Coastcross Hay Research Articles

Carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile of Santa Inês lamb fed banana leftovers

The use of new feed resources, particularly local agroindustrial byproducts, such as banana, may be an option for replacing those traditionally used for sheep feed to reduce production costs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary effects of replacing corn bran with banana leftovers on performance, carcass, non-carcass components, meat traits, and fatty acid profile of Santa Ines lambs. Twenty-four Santa Ines female lambs with an average weight of 23.73 kg were fed diets containing 60 % coast cross hay and 40 % concentrate (30 % corn bran and 10 % soybean meal). Treatments consisted of corn bran replaced by banana leftovers at rates of 0, 25, 50, and 75 % on a dry matter basis. The experiment lasted 120 days. Animals were slaughtered and carcasses and non-carcass components were evaluated. The half-carcasses were weighed and sectioned into commercial cuts. The 12th and 13th ribs were dissected to collect bones, muscle and fat proportions. Cooking loss, color, shear force and sarcomere length were measured. Fatty acid profiles were obtained by gas chromatography. Hot and cold carcass weight, leg, neck, lung, loin eye area, fat thickness, initial sample weight of the 12th and 13th ribs, fat and bone, presented a negative linear effect of banana leftovers replacing corn in the diet. Loin, fat thickness, cooking loss and carcass redness showed a negative quadratic effect, while full and empty abomasum, full omasum, sarcomere length and yellowness presented a positive quadratic effect. Replacement of up to 75 % of corn bran by banana leftovers did not interfere in the intake, performance, meat traits and the fatty acid profile of lambs. The use of banana leftovers may be an alternative for reducing animal production costs.

PSX-28 Narasin inclusion and different levels of hay change the cecal parameters in feedlot lambs

Abstract Narasin is an antibiotic ionophore that may change rumen fermentation; however, the effects on the post-rumen are unknown. The objective of this study was to determinate the effects of different levels of hay and narasin inclusion on the cecal parameters of lambs. Forty-four lambs were allotted in a randomized complete block design, defined by initial BW, in a 2x2 factorial treatment arrangement. The first factor was forage (coastcross hay) inclusion (10 or 20%, DM basis) and the second factor was narasin (0 or 13 ppm). The experimental diets were isonitrogenous (17.4%, DM basis) and the experiment lasted 112 days. At the end of the experimental period, the lambs were slaughtered without fasting, and the cecal fluid was collected to determinate pH and short chain fatty acid (SCFA). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The effects were considered significant when P < 0.05. There was no interaction between forage content and narasin inclusion. Narasin increased the molar concentration of propionate (N0: 19.4; N13: 21.4 mM/100mM; P = 0.02) and decreased isobutyrate (N0: 1.6; N13: 0.7 mM/100mM; P = 0.05) and acetate:propionate ratio (N0: 3.4; N13: 2.9; P = 0.03). The valerate was greater in diets with 10% hay when compared of diets 20% (H10: 2.0; H20: 1.3 mM/100mM; P < 0.01). The experimental diets not affect the molar proportion of acetate (62.7±1.3 mM/100mM), butyrate (12.9 ± 0.7 mM/100mM), isovalerate (1.3 ± 0.5 mM/100mM) total SCFA concentration (68.6 ± 8.5 mM) and cecal pH (6.2 ± 0.14). Therefore, the inclusion of 13 ppm of narasin changes the cecal fermentation in high concentrate diets. In addition, the inclusion of 10 or 20% of hay has a little influence on cecal fermentation.

PSX-29 Levels of hay and narasin inclusion on carcass characteristics and meat composition

Abstract The objective of this study was to determinate the effects of narasin on carcass characteristics of lambs fed a diet containing different levels. Forty-four lambs were allotted in a randomized complete block design, defined by initial body weight (BW), in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was forage (coastcross hay) inclusion (10 or 20%, DM basis) and the second factor was narasin (0 or 13 ppm). The experimental diets were isonitrogenous (17.4%, DM basis). The experiment lasted 112 days. At the end of the experiment, the lambs were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass characteristics and meat composition. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and the LSMEANS option was used to obtain the means. The effects were considered significant when P < 0.05. There was no interaction between forage levels and narasin inclusion. The experimental diets did not affect the slaughter BW (54.8 ± 1.6 kg), hot carcass weight (29.3 ± 0.96 kg), dressing percentage (53.5 ± 0.67%) and LM area (18.8 ± 0.89 cm2). The inclusion of narasin increased 12th-rib fat (2.10 vs 2.75 mm; P < 0.01) and BW thickness (16.9 vs 20.2 mm; P < 0.01). The inclusion of 20% of hay decreased BW thickness (19.21 vs 17.9 mm; P = 0.03). The experimental diets did not affect the moisture (74.2 ± 0.53%) and ash content in meat (1.27 ± 0.04%). Narasin inclusion increased the fat (2.81 vs 3.62%; P < 0.01) and decreased the CP (21.3 vs 20.7%; P = 0.02) in meat composition. The inclusion of 10% of hay increased the fat in meat (3.5 vs 2.9%; P = 0.03), however, did not affect the CP content. In conclusion, the narasin inclusion and levels of hay improve the carcass characteristics and change the meat composition.

PSX-25 Narasin inclusion and levels of forage on performance of feedlot lambs

Abstract The objective of this study was to determinate the effects of forage levels and narasin inclusion on the performance of feedlot lambs. Forty-four lambs were allotted in a randomized complete block design, defined by initial body weight (BW), in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was forage (coastcross hay) inclusion (10 or 20%, DM basis) and the second factor was narasin (0 or 13 ppm). The experimental diets were isonitrogenous (17.4%, DM basis). The experiment lasted 112 days, divided into two periods of 56 d each. The lambs were weighed after a fasting period of 14 hours on days 0, 56, and 112. Average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency (FE) were determined in each period. Data were analyzed as repeated measures over time using the MIXED procedure of SAS and the LSMEANS option was used to obtain the means. The effects were considered significant when P < 0.05. There was no interaction between forage levels and narasin inclusion. Narasin did not affect the DMI, ADG, and FE. There was hay levels and period interaction for DMI and ADG. Increase levels of hay did not affect the DMI during the first period; however, 20% of hay inclusion increased DMI in the second period (1.16 vs 1.30 kg/d; P = 0.01). The inclusion of 10% of hay increased the ADG in the first period (0.28 vs 0.24 kg/d; P < 0.01), however, there was no effect in the second period. Consequently, 10% of forage inclusion increased the FE (0.23 vs 0.21; P = 0.01). In summary, diets containing 10% of forage improves the FE, and narasin inclusion did not affect the lamb’s performance.

PSXIV-27 Use of narasin in diets for lactating ewes

Abstract The objective of this study was to define the ideal level of narasin to be used in diets for lactating ewes. Forty Dorper vs. Santa Inês ewes (53.6 ± 9.6 kg BW and 14 d in milk) were penned individually and used in a complete randomized block design. Ewes were fed a basal diet (16.77 ± 0.35% CP) containing 50% concentrate and 50% coastcross hay. The treatments were: 0N - control diet; 13N - 13 mg of narasin/kg of DM; 20N - 20 mg of narasin/kg of DM; 27N - 27 mg of narasin/kg of DM. Ewes were fed the diets from the wk 2 to 10 of lactation. Milk production was determined every 7 d during the experiment. Ewes were separated from lambs and mechanically milked for emptying of the mammary gland. After 3 hours, using the same procedure, milk production was recorded and samples collected for milk composition analysis. For DMI, there was a quadratic effect of treatments (0N=2.417; 13N=2.491; 20N=2.334; 27N=2.078 kg/d; P = 0.02). The milk production (g/3h) presented a quadratic response to levels of narasin (0N=186.37; 13N=194.91; 20N=194.01; 27N=164.49 g/3h; P = 0.03). In the milk composition, there was a linear reduction in the content of protein (0N=5.31; 13N=5.13; 20N=4.94; 27N=5.00%; P = 0.01) and ESD (0N=11.22; 13N=11.15; 20N=10.84; 27N=10.98 %; P = 0.03). However, the contents of fat, lactose and total solids were not affected by the treatments. As a consequence, the productions (g/3 hours) of fat, lactose and total solids were not affected by the diets. A quadratic response was observed for the productions (g/3 h) of protein (0N=9.86; 13N=9.76; 20N=9.52; 27N=8.29; P = 0.04) and ESD (0N=20.73; 13N=21.45; 20N=21.18; 27N=18.28; P = 0.03). In conclusion, 13 mg/kg of DM is the best concentration of narasin to be used in diets for ewes, values higher than this can compromise milk production and composition.

PSX-27 Effects of narasin supplementation frequency on lamb ruminal fermentation

Abstract This study evaluated the frequency of narasin supplementation on ruminal fermentation in lambs. Four male lambs (castrated and cannulated in the rumen) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experimental design. The experimental diets consisted of 95% coastcross hay (16% CP) and 5% ground corn (DM basis), used as the delivery vehicle for the narasin. The diet was fed daily. The treatments were: C (no additives), N24: narasin offered every 24 hours at 13 ppm; N48: narasin offered every 48 hours, being 26 ppm offered on the first day and ground corn without narasin on the second day; N72: narasin offered every 72 hours, being 39 ppm offered on the first day and ground corn without narasin on the second and third days. The trial lasted 4 periods of 36 days each. Between the 31st to 36th days of each period, the rumen fluid was collected (hours 0; 6 and 12). All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and the treatments were compared through the Tukey test at 5% probability. There was no effect at the molar concentration of acetate (76.25 ± 1.22 mM/100mM), butyrate (4.9 ± 0.59 mM/100mM), ammonia (15.17 ± 2.03 mg/dl) and pH (6.36 ± 0.13). There was an effect of the molar concentration of propionate (C = 15.88b; N24 = 17.35a; N48 = 16.91a; N72 = 16.57ab mM/100mM; P < 0.01), acetate:propionate ratio (C = 4.86; a N24 = 4.38 b; N48 = 4.53b; N72 = 4.66ab; P < 0.01) and the total SCFA (C = 88.96b; N24 = 107.43 a; N48 = 100.53a; N72 = 84.62b mM; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the daily supply of narasin and every 48 hours positively affected ruminal fermentation parameters in lambs, but this effect decreased when used every 72 hours.

PSX-26 Levels of forage and narasin inclusion on rumen fermentation in feedlot lambs

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of forage levels and narasin inclusion in diets on the rumen parameters in feedlot lambs. Forty-four lambs were allotted in a randomized complete block design, defined by initial body weight, in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was forage inclusion (10 or 20% of coastcross hay, DM basis) and the second factor was narasin (0 or 13 ppm). The experimental diets were isonitrogenous (17.4%, DM basis). At the end of the experimental period, the lambs were slaughtered without fasting, and the rumen fluid was collected to determinate pH and short chain fatty acid (SCFA). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and the LSMEANS option was used to obtain the means. The effects were considered significant when P < 0.05. There was an interaction between hay and narasin on the molar proportion of propionate (P = 0.02) and the acetate:propionate ratio (P < 0.01). Narasin inclusion in diets containing 20% forage increased propionate (25.4 vs 37.1 mM/100mM; P = 0.02); however, there was no effect in diets containing 10% forage (35.9 ± 1.75 mM/100Mm). Consequently, the narasin decreased acetate:propionate ratio in diets containing 20% forage (2.57 vs 1.42; P < 0.01), and no effect was observed 10% forage diets (1.40 ± 0.14). The inclusion of narasin increased the total SCFA (86.2 vs 115.4 mM; P < 0.01), ruminal pH (6.26 vs 6.49; P = 0.05) and decreased acetate (55.6 vs 47.6 mM/100mM; P < 0.01). The inclusion of 20% forage increased acetate when compared with 10% hay (54.99 vs 48.19 mM/100mM; P < 0.01) and the pH ruminal (6.25 vs 6.49; P = 0.04). The experimental diets did not affect the butyrate. In summary, the narasin inclusion and forage levels content change rumen parameters in feedlot lambs.

Implications of carbohydrate sources and rate of body weight gain on puberty in ewe lambs in tropical climate conditions.

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of two non-fibrous carbohydrate sources and the rate of body weight gain on puberty status in ewe lambs. Sixty ewe lambs (½ Dorper × ½ Santa Ines) with an initial body weight of 25.1 ± 4.1kg and 102.8 ± 1.5days old were distributed in a randomized complete block design with 10 blocks and 3 treatments. The trial lasted 119days, in which performance was evaluated on days 28, 56, 84, and 119, and puberty status was every week evaluated by progesterone concentration. The treatments were characterized by the inclusion of different carbohydrate sources in the diets in order for ewe lambs to reach different rates of body weight gain: CORN, total diet containing 46% of corn (% DM); PCP, total diet containing 46% of pelleted citrus pulp (% DM); and HAY, total diet containing 80% of coastcross hay (% DM). The CORN- and PCP-based diets were formulated for an average daily gain (ADG) of 0.200kg/day and a HAY-based diet for an ADG of 0.100kg/day. There was an interaction between treatments and experimental periods for dry matter intake (DMI) (P < 0.01), in which lambs in the CORN treatment presented DMI similar to PCP in the first and second periods, but lambs from the PCP treatment presented lower DMI than the CORN treatment in subsequent periods. In all periods, the body weight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency of CORN lambs were similar to PCP lambs, but higher than HAY lambs. The age at puberty was not affected by treatments; however, lambs fed with non-fibrous carbohydrate sources reached puberty heavier (P < 0.0001) than lambs from the HAY treatment. Despite the high increase in body weight for lambs fed with non-fibrous carbohydrate sources, it did not affect the age of puberty.

Oilseeds in diets of fattening lambs

An experiment was conducted to compare different oilseeds in substitution of ground corn in fattening lambs’ diet, evaluating ingestive behavior, apparent diet digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics. Twenty-four crossbred lambs, 3 month-old and initial body weight of 25.97 ± 0.75 kg, were kept in individual pens. They received one of the following diets: control (no oilseeds, 3.01% Ether Extract - EE), with cottonseed (6.86% EE), sunflower seed (6.93% EE), or soybean (4.75% EE). All diets contained 23.63% of coast cross hay and 76.37% of concentrate. After 84 days of feedlot, the animals were slaughtered and the carcasses evaluated. The dry matter intake and daily weight gain of animals fed with control diet was higher than with oilseeds (P≤0.05). Final body weight and carcass weight were higher (P≤0.05) with control (42.42 kg and 19.27 kg, respectively) than sunflower diet (34.85 kg and 16.05 kg, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility was reduced (P≤0.05) when the animals received cottonseed (50.34%) than soybean (71.07%); sunflower (67.07%) and control (66.50%) diets did not differ among others. Lower (P≤0.05) ether extract digestibility was observed for the control diet (73.67%). There were no differences (P≥0.05) in the ingestive behavior, however, the inclusion of cottonseed or sunflower negatively affected (P≤0.05) the rumination efficiency of NDF. Cottonseed, sunflower and soybeans should not be included in high concentrate diets for fattening lambs.

Equine fecal inoculum optimization in in vitro fermentation assays of dehydrated roughage

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the influence of coastcross hay substrate hydration and equine fecal inoculum dilution on the parameters of fermentation and microbiology in in vitro essays. A 2 × 2 factorial block design was used. The first factor was hydration of the coastcross hay substrate 12 h before incubation or at the time of incubation, and the second factor was the dilution of fecal inoculum with a nutrient solution in a weight: weight ratio of 1:1 or 1:3. Degradation [...]

Prevention of acute ruminal lactic acidosis in sheep by probiotic or monensin supplementation: clinical aspects

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two additives (probiotic and monensin) over clinical parameters of sheep submitted to acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA). Eighteen sheeps were divided into three groups of six animals each as follows: probiotic group, supplemented with 4×109 CFU/animal/day of Saccharomyces cerevisiae; monensin group, supplemented with 33 mg of monensin sodium per kg of diet; and control group, without any supplementation. After 30 days of diet (75% of Coast-cross hay and 25% concentrate with 14% of crude protein) and additive intake, ARLA was induced in the all animals by intraruminal administration of 15g of sucrose per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Complete physical examinations to assess the vital signs of the animals were conducted at the following times: baseline (T0), six (T6h), 12 (T12h), 18 (T18h), 24 (T24h), 36 (T36h), and 48 (T48h) hours after ARLA induction. At those times, blood samples were obtained to determine the plasma volume deficit (PVD) and ruminal content for pH measurement. All animals experienced clinical signs of ARLA with ruminal pH lower than 4.9 at T24h. The heart rate and PVD were lower (P &lt; 0.05) in the probiotic group at T36h. Compared to the control and monensin groups, the probiotic group experienced milder ARLA characterized by lower degrees of dehydration and fewer clinical symptoms.

Net protein requirements and metabolizable protein use for growing ram lambs fed diets differing in concentrate level and roughage source

Two trials were conducted to determine net protein requirements and the use of metabolizable protein (MP) for growing ram lambs when fed diets with different concentrate levels and roughage quality. In a comparative slaughter trial, eighty-four ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês ram lambs (18.0 ± 3.3 kg of BW) were individually penned and divided into 2 diet groups differing in roughage source: low-quality (sugarcane bagasse) roughage (LQR) or medium-quality (coastcross hay) roughage (MQR). In each group, 7 lambs were randomly selected and slaughtered after a 10 days adaptation period (baseline). Other 21 lambs from each diet group were fed ad libitum and slaughtered at 25, 35, or 45 kg of BW, and the remaining 28 lambs (14 from each diet group) were submitted to 1 of 2 levels of feed restriction (70 or 50% of the ad libitum intake). Body N content and retention were determined. In the second trial, 6 ram lambs (44.3 ± 5.6 kg of BW) were kept in metabolic cages and used in a 6 × 6 Latin square experiment designed to determine N digestibility and microbial N synthesis, and to compute MP supply by the 2 diets and 3 levels of intake. Nitrogen intake and microbial N synthesis were greater for the animals fed the MQR diet than for those fed the LQR diet (P < 0.05). Neither the endogenous and metabolic N losses, nor the net protein requirements for growth differed between diets (P > 0.05). However, the proportion of MP used for both maintenance and growth was lower for the animals fed the MQR diet (P < 0.05), likely because of an excess of MP reaching duodenum of these animals. We concluded that a reduction of the concentrate level in diets for growing ram lambs, achieved by improving the quality of the diet roughage, allows a greater supply of MP and may contribute to reduce diet protein concentration.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF FECES FROM HORSES FED DIETS CONTAINING CITRUS PULP

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets containing increasing levels of citrus pulp on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of horses feces. Five mares, at an average age of 3.5 years old and body weight of 492 ± 44.5 kg were arranged in a 5 x 5 Latin Square. The experimental diet consisted of 60% coast-cross hay and 40 % of concentrate with increasing levels of citrus pulp (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 %). To determine the fecal pH, samples were collected directly from the floor, immediately after defecation, in the first feces of the day at 07:00 a.m., and color and fecal consistency were evaluated. For microbiological analysis, an aliquot was reserved in plastic bags, frozen, and sent to the microbiological laboratory for further analysis. Lactic acid bacteria were counted for Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp. from fecal samples under anaerobic conditions. The diet produced differences (P&lt;0.05) in feces consistency: 98% of the animals had normal and firm stools, while 2% were loose ruminant-type feces. We observed no difference (P&lt;0.05) for color, verifying 100% of the animals of greenish feces, normal for equines. There was no effect (P&gt;0.05) on pH and on the number of Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp. The inclusion of up to 28% citrus pulp concentrates for horses did not promote change in the physicochemical characteristics and on the population of lactic acid-producing bacteria in feces.

Evaluation of carcass and muscle traits in Santa Ines female lambs finished with different agricultural products

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different agricultural products on quantitative aspects of carcass, body constituents, cooking loss, shear force and colorimetry of the Longissimus lumborum and Triceps brachii muscles in Santa Ines lambs. 24 Santa Ines female lambs received one of four diets which were isoproteic and isoenergetic with fixed levels of forage (60%) and concentrate (40%) of corn and soybean meal during 45 days. The forages per diet differed: coast-cross hay (HAY), cassava hay (CASS), dehydrated by-product of pea crop (PEA) and sugarcane (SC). The average weight of the lambs at the beginning of the experiment was 26.35kg. Animals were slaughtered in a federally certified abattoir. Initial and final pH, cooking losses, color using the CIELAB system, shear force and the quantity of sarcomeres per 100μm were measured. Hot carcass, cold and half carcass weights were affected by treatments (P&lt;0.05). The sarcomere length of Triceps brachii muscle 24 hours after slaughter differed between diets and coast-cross hay had the lowest value. The sarcomere length differed significantly between diets and the dehydrated by-product of pea crop had the lowest number of sarcomeres immediately after slaughter compared to other diets. There was no influence of diet on colorimetry, cooking loss and shear force. The decrease in pH followed the development of the process of rigor mortis in the Longissimus lumborum and Triceps brachii muscles in the first hour and up to 24 hours after slaughter. Diets did not alter the pH, water holding capacity, colorimetry or shear force. The pea by-product and sugarcane can replace traditional sources of fodder without depreciation of meat characteristics.

Energy and protein requirements of young Holstein calves in tropical condition.

Our objective was to estimate the energy and protein requirements of Holstein young calves up to 87days old. Forty-two Holstein calves aged 4days were used. From these, ten were randomly selected and slaughtered to compose the baseline slaughter (BS) group. The remaining calves were randomly assigned to eight treatments in a 4 × 2 factorial using a completely randomized design. The treatments were 2, 4, 6, and 8kg/day of milk (297g/kg CP; 319g/kg of fat) fed twice daily, and then harvested at 59 or 87days of age. Calves were fed a starter (193g/kg CP; 133g/kg NDF) ad libitum in all treatments. The calves slaughtered at 87days of age had milk replaced by Coast-cross (Cynodoon sp.) hay (125g/kg CP; 728g/kg NDF). The net requirement of energy for maintenance (NEm) was 0.36MJ/kg EBWG, with efficiency of utilization of energy for maintenance (k m) of 59.4%. The equation obtained to estimate the net requirement of energy for gain (NEg; MJ/d) was 4.40 × EBW(0.099), with the efficiency of utilization of energy for gain (k g) equal to 46.5%. The observed requirements of net and metabolizable protein for maintenance (NPm and MPm) were 3.67 and 3.88g/kg BW(0.75), respectively. The efficiency of use of metabolizable protein for maintenance (k pm ) was 94.6%. The predicted requirements were higher than those observed in the literature, and this study demonstrated that the requirements of newborn calves are higher than the recommended.

Intake and digestibility of silages containing pineapple pulp and coast-cross hay with or without urea and markers recovery in sheep

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of silages containing pineapple pulp and coast-cross hay, with or without addition of urea, and the recovery of the markers chromium oxide (Cr2O3), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF), and indigestible dry matter (iDM), in a digestibility assay, in sheep. Treatments were as follows: two levels of pineapple pulp (818 and 758 g kg−1) and two levels of urea (with and without urea), in a completely randomized design. Twelve sheep (three per treatment) were used, kept in metabolic cages. Fecal excreta were determined by total collection or estimated by using the markers. Marker samples were obtained in morning and afternoon collections, with mean concentrations obtained for both daily activities. The level of silage pulp did not affect intake, while addition of urea increased the intake of crude protein (CP), but did not influence the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, or acid detergent fiber. The digestibility coefficients of all afore-mentioned fractions increased with the increase in pulp, the same happening with the addition of urea. The internal marker with lowest variability among the internal markers was iADF, with mean values near 100%. Mean recovery of Cr2O3 was approximately 107%, but with lower variability among treatments. Inclusion of pineapple pulp in silage does not influence intake, while addition of urea only increases the intake of CP. The levels of pineapple pulp in silage with or without urea increase the digestibility of the silage. Indigestible acid detergent fiber is the marker with lowest variability of recovery, with mean recovery for the four silages used very close to 100%.

Studying the Elimination Pattern of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus in the Milk of Infected Females

Background: Small ruminants can be infected by lentiviruses, such as Maedi-Visna Virus (MVV) and Caprine ArthritisEncephalitis Virus (CAEV). The main route of transmission is via ingestion of contaminated colostrum and milk although vertical transmission can occur. Recently, several studies for molecular detection of CAEV in milk, using conventional PCR and real-time PCR are being carried out. Considering the elimination of CAEV through the milk of infected animals and the importance of this virus in the goat production, the aim of this study was to evaluate the elimination pattern of CAEV in milk, evaluating the frequency and the concentration eliminated during the lactation.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: A cohort of four negative females for CAEV was inseminated with semen experimentally infected with CAEV-Cork strain. They were located in stalls at the Hospital of Ruminants from School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science from University of São Paulo, Brazil. Goats received coast-cross hay, pellet feeding, mineral salt and water ad libitum. All females were observed every day during pregnancy. After lambing, kids received warm bovine colostrum and bovine milk powder during two months. Forty milk samples were collected at five-day interval during two months. A mixture of five milliliters from each teat was obtained and cDNA extraction was performed using DNA Mini Kit. Initially, real-time PCR was performed using an endogenous control for research of the constitutive gene (12S) for goats. Using positive samples in the first reaction, another reaction was performed using specific primers for lentiviruses based on the gag gene (conserved in retroviruses). In order to compare the results, nested-PCR was performed. After realtime PCR, cDNA was detected in samples from one female, corresponding to the day of calving, 14th, 20th, 25th, 35th and 40th day postpartum (15%; 6/40). The absence of amplified cDNA in thirty days postpartum, as well as in the final twenty days of lactation, was observed. Sample corresponding to the 7th day postpartum was not obtained. The virus concentration throughout lactation grew up until forty days postpartum. After this period, there was no cDNA amplification. In Nested PCR, positive results were detected in samples corresponding to the day of calving, 15th days, 20th days and 30th days postpartum, only.Discussion: cDNA was detected in samples from one positive female, during forty days postpartum, but not on the 30th. On the other hand, amplified cDNA was observed on 30th day by nested-PCR. In this case, a false negative result was observed after real-time PCR, probably because sample corresponding to 30th days may not have been properly homogenized, so that the fraction used in real-time PCR was not representative. A higher number of positive samples were expected due to the higher sensitivity of the technique used. The low viral concentration in the milk due to high antibody titers, for example, leaded to a small number of cells containing the agent, reducing the possibility of detection. cDNA was not detected in any sample from three infected females. A possible false-positive serological reaction or the very low viral concentration in milk samples could explain the negative results, although some animals might be infected by a strain that could not be recognized by PCR.

Addition of increasing doses of ricinoleic acid from castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) in horse diets: intake, digestibility, glucose and insulin dynamic

ABSTRACTRicinoleic acid is obtained from castor bean and studies related to its effects on glucose and insulin dynamic are scarce in the literature. Eight male Crioulo breed horses (362 ± 16 of live weight, mean ± SD) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment that consisted of 10 days of adaptation and 7 days for data collection. The horses were allocated in each square to receive one of the following treatments: Control (0) and 1, 2, 3 and 4 g/d of ricinoleic acid (diet DM basis). Diets were composed of a commercial concentrate and Coast cross hay. Treatments did not affect DM and nutrient intake. Ricinoleic acid did not alter the nutrient digestibility, regardless of the dosage used. The quadratic effect was observed for glucose and insulin area under the curve. Ricinoleic acid quadratically affected glucose and insulin concentrations. Increasing dietary doses of ricinoleic acid altered glycemic and insulinemic responses of horses, and the present study recommends the dietary inclusion of 1.8 g of ricinoleic acid to improve horse's energetic metabolism.

English

The byproducts of agricultural processes have great potential as a source of low cost animal feed. In this paper we assess the potential of acai palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) seed as a food source for sheep. Sixteen non-castrated male sheep with average initial body weight of 22 kg were randomly assigned to one of four diet treatments, using initial body weight as a covariate. The diets consisted of coastcross hay and a variable proportion of acai seed meal (0, 5, 10 and 15% - DM basis) added to feed concentrate at a ratio 60:40 (roughage:concentrate). The animals were slaughtered at the end of the experiment to measure carcass and commercial cuts dressing of each animal. No treatment effect on carcass, commercial cuts and non-carcass components dressing was detected, but significant effect on daily weight gain and shoulder dressing was observed. Acai seed meal added to the diet up to 15% in replacement with forage during dry seasons does not seem to compromise carcass and non-carcass components and is therefore a potentially valuable and low cost component of sheep feed. Key words: By-product, organs, performance, sheep, viscera.

Soybean Hulls in Equine Feed Concentrates: Apparent Nutrient Digestibility, Physicochemical and Microbial Characteristics of Equine Feces

The aim of this study was to evaluate the soybean hulls inclusion in concentrates for horses as an alternative fiber source, through the apparent digestibility of nutrients and physicochemical characteristics of the feces. Five mares (3.5 ± 0.8 year old; 492.5 ± 44.5 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Experimental diets were formulated for animals at maintenance and were composed of 60% energy from forage (Coastcross hay) and 40% from a concentrate, with increasing levels of soybean hulls (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28%). The inclusion of soybean hulls at any level in the concentrate had no effect (P > .05) on the following parameters: apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients in the diet; feces pH, buffering capacity (BC) to pH 5 (BC 5) and to pH 6 (BC six), and ratios of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Diets with up to 28% soybean hulls in the concentrate can be used as equine feed without negatively affecting digestibility, the SCFAs concentrations or selected microbiota, and physicochemical characteristics in the feces.