Intake Of Non-fiber Carbohydrates Research Articles

Supplementation levels for suckling female calves under grazing: productive and nutritional performance and metabolic profile

The objective in this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation levels on productive and nutritional performance and metabolic profile in suckling female calves under grazing. Forty female calves (averaging 3.5±0.06 months and 127.3±2.68 kg), and their respective dams were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments and twenty replicates. The treatments were 1) 4 g kg-1 body weight (BW) of supplement or 2) 6 g kg-1 BW of supplement. Forage and organic matter (OM) intake did not affect (P > 0.05) by levels of supplement, though crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake were greater (P < 0.05) by increasing supplementation level. There was no effect (P > 0.05) the supplementation levels on OM and CP digestibility. The metabolic profile of the animals was not affected (P > 0.05) by supplementation level. Average daily gain, longissimus dorsi area, fat thickness over rump of the animals did not affect (P > 0.05) by levels of supplement. However, there was trend of increasing (P=0.074) in fat thickness over loin by increase the supplementation level. Although the body growth of animals was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments, there was observed a trend of increase (P=0.064) in ratio BW:Height at the withers by increasing supplementation levels. In conclusion, increasing the supplementation level of 4 to 6 g kg-1 of BW, not improve the productive and nutritional performance and metabolic status in female calves under grazing on creep-feeding system.

Performance, Body Water Balance, Ingestive Behavior and Blood Metabolites in Goats Fed with Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller) Silage Subjected to An Intermittent Water Supply

This study evaluated the performance, body water balance, ingestive behavior and blood metabolites in goats fed with cactus pear silage subjected to an intermittent water supply. Thirty-six goats were distributed in a randomized block design arranged as a 3 × 3 factorial with cactus pear silage in the goats’ diet (on a 0%, 21% and 42% dry matter-DM basis) and water offer frequency (ad libitum, and 24 and 48 h water restrictions). There was an interaction only between the cactus pear silage level and water offerings for drinking water. Goats fed 42% cactus pear silage had greater intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates, energy, Ca, Mg and Na minerals, water intake, urinary water excretion, body water retention and nutrient digestibility. Cactus pear silage inclusion up to a 42% rate reduced eating and ruminating time and increased the time spent idling as well as the eating and the ruminating efficiency rate. Water restriction at 48 h reduced drinking water intake. Performance and blood metabolites were not affected by cactus silage inclusion or water offering. Cactus pear silage inclusion at up to 42% for goats is recommended during periods of water shortage in semiarid and arid regions because it improves eating, the ruminating efficiency rate, and body water retention; cactus pear silage inclusion at this rate reduces water consumption and it does not affect the performance or health of the animals.

Sugarcane with Elephant grass replacing sugarcane with urea in the diet of crossbred dairy cows1

The objective was to evaluate the partial substitution of sugarcane treated with urea by elephant grass in the feeding of crossbred cows in lactation. Eight crossbred cows (Holstein x Gyr) were used, with 474 kg of body weight (standard deviation = 46.15 kg) and 8.15 kg of milk per day. The animals were housed in individual stalls, distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares, and the treatments were: sugar cane; sugar cane corrected with 0.5% of urea and ammonium sulfate (9:1); 75% of sugar cane + 25% of elephant grass and 50% of sugarcane + 50% of elephant grass, based on natural matter. In addition to the treatments, it was provided water and mineral salt ad libitum and 3 kg of concentrate supplement (24% crude protein), based on corn meal and soybean meal, supplied in two portions during the morning and afternoon milking. There was a treatment effect on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, except for non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, and there was no effect on milk production and composition. It can be concluded that the substitution of sugarcane by elephantgrass (25 and 50%) increases the intake and decreases the digestibility of DM and OM, without affecting milk production, when the cows are supplemented with 3 kg of concentrate, containing 24% of protein per day.

Chitosan associated with whole raw soybean in diets for Murrah buffaloes on ruminal fermentation, apparent digestibility and nutrients metabolism.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan and whole raw soybean on nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen utilization, microbial protein synthesis, blood metabolites, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, digesta kinetics, and reticular flow of nutrients of buffaloes. Four ruminally-cannulated Murrah buffaloes (351±15kg of initial BW) were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged as 2×2 factorial arrangement: the first factor was whole raw soybean (WRS), and the second factor was chitosan (CHI) with or without their inclusion in diets. Intake and apparent digestibility of ether extract (p<.01; p=.04, respectively), non-fiber carbohydrates intake (p=.03) and apparent ruminal digestibility of dry matter (p=.01) were affected by diets. An interaction effect or tendency was observed for microbial nitrogen (p=.09), concentrations, ruminal ammonia nitrogen (p=.05), total volatile fatty acid (p=.03). Association of chitosan with whole raw soybean has potential effects as a modulator of rumen fermentation; therefore, chitosan can be applied as an alternative non-ionophore for Murrah buffaloes.

Protein supplementation for sheep fed with tropical forage

The effects of increasing levels of protein supplementation (50, 100, 150 and 200 animal per day) and mineral salt on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and ingestive behavior of sheep consuming tropical forage (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) were evaluated. Five non-castrated crossbred lambs (½ Santa Inês x ½ undefined breed) with average initial body weight of 35.0 kg (± 4.40 kg) were allocated in individual cages and analyzed in a 5x5 Latin square experimental design composed of five animals, five treatments and five evaluation periods of 14 days each. The contrast (protein supplement vs. mineral mixture) was not significant (p&gt;0.05) for total dry matter intake, total organic matter intake, total ether extract intake and total carbohydrate intake variables. However, it was significant (p&lt;0.05) for the variables forage dry matter intake, total crude protein intake, total mineral matter intake, total neutral detergent fiber intake and total non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, demonstrating possible replacement of forage by the supplement. Although the diet dry matter digestibility declined linearly (p &lt;0.05), there was a significant linear increase effect of supplementation (P &lt;0.05) on apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, non-fibrous carbohydrates and consumption of digestible non-fibrous carbohydrates. This was due to higher participation of supplement in the diet ingested by supplemented sheep. The type of supplementation (protein or mineral mixture) did not affect the animals€™ daily activities. Protein supplementation did not affect the water ingestion (P &lt;0.05), demonstrating that even at the highest level of supplementation (200 g/day), animals were not induced to drink more water by the diet. We conclude that increasing levels of protein supplementation associated with good quality elephant grass resulted in increases in sheep digestive parameters, and supplementation below 100 g day-1 resulted in similar parameters to those of sheep receiving mineral mix (control). Additionally, protein supplementation did not affect (P&gt; 0.05) either the water intake or ingestive behavior of sheep, with rumination and rest coinciding with dusk and dawn.

Effect of Licuri cake supplementation on performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior, carcass traits and meat quality of grazing lambs

This study evaluated the effect of Licuri cake (LC) supplementation replacing soybean meal in concentrate on performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior, carcass traits and meat quality of grazing lambs. Thirty-two uncastrated Santa Inês lambs with a mean body weight (BW) of 24.7 ± 0.9 kg were distributed into 4 treatment diets in a randomized design. Lambs were fed Aruana grass (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) as roughage and supplemented with a concentrate composed of ground corn, soybean meal and mineral premix. Licuri (Syagrus coronata) cake was added to concentrate at 0 (control), 87.0 (LOW), 174 (MED), and 260 (HIGH) g/kg of dietary DM. Lambs supplemented with LC did not affect DM Panicum maximum intake (P >0.05). However, there was a linear increase (P <0.001) in the concentrate mixture and total intake of ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The total intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and crude protein (CP) intake of concentrate supplementation decreased (P < 0.001) by LC inclusion. The CP total intake quadratically decreased by LC inclusion. The digestibilities of DM, CP and EE were not influenced (P> 0.05) by LC inclusion. However, the digestibility of NFC and NDF (P < 0.05) decreased with the inclusion of LC. Licuri cake inclusion promoted a linear reduction in the time spent feeding and a linear increase in the time spent ruminating, DM, CP and NDF feeding efficiency and NDF rumination. However, DM and CP rumination efficiency presented a linear reduction (P <0.05). Licuri cake inclusion in concentrate mixture up to 174 g/kg DM improved final BW, total weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (P <0.001). No differences (P>0.05) on carcass traits, morphometric measurements, weight of commercial cuts, cooking weight loss, shear force, sarcomere length, moisture, ash and protein content of the longissimus lumborum were observed among treatments. There was a quadratic increase (P = 0.03) on the lipid content of meat lamb. The inclusion of LC in the diet of lambs linearly increased the a* (P = 0.007), b* (P=0.091) and C* (P = 0.011) color index of the meat. It is recommended the medium level of LC (174 g/kg DM) replacing soybean meal in concentrate of grazing lambs because increases the time spent eating, final weight and ADG of animals and improved the feed conversion rate without change most of the carcass traits and meat quality.

Performance of crossbred lactating cows at grazing in response to nitrogen supplementation and different levels of concentrate feed

ABSTRACT The performance of crossbred (1/2 Holstein x Zebu) cows supplemented on Brachiaria decumbens pasture during the wet-dry transition period was evaluated. Eight cows with 497±50kg, during third and fourth lactations and after the lactation peak were distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares. The treatments consisted of a factorial with two types of mineral supplements (nitrogenous and mineral salt) and two levels of concentrate (0.3 and 0.6% body weight (BW)/cow/day), based on corn and soybean meal (60:40), and supplied during the morning and afternoon milking. The experiment lasted 56 days, divided into four periods of 14 days, with seven days for adaptation and seven for data collection. No interaction (P&gt; 0.05) was observed between the supplements and the concentrate levels. The nitrogenous salt and the highest concentrate level increased (P&lt; 0.05) the intake of crude protein, and the highest concentrate level increased (P&lt; 0.05) the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates and the digestibility of crude protein. No effect (P&gt; 0.05) of supplement and concentrate level was observed on the milk constituents and feed efficiency. Grazing crossbred after the lactation peak during the wet-dry transition period achieve the productive potential with 0.3% BW of concentrate per day and mineral salt.

Estimates of calf starter energy affected by consumption of nutrients. 2. Effect of changing digestion on energy content in calf starters

Apparent total-tract digestibility data from 3 published studies with calves from 0 to 4 mo of age were used to evaluate National Research Council (NRC; 2001) estimates of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in calf starters (CS). Calves (n = 83) or pens of calves (n = 24) were used in model development. In each study, 48 Holstein bull calves (2-3 d of age at initiation of each study) were fed varying amounts of milk replacer with CS and water for ad libitum consumption. Calf starters varied in nutrient composition and physical form (pelleted, textured, or mixed with 5% grass hay and fed as a total mixed ration). Apparent total-tract digestibility was measured at various ages. Feed and feces were collected from 20 calves per trial during 5-d collection periods during the first 56 d of each trial. In 2 studies, calves were grouped in pens (4 calves/pen) for a second 56-d measurement period. Fecal collections were repeated occasionally during the second period. Total-tract digestibilities (n = 207) of neutral detergent fiber, nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC), crude protein (CP), and fat were used to calculate ME in CS using equations from the 2001 Dairy NRC. Contributions of digestible CP and fat from milk replacer before weaning were estimated using nonlinear regression and removed from estimates of fat and CP digestibility in CS. Digestion of most nutrients in CS and calculated DE and ME in CS were low early in life and increased with increasing cumulative NFC intake. The natural logarithm of cumulative NFC intake, measured from d 0 to the end of each digestibility period, accounted for more variation in CS nutrient digestibilities, DE and ME estimates compared with daily NFC intake or intake of other nutrients, intake of milk replacer, or age of calf. Calculated ME values in CS were similar to those predicted by NRC after calves consumed approximately 15 kg of cumulative NFC or 28 kg of cumulative dry matter intake (assuming 53% NFC in CS). Current estimates of energy in CS fed to 4 mo of age may overestimate contribution of dry feed to overall energy metabolism in young calves.

Carbohydrate source offered in the prepartum diet did not affect postpartum metabolic status or milk yield in dairy cows

Increasing the provision of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) during the prepartum period is a feeding strategy that has been recommended to facilitate the transition to the onset of lactation and improve dairy cow performance, but results are contradictory, probably because most studies have confounded the effects of level and source of energy. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of the source of carbohydrate offered in the prepartum diet on postpartum cow performance. Holstein dairy cows (n=24) were assigned to receive diets with either low (LNFC), or high (HNFC) levels of NFC during the last 3 weeks before expected calving date according to a randomized complete block design. Soybean hulls and corn grain were the main energy ingredients in the LNFC and HNFC total mixed rations (TMR), respectively, and diets were designed to be isocaloric and isoproteic. After calving, all cows were managed as a single group until day 56 postpartum and grazed on improved pastures and were supplemented with a TMR. Body condition score evaluation and blood sampling were performed weekly throughout the experimental period to monitor the metabolic status of the animals. Prepartum glucose concentrations tended to be greater in HNFC than LNFC, but there was no effect on prepartum or postpartum insulin concentrations. Although nutrient intake was greater in the immediate week after calving in HNFC than LNFC, treatment did not affect milk yield and composition. In conclusion, increasing the NFC intake during the prepartum period, at a similar level of energy and protein intake, had a marginal residual effect on postpartum intake, and did not affect metabolic status or milk production.

Effects of palm kernel cake (Elaeis guineensis) on intake, digestibility, performance, ingestive behaviour and carcass traits in Nellore bulls

AbstractThe objective of the current experiment was to determine the effects of increasing levels of palm kernel cake in a finishing diet on feed intake, digestibility, performance, ingestive behaviour and carcass traits in zebu bulls. Thirty-two Nellore bulls (420 ± 25.0 kg initial body weight [BW] and 24-months-old), were assigned randomly to individual pens with four treatments (0, 70, 140 and 210 g/kg of palm kernel cake by total dry matter [DM]) and eight replicates per treatment. The inclusion of palm kernel cake linearly decreased DM, crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrate intake and increased ether extraction intake and digestibility. There was a linear decrease in final BW and hot carcass weight (HCW) associated with palm kernel cake inclusion in the bull diet. However, the gain : feed ratio was similar among the diets. Eating and rumination rates (g DM or neutral detergent fibre/h) were reduced, whereas the total chewing time and idling (min/day) were not affected by palm kernel cake inclusion. There were no effects of palm kernel cake inclusion on most quantitative carcass characteristics and qualitative carcass attributes (subcutaneous fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, colour, texture and marbling). The inclusion of palm kernel cake (up to 210 g/kg total DM) in beef cattle finishing diets decreased eating and rumination rates, thereby decreasing average daily gain and, consequently, final BW and HCW. However, qualitative carcass attributes were not affected by the use of palm kernel cake.

Correlações lineares entre comportamento e consumo por vacas leiteiras suplementadas

O comportamento alimentar de ruminantes de pastagem tem sido usado para orientar e apoiar muitas discussões relacionadas com a ingestão encontradas em pesquisa. Por conseguinte, as medições destas correlações podem quebrar alguns paradigmas, porque provavelmente nem todas as variáveis de comportamento estão correlacionadas com os parâmetros nutricionais. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as correlações lineares entre comportamento alimentar e ingestão de vacas leiteiras suplementadas em pastagem. Utilizou-se 12 vacas mestiças Holandês x Zebu, com 100 a 150 dias de lactação com peso corporal de 466,9 ± 33,2 kg PV. Foi mensurado o consumo da dieta e o comportamento ingestivo dos animais em quatro avaliações a cada 17 dias durante o período experimental. Foram feitas análises de correlações lineares de Pearson utilizando o teste “t”, sendo consideradas significativas a 5% de probabilidade. O tempo de pastejo, ruminação e de outras atividades não apresentaram correlações significativas com as variáveis de consumo (P&gt;0,05), entretanto tempo de alimentação no cocho apresentou correlação positiva baixa com o consumo de carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF) (P

Increasing levels of supplementation for crossbred steers on pasture during the dry period of the year.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrate supplementation levels on the intake, nutrient digestibility, and performance of crossbred steers during the dry period of the year. The experiment was developed on Princesa do Mateiro farm, in the municipality of Ribeirão do Largo, located in the southwest region of Bahia State, Brazil. Forty uncastrated male crossbred (½ Holstein-Zebu) steers with an average body weight (BW) of 232.55 ± 24.97kg were distributed into four treatments in a completely randomized design with ten replicates. The animals were managed in an experimental area formed by Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, in an intermittent grazing system. Treatments consisted of the following supplementation levels: 0.2% BW, with 60% crude protein (CP); 0.3% BW, with 40% CP; 0.4% BW, with 30% CP; and 0.5% BW, with 24% CP. The intakes of forage dry matter in kg/day and %BW and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) in %BW decreased linearly, whereas the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates corrected for ash and protein in kg/day and average daily gain increased linearly. Therefore, the use of supplementation at 0.5% BW (24% crude protein) to provide gains of up to 0.500kg/day is recommended for grazing steers during the post-weaning period in the dry season of the year.

Sugarcane bagasse as exclusive roughage for dairy cows in smallholder livestock system.

ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate sugarcane bagasse as roughage in lactating cow on feed intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, milk production and composition, and microbial protein synthesis.MethodsTen Girolando cows at initial body weight of 450±25.6 kg and at 143.7±30.7 days in milk were assigned in two 5×5 Latin square designs. Five 21-day experimental periods were adopted (1° to 14-day: diets adaptation period; 15° to 21-day: data collection and sampling period). The diets consisted of four different levels of sugarcane bagasse (45%, 50%, 55%, and 60%) and a control diet, commonly adopted in the region, based on spineless cactus (25% sugarcane bagasse), formulated to meet 12 kg/d milk yield.ResultsThe dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and total digestible nutrients intakes and DM and OM digestibilities observed for 45% and 50% bagasse inclusion were similar to control diet, while that 55% and 60% bagasse inclusion were lower. Cows fed control diet, and bagasse diets of 45%, and 50% levels had the nutritional requirements attended, that guaranteed 12 kg/d of milk yield. The crude protein intake and digestibility of cows fed 45%, 50%, and 55% of bagasse inclusion were similar to control diet. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and digestibility differ for all bagasse diets related to control diet, while the non-fiber carbohydrates intake and digestibility for cows fed 45% of bagasse were similar for control diet. The intakes and digestibilities of nutrients decreased linearly in function of bagasse inclusion; NDF and indigestible NDF intakes did not vary. The ruminating time, feeding and rumination efficiency, microbial protein synthesis and milk yield decreased linearly with sugarcane bagasse inclusion.ConclusionSugarcane bagasse decreases milk production; however, its inclusion level in between 45% to 50% associated to concentrate could replace diets based on spineless cactus for crossbred dairy cow's producing 12 kg/d of milk.

Sorghum silage supplemented with crambe meal improves dry matter intake and milk production in crossbred Holstein cows.

We studied the feed intake and milk production of Holstein × Zebu crossbred cows fed sorghum silage diets and concentrates, with and without the addition of crambe meal. Using a change-over design for a total of 120days, eight cows were fed two diets (concentrates + silages with and without crambe meal) in four 30-day periods, with four replications (animals). The crambe meal diet increased (P<0.05) the dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein intake (CPI), and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake (NFCI) as well as milk production (4.3%). No difference was noted (P>0.05) for the milk composition between the treatments. Crambe meal as an additive in sorghum silage (100g/kg in natural matter) showed a great potential for introduction in dairy farming as it substantially increases CP intake, does not reduce food intake, raises animal productivity, and does not affect milk composition.

Effectiveness of calcium oxide and autoclaving for the detoxification of castor seed meal in finishing diets for lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a detoxification process (calcium oxide (CaO) levels×different autoclaving times) on castor seed meal and to test the effects of diets incorporating detoxified castor seed meal on the performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior, blood concentrations, carcass weight, and in vitro gas production in lambs. Changes in detoxification capacity through the interaction of autoclaving time and the amount of CaO were evaluated by an experiment with a non-detoxified castor seed meal and a 4×2 factorial design with four levels of CaO (10, 20, 30 and 40g/kg) and two autoclaving times (15 and 30min at 15psi and 121°C), with five replicates per treatment. The treatment of castor seed meal with 10g of CaO/kg and 30min of autoclaving promoted the disappearance of the bands that represent the ricin subunits of castor seed meal, and this was the most efficient method because it used less CaO. Therefore, this method was used to detoxify the castor seed meal used for the formulation of the experimental diets. Forty crossbred male sheep, with an average weight of 25±3.0kg, were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and ten replicates. The diets consisted of 0, 100, 200 and 300g/kg castor seed meal inclusion (dry matter (DM) basis). The inclusion of up to 300g/kg castor seed meal in the lamb diets did not affect the daily intake of DM and crude protein (CP), which averaged 1194 and 191g/day, respectively. However, due to the chemical composition of the castor seed meal, the intake of ether extract and neutral detergent fiber (NDFan) was increased by approximately 110g/day, while the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) was reduced by 95g/kg. A linear decrease was observed in the digestibility of the DM and NDFan with the inclusion of detoxified castor seed meal. However, the digestibility coefficients of CP and EE did not change. The castor seed meal increased intake and reduced idling times. The performance data of lambs fed diets containing different levels of castor seed meal showed a decreasing linear trend in the final body weight gain and average daily gain, but the concentrations of the hepatic enzymes GGT, AST and ALT were not affected. The use of 10g/kg CaO with 30min of autoclaving led to the complete detoxification of the castor seed meal. Thus, the inclusion of detoxified castor seed meal in lambs’ diet, at 200g/kg, is recommended because it increased performance growth and feed efficiency and did not cause toxicity.

Effects of Dietary Non-Fiber Carbohydrates on Composition and Function of Gut Microbiome in Monogastrics: A Review.

Non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) have a crucial function on the gut health of monogastrics. This paper aims to review the relevant published materials on the influence of NFCs on the gut's microbial population and composition in monogastrics, and points out the areas of the required research. Total bacteria count and Lactobacillus sp. were decreased with an increase in composition of dietary NFC intake, as well as accompanied by a decrease in the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels. Consequently, some metabolites were affected by the accumulation of the bile acids, including molecules which control different gene expression levels, as regulators involved in glucose (FXR and TGR5) and fat metabolism (cholesterol). Cell proliferation rate of both gastrointestinal epithelium and microbiome cells was negatively correlated with the dietary NFC levels in many species of monogastric animals. Low levels of NFC diet are negatively associated with digestibility, total gut weight, and gastrointestinal secretions. High levels of dietary NFC have negative effects on the digestion and absorption of macronutrients, with an increase of the contact time of the carcinogens in the intestinal lumen. The data obtained from different animals' studies did not give the same results. In conclusion, dietary NFC should be adjusted to the optimal consumption levels as the human and the monogastric animals are anatomically and physiologically different. Digestion, metabolism, host wellbeing, and host behavior were negatively affected by the administration of high NFC levels. The relations between sulphate-reducing bacteria and some metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and obesity need further exploration.

Digestibility and performance of lambs fed diets containing old man saltbush hay

The aim of this study was to evaluate feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, water balance, and performance of lambs fed diets containing old man saltbush hay associated with a concentrate. Thirty-two castrated feedlot Santa Inês lambs at approximately eight months of age, with 22 ± 1.97 kg body weight, were distributed into a completely randomized experimental design. Acid detergent fiber intake increased (P &lt; 0.05), whereas non-fibrous carbohydrates intake decreased (P &lt; 0.01). Inclusion of old man saltbush in the diet reduced (P &lt; 0.01) the digestibility of dry and organic matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The intakes of digestible dry and organic matter, ether extract, total carbohydrates, and digestible non-fibrous carbohydrates also decreased (P &lt; 0.01). Inclusion of old man saltbush did not influence water consumption from the trough by the sheep, averaging 4,327.20 mL/day?1. Body weight at slaughter and daily weight gain decreased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) and feed conversion worsened as old man saltbush hay was added to the diet. Inclusion of old man saltbush at up to 40% replacing the concentrate in feedlot lamb diets does not compromise the performance of these animals.

&lt;b&gt;Performance of dairy females fed dried yeast from sugar cane

This study was performed in order to evaluate the effect of dried yeast from sugar cane when replacing soybean meal in dairy heifers' diets. Twenty-four heifers, with an initial body weight (BW) of 178 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design. The treatments were four levels of inclusion of dried yeast from sugar cane replacing to soybean meal (0, 33, 67 and 100% on a dry matter (DM) basis). While there was no difference in DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), metabolizable energy or roughage intakes, the intakes of non-fiber carbohydrates and concentrate were increased. The crude protein intake decreased according to the dried yeast from sugar cane when replacing soybean meal. The digestibility coefficients of DM and NDF showed no difference. Replacement of soybean meal with dried yeast from sugar cane had no effect on performance, because average daily gain and body measurements studied were similar for all animals and inclusion levels. Soybean meal can be completely replaced with dried yeast from sugar cane in diets for growing dairy heifers without restrictions; this will not affect the intake, digestibility, physical development of animals or metabolization of protein compounds.

Comportamento ingestivo e digestibilidade in vivo de caprinos alimentados com copra de coco verde

The introduction of new feeds in ruminant nutrition is essential to maximize performance and to minimize production costs; however, this is only possible after knowing the feeding behavior of the animals and nutrient availability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior and in vivo digestibility of goats fed increasing levels (0%, 2%, 4%, and 7%) of copra extracted from green coconuts. Twenty male goats of undefined breed were allocated in a completely randomized design. The addition of increasing levels of coconut copra had a quadratic effect on dry matter intake and daily rumination time. An increasing linear effect was observed for rumination time of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber. There was no effect (P>0.05) on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, or non-fibrous carbohydrates. The digestible non-fibrous carbohydrate intake or apparent digestibility of hemicellulose and total digestible nutrients was also not affected. A quadratic effect of increasing inclusion levels of copra was observed for apparent ether extract digestibility, while the increasing inclusion of copra had a decreasing linear effect (P<0.05) on digestible neutral detergent fiber intake, apparent crude protein digestibility, digestible crude protein intake, and digestible ether extract intake. The best inclusion level of coconut copra for goat feeding is 3.15% of the total diet to increase dry matter intake and apparent ether extract digestibility without affecting the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, but reducing crude protein digestibility.

Detoxified castor meal in substitution of soybean meal in sheep diet: growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat yield.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, performance, and carcass characteristics of lambs fed different levels of replacement (0, 15, 30, and 45% based on dry matter, DM) of soybean meal (SM) by detoxified castor meal (DCM). Twenty-four and 32 intact hair lambs of nondescript breed (21.7 ± 2.6kg of initial average body weight and approximately 10months old) were used, respectively, in the intake and digestibility and performance experiments. The diets were composed of buffel grass hay, ground corn grain, and different levels of SM, DCM, and urea, in a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 40:60. There was no effect of treatments on DM intake. However, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intakes were higher at 30 and 45% than at 0 and 15% of DCM, which in turn showed higher intake of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) (P < 0.05). The organic matter, CP, and NDF digestibilities were not affected, but the digestibility of NFC was lower at 30 and 45% than at 0% of DCM (P < 0.05). The average daily gain, feed conversion, slaughter and carcass weights, chilling losses, ribeye area, and absolute values and yields of neck, ribs, loin, and leg were not affected. However, the carcass yield was lower at 45% of DCM and the absolute value of shoulder was lower at 30 and 45% of DCM (P < 0.05). The replacement of SM by DCM up to 45% in the feed of lambs did not negatively affect the intake, digestibility, performance, and main carcass features.