This study aimed to evaluate performance and behaviour of Nellore steers (Bos taurus indicus) in integrated systems. Treatments consisted of three different systems: livestock; crop-livestock; and livestock-forestry, with triple rows of eucalyptus trees. The experiment was carried out in Sinop, MT, Brazil, in a randomised complete block design with four replicates, during two seasons (dry-rainy transition and rainy). The experimental period was from 19 September 2015 to 10 January 2016. Nellore steers used in the experiment had an average initial weight of 344 kg ± 11 kg, in continuous stocking and variable stocking rate. Forage mass accumulation rate was evaluated and, independently of the system, had the highest values recorded during the rainy season. Microclimate was evaluated through temperature and humidity index, black globe temperature and humidity index and radiant heat load. Highest values were obtained from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the dry-rainy transition period for all systems. Animal behaviour was assessed every 10 min from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and averages were calculated for every 2 h. The longest grazing period was recorded from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then after 3:00 p.m., regardless of the system. Rumination occurred more frequently from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the rainy season, and also in the shade for the livestock-forestry system. Highest weight gains per area were recorded during the rainy season and for the crop-livestock system. It is concluded that the highest yields can be achieved with the inclusion of the crop component in livestock production systems, and that Nellore steers in silvopastoral systems prefer to ruminate and stay idle in the shade.

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To meet the global demand for animal protein, sustainable intensification of existing livestock systems may be possible, especially through integration of livestock with crops or forestry. Thus, our objective was to compare forage production and animal performance in grass monoculture and integrated systems in the Brazilian Amazon biome. The four systems were (a) livestock (L) with Marandu palisadegrass {Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster} as monoculture, (b) palisadegrass pastures integrated with eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus urograndis; hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden and Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake) arranged in three‐row groves with groves spaced 30 m apart (livestock–forestry; LF), (c) palisadegrass after two years of crops (crop–livestock; CL) and (d) palisadegrass after two years of crops with single rows of eucalyptus trees spaced 37 m apart (crop–livestock–forestry; CLF). From July 2016 to July 2017, all experimental units were continuously stocked using a variable stocking rate. Greater herbage accumulation (HA) occurred in CL and CLF in comparison with L and LF (21,310, 24,050, 19,500 and 18,890 kg DM/ha respectively). The gain per hectare of L, LF and CL (average of 932 kg ha–1) was less than CLF (1,190 kg ha–1). Average daily gain was similar among systems (0.69 kg/day). We conclude that integrated systems can support similar (LF or CL) or greater (CLF) levels of animal production than palisadegrass monocultures while increasing diversity of outputs, thereby providing a greater range of viable systems for livestock production in the Brazilian Amazon biome.

Resumo -O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de mitigação de óxido nitroso (N 2 O) em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta (ILPF), em comparação ao monocultivo, e identificar os principais fatores que regulam as emissões deste gás. O experimento foi realizado em Sinop, MT, entre as safras 2012/2013 e 2013/2014, e avaliou os seguintes tratamentos: floresta, lavoura e pastagem, além do ILPF. Durante a realização do experimento, não houve presença de bovinos nas áreas com pastagem. Amostras de óxido nitroso foram coletadas semanalmente, com uso de câmaras estáticas, modelo topo-base. As concentrações do gás foram determinadas por meio de cromatografia gasosa. A precipitação pluvial e a disponibilidade de N foram os principais fatores reguladores das emissões de N 2 O. O sistema de ILPF apresenta potencial promissor para mitigar as emissões de N 2 O, com emissão acumulada de 0,367 kg ha -1 de N, em comparação a de 1,401 kg ha -1 emitidas pela lavoura; de 0,298 kg ha -1 , pela pastagem; e de 0,165 kg ha -1 , pela floresta.Termos para indexação: gases de efeito estufa, mudança do clima, sistemas integrados de produção. Nitrous oxide fluxes in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry systemAbstract -The objective of this work was to evaluate the mitigation potential of nitrous oxide in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (ICLF), compared with monocultures, and to identify the main factors that regulate the emissions of this gas. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Sinop, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, between the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 crop seasons, with the evaluation of the following treatments: forest, crop and pasture, besides ICLF. During the experiment, no cattle were present in the pasture areas. Nitrous oxide samples were collected weekly using top-down static chambers. Gas concentrations were determined with gas chromatography. Rainfall and N availability were main factors regulating N 2 O emissions. The ICLF system has promising potential to mitigate N 2 O emissions, with 0.367 kg ha -1 N accumulated emission, compared with 1.401 kg ha -1 from cropland, 0.298 kg ha -1 from pasture, and 0.165 kg ha -1 from forest.

The objective with this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of water inclusion on the chemical composition and fermentation profiles of reconstituted corn grain silage. The experiment was carried out in a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design, with three replicates per treatment. Five treatments were evaluated with different levels of water inclusion (% of the natural matter): dry corn grain (control); 90% dry corn grain (DCG) and 10% water; 80% DCG and 20% water; 70% DGC and 30% water; and 60% DCG and 40% water, totaling 45 experimental silos. Inclusion of water in the silage of reconstituted corn grain promoted a reduction in the CP (%) and NDF (%) contents. However, the water increase elevated the NPN/TN contents and the amount of effluent, gas and dry matter (%) losses. The treatment with inclusion of 30% water in the natural matter leads to a better fermentation profile and fewer losses of effluent and dry matter, so it is recommended for ensiling dry ground corn grain.

The main system for feeding cattle in Brazil is the forage-based. It happens due to low cost and high potential of forage production, which can be widely explored in a tropical climate country. Although, the nutritive value of the forage oscillates according to the grazing management. The success in production is related to the three main stages: herbage growth, consumption by grazing animals and conversion into animal product, maximizing profitability while providing sustainability. Thus, the objective with this literature review is to address detailed information on how grazing management can affect qualitative indicators of forage plants.

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