Stress in dogs during grooming in a pet shop

The objective was to study the stress level in dogs during grooming services in a pet shop. A total of 55 grooming services carried out in a pet shop in the city of Janaúba, MG, were evaluated and divided into four categories according to sex and body weight. The flowchart of the grooming process contained six steps that began with the transportation of dogs to the pet shop and finished with their return to the place of origin. Behavioral, physiological, and blood component evaluations were performed at different steps of the process. Changes in dog behavior and physiological parameters were observed primarily upon arrival at the pet shop and during drying. Employee characteristics also influenced dogs' behaviors. However, dogs were able to thermoregulate and maintain the homeostasis of leukocytes, glucose and cortisol in the blood.(AU)

Effect of wilting time and enzymatic-bacterial inoculant on the fermentative profile, aerobic stability, and nutritional value of BRS capiaçu grass silage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of wilting times and application of an enzymatic-bacterial inoculant on the fermentative profile and nutritional characteristics of BRS capiaçu grass silage in a semi-arid region. Four wilting times treatments (control, 6, 24, and 30 h), with or without the addition of an enzymatic-bacterial inoculant, were analyzed as a split-plot completely randomized design with eight replications. Parameters of the rumen degradability test were analyzed using a split-plot completely randomized block design with four replications. There was no interaction between wilting times and inoculant application on pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3 -N), and aerobic stability of BRS capiaçu silage. Aerobic stability was reduced by 1.2 h for every 1-h increase in wilting time. Inoculant application reduced the pH values by 2.59% and extended the aerobic stability of the silage by 19 h. There was a significant interaction of wilting times and inoculant application on the levels of malic, succinic, lactic, and acetic acids. Inoculant application increased the contents of dry matter, ash, crude protein, insoluble neutral detergent fiber, and total carbohydrates by 3.63, 6.13, 7.73, 6.39, and 9.97% compared with non-inoculated silages, respectively. Wilting times for up to 30 h and application of enzymatic-bacterial inoculant improves the fermentative profile and chemical composition and reduces dry matter losses of silage of BRS capiaçu grass harvested at 100 days of regrowth.

Use of alternative tiles in the free-range broilers rearing: thermal environment, productive performance and physiological responses

The physiological parameters and the productive performance of free-range broilers submitted to installations with different materials of tile composition were evaluated. 320 male broilers of the Vermelho Pesadão lineage were used, with an initial age of 35 days, distributed among the following treatments: 1) Fiber cement tile painted white on the outside; 2) Cardboard tile coated with double-sided canvas - black for the interior and white for the exterior; 3) Tetra Pak® box tile; 4) Tile of Tetra Pak® boxes covered with PET bottles. A completely randomized design was used, with 4 replicates per treatment and 20 broilers per experimental unit. The climatic environment was evaluated daily at 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hours. The productive and physiological parameters were evaluated every 7 days, the last ones being collected at 9 and 15 hours. In the afternoon, the highest values of air temperature and black globe temperature index and humidity were recorded, regardless of the materials evaluated. Fiber cement tiles and cardboard tiles coated with double-sided canvas showed the lowest values of climatic variables. There was no difference between the types of tile for the variables of productive performance and physiological parameters. It was concluded that the fiber-cement tiles painted white on the outside, and the cardboard coated with light canvas on the outside provided a better thermal environment inside the aviaries, which can be indicated for use in shelters for the creation of free-range broilers.

Use of alternative tiles in the free-range broilers rearing: thermal environment, productive performance and physiological responses

The physiological parameters and the productive performance of free-range broilers submitted to installations with different materials of tile composition were evaluated. 320 male broilers of the Vermelho Pesadão lineage were used, with an initial age of 35 days, distributed among the following treatments: 1) Fiber cement tile painted white on the outside; 2) Cardboard tile coated with double-sided canvas - black for the interior and white for the exterior; 3) Tetra Pak® box tile; 4) Tile of Tetra Pak® boxes covered with PET bottles. A completely randomized design was used, with 4 replicates per treatment and 20 broilers per experimental unit. The climatic environment was evaluated daily at 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hours. The productive and physiological parameters were evaluated every 7 days, the last ones being collected at 9 and 15 hours. In the afternoon, the highest values of air temperature and black globe temperature index and humidity were recorded, regardless of the materials evaluated. Fiber cement tiles and cardboard tiles coated with double-sided canvas showed the lowest values of climatic variables. There was no difference between the types of tile for the variables of productive performance and physiological parameters. It was concluded that the fiber-cement tiles painted white on the outside, and the cardboard coated with light canvas on the outside provided a better thermal environment inside the aviaries, which can be indicated for use in shelters for the creation of free-range broilers.(AU)

Handling, reactivity and price of beef cattle

Given the importance of cattle breeding for the Brazilian economy, as well as the growing concern with animal welfare, studies that clearly and objectively approach the way cattle are handled during auctions become necessary. This study aims, hence, at assessing the influence of cattle handling on the reactivity of animals at the time of arrival at the exhibition park. We also aimed to evaluate the impact of reactivity and visual aspects on the price for animals atauctions in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais. We observed 241 lots of commercial and 43 lots of pedigree cattle in loco, assessing the type of handling and the cattle's behavior when arriving at the exhibition park, accommodation in the corral and loading to the destination. Upon arrival, commercial animals were more reactive than pedigree cattle due to the change of environment – exhibition park as opposed to their original habitat, and also to the number of visitors who induce stress and cause the animals to retreat. Commercial and pedigree females were more reactive than males upon arrival and loading, particularly when close to their offspring. Commercial animals that scored high in aggressiveness had smaller flight zones, for they run toward fences when threatened. Young commercial animals entered the auction ring with no external help due to anxiety and restlessness. The visual aspect influences the price in virtual markets.

Handling, reactivity and price of beef cattle

Given the importance of cattle breeding for the Brazilian economy, as well as the growing concern with animal welfare, studies that clearly and objectively approach the way cattle are handled during auctions become necessary. This study aims, hence, at assessing the influence of cattle handling on the reactivity of animals at the time of arrival at the exhibition park. We also aimed to evaluate the impact of reactivity and visual aspects on the price for animals atauctions in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais. We observed 241 lots of commercial and 43 lots of pedigree cattle in loco, assessing the type of handling and the cattle's behavior when arriving at the exhibition park, accommodation in the corral and loading to the destination. Upon arrival, commercial animals were more reactive than pedigree cattle due to the change of environment exhibition park as opposed to their original habitat, and also to the number of visitors who induce stress and cause the animals to retreat. Commercial and pedigree females were more reactive than males upon arrival and loading, particularly when close to their offspring. Commercial animals that scored high in aggressiveness had smaller flight zones, for they run toward fences when threatened. Young commercial animals entered the auction ring with no external help due to anxiety and restlessness. The visual aspect influences the price in virtual markets.(AU)

Thermal comfort of horses housed in different types of stalls / Conforto térmico de equinos alojados em diferentes tipos de baias

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of climatic conditions provided by two types of stalls on the physiological and behavioral responses of horses during agricultural exposure. The study was developed during 2014 and 2015 in an Agricultural Fair located in the semiarid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Climatic environment, place of accommodation, physiological and behavioral variables of 114 Mangalarga Marchador horses, housed in individual metal and masonry stalls, were observed. Meteorological variables inside the metal and masonry stalls were monitored. Physiological variables were characterized by respiratory rate and body temperature. For behavioral analysis, the frequency of occurrence of defecation, urination, neigh, agitation, food and water intake were observed at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 14 pm, 16 pm and 18 pm. The thermal environment was classified as thermal discomfort from 10 am. Respiratory rate and body temperature were outside ideal values. The metal stall caused greater thermal discomfort for horses.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito das condições climáticas proporcionado por dois tipos de baias sobre as respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de equinos por ocasião de exposição agropecuária. O trabalho foi desenvolvido durante os anos de 2014 e 2015 em Feira Agropecuária localizada na região do semiárido mineiro. Foi observado o ambiente climático, local de acomodação, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamentais de 114 equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, alojados em baias individuais de metal e alvenaria. Foram monitoradas as variáveis meteorológicas no interior das baias de metal e de alvenaria. As variáveis fisiológicas foram caracterizadas por meio da frequência respiratória e temperatura corporal. Para análise comportamental, observou-se a frequência de ocorrência de ações de defecação, micção, relinchar, agitação, ingestão de alimentos e água, às 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 14 h, 16 h e 18 h. O ambiente térmico foi classificado como de desconforto térmico a partir das 10 h. A frequência respiratória e a temperatura corporal estiveram fora dos valores considerados ideais. A baia de metal proporcionou maior desconforto térmico para os equinos.

Thermal comfort of horses housed in different types of stalls / Conforto térmico de equinos alojados em diferentes tipos de baias

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of climatic conditions provided by two types of stalls on the physiological and behavioral responses of horses during agricultural exposure. The study was developed during 2014 and 2015 in an Agricultural Fair located in the semiarid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Climatic environment, place of accommodation, physiological and behavioral variables of 114 Mangalarga Marchador horses, housed in individual metal and masonry stalls, were observed. Meteorological variables inside the metal and masonry stalls were monitored. Physiological variables were characterized by respiratory rate and body temperature. For behavioral analysis, the frequency of occurrence of defecation, urination, neigh, agitation, food and water intake were observed at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 14 pm, 16 pm and 18 pm. The thermal environment was classified as thermal discomfort from 10 am. Respiratory rate and body temperature were outside ideal values. The metal stall caused greater thermal discomfort for horses.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito das condições climáticas proporcionado por dois tipos de baias sobre as respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de equinos por ocasião de exposição agropecuária. O trabalho foi desenvolvido durante os anos de 2014 e 2015 em Feira Agropecuária localizada na região do semiárido mineiro. Foi observado o ambiente climático, local de acomodação, variáveis fisiológicas e comportamentais de 114 equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador, alojados em baias individuais de metal e alvenaria. Foram monitoradas as variáveis meteorológicas no interior das baias de metal e de alvenaria. As variáveis fisiológicas foram caracterizadas por meio da frequência respiratória e temperatura corporal. Para análise comportamental, observou-se a frequência de ocorrência de ações de defecação, micção, relinchar, agitação, ingestão de alimentos e água, às 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 14 h, 16 h e 18 h. O ambiente térmico foi classificado como de desconforto térmico a partir das 10 h. A frequência respiratória e a temperatura corporal estiveram fora dos valores considerados ideais. A baia de metal proporcionou maior desconforto térmico para os equinos.(AU)

Physiological alteration of swine matrices created in the climatic semiarid conditions of Minas Gerais / Alterações fisiológicas de matrizes suínas criadas nas condições climáticas do semiárido mineiro

Assim como se verifica em todo o território brasileiro, a região Norte de Minas cresce de forma significativa na produção de suínos, entretanto devido as altas temperaturas ao longo do ano, a região tem seu potencial de produção prejudicado. Diante isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do ambiente climático sobre os parâmetros fisiológicos de matrizes suínas antes e após o parto. O experimento foi conduzido na Granja Araújo, localizada no Projeto Gorutuba, no município de Nova Porteirinha (MG). Foram utilizados seis animais, sendo 4 matrizes da linhagem comercial DB e 2 matrizes Agroceres. Nesta granja as matrizes ficam alojadas em baias individuais. Foram monitoradas as variáveis meteorológicas na sala de maternidade, por meio do uso de 2 data loggers, instalados na altura dos animais, permitindo a caracterização das seguintes variáveis climáticas: temperatura de bulbo seco (Ts), umidade relativa do ar (UR), temperatura de ponto de orvalho (Tpo) e temperatura de globo negro (Tg). Os parâmetros fisiológicos foram caracterizados por meio da temperatura retal, frequência respiratória, batimento cardíaco e temperatura corporal. A coleta de dados ocorreu às 8:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 e 17:00h. Os valores das variáveis climáticas, do ITGU (Índice de Temperatura de Globo Negro e Umidade) e dos parâmetros fisiológicos foram avaliados por meio de médias horárias semanais.(AU)

The swine breeding in the Minas Gerais semiarid has an initial characterization, but there are prospects for growth, however due to the high temperatures verified throughout the year, production is reduced. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the climatic environment on the physiological parameters of swine matrices before and after farrowing. The experiment was carried out in a representative swine breeding farm located in the region of the Gorutuba Project, in Nova Porteirinha city, MG. Six swine matrices housed in individual bays were used. The climatic variables, air temperature, relative air humidity, dew point temperature and black globe temperature were monitored through the use of two dataloggers. The physiological parameters evaluated were: body surface temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and rectal temperature. The environmental and physiological variables were collected at 8am, 11am, 01pm, 03pm and 05pm. Data was submitted to analysis of variance, and when significant were submitted to the Tukey test at 5% probability for comparison between the means. With the data collected, it was observed that between 01pm and 05pm h and during the post-partum period, the animals were exposed to the thermal discomfort of the environment, being the responsible factor for the alteration in the respiratory rate, especially when associated with the ingestion of foods. The mean values (p<0.05) of body and rectal surface temperature were higher in the postpartum period, but did not express thermal discomfort of the swine matrices. The raising of these animals in the semiarid Minas Gerais is possible; however, it is necessary to adopt measures such as the use of ventilators and the use of curtains to minimize the animals caloric stress.(AU)

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.

Banana peel in the diet for F1 Holstein x Zebu cows / Casca de banana em dieta para vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of includingsun-dried banana peel in diets for F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on intake, digestibility and milk production. Diets were composed of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% replacement of sorghum silage with banana peel provided to 10 cows in two simultaneous 5 x 5 Latin squares, with the experiment divided into five periods of 16 days. The dry matter intake showed a quadratic effect with maximum level at 38.30% substitution as well as intake of crude protein expressed in kg-1 day and percentage of body weight, with maximum at the levels of 50.09 and 45.69% inclusion of the peel, respectively. The intake of neutral detergent fiber and the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein showed a decreasing linear effect. Variation in weight and body condition score, milk production and feed conversion were not affected. The replacement of 60% sorghum silage with banana peel represents a viable alternative as it causes no change in cows with average production of 16.49 kg milk with 3.5% fat day-1, reducing feeding costs.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de casca de banana seca ao sol na dieta de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu, sobre consumo, digestibilidade e produção de leite. As dietas foram constituídas de 0, 15, 30, 45 e 60% de substituição da silagem de sorgo pela casca de banana. Foram utilizadas 10 vacas e o delineamento experimental foi em 2 quadrados latinos 5 x 5 simultâneos, sendo o período experimental dividido em cinco períodos de 16 dias. O consumo de matéria seca apresentou efeito quadrático com valor máximo no nível de 38,30% de substituição, assim como o consumo de proteína bruta expresso em kg dia-1 e em porcentagem do peso corporal, com valor máximo nos níveis de 50,09 e 45,69% de inclusão da casca, respectivamente. O consumo de fibra em detergente neutro e as digestibilidades da fibra em detergente neutro e da proteína bruta apresentaram efeito linear decrescente. As variações de peso e escore corporal, produção de leite e conversão alimentar não foram influenciados. A substituição de 60% da silagem de sorgo por casca de banana pode ser uma alternativa viável já que não altera produção de vacas com produção média de 16,49 kg de leite com 3,5% de gordura dia-1, reduzindo os custos com a alimentação.(AU)

Características produtivas do capim-braquiária submetido a intervalos de cortes e adubação nitrogenada durante três estações / Productive traits of Brachiaria grass subject to cutting intervals and nitrogen fertilization over three seasons

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a produtividade do capim-braquiária submetido a diferentes intervalos de cortes e adubação nitrogenada, nos períodos do verão, do outono e do inverno. O experimento foi instalado na Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia em área já estabelecida de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk. Foi conduzido em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, sendo cinco intervalos de cortes (21, 28, 35, 42 e 49 dias) e duas doses de nitrogênio (0 e 200 kg N ha-1). O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: altura do dossel (cm), teor de matéria seca (%), produção de matéria seca total (PMS, ton ha-1) e produção diária de matéria seca (kg MS dia-1). A adubação aumentou em 40,8% a altura da planta no verão e 18,2% no outono. O teor de matéria seca aumentou nas três estações do ano, em função do aumento do intervalo de cortes. A adubação nitrogenada aumentou a PMS do capim-braquiária em 96,8% no verão e 10,3% no inverno, no outono não houve efeito (p > 0,05). O intervalo de cortes variável (39 dias no verão e 21 dias no outono e inverno) mostra-se mais eficiente quanto à produção diária de forragem.

The productivity of Brachiaria grass with different cutting intervals and nitrogen fertilization during summer, autumn and winter is evaluated. The experiment, undertaken in a region featuring Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk at the State University of Southwest Bahia, had a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement with five cutting intervals (21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days) and two nitrogen levels (0 and 200 kg N ha-1) in a randomized block design with four replications. The variables analyzed consisted of canopy height (cm), dry matter rate (%), dry matter production (ton ha-1) and total daily production of dry matter (kg DM day-1). Fertilization increased height of plant by 40.8 and 18.2% respectively during summer and autumn. Dry matter rate increased in the three seasons in proportion to increase in cutting intervals. Although Nitrogen fertilization increased TDM of Brachiaria grass by 96.8 and 10.3% respectively during the summer and winter, there was no significant (p > 0.05) in autumn. Variable cutting intervals (39 days in the summer and 21 days in autumn and winter) was more effective in daily forage production when compared to corresponding intervals.

Características produtivas do capim-braquiária submetido a intervalos de cortes e adubação nitrogenada durante três estações / Productive traits of Brachiaria grass subject to cutting intervals and nitrogen fertilization over three seasons

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a produtividade do capim-braquiária submetido a diferentes intervalos de cortes e adubação nitrogenada, nos períodos do verão, do outono e do inverno. O experimento foi instalado na Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia em área já estabelecida de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk. Foi conduzido em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, sendo cinco intervalos de cortes (21, 28, 35, 42 e 49 dias) e duas doses de nitrogênio (0 e 200 kg N ha-1). O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: altura do dossel (cm), teor de matéria seca (%), produção de matéria seca total (PMS, ton ha-1) e produção diária de matéria seca (kg MS dia-1). A adubação aumentou em 40,8% a altura da planta no verão e 18,2% no outono. O teor de matéria seca aumentou nas três estações do ano, em função do aumento do intervalo de cortes. A adubação nitrogenada aumentou a PMS do capim-braquiária em 96,8% no verão e 10,3% no inverno, no outono não houve efeito (p > 0,05). O intervalo de cortes variável (39 dias no verão e 21 dias no outono e inverno) mostra-se mais eficiente quanto à produção diária de forragem.(AU)

The productivity of Brachiaria grass with different cutting intervals and nitrogen fertilization during summer, autumn and winter is evaluated. The experiment, undertaken in a region featuring Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk at the State University of Southwest Bahia, had a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement with five cutting intervals (21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days) and two nitrogen levels (0 and 200 kg N ha-1) in a randomized block design with four replications. The variables analyzed consisted of canopy height (cm), dry matter rate (%), dry matter production (ton ha-1) and total daily production of dry matter (kg DM day-1). Fertilization increased height of plant by 40.8 and 18.2% respectively during summer and autumn. Dry matter rate increased in the three seasons in proportion to increase in cutting intervals. Although Nitrogen fertilization increased TDM of Brachiaria grass by 96.8 and 10.3% respectively during the summer and winter, there was no significant (p > 0.05) in autumn. Variable cutting intervals (39 days in the summer and 21 days in autumn and winter) was more effective in daily forage production when compared to corresponding intervals.(AU)

Banana peel in the diet for F1 Holstein x Zebu cows / Casca de banana em dieta para vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of includingsun-dried banana peel in diets for F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on intake, digestibility and milk production. Diets were composed of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% replacement of sorghum silage with banana peel provided to 10 cows in two simultaneous 5 x 5 Latin squares, with the experiment divided into five periods of 16 days. The dry matter intake showed a quadratic effect with maximum level at 38.30% substitution as well as intake of crude protein expressed in kg-1 day and percentage of body weight, with maximum at the levels of 50.09 and 45.69% inclusion of the peel, respectively. The intake of neutral detergent fiber and the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein showed a decreasing linear effect. Variation in weight and body condition score, milk production and feed conversion were not affected. The replacement of 60% sorghum silage with banana peel represents a viable alternative as it causes no change in cows with average production of 16.49 kg milk with 3.5% fat day-1, reducing feeding costs.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de casca de banana seca ao sol na dieta de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu, sobre consumo, digestibilidade e produção de leite. As dietas foram constituídas de 0, 15, 30, 45 e 60% de substituição da silagem de sorgo pela casca de banana. Foram utilizadas 10 vacas e o delineamento experimental foi em 2 quadrados latinos 5 x 5 simultâneos, sendo o período experimental dividido em cinco períodos de 16 dias. O consumo de matéria seca apresentou efeito quadrático com valor máximo no nível de 38,30% de substituição, assim como o consumo de proteína bruta expresso em kg dia-1 e em porcentagem do peso corporal, com valor máximo nos níveis de 50,09 e 45,69% de inclusão da casca, respectivamente. O consumo de fibra em detergente neutro e as digestibilidades da fibra em detergente neutro e da proteína bruta apresentaram efeito linear decrescente. As variações de peso e escore corporal, produção de leite e conversão alimentar não foram influenciados. A substituição de 60% da silagem de sorgo por casca de banana pode ser uma alternativa viável já que não altera produção de vacas com produção média de 16,49 kg de leite com 3,5% de gordura dia-1, reduzindo os custos com a alimentação.