Nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, and performance of feedlot goat kids fed high-concentrate diets containing licury cake (Syagrus coronata).

The current trial was carried out to evaluate the impacts of adding licury cake (Syagrus coronata) in high-concentrate diets for goat kids feedlot-finished on growth performance and metabolic parameters. Forty crossbred non-castrated Boer goat kids with approximately four months and similar initial live weights (20.15 ± 2.79 kg). The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized, with four diets (0, 10, 20, and 30% of licury cake inclusion in a dry matter basis (DM)). Licury cake inclusion decreased nutrient intake and digestibility (P < 0.05). Times spent in feeding (P < 0.001) and rumination (P = 0.003) activities, number of events in feeding (P < 0.001) and idling (P = 0.015) increased, whereas a linear reduction occurred in feeding and rumination efficiencies of DM and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.001). Nitrogen (N) intake, retained N (P < 0.001), triglycerides concentrations (P = 0.002), aspartate-aminotransferase, alanine-aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase decreased with the licury cake inclusion (P < 0.05). Final body weight (P = 0.008), average daily gain (P = 0.001), and total weight gain (P = 0.001) decreased linearly when licury cake was included in diets. High-concentrate diets containing increasing levels of licury cake decrease intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients and performance when supplied for goat kids feedlot-finished. Therefore, the inclusion of the studied levels of licury cake in goat kids fed high-concentrate diets is not recommended for feedlot-finished systems.

Productive characteristics of feedlot Santa Inês and Dorper lambs: intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of feedlot Santa Inês (locally adapted breed) and Dorper (transboundary breed) lambs. Twenty non-castrated lambs were used (10 from the Santa Inês genetic group and 10 Dorper), with approximately 3 months of age and an initial body weight of 22.95 ± 2.1 kg (mean ± standard deviation), distributed in a completely randomized design. Nutrient intake and digestibility, feeding behavior, and liver metabolism enzymes were similar (P > 0.05) between genetic groups. Dry matter (DM) feeding and ruminating efficiency were higher (P < 0.05) in the Santa Inês genetic group. There was also no difference (P > 0.05) in the subjective evaluation and morphometric measurements. Genetic groups showed differences and trend to differences (P < 0.05) in performance and commercial cuts. The physicochemical characteristics, centesimal composition, and sensory attributes of the Longissimus lumborum muscle did not differ between the genetic groups (P > 0.05). The Santa Inês genetic group showed higher feeding efficiency and productive parameters when compared to Dorper lambs. Therefore, Santa Inês lambs have greater potential for meat production than Dorper lambs, when kept in the same breeding system as the feedlot.

Crude glycerin is an efficient alternative to corn in the diet of feedlot lambs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, and performance of feedlot lambs fed diets containing crude glycerin. A total of 30 Ile de France lambs were confined to individual pens at an average age of 45  d : 15.1  kg initial body weight and 32.2  kg final body weight. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design and fed three diets containing fresh sugarcane as forage (50 %) and concentrate (50 %), with or without the inclusion of 100 and 200  g vegetable crude glycerin per kilogram dry matter (DM) replacing corn. Dietary glycerin inclusion reduced the intake of ether extract ( P < 0.001 ) and total carbohydrates ( P = 0.048 ) as well as the apparent digestibility of ether extract ( P < 0.001 ), but it had no effect on the intake and digestibility of the other nutrients nor on lamb performance. The apparent nitrogen balance of lambs on the three diets was positive. Although it does not affect the intake and digestibility of most nutrients, the inclusion of 100 and 200  g kg - 1 DM of crude glycerin in the diet tends to worsen lamb performance, indicating that the ideal level of inclusion should be below 100  g kg - 1 DM of crude glycerin.

Carcass and meat traits of goats fed diets containing cottonseed cake.

The cottonseed cake has the necessary nutritional characteristics to be able to substitute the traditional ingredients (such as soybean meal) and reduce the costs of the diet. However, it is necessary to determine the best level of inclusion of cottonseed cake in the diets of fattening goats to improve meat production and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass and meat traits of feedlot goats fed diets containing cottonseed cake replacing soybean meal (33 %, 66 % and 100 %). Thirty-two uncastrated Boer crossbred goats (4 months old, 16  ±  2 kg initial body weight) were used in a completely randomized experimental design. Replacing soybean meal with cottonseed did not compromise ( P > 0.05 ) slaughter weight, carcass traits (dressing percentage, loin-eye area and back-fat thickness), primal cuts or carcass morphometric measurements; moisture, protein, or total lipid contents of meat; or the physicochemical traits of color ( L * , a * and b * coordinates), pH, shear force, and cooking loss. However, there was a reduction ( P = 0.001 ) in the mineral matter content (from 1.08 % to 0.97 %) and an increase ( P = 0.006 ) in the cholesterol content (from 50.85 to 70.55 mg/100 g of meat) of the meat as the dietary levels of cottonseed cake were increased. Based on the results of production and meat quality, we recommend using cottonseed cake as an alternative protein source to replace up to 100 % of soybean meal in feedlot goat diets.

Effect of high-concentrate diets with calcium lignosulfonate and cottonseed processing method on quantitative traits and non-carcass components of feedlot cull ewes.

This study examined the effects of cottonseed processing form and the inclusion of calcium lignosulfonate in high-concentrate diets for feedlot cull ewes on carcass traits and non-carcass components. Thirty Santa Inês cull ewes with an average body weight of 44.2  ±  5.2 kg and an average age of 50 months were distributed into collective stalls in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of diets including whole cottonseed, crushed cottonseed, whole cottonseed treated with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg, as fed), crushed cottonseed treated with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg, as fed), and a control diet without cottonseed. The experimental diets did not influence ( P > 0.05 ) average daily weight gain (0.195 kg/day), slaughter weight (51.74 kg), or in vivo biometric and on-carcass measurements. There was no difference ( P > 0.05 ) in loin-eye area or subcutaneous fat thickness as evaluated in vivo by ultrasound. There was no diet effect on hot carcass weight and yield (24.8 kg and 47.8 %), cold carcass weight and yield (24.2 kg and 46.8 %), or chilling loss (2.1 %). Non-carcass components did not differ in response to the diets ( P > 0.05 ). Dietary inclusion of calcium lignosulfonate increases the proportions of udder and liver relative to empty body weight ( P < 0.05 ). Neither the cottonseed processing method nor the inclusion of calcium lignosulfonate in high-concentrate diets for cull ewes affects their performance, biometric or morphometric measurements, non-carcass components, or qualitative traits of their carcass.

Palm kernel cake in high-concentrate diets for feedlot goat kids: nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, and performance.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including palm kernel cake (PKC) in high-concentrate diets for feedlot goat kids on nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, and performance. Thirty-two castrated crossbred Boer × mixed breed goat kids with an average age of 4 months and an initial body weight of 19.65 ± 3.00 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. The diets included one of four levels (0, 12, 24, and 36%) of PKC on a total dry matter basis. The PKC inclusion in the diets promoted quadratic effects in the nutrient intakes (P ≤ 0.05). The digestibility of ether extract increased (P = 0.010), whereas the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased (P = 0.017) with the inclusion of PKC. Palm kernel cake inclusion promoted a quadratic effect on the time spent per episode feeding and decreased the times spent idling and ruminated bolus per day (P ≤ 0.05). The ingested and retained nitrogen decreased with the inclusion of PKC (P ≤ 0.05). The inclusion of PKC in the diets had quadratic effects in the cholesterol concentrations, albumin (A), globulin (G), A:G ratio, and gamma-glutamyltransferase enzyme activity (P ≤ 0.05). The PKC inclusion promoted a quadratic increase in total weight gain (P = 0.026), with the highest value achieved at the inclusion level of 11.68%. The inclusion of up to 12% PKC in high-concentrate diets increases the intake and growth performance without compromising the digestibility of nutrients and feed efficiency.

Intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and performance of crossbreed Boer goats fed with diets containing saltbush (Atriplex nummularia L.) and spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica).

Saltbush and spineless cactus are adapted to arid and semiarid regions and used as an important forage resource in ruminants' diet. However, spineless cactus restricts production due to its low crude protein and NDF levels and high salt and oxalate contents, which can limit the digestibility and intake of dietary nutrients. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the best ratio levels of saltbush associated with spineless cactus in diets for crossbreed Boer goats through ingestion, water balance, digestibility, nitrogen balance, growth and carcass weight. Twenty-four castrated crossbred Boer (Boer × Brazilian native) goats 6 months of age and average body weight of 20.28 kg were utilized. The animals were weighed and distributed in randomized blocks in four experimental diets with saltbush of 8.4, 18.8, 31.2 and 48.3%. The addition of saltbush hay promoted quadratic behaviour (P < 0.05) in intake of dry matter and nutrients. There was no effect (P < 0.05) from the addition of saltbush hay on the digestibility of organic matter, total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrates and neutral detergent fibre, whereas there was an increase in dry matter. The crude protein digestibility behaved quadratically (P = 0.06), where the maximum digestibility was obtained with the addition of 31.2% of hay. The balance and net nitrogen utilization presented a quadratic effect (P < 0.01). Saltbush in rations for goats presented promising results, the growth rate (0.15 kg/day) obtained in diet with a lower proportion of saltbush, would satisfy smallholders when considering that this species, associated with spineless cactus, may reduce the use of concentrate feeds; however, the diet with 31.2% of saltbush hay provided the biggest gain in body and carcass weight of the goats.

Agronomic characterization of sunflower cultivars for animal feeding in tropical conditions

This study was developed to examine morpho-agronomic traits of 18 sunflower cultivars and identify superior cultivars in terms of grain yield, forage quality, or both, for animal feeding. Twenty-two morpho-agronomic traits related to plant development and architecture; earliness of maturity; grain yield (achenes); dry matter yield; and dry matter content were evaluated. Cultivars Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Embrapa 122, BRS 321, and Hélio 360 showed inflorescence at the final stage. Aguará 4 showed the lowest flowering rate, characterizing it as late-maturing. For grain yield, cultivars Charrua, Olisun 3, BRS 321, Paraíso 103CL, Paraíso 65, Aguará 6, and CF 101 are recommended, as they showed the highest achene yields (average: 1,541.67 to 2,148.81 kg.ha−1, respectively). Cultivars Charrua, Hélio 251, Olisun 3, Hélio 360, Paraíso 55, and Paraíso 103CL exhibited higher dry matter yields (9,550.93 to 11,789.91 kg ha−1) and were thus indicated for forage production. Cultivars Charrua, Olisun 3, BRS 321, Paraíso 103CL, Paraíso 65, Aguará 6, and CF 101 are recommended for grain yield, for the diet of monogastric animals; Charrua, Hélio 251, Olisun 3, Hélio 360, Paraíso 55, and Paraíso 103CL for forage yield, for ruminant feeding; and Charrua, Olisun 3, and Paraíso 103CL for both purposes.

Chitosan and cottonseed processing method association on carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot lambs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the association of cottonseed processing method with chitosan on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs finished in feedlot. Eighty lambs with an average body weight of 20.6 kg, with 04 months of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The factors were represented by two cottonseed processing method (whole or ground) and two levels of chitosan (0 and 136 mg/kg BW). The association of cottonseed processing method with chitosan in the lamb diet did not affect (P>0.05) carcasses traits. The pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, and proximate composition of meat were also not affected (P>0.05) by the processing method of cottonseed or its association with chitosan in the lamb diets. There was an increase in palmitoleic (c9-C16:1; P = 0.01) and conjugated linoleic (P = 0.02) fatty acids when ground cottonseed was associated with chitosan. Ground cottonseed associated with chitosan increases the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in the meat of feedlot lambs.

Impact of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate on the metabolic, productive, and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic, productive, and carcass parameters of feedlot lambs fed high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate. Treatments consisted of diets including whole cottonseed, crushed cottonseed, whole cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), crushed cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), and a control diet without cottonseed. Thirty ½ Dorper ½ Santa Inês, non-castrated male lambs with an average live weight of 24.9 ± 3.6 kg and an average age of 3.5 months were evaluated in a completely randomized design. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The crushing of cottonseed and association with lignosulfonate increased (P < 0.01) the intake and digestibility of ether extract. No effect was observed (P > 0.05) for the concentrations of urine and plasma urea N, which averaged 616.2 and 108.6 mg/dL, respectively. There was a change (P < 0.01) in nitrogen balance for digested N in g/day. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the urinary concentration of purine derivatives, except for uric acid excretions (P < 0.05). Lignosulfonate associated with cottonseed provided an average daily gain of 0.293 kg/day, which was higher than the 0.226 kg/day obtained without lignosulfonate, but lower than control (0.302 kg/day), which also showed higher values of carcass yield. High-concentrate diets formulated without cottonseed improve lamb production performance. The use of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate provides greater weight gains in lambs.

Biomass turnover in brachiaria cultivars in a tropical environment / Fluxo de biomassa em cultivares de brachiaria em ambiente tropical

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the morphogenetic traits of three Brachiaria cultivars (common, Llanero and Tupi) subjected to continuous grazing with variable stocking rate in the four seasons of the year. A randomized block design with five replicates was adopted. Tissue turnover evaluations were carried out in the summer, fall, winter and spring, with measurements taken every two days. Stem length and the length of each green leaf were measured. With these determinations, the following variables were calculated: stem elongation rate (cm/tiller/day), leaf elongation rate (cm/leaf/day), number of live leaves per tiller and phyllochron (days/leaf). The highest leaf appearance rate was obtained by Tupi grass in the summer, and the lowest by Llanero grass in the winter. The lowest phyllochron, 5.90 days/leaf, was obtained by Tupi grass in the winter, whereas in commercial cultivars Llanero and common the average phyllochron was 9.04 and 10.04 days/leaf, respectively. Because of the effect of the transition from the dry season to the beginning of rains in the summer, this was the period of greatest variations in results among the different cultivars. Llanero grass stood out for the highest values for plant, tiller and leaf lengths, resulting from greater stem and leaf elongation rates. Tupi grass had the worst performance of all cultivars.

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar as características morfogenéticas de três cultivares de Brachiaria humidicola (common, Llanero e Tupi), submetido a pastejo contínuo, em quatro estações do ano. Foi utilizado delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições. As avaliações do volume de tecido vegetal foram realizadas no verão, outono, inverno e primavera, e as medidas foram tomadas a cada dois dias. Determinaram-se o comprimento da haste e o comprimento de cada lâmina de folha verde. Com essas determinações, foram calculados: taxa de alongamento (cm / perfilho / dia), taxa de alongamento foliar (cm / folha / dia), número de folhas vivas por perfilho e filocromo (dia / folha). A maior taxa de aparecimento de folhas foi obtida na grama Tupi no período de verão, e o menor aparecimento ocorreu no cultivar Llanero, durante o inverno. O menor filocromo (5,90 dias / folha) foi verificado no cultivar Tupi, no inverno, enquanto no cultivares Llanero e common o filocromo médio foi de 9,04 e 10,04 dias / folha, respectivamente. Devido ao efeito da transição, a partir da estação seca para o início das chuvas no verão, foi constatado que as maiores variações nos resultados dos diferentes cultivares, ocorreram nesta época. O cultivar, Llanero se destacou para os maiores valores da planta, resultante das maiores taxas de alongamento de caule e folhas. O cultivar Tupi teve o menor desempenho em comparação com os outros.