Licury Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Intake, Digestibility, Feeding Behavior, Milk Production and Composition, and Nitrogen Metabolism.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of licury cake (LC) inclusion in the diets of lactating goats on productive and metabolic performance. Twelve lactating goats, eight Saanen and four Anglo-Nubian, were distributed in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design, with four treatments (0, 66.7, 133.3, and 200 g kg-1 of dry matter-DM). On the one hand, the LC inclusion increased neutral detergent fiber, indigestible neutral detergent fiber, and potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber (p < 0.001) intake. On the other hand, LC inclusion reduced ether extract and non-fibrous carbohydrate (p < 0.001) intake. There was a reduction in dry matter digestibility (p = 0.018) and an increase in neutral detergent fiber digestibility (p = 0.036). Feeding (p = 0.005) and rumination (p < 0.001) efficiencies increased with LC inclusion. The nitrogen balance was similar for all tested diets; however, we observed recycling metabolism. Based on the studied parameters, mainly milk production and composition, we recommend the LC inclusion of up to 200 g kg-1 DM in diets for lactating goats.

Palm Kernel Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Intake, Digestibility, Feeding Behavior, Milk Production, and Nitrogen Metabolism.

This study was carried out to determine the optimal inclusion rate of palm kernel cake (PKC) in diets for lactating goats based on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk production and nitrogen metabolism. Twelve goats were used, eight Saanen and four Anglo Nubian, with a body weight of 46.0 ± 9.4 kg and 105 ± 5 days of lactation, distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design in triplicate. The diets were composed of increasing levels of PKC; 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg−1 of dry matter (DM). The DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates intakes decreased (p < 0.01) with the PKC inclusion. Milk production and milk protein decreased (p = 0.001), and milk production efficiency was not affected (p > 0.05) by the PKC inclusion. The ether extract intake varied quadratically (p < 0.01). Feeding and rumination efficiencies of dry matter and NDF were reduced (p < 0.001). The fat and total solids contents of the milk were influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). Nitrogen excretion (feces and milk), and retained nitrogen decreased (p < 0.001). Moderate use of up to 80 g kg−1 DM of PKC in the diet of lactating goats is recommended since at these levels milk production or body weight are significantly affected.

Whole Corn Germ as an Energy Source in the Feeding of Feedlot Lambs: Metabolic and Productive Performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary inclusion (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg DM) of whole corn germ (WCG), an energy source, on the metabolic and productive performance of feedlot lambs. To this end, two complementary experiments were carried out. In Experiment I, we tested the effects of WCG inclusion levels on the metabolism of 10 uncastrated Santa Inês male lambs, which were distributed into two 5 × 5 Latin squares design. Non-fibrous carbohydrates digestibility decreased (p = 0.01), whereas ether extract digestibility increased (p < 0.01) with the inclusion of WCG. Retained nitrogen did not change (p = 0.99) with the WCG inclusion. In Experiment II, we tested the effect of WCG inclusion levels on the production performance of 40 uncastrated Santa Inês male lambs, in a completely randomized design. There was a reduction in the intake of nutritional components (p < 0.05), except EE (p < 0.01), which increased with the increasing WCG levels. Production performance and blood parameters did not change. Based on the observed metabolism, performance, and feed efficiency, the use of WCG at up to 120 g/kg DM, in the total diet, is recommended as an alternative energy source for feedlot lambs.

Licury Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Qualitative Aspects of Milk and Cheese.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of licury cake (LC) inclusion in diets for lactating goats on milk chemical composition and fatty acid profile, and physicochemical composition and sensory attributes of Minas Frescal cheese. Twelve lactating goats were used (eight Saanen and four Anglo Nubian goats, with 35 ± 5 days in lactation and average body weight of 37.93 ± 9.22 kg), distributed in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin Square design. The increasing levels of LC studied were: 0, 67, 133 and 200 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The analyses were adjusted using orthogonal polynomial contrasts, in which the probability level of 5% was considered. For sensory attributes, principal component analysis was performed. The LC inclusion promoted the reduction in moisture (p = 0.013) and mineral matter (p < 0.001) content in cheese. The ether extract content in cheese showed a quadratic effect (p = 0.021). Lauric acid showed a linear (p = 0.002) increasing effect, and myristic (p < 0.001) and rumenic (p = 0.018) acids showed quadratic effects. The sensory attributes analysis in cheese indicated that the inclusion of 133 and 200 g/kg of LC improve its texture. Flavor was improved with the inclusion of 67 and 133 g/kg. The inclusion of up to 133 g/kg of LC in the diet of lactating goats is recommended because it promotes improvements in flavor and texture of Minas Frescal cheese.

Palm Kernel Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Qualitative Aspects of Milk and Cheese.

We investigated the effect of including palm kernel cake (PKC) at the levels of 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg-1 in the diet of lactating goats on the quality and sensory parameters of Minas Frescal cheese. Twelve goats were used in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square design. The dietary addition of PKC was associated with a reduction in moisture (p = 0.004), which compromised the cheese yield (p = 0.030). The ether extract content showed a quadratic response. There was a decrease in caproic (p = 0.014), caprylic (p = 0.011), capric (p = 0.003) and palmitic (p = 0.049) acids and an increase in lauric (p = 0.012) and myristic (p = 0.02) acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids increased (p = 0.008), whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (p = 0.022) and thrombogenicity index (p = 0.023) decreased. Principal component analysis indicated that control treatment and the treatment with 80 g kg-1 PKC were the most acceptable to the cheese tasters. The use of palm kernel cake is a good alternative for lactating goats when added to the diet at levels up to 80 g kg-1.

Feeding behavior of feedlot-finished crossbred bulls fed palm kernel cake.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of palm kernel cake (PKC) on the feeding behavior of feedlot-finished cattle. Forty uncastrated crossbred bulls with an average age of 24.2 ± 2 months and an average weight of 331.1 ± 36.2 kg were distributed into four treatment groups in a completely randomized design with ten replicates. The treatments consisted of 0, 8, 16, or 24% PKC inclusion in the diet (dry matter basis). Palm kernel cake inclusion influenced feeding time (P < 0.05), which increased linearly. The inclusion of the ingredient also affected (P < 0.05) rumination time (min/day), total chewing time, and the time spent on other activities. The number of cuds ruminated per day showed a linear response to the PKC inclusion levels (P < 0.05). The number of feeding bouts increased linearly (P < 0.05). Dry matter (DM) intake and DM feeding efficiency decreased linearly (P < 0.05). There were no effects of PKC inclusion (P > 0.05) on neutral detergent fiber feeding (NDF) efficiency or DM rumination efficiency. NDF rumination efficiency increased linearly (P < 0.05). Palm kernel cake can be included at levels up to 24% in the total diet of feedlot-finished crossbred bulls, as it does not affect their dry matter intake or feeding behavior.

Protected or Unprotected Fat Addition for Feedlot Lambs: Feeding Behavior, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of protected or unprotected fats in the diet of feedlot lambs on feeding behavior, productive characteristics, carcass traits, and meat quality. Forty male Dorper × Santa Inês lambs (22.27 ± 2.79 kg) were randomly assigned to treatments in a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments consisted of five diets: no added fat (NAF), whole soybeans (WSB), calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA), soybean oil (SO), and corn germ (CG). The total intake of dry matter (DMI) (p < 0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFI) (p = 0.010) were higher in the CSFA and NAF diets. Feeding behavior, morphometric measurements, physicochemical characteristics, and centesimal composition of the Longissimus lumborum muscle were similar between treatments (p > 0.05). The CSFA diet provided higher production (p < 0.05) and better-quality carcasses. The inclusion of fat sources increased the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05). The use of calcium salts of fatty acids in feedlot lambs' diets provides better quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the meat and carcass.

Effects of Whole Corn Germ, A Source of Linoleic Acid, on Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Feedlot Lambs.

The whole corn germ (WCG), due to its desirable nutritional characteristics, has been studied as feed for ruminants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of WCG inclusion as a linoleic acid source in diets for feedlot lambs on carcass characteristics, physicochemical composition, sensory attributes, and fatty acid profile of the meat. Forty non-castrated, crossbreed Dorper x Santa Inês lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design to evaluate the inclusion levels (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg dry matter (DM)) of whole corn germ (WCG) in the diet. The dietary inclusion of WCG did not influence (p > 0.05) the weight gain and carcass characteristics, with the exception of the subcutaneous fat thickness (p < 0.01), which was higher in animals fed diets with higher levels of WCG. Lightness (L *; p = 0.04), yellowness (b *; p < 0.01), shear force (p = 0.04), linoleic fatty acid concentrations (p = 0.03), and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.04) had a quadratic increase due to WCG inclusion in the diets. The use of up to 120 g/kg DM of WCG in lamb diets does not affect the carcass characteristics, physicochemical composition, and sensory attributes of the meat. Despite this, the best polyunsaturated fatty acid profile in lambs' meat is obtained using 76.7 g/kg DM of WCG.

Use of Castor Bean Meal, Biodiesel Industry Coproduct, in A Lamb Production System Using Creep-Feeding in Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, body weight gain, carcass yield, physiological and urinary parameters, and creep-feeding method effectiveness. For this trial, 43 male lambs were used, Dorper × Santa Inês, with an average initial body weight of 7.95 kg, 15 days old. Lambs were distributed in a randomized block design. Five experimental diets were provided: Without supplementation, with supplementation but without the use of castor bean meal, and with gradual levels of replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal (33%, 67%, and 100%). Higher values of DMI and nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05) were observed for animals that received supplements. The milk intake did not differ among the diets. The DMD showed a linear effect, while NDFD had a quadratic effect, depending on castor bean meal inclusion. The carcass yield did not differ between experimental diets. There was no significant effect on the urinary volume and metabolites investigated. In conclusion, the replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal does not compromise animals' development. Besides, the creep-feeding method positively affects lamb development, with higher body weight gain for supplemented animals.