The objective of this trial was to evaluate intake, digestibility, and growth performance of Girolando bulls submitted to two nutritional planes while grazing on
Brachiaria brizantha
cv. Marandu ...pasture. Twenty-two animals, with average initial body weight = 209.1 ± 8.2 kg, were used in this trial. The experimental design was repeated measurements, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with two nutritional planes (NP1 and NP2) and three seasons of the year, with 11 replicates per treatment. The animals of the NP1 received mineral mixture ad libitum during rainy season 1 (15 February through 5 July 2014), energy protein supplement in the amount of 1 g d kg BW
−1
during the dry season (from 6 July through 22 November 2014), and again mineral mixture ad libitum during rainy season 2 (from 23 November 2014 through 9 March 2015). The NP2 animals received 2 g d kg BW
−1
, 2 g d kg BW
−1
, and 1 g d kg BW
−1
of energy-protein supplement in the respective seasons of the year. Forage intakes were similar between nutritional planes, 6.8 and 7.6 kg DM day
−1
and 2.1 and 2.22% BW for NP1 and NP2, respectively. There was no statistical difference (level) between the intakes of neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (4.1 and 4.3 kg day
−1
and 1.2 and 1.3% BW, respectively for nutritional planes 1 and 2). For the other nutrients, NP2 showed greater values. The highest intakes and digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and non-fiber carbohydrate were in rainy season 2. Performance and feed conversion were similar among NPs. This study showed that lower levels of supplementation could be done in order to reduce feeding costs with no impact on performance.
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) ensilage presents serious limitations due to the conversion of soluble carbohydrates into ethanol, thus, it is necessary to use additives that reduce losses of DM ...during the ensilage process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of detoxified castor-bean (Ricinus communis L.) meal (DCBM) on the nutritive value, fermentation pattern, stability and losses of sugarcane silages. Twenty mini-silos with sugarcane and five different concentrations of DCBM (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg.sup.-1 fresh matter) were prepared in a completely randomized design with five replicates per treatment. After 60 d, silage was sampled to determine chemical-bromatological composition, fractionation of carbohydrates and protein content, ammoniacal N (N-NH.sub.3) and losses through gases and effluents. The addition of DCBM increased (P < 0.05) DM content, crude protein, fraction A + B1 of the total carbohydrates. However, it reduced (P < 0.05) the levels of neutral and acid detergent insoluble fiber, fraction B1 + B2 of total N and N-NH.sub.3. The addition of DCBM reduced the losses of total DM but decreased silages aerobic stability. The addition of 150 g kg.sup.-1 DBCM improved the nutritional value, fermentation pattern and reduced losses of sugarcane silages.
The action of successive pasteurization thermal treatments (75 ºC for 15 s) and commercial sterilization by indirect heat exchange (140 ºC for 6 s) was analyzed on the lipid profile of bovine milk. ...Raw milk samples were submitted to pasteurization and then were submitted to sterilization (ultra-high temperature, UHT). The fat of raw milk, pasteurized milk and commercially sterilized milk samples was extracted. After transesterification, the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The quantification of fatty acids (FA) revealed that for most of the found fatty acids there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between raw milk and pasteurized milk. However, it was found significant differences for 21 of the 26 analyzed fatty acids (p > 0.05) for the raw and sterilized milks, including the predominant isomer of the conjugated linoleic acid (CLAc9t11) of the milk. This fact evidences the successive action of heat treatments on milk lipid profile.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between production performance and feeding behavior of steers reared on pasture during the rainy-dry transition period. Twenty-two ½ ...Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers at an average age of 10 months and with an average initial body weight of 234.5 ± 16.0 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with two types of supplementation and eleven replications. Pearson’s linear correlation analysis was performed between behavioral variables and weight gain and feed conversion. Correlation coefficients were tested by the
t
test. The time expended feeding at the trough was positively correlated (
P
< 0.05) with average daily gain (ADG) and with the number of periods of permanence at the trough. Bite rate and the number of bites per day were positively correlated (
P
< 0.05) with ADG and negatively (
P
< 0.05) with feed conversion, unlike the number of bites per swallow, which was negatively correlated (
P
< 0.05) with ADG. There was a positive correlation (
P
< 0.05) between feed efficiency in dry matter and neutral detergent fiber and ADG. Feeding behavior characteristics have little association with the production performance of cattle on pasture receiving mineral or energy-protein supplementation.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of whole cottonseed on diets of cows under grazing on fatty acid profile and milk cholesterol. Five crossbred Holstein × Zebu cows were ...distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Inclusion levels were 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24%. There was a linear decrease in all fatty acids quantified, saturated and monounsaturated (p > 0.05), possibly due to the action of polyunsaturated fatty acids ingested in the diet. There was no influence of treatment on conjugated linoleic acids or cholesterol. It is concluded that, regardless of inclusion level, there is a modification in the milk lipid profile, reducing the concentration of saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and making it rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to health.
Nitrogen (N) is a nutrient used worldwide in pasture fertilization. However, it is a very volatile element. Furthermore, inappropriate use promotes environmental pollution and economic losses. The ...present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the N source on the productivity and N utilization efficiency in Xaraés grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés) under tropical conditions. The randomized complete block design was used in a 3 × 2 × 4 factorial scheme: three seasons (rainy, dry, and transition), two N sources (fast-release = conventional urea, and slow-release = treated urea), and four N doses (0, 80, 160, and 240 kg N/ha/year). Forage accumulation per day differed (p < 0.0001) with the season and N dose. The interaction between those showed a positive linear effect (p < 0.0001) during the rainy season and transition. With increasing N doses, there was a linear increase in annual dry matter production and N accumulation. However, the N utilization efficiency (p < 0.0001) was reduced. Nitrogen sources did not affect forage accumulation and N utilization efficiency. Therefore, it is not recommended to replace fast-release nitrogen fertilization (conventional urea source) with a urease inhibitor (slow-release N source), promoting benefits with lower production costs.
•We tested a mixture of baccharis leaves and stems, tamarind seed, and cashew nut shell, and clove oils as a possible feed additive in beef cattle.•The propionate production was increased and the ...acetate to propionate ratio decreased when natural additives were included in the diet.•The digestibility of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and organic matter increased when the 2 g/animal/day mixture of extracts of baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut shell and clove was included in the diets.
There is a growing public concern on the use of antibiotics and ionophores in livestock and emerging antimicrobial resistance. Plant extracts and essential oils are natural alternatives having antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the effects of a mixture of baccharis (Baccharis dracunculifolia) leaves and stems, tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed, cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell liquid, and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil on animal performance, feed intake, feed efficiency, apparent digestibility, molar concentration of volatile fatty acids and feeding behavior of bulls finished in the feedlot and fed high-grain diets. A total of 32 bulls (½ Angus vs. ½ Nellore) with a mean age of 24 ± 2.0 months and a mean body weight of 418 ± 4.51 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with four diets and eight replications per diet. The four experimental diets were as follows: CONT – basal diet; MIX2 – basal diet and 2 g/animal/d of extracts from baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut shell liquid, and clove; MIX4 – basal diet and 4 g/animal/d of extracts from baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut shell liquid, and clove; MIX6 – basal diet and 6 g/animal/d of extracts from baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut liquid shell liquid and clove. Animal performance, dry matter, and other nutrients intake were similar among diets. Dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and organic matter digestibilities were greater for the MIX2 when compared to other diets. There was an increase in propionate and a decrease in the acetate/propionate ratio when MIX6 was used. A similar effect was observed when orthogonal contrasts comparing the CONT diets with the addition of MIX was used. Feeding behavior was similar among the four diets. Our findings indicated that supplementation of baccharis, tamarind, cashew nut shell liquid, and clove oil (2, 4, and 6 g/animal/d) may be fed to beef cattle once it showed no adverse effects on feed intake and nutrient digestibility. Moreover, it was observed a higher concentration of propionate, a reduction in acetate/propionate ratio, and a greater digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and organic matter. However, more studies should be carried out to determine the effect of higher levels of MIX aiming to use it as a feed additive to improve animal performance and ruminal fermentation in beef cattle finished in feedlot.
Amorimia spp. are sodium monofluoroacetate (MFA) containing plants causing sudden death in ruminants. In a previous study, Amorimia rigida caused abortion in one of the five pregnant sheep that ...received the plant suggesting that it may cause reproductive losses. This work aimed to study the embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects of Amorimia septentrionalis in goats in the Brazilian northeastern semi-arid region. The effects of A. septentrionalis on pregnancy were studied in 16 goats, divided into four groups according to their gestational period. In Groups 1, 2 and 3 the administration of A. septentrionalis at the daily dose of 5g of leaves per kg body weight was started on the 18th, 36th and 93th days of gestation, respectively. Goats from Group 4 did not ingest the plant. When the goats presented severe signs of poisoning the administration of the plant was suspended. Groups 1, 2 and 3 ingested the plant for 7.25±2.87, 9.25±2.21 and 12.50±0.57 days, respectively. All the goats recovered 7-12 days after the end of the administration of the plant. In Group 1, all the goats had embryonic death 6.25±3.59 days after the end of the ingestion of the plant. In Group 2, three goats aborted at 53, 54 and 78 days of gestation. Two goats from Group 3 gave birth normally and the other two aborted at 114 and 111 days of gestation. It is concluded that Amorimia septentrionalis is a sodium monofluoracetate-containing plant that causes embryonic deaths and abortions in goats that ingest non-lethal doses of the plant.
RESUMO: Amorimia spp. são plantas que contém monofluoroacetato de sódio (MFA), responsáveis por causar morte súbita em ruminantes. Em estudo prévio, Amorimia rigida causou aborto em uma de cinco ovelhas prenhas que receberam a planta, sugerindo que pode causar perdas reprodutivas. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar os efeitos embriotóxicos e fetotóxicos de Amorimia septentrionalis em caprinos na região semi-árida nordestina brasileira. Os efeitos de A. septentrionalis na prenhez foram estudados em 16 cabras, divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com seu período gestacional. Nos grupos 1, 2 e 3 a administração de A. septentrionalis foi diária, na dose de 5g de folhas por kg de peso corporal, iniciada nos dias 18, 36 e 93 da gestação, respectivamente. As cabras do grupo 4 não ingeriram a planta. Quando as cabras apresentavam sinais severos de intoxicação suspendia-se a administração da planta. Os grupos 1, 2 e 3 ingeriram a planta por 7,25±2,87, 9,25±2,21 e 12,50±0,57 dias, respectivamente. Todas as cabras se recuperaram 7-12 dias após o final da administração da planta. No grupo 1, todas as cabras apresentaram quadros de mortalidade embrionária 6,25±3,59 dias após o término da ingestão da planta. No grupo 2, três cabras abortaram aos 53, 54 e 78 dias de gestação. Duas cabras do Grupo 3 deram à luz normalmente e as outras duas abortaram aos 114 e 111 dias de gestação. Conclui-se que Amorimia septentrionalis é uma planta que contém monofluoroacetato de sódio e pode ocasionar mortes embrionárias e abortos em cabras que ingerem doses não letais da planta.
The objective was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of crossbred heifers finished on a Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture receiving four levels of glycerin in their supplementation. Thirty-six ...crossbred heifers with average initial weight of 264.83±3.83 kg and 20 months of age were distributed into a completely randomized design with four treatments and nine replications: control (0%), 4.82%, 10.12%, and 15.56% glycerin in the dry matter. The grazing time reduced linearly (p<0.05), whereas the time spent on activities like rumination, idleness, trough and total chewing time were quadratically affected (p<0.05). Bite rate and number of bites/day were quadratically influenced (p<0.05). The number of bites/swallowed cud and the number of bites/minute, however, increased linearly (p<0.05). Although the time spent on each cud and number of chews per cud were not affected (p>0.05). The number of rumination periods reduced linearly (p<0.05), whereas the number of grazing, idle and trough periods, and the times per grazing, idle, rumination and trough periods were quadratically affected (p<0.05). The feed and rumination efficiencies of the dry matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates, pasture dry matter and concentrate were quadratically affected (p>0.05) whereas the feed efficiency of neutral detergent fiber reduced linearly (p<0.05). Addition of glycerin in substitution of corn in supplements for animals managed on pastures does not influenced feed intake, but reduces the grazing time and increases the idle time. The supplementation also improves feed and rumination efficiencies.
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