight and age of 359±13 kg and 20 months at the beginning of the trial were individually fed for 56. The steers were fed the same diet (76.43% TDN and 13.62% CP) in three levels of dry matter (DM) intake, ad libitum, 75 g DM/kg BW0.75 and 60 g DM/kg BW0.75. The initial and final body composition was estimated with the marker deuterium oxide that allowed repeated water estimate in the same animal. Deuterium in blood samples was analyzed by mass spectrometry. The effects of intake levels, comparison of intercept and slope among feeding level, and equations were evaluated by the analysis of variance, adopting P<0.05 as a significant level. The net energy for maintenance was 75 kcal/kg EBW 0.75 or 70 kcal/kg BW 0.75. The net energy for gain for steers with 350 to 450 kg weight was 5.1 to 6.1Mcal. The efficiency of energy utilization for maintenance, km, was 0.7492 and for weight gain, kg, was 0.3404. The metabolizable protein requirement for maintenance was 4.32 * BW0.75and the net protein for gain was estimated with the equation NPg= (254.68*EBWG) – (29.38*RE). The technique of deuterium oxide marker used to estimate energy and protein requirement for maintenance and weight gain at Nellore steers confirm the hypothesis presented in NRC, that NEmis lower than the requirement for taurine cattle. On the other hand, the reverse was true for the NP requirement for maintenance and for weight gain. We consider that indirect method using D2O for estimate body composition in zebu cattle was suitable to determine nutrient requirements.

Energy and protein requirements for Nellore steers estimated with the deuterium oxide marker

The aim of this study was determine the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and gain of Nellore steers. Thirty six Nellore steers with an average weight and age of 359±13 kg and 20 months at the beginning of the trial were individually fed for 56. The steers were fed the same diet (76.43% TDN and 13.62% CP) in three levels of dry matter (DM) intake, ad libitum, 75 g DM/kg BW0.75 and 60 g DM/kg BW0.75. The initial and final body composition was estimated with the marker deuterium oxide that allowed repeated water estimate in the same animal. Deuterium in blood samples was analyzed by mass spectrometry. The effects of intake levels, comparison of intercept and slope among feeding level, and equations were evaluated by the analysis of variance, adopting P<0.05 as a significant level. The net energy for maintenance was 75 kcal/kg EBW 0.75 or 70 kcal/kg BW 0.75. The net energy for gain for steers with 350 to 450 kg weight was 5.1 to 6.1Mcal. The efficiency of energy utilization for maintenance, km, was 0.7492 and for weight gain, kg, was 0.3404. The metabolizable protein requirement for maintenance was 4.32 * BW0.75and the net protein for gain was estimated with the equation NPg= (254.68*EBWG) (29.38*RE). The technique of deuterium oxide marker used to estimate energy and protein requirement for maintenance and weight gain at Nellore steers confirm the hypothesis presented in NRC, that NEmis lower than the requirement for taurine cattle. On the other hand, the reverse was true for the NP requirement for maintenance and for weight gain. We consider that indirect method using D2O for estimate body composition in zebu cattle was suitable to determine nutrient requirements.(AU)

Wet citrus pulp in finishing diets for feedlot lambs: performance and hepatic enzyme concentration / Polpa cítrica úmida na terminação de cordeiros confinados: desempenho e concentração de enzimas hepáticas

Pectin industry generates a citrus pulp residue compounded by peduncle, endocarp, juice vesicles, columella, seeds and tiny fractions of epicarp and mesocarp of citrus fruits, denominated Wet Citrus Pulp (WCP), which has not yet been tested as food for lamb's nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of partial replacement of ground corn by WCP in high-concentrate diets on the performance and hepatic enzyme concentration of feedlot lambs. Forty-two male lambs (15 Santa Inês and 27 ½ Dorper × Santa Inês), with 24.7 ± 1.5 kg of BW and 60 ± 5 d of age was assigned to a randomized complete block design. Within blocks (n = 14), lambs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 0WCP (control) ­ diet containing 75.5% ground corn without WCP; 20WCP ­ diet containing 20% WCP in replacement of ground corn, and 40WCP ­ diet containing 40% WCP in replacement of ground corn. The experiment lasted 70 days, which was split in 3 experimental periods (14 days of diets' adaptation and 2 sub-periods of 28 days each). Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS. Orthogonal polynomials for diet response were determined by linear and quadratic effects. There was a quadratic effect for DM, CP, ash, ether extract and NFC intake The highest DM and CP intake was observed for lambs fed 20WCP, however, the control diet increased the ash, ether extract and NFC intake. The increased levels of WCP decreased the ADG and feed efficiency (FE) during the adaptation period, however, did not affect the ADG and FE on periods 1 and 2. Consequently, the increased levels of WCP inclusion decreased linearly the BW. There was no effect of WCP inclusion in diets on Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) concentration. However, there was a linear increase for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) concentration during the adaptation period, but without difference in other periods. In conclusion, adding up to 40% of WCP in finishing diets for feedlot lambs decrease performance during adaptation period, compromising the final body weight, but without damages effects on liver enzymes.(AU)

A indústria de produção de pectina gera um resíduo composto por pedúnculo, endocarpo, vesículas de suco, columela, sementes e minúsculas frações de epicarpo e mesocarpo de frutas cítricas, denominada Polpa Cítrica Úmida (WCP), que ainda não foi testada como alimento na nutrição de ovinos. Sendo assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da substituição parcial do milho pela WCP em dietas contendo elevado teor de concentrado sobre o desempenho e a concentração de enzimas hepáticas de cordeiros confinados. Quarenta e dois cordeiros machos (15 Santa Inês e 27 ½ Dorper x Santa Inês), com 24,7 ± 1,5 kg de peso corporal e 60 ± 5 dias de idade foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados. Dentro de cada bloco (n = 14), os cordeiros foram distribuídos aleatoriamente entre os tratamentos: 0WCP ­ dieta contendo 75,5% de milho moído, sem a inclusão de WCP; 20WCP ­ dieta contendo 20% de WCP em substituição ao milho moído; e 40WCP ­ dieta contendo 40% de WCP em substituição ao milho moído. O experimento teve duração de 70 dias, sendo dividido em 3 períodos experimentais (14 dias de adaptação as dietas e 2 períodos de 28 dias cada). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando o procedimento MIXED do SAS. Os polinômios ortogonais lineares e quadráticos foram utilizados para avaliar o efeito das dietas. Houve efeito quadrático para o consumo de matéria seca, PB, cinzas, extrato etéreo e CNF. A maior ingestão de MS e PB foi observada para os cordeiros alimentados com 20WCP, entretanto, a dieta controle aumentou o consumo de cinzas, extrato etéreo e CNF. O aumento na inclusão de WCP diminuiu o ganho médio diário e a eficiência alimentar durante o período de adaptação, entretanto, não afetou essas variáveis durante os períodos 1 e 2. Consequentemente, a inclusão de WCP reduziu o peso corporal ao final do período experimental. Não houve efeito das dietas na concentração de gama-glutamil transferase (GGT). Entretanto, houve aumento linear na concentração de aspartato aminotransferase (AST) durante o período de adaptação. Em conclusão, a inclusão de até 40% de WCP nas dietas de terminação para cordeiros confinados diminuiu o desempenho durante o período de adaptação, comprometendo o peso corporal ao final do período experimental, entretanto, não comprometeu a afetou as enzimas hepáticas.(AU)

Wet citrus pulp in finishing diets for feedlot lambs: performance and hepatic enzyme concentration / Polpa cítrica úmida na terminação de cordeiros confinados: desempenho e concentração de enzimas hepáticas

Pectin industry generates a citrus pulp residue compounded by peduncle, endocarp, juice vesicles, columella, seeds and tiny fractions of epicarp and mesocarp of citrus fruits, denominated Wet Citrus Pulp (WCP), which has not yet been tested as food for lamb's nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of partial replacement of ground corn by WCP in high-concentrate diets on the performance and hepatic enzyme concentration of feedlot lambs. Forty-two male lambs (15 Santa Inês and 27 ½ Dorper × Santa Inês), with 24.7 ± 1.5 kg of BW and 60 ± 5 d of age was assigned to a randomized complete block design. Within blocks (n = 14), lambs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 0WCP (control) ­ diet containing 75.5% ground corn without WCP; 20WCP ­ diet containing 20% WCP in replacement of ground corn, and 40WCP ­ diet containing 40% WCP in replacement of ground corn. The experiment lasted 70 days, which was split in 3 experimental periods (14 days of diets' adaptation and 2 sub-periods of 28 days each). Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS. Orthogonal polynomials for diet response were determined by linear and quadratic effects. There was a quadratic effect for DM, CP, ash, ether extract and NFC intake The highest DM and CP intake was observed for lambs fed 20WCP, however, the control diet increased the ash, ether extract and NFC intake. The increased levels of WCP decreased the ADG and feed efficiency (FE) during the adaptation period, however, did not affect the ADG and FE on periods 1 and 2. Consequently, the increased levels of WCP inclusion decreased linearly the BW. There was no effect of WCP inclusion in diets on Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) concentration. However, there was a linear increase for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) concentration during the adaptation period, but without difference in other periods. In conclusion, adding up to 40% of WCP in finishing diets for feedlot lambs decrease performance during adaptation period, compromising the final body weight, but without damages effects on liver enzymes.(AU)

A indústria de produção de pectina gera um resíduo composto por pedúnculo, endocarpo, vesículas de suco, columela, sementes e minúsculas frações de epicarpo e mesocarpo de frutas cítricas, denominada Polpa Cítrica Úmida (WCP), que ainda não foi testada como alimento na nutrição de ovinos. Sendo assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da substituição parcial do milho pela WCP em dietas contendo elevado teor de concentrado sobre o desempenho e a concentração de enzimas hepáticas de cordeiros confinados. Quarenta e dois cordeiros machos (15 Santa Inês e 27 ½ Dorper x Santa Inês), com 24,7 ± 1,5 kg de peso corporal e 60 ± 5 dias de idade foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados. Dentro de cada bloco (n = 14), os cordeiros foram distribuídos aleatoriamente entre os tratamentos: 0WCP ­ dieta contendo 75,5% de milho moído, sem a inclusão de WCP; 20WCP ­ dieta contendo 20% de WCP em substituição ao milho moído; e 40WCP ­ dieta contendo 40% de WCP em substituição ao milho moído. O experimento teve duração de 70 dias, sendo dividido em 3 períodos experimentais (14 dias de adaptação as dietas e 2 períodos de 28 dias cada). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando o procedimento MIXED do SAS. Os polinômios ortogonais lineares e quadráticos foram utilizados para avaliar o efeito das dietas. Houve efeito quadrático para o consumo de matéria seca, PB, cinzas, extrato etéreo e CNF. A maior ingestão de MS e PB foi observada para os cordeiros alimentados com 20WCP, entretanto, a dieta controle aumentou o consumo de cinzas, extrato etéreo e CNF. O aumento na inclusão de WCP diminuiu o ganho médio diário e a eficiência alimentar durante o período de adaptação, entretanto, não afetou essas variáveis durante os períodos 1 e 2. Consequentemente, a inclusão de WCP reduziu o peso corporal ao final do período experimental. Não houve efeito das dietas na concentração de gama-glutamil transferase (GGT). Entretanto, houve aumento linear na concentração de aspartato aminotransferase (AST) durante o período de adaptação. Em conclusão, a inclusão de até 40% de WCP nas dietas de terminação para cordeiros confinados diminuiu o desempenho durante o período de adaptação, comprometendo o peso corporal ao final do período experimental, entretanto, não comprometeu a afetou as enzimas hepáticas.(AU)