The reduction in the quality, consumption, and digestibility of forage can cause a decrease in animal performance, resulting in losses to the rural producer. Thus, it is important to monitor these characteristics in forage plants to devise strategies or practices that optimize production systems. The aim of this study was to develop and validate prediction models using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine the chemical composition of Tifton 85 grass. Samples of green grass, its morphological structures (whole plant, leaf blade, stem + sheath, and senescent material) and hay, totaling 105 samples were used. Conventional chemical analysis was performed to determine the content of oven-dried samples (ODS), mineral matter (MM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), cellulose (CEL), hemicellulose (HEM), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Subsequently, all the samples were scanned using a Vis-NIR spectrometer to collect spectral data. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the data set, and modified partial least squares was used to correlate reference values to spectral data. The coefficients of determination (R2) were 0.74, 0.85, 0.98, 0.75, 0.85, 0.71, 0.82, 0.77, and 0.93, and the ratio of performance deviations (RPD) obtained were 1.99, 2.71, 6.46, 2.05, 2.58, 3.84, 1.86, 2.35, 2.09, and 3.84 for ODS, MM, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, CEL, HEM, and IVDMD, respectively. The prediction models obtained, in general, were considered to be of excellent quality, and demonstrated that the determination of the chemical composition of Tifton 85 grass can be performed using NIRS technology, replacing conventional analysis.

This work was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of different levels of replacement of whole grain corn by pelleted soybean hulls in high concentrated diet, without long fiber use, on intake, productive performance and economical viability of feedlot lambs production. Twenty four Texel lambs, 12 males and 12 females of the same age, with average weight of 23 kg, distributed in 12 stalls, in a completely randomized design, were used. The treatments consisted of replacement of whole grain corn by pelleted soybean hulls, at levels of 0% (SH0), 15% (SH15) and 30% (SH30). Dry matter (DM) (kg day -1

ABSTRACT. Propolis can be used as growth enhancer due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-stimulant properties, but its effects on morphometry and muscle gene expression are largely unknown. The present study evaluates the influence of propolis on muscle morphometry and myostatin gene expression in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) bred in net cages. Reversed males (GIFT strain) with an initial weight of 170 ± 25 g were distributed in a (2 x 4) factorial 2 E.L. Buck et al.Genetics and Molecular Research 16 (1): gmr16019404 scheme, with two diets (DPRO, commercial diet with 4% propolis ethanol extract and DCON, commercial diet without propolis, control) and four assessment periods (0, 35, 70, and 105 experimental days). Muscles were evaluated at each assessment period. Histomorphometric analysis classified the fiber diameters into four groups: <20 mm; 20-30 mm; 30-50 mm; and > 50 mm. RT-qPCR was performed to assess myostatin gene expression. Fibers < 20 µm diameter were more frequent in DPRO than in DCON at all times. Fiber percentages >30 µm (30-50 and > 50 µm) at 70 days were 25.39% and 40.07% for DPRO and DCON, respectively. There was greater myostatin gene expression at 105 days, averaging 1.93 and 1.89 for DCON and DPRO, respectively, with no significant difference in any of the analyzed periods. Propolis ethanol extract did not affect the diameter of muscle fibers or the gene expression of myostatin. Future studies should describe the mechanisms of natural products' effects on muscle growth and development since these factors are highly relevant for fish production performance.

Grape pomace is a by-product that can be ensiled and added to animal feed for a sustainable animal production. This study evaluated the effects of grape pomace silage (GPS) on the intake, performance, and carcass and meat quality of feedlot lambs. Twenty-four male lambs (21.5 ± 3.0 kg initial body weight) were distributed into pairs to four diets levels 0, 10, 20, and 30 % of GPS. The addition of grape pomace silage influenced only ether extract (EE) intake linearly without hindering consumption. The diet did not affect performance and meat quality attributes and carcass parameters, with average daily gain (ADG) of 0.235 kg d -1 , feed conversion 4.299, carcass conformation 2.7, compactness index 0.25 kg cm -1 , fat thickness 1.51 mm, loin eye area 13.9 cm 2 , pH 5.79, natural matter moisture 74.05 g 100 g -1 , and crude protein (CP) 19.94 g per 100 g -1 of dry matter (DM). Grape pomace as could be used as silage in lamb diets with up to 30 % GPS, as the chemical composition of this by-product and the results indicate that GPS did not compromise performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genetic group, sex and level of protein-energy supplementation on the performance and carcass traitsultrasound prediction of weaned calves Nellore and crossbred animals ½ Nellore x ½ Aberdeen Angus. A completely randomized design in a factorial 2x2x2, were used, with two levels of protein-energy supplementation, two sex and two genetic groups. Fifty-six animals were used (28 Nellore and 28 crossbred ½ Nellore x ½ Aberdeen Angus), equally divided between males and females, maintained on grazing Brachiariabrizanthacv. Marandu and evaluated in three experimental periods: period 1 = protein-energy supplementation in the dry season; period 2 = protein-energy supplementation during the rainy season; period 3 = only mineral supplementation. In the dry season, they were supplemented with levels of 0.5 and 1% of body weight (BW) and in the rainy season with 0 and 1% BW. Dry matter intake (kg day -1 , % BW, g kgBW 0.75-1 ) was estimated. In vivo ultrasound measurements of carcass were: loin eye area (LEA), fat thickness (FT) and rump fat thickness (RFT). There was influence of genetic group and protein-energy supplementation levels on average daily gain (ADG) of animals in period 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). Sex affected the ADG only in period 2, and the males had 754 gday -1 and females, 582 g day -1 . There was no interaction of genetic group x sex x supplementation level. At the end of the experimental period (end of period 3), it was found that male animals and crossbred animals ½ Nellore x ½ Aberdeen Angus had higher ADG (716 and 748 g day -1 , respectively). The values of dry matter intake (DMI) were influenced by genetic group and sex, in all periods, verifying highest intake in crossbred animals ½ Nellore x ½ Aberdeen Angus, with better feed conversion for crossbred animals. Regarding ultrasound measurements taken on the carcass, the influence of sex on FT and RFT, it was observed, and the males showed higher values, 3.24 ResumoObjetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a influência do grupo genético, sexo e níveis de suplementação proteicoenergética sobre o desempenho e características de predição de carcaça de bezerros desmamados da raça Nelore e ½ Nelore x ½ Aberdeen Angus. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x2x2, sendo dois níveis de suplementação, dois sexos e dois grupos genéticos. Foram utilizados 56 animais (28 Nelore e 28 ½ Nelore x ½ Aberdeen Angus), divididos igualmente entre machos e fêmeas, mantidos em pastagem de Brachiariabrizantha cv. Marandu e avaliados em três períodos experimentais: período 1= suplementação proteico-energética na estação seca; período 2= suplementação proteico-energética na estação chuvosa; período 3= apenas suplementação mineral. Na estação seca, suplementou-se com níveis de 0,5 e 1% do peso corporal (PC) e na estação chuvosa 0 e 1% do peso corporal. Foram estimados o consumo de matéria seca (kg dia -1 , % PC, g kgPC 0,75-1). As mensurações ultrassonográficas de carcaça in vivo foram: área de o...

Due to increase in demand for healthy and chemical residue-free products, natural therapeutic substances are being enhanced in fish cultivation. Current study evaluates in an unprecedented way (Tesearchoxygen), the species is he effect of propolis on the parasite charge of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in fish cages. Six hundred male Nile tilapia (200g) conditioned in ten 1 m 3 cages were used. Two treatments with five replications each were provided: TCON: control (extruded meal without propolis) and TPRO: extruded meal with 4% propolis extract. Parasite collection occurred on 0, 35, 70 and 105 days. At the same time, fillet was weighed and fish standard length measured. Temperature was kept within the comfort range for the species during the experimental period (> 25ºC). Trichodinids and Monogenoids (Dactylogyridae) were detected in the two treatments. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in mean parasite intensity (total parasites/specimens with parasites) and abundance (total parasites/examined specimens) among treatments in the four evaluation periods. Lowest parasite prevalence occurred after 70 days in TPRO (26.66%). There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) among treatments with regard to fillet weight and standard length of fish. Results show that propolis extract 4% did not significantly affect parasite load, fillet weight and standard length of Nile tilapia. Key words: Aquaculture. Oreochromis niloticus. Fish parasites. Natural products. ResumoDevido ao aumento da demanda por produtos saudáveis e livres de resíduos químicos, a utilização de terapêuticos naturais na criação de peixes tem sido cada vez mais estimulada. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar de forma inédita o efeito do extrato de própolis sobre a carga parasitária de tilápias-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) criadas em tanque-rede. Foram utilizados 600 machos revertidos de tilápia-do-Nilo (200g) contendo extrato de própolis a 4%. As coletas de parasitas foram realizadas nos dias 0, 35, 70 e 105 dias. Paralelamente, foi realizado a mensuração do peso do filé e comprimento padrão. A temperatura durante o período experimental se manteve dentro da faixa de conforto para a espécie. Foi verificada a presença de tricodinídeos e Monogenoides (Dactylogyridae) em ambos os tratamentos. Não houve diferença estatística (p > 0,05) nos valores de intensidade (total de parasitas/número de indivíduos parasitados) e abundância (total de parasitas/total de indivíduos examinados) média parasitária entre os tratamentos nos quatro períodos de avaliação. A menor prevalência parasitária foi aos 70 dias em TPRO (26,66%). Não foi constatada diferença estatística (p > 0,05) entre os tratamentos na mensuração do peso do filé e comprimento padrão. Conclui-se que o extrato de própolis a 4% não influenciou significativamente a carga parasitária, no peso do filé e no comprimento padrão em tilápias-do-Nilo. Palavras-chave: Aquicultura. Oreochromis niloticus. Parasitas de peixe. Produtos naturais.

 RESUMOObjetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do extrato de própolis (LLOSC2) sobre o comportamento ingestivo e os parâmetros sanguíneos em cordeiros alimentados com dieta concentrada. Foram utilizados quatro cordeiros machos, castrados, sem raça definida e com peso médio inicial de 32±1,92kg, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas individuais durante todo o período experimental. O delineamento experimental foi em quadrado latino 4x4, com quatro animais, quatro dietas e quatro períodos experimentais. As dietas diferiram em relação à adição ou não de extratos de própolis à ração. As dietas testadas diferiam na adição de zero (controle), 1(88,16mg/g de flavonoides), duas (176,32mg/g de flavonoides) ou três (264,48mg/g de flavonoides) doses de aditivo à base de extrato de própolis LLOSC2. A dieta tinha relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60 e foi formulada para ganhos de 250g. A ração concentrada era composta de milho e farelo de soja. O comportamento ingestivo dos animais foi observado por 24 horas, divididas em quatro períodos de seis horas. As coletas de sangue eram realizadas no último dia do período. Não houve efeito das doses LLOSC2 sobre o tempo despendido em alimentação, ruminação, ócio e ingestão de água. A duração do ciclo ruminativo foi maior nos animais que receberam duas doses de LLOSC2, e o número de movimentos mastigatórios também tendeu a aumentar no período que compreendia das 13 às 19h. Já a dieta contendo uma dose de LLOSC2 aumentou a duração da ruminação do bolo bem como o seu número total de mastigações no período de uma a sete horas. Houve uma diminuição nos níveis séricos de cortisol com a adição de três doses de LLOSC2. O hemograma, o leucograma, o perfil bioquímico e as imunoglobulinas não foram afetados pela inclusão das doses de LLSOC2. A administração de extrato de própolis LLOSC2 à dieta de ovinos não afetou seu comportamento ingestivo, os parâmetros hematológicos, bioquímicos e imunológicos estudados.Palavras-chave: cortisol, parâmetros hematológicos, parâmetros imunológicos, perfil bioquímico, ruminação ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of lambs fed diets containing different levels of residual frying oil. Different residual frying oil concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 g kg -1 dry matter base) in the diets of lambs were evaluated. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 12.8% crude protein (CP) with a 60:40 roughage:concentrate ratio. In each observation period, the following variables were measured: time spent eating, time spent ruminating, time spent idle, and number and time of ruminating chews per ruminated bolus. Animals were randomly allocated to treatment groups according to a Latin square design, with five treatments and five experimental periods.The average values were analyzed using regression analysis to 5%. There was no difference for the time spent feeding, ruminating and being idle. No differences in daily feeding number, total chewing time, number of rumination boluses, number of rumination chews per bolus, rumination chew time per bolus and feeding efficiency were observed. The efficiency of rumination for dry matter and neutral detergent fiber showed a decreased linear effect. It can be concluded that the inclusion of residual frying oil does not affect activities of feeding, rumination and being idle as well as the parameters of rumination chewing, but it does decrease the efficiency of rumination. ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de carneiros alimentados com dietas contendo teores de óleo residual de frituras. Foram avaliados os teores 0, 20, 40, 60 e 80 (g kg -1 base MS) de inclusão de óleo residual de frituras em dietas para carneiros. As dietas foram formuladas para conterem 12,8% de PB mantendo uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 60:40. Foram usados cinco carneiros com peso inicial de 36,8 ± 3,3 kg. O comportamento ingestivo foi avaliado no 11º dia de cada período experimental, através da medição do tempo gasto em alimentação, ruminação e descanso por meio de observações visuais realizadas a cada 5 minutos, durante 24 horas. No mesmo dia, foi realizada a contagem do número de mastigações merícicas e do tempo despendido para ruminação de cada bolo, com a utilização de um cronômetro digital. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi quadrado latino (5 x 5). Os valores médios foram analisados por meio de análise de regressão à 5%. Não houve efeito da adição do óleo residual de frituras sobre o tempo de alimentação, ruminação e ócio, nas variáveis relativas a mastigação merícica e eficiência de alimentação. Houve efeito linear decrescente para a eficiência de ruminação da MS e do FDN. Conclui-se que a inclusão de óleo residual de frituras não afetou as atividades de ingestão, ruminação e ócio, bem como, os parâmetros da mastigação merícica, mas reduz a eficiência de ruminação. Palavras-chave: Lipídeo. Alimentação. Ruminação. Ócio. Mastigação Merícica.