The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, water balance and growth performance of lambs receiving diets containing cactus silage under an intermittent water supply. Thirty-six ...male, uncastrated Santa Inês lambs with an initial weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and age of 6 months were distributed in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, with three proportions of cactus pear in the diets (0 (control diet containing Tifton hay), 21% and 42% of dry matter) and three periods of intermittent water supply (0, 24 and 48 h), with four repetitions. Lambs that received diets non-isonitrogenous with cactus silage showed higher intakes of dry matter (p < 0.001), total digestible nutrients (p < 0.001), water excretion via faeces (p < 0.001) and water balance (p < 0.001). Lambs that received diets with cactus silage showed higher digestibility of total carbohydrates, non-fibre carbohydrates (p = 0.005), water intake via food (p < 0.001), total water intake (p < 0.001), water excretion via urine (p < 0.001) and water balance (p < 0.05), when compared to the control diet. Lambs that received diets with cactus silage promoted growth performance (p = 0.001). When using 42% forage cactus silage in place of Tifton hay and water offered at 48 h intervals, intake, digestibility, and performance of feedlot lambs were improved.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of calcium oxide (CaO) on the nutritive profile, digestibility, and carbohydrate fractionation of three sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum hybrids) ...genotypes: IAC-862480, SP-791011, and CTC-3. Four CaO levels (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5% on a fresh matter basis) were used in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, whose factors were the three sugarcane genotypes and the four levels of calcium oxide. The chemical composition, carbohydrate fractionation, total digestible nutrients, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were evaluated. The chemical composition of the treated sugarcane was affected by the genotype and the use of CaO. The CTC-3 genotype showed lower values of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDFap), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and phosphorus (p < 0.01) contents when compared to the IAC-862480 genotype. A decreasing linear effect (p < 0.01) of CP, EE, ADF, lignin, cellulose, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients was observed with increasing levels of CaO. A quadratic effect was observed for the contents of DM, organic matter, NDFap, and hemicellulose when the sugarcane was treated with CaO (p < 0.05). The treatment of sugarcane with CaO resulted in the reduction (p < 0.05) in the indigestible fraction of sugarcane. The IAC-862480 and SP-791011 genotypes showed a better nutritional profile compared to the CTC-3 genotype. On the other hand, CaO treatment improved IVDMD and decreased the non-digestible fraction of sugarcane.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical properties of a soil with a 'Tanzânia' grass (Megathyrsus maximus) pasture fertilized with mineral nitrogen or intercropped with the legume ...'Campo Grande' (Stylosanthes spp.), and subjected to continuous grazing and variable stocking rate, in a three-year chronosequence. The treatments were: 'Tanzânia' grass and Stylosanthes; and 'Tanzânia' grass fertilized with 75, 150, and 225 kg ha-1 N per year. The experiment was carried out in an Oxisol, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates, in split plots divided according to time (first, second, and third experimental years). The following soil properties were assessed annually: soil bulk density, porosity in the soil macropore domain, soil water and air storage capacity, and soil penetration resistance. After three years, the highest animal stocking rate due to increased forage yield did not affect the soil physical conditions. The intercrop of 'Tanzânia' grass with the legume shows values of soil water and air storage capacity close to the ideal ones (0.66 and 0.34, respectively). After the second experimental year, there is a decrease in the penetration resistance values, which are inferior to the critical limit of 2,500 kPa. The intercropping of 'Tanzânia' grass with stylosanthes 'Campo Grande' can be a remarkable alternative for the maintenance and improvement of soil physical conditions.
Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades físicas de um solo com pastagem de capim-tanzânia (Megathyrsus maximus) fertilizado com nitrogênio mineral ou consorciado com a leguminosa estilosantes 'Campo Grande' (Stylosanthes spp.), submetido a pastejo contínuo e à taxa de lotação variável, em uma cronossequência de três anos. Os tratamentos foram: capim-tanzânia e estilosantes; e capim-tanzânia adubado com 75, 150 e 225 kg ha-1 de N por ano. O experimento foi realizado em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, em blocos ao acaso com três repetições, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo (primeiro, segundo e terceiro anos experimentais). Foram avaliadas, anualmente, as seguintes propriedades do solo: densidade do solo, porosidade no domínio dos macroporos, capacidade de armazenamento de água e ar do solo e resistência do solo à penetração. Após três anos, a maior taxa de lotação animal, em razão do aumento da produção de forragem, não afetou as condições físicas do solo. O consórcio de pastagem de capim-tanzânia com a leguminosa apresenta valores de capacidade de armazenamento de água e ar do solo próximos aos ideais (0,66 e 0,34, respectivamente). Após o segundo ano experimental, ocorre decréscimo dos valores de resistência do solo à penetração, que ficam abaixo do limite crítico de 2.500 kPa. O consórcio de capim-tanzânia com o estilosantes 'Campo Grande' pode ser uma alternativa interessante para a manutenção e o melhoramento das condições físicas do solo.
This study was conducted to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and chemical composition of Longissimusmuscle (LM) of the bulls. Twenty-four Nellore bulls were used in a complete ...randomised design. The bulls were randomly assigned to one of the three diets containing 0, 5 or 12% glycerin. Final BW and ADG were similar (P>0.05) between the bulls fed with 5 or 12% of glycerin but were higher (P<0.10) compared to the bulls fed without glycerin. DMI and feed efficiency was not affected (P>0.05) by glycerin level. Hot carcass weight increased (P<0.10) when glycerin was fed at 5%. Glycerin level did not affect (P<0.05) the dressing percentage and fat thickness. LM increased (P<0.10) when glycerin was fed at 12%. Dietary glycerin did not affect (P>0.05) the conformation, colour, texture, marbling and pH. There was difference (P>0.05) for moisture, ashes and crude protein among glycerin levels. Bulls fed 12% glycerin present the highest (P<0.03) total lipids on LM. The percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated acids (PUFA), n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and PUFA/SFA and n-6:n-3 ratios of the LM were similar among the diets. In conclusion, glycerin level did not affect the animal performance and carcass characteristics of Nellore bulls finished in feedlot.
This study aimed to assess the effect of using forage cactus silage in the diet of sheep under intermittent water supply on its ingestive behavior and thermoregulation. We used in the experiment ...thirty-six intact male sheep of undefined genotype with an initial average weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and age of approximately six months. The experimental design was a randomized block design in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme composed of three levels of forage cactus silage in the diet (0, 21, and 42%), three water supply periods (0, 24, and 48 hours), and four replications. For the ingestive behavior, observations were carried out every 5 minutes for 2 periods of 24 hours. Thermoregulatory responses were taken at 7:00 and 15:00 h on days other than those intended for ingestive behavior tests. Intermittent water supply did not affect any of the studied variables (P > 0.05). The use of forage cactus silage significantly influenced the ingestive behavior of animals (P < 0.05). Sheep fed forage cactus silage in the diet presented an average feeding efficiency of 255.77 g DM h?1 and an average rumination efficiency of 102.16 g DM h?1, while animals fed control diet showed values of 198.63 and 78.45 g DM h?1, respectively. Urinary frequency increased according to the levels of forage cactus silage in the diet, with 23.60 urination per day in animals fed diets with 42% of forage cactus silage and 10.83 urination per day in animals fed control diet. However, the search for water reduced, with averages of 2.73 and 0.54 per day for animals fed 0 and 42% forage cactus silage, respectively. The use of forage cactus silage also increased thermoregulatory responses of sheep, with an average respiratory rate of 103.35 mov. min?1 and heart rate of 140.08 mov. min?1 in the warmest period of the day (in the afternoon). Thus, sheep fed forage cactus silage increases its feeding and rumination efficiencies, decreases its search for water, and increases its thermoregulatory responses. The intermittent water supply within 48 hours does not influence the ingestive behavior and thermoregulation of confined sheep.
The objective was to test the hypothesis that ruminal inoculum obtained from slaughtered cattle can replace inoculum from cannulated cattle in trials evaluating animal feedstuffs through in vitro gas ...production and digestibility. Five adult Holstein × Zebu steers with ruminal cannula were used to collect and compare rumen liquid from in vivo and slaughtered animals. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) and ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations did not differ between inoculum sources (slaughtered × cannulated) for all byproducts and levels tested. Total in vitro gas production in the ruminal inoculum of cannulated animals was greater (P < 0.001) than slaughtered cattle for different levels of licuri cake. However, the greatest total concentrations of in vitro gases for slaughtered animals were observed when evaluating different levels of crude glycerin (P < 0.001). No differences were observed for diets containing castor bean meal (P >0.05). Thus, the ruminal inoculum obtained from the ruminal contents of slaughtered cattle can replace the use of fistulated animals and is a viable alternative to digestibility analysis. This approach is ethically more correct because it alleviates the suffering of animals by avoiding an invasive procedure.
This study evaluated the best level of inclusion of licuri cake (Syagrus coronata) in massai grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silage by chemical composition and fermentation quality of the silage. The ...experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of Federal University of Bahia. The treatments were composed by massai grass cut at 40 days, chopped and added at levels 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg DM-1 of licuri cake. After mixing, the material was compressed in experimental silos, which were opened after 76 days. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and four replications. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and regression. The addition of licuri cake improve linear increase (P < 0.01) in the contents of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, total digestible nutrients, pH, NH3-N, dry matter intake, digestible dry matter and forage value index in massai grass silage There was a linear reduction in the contents of ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose and cellulose (P < 0.01). There were no differences on contents non-fibrous carbohydrates (P = 0.356) and acid detergent lignin (P = 0.432). It is recommended the inclusion of licuri cake at level of 240 g kg DM-1 in massai silage, because provided the greatest chemical composition, dry matter intake, digestible dry matter and forage value index.
The objective was to evaluate of Nelore performance on pasture of Tanzania (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania-1) fertilized with nitrogen or mixed with Stylosanthes Campo Grande (Stylosanthes spp). ...It was used a randomized complete blocks with split plots design and three replicates of four treatments: Stylosanthes + Tanzania; Tanzania + 75 kg de N ha-1 ano-1; Tanzania + 150 kg de N ha-1 ano-1; Tanzania + 225 kg de N ha-1 ano-1. Plots were assessed by stations. The highest average daily gain (ADG) during the fall was observed in treatment in the consortium and 75 kg de N ha-1 ano-1. The ADG in the treatments of 150 and 225 kg de N ha-1 ano-1 were superior to others in spring and summer. Stocking rate (SR) was similar between the stations studied. The value of SR was higher when it was used the highest dose of nitrogen fertilizer. The weight gain per area was higher in the spring and summer compared to autumn. The inclusion of legumes in livestock system reduces the dependence of the overuse of nitrogen fertilizers.
O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental de Iguatemi - UEM, entre Abril de 2008 aSetembro de 2009, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de crescentes doses de N sobre as características ...morfogênicas do Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Tanzânia nas estações do ano, sob pastejo intermitente. Utilizou-se um delineamento em blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com quatro repetições sendo os tratamentos: N1 = zero, N2 = 150, N3 = 300 e N4 = 450 kg.ha-1 de nitrogênio e as estações do ano: outono, inverno, primavera e verão de 2008 e outono e inverno de 2009. No outono e inverno de 2009, os maiores comprimentos finais de lâminas foliares foram obtidos na maior dose de nitrogênio (450 kg). Tanto a taxa de aparecimento e alongamento de folhas responderam ao nitrogênio apresentando maiores taxas nas maiores doses de nitrogênio (300 e450 kg) e no verão, seguida de primavera contribuindo com a queda do filocrono e da duração de vida das folhas. Em geral, houve efeito das doses de nitrogênio assim como das estações avaliadas para as todas as variáveis morfogênicas.
This study aimed to evaluate the correlations of intake, digestibility and performance with the ingestive behavior of lambs fed diets containing ammoniated buffel grass hay. Buffel grass hay was ...treated with four levels of urea (0, 18, 36 and 54 g/kg DM basis) and eight repetitions. Thirty-two sheep with no defined breed and an average body weight of 17.7 ± 1.8 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. It was observed positive correlations were found between the feeding time and the intake of dry matter (r = 0.3120), organic matter (r = 0.3242), neutral detergent fiber (r = 0.3800), total carbohydrates (r = 0.3343) and total digestible nutrients (r = 0.3233). Positive correlations (P < 0.05) were found among the rumination efficiencies, g of DM/h and g of NDF/h with nutrient intake variables, except for ether extract intake. Positive correlations were observed (P < 0.05) between both total weight gain (TWG) and average daily gain (ADG) and the rumination efficiency, g of DM/h (r = 0.3330) and g of NDF/h (r = 0.3304). The feeding and rumination efficiencies have a positive relationship with the total digestible nutrients. The correlation among intake, digestibility and performance variables with the ingestive behavior, it was important for the understanding of diet containing ammoniated buffel grass hay, in which the positive correlation of rumination efficiency with intake and weight gain explained the favorable effect on productive performance of feedlot sheep.
PDF
