Orange molasses as a new energy ingredient for feedlot lambs in Brazil.

The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of orange molasses in replacement of flint corn grain in high-concentrate diets on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency (FE) of feedlot lambs. Thirty male lambs without defined racial pattern (30.3 ± 5.3 kg of initial BW; mean ± SD) were used in a randomized complete block design with 10 blocks and 3 treatments. The treatments were defined by partial replacement of flint corn by orange molasses in the diet with 90% of concentrate and 10% of Cynodon spp. hay, as follows: 0OM-control diet without orange molasses; 20OM-20% of orange molasses replacing flint corn; and 40OM-40% of orange molasses replacing flint corn (DM basis). The experiment lasted 72 days divided into 3 subperiods, with 1 subperiod of 16 days and 2 subperiods of 28 days. Animals were weighed after a 16-h fast on days 1, 16, 44, and 72 of the experimental periods to determine the ADG and FE. The DMI, ADG, and FE showed an interaction between treatments and experimental periods. The DMI in the first period decreased linearly (P < 0.01); in the third period, there was no effect of treatments (P > 0.05) on DMI. The ADG decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in the first period as the orange molasses increased. Otherwise, in the third period, ADG increased linearly (P = 0.05) as flint corn was replacement by orange molasses. The FE showed an interaction between treatment and period (P = 0.09). The first period had a decreased linear effect; in the third period, there was a trend (P = 0.07) of increased linear effect. There was no difference between the diets regarding the final BW of the lambs. In conclusion, the orange molasses can replace up to 40% of flint corn in diets for feedlot lambs without affecting final BW. However, it is important to consider the adaptation time proved to be very important for better use of orange molasses as a source of energy in diets for lambs.

Different combinations of monensin and narasin on growth performance, carcass traits, and ruminal fermentation characteristics of finishing beef cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different combinations of monensin and narasin on finishing cattle. In Exp. 1, 40 rumen-cannulated Nellore steers [initial body weight (BW) = 231 ± 3.64 kg] were blocked by initial BW and assigned to one of the five treatments as follows: Control (CON): no feed additive in the basal diet during the entire feeding period; Sodium monensin (MM) at 25 mg/kg dry matter (DM) during the entire feeding period [adaptation (days 1-21) and finishing (days 22-42) periods]; Narasin (NN) at 13 mg/kg DM during the entire feeding period (adaptation and finishing periods); Sodium monensin at 25 mg/kg DM during the adaptation period and narasin at 13 mg/kg DM during the finishing period (MN); and narasin at 13 mg/kg DM during the adaptation period and sodium monensin at 25 mg/kg DM during the finishing period (NM). Steers fed MM had lower dry matter intake (DMI) during the adaptation period compared to NM (P = 0.02) but not compared to CON, MM, MN, or NN (P ≥ 0.12). No differences in DMI were observed among the treatments during the finishing (P = 0.45) or the total feeding period (P = 0.15). Treatments did not affect the nutrient intake (P ≥ 0.51) or the total apparent digestibility of nutrients (P ≥ 0.22). In Exp. 2, 120 Nellore bulls (initial BW = 425 ± 5.4 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of the same treatments of Exp. 1 on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing feedlot cattle. Steers fed NM had greater DMI during the adaptation period compared to CON, MM, and MN (P ≤ 0.03), but no differences were observed between NM and NN (P = 0.66) or between CON, MM, and NN (P ≥ 0.11). No other differences between treatments were observed (P ≥ 12). Feeding narasin at 13 mg/kg DM during the adaptation period increases the DMI compared to monensin at 25 mg/kg DM, but the feed additives evaluated herein did not affect the total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients, growth performance, or carcass characteristics of finishing cattle.

Effect of sires' expected progeny difference for scrotal circumference and juvenile ADG on the puberty of crossbred beef heifers.

The early attainment of puberty in heifers is essential for the profitability of the cow-calf farm. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of juvenile average daily gain (ADG) and sire's expected progeny difference (EPD) on puberty of crossbred beef heifers. Sixty Angus × Nellore heifers early weaned (age = 102 ± 4.3 d; initial BW = 103 ± 4.7 kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The factor 1 was the sire's EPD for scrotal circumference, in which heifers born from sires with positive EPD were considered precocious (P), and heifers born from sires with negative EPD were considered non-precocious (NP). The factor 2 was the high (HG; ADG = 0.9 kg; ad libitum) and medium ADG (MG; ADG = 0.7 kg) from 3rd to 7th month of age (1st phase). After 1st phase until puberty, all heifers were fed ad libitum (2nd phase). Statistical analysis was performed by SAS. There was an interaction between factors for DMI in the 1st phase (P = 0.02), which PHG heifers had higher DMI than NPHG. There was no effect on puberty rate, BW, age and BCS at puberty comparing HG vs. MG. However, favorable sires' EPD for scrotal circumference induced a higher proportion of puberty (P 87% vs. NP 59%) at 15 months of age. Thus, the ADG in juvenile age did not affect puberty rate, but sires with positive EPD increased puberty rate of Angus × Nellore heifers in heifers fed a high gain diet.

Effects of lasalocid, narasin, or virginiamycin supplementation on rumen parameters and performance of beef cattle fed forage-based diet.

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the impacts of supplementing lasalocid (LAS), narasin (NAR), or virginiamycin (VRM) on rumen fermentation parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters (Exp. 1), as well as feed intake and performance (Exp. 2) of Nellore cattle consuming a forage-based diet. In Exp. 1, 32 rumen-fistulated Nellore steers (initial shrunk body weight [BW] = 355 ± 4.4 kg) were assigned to a randomized complete block design. Within block, animals were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 1) forage-based diet without feed additives (CON), 2) CON diet plus 13 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) of NAR, 3) CON diet plus 20 mg/kg of DM of sodium LAS, or 4) CON diet plus 20 mg/kg of DM of VRM. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.32) for intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients. Steers fed NAR had the lowest (P ≤ 0.01) molar proportion of acetate on day 28, 56, and 112 vs. CON, LAS, and VRM steers, whereas acetate did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) between LAS, VRM, and CON steers from day 28 to 84. On day 112, steers fed LAS had a lower (P < 0.02) molar proportion of acetate vs. VRM and CON, whereas it did not differ between CON and VRM (P > 0.33). Steers receiving NAR had a greater (P ≤ 0.04) ruminal propionate vs. CON, LAS, and VRM, whereas LAS steers had greater (P < 0.04) propionate vs. CON and VRM steers on day 28 and 112, and it did not differ (P > 0.22) between CON and VRM. In Exp. 2, 160 Nellore bulls were blocked by initial shrunk BW (212 ± 3.1 kg) in a 140-d feedlot trial. Diets contained the same treatments used in Exp. 1. Bulls fed NAR had greater (P < 0.02) average daily gain (ADG) vs. CON and VRM, and similar (P = 0.17) ADG between NAR and LAS, whereas ADG did not differ (P > 0.28) between LAS, VRM, and CON bulls. A treatment effect was detected (P = 0.03) for dry matter intake, being greater in NAR vs. CON, LAS, and VRM bulls, and similar (P > 0.48) between CON, LAS, and VRM bulls. A tendency was detected (P = 0.09) for feed efficiency, which was greater (P < 0.02) in NAR bulls vs. CON and VRM, and similar (P = 0.36) between NAR and LAS bulls. From day 112 to 140, bulls receiving NAR were heavier (P < 0.03) vs. CON, LAS, and VRM bulls, but no differences were observed (P > 0.51) between CON, LAS, and VRM bulls. Collectively, ruminal fermentation profile and intake were impacted by NAR supplementation, which partially contributed to the enhanced performance of Nellore bulls receiving a forage-based diet.

Feed additives are nutritional tools that benefit dietary digestibility and nutrient utilization, alter ruminal fermentation routes, and improve cattle growth and efficiency, thus increasing productivity and profitability in beef cattle systems. Nonetheless, most of the current research focuses on supplementing feed additives in high-concentrate diets. Leaving a significant gap in understanding the influence of feed additives in cattle consuming forage-based diets, especially molecules capable of altering the fermentation process and, consequently, beef cattle performance. Therefore, this experiment aimed to evaluate the impacts of supplementing narasin (NAR), lasalocid (LAS), or virginiamycin (VRM) on rumen fermentation parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, feed intake, and performance of Bos indicus Nellore cattle consuming a forage-based diet. Including commercially available feed additives into forage-based diets did not impact nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients. The inclusion of NAR affected ruminal fermentation parameters toward propionate production, positively contributing to animal performance. Ruminal fermentation characteristics and animal growth were not impacted by dietary LAS and VRM, which could be attributed to the dose used in the current experiment, despite the manufacturer's recommendation. This research provides insights into NAR as an important feed additive for forage-based beef cattle diets.

Residual effect of narasin on feed intake and rumen fermentation characteristics in Nellore steers fed forage-based diet.

This study aimed to evaluate the residual effect of narasin on intake and ruminal fermentation parameters in Nellore cattle fed a forage-based diet. Thirty rumen-cannulated Nellore steers [initial body weight (BW) = 281 ± 21 kg] were allocated to individual pens in a randomized complete block design, with 10 blocks and 3 treatments, defined according to the fasting BW at the beginning of the experiment. The animals were fed a forage-based diet containing 99% Tifton-85 haylage and 1% concentrate. Within blocks, animals were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: (1) forage-based diet without addition of narasin (CON; n = 10), (2) CON diet plus 13 mg of narasin/kg DM (N13; n = 10), or (3) CON diet plus 20 mg of narasin/kg DM (N20; n =10). The experiment lasted 156 d and was divided into two periods. The first period lasted 140 d and consisted of the daily supply of narasin. In the second period (last 16 d), the animals were not supplemented with narasin when the residual effect of the additive was evaluated. The treatments were evaluated by linear and quadratic orthogonal contrasts. The results were reported as least square means and the effect was considered significant when P ≤ 0.05. No treatment × day interaction was identified for dry matter intake (P = 0.27). There was a treatment × day (P ≤ 0.03) interaction after narasin removal for the molar proportion of acetate, propionate, ac:prop ratio, and ammonia nitrogen. The inclusion of narasin decreased linearly (P < 0.01) the molar proportion of acetate (P < 0.01), and this effect persisted until day 5 after narasin withdrawal (P < 0.01). Narasin inclusion linearly increased the molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.04), and linearly decreased (P < 0.01) ac:prop ratio up to 5 d after removing narasin from the diets. No treatment effects were observed (P > 0.45) on days 8 and 16 after the withdrawal. Narasin linearly decreased ammonia nitrogen up to 1 day after withdrawal (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of narasin for a prolonged period (140 d) resulted in a residual effect on rumen fermentation parameters after the removal of the additive from the diets.

Processing methods of flint corn and protein supplement in forage-free diets for feedlot lambs.

Diets without forage increase the productivity in less time and favor greater practicality and better quality carcass. The corn grain is mostly used associated with pellets but processing these ingredients can bring benefits. The present study evaluated the effect of diets without forage based on whole or coarse ground corn associated with pelleted or ground protein supplement on performance, eating behavior, carcass characteristics, and ruminal morphology of feedlot lambs. Thirty-five Dorper × Santa Inês lambs were used, with 23.85 ± 3.88 kg of initial body weight and 88 ± 9 days old. The experimental design was in a randomized complete block, defined by body weight and age. The experimental diets were control (CONT), containing 90% of concentrate and 10% of forage (coastcross hay), and 4 diets without forage: WC+P, 70% whole flint corn and 30% pelleted protein supplement; WC+G, 70% whole flint corn and 30% ground protein supplement; GC+P, 70% ground flint corn and 30% pelleted protein supplement; and GC+G, 70% ground flint corn and 30% ground protein supplement. There was an interaction between treatments and experimental periods for DMI in kg/day (P = 0.01) and g/kg of BW0.75 (P < 0.01; Table 3). For the DMI in kg/day, no significant differences were observed between the treatments in any of the experimental periods. However, for DMI expressed in g/kg of BW0.75, the animals fed WC+P had lower DMI than the animals on the CONT (P < 0.01) only in the first period. The ADG, FBW, and FE were not affected by the treatments. Compared to CONT, forage-free diets decreased ingestion time (min/day) and rumination and chewing (min/day and min/g of dry matter). There was no effect of treatments for any of the carcass traits evaluated. The diets did not cause lesions suggestive of ruminitis. Forage-free diets containing whole or ground corn associated with pelleted or ground protein supplement can be used successfully for feedlot lambs; they provide proper performance and carcass characteristics, without harming the animal's health.

Effects of injectable and intravaginal progesterone on ewes' reproductive performance at breeding season beginning.

Progesterone (P4) is a steroid hormone that has a regulatory role in the female reproductive system. Studies on the effects of injectable progesterone on ewes are scarce, mainly related to their reproductive responses in the breeding season. This study aimed to compare reproductive performance and serum P4 concentration using injectable or intravaginal P4 in ewes. Two hundred and forty and eight Santa Inês x Dorper ewes (BW; 52.67 ± 11.76 kg; mean ± SE), body condition score (BCS; 2.5 ± 0.8; scale of 1-5), were distributed in four treatments: (i) Control: without administration of P4; (ii) CIDR: intravaginal implantation of 330 mg of P4 for 7 days; (iii) 1P4: 15 mg of P4 intramuscular (IM); and (iv) 2P4I: 30 mg of P4 IM. The first 18 days of breeding season were considered the synchronization period. Except for ewes in the control group, all other ewes received 263 µg IM of cloprostenol sodium for lysis of eventual CL at 24 h before the P4 treatment. After the synchronization period, all ewes were kept together with males for extra 28 days in the breeding season. At the beginning of breeding season, 90% of the ewes had serum P4 concentration less than 1 ng/mL. The estrus rate was greater (P < 0.01) in ewes on the CIDR treatment, with similar estrus rate among the other treatments. The P4 implant was able to keep blood P4 concentration greater than 1 ng/mL in ewes that received an implant of P4 during the 7 days. After implant removal, there was a great increase in the estrus manifestation on ewes in the CIDR treatment, leading to an increase in pregnancy rate at the beginning of breeding season. The current study demonstrated that ewes that received an intramuscular injection of 15 or 30 mg of P4 had similar reproductive performance than ewes that did not receive any P4 intramuscular injection. However, when ewes were implanted with P4 (CIDR), these animals had an increase in estrus manifestation, leading to greater pregnancy earlier during the breeding season.

Performance, nutritional behavior, and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs fed diets with non-forage fiber source or sodium bicarbonate.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation in diets and compare its chemical effect with the fiber effect of soybean hulls on performance, nutritional behavior, and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs. Twenty-eight ram lambs (Dorper × Santa Inês), with an initial body weight of 30.2 ± 4.5 kg and 94 ± 8.4 days old, were used. They were assigned to a randomized complete block design, defined by initial age and body weight. Experimental diets were positive control, diet containing soybean hulls in 400 g/kg dry matter (DM) (CONT), and three diets based on ground flint corn containing 10 (10SB), 20 (20SB), or 30 (30SB) g/kg DM of SB. Among the SB levels, the buffer supplementation quadratically increased dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, as well as increased final and slaughter body weight, which led to higher hot and cold carcass weights, loin muscle area, leg compacity index, and weight of neck, shoulder, rib, and leg cuts, with higher values for the 20SB. Feeding SB linearly decreased the area and height of the papillae. None of the animals presented liver abscess; however, two animals from 30SB and one from CONT had F-rumen lesions. The use of SB provided a similar animal performance when compared to the treatment containing soybean hulls. This shows that the chemical effect of the buffer was efficient and provided greater safety for this type of diet without causing damages to the rumen health. Among the SB levels, the best results were observed in the 20 g/kg level (20SB), which shows that the buffer can be used as a strategy for diets with high inclusion of corn and no fiber source.

The effect of progesterone length in timed AI in ewes.

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes submitted to timed AI protocol with 7 (D7) or 9 (D9) days of progesterone. A total of 220 crossbred ewes (Doper × Santa Ines) were distributed in the treatments according to body weight (52.67 ± 11.76 kg), body condition score (2.5 ± 0.8; scale of 1-5), and the female category (multiparous, nulliparous and primiparous). Ewes received an intravaginal device of 0.3 g of progesterone (CIDR® Easy breed) on day 0, keeping in ewes for 7 or 9 days, which were the experimental treatments. At the time of P4 withdrawal, ewes received 300 IU of eCG (Novormon®) and 6.70 mg of dinoprost tromethamine (Lutalyse®). Insemination by laparoscopy was performed between 46 and 59 h after device removal, lasting from 1 to 5 min/ewe, which did not differ between protocols. The estrus detection rate was higher in the 9-day protocol compared to the 7-day protocol (82% and 65%, respectively, P = 0.0096). However, the 7-day protocol tended to increase pregnancy rate on the TAI compared to the 9-day protocol (45% and 33%, respectively, P = 0.09). The plasma concentration of progesterone at device removal was higher in the 7-day protocol than in the 9-day protocol (2.35 and 1.22 ng/mL, respectively, P = 0.04). We conclude that reducing the length of the estrus synchronization protocol to 7 days is recommended, which improved the reproductive response in ewes.

Effects of narasin supplementation frequency on intake, ruminal fermentation parameters, and nutrient digestibility of Bos indicus Nellore steers fed with forage-based diets.

The study aimed to evaluate if the frequency of narasin supplementation impacts dry matter intake, ruminal fermentation parameters, and apparent digestibility of nutrient in Nellore (Bos indicus) steers fed forage-based diets. A total of 32 rumen-cannulated Nellore steers (initial body weight [BW] = 317 ± 27 kg; age =18 ± 1 mo) were assigned to individual pens in a randomized complete block design according to their initial shrunk BW. Within block, steers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: 1) forage-based diet without the addition of narasin (CON; n = 8), 2) CON diet plus 13 ppm of narasin every 24 h (N24; n = 8), 3) CON diet plus 26 ppm of narasin every 48 hours (N48; n = 8), or 4) CON diet plus 39 ppm of narasin every 72 hours (N72; n = 8). The experimental period lasted 30 d, with 18 d for diet adaptation and 12 d for sample collection. The experimental diets contained 95% of Tifton-85 (Cynodon dactylon spp.) haylage and 5% ground corn used as a delivery vehicle for narasin. Ruminal fluid was obtained from d 25 to 30 at 6 h after feeding to determine ruminal fermentation parameters. Narasin supplementation frequency did not affect (P ≥ 0.22) nutrient intake and total tract apparent digestibility. Steers fed N24 and N48 had reduced (P = 0.02) ruminal acetate concentration compared with CON and N72. Daily supply of narasin increased (P = 0.01) the molar proportion of propionate compared with CON and N72, and it did not differ between N24 vs. N48, N48 vs. N72, and N72 vs. CON. Also, N48 steers had greater (P = 0.01) rumen propionate concentration compared with CON. The N24 treatment decreased the Ac:Prop (P = 0.01) and AcBut:Prop (P = 0.02) ratio compared with CON and N72, while N48 had reduced (P = 0.01) Ac:Prop and AcBut:Prop ratio when compared with CON steers. Steers fed N24 and N48 had greater (P = 0.04) ruminal short-chain fatty acids compared with CON, but it did not differ (P > 0.11) between N24, N48, and N72. Supplementing narasin to steers fed forage-based diets decreased (P < 0.01) ruminal ammonia concentration compared with CON steers regardless of supplementation frequency, being the least result observed for N24 steers. Collectively, narasin supplementation frequency affected fermentation parameters without altering the nutrient intake and total tract apparent digestibility. Hence, decreasing frequency of narasin supplementation to Nellore steers fed a forage-based diet did not reduce the capacity to modulate rumen fermentation parameters.

First report of Podosphaera macularis causing hop (Humulus lupulus) powdery mildew in Brazil.

The hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is a dioecious perennial climbing plant grown commercially worldwide. Wild hops are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, Europe, Asia, and North America (Neve, 1991). In the Southern Hemisphere, some of the leading hop-producing countries include South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Brazil began hop production less than 5 years ago. In January 2019, amphigenous white powdery circular fungal colonies were observed on the leaves and stems of hop plants (cultivar Chinook) within a 900m2 hop garden in Lages municipality, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. The incidence of the disease was present on almost 100 per cent of "Chinook" cultivar plants and diseased foliage was collected to identify the pathogen and used to inoculate healthy plants. Hop powdery mildew lesions with hyaline and septate mycelium with chains of unicellular conidia (n =100) hyaline, barrel-shaped, mean of length/width ± standard deviation 25-27 × 13-18 µm ± 0.980, with fibrosin bodies, and conidiophores erect with cylindrical foot cells, were visible within 10 days. The causal agent was identified as Podosphaera macularis (Wallr.:Fr.) Lind (synonym S. humuli (DC.) Burrill) on the basis of conidial shape, size and host range (Royle 1978; Braun 1987; Mahaffee et al., 2009), complemented with the present molecular analysis. Chasmothecia have not been observed in the field to date. A conidial suspension of 200 ml at concentration of 1.4 x 105 was mixed with 5ul of Tween® 20 for the pathogenicity assay. Ten plants of 9-month-old of hop "Chinook" cultivar, were inoculated with 5 ml of the conidial suspension using a manual spray. The control plot was only sprayed with water. The inoculated plants were maintained at 22ºC ± 1ºC with a 12-hour photoperiod and 65% relative humidity. White mycelia were visible first on the adaxial leaf surfaces of the inoculated younger leaves after 10 days and the disease severity reached between 2 to 5%. No symptoms were observed at the control plot. P. macularis infected most aerial plant tissues of the inoculated plants and caused approximately 50% of cones losses. P. macularis conidia were collected from the infected leaf tissue with a sterile soft camel-hair brush and DNA was extracted using a Wizard Genomic DNA extraction kit. The primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al., 1990) were used to amplified and sequenced a fragment of the ITS region. PCR products were subjected to Sanger Sequencing to confirm sample species. The resulting 522-bp sequence was deposited into GenBank (accession n°. MN630490). BLASTn showed a 99.81% sequence identity with the CT1 isolate of P. macularis from H. lupulus (MH687414). The presence and identification of P. macularis in hop production regions is a new challenge to growers in Brazil. Research related to the knowledge of the disease cycle, epidemiology, and control strategies for the integrated management should be conducted, as there are no registered fungicides for powdery mildew on hop in Brazil. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. macularis in Brazil, as well as in South America. References Braun, U. (1987) A Monograph of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews). J. Cramer, Berlin, German Democratic Republic. p 113. Mahaffee, W. F., Pethybridge, S.J., Gent, D.H (2009) Compendium of hop diseases and pests. The American Phytopathological Society Press, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Neve R. A (1991). Hops. Chapman and Hall: London. Royle, D. J (1978). Powdery mildew of the hop. Pages 381-409 in: The Powdery Mildews. D. M. Spencer, ed. Academic Press, New York. White, T. J., Bruns, T., Lee, S., and Taylor, J. (1990). Amplification and direct sequencing of fungal ribosomal RNA genes for phylogenetics. pp. 315-322 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. M. Innis, D. Gelfand, J. Sninsky, and T. White, eds. Academic Press, San Diego.

Milk yield and composition from ewes fed diets containing narasin and their lambs' performance.

The changes promoted by feed additives in ruminal fermentation, especially increasing the availability of propionate, can improve the energy balance of an animal, which is of great importance in the lactation period. This trial aimed to evaluate the inclusion of narasin in the diet of lactating ewes on milk yield, composition, dry matter intake (DMI), and plasma metabolites of the ewes and growth rate of lambs. Thirty-two lactating ewes (59.0 ± 2.42 kg) were assigned to a randomized complete block design. The experimental diets contained 500 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of coast cross (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers) hay and 500 g/kg DM of concentrate, and the treatments were: N0-no narasin inclusion; N13-inclusion of 13 mg of narasin/kg DM. Once a week, from week 2 to 10 of lactation, ewes were separated from their lambs, injected with oxytocin, and milked mechanically to empty the udder. After 3 h, the milk production was recorded, using the same procedure, and sampled to evaluate the composition. The blood samples were taken weekly, 4 h after feeding. The average daily gain (ADG) and starter DMI of the lambs were evaluated weekly from week 2 to 12 of age. The inclusion of narasin did not affect (P = 0.93) DMI of ewes; however, it increased milk production (P < 0.01) and feed efficiency (P = 0.02; FE). Ewes fed N13 had a greater milk fat (P < 0.01), protein (P < 0.01), lactose (P = 0.04), and total solids production (P < 0.01). Narasin inclusion in ewe's diet increased plasma glucose concentration (P = 0.05) at weeks 8, 9 and 10; however, there was no effect on plasma urea concentration (P = 0.96). The lambs of N0 ewes had a greater starter DMI (P < 0.01) at weeks 7, 8, 9, and 10; however, the ADG and body weight at weaning and after weaning were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The results showed that the inclusion of 13 mg of narasin/kg DM improved the milk production and FE of the ewes without altering the composition of the milk. The lower initial consumption of concentrate by N13 lambs before weaning was caused by the higher production of milk. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate the possible productive gain with the inclusion of narasin in diets for lactating ewes.

Implications of carbohydrate sources and rate of body weight gain on puberty in ewe lambs in tropical climate conditions.

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of two non-fibrous carbohydrate sources and the rate of body weight gain on puberty status in ewe lambs. Sixty ewe lambs (½ Dorper × ½ Santa Ines) with an initial body weight of 25.1 ± 4.1 kg and 102.8 ± 1.5 days old were distributed in a randomized complete block design with 10 blocks and 3 treatments. The trial lasted 119 days, in which performance was evaluated on days 28, 56, 84, and 119, and puberty status was every week evaluated by progesterone concentration. The treatments were characterized by the inclusion of different carbohydrate sources in the diets in order for ewe lambs to reach different rates of body weight gain: CORN, total diet containing 46% of corn (% DM); PCP, total diet containing 46% of pelleted citrus pulp (% DM); and HAY, total diet containing 80% of coastcross hay (% DM). The CORN- and PCP-based diets were formulated for an average daily gain (ADG) of 0.200 kg/day and a HAY-based diet for an ADG of 0.100 kg/day. There was an interaction between treatments and experimental periods for dry matter intake (DMI) (P < 0.01), in which lambs in the CORN treatment presented DMI similar to PCP in the first and second periods, but lambs from the PCP treatment presented lower DMI than the CORN treatment in subsequent periods. In all periods, the body weight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency of CORN lambs were similar to PCP lambs, but higher than HAY lambs. The age at puberty was not affected by treatments; however, lambs fed with non-fibrous carbohydrate sources reached puberty heavier (P < 0.0001) than lambs from the HAY treatment. Despite the high increase in body weight for lambs fed with non-fibrous carbohydrate sources, it did not affect the age of puberty.

Bamboo, climate change and forest use: A critical combination for southwestern Amazonian forests?

About 160 000 km2 of forests in the border zone between Brazil and Peru are dominated by semi-scandent bamboos (Guadua spp.). We argue that both predicted decreased precipitation during the dry season and widespread anthropogenic disturbances will significantly increase the distribution and biomass of bamboos in the area. Seasonal dryness favours the growth of evergreen bamboos in relation to trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Disturbance can be beneficial for the bamboo because, as a clonal plant, it is often able to recover more rapidly than trees. It also withstands dry season better than many trees. The bamboo life cycle ends in a mass mortality event every 28 years, producing potential fuel for a forest fire. Presently, natural forest fires hardly exist in the area. However, in the projected future climate with more pronounced dry season and with increased fuel load after bamboo die-off events the forests may start to catch fire that has escaped from inhabited areas or even started naturally. Fires can kill trees, thus further increasing the fuel load of the forest. As a result, the landscape may start to convert to a savanna ecosystem.

Brazilian red pepper leaves essential oil (Schinus terebinthifolius) in diets for feedlot lambs / Óleo essencial das folhas de aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) em dietas para cordeiros confinados

Essential oil (EO) from Brazilian red pepper leaves contains antimicrobial compounds that control Gram-positive bacteria in the rumen content, improving the efficiency of ruminal fermentation. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian red pepper leaves EO (Schinus terebinthifolius) as a substitute for monensin on performance, occurrence of coccidiosis by Eimeria ssp., carcass characteristics and meat composition of feedlot lambs. Forty-four lambs, 16 males (12 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês and 4 Santa Inês) and 28 females (16 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês and 12 Santa Inês), with 21.4 ± 1.05 kg of initial body weight (BW), were used in a randomized complete block design. The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into 2 periods of 28 days each. The treatments were defined by the inclusion of 8 ppm of monensin (MON), and the doses 0.14% (14EO), 0.28% (28EO) and 0.42% (42EO) of red pepper leaves essential oil (EO). At the end of 56 days, 32 lambs were slaughtered for the measurement of carcass parameters and meat composition. There was no interaction among treatments and periods for average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE) and oocyst of Eimeria ssp. in feces. The treatments did not affect the ADG, DMI and FE; however, the monensin inclusion decreased the oocyst of Eimeria ssp. (P = 0.01). There was a tendency (P = 0.06) of increase in hot carcass yield for lambs fed 28EO compared to 14EO. In addition, the cold carcass yield was higher (P = 0.02) in the animals fed 28EO and 42EO. The subcutaneous fat thickness was not affected by the experimental diets; however, there was a tendency for lambs from 28EO and 42EO treatments to present higher body wall thickness (P = 0.07) and Longissimus muscle area (P = 0.07) when compared to MON. The higher doses of red pepper leaves EO increased the percentage of crude protein (P < 0.01) and mineral matter (P = 0.02) in the chemical composition of meat. Although the performance of lambs did not change, the inclusion of 0.28 and 0.42% red pepper leaves EO improve the carcass characteristics and change the meat composition, demonstrating the potential of the use of this additive in confined lamb diets. However, the monensin has greater potential to control coccidiosis in feedlot lambs compared with red pepper leaves EO.(AU)

O óleo essencial das folhas da aroeira possui compostos antimicrobianos que controlam a população de bactérias gram-positivas presentes no conteúdo ruminal, melhorando a eficiência do processo de fermentação. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar os efeitos do óleo essencial das folhas da aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) em substituição a monensina sobre o desempenho, ocorrência de coccidiose por Eimeria ssp., características de carcaça e da carne de cordeiros confinados. Quarenta e quatro cordeiros, 16 machos (12 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês e 4 Santa Inês) e 28 fêmeas (16 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês e 12 Santa Inês), com 21,4 ± 1,05 kg de peso inicial, foram utilizados em delineamento de blocos completos ao acaso. O experimento teve duração de 56 dias, divididos em 2 períodos de 28 dias cada. Os tratamentos foram definidos pela inclusão de 8 ppm de monensina sódica (MON) e as doses 0,14% (14OE), 0,28% (28OE) e 0,42% (42OE) do óleo essencial (OE) das folhas da aroeira. Ao final dos 56 dias, 32 animais foram abatidos para a mensuração dos parâmetros de carcaça e análise química da carne. Não houve interação entre tratamento e período experimental para ganho médio diário (GMD), consumo de matéria seca (CMS), eficiência alimentar (EA) e ocorrência de coccidiose. Não houve efeito das dietas experimentais sobre GMD, CMS e EA, entretanto, a inclusão de monensina reduziu o número de oocistos de Eimeria ssp. (P = 0,01). Houve tendência de aumento no rendimento de carcaça quente (P = 0,06) para os cordeiros alimentados com 28OE comparados com o tratamento 14OE. Além disso, o rendimento de carcaça fria foi maior (P = 0,02) para os animais alimentados com 28OE e 42OE. A espessura de gordura subcutânea não foi afetada pelas dietas experimentais, entretanto, houve tendência dos cordeiros dos tratamentos 28OE e 42OE apresentarem maior espessura de parede corporal (P = 0,07) e área de olho de lombo (P = 0,07) quando comparados a MON. As maiores doses de OE das folhas de aroeira aumentaram a porcentagem de proteína bruta (P < 0,01) e matéria mineral (P = 0,02) na composição química da carne dos cordeiros. Apesar de não alterar o desempenho dos cordeiros, a inclusão de 0,28 e 0,42% de OE das folhas de aroeira foi capaz de alterar as características de carcaça e composição química da carne, demonstrando o potencial de utilização desse aditivo em dietas para cordeiros confinados. Entretanto, a monensina possui maior capacidade de controlar a coccidiose em cordeiros confinados quando comparado ao OE das folhas da aroeira.(AU)

Wet citrus pulp in finishing diets for feedlot lambs: performance and hepatic enzyme concentration / Polpa cítrica úmida na terminação de cordeiros confinados: desempenho e concentração de enzimas hepáticas

Pectin industry generates a citrus pulp residue compounded by peduncle, endocarp, juice vesicles, columella, seeds and tiny fractions of epicarp and mesocarp of citrus fruits, denominated Wet Citrus Pulp (WCP), which has not yet been tested as food for lamb's nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of partial replacement of ground corn by WCP in high-concentrate diets on the performance and hepatic enzyme concentration of feedlot lambs. Forty-two male lambs (15 Santa Inês and 27 ½ Dorper × Santa Inês), with 24.7 ± 1.5 kg of BW and 60 ± 5 d of age was assigned to a randomized complete block design. Within blocks (n = 14), lambs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 0WCP (control) ­ diet containing 75.5% ground corn without WCP; 20WCP ­ diet containing 20% WCP in replacement of ground corn, and 40WCP ­ diet containing 40% WCP in replacement of ground corn. The experiment lasted 70 days, which was split in 3 experimental periods (14 days of diets' adaptation and 2 sub-periods of 28 days each). Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS. Orthogonal polynomials for diet response were determined by linear and quadratic effects. There was a quadratic effect for DM, CP, ash, ether extract and NFC intake The highest DM and CP intake was observed for lambs fed 20WCP, however, the control diet increased the ash, ether extract and NFC intake. The increased levels of WCP decreased the ADG and feed efficiency (FE) during the adaptation period, however, did not affect the ADG and FE on periods 1 and 2. Consequently, the increased levels of WCP inclusion decreased linearly the BW. There was no effect of WCP inclusion in diets on Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) concentration. However, there was a linear increase for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) concentration during the adaptation period, but without difference in other periods. In conclusion, adding up to 40% of WCP in finishing diets for feedlot lambs decrease performance during adaptation period, compromising the final body weight, but without damages effects on liver enzymes.(AU)

A indústria de produção de pectina gera um resíduo composto por pedúnculo, endocarpo, vesículas de suco, columela, sementes e minúsculas frações de epicarpo e mesocarpo de frutas cítricas, denominada Polpa Cítrica Úmida (WCP), que ainda não foi testada como alimento na nutrição de ovinos. Sendo assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da substituição parcial do milho pela WCP em dietas contendo elevado teor de concentrado sobre o desempenho e a concentração de enzimas hepáticas de cordeiros confinados. Quarenta e dois cordeiros machos (15 Santa Inês e 27 ½ Dorper x Santa Inês), com 24,7 ± 1,5 kg de peso corporal e 60 ± 5 dias de idade foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados. Dentro de cada bloco (n = 14), os cordeiros foram distribuídos aleatoriamente entre os tratamentos: 0WCP ­ dieta contendo 75,5% de milho moído, sem a inclusão de WCP; 20WCP ­ dieta contendo 20% de WCP em substituição ao milho moído; e 40WCP ­ dieta contendo 40% de WCP em substituição ao milho moído. O experimento teve duração de 70 dias, sendo dividido em 3 períodos experimentais (14 dias de adaptação as dietas e 2 períodos de 28 dias cada). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando o procedimento MIXED do SAS. Os polinômios ortogonais lineares e quadráticos foram utilizados para avaliar o efeito das dietas. Houve efeito quadrático para o consumo de matéria seca, PB, cinzas, extrato etéreo e CNF. A maior ingestão de MS e PB foi observada para os cordeiros alimentados com 20WCP, entretanto, a dieta controle aumentou o consumo de cinzas, extrato etéreo e CNF. O aumento na inclusão de WCP diminuiu o ganho médio diário e a eficiência alimentar durante o período de adaptação, entretanto, não afetou essas variáveis durante os períodos 1 e 2. Consequentemente, a inclusão de WCP reduziu o peso corporal ao final do período experimental. Não houve efeito das dietas na concentração de gama-glutamil transferase (GGT). Entretanto, houve aumento linear na concentração de aspartato aminotransferase (AST) durante o período de adaptação. Em conclusão, a inclusão de até 40% de WCP nas dietas de terminação para cordeiros confinados diminuiu o desempenho durante o período de adaptação, comprometendo o peso corporal ao final do período experimental, entretanto, não comprometeu a afetou as enzimas hepáticas.(AU)

The reused progesterone device has the same effect on short or long estrus synchronization protocols in tropical sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of progesterone (P4) device reutilization in long and short protocols for transcervical timed artificial insemination (TAI) in Santa Inês ewes. A total of 275 multiparous lactating ewes were blocked according to body weight (BW, 49.1 ± 7.3 means ± SE), body condition score (BCS, 2.9 ± 0.4; scale of 1-5), and days postpartum (50 ± 8.2 days), and allocated to one of the treatments. The treatments were arranged in a factorial design, in which the factor 1 was the P4 device type (new or a device of 0.3 g of P4 previously used by 11 days), and the factor 2 was the short or long TAI protocol (P4 device remained by 7 or 11 days, respectively). At device removal, all ewes received 300 IU eCG and 6.70 mg of Dinoprost tromethamine. After TAI protocol, ewes remained with ram by 21 days. There was no interaction between factors in any variables. Ewes that received a new P4 device delayed (P = 0.05) to show estrus compared with ewes receiving a previously used P4 device, but it did not affect pregnancy rate. The long protocol tended to increase pregnancy rate compared with short protocol (33% vs. 24%, respectively; P = 0.07). However, the pregnancy rate at the end of reproductive period was similar in both groups (about 84%). Thus, the use of long protocols tended to improve reproductive performance, and the reused P4 device did not affect pregnancy rate.

Brazilian red pepper fruit essential oil (Schinus terebinthifolius) may replace monensin in high concentrate diets for feedlot lambs / Óleo essencial dos frutos de aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius) pode substituir a monensina em dietas com elevado teor de concentrado para cordeiros confinados

Essential oil (EO) from Brazilian red pepper fruit contains compounds with antimicrobial activity, and could be possible substitutes for the antibiotics commonly used in ruminant nutrition. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian red pepper fruit EO (Schinus terebinthifolius) as a substitute for monensin on performance, carcass characteristics and meat of lambs fed high concentrate diets. Forty-eight lambs were used, 24 males (20 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês and 4 Santa Inês) and 24 females (24 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês), with 21.54 ± 0.88 kg of initial body weight (BW) and 78 ± 2.4 days of age, in a randomized complete block design. The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into 2 periods of 28 days each. The treatments were defined by the inclusion in diets of 8 ppm of monensin (MON), and the doses 0.14% (14EO), 0.28% (28EO) and 0.42% (42EO) of red pepper fruit EO. The additives were included in a base diet with a 10:90 of forage to concentrate ratio. At the end of 56 days, 32 animals were slaughtered for the measurement of carcass parameters and meat composition. There was no interaction among treatments and periods for average daily gain (P = 0.08), DM intake (P = 0.36), feed efficiency (P = 0.24) and oocyst of Eimeria ssp. in feces (P = 0.46). The treatments did not affect (P > 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency. Lambs fed diets containing monensin had less (P < 0.01) oocyst/g compared with the diet 14EO. There was no effect of diets on carcass characteristics. The treatments with higher doses of the Brazilian red pepper fruit EO had reduced mineral content of meat compared to monensin. The red pepper fruit EO demonstrated the potential to replace monensin in feedlot lambs fed high concentrate diets, maintaining performance and carcass characteristics. However, the monensin has greater capacity to control coccidiosis in feedlot lambs.

Os óleos essenciais (OE) dos frutos de aroeira possuem compostos com atividade antimicrobiana, sendo possíveis substitutos aos antibióticos comumente utilizados na nutrição de ruminantes. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar os efeitos da inclusão do óleo essencial de aroeira fruta (Schinus terebinthifolius) como substituto da monensina sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e da carne de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo elevado teor de concentrado. Foram utilizados 48 cordeiros, 24 machos (20 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês e 4 Santa Inês) e 24 fêmeas (24 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês), com peso inicial de 21,54 ± 0,88 kg e 78 ± 2,4 dias de idade, em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados. O experimento teve duração de 56 dias, divididos em 2 períodos de 28 dias cada. Os tratamentos foram definidos pela inclusão na dieta de 8 ppm de monensina sódica (MON) e as doses de 0,14% (14EO), 0,28% (28EO) e 0,42% (42EO) de óleo essencial dos frutos da aroeira. As dietas experimentais foram compostas por 10% de volumoso e 90% de concentrado. Ao final dos 56 dias, 32 animais foram abatidos para a mensuração dos parâmetros de carcaça e análise química da carne. Não houve interação entre tratamento e período para o ganho médio diário (P = 0,08), consumo de MS (P = 0,36), eficiência alimentar (P = 0,24) e contagem de oocistos de Eimeria ssp. (P = 0,46). Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) dos tratamentos no ganho de peso médio diário (GMD), consumo de matéria seca (CMS) e eficiência alimentar (EA). Cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo monensina tiveram menor (P < 0,01) contagem de oocistos/g de fezes comparado com a dieta 14OE. Não houve efeito das dietas sobre as características de carcaça. A inclusão de 0,28 e 0,42% de OE de aroeira fruto reduziram a concentração de matéria mineral da carne dos cordeiros comparados ao tratamento MON. O OE dos frutos da aroeira demonstrou capacidade de substituir a monensina, apresentando resultados similares com relação ao desempenho e características de carcaça. Entretanto, a monensina apresentou maior capacidade no controle de coccidiose

Effects of supplementation with vegetable oils, including castor oil, on milk production of ewes and on growth of their lambs.

The objectives in this experiment were to compare the effects of castor oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil on lactation performance, milk composition, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile in Santa Inês ewes and on growth of lambs. Forty-four ewes (66.9 ± 4.7 kg of initial BW, mean ± SD) were penned individually with their lambs and used in a randomized complete block design with 11 blocks and four diets. The experimental diets were as follows: 1) basal diet without added oil (control), 2) 30 g FA/kg DM of canola oil (CAN), 3) 30 g FA/kg DM of sunflower oil (SUN), and 4) 30 g FA/kg DM of castor oil (CAS). The oils were added to a basal diet containing 50% of roughage. Once a week, from the 2nd to 8th wk of lactation, ewes were separated from their lambs, injected with oxytocin, and mechanically milked to empty the udder. After 3 h, using the same procedure, milk production was recorded, and milk was sampled for composition and FA profile determination. The growth of the lambs was monitored weekly. Ewes fed the control diet had greater (P < 0.05) dry matter intake (DMI) than those fed the oil-supplemented diets. No effect was observed on milk yield and on final BW of lambs. Milk fat and milk total solid concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) with the supply of CAS. Supplementation with CAN and SUN, but not with CAS, reduced (P < 0.05) the sum of FA with 14 or less carbon chains and increased (P < 0.05) the c9-18:1, 18:0 and most of the biohydrogenation intermediates, including the t10-18:1, t11-18:1, and c9,t11-18:2. All oil-supplemented diets reduced (P < 0.05) the content of 16:0 when compared with the control. Milk from ewes fed CAS presented only small proportion of 12-OH,c9-18:1 (0.31% of total FA) but much larger proportions of 12-OH-18:0 (1.58% of total FA) and particularly of 12-oxo-18:0 (2.95 % of total FA), which suggests that 12-OH,c9-18:1 was extensively metabolized in the rumen. Concluding, CAS increased milk fat and modified the milk FA composition by increasing the hydroxy- and oxo-FA. The potential health promoting proprieties and technological advantages of milk enriched with hydroxy- and oxo-FA are not know at present but deserve to be explored.

A fatal and metabolic experimental hemorrhagic shock in immature swine

Abstract Purpose: To use blood lactate (BL) as an end-point metabolic marker for the begin resuscitation of volume replacement in experimental hemorrhagic shock. Methods: Group I (n=7) was not bled (Control). Animals in Group II (n=7) were bled to a MAP of 30mmHg in thirty minutes. Hemodynamic and metabolic data were recorded at Baseline, at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after Baseline. The animals were intubated in spontaneous breathing (FIO2=0.21) with halothane. Results: Group I all survived. In Group II all died; no mortality occurred before a BL<10mM/L. Beyond the end-point all animals exhibited severe acidemia, hyperventilation and clinical signs of shock. Without treatment all animals died within 70.43±24.51 min of hypotension shortly after reaching an average level of BL 17.01±3.20mM/L. Conclusions: Swine's breathing room air spontaneously in hemorrhagic shock not treated a blood lactate over 10mM/L results fatal. The predictable outcome of this shock model is expected to produce consistent information based on possible different metabolic and hemodynamic patterns as far as the type of fluid and the timing of resuscitation in near fatal hemorrhagic shock.