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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Performance and carcass traits of goat kids fed high-concentrate diets containing citrus pulp or soybean hulls / Desempenho e características da carcaça de caprinos alimentados com dietas de alto teor de concentrado, contendo polpa cítrica ou casca de soja

ABSTRACT: The objective in this trial was to determine the effects of partial replacement of ground corn by citrus pulp or soybean hulls on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot goat kids. Twenty one Boer x Saanen kids (initial BW 15.8 ± 0.7kg), nine males and 12 females, were distributed in a complete randomized block design, according to sex and initial body weight. Treatments were set by replacing 50% of ground corn (DM basis) for citrus pulp or soybean hulls; whereas, forage concentrate ratio was of 10:90. Partial replacement of corn by citrus pulp or soybean hulls increased dry matter intake, average daily gain and final body weight, but feed efficiency was not affected. There was no difference between citrus pulp or soybean hulls. Inclusion of coproducts increased slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weight and longissimus muscle area, with no difference between citrus pulp and soybean hulls. Subcutaneous fat thickness, hot and cold carcass yields, shrink after chilling and body wall thickness were not affected by treatments. Citrus pulp and soybean hulls can replace 50% of ground corn (DM basis) increasing dry matter intake and weight gain in goat kids enabling higher slaughter weight at earlier age.

RESUMO: O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a substituição parcial do milho pela polpa cítrica (PC) ou casca de soja (CS) sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de cabritos confinados. Foram utilizados 21 cabritos Boer x Saanen (PC inicial de 15,8±0,7kg), sendo nove machos e 12 fêmeas, distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos completos casualizados (7 blocos e 3 tratamentos). Os tratamentos foram definidos pela substituição de 50% do milho pela PC ou CS (% da MS). As dietas continham 90% de concentrado e 10% de volumoso. A substituição parcial do milho pela PC ou CS aumentou o consumo de matéria seca (CMS), o ganho médio diário de peso corporal (GMD) e o peso corporal final, porém a eficiência alimentar não foi alterada. A inclusão dos coprodutos aumentou o peso corporal ao abate (PCA), o peso de carcaça quente (PCQ) e fria (PCF) e a área de olho de lombo (AOL). Não houve diferença entre os coprodutos com relação ao desempenho e às características de carcaça. A substituição de 50% do milho (64,2% de MS) pela polpa cítrica ou casca de soja, em dietas com alto concentrado, aumenta o consumo de matéria seca e o ganho médio diário de peso dos cabritos, possibilitando maior peso ao abate com idade menor.

Desempenho produtivo de cabritos alimentados com glicerina bruta / Productive performance of goat kids fed of crude glycerin

Avaliou-se o desempenho produtivo de cabritos mestiços terminados em confinamento, alimentados com dietas contendo glicerina bruta (0, 4, 8 e 12% na MS). Vinte cabritos mestiços foram utilizados em blocos completos, casualizados com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições, para determinação do ganho médio diário (GMD), consumo de matéria seca (CMS) e nutrientes (PB, FDN, EE) e comportamento ingestivo. Para o ensaio de digestibilidade, foram utilizados quatro caprinos alocados em delineamento em quadrado latino, para determinação da digestibilidade da MS e nutrientes (PB, FDN, EE). A adição de glicerina bruta não interferiu (P>0,05) no GMD e no CMS e demais nutrientes. O tempo de ingestão aumentou com o incremento de glicerina bruta nas dietas. Não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) dos tratamentos sobre o tempo gasto na ruminação e digestibilidade da MS, PB e FDN, contudo, houve efeito quadrático para a digestibilidade do EE. Recomenda-se a inclusão em até 12% de glicerina bruta para cabritos em terminação, em situações de oscilação do preço do milho, sem alteração nos parâmetros produtivos avaliados.

This study was conducted to evaluate the productive performance of crossbred goats finished in feedlots fed diets containing increasing levels of crude glycerin (0, 4, 8 and 12%, DM basis). Twenty crossbred goat kids were used in a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments and 5 replications to determine average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrients (CP, NDF, EE) and ingestive behavior. For digestibility trial, four castrated male goats were used in a Latin Square Design to determine the DM and nutrients digestibility. Crude glycerin did not affect (P>0.05) the ADG, DMI and nutrients intake. Eating time increased linearly (P<0.05) with crude glycerin addition. Rumination time and dry matter and nutrients digestibility were unaffected by crude glycerin addition. However was a quadratic effect (P<0.05) to EE digestibility. It is recommended adding up to 12% crude glycerin to finishing kids, in situations of high price of corn, without changes in production parameters evaluated.

Concordance analysis between estimation methods of milk fatty acid content.

Considering the milk fatty acid influence on human health, the aim of this study was to compare gas chromatography (GC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for the determination of these compounds. Fatty acid content (g/100g of fat) were obtained by both methods and compared through Pearson's correlation, linear Bayesian regression, and the Bland-Altman method. Despite the high correlations between the measurements (r=0.60-0.92), the regression coefficient values indicated higher measures for palmitic acid, oleic acid, unsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and lower values for stearic acid, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids estimated by GC in comparison to FTIR results. This inequality was confirmed in the Bland-Altman test, with an average bias varying from -8.65 to 6.91g/100g of fat. However, the inclusion of 94% of the samples into the concordance limits suggested that the variability of the differences between the methods was constant throughout the range of measurement. Therefore, despite the inequality between the estimates, the methods displayed the same pattern of milk fat composition, allowing similar conclusions about the milk samples under evaluation.

Características agronômicas do Panicum maximum cv. "Mombaça" submetido a níveis crescentes de fósforo / Agronomic characteristics of the Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça submitted to increasing levels of phosphorus

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito da adição de doses crescentes de P2O5 sobre a altura do dossel, o número de perfilhos e a produção de matéria seca de folhas e de colmos do capim-Mombaça, em diferentes idades. Foi conduzido um experimento implantado em um Nitossolo Vermelho Eutrófico. O delineamento experimental usado foi o de blocos completos casualizados, com quatro repetições, cinco doses de P2O5 (30, 60, 90, 120 e 150kg ha-1) e uma testemunha. Para a primeira e segunda coletas, observou-se o efeito linear do fósforo sobre o perfilhamento. Para a terceira e quarta coletas, os dados ajustaram-se ao modelo quadrático. A participação das lâminas foliares na matéria seca da parte aérea diminuiu com as doses de P2O5. Por outro lado, a participação de colmos aumentou com as doses de P2O5. A produção de matéria seca (MS) da parte aérea para primeira, segunda e terceira coletas respondeu de forma linear à aplicação de P2O5 observando-se um aumento estimado de 7, 15 e 19kg ha-1 de MS por kg ha-1 de P2O5, respectivamente. Para a quarta coleta, os dados ajustaram-se ao modelo quadrático de regressão, sendo a máxima produção, 8,3Mg ha-1 de MS, obtida com a aplicação de 103kg ha-1 de P2O5.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of the addition of increasing doses of P2O5 on the height of the dossal, number of stalks, production of dry matter of leaves and the stems of the Mombaça-grass, in different ages. The experiment was implanted in an Eutrophic Red Nitossol. The experimental designs used were complete randomized block, with four replicates, five levels of P2O5 (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150kg. ha-1) and a tester. Analyzing the first and second harvest of the pasture the tillering showed positive linear response to the increasing phosphorus levels, for the third and fourth harvest, the data were adjusted to the quadratic model. Increasing P2O5 doses decreased the leaf lamina fraction of aerial part dry matter, however raised the stems fraction. In the first, second and third harvest, aerial part dry matter production increased linearly (7, 15 and 19kg ha-1 of DM for kg ha-1 of P2O5, respectively). In the fourth harvest the data were adjusted to the quadratic model of regression, the maximum production (8.3Mg ha-1 of DM) was obtained in the application of 103kg ha-1 of P2O5.