Castor Bean Meal Research Articles

Castor Bean Meal Fertilizer Improves Peanut Yield and Quality by Regulating the Soil Physicochemical Environment and Soil Enzyme Activities

PurposeFertilization is important for improving crop yield and soil quality. Elucidation of the effects of castor bean meal (CBM) fertilizer on peanut yield and quality and soil fertility can lead to additional fertilization options for peanut and provide a theoretical reference for achieving a high-quality, high-yielding peanut.MethodsDuring 2022–2023, a two-year long-term field experiment was conducted in Tongliao city, Inner Mongolia, China. No fertilizer (CK) was used as the control, and the effects of different treatments, i.e., CBM fertilizer (B1: 2520 kg ha-1, B2: 5040 kg ha-1, and B3: 10,080 kg ha-1), chemical fertilizer alone (F1: 175 kg ha-1, F2: 350 kg ha-1, and F3: 700 kg ha-1), and cow manure alone (N1: 3724 kg ha-1, N2: 7448 kg ha-1, and N3: 14,896 kg ha-1) on peanut yield and quality and soil fertility were investigated.ResultsThe results showed that CBM fertilizer application improved soil ecology. Compared with other fertilization treatments, the soil pH of B3 treatment decreased by 8.5%, but significantly increased the contents of organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), basic phosphorus (AP) and rapidly available potassium (AK) in the soil, which increased by 86.4%, 64.6%, 70.5%, 11.3%, 75.8%, 150.1%, and 116.2%, respectively, compared with CK. Meanwhile, B1, B2, N1 and N2 treatments also led to the elevation of the above indexes. In addition, the activities of urease (URE), sucrase (SUC), phosphatase (PPL), catalase (CAT), amylase (AMY) and protease (PRO) in the B3 treatment were significantly greater than those in the other fertilization treatments, with increases of 256.4%, 248.4%, 68.2%, 96.8%, 267.3%, and 155.7%, respectively, compared with CK. The B3 treatment also significantly increased the rootlet length(PRL), number of branches(BN), plant height(PLH) and lateral branch length(LBL) of the peanut plants. Compared with the other treatments, the B3 treatment had a greater peanut yields, reaching 8059.5 kg ha-1 and 9935.7 kg ha-1 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Compared with the other treatments, the B1 treatment significantly increased the contents of protein (Pro), fat (FAT), unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and vitamin E (VE), which increased by 23.3%, 6.1%, 1.0%, 29.1%, respectively, compared with CK, but the total sugar (TS) content was reduced by 9.1%. Correlation analysis further confirmed that peanut yield and quality were significantly correlated with soil nutrients and enzyme activities.ConclusionsThis study showed that the application of CBM fertilizer has certain positive effects. For example, the B3 treatment has certain potential for increasing peanut yield, and the B1 treatment can be used for peanut quality improvement. Therefore, CBM fertilizer is recommended as a new type of organic fertilizer for improving the peanut quality and yield.

Finishing of grazing crossbred steers supplemented with detoxified castor bean meal (Ricinus communis L.) in the rainy-dry transition period.

This study evaluated levels of replacement of soybean meal by castor bean meal in the finishing crossbred steers on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture during the rainy-dry transition period. Forty Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers with an average initial weight of 395.93 ± 10kg were randomly allocated to four treatment groups that were supplemented with concentrate levels of replacing (0, 290, 613, and 903g/kg DM of the supplement; at 0.4% body weight [BW]). The experimental period was 120days. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted; with regression analysis using the computational software package (SAS 9.2, USA). Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients and animal performance were evaluated. The replacement levels did not influence (P > 0.05) the intakes of DM (kg/day), organic matter (OM, kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, kg/day and %BW), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC, kg/day), or total digestible nutrients (kg/day). However, the intake of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE, kg/day) decreased as the replacement levels were increased (P < 0.05). The digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and EE did not change, whereas CP digestibility decreased linearly and NFC digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.05). The replacement levels did not affect (P > 0.05) final body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion, and carcass yield. Castor bean meal can replace up to 903g/kg DM of soybean meal in the composition of the supplement without compromising the performance of steers on Marandu pasture during the rainy-dry transition period.

Effect of detoxified castor bean meal inclusion in sugarcane ensilage on intake, digestibility, water balance, ruminal parameters, serum biochemistry, and ingestive behavior of sheep

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of including detoxified castor bean meal (DCM) in sugarcane ensilage (SCE) on nutrient metabolism, water balance, ruminal parameters and serum biochemistry of sheep. We used five intact male Santa Inês sheep, with 31.02 ± 2.71 kg, housed in metabolic cages receiving treatment diets with 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 % as fed DCM in SCE. The animals were evaluated for 85 days, divided into five experimental periods. The intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent insoluble fibre (NDF) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) increased (P<0.05), while the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, and NDF decreased (P<0.05) with the inclusion of DCM in the SCE. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen decreased (P<0.05) while serum glucose and magnesium increased (P<0.05) with DCM inclusion in the SCE. Including DCM in the SCE did not influence (P>0.05) water balance. The intake and rumination efficiencies increased (P<0.05) with the inclusion of DCM in the SCE. We recommend the inclusion of up to 20 % DCM in the SCE for use in the diet of sheep.

Sugarcane silage added with detoxified castor bean meal in the diet of confined lambs

This study evaluated the effects of increasing levels of detoxified castor bean meal (DCM) in sugarcane silage on intake, digestibility, blood parameters, ingestive behaviour, performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of confined lambs. Forty male Santa Inês lambs, non-castrated, with an initial weight of 17.4 ± 2.2 kg and an age of 150 days, were used. Treatments consisted of 0 (Control), 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % DCM in natural silage matter. The sheep were confined in individual stalls for 70 days and received the diets in the form of a complete mixture with a forage: concentrate ratio of 60:40. Including DCM in sugarcane silage increased (P < 0.05) the intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and non-fibrous carbohydrates, increased (P < 0.05) DM ingestion and rumination efficiency, decreased (P < 0.05) the serum levels of urea, increased (P < 0.05) the serum levels of glucose of lambs and increased (P < 0.05) empty body weight, mean daily gain, cold carcass weight, the weight of the commercial carcass cuts and the weights of the leg muscle, fat and bone. The moisture content and luminosity (L*) of the meat decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the red content (a*) and shear force of the meat responded quadratically (P < 0.05) to the inclusion of DCM in the sugarcane silage. It is recommended to include up to 20 % detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage to improve lamb performance and carcass characteristics.

Detoxified castor-bean meal replaces soybean meal in the diet of pasture-finished steers

The use of agroindustrial byproducts in cattle diets, such as castor-bean (Ricinus communis L.) meal, is a more sustainable practice because it does not compete with human food and reduces the volume of organic waste deposited in the environment. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of replacing soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) meal with castor-bean meal on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior and performance of crossbred steers supplemented while on Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster ‘Marandu’ pasture. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete design with 40 animals, which started the experiment weighing 227.1 kg, at 10 mo of age, and were divided into four treatment groups. Castor-bean meal was added to replace soybean meal at the levels of 0, 90, 180, and 280 g kg-1 in the supplement, which was supplied at the rate of 0.4% of body weight. Total DM, pasture DM and neutral detergent fiber intakes did not change (P > 0.05) with the castor-bean levels added to the supplement. Ether extract intake and digestibility decreased linearly (P < 0.05). The animals showed no differences (P > 0.05) in production performance (average daily gain), which averaged 0.65 kg d-1. Grazing, idle, and rumination times were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the treatments. Castor-bean meal can be included up to 280 g kg-1 in the total diet without changing the performance of crossbred steers finished on tropical pasture.

Performance and intestinal histology of sheep fed detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage

This study evaluated histological changes in the digestive organs and kidneys of sheep fed sugarcane silage augmented with detoxified castor bean meal (CBM). Forty Santa Inês sheep (initial weight 20 ± 0.3 kg) were adapted to the experimental regime for 14 days, after which data were collected for 60 days. The treatments consisted of S0: sugarcane silage (SC); S5: SC augmented with 5% CBM; S10: SC augmented with 10% CBM; S15: SC augmented with 15% CBM; and S20: SC augmented with 20% CBM. After 74 days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered, and then fragments of the liver, rumen, intestine, and kidney were collected for histomorphometric analyses. The intake of dry matter and the average weight gain increased linearly with the level of CBM (P &lt;0.05), as did the rumen absorption area, the height of the papillae and the width of the papillae. The thickness of the keratinized portion of the epithelium was not influenced, Thus, no effect was detected of the anti-nutritional factor of CBM on this organ. In the intestine, CBM increased the height of the villi and the number of goblet cells. However, S20 caused some kidney damage and decreased hepatic glycogen stock, but not sufficiently to reduce performance. Thus, augmentation of sugarcane with CBM, up to 20%, is viable in feeding sheep.

The inclusion of detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage increases the carcass weight and the content of unsaturated fatty acids in lamb meat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and meat quality of lambs fed sugarcane silage containing increasing levels of detoxified castor bean meal (DCBM). Twenty-four Santa Inês male sheep were used, with initial body weight of 25.34 ± 2.57 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 70, 140, and 210 g/kg of DCBM in the sugarcane silage). Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were positively influenced (P < 0.05) by the levels of DCBM. There was a linear increase (P < 0.05) on the intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber with the inclusion of DCBM. The daily and total gains showed a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of DCBM, with a maximum point of 241.64 g/d and 18.12 kg at the level of 161.9g/kg of DCBM. There was a linear increase (P < 0.01) on the hot carcass with the inclusion of DCBM. The inclusion of DCBM did not influence (P > 0.05) the levels of total lipids (2.1%) in lamb meat, but the levels of oleic acid (C18:1 n-6c) and total monounsaturated fatty acids presented a quadratic effect (P < 0.05). It is recommended to include 160 g/kg of detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage.

Animal performance, ingestive behavior, and carcass characteristics of grazing-finished steers supplemented with castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) meal protein.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal by castor bean meal on nutrient intake, digestibility, animal performance, ingestive behavior activities, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile from steers finished in pasture. Crossbred steers were weighed to determine the initial body weight (331.6 ± 37.4 kg), which were kept in 4 paddocks (8 animals/paddock), on pastures of Brachiaria decumbens during the finishing phase. Dietary treatments included CC00-without castor bean meal; CC33-153 g/kg of castor bean meal; CC66-308 g/kg of castor bean meal; and CC100-434 g/kg of castor bean meal. No treatment effects were detected (P > 0.05) for final body weight, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and hot carcass weight. The DM, CP, NDF, and NFC total intake were lowest (P < 0.01) for steers fed CC100 diet than others. No treatment effects were detected (P > 0.05) for digestibility. For ingestive behavior activities, data on DM and NDF from feeding rate were greater (P < 0.01) in CC00 v. castor bean meal steers. DM and NDF from rumination rate were greater (P < 0.01) in CC33 v. CC100 steers that was the lowest. Carcass measures, carcass composition, chemical composition of Longissimus thoracis muscle, and profile and the sum of fatty acids were not affected (P > 0.05) by castor bean meal replacement on the diets. Results from this experiment suggest that castor bean meal may replace soybean meal in pasture supplementation without altered digestibility, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile.

Production of conidia by entomopathogenic isolates of Fusarium caatingaense on different vegetable substrates

ABSTRACT The cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, used as the principal food source for livestock in arid and semi-arid regions of Brazil, is being threatened by cochineal scale, Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell. The potential of entomopathogenic isolates of Fusarium caatingaense Santos, Lima, Tiago & Oliveira to control this pest has been reported. The objective of this study was to select suitable substrates for the production of conidia by F. caatingaense isolates, while maintaining their viability and pathogenicity against the insect. Five F. caatingaense isolates obtained from D. opuntiae were grown on 11 substrates: rice grains, rice grains + peptone, cracked corn, cracked corn + peptone, cracked corn + yeast extract, cactus flour, cactus flour + peptone, wheat bran, wheat bran + peptone, castor bean meal, and castor bean meal + peptone. The production and viability of conidia of the F. caatingaense isolates varied among the vegetable substrates studied. Rice grains, cracked corn and wheat bran, with or without supplementation, were the best substrates, especially for the URM 6779 and URM 6782 isolates. The URM 6779 isolate was selected for sporulation, germination and pathogenicity analysis after storage in rice at different temperatures (4 and 28 °C) and time periods (0, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days). Storage at 4 °C was the most suitable for mass production of this fungus because it maintained good rates of production and germination of conidia, and mortality against D. opuntiae until the 90th day of storage.

Use of Castor Bean Meal, Biodiesel Industry Coproduct, in A Lamb Production System Using Creep-Feeding in Brazil.

Simple SummaryEconomically, feed costs are the most expensive variable in the ruminant industry. Therefore, finding an alternative feed resource to decrease these costs is necessary. Castor bean is an oilseed used in the growing biodiesel industry from which the castor bean meal is obtained; however, the ricin content of the castor bean meal may cause animal poisoning. Thus, it is necessary to detoxify the castor bean meal before using it in animal feed. A creep-feeding method is a supplement to the actual alimentation of young animals and as a complement; its economic value must be lower. This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal on intake, digestibility, body weight gain, and creep-feeding method effectiveness using castor bean meal in lambs. It was found that replacing soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal does not compromise the development of animals, while the use of creep feeding positively affects their development. The soybean meal can be replaced by detoxified castor bean meal in a creep-feeding method for lambs.This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, body weight gain, carcass yield, physiological and urinary parameters, and creep-feeding method effectiveness. For this trial, 43 male lambs were used, Dorper × Santa Inês, with an average initial body weight of 7.95 kg, 15 days old. Lambs were distributed in a randomized block design. Five experimental diets were provided: Without supplementation, with supplementation but without the use of castor bean meal, and with gradual levels of replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal (33%, 67%, and 100%). Higher values of DMI and nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05) were observed for animals that received supplements. The milk intake did not differ among the diets. The DMD showed a linear effect, while NDFD had a quadratic effect, depending on castor bean meal inclusion. The carcass yield did not differ between experimental diets. There was no significant effect on the urinary volume and metabolites investigated. In conclusion, the replacement of soybean meal by detoxified castor bean meal does not compromise animals’ development. Besides, the creep-feeding method positively affects lamb development, with higher body weight gain for supplemented animals.

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, production, and composition of goat milk supplemented with detoxified castor bean meal added urea as a replacement of soybean meal

This study evaluated the castor bean meal detoxified with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] added urea replacing soybean meal in the diet of lactating goats from milk production and composition, intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior. Eight Alpine multiparous goats weighting 44.3 ± 5.3kg and at approximately 60days of lactation were confined and randomly distributed in 4 × 4 double Latin squares, with four inclusion levels of detoxified castor meal: control (0), 25, 50, and 75g/kg dry matter (DM) total. Detoxified castor bean meal replacing soybean meal (P > 0.05) in goats diet did not affect intake and digestibility of DM, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total carbohydrates, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients, times spent for eating, and efficiency ratios of rumination and eating. However, the times spent for rumination and idling showed a quadratic trend decrease (P < 0.01) from the level of 50.0-g/kg DM. The milk production, and themilk productioncorrection showed a quadratic trend increase and feeding efficiency a quadratic decrease (P = 0.03) due inclusion of detoxified castor bean meal replacing soybean meal up to the level of 25.0g/kg. The fat, protein, lactose, total solids, nonfat solids, and milk urea nitrogen content (g/day) presented a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) by detoxified castor meal inclusion. Detoxified castor bean meal added urea in the Alpine goats diet could be included up to the 25.0 g/kg level replacing soybean meal in the diet because improve milk production and composition and feeding efficiency of goats without negatively effect on intake, digestibility and ingestive behavior.

Organic Residues and Bokashi Influence in the Growth of Alibertia edulis

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of different organic residues and bokashi in the substrate formulation in the initial growth of marmelo-do-cerrado. The experiment was carried out in pots under shading (50%). The following organic residues were tested: poultry manure (PM) with rice husk base, PM with wood shavings base, Organosuper®, and castor bean meal, in a control with only soil. All treatments were assessed with and without bokashi. The experimental arrangement was a 5 × 2 factorial scheme in a randomized block design with four replicates and four plants. The greatest plant height was observed when the plants were cultivated in PM with rice husk base with bokashi. The pigment contents, photochemical efficiency, biomasses and quality of seedlings were highest in Organosuper® with bokashi. We recommend the use of Organosuper® and PM with rice husk base, both with bokashi, in the growth of marmelo-do-cerrado.

Feeding behavior of sheep fed sugarcane silage enriched with detoxified castor bean meal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior of sheep fed sugarcane silage enriched with increasing levels of detoxified castor bean meal. Twenty-four non-castrated male Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 25.34 kg and four months of age, were distributed in four treatments - 0, 7, 14 and 21% of the natural matter of detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage. There was a linear increase (p &lt; 0.05) in time spent eating and feeding and rumination efficiency (g MS and NDF/h) with the inclusion of castor bean meal in silage. However, there was a linear decreasing response for time spent resting (p &lt; 0.05). Time spent ruminating, number of boluses per day and numbers of chews per day per bolus were not affected (p &gt; 0.05) by the inclusion of castor bean meal. The addition of detoxified castor bean meal to sugarcane silage reduces time spent eating and increases feed and rumination efficiency in sheep.

Influence of increased doses of detoxified castor bean meal on chemical composition and characteristics of sugarcane silage

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) ensilage presents serious limitations due to the conversion of soluble carbohydrates into ethanol, thus, it is necessary to use additives that reduce losses of DM during the ensilage process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of detoxified castor-bean (Ricinus communis L.) meal (DCBM) on the nutritive value, fermentation pattern, stability and losses of sugarcane silages. Twenty mini-silos with sugarcane and five different concentrations of DCBM (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg-1 fresh matter) were prepared in a completely randomized design with five replicates per treatment. After 60 d, silage was sampled to determine chemical-bromatological composition, fractionation of carbohydrates and protein content, ammoniacal N (N-NH3) and losses through gases and effluents. The addition of DCBM increased (P < 0.05) DM content, crude protein, fraction A + B1 of the total carbohydrates. However, it reduced (P < 0.05) the levels of neutral and acid detergent insoluble fiber, fraction B1 + B2 of total N and N-NH3. The addition of DCBM reduced the losses of total DM but decreased silages aerobic stability. The addition of 150 g kg-1 DBCM improved the nutritional value, fermentation pattern and reduced losses of sugarcane silages.

Accidental poisoning by castor bean (Ricinus communis) cake in horses

Abstract: Ricinus communis is a shrub of the family Euphorbiaceae popularly known in Brazil as “mamona” or “carrapateira”. It is an oleaginous plant whose seeds have been used mainly in biodiesel production. Plant seed oil can be extracted mechanically or using solvents, generating castor bean cake and castor bean meal as by-products, respectively. Accidental ingestion of these by-products can cause poisoning in animals and humans, characterized by digestive signs resulting from the presence of a toxalbumin called ricin. Seed toxicity varies among animal species; in horses, the lethal dose of seeds is 0.1 g/kg of body weight. The literature presents plenty of studies addressing poisoning by R. communis in different animal species and in humans; however, reports are scarce and little information is available on the pathological aspects of poisoning regarding equines. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects observed in an outbreak of accidental poisoning with castor bean cake in horses. The equines were supplemented with palm kernel (Elaeis guianeesis) cake; however, in the purchase of a new batch, there was an error in the order, and castor bean cake was requested instead. Four horses that received castor bean cake presented clinical signs indicative of colic, which started about 21 hours after administration. Three of these horses died, with clinical evolution from 2 to 4.5 hours; the other animal was treated with intravenous fluid and antibiotic therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and recovered after five days. In the necropsy of two of these horses, the main lesions were found in the small intestine, where mucosae with pronounced redness and covered with a thin layer of yellow fibrous material were observed. In the intestinal lumen, there was a large amount of bloody liquid. The stomach was full, and dark lumps similar to crushed castor bean seeds were observed in the contents. The adrenal glands of both horses presented congestion and hemorrhage in the cortex. In microscopy, the main lesion was an acute, diffuse and accentuated fibrin-necrotic enteropathy affecting the jejunum. The diagnosis of castor bean cake poisoning was based on the circumstantial evidence of by-product consumption supported by clinical and pathological aspects. The results indicate that castor bean cake commercially available as fertilizer is extremely toxic when ingested, and there is a need for appropriate detoxification or labeling informing of its toxicity.

Can ruminal inoculum from slaughtered cattle replace inoculum from cannulated cattle for feed evaluation research?

The objective was to test the hypothesis that ruminal inoculum obtained from slaughtered cattle can replace inoculum from cannulated cattle in trials evaluating animal feedstuffs through in vitro gas production and digestibility. Five adult Holstein × Zebu steers with ruminal cannula were used to collect and compare rumen liquid from in vivo and slaughtered animals. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) and ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations did not differ between inoculum sources (slaughtered × cannulated) for all byproducts and levels tested. Total in vitro gas production in the ruminal inoculum of cannulated animals was greater (P &lt; 0.001) than slaughtered cattle for different levels of licuri cake. However, the greatest total concentrations of in vitro gases for slaughtered animals were observed when evaluating different levels of crude glycerin (P &lt; 0.001). No differences were observed for diets containing castor bean meal (P &gt;0.05). Thus, the ruminal inoculum obtained from the ruminal contents of slaughtered cattle can replace the use of fistulated animals and is a viable alternative to digestibility analysis. This approach is ethically more correct because it alleviates the suffering of animals by avoiding an invasive procedure.

Quality of Minas fresh cheese made with milk from F1 Holstein/Zebu cows fed diets with different sources of nitrogen compounds

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate yield, fatty acid profile, physical, chemical and sensory composition of Minas fresh cheese made with milk from cows fed diets containing different sources of nitrogen compounds (soybean meal, urea, sunflower meal and detoxified castor bean meal). Eight F1 Holstein/Zebu cows with average production of 20 kg milk corrected to 3.5% fat day-1 were distributed in two 4 × 4 Latin squares, consisting of four treatments (diets), four animals and four experimental periods. Cheese was produced on the last day of each experimental period. The physical and chemical composition, yield and texture of cheese were similar between diets. The used diets influenced the concentration of fatty acid C11:0, which was higher for diets with soybean meal and sunflower meal; C18:2 C9-T11 (CLA) was higher for diets with urea, soybean meal and sunflower meal and C20:3 for diets with soybean meal and urea. For the other saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, differences were not detected. Different sources of nitrogen compounds in the diet for cows with average production of 20 kg milk corrected to 3.5% fat day-1 have no effect on the physical or chemical composition, yield, as well as acceptance of Minas fresh cheese. However, it can influence the fatty acid profile in the cheese fat.

Performance and nutritional parameters of lactating cows on pasture receiving castor bean meal

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of castor bean meal in the diet for lactating cows on Bracharia brizhanta pasture and its implications for nutritional and productive parameters. Eight crossbred cows were distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares, with four (0%; 3.33%; 6.66% and 10%) inclusion levels of castor bean meal in the total diet. The experiment consisted of four experimental periods of 21 days each. The digestibility and dry matter intake were estimated from fecal output, checked with the aid of external (chromium oxide) and internal (iNDF) indicators. Urine and milk were collected to determine the nitrogen balance and microbial protein production. The inclusion of different levels of castor bean meal in the diet for lactating cows did not affect the intake of dry matter and nutrients, and the same lack of effect was found for the digestibility of dry matter and total digestible nutrients, variation in body weight, milk production, chemical composition of milk, microbial production and nitrogen balance. The inclusion of up to 10% castor bean meal in the total diet did not influence productive parameters evaluated, and the use was conditioned to the price of castor bean meal.

Performance and nutritional parameters of lactating cows on pasture receiving castor bean meal

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of castor bean meal in the diet for lactating cows on Bracharia brizhanta pasture and its implications for nutritional and productive parameters. Eight crossbred cows were distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares, with four (0%; 3.33%; 6.66% and 10%) inclusion levels of castor bean meal in the total diet. The experiment consisted of four experimental periods of 21 days each. The digestibility and dry matter intake were estimated from fecal output, checked with the aid of external (chromium oxide) and internal (iNDF) indicators. Urine and milk were collected to determine the nitrogen balance and microbial protein production. The inclusion of different levels of castor bean meal in the diet for lactating cows did not affect the intake of dry matter and nutrients, and the same lack of effect was found for the digestibility of dry matter and total digestible nutrients, variation in body weight, milk production, chemical composition of milk, microbial production and nitrogen balance. The inclusion of up to 10% castor bean meal in the total diet did not influence productive parameters evaluated, and the use was conditioned to the price of castor bean meal.

Replacement of soybean meal with treated castor bean meal in supplements for grazing lambs

SUMMARY The objectives of this trial were to evaluate intake and nutrient digestibility, weight gain, and carcass characteristics of grazing lambs supplemented with increasing dietary inclusion of castor bean meal (CBM). Thirty-six Santa Inês-crossed, non-castrated, 120 ± 15 d old lambs (initial BW = 21.8 ± 3.4 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments. The treatments consisted of 4 levels of soybean meal substitution with lime treated CBM (0, 33, 67, and 100%) on the DM basis. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 9 replicates (lambs) for each treatment. Supplementation level was 1.6% BW per animal/d. There was a linear decrease (P&lt;0.01) for total DM intake and a quadratic effect (negative; P = 0.05) for pasture intake as CBM was increased in the supplement. There was a negative quadratic effect of CBM inclusion on NDFap intake, both in g/d (P = 0.01) and as in BW % (P = 0.05). There was a linear effect (negative; P&lt;0.01) on DM and NDFap digestibility coefficients. There were no effects (P≥0.48) of treatments on HCW, dressing percentage, carcass conformation, back fat or carcass length. Despite some negative effects on intake and nutrient digestibility, increasing CBM inclusion in the supplement, up to the substitution of all the soybean meal in the supplement, did not affect weight gain of grazing lambs or carcass characteristics.