Soybean oil, linoleic acid source, in lamb diets: carcass traits and meat quality.

We developed a study to determine the ideal level of inclusion of soybean oil (SBOil) in the diet without affecting the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the carcass and meat of lambs in a feedlot system; therefore, determining the ideal level of inclusion. Forty male lambs (Santa Inês breed) were used. The initial body weight and age averaged 34.88 ± 3.19 kg and 5 months, respectively. Experimental units (lambs) were randomly distributed in 5 different diets: inclusion levels of SBOil: 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The SOil inclusion reduced the DM intake (P < 0.001), Total digestible nutrients (P = 0.004), and crude protein (P < 0.001). Total weight gain (P < 0.001) decreased with the SBOil inclusion and subcutaneous fat thickness (P = 0.017) showed the same behaviour. The final body weight decreased by 42.9 g/kgDM until the inclusion level of 30 g/kgDM; from this level it was reduced by 145 g/kgDM. The hot and cold carcass weights (P = 0.013) decreased by 36.6 g/kgDM after including 30 g/kgDM of SBOil. Meat physicochemical composition was not altered (P > 0.05). Lower meat tenderness values ​​were obtained at the levels of 60 and 90 g/kgDM. The inclusion above 30 g/kgDM decreased meat tenderness. It is concluded that soybean oil should be included up to 30 g/kgDM in diets. It is important to note that with diets with 60% concentrate, SBOil levels greater than 30 g/kgDM promote yield losses.

Levels of leucaena hay associated with cactus pear in diets for crossbred steers.

Our hypothesis is that the total replacement of ground corn grain (GCG) by cactus pear (CP) in association with 70% of leucaena hay (LH) increases dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility and nitrogen metabolism and maintains the feeding behavior of cattle. The objective was to evaluate the effects of inclusion of these feeds on the nutritional parameters and nitrogen metabolism of cattle. Eight steers, average age of 12 months, weight of 267.5 ± 15 kg, were distributed into two simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares according to a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, in which the first factor evaluated was different proportions of inclusion of LH (50 or 70% DM basis), and the second factor was the total replacement of GCG with CP. There was lower DM intake in animals fed with 70% LH. There was an interaction between the factors for DM digestibility, in which the animals fed CP did not differ regardless of the inclusion of LH, but for animals without CP, the greater inclusion of LH decreases DM digestibility. The inclusion of CP decreased free water intake. There was an interaction for total water intake (WI), in which the animals fed without CP presented similarity for this, while in the inclusion of CP, the animals fed 70% of LH presented higher WI. Also, lower values of chewing were observed for animals fed with CP. The replacement of GCG with CP improves the efficiency of nitrogen utilization in the rumen. The inclusion of 70% LH depresses intake.

Protein requirements of hair sheep raised in warm areas: a multi-study approach.

The protein requirements of hair sheep are a key factor in increasing profitability and decreasing the environmental impacts of nitrogen excretion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein requirements of hair sheep. A database with 382 individual records (269 intact and 113 castrated males) comprising information from 11 studies was used. The studies provided different levels of metabolisable protein intake (MPI) and of N retention, allowing the development of equations to predict the net protein (NP) and the metabolisable protein (MP) requirements. The efficiency of MP use for gain (kpg) was calculated using the equation of daily protein retained against daily MPI above maintenance. The efficiency of MP use for maintenance (kpm) was computed as the ratio between the NP for maintenance (NPm) and the MP for maintenance (MPm). The NPm (1.32 g/kg0.75 EBW) did not differ between sex. The kpm was 0.34, and the kpg was 0.25. The MPm estimated was 3.21 g/kg0.75 BW. Sex affects the protein requirements for gain (NPg). The protein requirements of hair sheep differ from those recommended by feeding systems for sheep. The equations provided herein may improve the optimisation of protein nutrition of sheep, thereby minimising the environmental impacts of sheep production.

Proportions of concentrate and rehydrated ground grain corn silage at different storage times for better use of starch by lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and bioeconomic potential of rehydrated ground grain corn silage (RGGCS), at different storage times associated with proportions of concentrates for better starch utilization by lambs. Forty Dorper-Santa Inês crossbred lambs were used, with an average body weight of 24 ± 3.9 kg, and an average age of 90 days. The lambs were feedlot for 63 days in experiment design completely randomized, with eight repetitions and five experimental diets: Diet 1: 850 g/kg concentrate including dry ground corn; diet 2: 850 g/kg concentrate including RGGCS ensiled for 45 days; diet 3: 650 g/kg concentrate including RGGCS ensiled for 90 days; diet 4: 650 g/kg concentrate including RGGCS ensiled for 45 days; diet 5: 850 g/kg concentrate including RGGCS ensiled for 45 days. As roughage, silage corn whole plant. Starch intake was higher (P < 0.05) with the dry ground corn diet; however, digestibility was lower (P < 0.05) for most nutrients compared to the RGGCS diet. A smaller amount of starch in the feces of animals that received the RGGCS diet was found. A diet with 850 g/kg of concentrate, including RGGCS ensiled for 45 days, generates higher net income, increases nutrient intake, and could be an alternative during the fluctuation of corn prices.

Metabolizable Protein: 1. Predicting Equations to Estimate Microbial Crude Protein Synthesis in Small Ruminants.

Microbial crude protein (MCP) produced in rumen could be estimated by a variety of protocols of experimental sampling and analysis. However, a model to estimate this value is necessary when protein requirements are calculated for small ruminants. This model could be useful to calculate rumen degradable protein (RDP) requirements from metabolizable protein (MP). Then, our objective was to investigate if there is a difference in MCP efficiency between sheep and goats, and to fit equations to predict ruminal MCP production from dietary energy intake. The database consisted of 19 studies with goats (n = 176) and sheep (n = 316), and the variables MCP synthesis (g/day), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and organic matter (OM) intakes (g/day), and OM digestibility (g/kg DM) were registered for both species. The database was used for two different purposes, where 70% of the values were sorted to fit equations, and 30% for validation. A meta-analytical procedure was carried out using the MIXED procedure of SAS, specie was considered as the fixed dummy effect, and the intercept and slope nested in the study were considered random effects. No effect of specie was observed for the estimation of MCP from TDN, digestible Organic Matter (dOM), or metabolizable energy (ME) intakes (P > 0.05), considering an equation with or without an intercept. Therefore, single models including both species at the same fitting were validated. The following equations MCP (g/day) = 12.7311 + 59.2956 × TDN intake (AIC = 3,004.6); MCP (g/day) = 15.7764 + 62.2612 × dOM intake (AIC = 2,755.1); and MCP (g/day) = 12.7311 + 15.3000 × ME intake (AIC = 3,007.3) presented lower values for the mean square error of prediction (MSEP) and its decomposition, and similar values for the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and for the residual mean square error (RMSE) when compared with equations fitted without an intercept. The intercept and slope pooled test was significant for equations without an intercept (P < 0.05), indicating that observed and predicted data differed. In contrast, predicted and observed data for complete equations were similar (P > 0.05).

Ruminal fermentation kinetics of by-products using the semi-automatic technique of in-vitro gas production / Cinética de fermentação ruminal de coprodutos utilizando a técnica semiautomática de produção de gases in vitro

The objective of this study was to develop a specific equation for the conversion of pressure values (psi) to volume (ml) for the Laboratory of Bromatology of the Federal University of Western Pará. To this end, the ruminal fermentation kinetics of regional feedstuffs were evaluated using the semi-automatic technique of in-vitro gas production. To set up the targeted equation, samples of ground corn, soybean meal, rice bran, Mombasa grass, cupuassu pie, cassava residues, and banana leaves were incubated and the pressure and volumes of the gases produced during the fermentation process were measured at predetermined times and related. These data on the volume of produced gases were used to determine, by applying the bi-compartmental logistic model, the ruminal fermentation kinetics parameters. The equation found for the laboratory was V = 0.3757P2 + 1.5972P + 0.2189. Ground corn and cassava residue showed a higher degradation rate of non-fibrous carbohydrates (0.120 and 0.163 %/h respectively) and higher final gas volume (228.91 and 273.17 ml/g of DM, respectively). As for the degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates, ground corn (0.023 %/h), rice bran (0.023 %/h), and cassava residue (0.021 %/h) presented the highest degradation rate. Thus, a specific equation to be used at the Laboratory of Bromatology of the Federal University of Western Pará was identified, according to the method applied and the altitude of the premises. Ruminal fermentation kinetics of cassava residue and rice bran showed the same parameters as corn, which may suggest the possibility of replacing corn in the diet of ruminant animals.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma equação específica para a conversão de valores de pressão (psi) em volume (ml) para o Laboratório de Bromatologia da Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará. Para tanto, avaliou-se a cinética fermentativa ruminal de rações regionais por meio da técnica semiautomática de produção de gases in vitro. Para configurar a equação alvo, amostras de milho moído, farelo de soja, farelo de arroz, capim Mombaça, torta de cupuaçu, resíduos de mandioca e folhas de bananeira foram incubadas e a pressão e os volumes dos gases produzidos durante o processo de fermentação foram medidos em tempos predeterminados e relacionado. Esses dados de volume de gases produzidos foram utilizados para determinar, por meio da aplicação do modelo logístico bicompartimental, os parâmetros cinéticos da fermentação ruminal. A equação encontrada para o laboratório foi V = 0,3757P2 + 1,5972P + 0,2189. Milho moído e resíduo de mandioca apresentaram maior taxa de degradação de carboidratos não fibrosos (0,120 e 0,163% / h respectivamente) e maior volume final de gás (228,91 e 273,17 ml / g de MS, respectivamente). Quanto à taxa de degradação dos carboidratos fibrosos, milho moído (0,023% / h), farelo de arroz (0,023% / h) e resíduo de mandioca (0,021% / h) apresentaram as maiores taxas de degradação. Assim, foi identificada uma equação específica para ser utilizada no Laboratório de Bromatologia da Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, de acordo com o método aplicado e a altitude das instalações.(AU)

Ruminal fermentation kinetics of by-products using the semi-automatic technique of in-vitro gas production / Cinética de fermentação ruminal de coprodutos utilizando a técnica semiautomática de produção de gases in vitro

The objective of this study was to develop a specific equation for the conversion of pressure values (psi) to volume (ml) for the Laboratory of Bromatology of the Federal University of Western Pará. To this end, the ruminal fermentation kinetics of regional feedstuffs were evaluated using the semi-automatic technique of in-vitro gas production. To set up the targeted equation, samples of ground corn, soybean meal, rice bran, Mombasa grass, cupuassu pie, cassava residues, and banana leaves were incubated and the pressure and volumes of the gases produced during the fermentation process were measured at predetermined times and related. These data on the volume of produced gases were used to determine, by applying the bi-compartmental logistic model, the ruminal fermentation kinetics parameters. The equation found for the laboratory was V = 0.3757P2 + 1.5972P + 0.2189. Ground corn and cassava residue showed a higher degradation rate of non-fibrous carbohydrates (0.120 and 0.163 %/h respectively) and higher final gas volume (228.91 and 273.17 ml/g of DM, respectively). As for the degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates, ground corn (0.023 %/h), rice bran (0.023 %/h), and cassava residue (0.021 %/h) presented the highest degradation rate. Thus, a specific equation to be used at the Laboratory of Bromatology of the Federal University of Western Pará was identified, according to the method applied and the altitude of the premises. Ruminal fermentation kinetics of cassava residue and rice bran showed the same parameters as corn, which may suggest the possibility of replacing corn in the diet of ruminant animals.

O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma equação específica para a conversão de valores de pressão (psi) em volume (ml) para o Laboratório de Bromatologia da Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará. Para tanto, avaliou-se a cinética fermentativa ruminal de rações regionais por meio da técnica semiautomática de produção de gases in vitro. Para configurar a equação alvo, amostras de milho moído, farelo de soja, farelo de arroz, capim Mombaça, torta de cupuaçu, resíduos de mandioca e folhas de bananeira foram incubadas e a pressão e os volumes dos gases produzidos durante o processo de fermentação foram medidos em tempos predeterminados e relacionado. Esses dados de volume de gases produzidos foram utilizados para determinar, por meio da aplicação do modelo logístico bicompartimental, os parâmetros cinéticos da fermentação ruminal. A equação encontrada para o laboratório foi V = 0,3757P2 + 1,5972P + 0,2189. Milho moído e resíduo de mandioca apresentaram maior taxa de degradação de carboidratos não fibrosos (0,120 e 0,163% / h respectivamente) e maior volume final de gás (228,91 e 273,17 ml / g de MS, respectivamente). Quanto à taxa de degradação dos carboidratos fibrosos, milho moído (0,023% / h), farelo de arroz (0,023% / h) e resíduo de mandioca (0,021% / h) apresentaram as maiores taxas de degradação. Assim, foi identificada uma equação específica para ser utilizada no Laboratório de Bromatologia da Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, de acordo com o método aplicado e a altitude das instalações.

Impact of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate on the metabolic, productive, and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic, productive, and carcass parameters of feedlot lambs fed high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate. Treatments consisted of diets including whole cottonseed, crushed cottonseed, whole cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), crushed cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), and a control diet without cottonseed. Thirty ½ Dorper ½ Santa Inês, non-castrated male lambs with an average live weight of 24.9 ± 3.6 kg and an average age of 3.5 months were evaluated in a completely randomized design. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The crushing of cottonseed and association with lignosulfonate increased (P < 0.01) the intake and digestibility of ether extract. No effect was observed (P > 0.05) for the concentrations of urine and plasma urea N, which averaged 616.2 and 108.6 mg/dL, respectively. There was a change (P < 0.01) in nitrogen balance for digested N in g/day. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the urinary concentration of purine derivatives, except for uric acid excretions (P < 0.05). Lignosulfonate associated with cottonseed provided an average daily gain of 0.293 kg/day, which was higher than the 0.226 kg/day obtained without lignosulfonate, but lower than control (0.302 kg/day), which also showed higher values of carcass yield. High-concentrate diets formulated without cottonseed improve lamb production performance. The use of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate provides greater weight gains in lambs.

Generation of models from existing models composition: An application to agrarian sciences.

Mathematical models that describe gas production are widely used to estimate the rumen degradation digestibility and kinetics. The present study presents a method to generate models by combining existing models and to propose the von Bertalanffy-Gompertz two-compartment model based on this method. The proposed model was compared with the logistic two-compartment one to indicate which best describes the kinetic curve of gas production through the semi-automated in vitro technique from different pinto peanut cultivars. The data came from an experiment grown and harvested at the Far South Animal Sciences station (Essul) in Itabela, BA, Brazil and gas production was read at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 24, 28, 32, 48, 72, and 96 h after the start of the in vitro fermentation process. The parameters were estimated by the least squares method using the iterative Gauss-Newton process in the software R version 3.4.1. The best model to describe gas accumulation was based on the adjusted coefficient of determination, residual mean squares, mean absolute deviation, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion. The von Bertalanffy-Gompertz two-compartment model had the best fit to describe the cumulative gas production over time according to the methodology and conditions of the present study.

Evaluation of models utilized in in vitro gas production from tropical feedstuffs / Avaliação de modelos utilizados na produção de gás in vitro de alimentos tropicais

This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of seven non-linear models (France, Orskov and McDonald, Gompertz, exponential, logistic, two-pool exponential and two-pool logistic) in the adjustment of the curve and in the generation of parameters of cumulative gas production from five tropical feedstuffs (rice hulls, sugarcane, cassava chips, turnip by-product, and peach-palm by-product) used in ruminant nutrition. To this end, the feedstuffs were incubated in vitro in graduated glass syringes together with a buffer inoculum solution, in triplicate. Gas production was read at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 36, 48, 52, 54, 56, 60 and 72 h of incubation. The data were used to generate the parameters of each model using the SAS statistical package. After the parameters were generated, the gas volume values were obtained at the aforementioned times, for each model, and these were compared with the values observed at incubation by using Model Evaluation System (MES) software. For the comparison, regression parameters were tested using Mayers test, in addition to the evaluation of the mean bias (MS), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and mean squared prediction error (MSPE). The France, Logistic, and Gompertz models, for rice hulls, and the Orskov and McDonald model, for cassava chips, were significant (P<0.1) according to Mayer's test, indicating lack of fit of the model. Besides presenting the lowest MSPE, the models that showed fit according to Mayers test were the two-pool logistic for rice hulls and cassava chips, and the two-pool exponential for sugarcane, turnip, and peach palm. Thus, the non-linear two-pool models are the most efficient in adjusting to the curve and in the generation of parameters of cumulative production of gases from the tested feedstuffs.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a adequação de sete modelos não lineares (France, Orskov & McDonald, Gompertz, exponenciais simples e bicompartimental e logísticos simples e bicompartimental) no ajuste da curva e na geração de parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gases de cinco alimentos tropicais (casca de arroz, cana-de-açucar, raspa de mandioca, resíduo de nabo e resíduo da pupunha) utilizados na nutrição de ruminantes. Para tal, realizou-se a incubação in vitro, em triplicata, dos alimentos em seringas de vidro graduadas junto com solução tamponada de inoculante. A leitura da produção de gás foi realizada nos tempos 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 36, 48, 52, 54, 56, 60 e 72 horas. Os dados gerados foram utilizados para geração dos parâmetros de cada modelo testado com auxílio do pacote estatístico SAS. Após a geração dos parâmetros foram obtidos valores de volume de gás nos tempos supracitados, para cada modelo, e estes foram comparados aos valores observados na incubação através do programa Model Evaluation System (MES). Para comparação, testou-se os parâmetros de regressão pelo teste de Mayer, além da avaliação dos valores de viés médio (VM), coeficiente de concordância da correlação (CCC) e quadrado médio do erro de predição (QMEP). Os modelos de France, Logístico e Gompertz, para casca de arroz, além do modelo de Orskov & McDonald, para raspa de mandioca, foram significativos (P<0,1) ao teste de Mayer, indicando falta de ajuste do modelo. Os modelos que apresentaram ajuste segundo o teste de Mayer, além de apresentarem os menores QMEP, foram o Logístico Bicompartimental para a casca de arroz e raspa de mandioca e o Exponencial Bicompartimental para cana-de-açucar, nabo e pupunha. Sendo assim, os modelos não lineares bicompartimentais são os mais eficientes no ajuste da curva e na geração de parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gases dos alimentos testados.(AU)

Evaluation of models utilized in in vitro gas production from tropical feedstuffs / Avaliação de modelos utilizados na produção de gás in vitro de alimentos tropicais

This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of seven non-linear models (France, Orskov and McDonald, Gompertz, exponential, logistic, two-pool exponential and two-pool logistic) in the adjustment of the curve and in the generation of parameters of cumulative gas production from five tropical feedstuffs (rice hulls, sugarcane, cassava chips, turnip by-product, and peach-palm by-product) used in ruminant nutrition. To this end, the feedstuffs were incubated in vitro in graduated glass syringes together with a buffer inoculum solution, in triplicate. Gas production was read at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 36, 48, 52, 54, 56, 60 and 72 h of incubation. The data were used to generate the parameters of each model using the SAS statistical package. After the parameters were generated, the gas volume values were obtained at the aforementioned times, for each model, and these were compared with the values observed at incubation by using Model Evaluation System (MES) software. For the comparison, regression parameters were tested using Mayers test, in addition to the evaluation of the mean bias (MS), concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and mean squared prediction error (MSPE). The France, Logistic, and Gompertz models, for rice hulls, and the Orskov and McDonald model, for cassava chips, were significant (P<0.1) according to Mayer's test, indicating lack of fit of the model. Besides presenting the lowest MSPE, the models that showed fit according to Mayer’s test were the two-pool logistic for rice hulls and cassava chips, and the two-pool exponential for sugarcane, turnip, and peach palm. Thus, the non-linear two-pool models are the most efficient in adjusting to the curve and in the generation of parameters of cumulative production of gases from the tested feedstuffs.

Objetivou-se avaliar a adequação de sete modelos não lineares (France, Orskov & McDonald, Gompertz, exponenciais simples e bicompartimental e logísticos simples e bicompartimental) no ajuste da curva e na geração de parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gases de cinco alimentos tropicais (casca de arroz, cana-de-açucar, raspa de mandioca, resíduo de nabo e resíduo da pupunha) utilizados na nutrição de ruminantes. Para tal, realizou-se a incubação in vitro, em triplicata, dos alimentos em seringas de vidro graduadas junto com solução tamponada de inoculante. A leitura da produção de gás foi realizada nos tempos 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 36, 48, 52, 54, 56, 60 e 72 horas. Os dados gerados foram utilizados para geração dos parâmetros de cada modelo testado com auxílio do pacote estatístico SAS. Após a geração dos parâmetros foram obtidos valores de volume de gás nos tempos supracitados, para cada modelo, e estes foram comparados aos valores observados na incubação através do programa Model Evaluation System (MES). Para comparação, testou-se os parâmetros de regressão pelo teste de Mayer, além da avaliação dos valores de viés médio (VM), coeficiente de concordância da correlação (CCC) e quadrado médio do erro de predição (QMEP). Os modelos de France, Logístico e Gompertz, para casca de arroz, além do modelo de Orskov & McDonald, para raspa de mandioca, foram significativos (P<0,1) ao teste de Mayer, indicando falta de ajuste do modelo. Os modelos que apresentaram ajuste segundo o teste de Mayer, além de apresentarem os menores QMEP, foram o Logístico Bicompartimental para a casca de arroz e raspa de mandioca e o Exponencial Bicompartimental para cana-de-açucar, nabo e pupunha. Sendo assim, os modelos não lineares bicompartimentais são os mais eficientes no ajuste da curva e na geração de parâmetros de produção cumulativa de gases dos alimentos testados.

In vitro screening of plants from the Brazilian Caatinga biome for methanogenic potential in ruminant nutrition.

Thirty-nine plants naturally found in Brazilian Caatinga semiarid biome were screened using an in vitro fermentability testing focused in apparent organic matter digestibility (aOMD), gas, methane (CH4), and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Three independent in vitro runs were carried out and plants were classified by CH4 concentration as proportion of gas and per unit of apparent digested organic matter (aDOM). According to its CH4 concentration on produced gas (mL/L), the plants were classified as low (> 110), medium (from 60 to 110), and high (< 60) anti-methanogenic potential. From evaluated plants, 3, 24, and 12 were classified as high, medium, and low anti-methanogenic potential. High anti-methanogenic potential plants Cnidoscolus phillacanthus (CnPh), Chloroleucon foliolosum (ChFo), and Anadenanthera macrocarpa (AnMa) produced 21.3, 34.3, and 35.9 mL CH4/L of gas. Methane concentration for Myracrodruon urundeuva (MyUr) was 61.1 mL/L and classified as medium potential. However, CH4 production per unit of aDOM was similar between MyUr and AnMa (3.35 and 2.68 mL/g, respectively). Molar proportions of acetate and propionate in SCFA produced by ChFo fermentation were 0.02 and 0.78 mmol/mol. Acetate to propionate ratios were 0.79, 0.03, 1.39, and 1.36 for CnPh, ChFo, AnMa, and MyUr, respectively. Greater aOMD were observed for Opuntia sp. and Calotropis procera (632 and 601 g/kg, respectively), which were classified as medium mitigating potential plants. AnMa, ChFo, CnPh, and MyUr are promising anti-methanogenic plants for ruminants. Selecting forages to feed ruminants in Caatinga is a potential strategy for enteric CH4 emission reduction, and our in vitro results can support future research by indicating species to be evaluated in in vivo studies integrating mixed diets with performance, digestibility, and CH4 production, yield, and intensity. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Effect of calcium lignosulfonate supplementation on metabolic profiles of confined lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium lignosulfonate associated with whole cottonseed in high-concentrate diets for sheep. Eight Dorper crossbred sheep with an average live weight of 42.5 ± 1.70 kg were assigned to two 4 × 4 Latin squares. The following experimental diets were evaluated: control diet (without calcium lignosulfonate) and diets with inclusion of 50, 100, and 150 g of calcium lignosulfonate/kg fresh matter. Diets were composed of soybean meal, ground corn, and whole cottonseed. Feed intake, digestibility, metabolic characteristics, and feeding behavior were evaluated. The intake of nutritional components did not show significant differences as a function of the lignosulfonate levels in the diet; however, the increase in calcium lignosulfonate levels linearly decreased the dry matter digestibility. Rumen ammonia nitrogen concentrations decreased linearly as the lignosulfonate levels in the diets were increased. There was no effect of lignosulfonate levels on blood parameters or feeding behavior of the animals. The use of lignosulfonate associated with cottonseed decreases the digestibility of dry matter and the concentration of rumen ammonia nitrogen, but does not change the intake of nutritional components, the blood parameters, or the feeding behavior of sheep.

Nutritional diversity of Brachiaria ruziziensis clones / Divergência nutricional de clones de Brachiaria ruziziensis

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional diversity of Brachiaria ruziziensis clones through chemical composition and in vitro kinetics of ruminal fermentation. Twenty three clones of Brachiaria ruziziensis were used (15, 16, 46, 174, 411, 590, 651, 670, 768, 776, 844, 859, 950, 965, 970, 975, 1067, 1093, 1296, 1765, 1806, 1894 and 1972) and Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. 'Kennedy', Brachiaria brizantha cv. 'Marandu' and Brachiaria decumbens cv. 'Basilisk' as controls within 27 days of harvesting. The experimental design used randomized blocks with 26 treatments (genotypes) and three replications. Evaluation of the nutritional divergence was performed using principal components analysis, based on the following discriminatory variables: in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin, crude protein (CP), degradation rate of non-fibrous carbohydrates (KdNFC) and degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates (KdFC). The evaluation of the nutritional diversity of Brachiaria genotypes was based on the two main components (IVDMD and NDF), which explains 96.2% of the total variance Variables of lower contribution to the discrimination of the clones were as degradation rates of the fibrous and non-fibrous carbohydrates. In the agglomerative hierarchical grouping analysis, five distinct groups were identified, where V group, formed by clones 46, 768 and 1067 have higher values of IVDMD compared to the other clones.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a divergência nutricional de clones de Brachiaria ruziziensis através da composição química e cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro. Os tratamentos consistiram de 23 clones de Brachiaria ruziziensis (15, 16, 46, 174, 411, 590, 651, 670, 768, 776, 844, 859, 950, 965, 970, 975, 1067, 1093, 1296, 1765, 1806, 1894 e 1972), e as testemunhas Brachiaria ruziziensis cv 'Kennedy', Brachiaria brizantha cv 'Marandu' e a Brachiaria decumbens cv 'Basilisk', colhidas com 27 dias de rebrota. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com 26 tratamentos (genótipos) e três repetições. A avaliação da divergência nutricional foi realizada utilizando-se a análise de componentes principais e agrupamento aglomerativo hierárquico. Com base nas seguintes variáveis discriminatórias: digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca; fibra em detergente neutro; lignina; proteína bruta; taxa de degradação de carboidratos não fibrosos e; taxa de degradação de carboidratos fibrosos. A avaliação da divergência nutricional dos clones de B. ruziziensis baseou-se nos dois primeiros componentes principais (DIVMS e FDN), explicando 96.2% da variância total. As variáveis de menor contribuição para a discriminação dos clones foram as taxas de degradação dos carboidratos fibrosos e não fibrosos. Na análise de agrupamento aglomerativo hierárquico foram identificados cinco grupos distintos, em que o grupo V, formado pelos clones 46, 768 e 1067 destacou-se em relação aos demais por apresentar valores superiores de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca.

Nutritional diversity of Brachiaria ruziziensis clones / Divergência nutricional de clones de Brachiaria ruziziensis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional diversity of Brachiaria ruziziensis clones through chemical composition and in vitro kinetics of ruminal fermentation. Twenty three clones of Brachiaria ruziziensis were used (15, 16, 46, 174, 411, 590, 651, 670, 768, 776, 844, 859, 950, 965, 970, 975, 1067, 1093, 1296, 1765, 1806, 1894 and 1972) and Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. Kennedy, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk as controls within 27 days of harvesting. The experimental design used randomized blocks with 26 treatments (genotypes) and three replications. Evaluation of the nutritional divergence was performed using principal components analysis, based on the following discriminatory variables: in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin, crude protein (CP), degradation rate of non-fibrous carbohydrates (KdNFC) and degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates (KdFC). The evaluation of the nutritional diversity of Brachiaria genotypes was based on the two main components (IVDMD and NDF), which explains 96.2% of the total variance Variables of lower contribution to the discrimination of the clones were as degradation rates of the fibrous and non-fibrous carbohydrates. In the agglomerative hierarchical grouping analysis, five distinct groups were identified, where V group, formed by clones 46, 768 and 1067 have higher values of IVDMD compared to the other clones.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a divergência nutricional de clones de Brachiaria ruziziensis através da composição química e cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro. Os tratamentos consistiram de 23 clones de Brachiaria ruziziensis (15, 16, 46, 174, 411, 590, 651, 670, 768, 776, 844, 859, 950, 965, 970, 975, 1067, 1093, 1296, 1765, 1806, 1894 e 1972), e as testemunhas Brachiaria ruziziensis cv Kennedy, Brachiaria brizantha cv Marandu e a Brachiaria decumbens cv Basilisk, colhidas com 27 dias de rebrota. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com 26 tratamentos (genótipos) e três repetições. A avaliação da divergência nutricional foi realizada utilizando-se a análise de componentes principais e agrupamento aglomerativo hierárquico. Com base nas seguintes variáveis discriminatórias: digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca; fibra em detergente neutro; lignina; proteína bruta; taxa de degradação de carboidratos não fibrosos e; taxa de degradação de carboidratos fibrosos. A avaliação da divergência nutricional dos clones de B. ruziziensis baseou-se nos dois primeiros componentes principais (DIVMS e FDN), explicando 96.2% da variância total. As variáveis de menor contribuição para a discriminação dos clones foram as taxas de degradação dos carboidratos fibrosos e não fibrosos. Na análise de agrupamento aglomerativo hierárquico foram identificados cinco grupos distintos, em que o grupo V, formado pelos clones 46, 768 e 1067 destacou-se em relação aos demais por apresentar valores superiores de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca.(AU)

Evaluation of internal markers as determinants of fecal dry matter output and digestibility in feedlot sheep / Avaliação de marcadores internos como determinantes da excreção fecal de matéria seca e da digestibilidade em ovinos confinados

This study aimed to evaluate the fecal recovery of the internal markers indigestible dry matter (iDM), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), and indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) and to compare them as estimators of the fecal dry matter output (FDMO) and digestibility of the dry matter (DM) with values observed in total feces collection in trials with feedlot sheep. For this, 82 sampling units from two experiments were evaluated. Internal markers were quantified in the feed supplied, orts, and feces. The recovery of the markers was determined by the comparison of the amount of marker consumed and excreted. Fecal dry matter output and digestibility were determined based on the amount of marker consumed and on its concentration in the feces through individual collections directly from the rectum of the animals, with values compared with those observed in the total feces collection from orthogonal contrasts. The mean bias, the concordance correlation coefficient, and the mean squared prediction error were also evaluated. For all statistical procedures, the critical level of probability for type-I error was fixed at 0.05. The marker iDM showed complete fecal recovery (100.03%) and was efficient in estimating FDMO (482.9 g day-1) and DM digestibility (542 g kg-1) as compared with the values observed in the total feces collection (454.7 g day-1 and 561 g kg-1 for FDMO and DM digestibility,respectively). The iNDF and iADF markers did not show complete recovery in the feces and were noteffective in the estimate of FDMO and DM digestibility.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a recuperação fecal dos marcadores internos matéria seca indigestível (MSi), fibra em detergente neutro indigestível (FDNi) e fibra em detergente ácido indigestível (FDAi) e compará-los como estimadores da excreção fecal de matéria seca (EFMS) e digestibilidade da matéria seca com os valores observados na coleta total de fezes em ensaios com ovinos confinados. Para isso, foram avaliadas 82 unidades amostrais de dois experimentos. Os indicadores internos foram quantificados no alimento fornecido, sobras e fezes. A recuperação dos marcadores foi determinada pela comparação da quantidade de marcador consumido e excretado. A EFMS e a digestibilidade da matéria seca foram determinadas com base na quantidade de marcador consumido e na sua concentração nas fezes. Os valores preditos com a utilização dos marcadores foram comparados aos observados na coleta total de fezes a partir de contrastes ortogonais. Também foram avaliados o viés médio, o coeficiente de concordância da correlação e o quadrado médio do erro de predição. Para todos os procedimentos estatísticos, o nível crítico de probabilidade para o erro de tipo I foi fixado em 0,05. O marcador MSi mostrou recuperação fecal completa (100,03%) e foi eficiente na estimativa da EFMS (482,9 g dia-1) e digestibilidade da MS (542 g kg-1) em comparação aos valores observados na coleta total de fezes (454,7g dia-1 e 561 g kg-1, respectivamente). Os marcadores FDNi e FDAi não demonstraram recuperaçãocompleta nas fezes e não foram eficazes na estimativa da EFMS e digestibilidade da MS.(AU)

Parâmetros ruminais e balanço de nitrogênio em bovinos alimentados com silagem da raiz de mandioca / Ruminal parameters and nitrogen balance in fed cattle feeding with cassava root silage

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão da silagem da raiz de mandioca sobre os parâmetros ruminais e o balanço de compostos nitrogenados em bovinos de origem leiteira. Utilizou-se cinco animais, canulados no rúmen, não lactantes e com peso corporal médio de 389 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em um quadrado latino cinco x cinco, sendo cinco dietas com níveis de inclusão (0,00; 3,62; 7,23; 10,84; e 14,54% da matéria seca da dieta) da silagem da raiz de mandioca e cinco períodos. Cada período constituiu-se em 10 dias de adaptação e cinco dias para a coleta dos dados. As excreções de nitrogênio na urina e nas fezes não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pela inclusão da silagem da raiz de mandioca nas dietas. O consumo de nitrogênio total (CNT) e o balanço de nitrogênio (BN) apresentaram comportamento quadrático e linear crescente, respectivamente. Obteve-se o menor CNT (142,14 g/dia) no nível de inclusão de 5,82% de silagem da raiz de mandioca. As concentrações de ureia (U) e de nitrogênio ureico (NU) na urina e no plasma não modificaram (P>0,05). Observou-se comportamento quadrático (P<0,05) nas excreções de U e NU na urina, com ponto de mínimo de 131,13 e 61,20 g/dia, respectivamente, no nível de 7,27% de inclusão da silagem da raiz de mandioca. Não houve interação (P>0,05) entre os níveis da silagem da raiz de mandioca e o tempo de coleta do conteúdo ruminal para os ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, o pH e o nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3). Apenas o teor de N-NH3 apresentou comportamento quadrático, em função dos níveis de inclusão, obtendo-se o ponto mínimo (12,62 mg/100 mL de conteúdo ruminal) no nível de 5,98%. O nível de 7,23% de silagem da raiz de mandioca na dieta foi mais eficiente na utilização dos compostos nitrogenados. As dietas contribuem de forma semelhante para a produção dos ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, sem interferir no pH ruminal.(AU)

The effect of inclusion of cassava root silage on ruminal parameters and nitrogenous compounds in dairy cattle was evaluated. Five cattle cannulated in the rumen and with average body weight of 389 kg were distributed into a Latin square 5x5, with five levels of inclusion (0.00, 3.62, 7.23, 10.84 and 14.54% of the diet dry matter) of cassava root silage and five periods (10 days for adaptation and five days for data collection). The nitrogen excretion in urine and feces were not affected (P>0.05) by inclusion of cassava root silage in the diet. The total nitrogen intake (CNT) and nitrogen balance (NB) showed an increasing quadratic and linear behavior, respectively. The lowest CNT (142.14g/day) was obtained with the inclusion of 5.82% silage cassava root. The concentration of urea (U) and urea nitrogen (UN) in plasma and urine did not change (P>0.05). There was a quadratic behavior (P<0.05) in excreta of U and NU in the urine, with minimum point of 131.13 and 61.20g/day respectively, at the level of 7.27% inclusion of the cassava root silage. No interaction (P>0.05) was between the levels of cassava root silage and the collection time of rumen contents for the short-chain fatty acids, pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). Only the N-NH3 protein showed quadratic behavior, according to the inclusion levels, with the minimum point (12.62mg/100ml of rumen contents) at the level of 5.98%. The level of 7.23% of cassava root silage in the diet was more efficient with the use of nitrogen compounds. The diets contribute similarly to the production of short chain fatty acids, without disturbing the rumen pH.(AU)

Parâmetros ruminais e balanço de nitrogênio em bovinos alimentados com silagem da raiz de mandioca / Ruminal parameters and nitrogen balance in fed cattle feeding with cassava root silage

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão da silagem da raiz de mandioca sobre os parâmetros ruminais e o balanço de compostos nitrogenados em bovinos de origem leiteira. Utilizou-se cinco animais, canulados no rúmen, não lactantes e com peso corporal médio de 389 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em um quadrado latino cinco x cinco, sendo cinco dietas com níveis de inclusão (0,00; 3,62; 7,23; 10,84; e 14,54% da matéria seca da dieta) da silagem da raiz de mandioca e cinco períodos. Cada período constituiu-se em 10 dias de adaptação e cinco dias para a coleta dos dados. As excreções de nitrogênio na urina e nas fezes não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pela inclusão da silagem da raiz de mandioca nas dietas. O consumo de nitrogênio total (CNT) e o balanço de nitrogênio (BN) apresentaram comportamento quadrático e linear crescente, respectivamente. Obteve-se o menor CNT (142,14 g/dia) no nível de inclusão de 5,82% de silagem da raiz de mandioca. As concentrações de ureia (U) e de nitrogênio ureico (NU) na urina e no plasma não modificaram (P>0,05). Observou-se comportamento quadrático (P<0,05) nas excreções de U e NU na urina, com ponto de mínimo de 131,13 e 61,20 g/dia, respectivamente, no nível de 7,27% de inclusão da silagem da raiz de mandioca. Não houve interação (P>0,05) entre os níveis da silagem da raiz de mandioca e o tempo de coleta do conteúdo ruminal para os ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, o pH e o nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3). Apenas o teor de N-NH3 apresentou comportamento quadrático, em função dos níveis de inclusão, obtendo-se o ponto mínimo (12,62 mg/100 mL de conteúdo ruminal) no nível de 5,98%. O nível de 7,23% de silagem da raiz de mandioca na dieta foi mais eficiente na utilização dos compostos nitrogenados. As dietas contribuem de forma semelhante para a produção dos ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, sem interferir no pH ruminal.(AU)

The effect of inclusion of cassava root silage on ruminal parameters and nitrogenous compounds in dairy cattle was evaluated. Five cattle cannulated in the rumen and with average body weight of 389 kg were distributed into a Latin square 5x5, with five levels of inclusion (0.00, 3.62, 7.23, 10.84 and 14.54% of the diet dry matter) of cassava root silage and five periods (10 days for adaptation and five days for data collection). The nitrogen excretion in urine and feces were not affected (P>0.05) by inclusion of cassava root silage in the diet. The total nitrogen intake (CNT) and nitrogen balance (NB) showed an increasing quadratic and linear behavior, respectively. The lowest CNT (142.14g/day) was obtained with the inclusion of 5.82% silage cassava root. The concentration of urea (U) and urea nitrogen (UN) in plasma and urine did not change (P>0.05). There was a quadratic behavior (P<0.05) in excreta of U and NU in the urine, with minimum point of 131.13 and 61.20g/day respectively, at the level of 7.27% inclusion of the cassava root silage. No interaction (P>0.05) was between the levels of cassava root silage and the collection time of rumen contents for the short-chain fatty acids, pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). Only the N-NH3 protein showed quadratic behavior, according to the inclusion levels, with the minimum point (12.62mg/100ml of rumen contents) at the level of 5.98%. The level of 7.23% of cassava root silage in the diet was more efficient with the use of nitrogen compounds. The diets contribute similarly to the production of short chain fatty acids, without disturbing the rumen pH.(AU)

Feeding behavior of finishing goats fed diets containing detoxified castor meal, co-product of the biodiesel industry.

An investigation was made into the feeding behavior of goats to evaluate the effects of a detoxified castor bean meal in the diet of goats. Thirty-six ½ crossbred Boer goats were used, with an average weight of 20 ± 3.2 kg. A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (diets with of 0, 100, 200, and 300 g detoxified castor bean meals/kg dry matter) and nine replicates. Castor bean meal was detoxified using calcium oxide. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous, and the forage:concentrate ratio was 50:50. The feeding behavior was observed on the 17th, 45th, and 70th days of the experiment. For the evaluation of feeding behavior (feeding, idle, and rumination times), the animals were observed in 5-min intervals for 24 h. The addition of detoxified castor bean meal did not change (P > 0.05) the evaluated behavioral variables. Linear reduction was observed (P < 0.05) in the efficiencies of feeding and rumination, expressed in g dry matter/h. The variables related to the time series discretization of the feeding behavior of goats did not change (P > 0.05) with the inclusion of detoxified castor bean meal. The inclusion of detoxified castor bean meal in growing goats' diets does not change the feeding, rumination, and idle times, however, decreases intake, feeding, and rumination efficiencies of dry matter.

Effects of alkaloid extracts of mesquite pod on the products of in vitro rumen fermentation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of alkaloid extracts of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) D.C. pods obtained by two extraction methods as compared with sodium monensin on the gas production kinetic, mitigation of methane, and rumen fermentation products using wheat bran or Tifton 85 hay as substrates, by the semi-automatic in vitro gas production technique. A completely randomized design was adopted, and two natural additives were tested made from mesquite pod (alkaloid extract I and alkaloid extract II) at three levels (3.9, 7.9, and 12 µg), sodium monensin 5 µM (positive control), and no inclusion of additives (negative control). The volume of gases produced by the degradation of the fibrous fraction of wheat bran was influenced by the concentration of the extract I added to the medium, and the amounts of 7.9 and 12 µg were equal to monensin at the lowest value. The degradation rate of the fibrous carbohydrates with additive extract I at 12 µg was lower in relation to monensin. When Tifton 85 hay was utilized, alkaloid extract I provided a shorter colonization time as compared with monensin at the added amounts of 7.9 and 12 µg and higher production of gases from the fibrous fraction but without interfering with the total volume of gases produced during 96 h of fermentation of carbohydrates. In the periods of 12 and 24 h of incubation, utilizing alkaloid extract I, the mean values of methane production with wheat bran and Tifton 85 hay were lower than monensin (p < 0.05) when the respective amounts of 7.9 and 12 µg were added. Alkaloid extract I has similar potential to sodium in reducing production of total gases, methane, and the acetate/propionate ratio.