Unlocking the molecular basis of wheat straw composition and morphological traits through multi-locus GWAS.

BACKGROUND: Rapid reductions in emissions from fossil fuel burning are needed to curb global climate change. Biofuel production from crop residues can contribute to reducing the energy crisis and environmental deterioration. Wheat is a renewable source for biofuels owing to the low cost and high availability of its residues. Thus, identifying candidate genes controlling these traits is pivotal for efficient biofuel production. Here, six multi-locus genome-wide association (ML-GWAS) models were applied using 185 tetraploid wheat accessions to detect quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for fifteen traits associated with biomass composition. RESULTS: Among the 470 QTNs, only 72 identified by at least two models were considered as reliable. Among these latter, 16 also showed a significant effect on the corresponding trait (p.value < 0.05). Candidate genes survey carried out within 4 Mb flanking the QTNs, revealed putative biological functions associated with lipid transfer and metabolism, cell wall modifications, cell cycle, and photosynthesis. Four genes encoded as Cellulose Synthase (CeSa), Anaphase promoting complex (APC/C), Glucoronoxylan 4-O Methyltransferase (GXM) and HYPONASTIC LEAVES1 (HYL1) might be responsible for an increase in cellulose, and natural and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF) content in tetraploid wheat. In addition, the SNP marker RFL_Contig3228_2154 associated with the variation in stem solidness (Q.Scsb-3B) was validated through two molecular methods (High resolution melting; HRM and RNase H2-dependent PCR; rhAMP). CONCLUSIONS: The study provides new insights into the genetic basis of biomass composition traits on tetraploid wheat. The application of six ML-GWAS models on a panel of diverse wheat genotypes represents an efficient approach to dissect complex traits with low heritability such as wheat straw composition. The discovery of genes/genomic regions associated with biomass production and straw quality parameters is expected to accelerate the development of high-yielding wheat varieties useful for biofuel production.

New methods for high-accuracy insect chitin measurement.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in the use of insects in poultry, swine and aquaculture feed, as well as pet food applications. All insects produce chitin-based exoskeletons. With regard to chitin content, a precise determination in agricultural applications is crucial because it has favorable functional properties, although it is also difficult to digest for some species of livestock. Three measurement methods were compared to determine the most reliable method of chitin content determination in different insects and selected Hermetia illucens products: acid detergent fiber (ADF) provides the fiber content and the acid detergent lignin (ADL) additionally considers the catecholic compounds. Acetyl group measurement relates the acetate content to the chitin content. RESULTS: Comparing different insect species, the highest chitin value via ADF measurement was determined for the Tenebrio molitor larvae (155 g kg-1 ). Chitin values higher than 200 g kg-1 revealed that H. illucens residues are a much better valuable source of chitin. For the larval exoskeletons, a chitin content for all measurement methods of more than 350 g kg-1 was determined. In general, the ADF measurement is approximately 5% higher than the ADF-ADL and acetyl measurements. ADF-ADL and acetyl group determinations are approximately equivalent measurement methods. CONCLUSION: According to statistical analysis, ADF-ADL represents a compromise between accuracy and equipment demand and is a suitable method for determining the chitin content of both insects and their residues. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of dietary protein supply originating from soybean meal or casein on the intestinal microbiota of piglets.

Dietary composition is a major factor influencing the intestinal microbial ecosystem of pigs. To alleviate weaning-associated disorders, variations in dietary protein supply may beneficially affect microbial composition in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets. A total of 48 piglets, fitted with simple ileal T-cannulas, was used to examine the effect of protein supply of either highly digestible casein or less digestible, fiber-rich soybean meal (SBM) on the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Gene copies of 7 bacteria groups were determined by real-time PCR in ileal digesta and feces. Ileal counts of total eubacteria, the Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group, Enterobacteriaceae and Clostridium Cluster XIVa were higher (P < 0.001) in the casein-based diets. Fecal counts of all analyzed bacterial groups were higher for the SBM-based diets (P < 0.001), apart from Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.05) which were higher in the casein-based diets. Ileal counts of lactobacilli linearly increased as the crude protein level was increased up to 335 g/kg (P < 0.01). The Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas group linearly decreased in ileal samples (P < 0.01) and increased in fecal samples (P < 0.05) as the crude protein level in the SBM-based diet was increased. Both, protein level and protein source may affect intestinal microbial balance. Higher dietary protein levels in combination with diets low in fiber contents might stimulate proliferation of protein fermenting bacteria in piglet's large intestine. Further studies are warranted to clarify, whether this would be associated with intestinal disturbances.

Estimation of In Vitro True Digestibility and Fiber Degradation from Feedstuff Fiber Composition When Incubated in Equine Fecal Inoculum.

Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) composition have been shown to predict in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), and in vitro ADF digestibility (IVADFD) in ruminants. This study's objective was to estimate in vitro digestibility measures within the DaisyII incubator using equine fecal inoculum from feedstuff NDF and ADF composition. Analyzed feedstuffs included alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa), Coastal Bermudagrass hay, soybean meal, rice bran, hempseed meal, and Bluebonnet® Equilene® Pellets. Data were analyzed using Akaike's information criterion (AIC) within the R Statistical Program©. The highest ranked model for IVTD was the interaction of NDF and ADF: 10003.32 - 0.2904 × NDF - 0.4220 × ADF - 0.0010 × NDF × ADF (Adjusted R2 = 0.959 and AICc = 474.97). Sample IVNDFD was moderately predicted by ADF: 855.15 - 1.5183 × ADF (Adjusted R2 = 0.749 and AICc = 560.82). Feedstuff ADF produced the highest ranked model for IVNDFD: 881.91 - 1.5952 × ADF (Adj. R2 = 0.835 and AICc = 541.33). These results indicate the effectiveness of using feedstuff NDF and ADF composition to predict IVTD, IVNDFD, and IVADFD within equine fecal inoculum. The findings of this study provide better understanding of feedstuff digestibility using equine fecal inoculum, but more research is warranted for validation of the models and the potential impact in vivo.

Effects of Climate Change and Fencing on Forage Nutrition Quality of Alpine Grasslands in the Northern Tibet.

How climate change and fencing will affect forage nutrition quality of alpine grasslands is still unknown in the Northern Tibet. Here, we reported the effects of climate change and fencing on forage nutrition quality (i.e., CP: crude protein, ADF: acid detergent fiber, NDF: neutral detergent fiber, Ash: crude ash, EE: ether extract and DTS: dissolvable total sugar) in alpine grasslands across the Northern Tibet based on a transect survey dataset from 2018. Over the whole survey transect, fencing reduced the NDF content by 5.15% and the EE content by 15.79%, but did not affect forage nutrition quality (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.389). Air temperature and precipitation explained 24% and 8% of variation in the CP content under the fencing conditions, respectively. Precipitation explained 22% of variation in the NDF content under the fencing conditions. The CP content decreased and increased exponentially with increasing air temperature under the fencing and grazing conditions, respectively. The NDF content showed logarithmic and negative relationships with precipitation under the fencing and grazing conditions (-8.45 vs. -6.68lnNDF). The response of the CP content to fencing showed negative relationships with temperature and the response of AGB to fencing, but showed a positive relationship with precipitation. The CP and DTS contents showed negative relationships with AGB under the fencing and grazing conditions. In contrast, the ADF content showed a positive relationship with AGB. The response of AGB, SR and community composition to fencing explained 11%, 56% and 35% of variation in the response of forage nutrition quality to fencing, respectively. Therefore, climate change may not always have adverse effects on forage nutrition quality, whereas fencing may not always have favorable effects on forage nutrition quality. Fencing and climate change can have an interactive effect on forage nutrition quality. Fencing can alter the temperature and precipitation sensitivities of forage nutrition quality. In colder and wetter regions, the forage nutrition quality may be more responsive to fencing. There may be a trade-off between forage nutrition quality and quantity. Compared to the change in AGB caused by fencing, the changes in species α-diversity and community composition caused by fencing can have greater effects on the response of forage nutrition quality to fencing. Local climate conditions and the trade-offs between forage nutrition quality and biomass should be considered when evaluating the effects of fencing on the restoration of degraded grassland plants.

Effects of Lablab purpurues and concentrate mixed supplements on reproductive performance and pre-weaning growth of Horro sheep grazing natural pasture in Ethiopia.

The goal of this study was to compare the productivity and reproduction of Horro ewes treated with concentrate supplements (T1), and Gebis-17 (T2) and Beresa-55 (T3) Lablab purpurues varieties. Horro ewes (n = 21, 7 ewes per treatment) with a mean premating weight of 26.3 + 2.1 kg (Mean + SD) were employed in the study. Ewes with uniform parity were selected from the Bako Agricultural Research Center sheep breeding flock. They were then blocked based on the premating weight into seven groups of three ewes each, and within each group randomly allocated to one of the three dietary treatments assigning seven ewes per treatment. Over an 8-month period, the ewes were supplemented with respective feed regimens, which encompassed 5 months of gestation and 3 months of lamb growth up to weaning. The results showed that supplementation enhanced lamb birth weight (3.01 vs. 3.42 vs. 3.42 kg) and ewe weight gain during pregnancy (76.94 vs. 42.11 vs. 58.05 g/day) for T1, T2, and T3, respectively as well as all reproductive features studied, except for abortion instances that occurred in ewes fed a diet in T2 and T3. The causes of abortion in T2 and T3 cannot be ascertained because the experimental ewes were grazing during the day. Even though the T1 diet improved ewe performance in a similar way to T3 and T2, the use of such supplements is usually limited due to their high cost and inaccessibility to smallholder farmers. This emphasizes the importance of seizing the chance to replace conventional protein supplements with low-cost, on-farm cultivated forage legumes like the one studied in this study. As a result, enhancing Horro ewes' performance with either T2 (Gebisa-17) or T3 (Beresa-55) diets throughout their mating season is a promising strategy for maximizing their genetic potential. Future research should focus on the effect of supplements on lambs' post-weaning growth rate and survival.

Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses.

OBJECTIVE: Prophylactic supplementation of psyllium husk is recommended to enhance passage of ingested sand from the gastrointestinal tracts of horses. We hypothesized that psyllium supplementation would increase fecal sand passage and favorably alter bacterial populations in the hindgut. Six yearlings and six mature mares were fed a psyllium supplement in the diet daily for seven days. Voluntarily-voided feces were collected over the course of 29 days, prior, during, and after treatment. Feces were analyzed for acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent insoluble ash analyses. Microbial DNA was also isolated, and the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced using MiSeq technology. RESULTS: Fecal ADF concentration was greater in adults while silica concentration was greater in yearlings. Mature mare fecal ADF decreased during and just after supplementation but thereafter increased. No changes in silica levels were noted in either group over time. Fecal microbial population phylogenetic diversity was greatest mid-supplementation and lowest at 11 days post-supplementation. Functional profiles of the microbial communities presented some benefits for psyllium supplementation. These findings provide compelling evidence for further detailed studies of prophylactic psyllium supplementation.

Effect of fructo-oligosaccharides on nutrient digestibility and digesta retention time in adult guinea pigs.

A previous study suggested that addition of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) to the diet improved nitrogen (N) utilization and decreased acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility in guinea pigs. The present study was conducted to clarify the relationship between ADF digestibility and gastrointestinal mean retention time (MRT) in guinea pigs under FOS supplementation. Adult male guinea pigs were fed a commercial diet (50 g/day) with either 5% glucose (glucose group) or 5% FOS (FOS group) for 12 days in individual metabolism cages. Unlike the glucose group, N utilization improved, but ADF digestibility significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the FOS group. MRT of solid digesta also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the FOS group compared with that in the glucose group. We concluded that reduction of MRT of solid digesta containing FOS decreased ADF digestibility in guinea pigs.

Tensile strength of warm and cool season forage grasses in Florida.

The tensile strength (TS) of four warm-season and three cool-season forage grasses was measured with an Instron Universal machine, along with cell-wall analysis and determination of in vitro organic matter digestibility. The mean TS of the warm-season grasses was significantly higher than that of the cool season grasses (22 vs. 9 kg, respectively, p < .05). The concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were significantly greater in the warm- than in the cool-season grasses (p < .05), whereas ash concentration was greater in the cool-season grasses. Among the warm-season grasses that were studied, elephant grass had the highest and bermuda grass had the lowest TS (34.4 and 14.9 kg, respectively, p < .05); Among the cool-season grasses triticale had greater TS than wheat and oats (12.6 vs. 6.8 and 7.5 kg, respectively, p < .05). TS was significantly correlated with NDF, ADF, and ADL, and negatively correlated with in vitro organic matter digestibility (correlation coefficients were 0.64, 0.73. 0.41, and -0.64, respectively). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Grass tensile strength may have implications on animal preference and on the energy that animals must spend during grazing, and consequently on animal performance (feed intake, daily weight gain and milk, and meat production). Information on grass TS would help to select and screen improved forage cultivars and enable to improve grassland management with better animal performance.

Himalayan dock (Rumex nepalensis): the flip side of obnoxious weed.

Himalayan dock (Rumex nepalensis) was evaluated for forage value and antinutrients under three, five and seven weeks cutting intervals in the temperate environment. Dry matter (DM) content was measured for each cutting interval. Forage quality parameters such as Crude Protein (CP), Acid Detergent fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) were analyzed. Plants with seven weeks cutting interval gave higher DM yield. CP and P content were significantly higher for three weeks cutting intervals. Average CP contents were 31.38 %, 30.73 % and 27.32 % and average P content 0.58 %, 0.52 % and 0.51 % for three, five and seven weeks cutting intervals, respectively. Ca content did not differ significantly between cutting intervals. The average Ca content were 0.91 %, 0.90 % and 90 %, for three, five and seven weeks cutting intervals, respectively. Tannin and mimosine contents were not significantly different between cutting intervals. Average tannin contents were 1.32 %, 1.27 % and 1.26 % and mimosine 0.38 %, 0.30 % and 0.28 % for three, five and seven weeks cutting intervals, respectively. The study concluded that R. nepalensis could be a potential source of protein for livestock. The study also suggests seven weeks harvesting interval to provide plants with high dry matter yield, high forage quality and very low levels of anti-nutrients.

Forms of nitrogen fertilizer application in Panicum maximum / Formas de aplicação de adubo nitrogenado em Panicum maximum

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for increasing the yield and quality of forages. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the different forms of application, spread on the total area using urea fertilizer and foliar using liquid urea, aiming at evaluating the yield and qualitative traits of Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça, at different times of the year. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks in subdivided plots, with three blocks, four treatments, and three collections. The treatments were applied in March 2015 and consisted of the following treatments: 1-control; 2-urea; 3-liquid urea; 4-urea + liquid urea; 5-urea + micronutrients; 6-urea + N liquid; 7-urea + N liquid + micronutrients; 8-control. Samples were collected in May, October, and December 2015. Crude protein (CP) dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were evaluated. Results revealed that nitrogen was determinant in improving the yield and forage quality. Treatments with urea spread on total area resulted in increased dry matter production. For the crude protein, the source and the application form are not decisive. Collection time with higher rainfall positively affected the dry matter production, crude protein, and ADF, while urea spread on total area showed the best cost-benefit due to the good results of yield and quality.

O nitrogênio é um dos nutrientes mais importantes para o aumento da produtividade e qualidade das forrageiras. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito das diferentes formas de aplicações, sendo elas à lanço (utilizando ureia fertilizante) e foliar (utilizando ureia líquida), a fim de avaliar as características produtivas e qualitativas da forrageira Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça, em diferentes épocas do ano. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos inteiramente casualizados em parcelas subdivididas, com oito tratamentos e três coletas. Os tratamentos foram aplicados em março de 2015 e eram constituídos pelo tratamento 1: controle, tratamento 2: ureia, tratamento 3: ureia líquida, 4: ureia + ureia líquida; 5-ureia + micronutrientes; 6-ureia + N líquido; 7- ureia + N líquido + micronutrients; 8-controle. Foram realizadas coletas em maio/2015, outubro/2015 e dezembro/2015. Foram avaliadas proteína bruta (PB), massa de matéria seca (MMS), matéria mineral (MM) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA). Os resultados revelaram que o nitrogênio foi determinante na melhora da produtividade e qualidade da forrageira. Os tratamentos com ureia aplicada a lanço resultaram na maior produção de massa de matéria seca. Para a proteína bruta, a fonte e o formato de aplicação não foram decisivos. A época de coleta com maior pluviosidade afetou positivamente a produção de massa de matéria seca, proteína bruta e o FDA da forrageira; e a ureia aplicada a lanço apresentou o melhor custo-benefício atrelado aos bons resultados de produtividade e qualidade.

Comparison of laboratory methods to assess fiber contents in feedstuffs / Comparación de métodos de laboratorio para determinar el contenido de fibra en alimentos para animales / Comparação de metodologias laboratoriais para determinação de fibras em alimentos

Summary Background: the conventional method of fiber analysis using neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was proposed by Peter Van Soest. The main advantage of this method is the precision of results; however, reagents are costly and laboratory work requires long runtime and labor. Objective: to compare analytical data from different methodologies used to assess NDF and ADF contents. Methods: means obtained with the conventional method were compared through Dunnett's test (α=5%) with values from alternative methods using autoclave as the digester system. A completely randomized design in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement was used. Results: NDF content through alternative methods was assessed for Tifton 85 hay, babassu meal and sugarcane, whereas ADF was only determined for babassu meal. NDF and ADF did not differ (p(0.05) between non-sequential or sequential analysis for all the feedstuffs and methods studied, except for ADF in corn silage. Conclusion: alternative methodologies allow reducing operating costs and time but lack uniformity and accuracy for analyzing ADF in corn silage.

Resumen Antecedentes: la determinación de los valores de fibra detergente neutra (FDN) y fibra detergente ácida (FDA) es de gran importancia en la nutrición animal, siendo el método tradicional de análisis el propuesto por Van Soest. Este método presenta como ventaja principal la precisión de los resultados, sin embargo la rutina de laboratorio en su ejecución implica mucho tiempo debido a sus etapas manuales, además de ser un método de alto costo que genera considerables proporciones de residuos químicos. Objetivo: evaluar diferentes metodologías propuestas para la análisis de las FDN y FDA mediante la medición de los datos analíticos. Métodos: las medias obtenidas por el método tradicional fueron comparadas con las medias de métodos alternativos que usan una autoclave como sistema digestor por el test de Dunnette (α=5%). Un diseño completamente aleatorio, en un diseño factorial 4x2 fue adoptado. Resultados: los métodos alternativos fueron recomendadas para las determinaciones de FDN por el heno de Tifton 85, salvado de harina de babasú y caña de azúcar, mientras que las determinaciones de los valores de FDA apenas para el salvado de harina de babasú. Los resultados de los análisis de FDN y FDA no fueron significativamente diferentes (p(0.05) entre los análisis no secuencial y secuencial, en todos los alimentos y métodos estudiados, a excepción de la determinación de FDA en el ensilaje de maíz. Conclusión: las metodologías alternativas permitieron ganancias significativas con la reducción de costos operacionales y del tiempo de análisis, pero sin uniformidad en la precisión de los análisis involucrados.

Resumo Antecedentes: as determinações dos teores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e em fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) são de extrema importância na nutrição animal, tendo como método convencional de análise o proposto por Van Soest. Esse método apresenta como principal vantagem a precisão dos resultados, no entanto, a rotina laboratorial da sua execução demanda muito tempo por possuir etapas manuais, além do que é um método de custo elevado e que gera resíduos químicos em proporções consideráveis. Objetivo: avaliar diferentes metodologias propostas para análise da FDN e FDA, através da verificação dos dados analíticos. Métodos: as médias obtidas pelo método convencional foram comparadas com as médias de métodos alternativos que utilizam a autoclave como sistema digestor, pelo teste de Dunnette (α=5%). O delineamento adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em um esquema fatorial 4x2. Resultados: os métodos alternativos foram recomendados para determinação de FDN no feno de Tifton 85, farelo de babaçu e cana-de-açúcar, enquanto para as determinações dos teores de FDA, apenas no farelo de babaçu. A precisão observada nas análises dos teores de FDN e FDA não diferiram significativamente (p(0.05) quanto a análise não sequencial e sequencial, em todos os alimentos e métodos estudados, com exceção da determinação de FDA na silagem de milho. Conclusão: as metodologias alternativas permitiram ganhos significativos com a redução dos custos operacionais e do tempo da análise, mas sem uniformidade na precisão das análises desenvolvidas.

Evaluación de variables agronómicas, calidad del forraje y contenido de taninos condensados de la leguminosa Lotus corniculatus en respuesta a biofertilizante y fertilización química en condiciones agroecológicas de trópico alto andino colombiano

En la sabana de Bogotá, 2600 m.s.n.m., se analizaron variables agronómicas; altura de planta, número y longitud de ramas, producción de materia seca total ha-1, y variables de calidad del forraje, digestibilidad de materia seca, proteína cruda, extracto etéreo, fibra detergente ácido, fibra detergente neutra, calcio, así como el contenido de taninos condensados de la leguminosa Lotus corniculatus, mediante un diseño completo al azar de cuatro tratamientos aplicados al suelo Tl: sin fertilizante; T2: biofertilizante; T3: fertilización química, y T4: biofertilizante más fertilización química, con tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Se utilizó análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y prueba de comparación de medias de Tukey al 0,1%. Los resultados señalan que el cultivo de L corniculatus, responde muy bien a la biofertilización, ya que el T2 exhibió el mejor comportamiento para la mayoría de variables agronómicas y de calidad del forraje, mientras que T4 mostró los mejores resultados para número de ramas y menos contenido de taninos condensados. En digestibilidad de la materia seca T2 y T4 ostentaron un buen comportamiento con diferencias altamente significativas con respecto a TI y T3; en contenidos de grasa y calcio, el mejor comportamiento se presentó en el T3 y TI con diferencias altamente significativas. Se concluye que la biofertilización incide de manera favorable en las características edáficas, producción y calidad del forraje Lotus corniculatus, con mejores comportamientos en las principales variables evaluadas en el estudio.

In the savannah of Bogotá, 2600 m.s.n.m., were analyzed Agronomic variables; plant height, number and length of branches, total dry matter yield ha-1, and quality variables of forage, dry matter digestibility, raw protein, ethereal extract, Fiber Acid Detergent, Neutral Detergent Fiber calcium, as well as the condensed tannin content of the legume Lotus corniculatus, by means of a complete random design of four treatments applied to the soil Tl: no fertilizer; T2: biofertilizer; T3: chemical fertilization, and T4: biofertilizer with chemical fertilization, with three replicates per treatment. It was used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparison test ofTukey averages at 0.1%. The results indicate that the cultivation of L corniculatus responds very well to biofertilization because T2 exhibited the best performance for most changeful agronomic and forage quality while T4 showed the best results for number of branches and less content of condensed tannins. In dry matter digestibility T2 and T4 showed good behavior with highly significant differences with respect to Tl and T3; In fat and calcium contents, the best behavior was presented in T3 and Tl with highly significant differences. It is concluded that biofertilization favorably influences the edaphic characteristics, production and quality of the forage Lotus corniculatus, with better behaviors in the main variables evaluated in the study

Na planície de Bogotá, 2600 m.s.n.m., variáveis agronômicas analisadas; altura das plantas, número e comprimento das ramificações, a produção de matéria seca total ha-1, e digestibilidade qualidade da forragem variável de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente ácido, neutro fibra em detergente, de cálcio, e o taninos condensados conteúdo Lotus corniculatus leguminosa de, utilizando um desenho de blocos completos ao acaso, quatro tratamentos aplicados ao solo T1: não fertilizados; T2: biofertilizante; T3: adubação química, e T4: biofertilizantes fertilização mais química, com três réplicas por tratamento. análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey comparação foi utilizada a 0,1%. Os resultados indicam que a cultura de L. corniculatus, responde muito bem ao Biofertilização como o T2 exibiu o melhor desempenho para a maioria das características agronômicas e qualidade da forragem, enquanto T4 apresentaram os melhores resultados para número de agências emenor teor de taninos condensados. Na seca T2 de digestibilidade e T4 que ostentava um bom desempenho com diferenças altamente significativas em relação ao T1 e T3; em gordura e teor de cálcio, o melhor desempenho foi apresentado nas diferenças altamente significativas T3 e T1. Conclui-se que Biofertilização favoravelmente impactos sobre as características do solo, produção e qualidade de forragem Lotus corniculatus, com melhores performances nas principais variáveis avaliadas no estudo.

Comparison of methods for determination of nutrient digestibility of a dry kibble diet for ocelots / Comparação de métodos para estimar coeficientes de digestibilidade de uma ração comercial de gatos-domésticos para jaguatiricas

In this experiment, methods of total fecal collection (TFC) and internal markers (acid-insoluble ash - AIA, crude fiber - CF, and acid-detergent fiber - ADF) were compared for determination of the coefficients of apparent digestibility (CAD) for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), nitrogen-free extracts (NFE), and gross energy (GE) of commercial feline dry kibble for ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). Six adult animals, weighing 12.45±1.37 kg, gradually received experimental kibble in their usual diet until the beginning of the experiment and were submitted to an adaptation period ten days prior to the collection period. CAD obtained by TFC, AIA, CF, and ADF were, respectively, 73.7, 76.83, 62.01, and 46.03% for dry matter; 81.9, 84.8, 75.8, and 63.8% for crude protein; 85, 86.7, 78.5, and 69.1% for ether extract; 78.52, 79.55, 69.11, and 53.04% for nitrogen-free extracts; and 80.5, 82.2, 71.4, and 58.4% for gross energy. The AIA method showed to be efficient in determining coefficients of apparent digestibility and may contribute to investigations on the digestibility of diets for wild felines. In comparison to the items of ocelot's usual diet, the kibble used in this paper provided an adequate nutritional supply with reduced daily costs per animal.

Neste experimento foram comparados os métodos de coleta total de fezes (CT) e de indicadores internos (cinza insolúvel em ácido - CIA, fibra bruta - FB e fibra em detergente ácido - FDA) na determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), extrativo não nitrogenado (ENN) e energia bruta (EB) de uma ração comercial de gatos-domésticos para jaguatiricas (Leopardus pardalis). Seis animais adultos com peso de 12,45 ± 1,37kg receberam gradativamente a ração experimental na dieta habitual até o início do experimento e foram submetidos a um período de adaptação de 10 dias anteriores ao período de coleta. Os CDA obtidos pela CT, CIA, FB e FDA foram, respectivamente de 73,70; 76,83; 62,01 e 46,03% para matéria seca, 81,9; 84,8; 75,8 e 63,8% para proteína bruta, 85,0; 86,7; 78,5 e 69,1% para extrato etéreo, 78,52; 79,55; 69,11 e 53,04% para extrativo não nitrogenado e de 80,5; 82,2; 71,4 e 58,4% para energia bruta. O método de CIA mostrou-se eficiente na determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente e pode contribuir com as investigações sobre a digestibilidade em dietas com felídeos selvagens. A ração utilizada permitiu aos animais um adequado aporte nutricional e apresentou menores custos/animal/dia em comparação aos itens que compunham a dieta habitual.

Contribuição dos componentes e composição química de pastagens em sistemas forrageiros constituídos por diferentes leguminosas / Components contribution and chemical composition of pastures in forage systems with different legumes

Realizou-se o presente trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar a composição química de dois sistemas forrageiros, tendo como componentes comuns o capim-elefante, o azevém e as espécies de crescimento espontâneo, variando em um sistema o consórcio com o trevo branco, e, em outro, com o amendoim forrageiro. Para avaliação, foram usados quatro piquetes com 0,25ha cada um. Como animais experimentais, foram utilizadas vacas em lactação da raça Holandesa. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos (sistemas forrageiros) e duas repetições (piquetes). Para análise de proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), foram retiradas amostras através de simulação de pastejo. A participação dos componentes dos sistemas forrageiros variou segundo as leguminosas componentes. O sistema composto por amendoim forrageiro permitiu suportar maior carga no período estival. Os valores médios (pré e pós-pastejo) para PB, FDN e FDA foram de 18,76; 71,46; 34,87 por cento para o sistema forrageiro constituído com o trevo branco e de 19,31; 71,19 e 35,40 por cento. Os resultados foram similares entre os sistemas forrageiros.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition of two pasture-based systems having as common components the elephantgrass, ryegrass and spontaneous growth species, in one system the white clover and, in another system, the forage peanut. Four paddocks, each one with 0.25ha, were used in the evaluation. Holstein cows were used in the evaluation. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments (pasture-based systems), two replications (paddocks). To analyze the crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), hand-plucked samples were collected. Composition of forage systems changes according to its legumes compounds. Forage peanut system allowed a greater stocking rate in hot season. The mean values (pregraze and postgraze) of CP, NDF and ADF, were 18.76; 71.46 and 34.87 percent to the pasture-based system with white clover and 19.31; 71.19 and 35.40 percent to the system with forage peanut, respectively. Similar results were observed for the pasture systems.