Relationship between body weight and hip width in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between body weight (BW) and hip width (HW) in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). HW was measured in 215 Murrah buffaloes with a BW of 341 ± 161.6 kg, aged between three months and five years, and raised in southeastern Mexico. Linear and non-linear regressions were used to construct the prediction models. The goodness of fit of the models was evaluated using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error (MSE), and root MSE (RMSE). Additionally, the developed models were evaluated through internal and external cross-validation (k-folds) using independent data. The ability of the fitted models to predict the observed values was assessed based on the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), R2, and mean absolute error (MAE). The relationship between BW and HW showed a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.96, P < 0.001). The chosen fitted model to predict BW was: -176.33 (± 40.83***) + 8.74 (± 1.79***) × HW + 0.04 (± 0.01*) × HW2, because it presented the lowest MSE, RMSE, and AIC values, which were 1228.64, 35.05 and 1532.41, respectively. Therefore, with reasonable accuracy, the quadratic model using hip width may be suitable for predicting body weight in buffaloes.

Nutrient intake, productive and metabolic parameters of Nellore bulls feed a forage free diet using cottonseed cake as a fiber source.

We hypothesized that cottonseed cake in confined Nellore young bulls' diet as fiber source, could maintain or improve the nutrient intake, and productive and metabolic parameters. It was evaluated the total replacement of whole plant corn silage (WPCS) by cottonseed cake (CSC) as a source of fiber in the diet. A completely randomized design with two treatments and 12 replications was used. The treatments were two experimental diets containing 300 g/kg of WPCS or CSC as roughage. All animals at 0, 15, 30, 60 and 112 days were weighed to monitor productive performance and nutrient intake. Dry matter intakes, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, physically effective neutral detergent fiber, crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrates of the WPCS treatment cattle were higher (p < 0.05), and the ethereal extract intake of cattle fed CSC diet was higher. The BW of cattle fed WPCS was higher in the two initial periods of confinement (p < 0.05). Animals from both treatments showed linear growth during the confinement period. There was a fiber source × period interaction for total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) (p < 0.05), with the lowest in the first 15 days and the highest at 30 days, reflecting a compensatory gain in animals fed with CSC. Bulls fed with CSC showed negative TWG and ADG in the first period (p < 0.05), but recovered in the following periods, surpassing that of the SC treatment in the last two periods. There was negative EF of bulls fed with CSC in the first period (P < 0.05), but in the following periods the CSC diet did not differ from the WPCS diet. The animals fed CSC diet showed a higher concentration of cholesterol and glucose in the blood plasma (p < 0.05). The forage-free diet containing cottonseed cake as a source of fiber replacing corn silage promoted better animal performance.

Seasonal variations in botanical and nutritive composition, forage availability and ingestive behavior of grazing goats in the semiarid region.

The aim of this study was to assess how the different seasons of the year impact the botanical composition, availability, and quality of forage in the caatinga, as well as the frequency of ingestion and ingestive behavior of goats in a semi-arid region. The experiment used four crossbred castrated males, with an average weight of 30.2 ± 4.76 kg and an average age of 20 months. The experimental period lasted for 12 months, encompassing two rainy seasons and one dry season within this timeframe, with three replications (data collection) per season. All collected forage was categorized based on its stratum (herbaceous, woody, and litter), and a chemical composition analysis was conducted. The goats' behavior was assessed by observing variables such as feeding time, idleness, rumination, displacement, social interaction, and water intake. The findings revealed clear seasonality in both availability and quality of forage, consequently influencing the botanical composition of the goats' diet and their ingestive behavior. In addition, during the grazing period, the goats showed a shift grazing habit, in which idle and feeding peaks were alternated with increased displacement during the morning and rumination in the afternoon. The seasons of the year strongly impact the availability and nutritional quality of forage in the caatinga biome, consequently influencing the ingestive behavior and dietary composition of goats in this ecosystem.

Carcass and meat characteristics of Nellore young bulls fed diet using cottonseed cake as a replacer of the forage fiber source.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of substituting traditional forage fiber sources with cottonseed cake in the diet on both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of carcass and meat in Nelore young bulls. Twenty-four Nelore steers starting with an average weight of 377.8 ± 43.5 kg, were individually housed in stalls and provided with individualized feeding over a 112-day confinement period. The study followed a completely randomized design with two treatments and 12 replications. The diets incorporated either whole plant corn silage (WPCS) and, cottonseed cake (CSC) as fiber sources, at a rate of 300 g/kg of dry matter. The CSC diet promoted higher carcass weight. Aging animal meat for seven days significantly decreased the shear force from 83.4 to 71.6 N. Although diets did not influence meat composition, WPCS diet provided higher concentrations of C16:1, C18:1n9c, C18:3n3, and C22:2 acid, and CSC diet higher concentrations of C15:0, C18:1n9t, C18:2n6c, and 20:3n3. The WPCS diet provided higher concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids and ω9, and the CSC diet had higher concentrations of ω6 and ω6:ω3 ratio in meat. Cottonseed cake used as a fiber source increases the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and ω6 fatty acids in the meat of young bulls finished in feedlot.

Relationships between body mass index, ultrasound measurements and, internal body fat depots in pelibuey sheep

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), ultrasound measurements (USM), and internal fat (IF) in hair sheep. The BMI and USM were determined 24 hours before laughter in 35 animals finished in intensive fattening. At slaughter, the IF (inner adipose tissue) was dissected, weighed, and grouped as mesenteric, omental, or perirenal fat; these three depots were summed to obtain their total weight. The relationship of the variables was evaluated through Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) using the CORR procedure and by regression models using the REG procedure of SAS ver. 9.3. The IF and BMI presented r= 0.75 (P <.0001), while the IF and USM presented an r that varied from 0.70 to 0.80 (P <.0001). Among the internal fat deposits, the perirenal was the one that presented minor correlation coefficients with BMI (r = 0.55), subcutaneous fat thickness (0.55), and thoracic Longissimus dorsi area) (r = 0.33), and for this, the last correlation was not significant (P>0.05). The regression equation between IF and BMI had a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.67 (P <.0001). The inclusion of the subcutaneous fat thickness together with the BMI improved the r2 with a range of 0.77. The BMI and the subcutaneous fat thickness could be used to predict the weight of the internal fat in hair sheep.

Liming and biochar on sorghum growth and Arenosol chemical properties in the Semiarid environment / Efeito da calagem e do biochar no crescimento do sorgo e nas propriedades químicas do Neossolo Quartzarênico no ambiente Semiárido

This research evaluated the effect of liming (with and without) and biochar (with and without) on sorghum cv. BRS Ponta Negra growth and Arenosol chemical properties in the Semiarid environment. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with treatments in a 2x2 factorial scheme, corresponding to the application or not of lime (0 and 2.5 t ha-1) and biochar (0 and 12.5 t ha-1). Biochar was produced from cashew branches. The experiment was conducted in 16 m² plots where the forage sorghum cultivar BRS Ponta Negra was cultivated. The soil chemical characteristics, the production attributes, and the structural characteristics of the sorghum cultivar studied were evaluated. There was no interaction between factors. The use of biochar increased the pH and Ca and P contents in the soil and contributed to increasing the panicle mass (2.51 t ha-1 of DM). Lime application affected the soil Ca content as the dose of 2.5 t ha-1 resulted in higher values of culm diameter (15.25 mm), panicle mass, and culm mass (2.63 and 7.50 t ha-1 of DM, respectively). Therefore, these results allowed to outline strategies for the use of limestone and biochar for forage production in semiarid environments in sandy soils. Because, these materials improve some chemical attributes of the soil and the production of forage sorghum. It is noteworthy that edophoclimatic conditions can change the response patterns observed in this research. Therefore, research in other regions is essential.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da calagem (com e sem) e do biocarvão (com e sem) sobre o crescimento e a produção de forragem do sorgo forrageiro cv. BRS Ponta Negra e nas propriedades químicas do Neossolo Quartzarênico no ambiente Semiárido. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com tratamentos em esquema fatorial 2x2, correspondendo a aplicação ou não do calcário (0 e 2,5 t ha-1) e do biocarvão (0 e 12,5 t ha-1). O biochar era produzido a partir de galhos de caju. O experimento foi conduzido em parcelas de 16 m² onde foi cultivada a cultivar de sorgo forrageiro BRS Ponta Negra. Foram avaliadas as características químicas do solo, os atributos de produção e as características estruturais da cultivar de sorgo estudada. Não houve interação entre os fatores. O uso do biochar aumentou o pH e os teores de Ca e P no solo e contribuiu para o aumento da massa da panícula (2,51 t ha-1 de MS). A aplicação de calcário afetou o teor de Ca no solo, assim a dose de 2,5 t ha-1 resultou em maiores valores de diâmetro do colmo (15,25 mm), massa da panícula e massa do colmo (2,63 e 7,50 t ha-1 de MS, respectivamente). Portanto, esses resultados permitem traçar estrategias de uso do calcário e biochar para produção forrageira em ambientes semiáridos com solos arenosos. Pois, esses materias melhoram alguns atributos quimicos do solo e a produção do sorgo forrageiro. Vale ressaltar que as condições edofoclimáticas podem alterar os padrões de resposta observados nesta pesquisa. Portanto, a pesquisa em outras regiões é essencial.

Principal component analysis of steers performance and structural and nutritional characteristics of Mombasa grass / Análise de componentes principais entre o desempenho de novilhos de corte e as características estruturais e nutricionais do capim-mombaça

ABSTRACT: There is little information about whether the increased secondary productivity observed in pastures fertilized with high nitrogen rates is attributable to fluctuations in the nutritional value or pasture structural characteristics, or both. This study aimed to identify a set of factors (structural and nutritional characteristics) that best explain the performance of beef steers grazing Mombasa grass pastures under residual effects of nitrogen fertilizer. The data were collected in Mombasa grass pastures fertilized with increasing rates of nitrogen (N) (100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) from 2015 to 2017. In 2018, nitrogen fertilization was not used in order to characterize a residual effect of the nutrient. Variables related to pasture structural characteristics such as forage accumulation rate (FAR), canopy height, forage mass (FM) and morphological components were evaluated. The study also evaluated the nutritional value of leaf blades and the performance of beef steers based on average daily gain (ADG) and stocking rate. Principal component analysis was performed using the dataset available. Most of the variance (99.6%) was explained by only two principal components (PCs), of which 90.0% corresponded to PC1. The most influential parameters for PC1, in order of priority, were: FAR, FM, leaf blade and stem masses. These variables were positively associated with stocking rate. Conversely, ADG was not associated with any variable. ADG was the most relevant variable for the second PC; however, this PC explained less variance (9.6%). The structural characteristics of the pasture (FAR, FM and morphological components mass) better explain the fluctuations in the performance of cattle on pastures of Mombasa grass under residual effects of nitrogen fertilizer. The stocking rate is an efficient parameter to support decision-making in managed pastures with variable stocking.

RESUMO: Há pouca informação sobre se o aumento da produtividade secundária observada em pastagens fertilizadas com altas taxas de nitrogênio é atribuível a flutuações no valor nutricional ou nas características estruturais das pastagens, ou em ambas. Objetivou-se identificar grupos de caraterísticas (estruturais e nutricionais) que melhor explicassem o desempenho de novilhos de corte em pastos de capim-mombaça sob efeito residual de doses de nitrogênio. Os dados foram coletados em pastos de capim-mombaça que receberam três doses anuais de nitrogênio (N) (100, 200 e 300 kg ha-1) de 2015 a 2017. No ano de 2018 não foi utilizada adubação nitrogenada, para caracterizar o efeito residual do nutriente. As variáveis avaliadas foram relacionadas às características estruturais, taxa de acúmulo de forragem (TAF), altura do dossel, massa de forragem (MF) e dos componentes morfológicos. Também foi avaliado o valor nutritivo da lâmina foliar e o desempenho dos novilhos através do ganho médio diário (GMD) e da taxa de lotação. A partir do banco de dados foi realizada a análise de componentes principais. Os resultados demonstraram que 99,6% da variação no conjunto de dados foram explicados por apenas dois componentes principais (CPs), e 90,0% desse valor corresponde ao CP1. As características de maior magnitude para a diferenciação dos tratamentos no CP1, em ordem de prioridade foram: TAF, MF, massas de lâmina foliar e de colmo. Essas variáveis estiveram positivamente associadas com a taxa de lotação. Já o GMD não se relacionou com nenhuma variável. O GMD foi a variável de maior importância para o segundo CP, entretanto, esse CP teve pouca contribuição (9,6%) para a elucidação do resultados. As características estruturais (TAF e MF e compondes morfológicos) do pasto explicam melhor as oscilações em pastos de capim-mombaça sob efeito residual de doses de nitrogênio. A taxa de lotação é um parâmetro eficiente para apoiar a tomada de decisão em pastos manejados com lotação variável.

Mathematical models to adjust the parameters of in vitro cumulative gas production of diets containing preserved Gliricidia / Modelos matemáticos para ajuste dos parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gás in vitro de dietas contendo Gliricídia conservada

ABSTRACT: This study examined the use of the Gompertz, Groot, monomolecular, Richards and two-compartment-logistic mathematical models to investigate the kinetics of in vitro gas production of diets composed of combinations of Gliricidia hay or silage. In addition, the effects of Gliricidia hay or silage inclusion on the in vitro cumulative gas production of these diets were evaluated. Rumen fermentation kinetics were analyzed by the in vitro cumulative gas production methodology. The model parameters were estimated using the Gauss Newton method, with the exception of the Richards model, which was used by Marquardt's algorithm. Model fit was assessed using the determination coefficient, F test for parameters identity, concordance correlation coefficient, root mean square error of prediction, and decomposition of mean square error of prediction into mean error, systematic bias and random error. The models were compared for accuracy (pairwise mean square error of prediction) and precision (delta Akaike's information criterion). All model evaluation and comparison statistics were calculated using Model Evaluation System software version 3.2.2. The Groot and Richards models did not differ from each other (P>0.05) and were the most precise and accurate (P<0.05). Therefore, the Groot model was selected due to its better accuracy and precision and easier access to the parameters. The inclusion of Gliricidia silage in the diet resulted in an increase in the time to obtain the maximum rate of degradation and in the time after incubation when half of the asymptotic level was reached. The Groot model is recommended to estimate the average curve. Dietary inclusion of Gliricidia silage alters the gas production curve due to the longer time required for the diet to reach the maximum rate of degradation, this can increase the time the diet remains in rumen and promote a reduction in the consumption.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar os modelos matemáticos Gompertz, Groot, monomolecular, Richards e logístico bicompartimental para estudar a cinética de produção de gás in vitro de dietas compostas de combinações de feno ou silagem de Gliricídia. Além disso, avaliou-se os efeitos da inclusão de feno ou silagem de Gliricídia sobre a produção cumulativa de gás in vitro destas dietas. A cinética de fermentação ruminal foi avaliada pela metodologia de produção cumulativa de gás in vitro. Os parâmetros dos modelos foram estimados usando o método de Gauss Newton, com exceção do modelo de Richards, que foi usado algoritmo de Marquardt. O ajuste dos modelos foi avaliado por meio do coeficiente de determinação, teste F para a identidade dos parâmetros, coeficiente de correlação e concordância, raiz quadrada do quadrado médio do erro da predição e a decomposição do quadrado médio do erro da predição em erro médio, vício sistemático e erro aleatório. Os modelos foram comparados quanto à acurácia (quadrado médio da predição pareado) e quanto à sua precisão (critério de informação delta de Akaike). Todas as estatísticas de avaliação e comparação dos modelos foram calculadas usando o software Model Evaluation System versão 3.2.2. Os modelos de Groot e Richards não diferiram entre si (P>0.05) e foram os mais precisos e acurados (P<0.05). Portanto, modelo de Groot foi selecionado devido apresentar melhor acurácia e precisão e apresentar maior facilidade na obtenção dos parâmetros. A inclusão da silagem de Gliricídia na dieta, resultou em elevação no tempo para obtenção da máxima taxa de degradação e no tempo após a incubação em que metade do nível assintótico foi atingido. Recomenda-se a utilização do modelo de Groot para estimativa da curva média. A inclusão da silagem de Gliricídia altera a curva de produção de gás devido o maior tempo necessário para que a dieta atingisse a máxima taxa de degradação, isso pode elevar o tempo de permanência da dieta no rúmen e promover redução no consumo.

Impact of supplementation with different protein sources on the parasitological profile of ovine matrices and development of lambs / Impacto da suplementação com diferentes fontes protéicas no perfil parasitológico de matrizes ovinas e no desenvolvimento de cordeiros

The aim was to evaluate the impact of supplementation with different protein sources from agro-industrial production on the parasitological profile of ovine matrices and the development of their offspring. The protein sources used were: soybean bran, cotton pie, babassu pie, and coconut pie. A total of 60 ovine matrices were used, with confirmed pregnancy and supplemented in the final third of gestation at 0.5% of live weight in pastures of deferred Marandu grass. The evaluations occurred from the final third of gestation and in the lactation phase until weaning. The data collected in the matrices were: counting of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and identification of infective larvae (Faecal test), evaluation of the degree of anemia by the FAMACHA© method, body weight (kg), and body condition score (BCS). In the lambs, the biometric measurements were taken from the 30 days of life until weaning. In Faecal test, the prevalence was 98% of Haemonchus spp. There was no effect of the protein sources for EPG (3476.0) and FAMACHA©. However, in the mats supplemented with coconut pie were observed the lowest body weights (36.9 kg) and lower BCS (2.7). Babassu, coconut and cotton cakes, and soybean meal used as a protein source in the supplementation of ovine matrices kept in deferred pastures of Marandu grass at the 0.5% level of live weight maintain the production indexes consistent with the physiology stage of the matrices even with a high endo-parasitic load.

O objetivo foi avaliar o impacto da suplementação com diferentes fontes proteicas da produção agroindustrial no perfil parasitológico das matrizes ovinas e no desenvolvimento de seus filhotes. As fontes de proteína utilizadas foram: farelo de soja, torta de algodão, torta de babaçu e torta de coco. Foram utilizadas 60 matrizes ovinas, com prenhez confirmada e suplementadas no terço final da gestação com 0,5% do peso vivo em pastagens de capim Marandu diferido. As avaliações ocorreram desde o terço final da gestação e na fase de lactação até o desmame. Os dados coletados nas matrizes foram: contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) e identificação de larvas infectantes (teste fecal), avaliação do grau de anemia pelo método FAMACHA ©, peso corporal (kg) e escore de condição corporal (ECC). Nos cordeiros, as medidas biométricas foram realizadas a partir dos 30 dias de vida até o desmame. No teste fecal, a prevalência foi de 98% de Haemonchus spp. Não houve efeito das fontes de proteína para OPG (3476,0) e FAMACHA ©. No entanto, nas matrizes suplementadas com torta de coco foram observados os menores pesos corporais (36,9 kg) e menorECC (2,7). Torta de Babaçu, coco, algodão e farelo de soja utilizados como fonte protéica na suplementação de matrizes ovinas mantidas em pastos diferidos de capim Marandu no nível de 0,5% de peso vivo mantêm os índices de produção consistentes com o estágio fisiológico das matrizes, mesmo com uma carga endo-parasitária alta.