Bromatological Composition Research Articles

Chemical variability in Amazonian palm fruits: açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.), and inajá [Maximiliana maripa (Aubl.) Drude] (Arecaceae)

The bromatological composition, mineral content, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of three native Amazon Arecaceae fruits (buriti, açaí, and inajá) were chemically evaluated. These fruits showed high moisture contents (> 55%), and levels of ash values, total crude protein, and total carbohydrates in the range of 0.68-1.28%, 0.49-2.14%, and 6.10-26.51%, respectively. High levels of total lipids were found in buriti (21.0%). A wide range of mineral content was detected and the highest levels were found in the pulps of buriti (Ca, Cu, Fe, and Mg), inajá (Na and Zn) and açaí (Mn). All three fruits showed antioxidant activity with important levels of phenolic compounds and good or rich content of vitamin C. This study provides new data on the antioxidant activity and the nutritional composition of native Amazonian fruits. Based on this study, these fruits are suitable for use in the food and cosmetics industries, as well as in pharmaceutical compositions.

<b>Fermentation characteristics and nutritive values of sorghum silages

The objective of this study was to select sorghum genotypes for silage production. The study was carried out at Embrapa Maize & Sorghum’s experimental field. Planting was performed in randomized blocks, with three replicates and the Scott-Knott test at a 5% probability level. The material was ensilaged in laboratory silos opened after 56 days for analysis concerning fermentation and bromatological composition. Only crude protein showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), with an overall mean of 8.88%. The other variables presented significant differences (p < 0.05): pH (3.34 to 3.94); Aw (0.93 to 0.98); N-NH 3/TN (1.61 to 6.56%); green matter yield (12.05 to 34.14 t ha-1); dry matter yield (6.19 to 11.42 t ha-1); dry matter (26.89 to 49.95%); ashes (4.08 to 6.88%); neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (47.67 to 65.79%); acid detergent fiber (16.62 to 35.89%); hemicellulose:cellulose (1.07 to 2.71%); lignin (2.03 to 6.52%), digestible dry matter yield (3.70 to 7.41 t ha-1) and dry matter digestibility (56.36 to 72.67%). Based on digestible dry matter yield, the genotypes: male 201191 and hybrids 2012F47484, 2012F47515 and 2012F47525 stood out in relation to the others for showing good yielding, adequate nutritional value, with low dry matter and NDF levels coupled with high digestibility values and good fermentation patterns of the silages.

Production and Bromatological Composition of Black Oat Cultivated with Vetch When Submitted to Nitrogen Fertilization in Above Sowing in the Pasture of Tifton 85

The objective of this research was to evaluate the forage production, the bromatological composition of black oat in consortium with vetch when submitted to nitrogen fertilization in above sowing system in the Tifton 85 pasture. The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Campus Toledo-PR. The experimental design used was random blocks with four treatments and five repetitions and the treatments consisted of: only oat, oat consorted with vetch, oat with nitrogen fertilization and oat consorted with vetch and nitrogen fertilization. Were evaluated the bromatological composition (CP, NDF, ADF, LIG, EE DM, MM) and the forage yield in the consortium of oat with vetch and/or nitrogen fertilization. The results obtained to the bromatological composition indicate that the application of nitrogen on the surface of the forage increased production with an average of 3.922 kg ha-1 in the second year. The nitrogen fertilization also influenced in the medium contents of crude protein (CP) with 18.56% in the first year. The increase of nitrogen in the parcels showed meaningful results for the first year (P < 0.05) in the contents of dry matter with average value of 18.95%. The introduction of black oat consorted with vetch and with a nitrogen fertilization in above sowing in the crop of tifton 85 during the winter period provides an increase in the yield kg ha-1 and when the vetch was used it happened an increase in the contents of crude protein and dry matter in the bromatological composition of the forage.

Solar radiation levels modify the growth traits and bromatological composition of Cichorium intybus

Shading greenhouse may be an effective method to achieve a suitable environment for crop growth and to enhance crop yield and quality in places or seasons where there is high light intensity. Therefore, solar radiation levels may modify the biomass accumulation and bromatological composition. Different solar radiation levels (100%, 70% and 50% of available solar radiation) were simulated in order to determine crop responses to these factors in chicory ( Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum ). A hydroponic experiment was conducted in an experimental greenhouse in the city of Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Plants grown in lower solar radiation levels are more efficient in converting solar radiation into dry matter, had a higher lipid content, increased chlorophyll indices a , b and total, as well as reduced leaf thickness, acid deter- gent fiber, cellulose, and lignin content, presenting more attractive bromato- logical features for commercial production. In this study it was demonstrated that the use of shading screens is an effective method to attenuate the solar radiation, this is especially relevant in places or seasons where there is high light intensity, which contribute to achieve better characteristics of the chicory produced.

<b>Agronomic performance and nutritive value of millet silages

The objective of this study was to assess agronomic characteristics and nutritional values of silages of millet genotypes. Planting was done in randomized blocks, with five replicates per genotype. Green matter yield for genotypes ADR 500 and CMS 01 was higher and similar to each other, with 40.16 and 41.36 t ha (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference for dry matter yield, with the mean being 9.93 t ha (p > 0.05). The silages were similar (p > 0.05) as to pH, Aw and N-NH3/TN, presenting values of 3.92, 0.97 and 7.64%, respectively. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) concerning the bromatological composition of the silages of the different genotypes, with a mean of 30.74% of dry matter, 10.21% for crude protein and 58.69% for neutral detergent fiber (p > 0.05). The dry matter digestibility mean stood at 59.90%. Based on the nutritional values and digestibility of the millet silages, the five genotypes are suitable for silage production, with potential for the North of Minas Gerais.

Photosynthetic photon flux density levels affect morphology and bromatology in Cichorium endivia L. var. latifolia grown in a hydroponic system

Abstract Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in suboptimal or super-optimal levels can modify the biomass accumulation, bromatological composition and appearance of crops. This study was conducted in a hydroponic system to determine whether PPFD could change physiological and bromatological aspects of escarole (Cichorium endivia L. var. latifolia). Three PPFD levels (100%, 70% and 50% of PPFD) were investigated to determine crop’s responses to this factor. Plants of escarole grown under 50% of incident PPFD had converted 0.88 g of dry matter per mol of incident photosynthetically active radiation (42% more efficient compared to unshaded environment), had 26% more lipid content, higher levels of chlorophyll a, b and total (12%, 14% and 13%, respectively), 42% less acid detergent fiber, 34% less cellulose, 47% less lignin, lesser leaf thickness and better visual features. The attenuation of PPFD in sites or seasons where there is high light intensity is an effective method to improve morphological, bromatological and visual characteristics of escarole.

Nutritional analysis of cupcakes base meal of leaves and stems of ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata)

Food and nutrition are basic requirements for the ascension and protection of human health. However, food education is a slow process. Therefore, the use of unconventional vegetables as food, such as Pereskia aculeata, a cactaceae rich in essential proteins and used to fight against malnutrition is encouraged. The objectives of this study were to determine the bromatological composition of cupcakes made of leaves and stems of Pereskia aculeata, as well as to characterize the nutrients and minerals present therein. Four recipes were tested: natural cupcake; with dry leaves flour; with leaf+stem flour; and with fresh leaves. The levels of moisture, ashes, proteins, dietary fibers, lipids, total carbohydrates, total caloric value, and minerals were determined. Cupcakes made with Pereskia aculeata flour are a consuming alternative with excellent nutritional value. Cupcakes prepared with dry leaf flour presented high protein content and those with leaf meal + stem presented a higher dietary fiber content. However, both presented satisfactory results for the phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, copper, and zinc minerals. Therefore, the cupcakes with dry leaf flour and leaves+stem, due to their nutritional qualities, are the most suitable option for consumption.

Fruit agribusiness waste as an additive in elephant grass silage

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential use of fruticulture waste as an additive in elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivar Napier silage at different densities, defining the effect of fermentative quality, microbiological characteristics and bromatological composition. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications in a 4 x 3 factorial scheme, comprising a control, banana waste (BW), mango waste (MW), and passion fruit waste (PFW) at three densities (400, 500 and 600 kg green matter [GM] m-3). The effect of ensiling density was greatest in the exclusively elephant grass silage, where a compaction of 600 kg GM m-3 contributed to improvements in fermentation and microbiological processes. The addition of banana waste to the elephant grass silage promoted improvements only in bromatological composition, raising the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) content and reducing fiber components (neutral detergent fiber [NDFap] and acid detergent fiber [ADFap] corrected for ash and protein), but the addition of banana waste did not favor the fermentative or microbiological processes. The addition of passion fruit and mango by-products promoted increased DM and favored the fermentative, microbiological, and bromatological silage processes, regardless of density.

Changes in quality and quantity of soil organic matter stocks resulting from wastewater irrigation in formerly forested land

Land use changes often diminish soil carbon stocks and alter soil organic matter (SOM) quality affecting soil productivity. Therefore, intensively managed agricultural systems are intended to maintain and even increase SOM stocks. Here we compared soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and their quality in fields under natural vegetation (mesquite forest and xerophytic shrubs), converted first to rain fed maize cultivation and then to irrigated alfalfa-maize rotation systems in a semiarid region of Central Mexico. Fields under the alfalfa-maize rotation have been irrigated for different lengths of time (15, 35, 51, 85 and 100years) with untreated wastewater from Mexico City. We tested if the SOC stocks of the irrigated land use system were similar or even larger than those found under natural vegetation, and investigated if the quality of the SOM changed under the different covers. We collected composite soil surface samples and soil profile samples from fields under the different land uses and irrigation lengths and determined their organic carbon concentrations; we also quantified root residues and analyzed their bromatological composition. Mid infrared spectra of the soil samples were recorded and analyzed by multivariate procedures to determine changes in SOM quality.We found the smallest SOC stocks in soils under rain fed maize (mean: 45Mgha−1 in 30cm depth). In the alfalfa-maize rotation SOC stocks increased 1.5 fold during the first 40years under wastewater irrigation, thereafter reaching an apparent new steady state, with similar C stocks to soils under xerophytic shrub cover (65Mgha−1). SOM in rain fed soils was more hydrophobic and more metabolized by microorganisms, while the SOM in irrigated soils had a more hydrophilic character. Lignin in surface horizons of long term irrigated soils has a lesser degree of condensation than in deeper soil horizons or in soils irrigated for shorter periods of time, indicating a less intensive microbial degradation. We conclude that wastewater irrigation increases SOM stocks due to the greater lignin rich root biomass produced by alfalfa in this land use system, which helps to recover the SOC loss of 17–34% of the rain fed agriculture system.

Produtividade de biomassa e composição bromatológica de genótipos de aveia forrageira em Vitória da Conquista, BA

O presente trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar e selecionar genótipos de aveia forrageira adaptados às condições edafoclimáticas de Vitória da Conquista, município localizado em região tropical de altitude no estado da Bahia. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com três repetições e nove tratamentos, constituídos pelos genótipos São Carlos, UPF 86081, FAPA 2, FAPA 43, UPF 15, IAPAR 61, UPF 19, IPR 126, UFRGS 16. A semeadura foi realizada manualmente, após aração e gradagem do solo, em maio de 2006. A adubação nitrogenada variou de 80 a 120 kg ha-1 de N, divididos em aplicações no momento do plantio, 20 dias após o plantio e após cada corte. Nos períodos de baixa disponibilidade hídrica foi utilizada irrigação suplementar via aspersão. O primeiro corte foi realizado no início de emborrachamento e os cortes seguintes, quando as plantas atingiram altura entre 35 e 40 cm. Foram avaliados o número de dias da emergência ao florescimento e o número de dias da emergência ao amadurecimento dos grãos para determinação do ciclo de crescimento dos genótipos. Ao longo do ensaio, foram avaliadas as produtividades de massa verde e massa seca e a composição bromatológica, determinando-se os teores de proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca. Os genótipos UPF 86081, UPF 19 e UFRGS 16 apresentaram potencial de utilização na região, no período de inverno, com maior produtividade de biomassa verde, enquanto que os genótipos FAPA 43, FAPA 2, IPR 126, IAPAR 61, UPF 15 e São Carlos apresentam melhor desempenho bromatológico com reduzido conteúdo de fibras e maior digestibilidade da matéria seca.

Isolation, culture and evaluation of Chaetoceros muelleri from the Caribbean as food for the native scallops, Argopecten nucleus and Nodipecten nodosus

The potential of the Caribbean strain Chaetoceros muelleri (CHA-C-04) to be produced and used as diet of two commercially important native scallops (Argopecten nucleus and Nodipecten nodosus) was assessed, using the non-indigenous Chaetoceros calcitrans strain, as a control. Growth and biomass of both diatoms were compared under different culture environments (indoor and outdoor) and culture media (F/2, organic fertilizer triple 15 and humus extract). In addition, their bromatological composition and effect on the physiological condition of the scallops fed with both diatoms were compared. The growth and biomass production of C. muelleri and C. calcitrans were higher under indoor conditions and using the F/2 media. Although the content of proteins, lipids and energy was higher in C. muelleri than in C. calcitrans, its size, organic content, growth and biomass values were not different. Scallops fed with both diatoms strains shows similar values for all of the physiological variables measured, including rates of absorption, oxygen consumption, ammonia excretion and scope for growth. Results suggest that the local strain C. muelleri can be successfully produced and used in the diet of A. nucleus and N. nodosus, but do not offer productive advantages.

Efecto de aditivos químicos en la composición del ensilado de avena ("Avena sativa" L)

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of chemical additives (urea, sodium urea-benzoate, sodium benzoate, ammonium urea sulfate) in the bromatological composition of oat silage. The silages were elaborated in the Professional Academic of Zootecnia of the National University of Huancavelica by tubes of PVC of 10cm (Width) x 40 cm (Height), with sealed caps. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 5 treatments and 5 replicates. The microsils were opened 60 days after silage. None of the additives were effective in the reduction of neutral detergent fiber (FND), acid detergent fiber (FAD), hemicelluloses and FND-hemicelluloses ratio of silages. The treatments with UR, UR + BS, UR + SA favored lower values of soluble carbohydrates, in relation to silage without additives. Oat silage without additives is a strategy that can be improved with additives satisfactorily in crude protein content alone or in association with BS.

Effect of Sorghum Based Nutritional Programs on Performance, Carcass Yield and Composition of Breast in Broilers

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to compare three nutritional programs, which were developed with tannin-free grain sorghum based diets, evaluating performance, carcass yield and bromatological composition of the pectoral muscle of broilers. A total 1360 chicks mixed (50:50), from one to 42 days old Hubbard Flex Broilers, were housed in a completely randomized design consisting of treatments and 10 replicates each, distributed as follows: three programs with whole sorghum grain based diets (nutritional program with daily adjustment, nutritional program with every three days adjustment and nutritional program with four stages and a program with ground and whole sorghum grain based feed (four stages). The cumulative performance was evaluated at, 21 and 42 days, determining feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability. At 42 days, the yield of eviscerated carcass, breast (full and boneless), thighs/drumsticks and wings and breast composition were evaluated. Nutritional adjustments showed better feed conversion, did not affect the carcass, commercial cuts yield and had a good breast meat quality. It can be concluded that daily feed programs could be performed in poultry industry with the mixture of whole sorghum grains and concentrates directly on farms contributing to better logistics and feed transportation cost.

<b>Elephant grass silage with the addition of crambe bran conjugated to different specific mass

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inclusion of crambe bran concentrations (Crambe abyssinica Hochst.) with different specific masses in elephant grass silage (Penninsetum purpureum Schum.). For that, the bromatological and microbiological compositions of the experimental silages were determined. We used 48 mini silos distributed in a completely randomized design, arranged in a factorial 4 × 3, four levels of inclusion of crambe bran (0; 10; 20 and 30%) and three specific masses (400; 500 and 600 kg MN m-3), with four replications. After 240 days of fermentation the silos were opened. It was observed linear effect on DM, CP, NDFap, ADFap, HEM, LIG, NFC, TC and population of bacteria that produce lactic acid with the addition of crambe meal. There was interaction between the crambe bran factors and specific masses on the values of pH and N-NH3. For MM variables and yeast count there was a negative linear effect due to the evaluated specific mass. The inclusion of crambe bran helps to increase the fermentative profile and the bromatological composition of elephant grass silages studied, and the best results were obtained with the addition of 30% of this coproduct, based on the natural matter.

Performance, egg quality, and sensory analysis of the eggs of quails fed whole rice bran stabilized with organic acids and stored for different amounts of time

Whole rice bran (WRB) was added to Japanese quail feed, and the effects of stabilization of the WRB with organic acids and its storage for different amounts of time were evaluated with respect to performance and egg quality, centesimal composition, and sensory characteristics. We used 150 90-d-old Japanese quails. We had a 5 × 2 factorial scheme of five storage periods (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 d), with and without organic acid treatment. To replace corn, 20% WRB was added to the diet. Feed consumption increased for up to 71 d of bran storage (P = 0.01) and then subsequently decreased. An increasing quadratic relationship was observed between egg mass and storage time for up to 71 d of storage (P = 0.03); egg mass then decreased thereafter. The specific gravity of the eggs produced by birds that received treated WRB at 0 d of storage was greater than those of eggs produced by birds that received treated WRB after 90 d of storage. In conclusion, the organic acid treatment maintained the quality of the WRB over up to 120 d of storage and could comprise 20% of the laying quails’ diet without affecting growth performance, egg quality, bromatological composition, or the sensory attributes of the eggs.

Dry matter yield and bromatological composition of gliricidia in different crop densities

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different gliricidia planting densities on productive and qualitative parameters. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station Pedro Arle, Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros (Embrapa Coastal Tablelands), in Frei Paulo, Sergipe, Brazil. The effect of densities of 10,000; 20,000; 30,000 and 40,000 plants ha-1 was tested in biomass production (fresh and dry), dry matter content (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid-detergent fiber (ADF), in gliricidia leaves and tender stems. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design with four replications. Production of leaf and stem fresh biomass; production of leaf dry matter; percentage of fresh leaves in relation to the total fresh matter; and percentage of leaf dry matter of 13 cuttings were evaluated from September 2nd, 2009 to December 18th, 2013. There was increase in the production of total fresh matter, leaf fresh matter, and leaf dry matter (P<0.05) in planting densities greater than 20,000 plants ha-1. Year effect (P<0.05) was found only for total production of fresh matter, production of fresh leaves, percentage of leaf fresh matter, leaf dry matter content and crude protein.

Productivity and nutritive value of brachiaria forage intercropping with eucalyptus in a silvopastoral system in the Brazilian Cerrado biome

In the Brazilian Cerrado biome there are two major limitations to livestock production: low soil fertility and periods of low rainfall that may occur in all seasons of the year. The period when green forage is available to cattle can be extended if trees are cultivated in pasture lands, which creates a microclimate that would improve soil moisture retention and would contribute to soil nutrients cycling. An experiment was conducted in Confins, Minas Gerais state, Brazil in order to evaluate the forage produced in a 15 year silvopastoral system. The system was composed of Eucalyptus tree species (150 trees ha -1 ) and/or Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) Webster cv. Marandu forage. The pasture was sampled during the months of May, July and November of 2009, and forage production (quantitative and qualitative) and its bromatological composition were determined. The presence of trees in pasture did not reduce the production of dry matter forage during the studied period. Tree species also contributed to nutrient concentrations in forage, increasing levels of crude protein, mineral matter, phosphorus and calcium. In the area without trees, these levels were significantly lower than in the silvopastoral system. The silvopastoral system proved to be a sustainable option for animal production, contributing to the nutritive value of forage during the periods of insufficient rainfall.

Efeitos residuais da adubação fosfatada sob produtividade e composição bromatológica de forrageiras tropicais

In Brazil today there are large areas of grassland in some stage of degradation due to inadequate handling, particularly with regard to lack of use of phosphate fertilizer. This study aimed to evaluate the productivity and bromatologic composition of three species of tropical forages under the residual effect of phosphorus fertilization. The randomized block design was applied in a 3x5x2 factorial scheme with three forages (Panicum maximum cvs. Tanzania and Mombaca and Brachiaria sp. cv. Mulato), five P rates (0, 40, 80, 120 and 240 kg ha-1), and two cuts (October and November of 2007) with three replicates. The deployment of pasture was held in September 2005, and the area remained under constant grazing and management, with regular cleaning and mowing for two years. In October and November of 2007, the following parameters were evaluated - fresh matter yield (FM), dry matter yield (DM) and contents of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HEM) and mineral matter (MM). Phosphorus fertilization until the maximum dose of 240 kg ha-1 did not promote residual effect on yield and chemical composition of Tanzania, Mombaca and Mulato grasses after two years of application in oxisol, with P fertilizer higher than 4.2 mg dm3, whose averages for the accumulation of DM and CP, NDF and ADF were 9.7 Mg ha-1, 11.8%, 77.8% and 41.3%, respectively.

Effect of corn oil on the digestibility and economic viability of broiler chicken feed, and on the bromatological composition of breast meat

<p>Objetivou-se avaliar a digestibilidade, eficiência econômica e composição do músculo do peito de frangos de corte alimentados com ração contendo óleo de milho como alternativa de substituição ao óleo de soja. Foi avaliado a digestibilidade da ração, da proteína bruta (PB), do extrato etéreo (EE); energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn); em dois períodos (17-21 e 31-35 dias). A análise da composição do músculo do peito, o custo da ração (Yi), índice de eficiência econômica (IEE) e índice de custo (IC) para peso vivo do animal e da carcaça entre as fontes lipídicas foi realizada no final da criação. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 com dois ingredientes (óleo soja e óleo milho) e em dois períodos (17-21 e 31-35 dias). A digestibilidade foi realizada com quatro repetições por tratamento com duas aves por unidade experimental e para a composição do musculo do peito foi feito seis repetições por tratamento. Houve interação dieta e idade para a digestibilidade da PB (P < 0,05), que foi maior (P < 0,05) aos 17-21 dias utilizando o óleo de soja. A digestibilidade da ração foi maior (P < 0,05) aos 31- 35 dias em comparação aos 17-21 dias de idade. A digestibilidade do EE não foi alterada (P > 0,05) pelos tratamentos e pelas idades. A utilização do óleo de milho resultou em maior (P < 0,05) EMA aos 17-21 dias de idade, EMA e EMAn aos 31-35 dias de idade, enquanto não houve diferença (P > 0,05) para EMAn aos 17-21 dias. Na composição de peito, não foram encontradas diferenças (P > 0,05) em deposição de EE. Para o nível de PB e matéria seca (MS) o óleo de milho apresentou melhores valores enquanto que para umidade de peito o óleo de soja resultou em maiores teores de umidade se comparado ao óleo de milho (P < 0,05). O resultado de viabilidade econômica beneficiou o óleo de soja. Concluiuse que o óleo de milho pode substituir o óleo de soja em dietas formuladas com o sorgo, pois apresenta maior energia metabolizável aparente da ração e melhor composição de peito.</p>

Eggshell as a source of calcium in the production, nutrition and bromatological composition of 'Piatã' and 'Marandu' grasses

ABSTRACT The demand for environmentally sustainable agricultural production systems encouraged this study, which evaluated the productive aspects and nutritional status of 'Piatã' palisadegrass and productive aspects and bromatological composition of 'Marandu' palisadegrass fertilized with eggshell, replacing other sources of calcium. 'Piatã' palisadegrass was grown in the field, in a randomized block design, and 'Marandu' palisadegrass in pots, in a completely randomized design, both with eggshell doses equivalent to 0, 78, 156, 234, 312 and 390 kg ha-1 of total calcium, using four replicates. The productive aspects of 'Piatã' and 'Marandu' grasses were not significantly altered by the eggshell doses, as well as the contents and accumulations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the 'Piatã' palisadegrass and dry mass, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, crude protein, digestible energy, metabolizable energy and the apparent digestibility of dry mass in the 'Marandu' palisadegrass. As a source of calcium, eggshell did not increase the mass production of the forages and did not promote improvements in the nutritional status of 'Piatã' palisadegrass and bromatological composition of 'Marandu' palisadegrass.