Water footprint and economic water productivity assessment of eight dairy cattle farms based on field measurement.

Water scarcity prevailing in the drylands is threatening the sustainability of livestock production systems. The water footprint (WF) indicator was proposed as a metric of water use. This study aimed to determine the WF and the economic water productivity (EWP) of 1 kg of fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) in eight dairy farms (n = 8; animals = 117 ± 62; area = 198 ± 127; 95% confidence level) in northern Tunisia. Then, to assess the effects of three simulation scenarios targeting the reduction of the WF of milk production (scenario A: using triticale silage to replace, on DM basis, the silage of maize, sorghum or ray-grass; scenario B: reducing by 56% the wastage of water devoted to milking, cooling, cleaning and servicing; scenario C: using concentrate feeds imported from Brazil and Argentina instead of that imported from France). A year-round monitoring of on-farm practices was performed using water-meters and recording equipment installed in key locations in the target dairy farms: (i) water used for feed production, (ii) cow watering, (iii) servicing water, (v) crop and forage production and (iv) economic and production performance were controlled by water source (green and blue). Over the eight farms evaluated, milk production consumed on average 1.36 ± 0.41 m3/kg FPCM, of which 0.93 ± 0.40 m3/kg FPCM was green water and 0.42 ± 0.30 m3/kg FPCM was blue water. However, virtual water of 1 kg FPCM averaged 43% ± 14.3%. Water used for feed production for lactating cows represents approximately 87% ± 6% of the total WF of milk production. However, drinking and servicing water contributed by 3.75% ± 2% and 9% ± 5% to the total WF of milk, respectively. The EWP assessment revealed that the selected dairy farms had a relatively small gross margin per m3 of water averaging US$ 0.05 ± 0.04. The variation in WF of milk was mainly associated with diets' ingredients, which affected milk productivity and water consumption. Scenario analysis indicated that using feed with less water requirements or importing feeds from countries where its water consumption is low could reduce consumptive water use for milk production by up to 16%. The efficient use of servicing water could reduce blue WF of milk by up to 4%. The implementation of these measures would lead to potential total water savings in the Tunisian dairy sector of 646 million m3 per year (30%).

Water footprint assessment of sheep farming systems based on farm survey data.

Water scarcity is among the main challenges making vulnerable the livestock farming systems in drylands. The water footprint (WF) indicator was proposed as a metric to measure the impacts of livestock production on freshwater resources. Therefore, this study aimed to assess water use in five different Tunisian sheep production systems using the Water Footprint Network methodology. The primary data were obtained from 1050 sheep farms located in 13 Tunisian provinces. A multivariate analysis was performed to characterize the different farming systems. A validation step of the WF modeled values of sheep meat was conducted in 12 sheep farms belonging to two different farming systems. This was done through year-round monitoring of on-farm practices using water metres and recording equipment's taking into account the direct and indirect water use. The typology analysis came up with five sheep farming systems that are the mixed sheep-cereal (MSC), the agro-sylvo-pastoral (ASP), the agro-pastoral (AP), the extensive agro-pastoral (EAP) and the mixed sheep-olive tree farming systems. The WF of sheep meat produced under the target farming systems ranged from 8654 to 13 056 l/kg live weight. The evaluation of WF of five different sheep production systems figured out that sheep raised under the EAP farming system had the greatest WF per ton of live animal. However, the ASP farming system exhibited the lowest WF. Water used to grow feedstuffs for sheep production accounts for 98% of the total WF of sheep. The green WF accounts for more than 92% of the total WF in all farming systems. Results of monitoring water use at farm scale show that the modeled values of WF are overestimated by an average of 23.3% and 24.1% for the selected farms assigned to the MSC and AP farming systems, respectively. Water use for sheep production is high in most of the Tunisian farms. Therefore, the general assumption that 'meat production is a driver of water scarcity' is supported and should be considered as an important focal point in agricultural and water policies. Particular attention should be given to forage crops with low WFs and high contribution to dry matter to provide ration with low WF. The efficient use of green water along the meat value chain is essential to minimize the depletion of blue water resources and to reduce the economic dependency on virtual water through the import of feedstuffs.

Supplementation of Nigella sativa seeds to Barbarine lambs raised on low- or high-concentrate diets: Effects on meat fatty acid composition and oxidative stability.

Twenty-eight Barbarine male lambs were used to investigate the effect of dietary Nigella sativa seeds (NSS) on meat fatty acids and oxidative stability in two different feeding systems (high- or low-concentrate). Dietary treatments were planned to offer: 70% barley hay and 30% concentrate (LC); LC+12g/day of NSS (LCN); 30% barley hay and 70% concentrate (HC); HC+12g/day of NSS (HCN). NSS increased intramuscular fat only in the low-concentrate system (P=0.039); accordingly, the content of 14:0, c-9 14:1, t-9 18:1, t-11 18:1 and both individual and sum of odd and branched chain fatty acids were greater in LCN than LC meat. TBARS in raw meat increased from 0 to 3days of refrigerated storage regardless NSS supplementation. From 3 to 6days, TBARS further increased only in the meat from lambs not receiving NSS. At 6-days storage, TBARS were lower (P<0.05) in the meat of lambs receiving NSS compared to the meat of lambs not receiving NSS.

[Quality of life in adult patient (Tunisian) with severe OSA]. / Qualité de vie du patient (tunisien) adulte atteint de SAOS sévère.

INTRODUCTION: The negative impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on quality of life of affected individuals is a central consequence of this disease. The recognition of the quality of life as a therapeutic target is a relatively new concept. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of life and its determinants in patients with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study during the period from 1st July 2012 to 30th June 2013. The target population was patients with OSA and in employment examined in consultations of pneumology in the teaching hospital Farhat-Hached in Sousse (Tunisia). This study was based on a generic questionnaire (SF-36) to assess the quality of life. RESULTS: The study population included 103 cases with a mean age of 55.15±11.4years and a sex ratio of 0.71. Our patients were obese in 95.1 % of cases with an average BMI of 39.13±7.19kg/m2. The majority of our patients had an impaired quality of life with an average score of 44.76 (SF36) and extremes of 22 and 70. There was a positive linear relationship between physical and mental components of the SF-36 and gender, age, BMI, and anxiety and depressive disorders. CONCLUSION: The OSA is a demanding disease whose impact on the quality of life seems important and requires special attention. The management of this disease should not be limited to controlling the disease but aspire to overall patient satisfaction.

Biomass yield and feeding value of rye, triticale, and wheat straw produced under a dual-purpose management system.

Dual-purpose management of winter cereals for grazing and grain production provides highly nutritive forage for ruminants in the spring and may positively affect straw feeding value. A 2-yr study investigated the effect of spring defoliation of triticale, wheat, and rye at the tillering and stem elongation stages on total biomass, grain yields, and straw quality. Furthermore, straws of spring-defoliated and undefoliated (control) cereal crops were evaluated for nutritional value and voluntary intake as a means of assessing the efficiency of dual-purpose management systems from the winter feeding context as well. The feeding study consisted of 9 total mixed rations (TMR), each containing 35% triticale, rye, or wheat straw obtained under 3 spring-defoliation regimens. The TMR were individually fed to fifty-four 1-yr-old Anatolian Merino ewes for 28 d. Defoliation of the crops at tillering did not affect the total biomass production or grain yields. However, biomass and grain yields were reduced ( < 0.01) by 55 and 52%, respectively, in crops defoliated at stem elongation. Straw of spring-defoliated cereals had less NDF and ADF concentrations ( < 0.01) but greater CP ( < 0.01), nonfiber carbohydrates ( < 0.01), and ME concentrations ( < 0.01) compared with straw from undefoliated crops. The increase in the nutritive value of straw led to greater nutrient digestion ( < 0.01) and intake of DM and OM of ewes ( < 0.01). However, sheep live weight gain did not differ among treatments ( > 0.77). This study indicated that straw feeding value and digestibility can be increased through spring defoliation.

In vitro assessment of the anthelmintic activity of Hedysarum carnosum Desf. at different phenological stages and from six locations in Tunisia.

Gastrointestinal nematodes are compromising productivity of grazing sheep and goats. Therefore, scientists have been looking for cost-effective alternative options. Forage legumes (Fabacea Family) contain tannins that could improve livestock performance and their health as well. The present study aimed to (i) determine the in vitro anthelmintic (AH) activity of 19 acetonic extracts of Hedysarum carnosum Desf on Haemonchus contortus by a larval exsheathment assay (LEA); (ii) test the anthelmintic activity of condensed tannins using a deactivating reagent, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP); (iii) study the effect of location and the phenological stage on the percentage of exsheathment. The LEA was used at different concentrations (150, 300, 600, 1200 µg mL-1 of acetonic extract/mL of purified buffer solution (PBS)). The larval exsheathment is concentration, location, phenological stage dependent. All extracts, caused a delay of the percentage of exsheathment over 50% so the AH activity of H. carnosum was confirmed. After addition of PVPP, the % exsheathment was similar to the 150 µg mL-1 concentration. The biplot showed that Loc1(S), Loc4(B), Loc 5(PF), Loc 6(BM) and Loc 6(PF) were isolated from other plant extract sample. Our in vitro study showed that H. carnosum seems to be a promising alternative to AH drugs.

Recurrent 3-day cycles of water deprivation for over a month depress mating behaviour but not semen characteristics of adult rams.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of water deprivation (WD) on reproductive traits of rams. Ten mature rams were used and allocated to two groups balanced for body weight. Control (C) rams had free access to drinking water, while water-restricted rams (WD) were deprived from water for 3 consecutive days and early on the morning of day 4, they had ad libitum access to water for 24 h, similar to C animals. The experiment lasted 32 days, that is eight 4-day cycles of water deprivation and subsequent watering. Feed and water intake were significantly affected by water deprivation; in comparison with C rams, WD rams reduced their feed intake by 18%. During the watering day of the deprivation cycle, WD rams consumed more water than C rams on the same day (11.8 (SD = 3.37) and 8.4 (SD = 1.92) l respectively; p < 0.05). Glucose, total protein and creatinine were increased as a result of water deprivation. However, testosterone levels were lowered as a result of water deprivation and average values were 10.9 and 6.2 (SEM 1.23) ng/ml for C and WD rams respectively (p < 0.05). Semen traits were less affected by treatment; WD rams consistently had superior sperm concentrations than C animals; and statistical significances were reached in cycles 5 and 8 of water deprivation. Several mating behaviour traits were modified as a result of water deprivation. When compared to controls, WD rams had a more prolonged time to first mount attempt (p < 0.001), their frequency of mount attempts decreased [6.8 vs. 5.2 (SEM 0.1); p < 0.001] and their flehmen reaction intensity was negatively affected (p < 0.05). Water deprivation may have practical implications reducing the libido and therefore the serving capacity of rams under field conditions.

[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a population of apneic patients: a prospective study with cardiovascular risk estimation]. / Prévalence du syndrome métabolique dans une population de patients apnéiques: étude prospective avec calcul du risque cardiovasculaire.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent clinical condition and frequently associated with obesity. Recent literature has suggested the independent contribution of OSAS in the pathogenesis of metabolic disturbances. Metabolic syndrome (MS), a cardiovascular risk factor, was frequently associated with OSAS. METHODS: This is a prospective study without intervention. Will be included, all consecutive patients referred to the Department of Pulmonology for suspected OSAS confirmed by respiratory polygraphy. Anthropometric, clinical and biological parameters needed to define the MS will be collected. MS was defined according to the IDF 2005. Assessment of cardiovascular risk related to MS will be performed by appropriate scores. EXPECTED RESULTS: To determine the prevalence of MS in a sample of OSAS patients recruited in the Department of Pulmonology of Farhat Hached Hospital (Sousse, Tunisia). To identify risk factors independently associated with the presence of MS in patients with OSAS among the following parameters (age, gender, degree of obesity and the various parameters of OSAS severity). To assess compared cardiovascular risks according to the presence of MS by validated scales to demonstrate the impact of MS in patients with OSAS.

Reproductive response of fat-tailed Barbarine ewes subjected to short-term nutritional treatments including spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis) cladodes.

Reproductive outputs in fat-tailed Barbarine sheep in central Tunisia are often low because of feed shortage and the low nutritive value of diets. Supplementation with conventional concentrates is economically unsuitable in central Tunisia, so more cost-effective and sustainable alternative feeding strategies need to be developed. We tested effects of short-term nutritional treatments including cactus cladodes during the induction of 'male effect' on fertility and prolificacy parameters (follicular growth, ovulatory response and early embryo losses). One hundred and twenty ewes were distributed in 4 equal groups balanced for live weight grazed natural pastures and were supplemented for 21 days, starting day 10 after introduction of rams, with cactus cladodes (CA), cactus cladodes and soybean meal (CAS), concentrate (CC) or only soybean meal (S). Nutritional treatment did not affect live weight in this experiment. Ewes receiving cactus had higher number of large pre-ovulatory follicles (≥6 mm; 1.08 ± 0.05), between days 14 and 19 after introduction of rams, than females in the CC and S ewes (0.64 ± 0.06; p < 0.05). However, there were no differences in the onset of oestrous behaviour in response to 'male effect' or in the number of corpora lutea. Average ovulation rates were 1.42 ± 0.16 for CC, 1.47 ± 0.13 for CAS, 1.31 ± 0.15 for CA and 1.31 ± 0.13 for S groups respectively. Finally, reproductive wastages at day 35 after mating were not different between groups being 0.33 ± 0.19 for CC, 0.60 ± 0.17 for CAS, 0.43 ± 0.16 for CA and 0.31 ± 0.15 for S groups respectively. It is concluded that Barbarine ewes fed nutritional treatments including cactus performed similarly to those receiving diets including conventional concentrate feeds.

Effect of Quillaja saponaria dietary administration on colour, oxidative stability and volatile profile of muscle longissimus dorsi of Barbarine lamb.

Eighteen Barbarine lambs were assigned during 77 days to three dietary treatments (n=6): control, oat hay ad libitum and 400 g of concentrate; QS60 and the QS90 control diet supplemented with 60 mg and 90 mg Quillaja saponaria (QS) bark extract/kg dry matter, respectively. The analysis of pre-frozen longissimus dorsi muscle showed that the QS90 treatment reduced meat redness (a*) and saturation (C*) measured after 2h of blooming. It also reduced the rate of decrease in a* values (P=0.02) during 14 days of refrigerated storage. Supplementation with QS extended meat colour stability by reducing (P<0.05) the rate of increase in hue angle (H*) values. Neither the rate of metmyoglobin accumulation at the meat surface nor lipid peroxidation over storage duration differed between treatments. The overall meat volatile compound profile was similar between the groups. We conclude that supplementing QS affects meat colour development at the meat surface and extends its stability without producing detrimental effects on meat volatile compounds.

The cactus effect: an alternative to the lupin effect for increasing ovulation rate in sheep reared in semi-arid regions?

The present study evaluated the effects of supplementation with cactus cladodes on follicular dynamics and ovulatory response of sheep reared in semi-arid areas. A total of 76 ewes were distributed into two equal groups supplemented with either concentrated feed or cactus cladodes. After 30 days of supplementation, no differences were found between feeding regimens on the final live weight (LW; 41.5 ± 0.6 and 42.1 ± 0.7 kg in the Concentrate and Cactus groups respectively) and body condition score (BCS; 1.8 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.4 for Concentrate and Cactus group respectively). Moreover, no differences were found between the initial and the final values of both LW and BCS; thus, there were no effects of supplementation on any of both parameters. Analysis of follicular population showed that, during the follicular phase induced by ram effect, the number of follicles reaching ovulatory size increased in both groups. However, the number was always higher in Cactus ewes and, at oestrus, Cactus ewes had 1.6 ± 0.2 and Concentrate sheep had 1.2 ± 0.2 large follicles (p < 0.05). Thereafter, ovulation rate was affected by duration of supplementation; being higher in sheep fed with cactus for 6-10 days (1.7 ± 0.1) than in ewes supplied with cactus for more than 11 days (1.3 ± 0.1; p < 0.05), in sheep fed with concentrate for 6-10 days (1.2 ± 0.1; p < 0.01) and even than in individuals subjected to classical flushing with concentrate (1.3 ± 0.1; p < 0.05).

[The QT interval: standardization, limits and interpretation]. / L'intervalle QT: standardisation, limites et interprétation.

Despite clinical importance of ventricular repolarisation, it remains difficult to analyse. Conventionally, quantification of the electrocardiographic ventricular repolarization is usually performed with reference to axis of the T wave and QT interval duration. A variety of factors can prolong the QT interval, such as drug effects, electrolyte imbalances, and myocardial ischemia. The biggest risk with prolongation of the QT interval is the development of torsades de pointes. Commonly accepted reference ranges for the electrocardiogram (ECG) have been in use, with little change, for many years. Populations throughout the world present several differences: age, ethnic compositions, and are exposed to different environmental factors. Recent studies have reported reference data for QT interval in healthy population and have evaluated the influence of age, gender, QRS duration and heart rate on this interval. In this review, we address several issues relative to the measurement, and interpretation of QT interval and its adjustment for rate, age, gender and QRS duration.

[Sirolimus-eluting stent displaced fracture: case report and review of the literature]. / Fracture déplacée d'un stent actif au sirolimus : à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Drug-eluting stents have greatly reduced the risk of in-stent restenosis compared to bare metal stents by inhibiting neointimal growth. However, they may carry some long-term risks, especially the risk of late stent thrombosis. Recently, several cases of drug-eluting stent fracture have been also reported. The mechanisms, the diagnosis, the clinical implications and the management of this new complication are not well-known. We report the observation of a new case of displaced, sirolimus drug-eluting stent fracture. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in France.

[Correlation of TIMI risk score with angiographic extent and severity of coronary artery disease in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes]. / Corrélation du score TIMI avec l'étendue et la sévérité de l'atteinte coronaire dans les syndromes coronariens aigus sans sus-décalage de ST.

AIM OF STUDY: To determine whether the TIMI risk score correlates with the angiographic extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome undergoing cardiac catheterization. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective review of 239 medical records of patients who underwent coronary angiography secondary to non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome between 2002 and 2006. Patients were classified into three groups according to TIMI risk score: TIMI scores 0 to 2 (group 1: n=121), 3 to 4 (group 2: n=100), and 5 to 7 (group 3: n=18). We compared the coronary angiography findings of the three groups. RESULTS: Patients of group 1 had a greater likelihood of normal or non significant CAD than patients of group 2 (36.3 % vs 13 %, P<0.001) and than patients of group 3 (36.3 % vs 0 %, P=0.002). One-vessel disease was found more often in patients with TIMI score 0 to 2 than in patients with TIMI score 5 to 7 (28.9 % vs 0 %; P=0.01), and in patients with TIMI score 3 to 4 than in those with score 5 to 7 (35 % vs 0 %, P=0.006). However, 1-vessel disease was found in patients of group 1 as often as in patients of group 2. The frequency of two-vessel disease was similar whatever the level of TIMI score was low, intermediate or high. Three-vessel or left main disease was more likely found in patients of group 3 than in patients of group 2 (66.7 % vs 26 %; P=0.01), and than patients of group 1 (66.7 % vs 13.2 %; P<0.001). Chronic coronary occlusions and coronary calcifications were also more likely found in patients with TIMI score 5 to 7. CONCLUSION: In patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome undergoing cardiac catheterization, the TIMI risk score correlated with the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.

[Influence of diabetes mellitus on the prognosis of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes]. / Influence du diabète sucré sur le pronostic des syndromes coronariens aigus sans sus décalage de ST.

AIM OF STUDY: Analyze the influence of diabetes mellitus on the prognosis, at short and middle term of patients with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective review of 308 consecutive medical records of patients admitted to the care unit of our department with a non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome. One hundred and fifty-six patients were diabetics (group 1) and 152 were not (group 2). We compared the demographic, clinical, angiographic and therapeutic characteristics of the two groups and we analyzed the prognosis of diabetic and non-diabetic patients at short term (30 days) and at middle term (average: 28 months; extreme: 12 months, 72 months). RESULTS: The mean age was similar into both groups (60.8 years). Diabetic patients were more often women (42.1% vs 23.1%) and presented a higher prevalence of systemic hypertension, dyslipidemia and family history of coronary artery disease. Smoking was more frequent in group 2. The rates of coronary angiography, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and coronary bypass surgery were similar in the two groups. At 30 days, diabetic patients were at increased risk for acute heart failure (19.1% vs 6.4%) and for major cardiac events (12.5% vs 6.4%). A pejorative prognosis was also observed at middle term among diabetic patients. They were at greater risk for readmissions for non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (42% vs 25%), for major cardiac events (49.3% vs 31.6%) and for new revascularizations (17.3% vs 7.2%). In a Cox multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus remains an independent risk factor for major cardiac events at middle term. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the pejorative prognosis of acute coronary syndromes without ST elevation at short and middle term in diabetic patients.

[An unusual association: tracheobronchomegaly with a normal pulmonary function test]. / Trachéobronchomégalie avec exploration fonctionnelle respiratoire normale: une association rare.

Tracheobronchomegaly is a rare condition characterised by marked dilation of the trachea and the main bronchi. The clinical presentation of this disease is nonspecific and the diagnosis is based on the radiological features, especially computed tomography of chest. Pulmonary function tests are often abnormal showing airflow limitation with increased residual volume. The authors report a rare case of a 31-year-old man presenting tracheobronchomegaly is normal pulmonary function test.

Effects of partial replacement of concentrate with feed blocks on nutrient utilization, microbial N flow, and milk yield and composition in goats.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of concentrate with 2 types of feed blocks (FB) on rumen protozoa numbers, nutrient utilization, microbial N flow to the duodenum, and milk yield and composition in goats. The concentrate included oat, corn grain, barley, soybean meal, salt, and vitamin-mineral mixture. The FB (types I and II) were composed of crude 2-stage olive cake (120 or 100g/kg), fava beans (0 or 400g/kg), barley (320 or 200g/kg), beet molasses (220 or 100g/kg), sunflower meal (180 or 0g/kg), quicklime (70 or 90g/kg), salt (60g/kg), urea (0 or 20g/kg), and vitamin-mineral mixture (30g/kg). In experiment 1, 6 adult, dry, nonpregnant, rumen-fistulated Granadina goats (46.9+/-2.15kg of BW) were used and 3 trials were carried out. In each trial, 2 goats were randomly assigned to receive 600g of alfalfa hay and 400g of concentrate (diet AC), 600g of alfalfa hay, 200g of concentrate, and FB I (diet ACBI), or 600g of alfalfa hay, 200g of concentrate, and FB II (diet ACBII) with 6 replications per diet. The FB were supplied ad libitum. The ratio of purine bases to N was higher in solid- and liquid-associated bacteria for FB goats than for AC goats. In experiment 2, 18 Granadina goats (39.6+/-1.89kg of BW) in the middle of the third lactation were used, and 3 trials were carried out by following a 3 x 3 Latin square experimental design. In every trial, 6 animals randomly received 1.0kg of alfalfa hay supplemented with 1.0kg of concentrate (diet AC) or 0.5kg of concentrate and FB I and II (diets ACBI and ACBII) with 18 replications per diet. The FB were supplied ad libitum. The intakes of organic matter and fat were higher with the AC diet than with the FB diets. The intake of acid detergent fiber was higher for FB-containing diets than for the AC diet. The neutral detergent fiber digestibility of FB diets was higher than that of the AC diet. Energy intake was higher for diets AC and ACBII than for ACBI. Microbial N flow was affected by diet. Milk yield was higher in goats fed the AC diet than in those receiving the FB diets. Conjugated linoleic acid content was higher in milk from FB than in milk from AC goats. Our study suggests that FB type II based on local ingredients could be used advantageously to reduce half of the amount of concentrate without detrimental effects on nutrient utilization, N value of the diet, and milk composition. The decrease of milk yield with ACBII compared with that obtained with the AC diet could be compensated by better quality of milk, decreased cost of feeding, and environmental advantage derived of including by-products in FB.