Nutritional strategies, performance, digestibility, and carcass traits of Santa Ines and Rabo Largo breeds in a tropical climate.

The aim of this study was to compare the performance, intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters, carcass traits, and the yield of commercial cuts of Santa Ines (SI) and Rabo Largo (RL) breeds fed diets with high or low roughage-to-concentrate ratio (R:C) under a tropical climate. Twenty lambs from each breed were individually housed in covered pens and fed the experimental diets for 58 days. The diets were formulated to meet the growth requirements of lambs with a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 70:30 and 30:70. Significant interactions of breed × diet for nutrient intake were observed (P < 0.05), with SI lambs fed low R:C diet showing higher intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrates compared to RL lambs fed the same diet. SI lambs fed high R:C diet had higher intake of neutral detergent fiber than RL lambs (P < 0.05). SI lambs displayed better average daily gain and feed efficiency, regardless of diet (P < 0.05). Carcass traits and gastrointestinal components were influenced by breed and diet (P < 0.05). SI lambs fed low R:C diet showed higher subcutaneous fat thickness and better carcass finishing compared to RL lambs (P < 0.05). SI breed lambs exhibited better growth performance, carcass traits, and gastrointestinal characteristics, even when fed diets with a high roughage-to-concentrate ratio.

Carcass traits and meat quality of goats fed with cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage subjected to an intermittent water supply.

The effect of different proportions of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage (CPS) and intermittent water supply (IWS) to crossbreed goats' diets on carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. The IWS caused a reduction (p = 0.03) in the percentage of leg fat in the animals. The rib eye area, carcass weight, and physical-chemical characteristics were not affected (p > 0.05) by the CPS or IWS. The IWS reduced (p = 0.04) the elongase enzyme activity. The CPS inclusion in the diet reduced C22:0 (p = 0.01), some branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA), C20:1 (p = 0.03), c13-C18:1 (p = 0.01) fatty acids. Therefore, in situations of water scarcity, an intermittent water supply of up to 48 h and diets with up to 42% cactus pear silage, can be adopted in goat feedlot, without affecting carcass traits and meat quality.

Effect of crude glycerin levels on meat quality and carcass characteristics of crossbred Boer goats.

This study assessed the effects of four levels of crude glycerin (0, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg dry matter (DM) basis) in the diet of Boer crossbred goat kids on the qualitative and quantitative carcass characteristics as well as meat quality. Thirty-two crossbred, castrated Boer x undefined breed goat kids with an initial average weight of 17.8 ± 2.2 kg between 3 and 4 months of age were distributed across a complete randomized experiment with four treatments and eight replicates. The DM intake linearly decreased (p < .05) as the crude glycerin inclusion level in the diet increased. Crude glycerin levels decreased (linear effect, p < .05) empty body weight, hot dressing percentage, and cold dressing percentage. Conformation and subcutaneous fat thickness were not affected (p > .05) by dietary crude glycerin. Crude glycerin levels decreased (linear effect, p = .03) rib eye area of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, however, did not affect color, cooking loss, and shear force. The crude glycerin can be included up to 50 g/kg DM in the diet of crossbred Boer goats without negatively affecting carcass characteristics and meat quality. It can be recommended as an energy source in finishing diets.

Water intake and ingestive behavior of sheep fed diets based on silages of cactus pear and tropical forages.

The objective was to evaluate the water intake and ingestive behavior of sheep fed diets containing silages of cactus pear combined with tropical forages. Forty sheep without defined breed, intact, with initial average weight of 22.65 ± 1.01 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 8 replications. The experimental diets consisted of cactus pear silage (CPS), cactus pear + buffel grass silage (CPBS), cactus pear + gliricidia silage (CPGS), cactus pear + pornunça silage (CPPS), and corn silage (CS). CPGS provided higher water intake via food, total water intake, metabolic water, and excretion via feces and urine (P < 0.05). Animals that received diets containing CS showed higher water intake via drinking fountain, less efficient feeding and rumination of dry matter, less efficient rumination of neutral detergent fiber, grams of dry matter per cud, grams of neutral detergent fiber per cud, and the shortest average time spent in chewing per cud (P < 0.05). CPGS, CPPS, and CS provided longer times for rumination and numbers of cuds per day (P < 0.05). CPS showed animals spending more time in idleness, lower quantity of cuds per minute, higher concentration of crystals in urine, with a higher frequency of ammonia-magnesium phosphate and calcium oxalate. Silages based on cactus pear are an alternative to the supply of water via food for sheep in semi-arid.

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.

Fermentative profile, losses and chemical composition of silage soybean genotypes amended with sugarcane levels.

The experiment aimed to evaluate the fermentative and nutritional profile of the silage of four soybean plant genotypes (BRS 333 RR, Pampeanas: C50, C60, and C70) ensiled with levels of sugarcane (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, in factorial scheme 4 × 5 (four soybean genotypes and five levels of sugarcane inclusion) with four replicates. Silages with 100% soybean plant presented the highest levels of butyric acid (P < 0.001) and ammoniacal nitrogen (P < 0.047); however, the intermediate addition of sugarcane contributed to lactic fermentation (P < 0.001). Besides, there was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) for the recovery of dry matter, which ranged from 83.28 to 95.29%, with higher values observed for silage with the same proportions of soybean plant and sugarcane. It was verified that the crude protein content exhibited decreasing linear effects (P < 0.001), varying among 4.60 to 7.48% in the silages. It was concluded that the highest recovery of dry matter, the best fermentation profile, and the highest levels of crude protein and digestibility occurred in the inclusion between 25 and 50% of sugarcane in soybean silage, with the superiority of the C50 soybean genotype.

Mixed silages of cactus pear and gliricidia: chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, microbial population and aerobic stability.

The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, profile and fermentative losses, microbial population and the aerobic stability of mixed silages of cactus pear and gliricidia. The treatments corresponded to the addition levels of gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud), in the silages of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica Mill.), at ratios 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% gliricidia. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression to evaluate the effect of the addition levels of gliricidia. The average related to the opening days were compared by the Tukey's test and the average hours of exposure to air were compared by the Student's t-test. The addition of gliricidia in cactus pear silage provided a linear increasing effect for pH, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP), and increased aerobic stability (AS). The highest dry matter recovery was estimated in the silages with 58% gliricidia. Based on the fermentative, chemical composition and silage losses, all the silages tested were adequate. However, considering aerobic stability, the addition of at least 25% gliricidia is recommended to provide the animal a feed with important quality and high nutritional value.

Carcass traits and meat quality of lambs fed with cactus (Opuntia fícus-indica Mill) silage and subjected to an intermittent water supply.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cactus silage and an intermittent water supply for lambs on carcass traits and meat quality. Thirty-six crossbreed lambs with an initial average weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and average age of 6 months were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial design comprising three addition ratios of cactus silage to the diet (0, 21, and 42% based on dry matter) and three water supply intervals (0, 24, and 48 h) with four replicates. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between the cactus silage ratio and intermittent water supply for any of the evaluated variables, with the exception of the yield of the half carcass commercial cuts. There was no significant effect of intermittent water supply (P > 0.05) on the carcass characteristics or meat quality. The addition of forage cactus silage as a substitute for Tifton hay affected the morphometric measurements (P < 0.05) and carcass compactness index (P < 0.05). The addition of 42% cactus silage to the diet increased (P < 0.05) the rib eye area (13.98 cm2). The addition of cactus silage as a substitute for Tifton hay positively affected (P < 0.05) the carcass weight of commercial cuts of the lambs. To the physical and chemical parameters of the Longissimus lumborum, the addition of 42% cactus silage to the diet reduced the color meat parameters (P < 0.05) and pH0 and 24h, cooking losses, and shear force were not affected (P > 0.05). The addition of forage cactus silage to the lambs' diet affected (P < 0.05) the composition of some saturated fatty acids in the meat. A water supply interval of up to 48 h does not influence carcass characteristics and meat quality. Therefore, the use of cactus silage can be recommended in situations of water scarcity without harming the production or meat quality of crossbreed lambs.

Intake and ingestive behavior of lambs fed diets containing ammoniated buffel grass hay.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets with ammoniated buffel grass hay on the ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs. Thirty-two sheep of no defined breed with an average body weight of 17.7 ± 1.8 kg were used. A completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 18, 36, and 54 g/kg dry matter (DM) basis) and eight repetitions was used. Ingestive behavior, rumination, and idle time were similar (P > 0.05) among the diets containing ammoniated buffel grass hay, with mean values of 294.5, 554.44, and 594.25 min per day, respectively. Regarding the chews, all of the variables resulted in similar behavior (P > 0.05). The quadratic effect (P < 0.05) observed for daily intake can be explained based on the amount of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) per meal per rumination. There was no effect of urea levels from the ammoniation (P > 0.05) on the efficiency of DM and NDF consumption. However, the rumination efficiency of DM and NDF showed a quadratic effect (P < 0.05). Thus, the use of ammoniated buffel grass hay with urea in lamb diet affects the ingestive behavior by increasing the rumination efficiency, increased intake, and feed utilization.

Sorghum cultivars of different purposes silage / Cultivares de sorgo para silagem de diferentes propósitos

This study aimed to assess the fermentation profile, losses and chemical composition of the silages of five sorghum cultivars. A completely randomized design with five replicates was used. The experimental treatments were represented by five sorghum cultivars (Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench): 'BRS Ponta Negra' , 'BRS 610', 'BRS 655', 'BRS 800' and 'BRS 810'. There was variation (P<0.05) for the pH in the cultivars studied, with highest result of pH by 'BRS 610'. The average percentages of lactic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid, differed (P<0.05) among the cultivars, ranging from 32.9 to 59.5, 19.8 to 39.8, and 0.0 to 1.3g kg-1, respectively. The dry matter recovery varied among cultivars (P<0.05), allowing the identification of BRS Ponta Negra, and 'BRS 810' silages, as those which recovered the lowest dry matter, with values of 757.1 and 776.1g kg-1, respectively. There were differences (P<0.05) for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total carbohydrates contents among the cultivars. It was concluded that, despite the morphological and chemical differences among cultivars, the resulting silages had good fermentation profile.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o perfil fermentativo, perdas e a composição bromatológica de silagens de cinco cultivares de sorgo. Foi utilizado um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos experimentais foram representados por cinco cultivares de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench): 'BRS Ponta Negra', 'BRS 610', 'BRS 655', 'BRS 800' e 'BRS 810'. Houve variação (P<0,05) para o pH nos genótipos estudados, com maior resultado para o genótipo 'BRS 610'. Os valores médios de ácido lático, ácido acético e ácido propiônico, diferiram entre as cultivares (P<0,05), variando de 32,9 a 59,5; 19,8 a 39,8; e 0,0 a 1.3g kg-1, respectivamente. A recuperação de matéria seca variou entre as cultivares (P<0,05), em que as silagens dos cultivares 'BRS Ponta Negra' e 'BRS 810', é que tiveram menor recuperação de matéria seca, com valores de 757,1 e 776,1g kg-1, respectivamente. Houve diferença (P<0,05) para teores de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro, carboidratos não-fibrosos e carboidratos totais entre as cultivares. Conclui-se que, apesar das diferenças morfológicas e químicas entre as cultivares, as silagens resultantes tinham adequado padrão de fermentação.

Resposta econômica do confinamento de ovinos alimentados com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo / Economic response of feedlot sheep fed silages with different cultivars of sorghum

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o resultado econômico da terminação de ovinos em confinamento, alimentados com silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo: 'BRS 810' e 'BRS Ponta Negra' (caráter forrageiro); 'BRS 610' (caráter duplo propósito); e 'BRS 655' e 'BRS 800' (caráter granífero). Utilizaram-se 35 cordeiros, sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre 5 e 7 meses e com peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg. Os animais foram mantidos confinados em gaiolas individuais durante 42 dias, sendo abatidos com peso médio de 26,24kg. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo) e sete repetições. A relação volumoso:concentrado foi de 48:52 (com base na MS), para todas as dietas testadas. O custo médio das silagens foi de 63,71; 71,01; 78,99; 61,08 e 63,35 R$ t-1 para as cultivares 'BRS 610', 'BRS 655', 'BRS 800', 'BRS 810' e 'BRS Ponta Negra', respectivamente, promovendo uma receita líquida de 78,34; 78,98; 77,43; 82,23 e 80,57 R$ carcaça-1. A produção de silagem utilizando a variedade 'BRS 810' com caráter forrageiro apresenta menor custo de produção e maior receita líquida por carcaça, além de maior produção de matéria seca por hectare, proporcionando aumentar a capacidade de suporte forrageiro das áreas cultivadas, permitindo confinar maior quantidade de animais.

This study aimed to evaluate the economic result of the termination of feedlot sheep fed silages with different cultivars of sorghum 'BRS 810' and 'BRS Ponta Negra' (forage); 'BRS 610' (dual purpose character) and 'BRS 655' and 'BRS 800' (character grain). Five lambs without defined breed were used, aged between 5 and 7 months, with average weight of 17.7±3.7kg. The animals were confined in individual cages for 42 days and slaughtered at an average weight of 26.24kg. A completely randomized design was used with five treatments (silage of different cultivars of sorghum) and seven repetitions. The forage: concentrate ratio was 48:52 (DM basis) for all diets. The average cost of silage was 63.71, 71.01, 78.99, 61.08 and 63.35 R$ t-1 for 'BRS 610', 'BRS 655', 'BRS 800', 'BRS 810' and 'BRS Ponta Negra', respectively promoting a net earnings of 78.34, 78.98, 77.43, 82.23 and 80.57 R$ carcass-1. The silage production using the 'BRS 810' with forage purpose has lower production costs and higher net income for carcass. Furthermore higher dry matter production per hectare provided increased support of forage cultivated areas capacity , which allowed greater amount of confined animals.

Silages of pearl millet submitted to nitrogen fertilization / Silagens de milheto submetidas à adubação nitrogenada

This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, losses and the chemical composition of two pearl millet genotypes silages submitted to nitrogen fertilization. The experimental design was a completely randomized blocks in a split plot scheme 2x5 (two nitrogen genotypes doses x five doses of nitrogen), with four replicates. Nitrogen doses were 0, 20, 40, 60, 80kg ha-1 and the pearl millet genotypes were the variety ADR300 and the hybrid ADR7010. The hybrid ADR 7010 showed average lactic acid content higher than the variety ADR 300, at all doses of N, recording values ranging from 4.09 to 10.46dag kg-1. There was an interaction between nitrogren doses and genotypes for the neutral detergent fiber, which ranged from 51.81 to 63.63dag kg-1 of dry matter. Dry matter recovery decreased linearly with increasing nitrogen doses only for hybrid ADR7010, the same did not happen for the ADR300. The nitrogen fertilization does not favor the fermentation characteristics and increases DM losses of the hybrid ADR7010.

Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil fermentativo, as perdas e a composição bromatológica de silagens de dois genótipos de milheto, submetidos à adubação nitrogenada. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados em um esquema de parcelas subdivididas 2x5 (dois genótipos x cinco doses de nitrogênio), com quatro repetições. As doses de nitrogênio foram 0, 20, 40, 60, 80kg ha-1 e os genótipos de milheto foram a variedade ADR300 e o híbrido ADR7010. O híbrido ADR 7010 apresentou teores médios de ácido lático superiores aos da variedade ADR 300 em todos os níveis de N, registrando valores que variaram de 4,09 a 10,46 dag kg-1. Houve interação entre os níveis de adubo e os genótipos para a fibra em detergente neutro, que variaram de 51,81 a 63,63dag kg-1 de matéria seca. A recuperação de matéria seca diminuiu linearmente com o aumento das doses de nitrogênio somente para o híbrido ADR7010, o mesmo não acontecendo para a ADR300. A adubação nitrogenada não favorece o perfil fermentativo e incrementa as perdas de matéria seca do híbrido ADR7010.

Características agronômicas e eficiência do uso da chuva em cultivares de sorgo no semiárido / Agronomic characteristics and rain use efficiency of sorghum genotypes in semiarid

Objetivou-se quantificar o rendimento forrageiro, o percentual de componentes da planta, as características morfométricas e a eficiência do uso da chuva de cinco genótipos de sorgo para silagem no semiárido paraibano. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, no município de Soledade-PB. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, sendo os tratamentos experimentais representados por cinco genótipos de sorgo: Ponta Negra, SF 15 IPA 1011, IPA 2502 e IPA 46742. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os genótipos para a produção de matéria natural e produção de matéria seca e para o percentual de lâmina foliar. Entretanto, para o percentual de colmo foram observados maiores valores (P<0,05) para os genótipos Ponta Negra e IPA 46742. O percentual de panícula foi superior (P<0,05) para as cultivares 'IPA 1011' e 'IPA 2502'. As cultivares 'IPA 1011' e 'IPA 2502' apresentaram percentual de panícula acima de 38% da MS. Não houve diferença (P<0,05) para eficiência no uso da água de chuva entre os genótipos estudados, com valores variando de 94,37 a 126,25kg de MS ha-1 mm-1. Os genótipos avaliados apresentam elevada eficiência no uso da chuva e produtividade. Recomenda-se o IPA 1011 pela maior participação de panícula.

The objective was to quantify the forage yield, percentage of plant components, the morphometric characteristics and the rain use efficiency of five genotypes of sorghum silage in semiarid of Paraiba. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station Pendência, municipality ofSoledade-PB. The experimental design used was randomizedblocks with four replicates, being experimental treatments represented by five sorghum genotypes: Ponta Negra, SF 15 IPA 1011, IPA 2502 and IPA 46742. No differences had been observed between genotypes for the production of natural matter and dry matter production. For the percentage of leaf blade was not significant difference (P>0.05), however for the percentage of stem showed higher (P<0.05) for genotypes Ponta Negra and IPA 46742. The percentage of panicle was high (P<0.05) for cultivars 'IPA 1011' and 'IPA 2502'. The cultivars 'IPA 1011' e 'IPA 2502' showed panicle percentage above 38% DM. There was no difference (P<0.05) in rain-use efficiency among genotypes, with values ranging from 94.37 to 126.25kg DM ha-1 mm-1. The genotypes showed high use efficiency of rain can and productivity, which is recommended by the IPA 1011 increased participation panicle.