ADL Values Research Articles

Feed Quality of Sweet Sorghum Grains

Sweet sorghum crop produces grains at its ear-head which can be utilised as food and feed, produces stalks for the production of syrup, bio-ethanol, bio-diesel, bagasse and green foliage for use as organic fertiliser and excellent animal fodder. Approximately 4000 sweet sorghum cultivars are spread over the globe, providing a broad and varied genetic foundation for the development of highly productive, region-specific cultivars. A study was conducted to assess the grains of selected 10 different sweet sorghum varieties for the feed quality characters. For this aim, ADF, NDF, ADL, DMD, DMI, TDN, RFV, DE and ME values of sweet sorghum grains were determined. As a result of the study, crude ash, CP, ADF, NDF, ADL, DMD, DMI, RFV, TDN, DE and ME values were determined as 0.19-3.74%; 9.03-11.05%; 10.0-24.6%; 24.3-38.0%; 1.07-9.13%; 69.69-81.09%; 3.16-4.94%; 170.5-309.5%; 63.85-74.84%; 3.25-3.74 MJ/kg and 9.85-11.78 Mcal/kg, respectively. Variety "Smith" stands out with its ADF, NDF and ADL characteristics. Gülşeker, USDA-Taiwan and Erdurmuş varieties were significant in terms of CP. Ulusoy variety stands out with DMI, TDN, RFV, DE and ME.

Chemical Composition And Surface Images Of Untreated And Urea-Treated Rice Straw As Inf uenced By Days After Threshing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and changes in the surface structure of rice straw as affected by the number of days of exposure to the field prior to processing. A total of 24 packs of rice straw samples collected at 1 day after threshing (DAT), 4 DAT, and 7 DAT field exposure untreated and treated with urea for 10 days were analyzed for its chemical changes using proximate analysis and surface structure of the fiber compounds through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results (%DM basis) showed that 1DAT untreated rice straw obtained the highest dry matter (DM) concentration at 94.61%. Seven DAT untreated rice straw contain the highest amount of Ash at 20.92%. Likewise, 1 DAT and 7 DAT untreated rice straw contains higher levels of crude protein (CP) at 9.60% and 9.79%, respectively. Ether extract (EE) was observed highest in 1DAT untreated rice straw at 1.97%. Considerable breakdown of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin fractions of rice straw was attained in 4DAT and 7DAT untreated, and 1 to 7 DAT urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) as evident by its lower NDF, ADF, and ADL values. Changes in the surface structures of microfibers efficiently captured using SEM showed the differences in the morphology of the fibers as influenced by number of days exposed to the field prior to treatment. Therefore, in order to optimize the protocol to improve the feeding and nutritional quality of rice straw, it is suggested that the number of days of exposure to the field be considered prior to processing. Likewise, UTRS is an effective method to disintegrate the complex fibrous compounds of the cell wall of rice straw.

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, FIBRE FRACTION AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF ENSILED RICE MILLING WASTE ENHANCED WITH UREA AND POULTRY LITTER

The experiment was conducted to examine the physical properties, pH, temperature, proximate composition, fibre fraction, energy content and mineral composition of ensiled rice milling waste (RMW) treated with urea and poultry litter in a completely randomized design. RMW was treated with of Urea and Poultry Litter (PL) and ensiled in in-vitro laboratory silos (946ml). The treatment combinations were; A (100%RMW), B (100%RMW+ Urea), C (80%RMW + 20%PL), and D (60%RMW + 40%PL). The treatments were ensiled for 21 days in triplicates. At the expiration of each ensiling period, samples were taken for analyses. The results for physical properties showed that most of the silages were adequately fermented with sweet aroma. The compounded silages were acidic 4.34 – 4.86 except treatments B and D which had pH of 7.96 and 7.91 respectively. The temperatures of the silages were significantly (P<0.05) different. Based on the physical properties, pH and temperature evaluated, most of the silages can be considered to be well prepared. The proximate composition of silages differ significantly (P<0.05), higher percentages in CF and Ash were recorded in Treatment A. Dry matter content was also significantly different (P<0.05) with treatment A having the highest DM (97.19%). The CP in treatment D (6.13%) proved superior. RMW and Urea mixtures resulted in silages with highest %NDF, %HEM and Energy. Lowest NDF, ADF, CEL and ADL values were obtained in treatment D. The nutritive quality of treatment D was proved to be higher and thus it is recommended for dry season ruminant feeding.

Effect of multidirectional and unidirectional wobble board lateral step-upexercise in pain, symptom and ADLamong unilateral medial compartmental osteoarthrosis of knee

Introduction and Aim:Osteoarthrosis is defined as degenerative condition of the synovial joints. Weak thigh muscle will cause impaired walking and balance and leads to risk of fall during activities of daily living. Use of MD and UD wobble board is hypothesized to improve balance and proprioception. So, pain, muscle power and proprioception are clinically important for balance control. Hence there is a need to study weight bearing exercise to hip abductor in various balance strategies to achieve muscle strength, joint position sense, balance, and activity of daily living.
 
 Methodology: Knee osteoarthrosis subjects(n=219) were selected according to selection criteria andwere randomly allocated into 3 groups as multidirectional wobble board lateral step-up exercise group, unidirectional wobble board lateral step-up exercise group and control group. The pre-test KOOS pain, symptoms and ADL measurements were taken before the intervention and another measurement during the 2nd week of intervention and at the end of the intervention period during 4thweek post-test measurements were measured and statistically analysed.
 
 Results: At the end of 4th week control, UD and MD was found to be statistically significant with H=200.192 with p<0.001. KOOS symptoms between 3 groups was found to be statistically significant with H=200.288 and p <0.001. KOOS ADL values was found to be statistically significant between 3 groups with H=193.640 and p<0.001.
 
 Conclusion: This study concludes that both unidirectional and multidirectional wobble board lateral step-up exercise showed improvement with KOOS pain, symptom and ADL scores compared to control group.

Effects of coupling inhibitory and facilitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor recovery in patients following acute cerebral infarction.

The treatment for patients suffering from motor dysfunction following stroke using continuous repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has the potential to be beneficial for recovery. However, the impact of explicit results on the coupling of various rTMS protocols on motor treatment in patients following acute cerebral infarction remain unexplored. The current study aims to design a sham-controlled randomized report to explore the capability of consecutive suppressive-facilitatory rTMS method to increase the motor results following acute stroke. A hundred ischemic stroke patients suffering from motor disorder were randomly assigned to obtain 4 week sessions of (1)10 Hz over the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) and next 1 Hz over the contralesional M1; (2) contralesional sham stimulation and next ipsilesional real 10 Hz; (3) contralesional real 1 Hz rTMS and next ipsilesional sham stimulation; or (4) bilateral sham-control procedures. At 24 hours before and after the intervention, we obtained cortical excitability data from study subjects. At baseline, after treatment and 3 months follow up, we additionally evaluated patients with the clinical assessments. At post-intervention, group A showed greater motor improvements in FMA, FMA-UL, NIHSS, ADL and mRS values than group B, group C and group D, that were continued for at least 3 months after the completion of the treatment time. Specifically, it is shown in the cortical excitability study that the motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude and resting motor threshold (rMT) more significantly improved in group A than other groups. The improvement in motor function and change in motor cortex excitability exhibit a significant correlation in the affected hemisphere. The combined 1 Hz and 10 Hz stimulation treatment showed a synergistic effect. Facilitatory rTMS and coupling inhibitory produced extra satisfactory results in facilitating the motor's recovery in the subacute and acute phase following stroke compared to that acquired from alone single-course modulation.

Characteristics of ensiled cassava leaves and maize stover as dry season feed for ruminants

Insufficient quantity and quality of feed for ruminants during the dry season is a major limiting factor for effective production and management. Smallholder farmers generate large crop residues in the wet season, which are rich in nutrients in which ruminants can feed on in the dry season by proper ensiling. Cassava Leaves (CL) and Maize Stover (MS) residues were thus ensiled to evaluate their nutritional qualities as feed for ruminants. Fresh cassava leaves and maize stover were collected, chopped and wilted. Silages were prepared as: T1 (100%CL), T2 (100%MS), T3 (50%CL+50%MS), T4 (25%CL+ 75%MS) and T5 (75%CL+25%MS). Ensiling lasted for 21 days after which they were opened to determine the quality using physical assessment of colour, smell, texture, pH and temperature. Chemical composition of the silages comprising Crude Protein-CP, Crude Fibre-CF, Ether Extract-EE, ash content, Acid Detergent Fibre-ADF, Neutral Detergent Fibre-NDF and Acid Detergent Lignin-ADL were assessed. Nutritive values of the diets were evaluated using in vitro fermentation technique to determine Total Gas Production (TGP), methane, Metabolizable Energy (ME), Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) and Organic Matter Digestibility (OMD). Coefficient of Preference (COP) was determined using a cafeteria feeding technique. Olive-green colour, alcoholic smell and firm texture were observed in the silages. The pH ranged from 4.13 to 4.73 while higher pH was observed in 100%CL. The temperature was between 31°C and 32ºC. The values obtained for the DM ranged from 64.37 to 67.9%. The CP values varied between 8.64 and 19.68%. The lowest CP of 8.64% was observed in T2 (100%MS) while 19.68% was obtained in T1 (100%CL). The ash content ranged from 8.65 to 13.00% and the CF value varied from 33.70 to 40.39%. It was observed that 100%MS had significantly (P<0.05) higher CF (40.39%) compared to other treatments. The EE values varied between 4.45 and 5.22%. The EE value in 100%CL (5.22%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to other silage treatments. The NDF, ADF and ADL values varied from 62.70-69.80%, 43.95-47.90% and 22.95-25.80%, respectively and significant differences were observed. The total gas volume ranged from 8.33 to 13.8mL, methane 5.3 to 7.6, OMD (32.72-42.5%), ME (4.06-5.28kCal) and SCFA (0.15-0.27). The CoPof the silages was ≥to the unity of one with the exception of T2. It can be concluded that, combinations of 50% cassava leaves and 50% maize stover could be used as feed for ruminants.

175 Reduce Reuse ReRumen: Variability in nutritive value of paunch manure

Abstract Ruminant animals develop a diverse and complex microbial ecosystem for digesting fibrous feedstuffs, but this material represents a cost to the industry when bound for rendering at harvest. Our objective was to determine the feed value of paunch manure recovered from an abattoir. Twelve paunch samples were collected from slaughtered cattle at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried under forced air at 55°C to a constant weight and ground to pass through 2-mm screen. A subsample was ground to 1-mm and assayed for DM, CP, and sequential NDF and ADF. Physically effective fiber (peNDF) was calculated with 2 L of unground, dried at 55 ˚C, paunch material using the manually-operated Penn State Particle Separator. Paunch peNDF was determined by multiplying the physical effectiveness factor by the total NDF content of the sample. Samples (2-mm) were subject to batch culture in vitro digestibility assays for determination of digestibility coefficients. Data were analysed as a random effects model using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS. Neutral detergent fiber, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF values were 68.1, 39.9, 10.9, 15.0, and 38.7%, respectively. Contribution to variance of the individual animal for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF was 97.2, 97.9, 95.4, 19.1, and 97.5%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) was recorded as 46.2% and 21.6%, respectively. Contribution to variance of the animal for IVTD and IVNDFD was 99.05 and 98.49%, respectively. Data collected suggest paunch manure could provide valuable nutrients for livestock production, specifically fiber and protein. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for development of a consistent product.

9 Reduce Reuse ReRumen: Variability in nutritive value of paunch manure

Abstract Ruminant animals develop a diverse and complex microbial ecosystem for digesting fibrous feedstuffs, but this material represents a cost to the industry when bound for rendering at harvest. Our objective was to determine the feed value of paunch manure recovered from an abattoir. Twelve paunch samples were collected from slaughtered cattle at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried under forced air at 55°C to a constant weight and ground to pass through 2-mm screen. A subsample was ground to 1-mm and assayed for DM, CP, and sequential NDF and ADF. Physically effective fiber (peNDF) was calculated with 2 L of unground, dried at 55 ˚C, paunch material using the manually-operated Penn State Particle Separator. Paunch peNDF was determined by multiplying the physical effectiveness factor by the total NDF content of the sample. Samples (2-mm) were subject to batch culture in vitro digestibility assays for determination of digestibility coefficients. Data were analysed as a random effects model using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS. Neutral detergent fiber, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF values were 68.1, 39.9, 10.9, 15.0, and 38.7%, respectively. Contribution to variance of the individual animal for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF was 97.2, 97.9, 95.4, 19.1, and 97.5%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) was recorded as 46.2% and 21.6%, respectively. Contribution to variance of the animal for IVTD and IVNDFD was 99.05 and 98.49%, respectively. Data collected suggest paunch manure could provide valuable nutrients for livestock production, specifically fiber and protein. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for development of a consistent product.

Relative Feed Value and Digestibility of Caramba (Lolium multiflorum cv. Caramba) for Ruminants

The aim of present study was to determine relative feed value and estimate the in vitro digestibility of caramba (Lolium multiflorum cv. Caramba), a variety of Italian ryegrass, for ruminants. Caramba was harvested at the five times when the plant height was about 42 cm for each harvesting. The fresh and dry herbage yields of caramba obtained from the first, second, third and fourth harvests were similar and higher (P<0.001) than those of the fifth harvest. The highest and lowest CP yields were obtained from the first and fifth harvests at 39.43±1.96 and 10.18±0.39 kg/da, respectively. While CP and ME contents of caramba decreased (P<0.001) depending on increasing in harvest number, crude fiber, ADF, NDF and ADL values increased (P<0.001). The relative feed value (P<0.001) along with the in vitro true dry matter digestibility and in vitro true NDF digestibility were decreased (P<0.001) with increasing in harvest number. The highest values (P<0.001) of in vitro true DM digestibility and in vitro true NDF digestibility for caramba obtained from the first harvest were 87.02±0.43 and 44.18±0.50%, respectively. In vitro true DM digestibility and in vitro true NDF digestibility values of caramba for the mean of five harvests were 80.45±1.09 and 41.55±0.37%, respectively. As a result, considering all of the investigated parameters in the present study, it may be deduced that harvesting of caramba was possible up to five times in a year. Although, the chemical composition, relative feed value and in vitro true digestibility of caramba obtained from the first fourth harvests were higher than those of the fifth harvest, it could be said that caramba obtained from each of the five harvests possess the potential as a roughage for ruminant depending on the specific situation.

MODELING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARCTIC REGION OF RUSSIA

The article describes a model of six econometric equations, designed for the analysis of the sustainability of development in the Arctic region of the Russian Federation - Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. The article analyzes the spheres of human activity in the Chukchi Autonomous District: social, industrial, natural resources. Each sphere is estimated indicators. The theoretical views of various researchers on sustainable development and defi nes the concept of sustainable development of the spheres of human activity in the Arctic region. Under the sustainable development of the Arctic region of space refers to such changes in the indices of spheres of human activity in the region, which increase the potential for human development. The numerical value of the potential of human development is estimated Human Development Index. The article describes the methodological principles of constructing a model of six equations econometric analysis of the sustainable development of the Arctic region. Each of the six equations presented in the form of ADL-model, because it allows us to estimate the dependence of ADL values of the spheres of human activity in the region from the current and past values of the series of other indicators. Selected endogenous and exogenous variables for the model. We discuss the algorithm for fi nding the model parameters. On the basis of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug are six coeffi cients of econometric equations. The analysis of the results of the decision model. Methodological principles and results of the decision model can be used to develop strategies for sustainable development of the municipality, a separate Arctic, or a combination of all the Arctic regions of Russia.

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF Brachiaria GRASS CULTIVARS AT KATUMANI DRYLAND RESEARCH STATION IN SOUTH EASTERN KENYA

The study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Katumani, Machakos to evaluate the herbage quality of Brachiaria grass cultivars in semi arid regions of Eastern Kenya. Brachiaria cultivars namely B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, Brachiaria hybrid Mulato II, four Brachiaria brizantha cultivars Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, MG4 and Brachiaria humidicola cv Llanero were assessed with reference to their chemical and nutritive composition at 22, 24 and 28 weeks post seedling emergence. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana cv KATR3) and Napier grass (P. pupureum cv. Kakamega I) were included as controls. There were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) among the cultivars for crude protein, crude fibre (NDF, ADF and ADL) Ash, Calcium, Phosphorus, Dry Matter Digestibilty and Metabolisable energy during the the week 22 and 24 post seedling emergence harvest. At week 28 harvest interval, however, ADL values for all the cultivars were similar and only Marandu was significantly different (p&lt;0.05) in terms of metabolizable energy from the rest. The mean CP content of the grasses decreased from 11.1% at week 22 to 6.3% at harvest week 28 harvest intervals. MG4, Mulato II and Xaraes were the only grasses able to meet minimum CP (7.0%) requirement for rumen microbial function throughout the harvest period. Ash and phosphorus values decreased whereas Calcium content increased for all the cultivars during the harvest intervals, with Mulato II recording the highest ash (15%) content during this period. Chloris gayana KATR3 recorded highest average NDF (72.9%), ADF (48.1%) and ADL (6.1%) content during this period. Xaraes, Marandu and Mulato II were the only cultivars able to achieve the highest metabolizable energy of 7.0 MJ/kg DM recorded for the grass cultivars throughout the harvest intervals. These results indicate that Brachiaria grasses can be a good source of forage for livestock and a boost to the forage resource base in the semi arid regions of Kenya. Further research is needed to quantify their productivity in both dry and wet periods and to assess the effect of feeding on animal production performance.

Chemical composition, silage fermentation characteristics, and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of potato-wheat straw silage treated with molasses and lactic acid bacteria and corn silage.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of molasses and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the chemical composition, silage fermentation characteristics, and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of an ensiled potato-wheat straw mixture in a completely randomized design with 4 replicates. Wheat straw was harvested at full maturity and potato tuber when the leaves turned yellowish. The potato-wheat straw (57:43 ratio, DM basis) mixture was treated with molasses, LAB, or a combination. Lalsil Fresh LB (Lallemand, France; containing NCIMB 40788) or Lalsil MS01 (Lallemand, France; containing MA18/5U and MA126/4U) were each applied at a rate of 3 × 10 cfu/g of fresh material. Treatments were mixed potato-wheat straw silage (PWSS) without additive, PWSS inoculated with Lalsil Fresh LB, PWSS inoculated with Lalsil MS01, PWSS + 5% molasses, PWSS inoculated with Lalsil Fresh LB + 5% molasses, PWSS inoculated with Lalsil MS01 + 5% molasses, and corn silage (CS). The compaction densities of PWSS treatments and CS were approximately 850 and 980 kg wet matter/m, respectively. After anaerobic storage for 90 d, chemical composition, silage fermentation characteristics, in vitro gas production (GP), estimated OM disappearance (OMD), ammonia-N, VFA, microbial CP (MCP) production, and cellulolytic bacteria count were determined. Compared to CS, PWSS had greater ( < 0.001) values of DM, ADL, water-soluble carbohydrates, pH, and ammonia-N but lower ( < 0.05) values of CP, ash free-NDF (NDFom), ash, nitrate, and lactic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acids concentrations. When PWSS was treated with molasses, LAB, or both, the contents of CP and lactic and acetic acids increased, whereas NDFom, ammonia-N, and butyric acid decreased ( < 0.05). Based on in vitro ruminal experiments, PWSS had greater ( < 0.05) values of GP, OMD, and MCP but lower ( < 0.05) VFA and acetic acid compared to CS. With adding molasses alone or in combination with LAB inoculants to PWSS, the values of GP, OMD, MCP, cellulolytic bacteria population, VFA, and propionic acid increased ( < 0.05), whereas the acetic acid to propionic acid ratio decreased ( < 0.05). Overall, ensiling potato with wheat straw at a 57:43 ratio DM basis was possible; nevertheless, the fermentation quality of PWSS was lesser than that of CS. However, addition of molasses and molasses + LAB improved fermentation quality of PWSS.

Glomerular filtration rate in the elderly and in the oldest old: correlation with frailty and mortality

The equations for estimating kidney function have become very popular in the last decade. However, the clinical and prognostic meaning of these measures may be very different in older populations. Two cohorts of people aged 65-89 years (older sample) and 90 or more (oldest old sample) were used to investigate the prognostic significance of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Additionally, we also investigated whether combining frailty and eGFR may improve the accuracy of frailty in predicting mortality. We found that lower eGFR values were significantly more frequent among frail subjects in both groups. eGFR < 30 was associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality either in subjects aged 65-89 years (HR = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.23-11.2) or in those aged 90 or more (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05-2.23). In the latter group, a not significant trend for increasing mortality was also observed among people with eGFR > 60 (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.72-2.26). In addition, the oldest old subjects with eGFR > 60 and eGFR < 30 had the lowest hand-grip strength and ADL values. Combining eGFR and frailty status significantly improved the accuracy of frailty in predicting mortality only in the older sample. In conclusion, a U-shaped relationship exists between eGFR and mortality in the oldest old, but not in older individuals. Our findings suggest that eGFR needs to be adjusted for muscle mass/physical performance when estimating kidney function in people aged 90 or more. Nevertheless, in subjects aged 65-89 years, eGFR may improve the accuracy of frailty status in predicting prognosis, thus suggesting that eGFR may represent an additional dimension of frailty syndrome.

Ergebnisse und Prädiktoren der geriatrischen Frührehabilitation im Akutkrankenhaus

Geriatric assessment and treatment including an interdisciplinary team is a well accepted method to improve functionality and mortality in the elderly. Nevertheless, only little evidence and limited data are available concerning the outcome of this approach in an acute care setting and early rehabilitation. All patients included in a comprehensive geriatric program within 1 year were eligible for inclusion in a retrospective chart analysis. Admission to the program was allowed after counseling by an experienced geriatrician applying pre-defined criteria including significant deconditioning, preserved rehabilitation prognosis and/or ongoing instable medical condition requiring an acute care setting. Patients who refused therapy or died within the first week of treatment were excluded. A telephone interview was performed 6 months after patient discharge and data concerning mortality, functional course and quality of life (activities of daily life ADL) were retrieved. All patients were treated in an acute care setting in two geriatric and general internal medicine wards. A total of 138 patients were included in the program. In 128 cases data concerning the 6 month mortality could be retrieved and 92 patients agreed to participate in a complete telephone interview. Mortality within the early rehabilitation course was 4%, the 6 month mortality however was 28%. Functionality improved during early rehabilitation and a median increment of 10 points in the Barthel index was found (range 0-100). Analysis of individual increments showed high interindividual variability throughout the whole range of the ADL score at the beginning of the treatment. Concerning the 6 month course after hospital discharge functionality remained at a steady median value but showed a large range of both increasing and decreasing ADL values. Analysis of predictors by logistic regression revealed the ADL score on admission to the early rehabilitation program as the predominant predictor overriding other factors such as depression or cognitive impairment. An ADL value ≤15 on admission was a strong predictor for an unfavorable outcome in early rehabilitation defined as death or an ADL increment ≤10. An ADL value ≤15 on admission was also a strong predictor for overall mortality within 6months. On the other hand an ADL value ≤15 on admission was a strong predictor for a steady or increasing functionality among the survivors of the 6 month postdischarge interval. The mortality rate in the early rehabilitation course in this preliminary and observational study was relatively low and may be explained by both the exclusion of patients not surviving the first week of treatment and an effective inclusion algorithm. The high overall 6month mortality rate may also be explained by the selection of patients focusing on those severely functionally impaired. This subpopulation of elderly inpatients in acute care units reveals a high vulnerability to critical incidents. Besides scale effects there is also a remarkable variability in the 6 month postdischarge course pointing to heterogeneity and different patterns concerning the time course of functionality.

Composição química, digestibilidade e cinética de degradação ruminal das silagens de híbridos de girassol em diferentes épocas de semeadura

Objetivou-se estimar o valor nutritivo das silagens de quatro híbridos de girassol - Rumbosol-91 (forrageiro), M-734 (duplo-propósito), C-11 (duplo-propósito) e BRS-191 (granífero) - semeados em três épocas: outubro (antecipada), novembro (normal) e dezembro (tardia) - por meio de análises químicas, da digestibilidade e da cinética de degradação ruminal. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 4 x 3 (quatro híbridos x três épocas de semeadura) e três repetições. Os teores de MS variaram de 23,2 a 43,0%; o pH, de 4,0 a 5,1; e o N-NH3%/NT, de 5,3 a 16,8%. Os teores de CZ oscilaram de 6,8 a 8,8% e aumentaram da semeadura em outubro para dezembro. O Rumbosol-91 apresentou teores menores de EE e maiores de N na parede celular, de N indisponível e de carboidratos totais (CHOT). Os teores de PB aumentaram e os de CHOT diminuíram de outubro para dezembro. A semeadura de novembro e o C-11 apresentaram menores teores de FDN, FDNcp e FDA. O C-11 semeado em novembro apresentou menor teor de LDA. A semeadura de outubro e o Rumbosol-91 tiveram maior proporção de LDA%/FDN. O Rumbosol-91 apresentou maior DIVMS e DIVFDN. A semeadura de novembro e os híbridos C-11 e M-734 apresentaram maior teor de NDT. O desaparecimento da MS pode ser representado por um único perfil de degradação. A proporção de FDN indegradável (I) aumentou da semeadura em outubro para dezembro, com maiores valores para o BRS-191 semeado em dezembro. A extensão (Vf1) e a taxa (k1) de degradação da fração solúvel de rápida digestão diminuíram da semeadura em outubro para dezembro, com maiores valores para o Rumbosol-91 semeado em outubro. A relação entre análise química, digestibilidade, NDT e cinética de degradação ruminal foi melhor para os híbridos M-734 e C-11 semeados em novembro.

Características fenológicas, produtivas e qualitativas de híbridos de girassol em diferentes épocas de semeadura para produção de silagem

Objetivou-se verificar o efeito de três épocas de semeadura - outubro (antecipada), novembro (normal) e dezembro (tardia) - sobre as características fenológicas, produtivas e qualitativas de quatro híbridos de girassol: Rumbosol-91 (forrageiro), M-734 (duplo propósito), C-11 (duplo propósito) e BRS-191 (granífero) destinados à produção de silagem. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 4 x 3 (quatro híbridos x três épocas de semeadura) e quatro repetições. A semeadura em outubro resultou em ciclo mais longo, altura de planta mais elevada e diâmetro e participação de capítulo menores, como conseqüência da temperatura, da insolação e do fotoperíodo, que foram mais baixos nessa época. Os híbridos Rumbosol-91 e BRS-191 semeados em novembro apresentaram taxas de acamamento mais quebramento maiores, de 49,6 e 65,7%, respectivamente. Os híbridos BRS-191 e M-734 semeados em dezembro apresentaram produtividades de fitomassa maiores, com 39,71 e 43,76 t ha-1 de matéria verde e 11,31 e 11,41 t ha-1 de matéria seca, respectivamente. Nos constituintes da planta, os teores de PB aumentaram e os de FDN, FDA e LDA diminuíram, respectivamente, para colmo, folhas e capítulo. Na planta inteira, os teores de MS oscilaram de 23,2%, para o híbrido Rumbosol-91 semeado em novembro, a 47,9%, para o híbrido C-11 semeado em dezembro, indicando que os híbridos possuem capacidade diferenciada de retenção de umidade em estádio de maturidade fisiológica semelhante da cultura (fase R-9). Os teores de PB variaram de 7,0 a 15,7%, demonstrando a riqueza protéica da cultura. Os teores de LDA da planta inteira oscilaram de 6,5 a 12,4%, sendo que os híbridos M-734 semeado em dezembro e C-11 semeado em outubro apresentaram os teores mais baixos. Visando à produção de silagem de elevada qualidade, o híbrido M-734 semeado em dezembro apresentou melhor relação entre fenologia, produtividade e composição bromatológica.

An evaluation of Panicum maximum cv. Gatton: 2. The influence of stage of maturity on diet selection, intake and rumen fermentation in sheep

The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional value of Panicum maximum cv. Gatton for sheep production in three different seasons and at three different stages of maturity. More mature pasture, compared to younger pasture, resulted in lower quality being selected. This was reflected in lower N values, lower digestibility and higher NDF, ADF and ADL values in selected material. Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) also decreased with maturity. Grazing of more mature pasture resulted in lower rumen ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) levels and higher acetic:propionic acid ratios. This trend was noted in all seasons. The nutritional value of the pasture in summer was high enough to meet at least the maintenance requirements of sheep in all stages of maturity evaluated. The nutritional value of the young and medium mature autumn pasture was also high enough to meet at least the maintenance requirements, but at the mature stage intake was too low. Intake in winter at all stages of maturity, was too low to meet the maintenance requirements of sheep. (South African Journal of Animal Science, 2001, 31(2): 85-92)