Production, characterization, and dietary supplementation effect of rumen-protected fat on ruminal function and blood parameters of sheep.

Rumen-protected fat (RPF) was produced in the 1st experimental stage through melt-emulsification technique using buriti oil (BO) as core, at concentrations of 10% (BO10), 20% (BO20), and 30% (BO30) (w/w), and carnauba wax (CW) as encapsulant material. After obtention and characterization, protected fat microspheres were tested in a 2nd experimental stage on the sheep' diet using six castrated 2-year-old male Santa Ines with initial weight 48.9 ± 5.23 kg, fistulated in rumen and distributed in a double Latin square design with 3 treatments × 3 periods, to evaluate rumen pH, temperature, protozoal count, and blood parameters. There was no difference (P > 0.05) among RPF microspheres for microencapsulation yield. However, microencapsulation efficiency increased (P < 0.05) with BO addition ranging from 36 to 61.3% for BO10 and BO30, respectively. The inclusion of BO10 in the sheep's diet did not affect the ruminal dry matter degradability (DMD) of BO over time (P > 0.05); however, BO20 and BO30 had higher (P < 0.05) DMD values than BO10. No significant differences were observed among RPF for rumen pH and temperature (P > 0.05). There was an increase (P < 0.05) in the protozoal population in the rumen environment due to the microencapsulated BO30 inclusion. There was also increase (P < 0.05) in serum albumin, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and a reduction (P < 0.05) in serum triglycerides of the sheep when RPF microspheres increased in the diet. Melt-emulsification proved to be a good technique for microencapsulation of buriti oil into the carnauba wax matrix. RPF from buriti oil protected into carnauba wax is recommended for sheep diet because it increases energy density, without adverse effects on the protozoal populations and blood serum metabolites from the bypass effect in the rumen.

Macromineral requirements for maintenance and growth in male and female hair sheep.

A better understanding of the nutritional requirements of sheep, especially in terms of minerals, is crucial for improving production. We estimated the net requirements for Ca, P, K, Mg, and Na for gain (NCag, NPg, NKg, NMgg, and NNag) and maintenance (NCam, NPm, NKm, NMgm, and NNam) in male and female hair sheep. Six datasets with 248 individual records of hair sheep (139 non-castrated males, 75 castrated males and 34 females) were used to estimate the net macromineral requirements for gain. To estimate the net macromineral requirements for maintenance, 52 observations (26 non-castrated and 26 castrated males) were used. A meta-analytical approach was applied, using non-linear mixed effects models and the study as a random effect. Based on information criteria for model selection, heterogeneous variance functions were more likely to describe mineral requirements with a low level of model selection uncertainty. The adopted criteria allowed the choice of the best models to represent the macromineral requirements. The chosen models explained the observed variability in the sex, and the choices were based on a low level of uncertainty (w ≥ 0.90). Irrespective of sex, NCag and NPg decreased with increasing BW from 10 to 30 kg and average daily gain (ADG) of 150 g/day, ranging from 1.71-1.38; 1.83-1.57; 1.82-1.51 of Ca and 0.86-0.66; 0.92-0.78; 0.92-0.75 of P for non-castrated males, castrated males, and females, respectively. The NKg remained constant, with mean values of 0.26 g/day. The NNag range was 0.17 to 0.14 g/day for non-castrated males, 0.20 to 0.25 g/day for females, and constant (0.18 g/day) for castrated males with an increase in BW from 10 to 30 kg and an ADG of 150 g/day. Macromineral requirements for maintenance (mg/kg BW) and retention (%) were 23.70 and 54.30 for Ca, 25.33 and 79.80 for P, 11.74 and 5.00 for K, 2.63 and 8.50 for Mg, and 7.01 and 8.10 for Na for males. The International Committees did not provide inferences about the sex influence on mineral requirements. Our study indicates that sex is one factor that influences the macromineral requirements for gain. The information generated in this study can be used to optimize the mineral management of hair sheep in the growing phase in tropical regions.

Sunflower Cake from the Biodiesel Industry in the Diet Improves the Performance and Carcass Traits of Nellore Young Bulls.

We aimed to determine the optimal inclusion level of sunflower cake (0, 90, 180, and 270 g/kg total DM) as a partial replacement of soybean meal and corn ground in young bulls' diets by examining nutrient intake and digestibility, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, metabolic serum profile, growth performance, and carcass traits. Thirty-two intact Nellore bulls (BW 374 ± 42.5) were distributed in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted 90 days. The final BW of the animals was 515.25 ± 24.7. There was a linear decrease effect in the intake of DM, crude protein and nonfibrous carbohydrates, eating and rumination efficiency, N-urinary, N-total excretion, and blood urea nitrogen. Sunflower cake did not affect the NDF digestibility, nitrogen (N)-fecal excretion, blood metabolites, Longissimus lumborum muscle area, or subcutaneous fat deposition. There were linear and quadratic effects on the eating and rumination time, microbial protein production and efficiency, gamma-glutamyl transferase and cholesterol serum concentrations, and muscle carcass tissue. There was a quadratic effect on ether extract intake, final BW, and total gain with the inclusion of sunflower cake in the young bull's diet. The replacement of soybean meal and corn ground with sunflower cake at the level of 90 g/kg of DM in the diet of young bulls is recommended because it reduces the DM intake and digestibility, increases microbial protein synthesis and muscle tissue deposition, and consequently improves the performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits.

Effect of Dietary Palm Kernel Oil on the Quality, Fatty Acid Profile, and Sensorial Attributes of Young Bull Meat.

Lipid supplementation through vegetable oils in diets for ruminants can be a nutritional strategy to increase energy density, manipulate ruminal fermentation and change the physicochemical composition and sensorial properties of meat. This study evaluated the optimal dietary inclusion of palm kernel oil (PKO) for Nellore bulls on meat quality. The diets consisted of 0.0, 11.5, 23.0, and 34.6 g/kg dry matter (DM) PKO levels. PKO inclusion did not influence the centesimal composition, pH, color indices, water holding capacity, cooking loss, or shear force of the beef. There were linear increases in the concentrations of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) in the bull's meat. However, palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:0), vaccenic acid (t-11-C18:1) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), ∑n - 6, ∑n - 3, ∑n - 6/∑n 3, the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio of the fatty acid content, and the thrombogenicity index were not affected. There were linear reductions in the oleic acid meat concentration (c-9-C18:1) and elongated enzymatic activity when PKO was added to the bull diet. The atherogenicity index increased linearly due to PKO inclusion in the bull diet. No effect of the inclusion of PKO on meat flavor, perception of tenderness, juiciness, or global acceptance from the sensorial evaluation was recorded. The inclusion of PKO up to 34.6 g/kg DM can be recommended to supplement young bulls with no effects on meat composition and quality characteristics.

Inclusion Prosopis juliflora Pod Meal in Grazing Lambs Diets: Performance, Digestibility, Ingestive Behavior and Nitrogen Balance.

Prosopis juliflora is an arboreal legume that concentrates its nutritive value in pods (fruits), constituting a rich source of carbohydrates and with a crude energy concentration comparable to ground corn. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of inclusion of Prosopis juliflora pod meal (0 or control, 250, 500 and 750 g/kg total DM) as a replacement for ground corn in the diet of lambs on performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and nitrogen balance of lambs grazing in the Megathyrsus maximus pasture. Forty Santa Inês uncastrated lambs with an average body weight (BW) of 24.2 ± 0.55 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. There was a linear increase in the non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility with Prosopis juliflora pod meal supplementation in the diet of the lambs. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake, and digestibility and time spent ruminating were not affected by Prosopis juliflora meal supplementation. Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion increased time spent feeding and idling of lambs, however, without affecting spent time ruminating. Lambs fed with Prosopis juliflora pod meal presented greater final BW, gain: feed ratio, N-balance, microbial protein production ef-ficiency, N-urea urinary (NUU) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). However, the average daily weight (ADG), total weight gain and hot carcass yield as well as N ingested, N excreted in feces and urine, total purines, ab-sorbed purines and N microbial production in lambs were not influenced by Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion. The Prosopis juliflora pod meal inclusion up to the 750 g/kg level in the concentrate supplement totally replace ground corn in the diet of grazing lambs improving the NFC intake and NDF digestibility, supplement acceptability, microbial protein production efficiency and consequently the performance. The addition of Prosopis juliflora pod meal as a replacement for ground corn in the concentrate does not influence the microbial protein production; however, there was an improvement in the efficiency of microbial synthesis.

Performance, Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance and Ingestive Behavior of Young Feedlot Bulls Supplemented with Palm Kernel Oil.

Vegetable oils can be used to increase energy density in diets; manipulate rumen fermentation; and alter the capacity for degradation, digestion and absorption of nutrients. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate palm kernel oil (PKO) in the diet of confined bulls with the inclusion of 0.0, 11.5, 23.0 and 34.6 g PKO/kg dry matter (DM). The first experiment evaluated nutrient intake, performance, ingestive behavior and carcass characteristics. In the second experiment, steers crossbred with a ruminal cannula were used to evaluate digestibility, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, short-chain fatty acid levels and protozoal counts. The results showed that the inclusion of PKO linearly reduced intake in kg/day (DM, crude protein-CP, neutral detergent fiber-NDFap, nonfibrous carbohydrates-NFC and total digestible nutrient-TDN) and digestibility (DM, NDFap and TDN). Ether extract intake increased quadratically with the predicted maximum intake of 15.4 g/kg DM. Regarding ingestive behavior, there was a quadratic increase in rumination time and a quadratic reduction in idle time. Nitrogen balance, nitrogen intake, nitrogen retention, microbial protein production, acetate, butyrate, acetate/propionate ratio and protozoa count showed linear decreases due to dietary PKO inclusion. Regarding the carcass characteristics, linear decreases were observed for the final weight, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, hot carcass yield, cold carcass yield, loin eye area and subcutaneous fat thickness. The inclusion of PKO at up to 34.6 g/kg DM in diets for confined bulls reduces intake, negatively affecting digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics.

Physicochemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Goat Kids' Meat Fed Ground-Corn-Grain Silage Rehydrated with Different Additives.

The effects of the replacement of dry ground corn (GC) with corn-grain silage rehydrated with water (RCSwater), cactus pear mucilage (RCSmucilage), and whey (RCSwhey) on the growth, physicochemical composition, and fatty acid profile of goat kids' meat were investigated. Thirty-two crossbred goat kids (16.4 ± 2.50 kg initial weight) were assigned in a randomized block design with four treatments and eight repetitions. The NDF intake of goat kids fed with RCSmucilage was higher in comparison to RCSwater and RCSwhey (p = 0.0009). The dietary replacement of GC by RCSmucilage increased the final weight (p = 0.033) and meat-cooking losses (p = 0.0001) of kids. The concentrations of oleic (p = 0.046), 11,14-eicosadienoic (p = 0.033), and EPA (p = 0.010) were higher in the meat of kids fed with RCSmucilage and RCSwhey, and the α-linolenic concentration was higher (p = 0.019) for animals feeding with RCSmucilage. Meat from kids fed with RCSwhey presented the lowest ∑SFA and the highest ∑MUFA. In contrast, the ∑PUFA (p < 0.012) was higher for goats fed with RCSwater. The ∑ω3 (p < 0.0001) was higher in animals fed with RCSmucilage and RCSwhey. Desirable fatty acids were higher (p = 0.044) in animals fed with RCSmucilage and RCSwhey, and the atherogenicity (p = 0.044) and thrombogenicity (p < 0.0001) indexes were lower for goats fed the RCSwhey diet. The enzymatic activities of Δ9desaturase (C16) were higher (p = 0.027) in goat kids fed with GC and RCSmucilage, and Δ9desaturase (C18) was higher (p = 0.0497) when goats were fed with RCSmucilage and RCSwhey. Elongase activities were higher (p = 0.045) in goat kids fed with GC and RCSwater. The total replacement of GC by RCSmucilage is recommended in the diet of goat kids due to improvements in the weight gain and proportion of desirable fatty acids in the meat. In addition, RCSmucilage promoted better conservation of the silage at a lower cost when compared to commercial additives.

Preservation of sugarcane silage with urea and calcium oxide: performance and metabolic efficiency of dairy cows / Conservación del ensilaje de caña de azúcar con urea y óxido de calcio: rendimiento y eficiencia metabólica en vacas lecheras / Preservação da silagem de cana-de-açúcar com ureia e óxido de cálcio: desempenho e eficiência metabólica de vacas leiteiras

Abstract Background: Inclusion of urea and calcium oxide (CaO) during sugarcane ensilage has been hypothesized to improve dairy cow performance. Objective: To evaluate the use of urea and calcium oxide as additives to preserve sugarcane silage quality and determine whether they improve dairy cow performance and metabolic efficiency. Methods: Four diets were used: sugarcane silage without additive (SS), sugarcane silage with 10 g/kg urea (SU), sugarcane silage with 5 g/kg urea + 5 g/kg CaO (SUC), and sugarcane silage with 10 g/kg CaO (SC). Eight crossbred cows at approximately 100 days of lactation were distributed in two 4x4 Latin squares, and their diets were formulated to reach an average milk production of 15 kg/day. Results: Dry matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates, organic matter, total carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrient intake were the highest (p<0.05) for the cows fed SC. Urinary excretion of nitrogen was higher (p<0.05) for cows fed diets based on SUC than those fed diets with SC. Milk urea nitrogen content was the highest (p<0.05) in animals fed SU diets. Nitrogen balance was positive in all treatments; however, the microbial protein synthesis was low for all diets. Conclusions: The diet with SU showed the highest nitrogen loss through the milk. Among the evaluated silages, those with SC and SUC are recommended to promote a high intake of nutritional components.

Resumen Antecedentes: La hipótesis fue que una dieta con combinación de urea y óxido de calcio (CaO) para el ensilaje de caña de azúcar, puede mejorar la producción de vacas lecheras cruzadas. Objetivo: Evaluar la urea y el óxido de calcio como aditivos para preservar la calidad del ensilaje de caña de azúcar y determinar si mejoran el rendimento y la eficiencia metabólica de vacas lecheras. Métodos: Cuatro dietas fueron utilizadas: ensilaje de caña de azúcar sin aditivo (SS), ensilaje de caña de azúcar con 10 g/kg de urea (SU), ensilaje de caña de azúcar con 5 g/kg de urea + 5 g/kg de CaO (SUC) y ensilaje de caña de azúcar con 10 g/kg de CaO (SC). Ocho vacas cruzadas fueron evaluadas con una producción media de leche de 15 kg/día y aproximadamente 100 días de lactación, distribuidas en dos cuadrados latinos 4x4. Resultados: El consumo de materia seca, carbohidratos no fibrosos, materia orgánica, carbohidratos totales y nutrientes digestibles totales fue mayor (p<0,05) cuando las vacas fueron alimentadas con dietas conteniendo SC. La excreción de nitrógeno en la orina fue mayor (p<0,05) cuando las vacas fueron alimentadas con dietas basadas en SUC que las alimentadas con dietas SC. El nitrógeno ureico de la leche fue mayor (p<0,05) en animales alimentados con dietas con SU. El balance de nitrógeno fue positivo en todos los tratamientos, sin embargo, la síntesis de proteína microbiana fue baja para todas las dietas. Conclusión: La dieta con SU presentó la mayor pérdida de nitrógeno por medio de la leche. Entre los ensilajes evaluados, aquellos con SC y SUC son recomendados por promover un mayor consumo de componentes nutricionales.

Resumo Antecedentes: A hipótese foi que uma dieta com a mistura de ureia e óxido de cálcio (CaO) para a ensilagem de cana de açúcar, poderia melhorar a produção de vacas leiteiras mestiças. Objetivo: Avaliar ureia e óxido de cálcio como aditivos para preservar a qualidade da silagem de cana de açúcar: melhoria da produção e eficiência metabólica de vacas leiteiras. Métodos: Quatro dietas foram utilizadas: silagem de cana de açúcar sem aditivo (SS), silagem de cana de açúcar com 10 g/kg de ureia (SU), silagem de cana de açúcar com 5 g/kg de ureia + 5 g/kg de CaO (SUC) e silagem de cana de açúcar com 10 g/kg de CaO (SC). Oito vacas mestiças foram avaliadas com uma produção media de 15 kg/dia e aproximadamente 100 dias de lactação, distribuídas em dois quadrados latinos 4x4. Resultados: O consumo de matéria seca, carboidratos não fibrosos, matéria orgânica, carboidratos totais e nutrientes digestíveis totais foi maior (p<0,05) quando as vacas foram alimentadas com dietas contendo SC. A excreção de nitrogênio na urina foi maior (p<0,05) quando as vacas foram alimentadas com dietas baseadas em SUC do que aqueles animais alimentados com dietas SC. O nitrogênio ureico do leite foi maior (p<0,05) em animais alimentados com dietas com SU. O balanço de nitrogênio foi positivo em todos os tratamentos, no entanto, a síntese de proteína microbiana foi baixa para todas as dietas. Conclusão: A dieta com SU apresentou maior perda de nitrogênio por meio do leite. Entre as silagens avaliadas, aquelas com SC e SUC são recomendadas por promover maior consumo de componentes nutricionais.

Maintenance and Growth Requirements in Male Dorper × Santa Ines Lambs.

The aim of this study was to estimate the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth of lambs. A total of 35 crossbreed Dorper × Santa Ines lambs [31 ± 1.28 kg of initial body weight (BW) and 4 months old] were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments groups (ad libitum, 30 and 60% of feed restriction). Five lambs were slaughtered at the beginning of the experimental trial as a reference group to estimate the initial empty BW (EBW) and body composition. When the animals of the ad libitum treatment reached a BW average of 47.2 kg, at day 84 of trial, all lambs were slaughtered. The feed restriction promoted reduction in body fat (P < 0.001) and energy concentration (P < 0.001), while protein showed a quadratic response (P = 0.05). The equations obtained for NEg and NPg requirements were 0.2984 × EBW0.75 × EBWG0.8069 and 248.617 × EBW-0.15546, respectively. The net energy (NEm) and protein (NPm) for maintenance were 71.00 kcal/kg EBW0.75/day and 1.76 g/kg EBW0.75/day, respectively. In conclusion, the NEg and NPg requirement for lambs with 30 kg of BW and 200 g of average daily gain (ADG) were 0.736 Mcal/day and 24.38 g/day, respectively. Our findings indicate that the NEm for crossbreed Dorper × Santa Ines lambs is similar to those recommended by the international committees; however, we support the hypothesis that the requirements for gain are lower.

Understanding Urea Encapsulation in Different Clay Minerals as a Possible System for Ruminant Nutrition.

Considering the challenges of urea administration due to the high ureolytic activity of the rumen and the importance of its use, as well as taking into account the relevance of sustainably exploiting the technological potential of biodiversity, this research studies the encapsulation of urea in different clay minerals (palygorskite (Pal), sepiolite (Sep), and Veegum® (V)) as an alternative for use as nonprotein nitrogen (NNP) sources. A method of incorporation was developed in which the encapsulation of urea was proven by X-ray diffraction; fibrous materials, Pal and Sep had similar characteristics due to the decrease in the relative plane intensity (011), suggesting a decrease in the order of their stacking due to the presence of urea on the surface or inside channels. By contrast, V showed a 7.74° reflection shift, suggesting an increase in basal spacing from 11.45 Å in V to 14.88 Å in the sample after urea encapsulation. By thermogravimetry, it was observed that the presence of urea did not change the mass-loss profiles but only increased the percentage of loss in respective events, indicating urea incorporation in the clay minerals. These results provide a promising alternative for administering NNP sources in the ruminant diet.

Physicochemical Quality, Fatty Acid Composition, and Sensory Analysis of Nellore Steers Meat Fed with Inclusion of Condensed Tannin in the Diet.

This study was conducted to test the effect of dietary tannin on the fatty acid profile and sensory attributes of meat from Nellore steers. Thirty-two Nellore bull male were distributed in a completely randomized design and fed diets with condensed tannin extract as follows: 0, 10, 30, and 50 g/kg total DM basis. The physicochemical composition of the meat, lipid oxidation, fatty acid profile, flavor, tenderness, and overall acceptance were evaluated. There was a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.05) on lipid content, tenderness, cooking weight loss, myristic, palmitic, and oleic acids in meat as tannin increased in the diets. The total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, the atherogenicity index decreased. However, a linear increase (P ≤ 0.05) was observed for linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids. The physicochemical characteristic of the meat, such as moisture, ash, and protein contents, water retention capacity, final pH, Warner-Bratzler shear force, collagen, and color indexes (lightness, redness, yellowness, and chrome) did not change with dietary tannin. Also, CLA, n-6:n-3 ratio, Δ9 -desaturase, and elongase activity were not different among diets. In conclusion, condensed tannin linearly increases unsaturated fatty acids and decreases the atherogenicity index of meat; thus, it can be recommended at the highest level (50 g/kg DM) in the diet of Nellore steers. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Agriculture byproducts plays an important part in the diet of ruminant animals and consequently on food chain and has implications for the composition and quality of the livestock products (milk, meat, and eggs) that people consume. Feeding tannin to steers increases the amount of unsaturated fatty acids and meat tenderness, with a concomitant reduction on saturated fatty acids and the atherogenicity index in meat. Thus, we recommend adding tannin to steer diets to reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in red meat for human consumption.

Effects of crude glycerin from biodiesel on the diets of lambs: intake, digestibility, performance, feeding behavior, and serum metabolites.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the inclusion of crude glycerin of up to 21% of DM in the diets of lambs will not compromise variables related to animal production or health. Forty-four uncastrated Santa Inês crossbreed lambs with an average age of 5 mo and a BW average of 23.9 ± 0.34 kg (mean ± SD) were distributed into four treatment groups (11 replicates per group) including 0%, 7%, 14%, or 21% crude glycerin on a DM basis. The inclusion of crude glycerin in the diets promoted a quadratic increase in DM (P = 0.018), CP (P = 0.004), and TDN (P = 0.017). There was a linear decrease (P < 0.001) in NDF and nonfibrous carbohydrate (NFC) intake caused by glycerin in the diets. There was a linear increase (P < 0.001) in ether extract (EE) intake. There was a linear reduction in NDF (P = 0.011) and NFC (P < 0.001) for effective consumption of the diets. There was a linear increase (P < 0.001) in EE effectively consumed by the lambs, and there were no differences in the CP that was effectively consumed (P = 0.267) by glycerin. Digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, NDF, NFC, and TDN presented a linear decrease in crude glycerin inclusion. The EE digestibility presented a linear increase. The inclusion of crude glycerin in the diets promoted a quadratic increase in final BW (P = 0.015), ADG (P < 0.001), and G:F ratio (P < 0.001). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of crude glycerin inclusion in the diets on time spent (%); number of events per day; duration of events (minutes) for feeding, rumination, and idling; number of chews per bolus; or total chewing time for the lambs. The inclusion of crude glycerin in the diets improved feeding efficiency of DM (P = 0.005) and NDF (P = 0.004). The rumination efficiency of DM (P < 0.001) and NDF (P < 0.001) presented a linear decrease. The total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin ratio, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase levels, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma glutamyl transferase serum concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) through the addition of crude glycerin to the diets of the lambs. However, the crude glycerin in the diets led to a linear decrease in urea-N (P = 0.004) and glucose (P <0.001), as well as a linear increase in the cholesterol (P = 0.043) serum concentrations of the lambs. The recommended inclusion of crude glycerin is up to a 4.7% DM level because of improved performance growth without compromising feeding behavior and blood metabolites.

Effects of quantitative feed restriction and sex on carcass traits, meat quality and meat lipid profile of Morada Nova lambs.

BACKGROUND: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed restriction (FR) and sex on the quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of Morada Nova lambs. Thirty-five animals with an initial body weight of 14.5 ± 0.89 kg and age of 120 d were used in a completely randomized study with a 3 × 3 factorial scheme consisting of three sexes (11 entire males, 12 castrated males and 12 females) and three levels of feeding (ad libitum - AL and 30% and 60% FR). RESULTS: Entire males presented greater hot and cold carcass weights (P < 0.05), followed by castrated males and females. However, the hot carcass yield was higher for females and castrated males than for entire males. Luminosity values were influenced (P < 0.05) by sex, with entire males presenting higher values than castrated males and females. Females showed higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid in the meat of the longissimus thoracis muscle. The meat of animals submitted to AL intake and 30% FR showed similar (P > 0.05) concentrations, and the concentrations of palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid were higher (P < 0.05) than those of animals with 60% FR. The meat of females had a higher ω6/ω3 ratio and lower h/H ratio, and females had greater levels of feeding. The meat of animals on the 60% FR diet had a greater ω6/ω3 ratio, lower h/H ratio and lower concentration of desirable fatty acids in addition to a greater atherogenicity index (AI) and thrombogenicity index (TI). CONCLUSION: Lambs of different sexes had carcasses with different quantitative traits without total influence on the chemical and physical meat characteristics. The lipid profile of the meat was less favorable to consumer health when the animals were female or submitted to 60% feed restriction.

Comparative hematological analysis of Morada Nova and Santa Inês ewes in all reproductive stages / Análise hematológica comparativa de ovelhas Morada Nova e Santa Inês em todos os estágios reprodutivos

Hematologic analysis provides reliable information on the health status of animals. It is an important variable in the assessment of adaptive and productive capacity of breeds under unfavorable environmental conditions. It is an assessment that combined with other genetic and environmental factors and management can become useful for the future sustainability of mainstream agriculture in a hot environment. Adaptive capacity is affected by some factors such as breed, pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, hematological profile is an important indicator of animal health and production. The objective of this study was to perform the comparative hematological analysis of Santa Inês and Morada Nova breeds (native ewes from Brazil) in all different reproductive stages. Twenty Santa Ines and 20 Morada Nova sheep distributed in a completely randomized design in a split-plot arrangement over time were used. To obtain blood counts, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every 14 days, always in the morning, before the animals were released into the pasture. The Morada Nova breed had higher hemoglobin and total leukocyte count than Santa Inês breed. Regarding the influence of pregnancy and puerperium on the eritrogram, there was an increment in red blood cell, hemoglobin and packed cell volume of both breeds in middle pregnancy. However, had a reduction in late pregnancy. There were a reestablishment of the blood cell counts during the puerperium period. It was verified an increase on neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio indicated that ewes in the late pregnancy, postpartum and puerperium were under stress conditions compared to others reproductive stages. The total plasma proteins also increased during this period to compensate for the high nutritional requirements of the fetus, and these levels remained high until the end of the puerperal phase, when the lambs were weaned. The pregnancy and puerperium influenced all erythrocyte indices and changed the total leukocyte count.(AU)

A análise hematológica fornece informação confiável sobre a saúde dos animais. É uma variável importante na avaliação da capacidade adaptativa e produtiva das raças sob condições ambientais desfavoráveis. É uma avaliação que aliada a outros fatores genéticos, ambientais e de manejo pode se tornar cada vez mais útil para a sustentabilidade futura da agricultura convencional em um ambiente quente. A capacidade adaptativa é afetada por alguns fatores como raça, gestação e lactação. Portanto, o perfil hematológico é um indicador importante da saúde e produção animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a análise hematológica comparativa de ovelhas Morada Nova e Santa Inês (ovelhas nativas do Brasil) em todos os estágios reprodutivos. Foram utilizadas 20 ovelhas Santa Inês e 20 Morada Nova distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em parcelas subdivididas e medidas repetidas no tempo. Para a análise do sangue, foram coletadas amostras por venopunção jugular a cada 14 dias, sempre colhidas pela manhã, antes que os animais fossem soltos no pasto. A raça Morada Nova apresentou maior teor de hemoglobina e contagem total de leucócitos que a raça Santa Inês. Em relação à influência da gestação e do puerpério sobre o eritrograma, observou-se que houve um incremento dos valores da contagem dos eritrócitos, hematócrito e hemoglobina até o terço médio da gestação, reduzindo no final da gestação e restabelecendo novamente no período puerperal. Foi verificado um aumento na relação neutrófilo/linfócito indicando que ovelhas no final da gestação, no pós-parto e puerpério estavam sob condição de estresse comparado com os outros estágios reprodutivos. As proteínas plasmáticas totais também aumentaram durante o período gestacional para compensar os altos requisitos nutricionais do feto, e estes níveis permaneceram elevados até ao final da fase de puerpério quando os cordeiros foram desmamados. A gestação e o puerpério influenciaram todos os índices eritrocitários com alteração da contagem total de leucócitos.(AU)

Effects of licury cake in young Nellore bull diets: salted sun-dried meat is preferred rather than fresh meat by consumers despite similar physicochemical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Salted Sun-dried meat is a traditional process of meat salting that can improve quality and overall acceptance. The present study compared the physicochemical and sensory attributes of fresh and salted sun-dried meat from Nellore Zebu (Bos taurus indicus) bulls (n = 32) and evaluated diets containing different levels (0%, 7%, 14% and 21%) of licury cake in diets provided to Nellore finished in a feedlot. RESULTS: Salted sun-dried meat decreased moisture (P < 0.0001) and ether extract (P = 0.0002) contents but increased ash (P < 0.0001) and protein (P < 0.0001) contents compared to fresh meat. The addition of licury resulted in linear increases in moisture (P = 0.02) and quadratic effects on Warner-Bratzler shear force (P < 0.03) in fresh meat. Cooking weight loss (P < 0.0001) and Warner-Bratzler shear force (P = 0.03) were reduced by the manufacturing process of sun-dried meat. Sun-dried meat presented greater color index L* (P = 0.0032), a* (P < 0.0001) and c* (P < 0.0001) values but a lower index color b* (P < 0.0001) value compared to fresh meat. Salted sun-dried meat presented greater sensory characteristic scores compared to fresh meat (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Licury cake can be used in 21% of dry matter in diets to finish animals in feedlot without lessening the quality fresh meat or sundried meat. Salted sun-dried meat presented a greater overall acceptance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Supplementation with Cashew Nut and Cottonseed Meal to Modify Fatty Acid Content in Lamb Meat.

This study evaluates the effect of cashew nut meal (CNM), whole cottonseed (WCS), and calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (Ca-LCFA) on the fatty acid profiles of meat from hair lambs. Thirty-five 60-d-old, male, noncastrated Santa Ines lambs with an initial average body weight of 13.00 ± 1.80 kg were used in a randomized complete-block design with 7 blocks and 5 treatments. The experimental treatments consisted of a control diet (CON) without supplemental lipids and 4 test diets with different lipid supplements that were selected according to the degree of protection from ruminal hydrogenation and their polyunsaturated fatty acid richness. The tests diets included the following modifications: supplementation with WCS, supplementation with CNM, supplementation with both cottonseed and CNM (CSCNM), and supplementation with Ca-LCFA. The C18:1n9c content was highest in the meat of the animals fed the CNM diet (42.00%). The meat from lambs fed the WCS and Ca-LCFA diets had higher C18:0 contents (25.23 and 22.80%, respectively). The C16:1 content was higher in the meat from the animals fed the CNM and CON diets (1.54 and 1.49%, respectively). C18:2c9t11 concentration was higher in the meat from the animals fed the Ca-LCFA and CNM diets. The estimated enzyme activity of Δ9-desaturase C18 was highest in the muscles of the lambs fed the CON, CNM, and CSCNM diets. The use of cashew nuts in the diet resulted in an increase in the C18:2c9t11 content of the lamb meat, which improved the nutritional characteristics of the fat.

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of meat from young Nellore bulls fed different levels of palm kernel cake.

BACKGROUND: Palm kernel cake is a biodiesel byproduct and an alternative feed additive in cattle production. This study evaluated the effects of palm kernel cake added to bulls' diets on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of their meat. Thirty-two young Nellore bulls were used, distributed in a randomized experimental design with four treatments: 0, 7, 14 or 21% (w/w) palm kernel cake in the dry matter of the diet. Hay was used at 35% (w/w) in the diets, which were balanced to provide 150 g kg(-1) crude protein and 33 Mcal kg(-1) metabolizable energy. RESULTS: The moisture (P = 0.40), ash (P = 0.70), protein (P = 0.10) and ether extract (P = 0.31) contents of the meat samples were not affected by the inclusion of palm kernel cake. The qualitative characteristics of the meat, including pH (P = 0.69), water-holding capacity (P = 0.22), cooking loss (P = 0.14), shear force (P = 0.32) and instrumental color indices L* (P = 0.75), a* (P = 0.44) and b* (P = 0.41), were not affected by the substitution of palm kernel cake for soybean meal. CONCLUSION: Palm kernel cake may be included at up to 21% (w/w) in cattle feed without compromising the physicochemical, sensory and acceptance characteristics of the meat. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Color, sensory and physicochemical attributes of beef burger made using meat from young bulls fed levels of licuri cake.

BACKGROUND: Licuri cake is a biodiesel byproduct and has been tested as an alternative feed additive for use in cattle production. This study analyzed the color, sensory and chemical attributes of burger meat from bovines. Thirty-two young Nellore bulls were used, housed in individual pens and distributed in a randomized experimental design with four treatments: no addition or the addition of 7, 14 or 21% (w/w) licuri cake in the dry matter of the diet. RESULTS: Interactions between the licuri cake level and the physicochemical variables (P > 0.05) were observed. Additionally, an interaction was observed between the licuri cake level and the burger beef color parameter lightness index (L*) (P = 0.0305). The L* value was positively and linearly correlated with the proportion of licuri cake in the diet of young bulls. The level of inclusion of licuri cake did not affect (P > 0.05) the sensory characteristics; the variables were graded between 6 and 7, indicating good overall acceptance. CONCLUSION: Up to 21% (w/w) licuri cake can be included in the diet of young bulls without negatively impacting on beef burger quality. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nutritional value of ten earless corn hybrids used for silage / Valor nutricional de diez híbridos de maíz sin mazorca utilizados para ensilaje / Valor nutritivo de dez híbridos de milho sem espiga utilizados para silagem

Background: corn plant silage is characterized by its high nutritional value and high energy content. However, it is important to determine corn silage characteristics that affect its nutritional value, such as the cell wall constituents. Objective: the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the chemical-bromatological composition and apparent digestibility of 10 corn hybrids (DK265bm3, DK265, HS5, HS6, HTV2, HTV27, Anjou285, Mexxal, Pistachio and Buxxil). Methods: the hybrids were planted at INRA (Unité of Génétique Amélioration des Plantes Fourragères, Lusignan, France) in an area of 150 m2. The experiment was conducted in triplicate. All evaluations were conducted in whole corn plants without ears. Results: the DK265bm3 hybrids presented the best values for enzymatic solubility and cell wall digestibility; it was associated with reduced cell wall KL and esterified p-coumaric acid content compared with the other hybrids. The corn hybrids were evaluated before ensilage using Near Infrared Spectrometry, and a significant difference for chemical composition was found among treatments. Conclusion: DK265bm3 showed superior digestibility of DM, OM, cellulose, NDF and IVDMD compared to the other hybrids.

Antecedentes: el ensilaje de maíz se caracteriza por su alto contenido nutricional y energético. No obstante, la determinación de las características del ensilaje de maíz que afectan su valor nutritivo, como los constituyentes de la pared de la planta, son de suma importancia. Objetivo: el objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la composición química y digestibilidad de 10 híbridos de maíz (DK265bm3, DK265, HS5, SA6, HTV2, HTV27, Anjou285, Mexxal, pistacho y Buxxil). Métodos: los híbridos fueron plantados en el INRA (Unité of Génétique Amélioration des Plantes Fourragères, Lusignan, France) en 150 metros cuadrados, el experimento se realizó por triplicado. Todas las evaluaciones se llevaron a cabo en plantas enteras sin mazorcas. Resultados: el híbrido DK265bm3 mostró mejores valores de solubilidad y digestibilidad enzimática de la pared celular, y esto se asoció con una reducción de la pared celular y el contenido de ácido p-cumárico esterificado en comparación con otros híbridos. Los híbridos de maíz fueron evaluados antes del ensilaje con Espectrometría de Infrarrojo Cercano, y se encontraron diferencias entre los tratamientos para la composición química. Conclusión: el DK265bm3 mostró mayores valores de digestibilidad de la materia seca, orgánica, celulosa, fibra detergente neutra y digestibilidad in vitro de la materia seca, en comparación con los otros híbridos.

Antecedentes: a silagem de milho é caracterizada pelo seu alto valor nutricional e energético. No entanto, a determinação das características da silagem de milho que afetam seu valor nutricional, como os constituintes da parede vegetal são de suma importância. Objetivo: avaliar a composição químico-bromatológica e a digestibilidade aparente de 10 híbridos de milho (DK265bm3, DK265, HS5, HS6, HTV2, HTV27, Anjou285, Mexxal, Pistachio e Buxxil). Métodos: os híbridos foram plantados no INRA (Unité of Génétique Amélioration des Plantes Fourragères, Lusignan, France) em 150 m² de área; o experimento foi conduzido em triplicata. Todas as avaliações foram conduzidas nas plantas inteiras sem espigas. Resultados: o híbrido DK265bm3 apresentou os melhores valores de solubilidade enzimática e digestibilidade da parede celular, e isto foi associado a redução da parede celular e do conteúdo de ácido p-coumárico esterificado comparado com os outros híbridos. Os híbridos de Milho foram avaliados antes da ensilagem usando o Espectometria de infravermelho próximo, e foi verificada a diferença entre os tratamentos para composição química. Conclusões: o hibrido de milho DK265bm3 mostrou valores superiores de digestibilidade da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, celulose, fibra em detergente neutro e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca, comparado aos outros híbridos.

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) clones in the semi-arid lands of Pernambuco (Brazil) / Características cuantitativas y cualitativas de clones pasto elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) en las tierras semi-áridas de Pernambuco (Brasil) / Características quantitativas e qualitativas de clones de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) no semi-árido pernambucano (Brasil)

Background: the efficient use of good quality forage represents one of many ways to improve animal productivity and, consequently, reduce the feed costs of dairy farming. Between the wide variety of studies aiming to improve the nutritional value of forage, histological studies, allow for both the comparison of species or cultivars and the monitoring of tissue aging within the plant. Objective: the present work aimed to characterize the stem morphology of Pennisetum clones (Itambé IV-46, Itambé I-1.20, Itambé I-1.4, Milheto x Buaçu/112-23.4, Cuba-116-29.3, CAC-262-12.102, Roxo of Botucatu x CAC-282-18.29, Taiwan-146-2.6, Itambé I-1.5, Pusa Napier or 419-76 x Buaçu/122-11.2, Taiwan-146-2.03, Taiwan-146-2.85, Itambé II-2.46, Pusa Napier or 419-76 x Cuba-116-12.3 and Pusa Napier or 412-76 x Buaçu/122-8.22) into three strata (basal, medium and apical) and three tillers of the plant using histological sections. Methods: the material was collected in a previously established area at the Experimental Station of São Bento do Una at the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco. The materials were distributed in a completely randomized 15 x 3 x 3 factorial design (14 clones and one hybrid, three layers of stem and three tillers). The samples were collected during the dry season beginning in August 2008. Results: there were significant differences (p<0.05) among the clones evaluated, and the average values for the lignified cells in the cortex region ranged from 2.21 to 4.21 for the Taiwan-146-2.6 and Roxo of Botucatu x CAC-282-18.29 clones; however, this was not different from the other clones in the medullary region. The Itambé II-2.46 clone showed the highest absolute value in the percentage of phloem in the cortex region (2.32%) and a high value, with significant differences, in the medullary region (1.59%) compared to the other clones. Conclusion: the highest values of cellulose in the medium and apical regions of the studied stems represent a benefit to grazing animals.

Antecedentes: el uso eficiente de forraje de buena calidad es una de las muchas maneras de mejorar la productividad animal y por lo tanto reducir el costo de la alimentación del ganado lechero. Entre la variedad de estudios que permiten mejorar el valor nutritivo del forraje, los estudios histológicos se destacan, porque permiten tanto la comparación de especies o cultivares y el seguimiento del envejecimiento de los tejidos con la madurez de la planta. Objetivo: el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la morfología del tallo de los clones de Pennisetum (Itambé IV-46, I-Itambé 1.20, Itambé I-1.4, Milheto x Buaçu/112-23.4, Cuba- 116-29.3, el CAC-262-12.102, Roxo de Botucatu x CAC-282-18.29, Taiwán-146-2.6, Itambé I-1.5, Pusa Napier o 419-76 x Buaçu/122-11.2, Taiwan-146-2.03, Taiwán-146-2.85, Itambé II-2.46 , Pusa Napier 419-76 x Cuba-116-12.3 y Napier Pusa o 412-76 x Buaçu/122-8.22) en tres estratos (basal, medio y apical) y tres tallos de la planta con los cortes histológicos. Métodos: el material se recogió en una zona ya establecida en la Estación Experimental de São Bento do Una en el Instituto Agronómico de Pernambuco. Los materiales se distribuyeron en un diseño factorial completamente al azar de 15 x 3 x 3 (14 clones y un híbrido, tres capas de la madre y los tallos de tres). Las muestras fueron recolectadas durante la estación seca comenzando en agosto de 2008. Resultados: hubo diferencias significativas (p<0,05) entre los clones evaluados, y los valores promedio de las células lignificadas en la región de la corteza variaron desde 2,21 hasta 4,21 para los clones Taiwán-146-2.6 y Roxo de Botucatu X CAC-282-18.29, sin embargo, esto no fue diferente de los otros clones en la región medular. El clon Itambé II-2.46 mostró el mayor valor absoluto en el porcentaje de floema en la región de la corteza (2,32%) y un alto valor, con diferencias significativas, en la región medular (1,59%) en comparación con los otros clones. Conclusión: los valores más altos de celulosa en las regiones media y apical de los tallos estudiados representa un beneficio para los animales de pastoreo.

Antecedentes: o uso eficiente de forragem de boa qualidade representa uma das muitas maneiras de melhorar a produtividade animal e, consequentemente, reduzir os custos de alimentação da pecuária leiteira. Entre a variedade de estudos com o objetivo de melhorar o valor nutritivo da forragem, os estudos histológicos destacam-se, o que permite tanto a comparação de espécies ou cultivares e acompanhamento do envelhecimento dos tecidos com a maturidade da planta. Objetivo: o presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a morfologia do caule de Pennisetum clones (IV-46 Itambé, Itambé I-1.20, Itambé I-1.4, Milheto x Buaçu/112-23.4, Cuba-116-29.3, CAC-262-12,102, Roxo de Botucatu x CAC-282-18,29, Taiwan-146-2.6, Itambé I-1.5, Pusa Napier ou 419-76 x Buaçu/122-11.2, Taiwan-146-2.03, Taiwan-146-2.85, Itambé II-2,46 , Pusa Napier ou 419-76 x Cuba-116-12.3 e Pusa Napier ou 412-76 x Buaçu/122-8.22) em três estratos (basal, média e apical) e três perfilhos da planta, utilizando cortes histológicos. Métodos: o material foi coletado em uma área já estabelecida na Estação Experimental de São Bento do Una, no Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco). Os materiais foram distribuídos em um inteiramente casualizado 15 x 3 x fatorial 3 (14 clones e um híbrido, três camadas de tronco e três perfilhos). As amostras foram coletadas durante a estação seca início em agosto de 2008. Resultados: houve diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre os clones avaliados, e os valores médios para as células lignificadas na região do córtex variou 2,21-4,21 para o Taiwan-146-2,6 e Roxo de Botucatu X CAC-282-18,29 clones, no entanto, isto não era diferente dos outros clones da região medular. O clone II-Itambé 2,46 apresentaram o maior valor absoluto da percentagem de floema na região córtex (2,32%) e um valor elevado, com diferenças significativas, na região medular (1,59%) em comparação com os outros clones. Conclusão: os valores mais elevados de celulose nas regiões média e apical das hastes estudadas contribuir para características positivas para animais em pastejo.