Cactus cladodes for dairy goats: what is the best fiber source?

This study evaluated the effect of different fiber sources supplied with cactus cladodes in diets on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, milk yield, and composition of dairy goats. The fiber sources were corn silage, sorghum silage, Digitaria pentzii Stent. hay, and sugarcane bagasse. Twelve Saanen goats with an average weight of 48.9 ± 7.3 kg and average production of 2.8 ± 0.7 kg of milk/day were assigned in three simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares (four animals, four treatments, and four experimental periods). There was no difference between the fiber sources for intake (P > 0.05) of dry matter (2.58 kg/day), organic matter (2.30 kg/day), crude protein (0.385 kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (0.895 kg/day), non-fibrous carbohydrates (0.858 kg/day), and metabolizable energy (5.66 Mcal/day). Also, the fiber sources did not influence dry matter and nutrient digestibility (P > 0.05). The association of cactus cladodes with silages, hay, and sugarcane bagasse did not change milk production, milk production corrected for 3.5% of fat and corrected for energy (2.78; 2.53 and 2,55 kg/day, respectively), in addition to milk composition (P > 0.05). No differences were observed in ingestive behavior (P > 0.05). Any fiber sources evaluated are recommended.

Dwarf and tall elephant grass silages: intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal fermentation, and ingestive behavior in sheep.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the exclusive supply of dwarf or tall elephant grass silages, harvested at 60 days of growth, without wilting or the use of additives, on intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen parameters, and ingestive behavior of sheep. Eight castrated male crossbred sheep (57.6 ± 5.25 kg body weight), fistulated in the rumen, were distributed in two 4 × 4 Latin squares with four treatments and eight animals per treatment and four periods. The treatments consisted of four elephant grass genotype silages (Mott, Taiwan A-146 2.37, IRI-381, or Elephant B). There was no effect of silages (P > 0.05) on dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrient intake. The dwarf-sized elephant grass silages provided higher crude protein intake (P = 0.047) and N intake (P = 0.047), while the IRI-381 genotype silage provided higher non-fibrous carbohydrate intake compared to Mott (P = 0.042), without differing from Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Elephant B silages. There were no differences (P > 0.05) among the digestibility coefficients of the evaluated silages. It was observed that silages produced with Mott and IRI-381 genotypes caused a slight decrease in ruminal pH (P = 0.013), and the propionic acid concentration was higher in the rumen fluid of the animals fed with Mott silage (P = 0.021). Therefore, dwarf or tall elephant grass silages, produced with cut genotypes at 60 days of growth and without the use of additives or wilting process, can be used in sheep feeding.

Palatability and nycterohemeral patterns of ingestive behavior of sheep fed different roughage sources.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nycterohemeral patterns of ingestive behavior at 24, 48, and 72 h (Trial I) of sheep fed different roughages and the palatability index (Trial II) for sheep and goats fed different roughages used in a semiarid region. In the study, five sources of roughage were evaluated, namely: (1) Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cladodes + urea + sugarcane bagasse (NUB); (2) Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw cladodes + urea + sugarcane bagasse (OUB); (3) Tifton hay; (4) corn silage; and (5) sorghum silage. Five Soinga sheep were used and arranged in a 5 × 5 Latin square design in Trial I. Six female Santa Ines sheep and six female Saanen goats were used to study the preferences for different roughages in Trial II, and three tests were carried out to determine the palatability index, comparing two roughage types at a time: test 1 - corn silage versus Nopalea cladodes + urea + sugarcane bagasse (NUB); test 2 - corn silage versus Opuntia cladodes + urea + sugarcane bagasse (OUB); and test 3 - NUB versus OUB. The highest dry matter (DM) intake was for diets composed by NUB. Feeding time (min/d) was higher for sorghum silage (291 min d-1), while rumination time was higher (P < 0.05) for corn silage (604.0 min d-1), sorghum silage (561.7 min d-1), and Tifton hay (529.7 min d-1). No difference (P > 0.05) was observed for feeding, rumination, and idleness time between species (sheep and goats), and there was no roughage × species interaction (P > 0.05). The palatability indexes were 76 and 77% (tests 1 and 2) for NUB and OUB, respectively. Sheep fed with roughage containing cactus cladodes associated with urea and sugarcane bagasse spent less time on ingestion and rumination activities. The ingestive behavior can be evaluated in a period of 48 h, using instantaneous scanning.

Cactus cladodes associated with urea and sugarcane bagasse: an alternative to conserved feed in semi-arid regions.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of different roughage sources as an exclusive feed for goats and sheep from the determination of nutrient intake and digestibility. Five goats and five sheep were used and arranged in a double 5 × 5 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of cactus Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cladodes (Nopalea) + urea + sugarcane bagasse (NUB), cactus Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw cladodes (Opuntia) + urea + sugarcane bagasse (OUB), Tifton hay (TH), maize silage (MS), and forage sorghum silage (SS). Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intakes of NUB were greater than SS (0.620 and 0.058 versus 0.416 and 0.040 kg/day). Metabolizable energy (ME) intake was higher for NUB (1.52 Mcal/day). The DM digestibility did not change between the roughages (59%). The NUB, OUB, and MS organic matter digestibility (OMD; 62.4%) were greater than that of SS (57.4%). The roughage consisting of cactus cladodes associated with urea and sugarcane bagasse presented a greater nutritional value, similar to MS and TH, and higher than SS. Cactus cladodes associated with urea and sugarcane bagasse are recommended as an alternative to conserved feed.

Quality of meat from sheep fed diets containing spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck).

It was aimed to evaluate the effects of replacement of wheat bran in lambs' diets with spineless cactus (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in a lamb's diet on the physicochemical parameters, fatty acids and sensory analyasis of meat. The evaluation utilized 36 loins and legs from F1 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês lambs, with an average initial body weight of 19.5 ±â€¯1.6 kg, were slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. Were found average values of 5.70, 11.27 N, 55.44 mg/100 g, of meat pH, shear force, and cholesterol, respectively. However, stearic acid, linoleic, linolenic, eicosatrienoic and eicosapentaenoic which linearly decreased. The color, aroma, texture, flavor, juiciness and global acceptance of meat were acceptable by the evaluators, additionally, they said they would buy meat coming of animals fed with 100% replacement. It is recommended that wheat bran is replaced by spineless cactus in the diet of lambs when this shows to be an ingredient with better cost-benefit ratio compared to wheat bran.

Can cactus (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw) cladodes plus urea replace wheat bran in steers' diet?

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing wheat bran for cactus cladodes plus urea (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on the intake of nutrients, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, and rumen fermentation for steers. METHODS: Five crossbred steers (1/2 Holstein-Zebu), with rumen cannula and an average body weight of 180±5.3 kg, were assigned to a 5×5 Latin square design. Dietary treatments consisted of the replacement of the total of wheat bran in basal diet by cactus cladodes using the following proportions: 0% for basal diet, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% cactus cladodes replacing wheat bran. Urea was added to the diets to adjust the crude protein (CP) content to 130 g/kg dry matter. RESULTS: Maximum dry matter intake (5.73 kg/d) and maximum nitrogen balance (103 g/d) were estimated for 54.6% and 70.8% replacement levels of wheat bran. The maximum microbial protein production (44.6 g/d) was obtained at a replacement level of 49.7%, and a medium value (125 g CP mic/kg total digestible nutrients) of microbial protein efficiency was observed. The rumen pH increased linearly according to cactus cladodes inclusion, while the ammonia nitrogen medium value was 24.5 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: The replacement of 55% wheat bran for cactus cladodes plus urea in the diet of crossbred steers is recommended.

Can the body composition of crossbred dairy cattle be predicted by equations for beef cattle?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of the Hankins and Howe (HH46), Valadares Filho (V06), and Marcondes (M12) equations for predicting the physical and chemical composition of dairy crossbred bulls carcasses, as well as the chemical composition of their empty bodies. METHODS: This study was conducted using 30 dairy crossbred bulls. One group of five animals was slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment, and the remaining were slaughtered 112 days later. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized design into treatments consisting different levels of concentrate (0%, 17%, 34%, 51%, and 68%). The physical and chemical compositions of the cattle were obtained from the right half of the carcass and using samples taken between the 9th and 11th ribs of the left half of the carcass. The estimated and experimentally determined values were compared using the correlation and concordance coefficient, as well as the mean square error of prediction (MSEP) and its components. RESULTS: The HH46 equations were better at estimating the amount of muscle plus fat in the carcass. The amount of bone in the carcasses could not be well estimated by the HH46 and M12 models. The M12, HH46, and V06 equations were worst at estimating the amounts of protein, ether extract, and water in the carcass, respectively. In the empty body, the amounts of protein and water were well estimated by the HH46 equations. Protein, ether extract, and water were accurately estimated by the V06 equations, and ether extract by the M12 equations. CONCLUSION: The physical and chemical composition of dairy crossbred bull carcasses, as well as the chemical composition of their empty bodies, can be predicted using the equations tested here. The amount of bone in these carcasses could not be accurately predicted.

Replacement of Tifton hay by spineless cactus in Girolando post-weaned heifers´ diets.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers) replacement by Orelha de Elefante Mexicana spineless cactus (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw) on the nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, microbial protein synthesis, and efficiency of dietary nitrogen compound utilization in the diets of Girolando heifers. Twenty-four (3.5 months and 100 kg ± 3.5 kg) Girolando heifers (5/8 Holstein x Gyr) were used and arranged in a completely randomized design. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly as a function of the levels of Tifton hay (TH) replacement by Orelha de Elefante Mexicana spineless cactus (OEM). The non-fiber carbohydrate intake and coefficient of dry matter digestibility increased, while the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility decreased linearly with the OEM inclusion. After evaluating the growth performance by observing weight gain and morphometric measurements, there were no significant alterations. The urinary volume, nitrogen balance as well as the efficiency of nitrogen retention had increased, while the urinary and plasma urea concentrations had decreased linearly with the OEM inclusion. The results obtained in this study show that Orelha de Elefante Mexicana spineless cactus should replace Tifton hay in post-weaned heifer diets.

Sugarcane bagasse as exclusive roughage for dairy cows in smallholder livestock system.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate sugarcane bagasse as roughage in lactating cow on feed intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, milk production and composition, and microbial protein synthesis. METHODS: Ten Girolando cows at initial body weight of 450±25.6 kg and at 143.7±30.7 days in milk were assigned in two 5×5 Latin square designs. Five 21-day experimental periods were adopted (1° to 14-day: diets adaptation period; 15° to 21-day: data collection and sampling period). The diets consisted of four different levels of sugarcane bagasse (45%, 50%, 55%, and 60%) and a control diet, commonly adopted in the region, based on spineless cactus (25% sugarcane bagasse), formulated to meet 12 kg/d milk yield. RESULTS: The dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and total digestible nutrients intakes and DM and OM digestibilities observed for 45% and 50% bagasse inclusion were similar to control diet, while that 55% and 60% bagasse inclusion were lower. Cows fed control diet, and bagasse diets of 45%, and 50% levels had the nutritional requirements attended, that guaranteed 12 kg/d of milk yield. The crude protein intake and digestibility of cows fed 45%, 50%, and 55% of bagasse inclusion were similar to control diet. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and digestibility differ for all bagasse diets related to control diet, while the non-fiber carbohydrates intake and digestibility for cows fed 45% of bagasse were similar for control diet. The intakes and digestibilities of nutrients decreased linearly in function of bagasse inclusion; NDF and indigestible NDF intakes did not vary. The ruminating time, feeding and rumination efficiency, microbial protein synthesis and milk yield decreased linearly with sugarcane bagasse inclusion. CONCLUSION: Sugarcane bagasse decreases milk production; however, its inclusion level in between 45% to 50% associated to concentrate could replace diets based on spineless cactus for crossbred dairy cow's producing 12 kg/d of milk.

Carcass characteristics of lambs fed spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane.

OBJECTIVE: Fresh sugarcane has been a new roughage source for ruminant's in semiarid regions, a function of the decline of sugar and alcohol industry in recent years. However, there is little data published regarding lambs fed sugarcane associated with spineless cactus. This study evaluated the effect of sugarcane replacement with spineless cactus (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) in the diet of Santa Inês lambs on carcass characteristics. METHODS: Thirty-six non-castrated Santa Ines lambs at four months of age and an initial body weight of 22±2.3 kg were assigned in a randomized block design and slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. The effects of spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane in the diet of the lambs on the carcass characteristics, commercial cut weight and yield, leg tissue composition, and carcass measurements were studied. RESULTS: The study revealed quadratic behavior in slaughter body weight, and hot and cold carcass weight, with maximum values of 38.60, 18.60, and 18.11 kg and replacement levels of 40.18%, 44.42%, and 43.14%, respectively. The cold carcass yield presented an increasing linear behavior. The compactness index of carcass and leg presented a quadratic effect, with estimated maximal values of 0.28 and 0.57 kg/cm and replacement levels of 43.37% and 45.5%, respectively. The weights of commercial cuts of leg, loin, shoulder, and breast showed quadratic behavior, with maximum values of 2.79, 0.852, 1.46, and 1.30 kg and replacement levels of 49.5, 45.32, 39.0, and 40.7, respectively. For tissue composition, quadratic behavior was verified for leg weight, subcutaneous fat, and total fat. CONCLUSION: The replacement of sugarcane by spineless cactus at level 44% is recommended for finishing lambs considering that this level improved most of the carcass characteristics, weights, and yields of commercial cuts and leg tissue composition.

Spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane in the diets of finishing lambs.

The effects of replacement of sugarcane by spineless cactus (0, 33, 66, and 100 % on dry matter (DM) basis) were evaluated on intake, digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, and performance of finishing lambs. Thirty-six non-castrated Santa Ines lambs at 4 months of age and an initial body weight of 22 ± 2.3 kg were assigned in a randomized block design. A quadratic effect was found for intake of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and digestible organic matter (DOM), with maximum values of 1.31, 1.19, 0.219, 0.358, and 0.845 g/day estimated with 42.5, 38.5, 38.8, 21.3, and 44.9 % replacement level, respectively. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and EE increased linearly; however, there was a quadratic effect on NDF digestibility with maximum value estimated of 500 g/kg with 64.2 % replacement level. Rumination time, total chewing, and rumination efficiency decreased linearly with the replacement levels; however, idle time increased linearly. A quadratic effect was found for final weight, body weight gain, and total weight gain with maximum values estimated of 38.6 kg, 0.232 kg/day, and 16.2 kg with 39.1, 38.2, and 40.4 % replacing levels. The replacement of 49.5 % sugarcane by spineless cactus can be recommended as optimal level, and problems related to intake, digestibility, and performance are concentrated outside that level.

Feed handling of lactating crossbred cows maintained in a semi-arid region during the hot season: physiological parameters, ingestive behavior and performance.

The effects of time of feed delivery (14.00 hours; 14.00 and 20.00 hours; 16.00 and 18.00 hours) on the physiological parameters, ingestive behavior, nutrient intake and production of lactating cows maintained in a semi-arid region during the hot season were evaluated. Regardless of treatment, all animals received the first feeding supply at 06.00 hours. Eight cows with an average body weight of 600 kg, average milk yield of 20 kg/day and 80 days in milk were utilized. The rectal temperature, respiratory rate and sweating rate were not affected (P > 0.05), with average values of 38.5°C, 53.8 movements/min and 104 g/m2 /h respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the eating time (314 min/day), ruminating time (564 min/day), drinking time (61 min/day) and idle time (502 min/day). Similarly, the intake of nutrients and performance of lactating cows were not affected (P > 0.05), with average dry matter intake of 19.8 kg/day, 4% fat-corrected milk of 20.6 kg/day and milk fat concentration of 4.03 g/100 g. Since the behavior and performance have not altered, any times of feed delivery evaluated could be used to crossbred Holstein × Zebu cows maintained on a feedlot in semi-arid regions during the hot season.

Performance and carcass yield of crossbred dairy steers fed diets with different levels of concentrate.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of diets with increasing concentrate levels (170, 340, 510 and 680 g/kg of total dry matter) on dry matter intake, digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics of 25 Holstein-Zebu crossbred dairy steers in a feedlot. A completely randomized design was used, and data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The dry matter intake and digestibility coefficients of all nutrients increased linearly. The total weight gain and average daily gain added 1.16 kg and 9.90 g, respectively, for each 10 g/kg increase in concentrate. The empty body weight, hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight responded linearly to increasing concentrate. The hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield, gains in empty body weight and carcass gain were also influenced, as were the efficiencies of carcass deposition and carcass deposition rate. It is concluded that increasing concentrate levels in feedlot diets increase the intake and digestibility of dry matter and other nutrients, improving the feed efficiency, performance and physical characteristics of the carcass. Furthermore and of importance concerning the climate change debate, evidence from the literature indicates that enteric methane production would be reduced with increasing concentrate levels such as those used.

Bagaço de cana-de-açúcar como volumoso exclusivo em dietas para ovinos

p>This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different proportions of concentrate and sugar cane bagasse as roughage exclusive for sheep. The dry matter intake, organic matter, crude protein, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients in kg/day, increased linearly with increasing proportion of concentrate in the diet. The same behavior was observed for dry matter digestibility. It occurred in a manner contrary to the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber that decreased with the higher levels of concentrate. With the increase of the proportion of concentrate in the diets, quadratic effect was observed to time of rumination, feeding and idleness, and the of concentrations of acetic, propionic and butyric acid in the rumen. Higher proportions of concentrate associated with sugar cane bagasse italic>in nature /italic>can be used in diets. /p>

p>Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes proporções de concentrado e bagaço de cana-de-açúcar como volumoso exclusivo em dietas para ovinos. Os consumos de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, carboidratos não fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais expressos em kg/dia, aumentaram linearmente com o aumento da proporção de concentrado na dieta. O mesmo comportamento foi observado para a digestibilidade da matéria seca. O que ocorreu de forma contrária para a digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro, que diminuiu com os maiores níveis de concentrado. Com o aumento das proporções de concentrado nas dietas experimentais, foi observado efeito quadrático no tempo despendido com ruminação, alimentação e ócio, e nas concentrações de ácido acético, propiônico e butírico no rúmen. Maiores proporções de concentrado associado ao bagaço de cana-de-açúcar italic>in natura /italic>podem ser utilizadas em dietas para ovinos. /p>

Estratégia de nutrientes para ovinos em distintas sequências de fornecimento alimentar em dieta a base de palma forrageira

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the sequence of the supply of ingredients (feeding strategy), based diet forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) on intake, digestibility of nutrients, pH and ammonia concentration in the rumen fluid. The ingredients were provided five sheep of nondescript breeding, averaging 38,5 kg, gifted with rumen cannule the following sequences: 1 - (TMR, total mixed ration) at 7:00 and 15:00 h; 2 - (C, concentrate) at 7:00 h, (SC, spineless cactus) at 8:00 h, (C) at 15:00 h and (TGH, tifton grass hay) at 16:00 h; 3 - (C) at 7:00 h, (TGH) at 8:00 h, (C) at 15:00 h and (SC) at 16:00 h; 4 - (SC) at 7:00 h, (C) at 8:00 h, (TGH) at 15:00 and (C) at 16:00 h and 5 - (TGH) at 7:00 h, (C) at 8:00 h, (SC) at 15:00 h and (C) at 16:00 h. Were distributed into a 5 × 5 Latin Square with five treatments, five animals and five periods. The nutrient intake were not influenced by sequences The digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter(OM), total digestible nutrients (TDN), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total carbohydrates differ between treatments. The ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen were influenced by the times in collections sequences TGH/ C/SC/ TGH and C/TGH/C/SC. All feeding strategies can be used to feed sheep, except for total mixed ration.

O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da sequência da oferta dos ingredientes da dieta (estratégia alimentar), a base de palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, o pH e a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal do líquido ruminal. Os alimentos foram fornecidos a cinco ovinos de peso médio de 38kg nas seguintes sequências: mistura completa (MC) às 7:00h e às 15:00h; concentrado às 7:00h e palma às 8:00h e concentrado às 15:00h e feno de capim tifton às 16:00h (CPCF); concentrado às 7:00h e feno de capim tifton às 8:00h e concentrado às 15:00h e palma às 16:00h (CFCP); palma às 7:00h e concentrado às 8:00h e feno de capim tifton às 15:00h e concentrado às 16:00h (PCFC); feno de capim tifton às 7:00h e concentrado às 8:00h e palma às 15:00h e concentrado às 16:00h (FCPC). Foi adotado o delineamento quadrado latino 5X5, com cinco tratamentos, cinco animais e cinco períodos. Os consumos dos nutrientes não foram influenciados pelas sequências. A digestibilidade da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e carboidratos totais (CHOT) diferiram entre os tratamentos. Os valores de pH ruminal e as concentrações de nitrogênio amoniacal foram influenciados pelos horários de coletas nas sequências FCPC e CFCP. Todas as estratégias de alimentação podem ser utilizadas para alimentação de ovinos, exceto mistura completa.

Behavior of sheep fed different sequences of ingredients in a spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) based-diet

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep fed diets containing different sequences of ingredients of a spineless cactus based diet because of the paucity of available information regarding the best method of feeding, especially in relation to the use of spineless cactus. The observed variables were daily time of eating, ruminating and idling. Five sheep were distributed into a 5 × 5 Latin Square with five treatments, five animals and five periods, the treatments 1 - (TMR, total mixed ration) at 7:00 and 15:00h; 2 - (C, concentrate) at 7:00h, (SC, spineless cactus) at 8:00 h, (C) at 15:00h and (TGH, tifton grass hay) at 16:00h; 3 - (C) at 7:00h, (TGH) at 8:00h, (C) at 15:00h and (SC) at 16:00h; 4 - (SC) at 7:00h, (C) at 8:00h, (TGH) at 15:00 and (C) at 16:00h and 5 - (TGH) at 7:00h, (C) at 8:00h, (SC) at 15:00h and (C) at 16:00h. No treatment effect on feeding activities (hour/day) in time total daily, but when activities were divided into periods, the sheep in sequence 3: concentrate/ hay/ concentrate/spineless cactus spent a longer time eating within the period from 7:00 to 11:00h than the sheep in sequences 1: total mixed ration (TMR) and 2: concentrate/ spineless cactus/ concentrate /hay. The digestibility of dry matter and matter organic was greater for concentrate/ spineless cactus/ concentrate/ hay and spineless cactus/ concentrate/ hay/ concentrate being recommended the use of the same as feeding strategy.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes sequências de ingredientes a base de palma forrageira, devido à escassez de informações disponíveis sobre o melhor método de alimentação, especialmente ao uso da palma forrageira. As variáveis observadas foram tempo diário de ingestão, ruminação e ócio. Cinco ovinos foram distribuídos em um quadrado latino 5 × 5, com cinco tratamentos, cinco animais e cinco períodos, sendo os tratamentos: 1 - (ração totalmente misturada- TMR) às 7:00 e às 15:00h; 2 - (concentrado- C) às 7:00h, (palma forrageira- PF) às 8:00h, (C) às 15:00h e (feno de capim tifton- FCT) às 16:00h; 3 - (C) às 7:00h, (FCT) às 8:00h, (C) às 15:00h e (PF) às 16:00h; 4 - (PF) às 7:00h, (C) às 8:00h, (FCT) às 15:00 e (C) às 16:00h e 5 - (FCT) às 7:00h, (C) às 8:00h, (PF) às 15:00h e (C) às 16:00h. Não houve efeito de tratamento sobre as atividades de alimentação (horas/dia) no total de tempo diário. Porém quando as atividades foram divididas em períodos, os ovinos na sequência 3: concentrado/ feno/ concentrado/ palma passaram um tempo de ingestão maior no período de 7:00-11:00 h comparados aos da sequência 1: ração total misturada e 2: concentrado/ palma/ concentrado/ feno. A digestibilidade da matéria seca e da matéria orgânica foi maior para concentrado/ palma/ concentrado/ feno e palma/concentrado/feno/concentrado sendo recomendado o uso dos mesmos como estratégia alimentar.

Castor beans hulls as a replacement for Tifton 85 hay in lamb diets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay (0, 33, 66, or 100 %) with by castor bean hulls on the intake and nutrient digestibility and performance of 28 noncastrated lambs, averaging 7 months in age, 19.5 ± 2.0 kg average live weight, fed on diets based on forage cactus. The animals were housed in individual pens for 100 days. The digestibility trial occurred 40 days after the start of the performance using LIPE® as an external indicator for estimating fecal dry matter production. The replacement of hay with Castor beans hulls linearly decreased the intakes of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, organic matter, and crude protein and reduced the digestibility coefficients of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, organic matter content, crude protein, and total digestible nutrient content. The hot carcass and true carcass yields were not influenced by the treatments and the feed conversion increased linearly. The empty body weight, live weight at slaughter, hot and cold carcass weights, total gain, and average daily gain decreased linearly with the replacement. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay with castor bean hulls reduced the intake of dry matter, crude protein and energy, consequently reducing the performance of the animals. However, as the regression coefficients were of low magnitude, data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using the Dunnett test with diet without castor bean hulls set as the control treatment. The Tifton 85 hay can be replaced up to 66 % by castor bean hulls in finishing diets for lambs.

Tifton hay, soybean hulls, and whole cottonseed as fiber source in spineless cactus diets for sheep.

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of three different sources of fiber (tifton hay, soybean hulls, and whole cottonseed) in spineless cactus diets for sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Twenty-one sheep in finishing phase with indeterminate breed, non-castrated, and with initial weight of 18.90 ± 1.07 kg were randomly distributed to individual stalls where they were confined for the duration of the experiment. The intakes of dry and organic matter, total carbohydrates, and total digestive nutrients were not influenced (P > 0.10) by the different fiber sources (1.10, 0.97, 0.73, and 0.80 kg/day, respectively). However, sheep which received the whole cottonseed diet were characterized by a lower (P < 0.10) intake of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber and greater (P < 0.10) intake of ether extract (0.11, 0.29, and 0.048 kg/day, respectively). The different sources of fiber resulted in similar times spent feeding (P > 0.10), although the rumination time was greater for tifton hay (P < 0.10) (429.05 min/day). The digestibility coefficient of dry and organic matter differed between the treatments (P < 0.10), with the soybean hull diet showing a higher level of digestion (83.23 and 86.72 %, respectively). The whole cottonseed diet gave the smallest digestibility coefficient of crude protein (68.95 %) and greatest for ether extract (85.94 %). The daily weight gain of animals fed on whole cottonseed was significantly lower (P < 0.10). On the basis of these findings, we recommend the use of tifton hay or soybean hulls as important additional source of fiber in forage spineless cactus diets for sheep in finishing phase.

Heterogeneous genetic cows of three genetic groups in feedlot system in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil - 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i1.11306

The behavior of 15 Girolando cows from three genetic groups (1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 HG) in feedlots was evaluated. Experimental design was completely randomized with 3 treatment (genetic groups) and 5 replicates. The animals were evaluated by the variables: food, rumination, rest, locomotion, water intake, demand and time in the shade, and other activities. Group 5/8 HG spent more time feeding (267.88 min.) than groups 3/4 HG (245.55 min.) and 1/2 HG (259.55 min.). Idle standing time was higher (204.66 min.) for 3/4 HG when compared to the other groups. There was no statistical difference for the duration of rest in the shade. Solar radiation and THI were the factors which most influenced the animals behavior. Results show that the genetic groups 5/8 and 3/4 HG had a higher sensitivity to heat than 1/2 HG

Nutritive value of diferents silage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) cultivares - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i2.12853

Nutrition values of silages from different sorghum cultivars are evaluated. Five 26-kg castrated crossbred lambs, housed in pens equipped with feces and urine collectors for the study of their metabolism, were employed in a 5 x 5 Latin square experimental design. Treatments consisted of silage from five different sorghum cultivars: IPA 1011 and IPA 2564 (grain sorghum), IPA 2502 (dual purpose sorghum), IPA FS-25 and IPA 467 (forage sorghum). Protein level was corrected to 12% by adding a mixture of urea: ammonium sulfate (9:1). Treatments IPA 1011, IPA 2564 and IPA 2502 provided high intake of dry matter, total carbohydrate and total digestible nutrients, and low intake of neutral detergent fiber. Cultivars IPA 1011 and IPA 2564 provided high apparent crude protein digestibility coefficient, whereas cultivars IPA 1011 and IPA 2564 had high total digestible nutrient levels. All cultivars provided positive nitrogen. Owing to nutrient intake and digestibility values, grain sorghum silages evidenced high potential in ruminant nutrition.