The objective of the present study was to assess the carcass and meat characteristics of cows and castrated crossbred steer from dairy breeds fed in a feedlot with different levels of crude glycerin in the diet. Twenty-four animals were used, 12 cows with 467 ± 15 kg initial bodyweight and 12 steer 347 ± 17 kg initial bodyweight. A complete randomized design in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement (four crude glycerin levels and two animal categories) was used. The crude glycerin levels were 0, 60, 120 and 240 g/kg in dry matter diet, formulated with 800 g concentrate/kg dry matter. Including crude glycerin in the diet did not alter carcass weight and yield, backfat thickness and meat qualitative characteristics. Cows presented heavier hot carcass (279.4 versus 231.8 kg) with greater backfat thickness (3.8 versus 5.2 mm) than steer. Crude glycerin in quantities from 0 and 120 g/kg dry matter diet resulted in less muscle and greater fat participation in the cow carcass compared to the steer carcass. The cow meat was darker in coloring and had a higher degree of marbling than the steer. There was no difference for tenderness or total liquid losses during meat thawing and cooking between cows and steer. Crude glycerin can be added up to 240 g/kg diet dry matter for cows and steer from dairy breeds, because it does not decrease the quality of the carcass or the meat produced. Key words: Biodiesel, biofuel, tenderness, marbling, byproducts, cows ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar as características de carcaça e carne de vacas de descarte e novilhos castrados mestiços de raças de aptidão leiteira alimentados em confinamento com diferentes níveis de glicerina bruta na dieta. Foram utilizados 24 animais, sendo 12 vacas de descarte com peso corporal inicial de 467 ± 15 kg e 12 novilhos com peso corporal inicial de 347 ± 17 kg. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com os tratamentos em arranjo fatorial 4x2 (quatro níveis de glicerina bruta e duas categorias animal). Os níveis de glicerina testados foram de 0, 60, 120 e 240 g/kg de matéria seca de dietas formuladas com 800 g de concentrado/kg de matéria seca. A inclusão de glicerina bruta na dieta não alterou o peso e o rendimento de carcaça, a espessura de gordura subcutânea e as características qualitativas da carne. Vacas apresentaram carcaças quentes mais pesadas (279,4 vs. 231,8 kg) maior espessura de gordura subcutânea (13,8 vs. 5,2 mm) que novilhos. A glicerina em quantidades de 0 e 120 g/kg de matéria seca da dieta proporcionou menor participação de músculos e maior de gordura na carcaça de vacas em relação à carcaça de novilhos. A carne das vacas apresentou coloração mais escura e maior grau de marmoreio que novilhos. Não houve diferença para a maciez e nas perdas totais de líquidos durante descongelamento e cocção da carne entre vacas e novilhos. A glicerina pode ser adicionada em até 240 g/kg de matéria seca da dieta de vacas de descarte e novilhos castrados mestiços de raças de aptidão leiteira, pois não diminui a qualidade da carcaça e da car...

-The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of corn milling and the inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) on productive performance, digestibility of dietary nutrients, and blood parameters of dairy crossbred (Holstein-Gyr) bulls finished in confinement. Twenty-four bulls were fed four different experimental diets, containing two levels of inclusion of BMB (0 and 41.24%) and corn supplied in two different forms (ground and whole), for 98 days (77 days of data collection and 21 days of adaptation). The intakes and digestibility coefficients of the dry matter (DM) and nutrients were determined. There were no significant interaction effects of the BMB inclusion level and the form of corn used on the performance and digestibility variables. The intakes of DM, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased with the inclusion of BMB in the diets. However, the inclusion of BMB in the diets decreased the ether extract intake, the NDF apparent digestibility, and the feed efficiency of DM and CP. Dry matter and NDF intakes also increased with the use of ground corn in the diet, which promoted an increase in the intake of total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates, and average daily gain. However, the supply of ground corn reduced the feed efficiency of TDN. The remaining measured variables did not vary with the tested diets. The levels of plasma protein and albumin remained normal, but glucose concentrations were always high, irrespective of the tested diet. The form of corn supplied and the level of BMB inclusion had a significant interaction effect on the levels of triglycerides, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Babassu mesocarp bran can be included up to 41.24% in the diet of confined bulls without a negative effect on the animal weight gain. Corn should be supplied ground because this form improves the performance of crossbred bulls.

-The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the use of babassu mesocarp meal (BMM) and corn in different physical forms on the feeding behavior of crossbred young bulls of a dairy breed. Twenty-four crossbred (Nellore vs. Holstein) steers (307.35 kg) were fed four experimental diets containing two levels of inclusion of the babassu mesocarp meal (0 and 412.4 g/kg) and corn in two physical forms (kernels or ground) for 98 days. Data was collected on three days during the finishing phase, with observations every five minutes, for 24 hours. When the activities performed by the animals were evaluated as a function of the period of the day, the physical form of the corn showed interaction with the BMM inclusion level on the time spent feeding and on other activities. When the activities were evaluated over the day, the defecation frequency was affected and decreased as BMM was included. The feeding time was longer at the moments that followed feed supply, whereas the time used for other activities increased during the morning period, regardless of the diet utilized. Rumination and idle times were affected by the period of the day and remained high during the night and morning periods. There was increase in feeding time and dry matter rumination efficiencies and neutral detergent fiber as BMM was added to the diet. The number of rumination chews per bolus, however, decreased as BMB was included. Inclusion of babassu mesocarp meal increases the animal feeding time but the physical form of corn does not change its feeding behavior.

This study aimed to evaluate carcass and meat characteristics of feedlot-finished steers of dairy origin fed with pearl millet grain-based diets, containing inclusion levels of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48%). A total of 30 Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers with an average initial weight of 371.02 ± 27 kg were randomly divided into six groups fed with different experimental diets (five pearl millet-based diets containing inclusion levels of BMB and one standard corn-based diet). Each diet had five replications. Isonitrogenous diets had a roughage/concentrate ratio of 20/80. BMB inclusion level in the diet reduced slaughter and carcass weight from 488.4 and 242.2 kg to 454.0 and 226.7 kg, respectively. The subcutaneous fat thickness, conformation, and pistol cut weight were also reduced to 38.8, 13.6, and 9%, respectively, as the BMB inclusion level in the diet increased. Meat characteristics were not affected by BMB inclusion levels in the diet. Regarding carcass and meat characteristics, no difference was observed in the analysis of contrasts between BMB diets and corn-or millet-based diets, or between corn-or millet-based diets. The inclusion of BMB in millet-based diets should consider the cost/benefit ratio, as it reduces slaughter and carcass weight, while the main meat characteristics remain unchanged. However, total substitution of corn by millet grains in feedlot diets does not alter caracteristics of carcass and meat of dairy steers. ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar as características da carcaça e carne de novilhos mestiços de origem leiteira terminados em confinamento com dietas a base de grãos de milheto, contendo níveis de inclusão de farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu (0, 12, 24, 36 e 48%). Foram utilizados 30 novilhos mestiços Holandês-Zebu com peso inicial médio de 371,02 ± 27 kg distribuídos aleatoriamente em seis dietas experimentais (cinco dietas a base de milho contendo níveis de inclusão de farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu e uma dieta padrão a base de milho), cada uma com cinco repetições. As dietas isonitrogenadas apresentam relação volumoso/concentrado de 20/80. O aumento do nível de inclusão do FMB na dieta reduziu o peso de abate e de carcaça de 488,4 e 242,2 kg para 454,0 e 226,7 kg, respectivamente. A espessura de gordura subcutânea, conformação e peso do traseiro especial reduziram, respectivamente, 38,8; 13,6 e 9% pelo aumento do nível de farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu na dieta. As características da carne não foram alteradas pelos níveis de inclusão de farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu na dieta. Não foi verificada diferença, pela análise de contrastes, entre as dietas com farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu e as dietas com milho ou milheto, ou entre as dietas a base de milho ou milheto para as características de carcaça e carne avaliadas. A inclusão de farelo do mesocarpo do babaçu em dietas a base de grão de milheto deve considerar a relação custo/benefício, pois promove queda do peso de abate e de carcaça apesar de não alterar as principais características da carne. A substituição...

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-The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grinding corn and inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) in the diet of crossbred dairy young bulls finished in feedlot on their carcass and meat characteristics. Twenty-four young bulls were fed four experimental diets containing two BMB inclusion levels (0 and 41.24%) and corn in two forms of processing (ground and whole grains) for 98 days, and then slaughtered in a commercial packing plant. Among the quantitative carcass characteristics, there was interaction only in fat trimmings/whole hot carcass weight and cold carcass yield. The whole hot carcass and hot carcass weights showed reduced means with the use of whole corn. The other quantitative variables were not separately affected by BMB inclusion levels or by the form corn was processed. There was interaction between the factors for pistol cut weight, edible portion and weight of the cuts of the pistol cut, in which the use of whole corn and BMB promoted reduction in the mean values. The use of the whole corn grain reduced the participation of flank cut and elevated the participation of the bone fraction in the carcass. Inclusion of 41.24% of BMB did not change the qualitative meat characteristics, but the use of corn grain resulted in darker meat. The use of whole corn resulted in alteration in the weight of cuts like eye of rump and striploin, which have a high commercial value. There was interaction between factors for the percentages of moisture and minerals of the meat, whereas the crude protein content was affected by the two factors. The use of diets with whole corn or with babassu mesocarp bran may modify the carcass and meat characteristics of finishing crossbred young bulls.

RESUMO:Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estudar o processo de secagem solar do coentro, com e sem branqueamento, e avaliar os efeitos destes sobre as características físico-químicas do material desidratado. As amostras de coentro, foram submetidas ao branqueamento por imersão direta em água (BID) e branqueamento por imersão em saco (BIS). As amostras desidratadas, com e sem branqueamento, foram caracterizadas quanto à acidez total titulável e teor de ácido ascórbico. No tocante aos resultados referentes ao processo de secagem, constatou-se que não houve modificação significativa na velocidade de secagem das amostras com e sem branqueamento. Dentre os três modelos matemáticos utilizados para representar o comportamento das curvas de secagem, o modelo Midilli e Kucuk foi o melhor descreveu o comportamento das curvas, com R 2 acima de 99% e menor desvio quadrático médio. Com relação ao produto desidratado, verificou-se que as amostras submetidas ao branqueamento BIS, apresentaram menor redução no teor de ácido ascórbico, cerca de 40%, em relação à amostra original. Palavras-chave: branqueamento, modelagem, desidrataçãoABSTRACT: The aim of this study were evaluate the sun drying process of coriander leaves, blanchied and unblanched, and assess the effect of pretreatments on physico-chemical aspects of dehydrated material. Coriander leaves were blanched by direct water imersion and blanched by imersion in polyethylene bag. Dehydrated samples, blanched and unblanched, were characterized by means total titratable acidity (TTA) and ascorbic acid content (AA). According to the results of drying process, it was not observed siginifcant changes in the drying rate of blanched and unblanched samples. Among the mathematical models applied to describe the drying process, Midilli and kucuk model, was the best model to describe the drying curves behavior, with R 2 above 99% and the lowest mean square deviation. Blanched samples in polyethylene bag, showed TTA and AA values near the fresh samples.

24This work evaluated the use of soybean hulls and whole or ground corn in the diets of 25 suckling calves. Diets containing two levels of soybean hull inclusion (0 and 400.1 g/kg) and 26 corn in different physical forms (whole or ground) were evaluated in the diets of newborn 27 crossbred dairy calves that were housed and received experimental diets plus four liters of 28 milk per day over 56 days. Weekly samples of food, diets and leftovers were taken to 29 determine dry matter and nutrient intake. To evaluate the apparent digestibility, samples were 30 taken from the diets, leftovers and feces for three consecutive days using titanium dioxide as 31 an indicator. Blood samples were also collected to evaluate the blood indicators. Including 32 soybean hulls in the diet increased the consumption of neutral detergent fiber but reduced the 33 consumption of non-fibrous carbohydrates, which was also reduced by using whole corn in 34 the diet. Total digestible nutrient consumption did not vary, although its value was reduced by 35 using whole corn and including soybean hulls. The apparent digestibilities of the dry matter 36 and crude protein were similar, resulting in similar performances between the animals, 37 regardless of the factors analyzed. Using soybean hulls or whole corn did not affect blood 38 indicators or feeding costs. Soybean hull or whole corn usage did not affect the performance 39 of crossbred dairy calves during rearing. 41 Although milk producers are efficient at producing heifers, male cattle production is 42 typically neglected. In Brazil, the number of cows milked corresponds to 23 million animals 43 [1] with a birth rate of 50% male; thus, 11.5 million calves are produced annually. Although 44 no official data exist on the number of calves slaughtered shortly after birth in Brazil, 45 approximately 40% of these calves are slaughtered in their first days of life, representing 46 approximately 4.6 million calves. This occurs because producers consider that these calves 47 will increase their production costs without favorable financial returns; however, these 48 animals can yield good productive results when their nutritional and hygiene requirements are 49 fulfilled [2], mainly during the first days of the animal's life (0 to 60 days). 50This period is the most costly in the production system; thus, solutions are needed to 51 balance these costs, such as using palatable solid foods, which stimulate the animals to eat. 52This allows the animals' weaning age to be reduced because they benefit from more efficient 53 use of the nutrients in solid food [3,4], which reduces the problems caused by weaning the 54 animals early [5][6][7], increases the amount of milk available for sale and reduces the demand 55 for labor. 56However, the use of feedstuff, such as corn and soybeans meal, which are traditionally 57 used in animal feed, in the biofuel production, has increased the price of these inputs [8]. 58Thus, alternatives to these foods are needed to reduce feed costs, such as by-produ...