ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar a degradabilidade ruminal e a taxa de degradação in situ da matéria seca (MS), da proteína bruta (PB) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), dos fenos de alfafa e Tifton-85 e da silagem de milho. Foram utilizadas três vacas fistuladas no rúmen, adaptadas às dietas por um período de 15 dias e incubadas com as amostras em sacos de náilon por três dias. Os tempos de incubação utilizados foram: 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas. Após a remoção, os sacos foram lavados ligeiramente em água corrente e em seguida congelados até a completa remoção dos demais. A degradabilidade efetiva (DE) da matéria seca, da proteína bruta e da fibra em detergente neutro do feno de alfafa mostrou-se (P<0,05) superior ao feno de Tifton-85 e a silagem de milho. As degradabilidades potenciais (DP) e efetivas (DE), para taxa de passagem de 5 e 8%/h, da MS, da PB e da FDN das forragens foram, respectivamente AbstractThis study aimed at evaluating the ruminal degradability and the rate of in-situ degradation of dry matter (DM), of crude protein (CP), of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), of alfalfa and Tifton-85 hays, and of corn silage. Three fistulated cows were used. The cows were adapted for 15 days to the three diets mentioned above. The diets were incubated in nylon sacks for 3 days. The following incubation times were used: zero, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. After the removal, the sacks were washed lightly in running water and soon after frozen until the complete removal of the others. The effective degradability (ED) of dry matter (DM), of crude protein (CP) and of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of the alfalfa hay showed themselves superior (P<0.05) to the Tifton-85 hay and the corn silage. Considering a passage rate of 5 and 8% per hour, the potential (PD) and effective (ED) degradability of DM, of CP and of NDF were, respectively, of: 80.18, 59.91 and 54.39%; 94.0, 71.11 and 63.16%; 61.64, 35.72 and 29.72% for

ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar a substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja sobre as características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cordeiros Santa Inês. Foram utilizados 29 machos inteiros, com 23,63 ± 2,44 kg de peso vivo, 80 dias de idade, distribuídos de maneira inteiramente casualizada, submetidos a cinco dietas, sendo que as dietas variaram nos teores de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja de 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%. Para cada teor de substituição foram utilizados seis animais, mas no teor de 25%, cinco animais. Foram realizadas avaliações das carcaças e retirou-se o Longissimus dorsi para análises da qualidade da carne. As características da carcaça não foram afetadas pelos diferentes teores de torta de soja. Observou-se efeito quadrático para a força de cisalhamento e efeito linear decrescente para a intensidade de odor, mas não foram observadas diferenças nos demais parâmetros. A substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja pode ser realizada sem prejuízo à maioria das características da carcaça e de carne e altos teores de torta de soja na dieta podem resultar em benefícios às qualidades sensoriais da carne de cordeiros recebendo dietas concentradas. Palavras-chave: análise sensorial; biodiesel; força de cisalhamento; morfometria; Santa Inês. AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by soybean cake on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Santa Ines lambs. Twenty-nine intact males were used, weighing 23.63 ± 2.44 kg, at 80 days of age, distributed randomly, submitted to five diets, with the diets differing in the levels of substitution of soybean meal by soybean cake (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). Each diet was provided to six animals, except the 25% diet, in which five animals were used. Carcass characteristics were evaluated, and the Longissimus dorsi was removed for meat quality analysis. The different levels of soybean cake did not affect carcass characteristics. Regarding the characteristics of meat, there was a quadratic effect for the shear force and negative linear effect on flavor intensity, but no significant differences on the other parameters were observed. Replacement of soybean meal for soybean cake can be made without affecting most of the carcass and meat characteristics, and

RESUMO -Cinco híbridos de milho foram avaliados quanto à produtividade de matéria seca, ao valor nutritivo da silagem e à produtividade de leite. Os híbridos avaliados foram AS 32, AG 9090, CD 308, DKB 747 e P 30F87, colhidos em três alturas de corte: 15, 35 e 55 cm. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas e três repetições.Para confecção das silagens, utilizaram-se silos experimentais de PVC com 20 cm de diâmetro e 40 cm de altura. A produtividade de leite, por tonelada de silagem (eficiência alimentar) e por hectare, foi estimada pelo modelo Milk2006. A produtividade de forragem ensilável reduziu com o aumento da altura de colheita, com resultados de 14,6; 13,0 e 12,6 t/ha MS para as alturas de colheita de 15 cm, 35 cm e 55 cm, respectivamente. O híbrido de milho e a altura de colheita influenciaram a composição bromatológica das silagens, com exceção do teor de extrato etéreo (EE), que não foi influenciado pela altura de colheita. Ocorreu interação híbrido × altura de colheita para o teor de amido, a digestibilidade in vitro da MS e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e o teor de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Houve efeito da altura de colheita sobre a eficiência alimentar, cujos valores médios foram de 1.226, 1.291 e 1.393 kg leite/t silagem nas alturas de colheita de 15, 35 e 55 cm, respectivamente. Observou-se também efeito do tipo de híbrido sobre a produtividade de leite e a eficiência alimentar, com melhores valores verificados para o híbrido DKB 747 colhido na altura de 55 cm. Ao elevar a altura de colheita, melhora-se o valor nutritivo da silagem sem prejudicar a produtividade de leite por hectare. O manejo da altura de corte não substitui a escolha de melhores híbridos para produção de silagem de alta qualidade e produtividade. Palavras-chave: digestibilidade, eficiência alimentar, produtividade de leite Productivity and nutritional value of silage of corn hybrids with different heights of harvestABSTRACT -Five corn hybrids were evaluated to the productivity of dry matter, nutritive value of silage and milk yield.The hybrids evaluated were AS 32, AG 9090, CD 308, DKB 747 and P 30F87, harvested at three cutting heights: 15, 35 and 55 cm. The experimental design was a randomized block with split plots and three replicates. Experimental silos of PVC with 20 cm of diameter and 40 cm of height were used. Milk yield per ton of silage (feed efficiency) and milk production per hectare were estimated by using the model Milk2006. The productivity of ensilable forage decreased with increase in height of harvest, with results of 14.6, 13.0 and 12.6 t/ha DM for the cut heights of 15 cm, 35 cm and 55 cm, respectively. Corn hybrid and cut height influenced chemical composition of silage, except for EE, which was not influenced by cut height. There was an interaction hybrid × cut height for the content of starch, in vitro digestibility of DM and of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and content of total digestible nutrients (TDN). Cut height affected feed efficiency whose a...

The study aimed to examine the effects of harvesting three maize hybrids at different maturity stages on the ruminal fermentation kinetics, fermentation end-products (volatile fatty acid, ammonia and methane) output, and digestibility of maize plant fractions, as well as the degradability of the resulting silage. Three hybrids were compared (Maximus VIP3, Defender VIP and Feroz VIP) harvested at three grain maturity stages (milk (R3), dough (R4) and dent (R5) grain), while silage samples were collected only at the dent grain stage (R5). Grain digestibility tended to decrease as the maturity stage progressed (p < 0.05), while the whole-plant digestibility increased with increasing maturity for the three evaluated hybrids (p < 0.05). The gas production of whole-plant at 24 h of incubation was higher for the Maximus hybrid than for the others (p < 0.05), with average values of 188, 196 and 207 mL g−1 dry matter at stages R3, R4 and R5, respectively. For the in situ ruminal degradation kinetics of silage, instantly degradable dry matter and fiber potential degradability were greater with Maximus maize forage than with the other two hybrids. From the perspective of in vitro results, the Maximus VIP3 hybrid seems to be the most suitable for silage production when harvested between the dough and the dent grain stage of maturity.

The present study objective was to determine the intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and ruminal fermentation parameters in sheep fed diets containing levels of substitution of soybean meal for sunflower cake. The diets consisted of five levels of protein soybean meal (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 %) by sunflower cake. Diets were formulated with 12.6% CP, respecting the roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60, as source roughage was used hay Tifton-85 and as food concentrates used were: corn, soybean meal, sunflower cake and premix mineral vitaminic. Five lambs crossbred castrated with average weight of 29.64 ± 2.94 kg were used, distributed in latin square 5 x 5. There were no differences in intake dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients. The intake of ether extract (EE) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) were increased linearly. For intake of total carbohydrates (TC) was observed equation linear in relation to body weight and metabolic weight and quadratic when expressed in g day -1 with peak in 377.1 g kg -1 replacement of soybean meal by sunflower cake. There were no differences in digestibility DM, OM, CP, NDF, NFC and TC. There was a linear increase in the digestibility of ether extract (EE). The intake, feces, urinary and retained nitrogen were not influenced by levels of substitution of soybean meal by sunflower cake in the diets. For the pH of liquor ruminal there was no difference for the different levels of substitution of soybean meal by sunflower cake. However, ruminal pH differed with respect to collection time for all experimental diets. There was no effect on diets and sampling time for concentration of NH 3 -N. It was concluded that the sunflower cake can be used as an alternative food to replace soybean meal up to 100% in concentrate mixture unless there are changes in the rumen parameters, balance of nitrogen, intake and nutrient digestibility. Key words: Co-products, oilseed, ruminants ResumoObjetivou-se com este estudo, determinar o consumo e digestibilidade dos componentes nutritivos, balanço de nitrogênio e os parâmetros de fermentação ruminal em borregos alimentados com rações contendo diferentes teores de torta de girassol em substituição ao farelo de soja. Os tratamentos consistiram em cinco níveis de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja (0; 25; 50; 75 e 100 g kg -1 MS) pela torta de girassol. As rações foram formuladas com 12,6% PB respeitando-se uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60, tendo como fonte volumosa o feno de Tifton-85 e ração suplementar formuladas com milho, farelo de soja, torta de girassol, mistura mineral e vitamínica. Foram utilizados cinco borregos sem raça definida, castrados, com peso vivo médio de 29,64 ± 2,94 kg, distribuídos em quadrado latino 5 x 5. Não houve diferenças nos consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). O consumo de extrato etéreo (EE) e carboidratos não fi...

The aim of this study was to determine the intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and ruminal fermentation parameters in sheep fed diets containing levels of substitution of soybean meal for soybean cake. The diets consisted of five levels of protein soybean meal (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 %) by soybean cake. Diets were formulated with 12.5% CP, respecting the forage-to-concentrate ratio of 40:60.Tifton-85 hay was used as forage and the concentrate was formulated with corn, soybean meal, soybean cake and vitamin mineral supplement. Five crossbred lambs castrated, with average weight of 33.7 ± 5.8 kg were used and distributed in a Latin Square 5 × 5. No differences in intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrate, nonfiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients. Increased linearly in ether extract intake by replacing protein from soybean meal by soybean cake in the diet but with no changes in the digestibility of this component. The nitrogen balance, nitrogen content fecal and urinary retained were not influenced by levels of substitution of soybean meal by soybeans cake in diets. For the index pH and concentration of ammonia nitrogen in rumen fluid did not differ between diets. It was concluded that the soybean cake can be used as an alternative food to replace soybean meal up to 100% unless there are changes in the rumen parameters, balance of nitrogen, intake and nutrient digestibility. Key words: Co-products, oilseed, ether extract, ruminants ResumoObjetivou-se no presente estudo, determinar o consumo e digestibilidade dos componentes nutritivos, balanço de nitrogênio e parâmetros de fermentação ruminal em borregos alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes teores de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja. Foram avaliadas uma ração testemunha (sem torta de soja) e quatro teores de substituição do farelo de soja (FS) pela torta de soja de 25; 50; 75 e 100%. As dietas foram formuladas para conter 125 g PB. kg -1 MS na ração, respeitando-se relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60, tendo como fonte volumosa o feno de capim Tifton-85(Cynodon spp) e como ração concentrada suplementar foram utilizados milho, farelo de soja, torta de soja, mistura mineral e vitamínica. Foram utilizados cinco borregos sem raça definida, castrados, com peso vivo médio de 33,7 ± 5,8 kg, com 8 meses de idade, distribuídos em quadrado latino 5 x 5. Não houve diferenças nos consumos e digestibilidade de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, carboidratos totais, carboidratos não fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais entre as rações em estudo. Houve efeito linear crescente no consumo de extrato etéreo com a substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja na ração, porém não houve modificações na digestibilidade desse nutriente. O consumo de nitrogênio, os teores de nitrogênio fecal, urinário e retidos não foram influenciados pelos teores de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja nas rações. Para o...

-The objectives of this work were to evaluate the environmental effects (age of dam, type of birth and sex of lamb) and genetic groups (Hampshire Down and Ile de France, ½ and ¾ Hampshire Down, Ile de France and Suffolk, and ½ Texel) on performance and morphometric characteristics (height, length and heart girth) of lambs; to test regressions to predict live weight of lambs from body measurements; and to describe the growth type of the measurements as function of the weight. Weights and measurements were collected from birth to weaning, every 14 days. For evaluations of performance in relation to environmental effects and genetic groups, only data from birth and from weaning were used; for type of growth all collected data were used. Lambs from younger ewes (2 teeth) presented smaller average for weight at birth, heart girth and height at weaning. Single-birth lambs presented greater averages than twins. Genetic group influenced all traits evaluated, except heart girth at birth and average heart girth gain. Means for birth weight were higher in ¾ Ile de France (3.93±0.16 kg) and lower in ½ Texel lambs (3.04±0.24 kg), and for weaning, they were higher in ½ Texel (14.86±0.87 kg) and lower in Ile de France lambs (11.66±0.83 kg). Year of birth influenced all traits. Heart girth and length showed a negative allometric growth in relation to weight, while between weight and height the relation was positive allometric. The factors that most influenced the performance of lambs from birth to weaning are the type of birth, genetic group and year of birth. Correlations between body weight and morphometric measurements are significant, so it is possible to predict one from the other.

Performance, carcass characteristics and ingestive behaviorof steers fed with silages of different maize hybrids  [Desempenho, características da carcaça e comportamento ingestivo de novilhos alimentados com silagens de diferentes híbridos de milho] ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and ingestive behavior of feedlot steers fed with three maize hybrids: Maximus VIP3, Defender VIP and Feroz VIP. The experiment lasted 112 days, weighing animals four times, every 28 days. The experimental diets were formulated and constituted by maize silage and pelletized ration in a 50:50 ratio (dry basis). Regardless of the hybrid used, there was an increase in the intake of dry matter with the advance in feedlot evaluation period (9.15, 9.14, 9.35 and 9.59kg day -1 , in the first, second, third and fourth weighing, respectively). The type of maize hybrid silage influenced weight gain of animals differently, with a final mean of 1.413kg for animals fed with Maximus VIP3, 1,375kg for those fed with Defender VIP and 1,184kg for those fed with Feroz VIP. The animals fed with Feroz VIP hybrid silage showed higher carcass gain efficiency and were more active in the number of times they went to the feeder. Although the three evaluated hybrids resulted in good animal performance, the carcass characteristics did not change; nevertheless, the hybrid Maximus VIP3 is recommended for its superior bromatological composition. RESUMOO objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar desempenho, características da carcaça e comportamento ingestivo de novilhos terminados em confinamento alimentados com silagens dos híbridos de milho: Maximus VIP3, Defender VIP e Feroz VIP. O experimento teve duração de 112 dias, sendo quatro pesagens a cada 28 dias. As dietas experimentais foram formuladas e constituídas por silagem de milho e ração peletizada em proporção de 50:50, na base seca. Independentemente do híbrido utilizado, houve aumento conforme avanço na fase de terminação (9,15; 9,14; 9,35 e 9,59kg dia-1, na primeira, segunda, terceira e quarta pesagens, respectivamente). A distinção da silagem de milho determinou diferença no ganho de peso dos animais, com média final de 1,413kg para os animais tratados com Maximus VIP3, 1,375kg para os tratados com Defender VIP e 1,184 para aqueles alimentados com Feroz VIP. Os animais alimentados com silagem do híbrido Feroz VIP apresentaram maior eficiência de ganho de carcaça e foram mais ativos ao número de vezes em ir ao comedouro. Apesar dos três híbridos avaliados proporcionarem bons resultados relacionados ao desempenho animal, as características da carcaça não sofreram alterações; mesmo assim, recomenda-se o híbrido Maximus VIP3 por sua superioridade bromatológica. Palavras-chave: bromatologia, fases de confinamento, ganho de peso, híbridos silageiros, Zea mays L Recebido em 21 de setembro de 2018 Aceito em 29 de dezembro de 2018