Transcriptional response to an alternative diet on liver, muscle, and rumen of beef cattle.

Feed cost represents a major economic determinant within cattle production, amounting to an estimated 75% of the total variable costs. Consequently, comprehensive approaches such as optimizing feed utilization through alternative feed sources, alongside the selection of feed-efficient animals, are of great significance. Here, we investigate the effect of two diets, traditional corn-grain fed and alternative by-product based, on 14 phenotypes related to feed, methane emission and production efficiency and on multi-tissue transcriptomics data from liver, muscle, and rumen wall, derived from 52 Nellore bulls, 26 on each diet. To this end, diets were contrasted at the level of phenotype, gene expression, and gene-phenotype network connectivity. As regards the phenotypic level, at a P value < 0.05, significant differences were found in favour of the alternative diet for average daily weight gain at finishing, dry matter intake at finishing, methane emission, carcass yield and subcutaneous fat thickness at the rib-eye muscle area. In terms of the transcriptional level of the 14,776 genes expressed across the examined tissues, we found 487, 484, and 499 genes differentially expressed due to diet in liver, muscle, and rumen, respectively (P value < 0.01). To explore differentially connected phenotypes across both diet-based networks, we focused on the phenotypes with the largest change in average number of connections within diets and tissues, namely methane emission and carcass yield, highlighting, in particular, gene expression changes involving SREBF2, and revealing the largest differential connectivity in rumen and muscle, respectively. Similarly, from examination of differentially connected genes across diets, the top-ranked most differentially connected regulators within each tissue were MEOX1, PTTG1, and BASP1 in liver, muscle, and rumen, respectively. Changes in gene co-expression patterns suggest activation or suppression of specific biological processes and pathways in response to dietary interventions, consequently impacting the phenotype. The identification of genes that respond differently to diets and their associated phenotypic effects serves as a crucial stepping stone for further investigations, aiming to build upon our discoveries. Ultimately, such advancements hold the promise of improving animal welfare, productivity, and sustainability in livestock farming.

How the type of dairy production system affects the nutrient balance from an environmental and economic perspective.

The knowledge of nutrient flow in dairy farms has to be explored to find optimized strategies for efficient nutrient conversion to milk. This study aims to improve the understanding of variances in nitrogen and phosphorus balance and efficiency indicators between dairy farm systems. The study analyzed 67 dairy cattle farms located in the watershed Lajeado Tacongava, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Selected dairy farms represented three production systems: confined (3 farms); semi-confined (7 farms); pasture-based (57 farms). Input-output nutrient balances were calculated at the dairy system level for nitrogen and phosphorus over a year. Inputs are feed and fertilizer and outputs are milk and meat. The main nitrogen and phosphorus input on the all farms resulted from the feed. The average N and P surplus on pasture-based farms were 352 and 49 kg ha-1 year-1, respectively. In semi-confined systems were 508 and 63 kg ha-1 year-1 and in confined systems were 786 and 70 kg ha-1 year-1. When considering the monetary value of the total N surplus, the averages were US$ 2.615, 4.950, and 12.171 for pasture-based, semi-confined and confined systems respectively. Monetary values of P surplus were US$ 346, 588, and 1119 for pasture-based, semi-confined and confined. The productive aspects that most determined the values of N and P surplus were the total number of lactating cows and the farm area. Results indicate that surplus can partially replace chemical nitrogen fertilizer, except in the confined system, and fully replace phosphorus fertilizer. Confined farms presented values to use surplus as fertilizer greater than the crop demand. For the other production systems, it happens only for phosphorus. Large variability between dairy farms of the same production system and between different production systems was observed. It reflects the inherent productive, economic, and environmental conditions of each farm and system.

Ruminal and feces metabolites associated with feed efficiency, water intake and methane emission in Nelore bulls.

The objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to identify potential differences in the ruminal and fecal metabolite profiles of Nelore bulls under different nutritional interventions; and (2) to identify metabolites associated with cattle sustainability related-traits. We used different nutritional interventions in the feedlot: conventional (Conv; n = 26), and by-product (ByPr, n = 26). Thirty-eight ruminal fluid and 27 fecal metabolites were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the ByPr and Conv groups. Individual dry matter intake (DMI), residual feed intake (RFI), observed water intake (OWI), predicted water intake (WI), and residual water intake (RWI) phenotypes were lower (P < 0.05) in the Conv group, while the ByPr group exhibited lower methane emission (ME) (P < 0.05). Ruminal fluid dimethylamine was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with DMI, RFI, FE (feed efficiency), OWI and WI. Aspartate was associated (P < 0.05) with DMI, RFI, FE and WI. Fecal C22:1n9 was significantly associated with OWI and RWI (P < 0.05). Fatty acid C14:0 and hypoxanthine were significantly associated with DMI and RFI (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that different nutritional interventions alter ruminal and fecal metabolites and provided new insights into the relationship of these metabolites with feed efficiency and water intake traits in Nelore bulls.

Three environmental dimensions of beef cattle in tropical feedlot: Water, nutrients and land.

This study aims to evaluate water, land, and nutrient efficiencies in a tropical beef feedlot system by providing artificial shading and considering local conditions and feed cultivation. The study was conducted at the Experimental Feedlot of Embrapa Southeast Livestock in Brazil. Forty-eight Nellore bulls were divided into two groups, with one group having shade (GS) and the other without shade (GWS). The animals' body weights, water intake, and dry matter intake were recorded. The water footprint was calculated using a product-focused assessment, considering water consumed in feed production and animal drinking. The nutrient balance and land footprint were also assessed. To both treatments, the crop scenario with soybean and corn first crop produced in Maringa resulted in the lowest water and land footprint values. Corn was the main contributor to green water consumption. The efficiency in water use for corn decreased between the first and second crops. The water footprint of soybean meal varied between production locations. GWS had slightly higher average blue water consumption than GS. In terms of nutrient balance, the GS treatment exhibited lower nitrogen and phosphorus balance values, indicating higher efficiency in the use of these elements. The provision of artificial shading was found to reduce the water footprint and improve nutrient use efficiency. The location of grain production and the timing of corn planting were identified as key factors influencing water and land footprint values.

Rumen and fecal microbiomes are related to diet and production traits in Bos indicus beef cattle.

Background: Ruminants harbor a complex microbial community within their gastrointestinal tract, which plays major roles in their health and physiology. Brazil is one of the largest producers of beef in the world and more than 90% of the beef cattle herds are composed of pure and crossbred Nelore (Bos indicus). Despite its importance to the Brazilian economy and human feeding, few studies have characterized the Nelore microbiome. Therefore, using shotgun metagenomics, we investigated the impact of diet on the composition and functionality of the Nelore microbiome, and explored the associations between specific microbial taxa and their functionality with feed efficiency and methane emission. Results: The ruminal microbiome exhibited significantly higher microbial diversity, distinctive taxonomic profile and variations in microbial functionality compared to the fecal microbiome, highlighting the distinct contributions of the microbiomes of these environments. Animals subjected to different dietary treatments exhibited significant differences in their microbiomes' archaeal diversity and in the abundance of 89 genera, as well as in the functions associated with the metabolism of components of each diet. Moreover, depending on the diet, feed-efficient animals and low methane emitters displayed higher microbial diversity in their fecal microbiome. Multiple genera were associated with an increase or decrease of the phenotypes. Upon analyzing the functions attributed to these taxa, we observed significant differences on the ruminal taxa associated with feed efficient and inefficient cattle. The ruminal taxa that characterized feed efficient cattle stood out for having significantly more functions related to carbohydrate metabolism, such as monosaccharides, di-/oligosaccharides and amino acids. The taxa associated with methane emission had functions associated with methanogenesis and the production of substrates that may influence methane production, such as hydrogen and formate. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significant role of diet in shaping Nelore microbiomes and how its composition and functionality may affect production traits such as feed efficiency and methane emission. These insights provide valuable support for the implementation of novel feeding and biotechnological strategies.

Water productivity of milk produced in three different dairy production systems in Southern Brazil.

Water is a crucial resource to produce dairy milk and studies are required to identify opportunities for improvements in water management. This study evaluates the water productivity of milk (WPMilk) produced on 67 farms located in southern Brazil and the influence of dairy cattle production systems (pasture-based, 57 farms; semi-confined, 7 farms; confinement, 3 farms) on water productivity. Indirect and direct water flows were taken into account and the dairy milk was the output. Pasture yield was estimated based on a weighted average. Indirect water represented >98 % of water consumption for milk production on farms assessed. In the pasture-based system, the WPMilk ranged from 0.27 to 1.46 kg FPCM (Fat Protein Corrected Milk) m-3 of water; in the semi-confined system it ranged from 0.59 to 1.1 kg FPCM m-3; in the confined system, it ranged from 0.89 to 1.09 kg FPCM m-3. Results show that 20 farms in the pasture-based system presented higher WPMilk than the maximum WPMilk of farms in the semi-confined system. Comparing outcomes of farms in the confined system with pasture-based system, similar results were observed with higher WPMilk on 22 farms in the pasture-based system. Results indicate that, regardless of the type of production system, water productivity is influenced by the dairy productivity indicators of the farm, such as milk yield and feed components. The large variability in the WPMilk was expected and reflects the inherent attributes and conditions affecting this indicator, which underlines the importance of assessing it on a farm scale. Consequently, achieving high dairy productivity indicators should be encouraged in the pasture-based system due to the environmental, economic and social advantages for the farmer. Results advance the knowledge about water flows and WPMilk in different dairy cattle production systems besides defining the first benchmarks for WPMilk produced on farms in Brazil.

Comparative untargeted metabolome analysis of ruminal fluid and feces of Nelore steers (Bos indicus).

We conducted a study to identify the fecal metabolite profile and its proximity to the ruminal metabolism of Nelore steers based on an untargeted metabolomic approach. Twenty-six Nelore were feedlot with same diet during 105 d. Feces and rumen fluid were collected before and at slaughter, respectively. The metabolomics analysis indicated 49 common polar metabolites in the rumen and feces. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate were the most abundant polar metabolites in both bio-samples. The rumen presented significantly higher concentrations of the polar compounds when compared to feces (P < 0.05); even though, fecal metabolites presented an accentuated representability of the ruminal fluid metabolites. All fatty acids present in the ruminal fluid were also observed in the feces, except for C20:2n6 and C20:4n6. The identified metabolites offer information on the main metabolic pathways (higher impact factor and P < 0.05), as synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies; the alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolisms, the glycine, serine; and threonine metabolism and the pyruvate metabolism. The findings reported herein on the close relationship between the ruminal fluid and feces metabolic profiles may offer new metabolic information, in addition to facilitating the sampling for metabolism investigation in animal production and health routines.

Economic viability of implementing an infrastructure for recycling bedding sand from a free-stall facility for dairy cows / Viabilidade econômica da implantação da infraestrutura para recuperação da areia da cama de uma instalação free stall para vacas leiteiras

This study proposes to examine the economic viability of implementing the necessary infrastructure for the recycling of bedding sand from a free-stall facility in a milk production system in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. In specific terms, the total production cost (TC), total operating cost (TOC) and effective operating cost (EOC) of a cubic meter of recycled sand were estimated in order to estimate the total sand consumption for the free-stall system and per bed year-1 as well as the equilibrium point of the amount of recycled sand, in cubic meters. The experiment was carried out on a farm located in the south of Minas Gerais from January 2016 to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed by the tree-point estimation method (MOP - most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Utilization of 85%, 95% and 75% of the recycled sand was considered for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In all of them, the value charged per cubic meter of sand by a supplier close to the farm was considered. Monte Carlo simulation was also carried out with hurdle rates (HR) of up to 90%. Under the studied conditions, sand recycling showed to be economically viable in all scenarios, with positive net present values (NPV), internal rates of return above the HR, simple and discounted payback below the 10-year horizon, and satisfactory cost benefit-1 ratios (greater than 1).

Objetivou-se analisar a viabilidade econômica da implantação da infraestrutura necessária para a recuperação da areia da cama de uma instalação free stall, em um sistema de produção de leite no Sul de Minas Gerais. Especificamente, pretendeu-se estimar o custo total de produção (CT), custo operacional total (COT) e custo operacional efetivo (COE) de um metro cúbico de areia recuperada, estimar o consumo total de areia para o sistema free stall, e por cama ano-1 e estimar o ponto de equilíbrio da quantidade de areia recuperada, em metros cúbicos. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma propriedade localizada no Sul de Minas Gerais; no período de janeiro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017. Realizou-se a análise de cenários MOP: mais provável (cenário 1); otimista (cenário 2); e pessimista (cenário 3). Considerou-se o aproveitamento de 85%, 95% e 75% da areia recuperada para os cenários 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. Em todos eles, foi considerado o valor praticado por metro cúbico da areia em um fornecedor próximo à propriedade. Realizou-se, ainda, simulação de Monte Carlo com taxas mínimas de atratividade de até 90%. A recuperação de areia, nas condições estudadas, apresentou viabilidade econômica em todos os cenários, apresentando valor presente líquido (VLP) positivos, taxas internas de retorno (TIR) acima da taxa mínima de atratividade, payback simples e descontados abaixo do horizonte de 10 anos e relações benefício custo-1 (RBC) satisfatórias (maior que 1). O COE de um metro cúbico de areia recuperada foi estimado em R$5,04; R$4,51 e R$5,72 para os cenários 1; 2 e 3, respectivamente, enquanto que o CT médio, considerando todos os cenários, foi de R$6,84 (+0,81), abaixo dos valores de aquisição no areal, que seria de R$28,57

Economic viability of a canadian biodigester for power generation in dairy farming / Viabilidade econômica da implantação de um biodigestor tipo canadense para a geração de energia elétrica destinada à atividade leiteira

This study aimed to analyze the economic viability of implementing and using a Canadian biodigester for power generation in a milk production system. Specifically, we intended to estimate the generated power production, the total production cost (TC), the total operating cost (TOC), and the effective operating cost (EOC) of 1 kW of power generated, and estimate the break-even point of the power produced. The research was carried out on a farm located in southern Minas Gerais (Brazil) from January to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed through the tree-point estimation (most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Scenario 1 considered the use of power for the acclimatization of free-stall barns during 13 hours day-1 plus the use of 50% of the produced biofertilizer. Scenario 2 considered the use of power during 13 hours day-1 for the acclimatization of free-stall barns and milking parlor, which means an increase in power consumption estimated at 10% compared to scenario 1, plus the use of 75% of the produced biofertilizer. Moreover, scenario 3 considered the use of power for the acclimatization of free-stall barns during 6.5 hours day-1 plus 25% of the produced biofertilizer. All scenarios considered the amount charged per kWh by the Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG).

Objetivou-se analisar a viabilidade econômica da implantação e utilização de um biodigestor tipo canadense para a geração de energia elétrica em um sistema de produção de leite. Especificamente, pretendeu-se estimar a produção de energia elétrica gerada, estimar o custo total de produção (CT), custo operacional total (COT) e custo operacional efetivo (COE) de um kW de energia gerada, e estimar o ponto de equilíbrio de energia produzida. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma propriedade localizada no sul de Minas Gerais, no período entre janeiro a dezembro de 2017. Realizou-se a análise de cenários MOP (mais provável, otimista e pessimista): cenários 1; 2 e 3. No cenário 1, foram considerados a utilização de energia elétrica para a climatização apenas dos galpões de free stall em 13 h dia-1, mais aproveitamento de 50% do biofertilizante produzido. No cenário 2, a utilização da energia elétrica foi de 13 h dia-1, utilizada para climatização dos galpões de free stall e sala de ordenha, um aumento de energia estimado em 10%, em relação ao cenário 1, mais aproveitamento de 75% do biofertilizante produzido; e, no cenário 3, adotou-se a utilização de energia elétrica para a climatização dos galpões de free stall em 6,5 h dia-1, mais aproveitamento de 25% do biofertilizante produzido. Em todos os cenários foi considerado o valor cobrado por kWh pela Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG). Realizou-se simulações de Monte Carlo com taxas mínimas de atratividade variando de zero a 50%. A geração de energia elétrica apresentou viabilidade econômica em todos os cenários, apresentando valor presente líquido (VLP) positivos, taxas internas de retorno acima da taxa mínima de atratividade, payback simples e descontados abaixo do horizonte de 10 anos e relações benefício-custo satisfatórias. O COE de 1 kWh de energia elétrica foi estimado em R$ 0,1990, R$ 0,1791 e R$ 0,3308 para os cenários 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente, enquanto que o CT médio, considerando todos os cenários, foi de R$ 0,5618 (±0,21), acima dos valores de aquisição na CEMIG, que seria de R$ 0,50. Os CT foram de R$ 99.804,42 para os cenários 1 e 2, e de R$ 92.424,09 para o 3, com taxa mínima de atratividade de 8,50, enquanto que COT foi de R$ 69.486,62 nos cenários 1 e 2, e de R$ 62.229,66 no 3. Em todos os cenários, a quantidade de energia elétrica gerada foi superior ao ponto de equilíbrio. Todos os modelos de simulação de Monte Carlo apresentaram VPL positivos, indicando que há grande probabilidade de ficarem acima do esperado.

Economic viability of implementing an infrastructure for recycling bedding sand from a free-stall facility for dairy cows / Viabilidade econômica da implantação da infraestrutura para recuperação da areia da cama de uma instalação free stall para vacas leiteiras

This study proposes to examine the economic viability of implementing the necessary infrastructure for the recycling of bedding sand from a free-stall facility in a milk production system in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. In specific terms, the total production cost (TC), total operating cost (TOC) and effective operating cost (EOC) of a cubic meter of recycled sand were estimated in order to estimate the total sand consumption for the free-stall system and per bed year-1 as well as the equilibrium point of the amount of recycled sand, in cubic meters. The experiment was carried out on a farm located in the south of Minas Gerais from January 2016 to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed by the tree-point estimation method (MOP - most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Utilization of 85%, 95% and 75% of the recycled sand was considered for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In all of them, the value charged per cubic meter of sand by a supplier close to the farm was considered. Monte Carlo simulation was also carried out with hurdle rates (HR) of up to 90%. Under the studied conditions, sand recycling showed to be economically viable in all scenarios, with positive net present values (NPV), internal rates of return above the HR, simple and discounted payback below the 10-year horizon, and satisfactory cost benefit-1 ratios (greater than 1).(AU)

Objetivou-se analisar a viabilidade econômica da implantação da infraestrutura necessária para a recuperação da areia da cama de uma instalação free stall, em um sistema de produção de leite no Sul de Minas Gerais. Especificamente, pretendeu-se estimar o custo total de produção (CT), custo operacional total (COT) e custo operacional efetivo (COE) de um metro cúbico de areia recuperada, estimar o consumo total de areia para o sistema free stall, e por cama ano-1 e estimar o ponto de equilíbrio da quantidade de areia recuperada, em metros cúbicos. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma propriedade localizada no Sul de Minas Gerais; no período de janeiro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017. Realizou-se a análise de cenários MOP: mais provável (cenário 1); otimista (cenário 2); e pessimista (cenário 3). Considerou-se o aproveitamento de 85%, 95% e 75% da areia recuperada para os cenários 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. Em todos eles, foi considerado o valor praticado por metro cúbico da areia em um fornecedor próximo à propriedade. Realizou-se, ainda, simulação de Monte Carlo com taxas mínimas de atratividade de até 90%. A recuperação de areia, nas condições estudadas, apresentou viabilidade econômica em todos os cenários, apresentando valor presente líquido (VLP) positivos, taxas internas de retorno (TIR) acima da taxa mínima de atratividade, payback simples e descontados abaixo do horizonte de 10 anos e relações benefício custo-1 (RBC) satisfatórias (maior que 1). O COE de um metro cúbico de areia recuperada foi estimado em R$5,04; R$4,51 e R$5,72 para os cenários 1; 2 e 3, respectivamente, enquanto que o CT médio, considerando todos os cenários, foi de R$6,84 (+0,81), abaixo dos valores de aquisição no areal, que seria de R$28,57(AU)

Economic viability of a canadian biodigester for power generation in dairy farming / Viabilidade econômica da implantação de um biodigestor tipo canadense para a geração de energia elétrica destinada à atividade leiteira

This study aimed to analyze the economic viability of implementing and using a Canadian biodigester for power generation in a milk production system. Specifically, we intended to estimate the generated power production, the total production cost (TC), the total operating cost (TOC), and the effective operating cost (EOC) of 1 kW of power generated, and estimate the break-even point of the power produced. The research was carried out on a farm located in southern Minas Gerais (Brazil) from January to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed through the tree-point estimation (most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Scenario 1 considered the use of power for the acclimatization of free-stall barns during 13 hours day-1 plus the use of 50% of the produced biofertilizer. Scenario 2 considered the use of power during 13 hours day-1 for the acclimatization of free-stall barns and milking parlor, which means an increase in power consumption estimated at 10% compared to scenario 1, plus the use of 75% of the produced biofertilizer. Moreover, scenario 3 considered the use of power for the acclimatization of free-stall barns during 6.5 hours day-1 plus 25% of the produced biofertilizer. All scenarios considered the amount charged per kWh by the Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG).(AU)

Objetivou-se analisar a viabilidade econômica da implantação e utilização de um biodigestor tipo canadense para a geração de energia elétrica em um sistema de produção de leite. Especificamente, pretendeu-se estimar a produção de energia elétrica gerada, estimar o custo total de produção (CT), custo operacional total (COT) e custo operacional efetivo (COE) de um kW de energia gerada, e estimar o ponto de equilíbrio de energia produzida. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma propriedade localizada no sul de Minas Gerais, no período entre janeiro a dezembro de 2017. Realizou-se a análise de cenários MOP (mais provável, otimista e pessimista): cenários 1; 2 e 3. No cenário 1, foram considerados a utilização de energia elétrica para a climatização apenas dos galpões de free stall em 13 h dia-1, mais aproveitamento de 50% do biofertilizante produzido. No cenário 2, a utilização da energia elétrica foi de 13 h dia-1, utilizada para climatização dos galpões de free stall e sala de ordenha, um aumento de energia estimado em 10%, em relação ao cenário 1, mais aproveitamento de 75% do biofertilizante produzido; e, no cenário 3, adotou-se a utilização de energia elétrica para a climatização dos galpões de free stall em 6,5 h dia-1, mais aproveitamento de 25% do biofertilizante produzido. Em todos os cenários foi considerado o valor cobrado por kWh pela Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG). Realizou-se simulações de Monte Carlo com taxas mínimas de atratividade variando de zero a 50%. A geração de energia elétrica apresentou viabilidade econômica em todos os cenários, apresentando valor presente líquido (VLP) positivos, taxas internas de retorno acima da taxa mínima de atratividade, payback simples e descontados abaixo do horizonte de 10 anos e relações benefício-custo satisfatórias. O COE de 1 kWh de energia elétrica foi estimado em R$ 0,1990, R$ 0,1791 e R$ 0,3308 para os cenários 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente, enquanto que o CT médio, considerando todos os cenários, foi de R$ 0,5618 (±0,21), acima dos valores de aquisição na CEMIG, que seria de R$ 0,50. Os CT foram de R$ 99.804,42 para os cenários 1 e 2, e de R$ 92.424,09 para o 3, com taxa mínima de atratividade de 8,50, enquanto que COT foi de R$ 69.486,62 nos cenários 1 e 2, e de R$ 62.229,66 no 3. Em todos os cenários, a quantidade de energia elétrica gerada foi superior ao ponto de equilíbrio. Todos os modelos de simulação de Monte Carlo apresentaram VPL positivos, indicando que há grande probabilidade de ficarem acima do esperado.(AU)

How can nutritional strategies and feed technologies in pig production affect the logistical costs of manure distribution?

The objective with this study was to evaluate the impact of different swine nutritional strategies and technologies, as well as the land spread system, on logistical costs of pig manure distribution. For this, pigs were fed a conventional diet (C0) or a diet supplemented with 0.01% phytase (C1); organic minerals (40% substitution; C2); synthetic amino acids at reduced dietary crude protein levels (C3); or a combination of the three strategies (C4). All pig manure was weighed, then its chemical composition was determined. The mineral values and volume of manure produced were extrapolated to corresponding pig farm sizes in Sao Paulo state (300, 650, and 1000 sows) from real pig manure levels to produce simulations. To determine the logistical cost of manure distribution, two distribution systems were considered: vacuum tank tractor and vacuum tank truck (4.30 and 15 m³, respectively). The land spread truck system had the highest cost/hour worked due to the higher fuel consumption. However, this cost might be different over greater distances. Manure production, as well as the nutrient levels of N, P, and K, were lower for swine fed diets supplemented with nutritional technologies. Therefore, the different nutritional technologies reduced the transportation and distribution cost of pig manure by reducing the area and, consequently, the distances that need to be traveled for distribution. However, from an agronomic point of view (i.e., to meet a crop fertilization demand per hectare), manure from pigs fed diets supplemented with nutritional technologies had a higher application rate on land.(AU)

Manejo ambiental de unidades de produção animal

Manejo: ato de submeter os animais a cuidados de alimentação, trato e higiene,a fim de torná-los mansos, limpos e sadios.

Manejo ambiental de unidades de produção animal

Manejo: ato de submeter os animais a cuidados de alimentação, trato e higiene,a fim de torná-los mansos, limpos e sadios.

Pegada hídrica dos suínos abatidos nos Estados da Região Centro-Sul do Brasil / Water footprint of pigs slaughtered in the states of south-central Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi calcular a pegada hídrica dos suínos abatidos no Brasil em 2008 em cada um dos Estados da Região Centro-Sul do país. O cálculo da pegada considerou a água consumida na produção de grãos (milho e soja), água de dessedentação e água utilizada na limpeza das instalações. O Estado que apresentou a maior pegada hídrica foi o Rio Grande do Sul (2,702 km3 ), seguido de Santa Catarina (2,401 km3 ) e Paraná (1,089 km3 ). Os Estados com as menores pegadas foram Rio de Janeiro (0,00215 km3 ), Distrito Federal (0,0354 km3 ) e Espírito Santo (0,0719 km3 ). Os Estados com baixas produtividades para as culturas de milho e soja apresentaram pegadas hídricas maiores. O cálculo da pegada demonstrou que a gestão hídrica da cadeia produtiva de suínos não pode abordar somente a unidade produtiva, devendo inserir as cadeias agrícolas que se relacionam com ela.

The aim of this study was to calculate the water footprint of pigs slaughtered in 2008 in each state of south-central Brazil. The calculation of water footprint considered water consumed in grain production (corn and soybean), drinking water and washing water. Rio Grande do Sul was the state with the largest water footprint (2.702 km3 ), followed by Santa Catarina (2.401 km3 ) and Parana (1.089 km3 ). States with the smallest footprints were Rio de Janeiro (0.00215 km3 ), Distrito Federal (0.0354 km3 ), and Espírito Santo (0.0719 km3 ). States with low yields of corn and soybeans had higher water footprint. Calculations show that water management in swine production cannot address only the farm; it should include related agricultural supply chains.

Caracterização dos afluentes e efluentes suinícolas em sistemas de crescimento/terminação e qualificação de seu impacto ambiental / Characterization of affluents and effluents in swine feeding system and environmental impact qualification

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar os afluentes e efluentes de suinoculturas e qualificar o potencial impacto ambiental que estes sistemas de produção poderiam promover nos recursos hídricos. A pesquisa foi realizada em quatro suinoculturas localizadas no município de Jaboticabal-SP, entre os anos de 2003 e 2004, as quais tiveram seus afluentes e efluentes das instalações e dos sistemas de tratamento analisados mensalmente. Foram coletados os afluentes e efluentes de galpões de crescimento/terminação. O nitrato apresentou concentração máxima de 1.560mg L-1 de NO3-N e o fósforo total de 92mg L-1 de P. A DQO atingiu uma concentração de 48.300mg L-1. Todos os sistemas de tratamento de efluentes avaliados apresentaram deficiências técnicas e de manejo. Excetuando-se os parâmetros de temperatura e pH, todos os outros apresentaram-se em valores acima dos estipulados pela legislação para o descarte em corpos d'água superficiais. Intervenções como a melhoria do manejo nutricional, o uso eficiente da água e a correta utilização dos sistemas de tratamento poderiam contribuir para a redução do poder impactante dos efluentes.

This research work was aimed at characterizing the affluents and effluents and qualifing the environmental impact promoted in the water resources. The research was realized in four swine feeding systems in Jaboticabal-SP, during 2003 and 2004. The affluents and effluents of livestock and treatment systems were analyzed monthly. The nitrate had a maximum concentration of 1.560mg L-1 NO3-N and the total phosphorus was 92mg L-1 de P. A concentration of 48.300mg L-1 was verified to OCD. Excepting temperature and pH, all parameters showed values up standard legislation to be disposed in superficial water resources. Interventions like the feeding management, the water use, and the best practice in effluent treatment systems could contribute to the reduction in the impact of effluents.