Mesquite Pod Research Articles

Mesquite Extract as Phytogenic Additive to Improve the Nutrition of Sheep

Four concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg extract per ml of water) of mesquite extract were used as phytogenic additive to verify the potential to increase the nutritional value of the feed, ruminal parameters (primarily propionate production) and nitrogen use efficiency, microbial protein synthesis and quantify the reduction of ciliated protozoa and characterize the ingestive behavior of sheep. Ten adult male sheep were subjected to a 5 × 5 double Latin square design. Prior to feeding, the animals received the mesquite extract. Nutrient intake was estimated from the difference of the amount of feed provided and the total surplus. Rumen content samples were collected to evaluate the profile of short-chain fatty acids, ammonia nitrogen, pH, ciliated protozoa, turnover rate and disappearance rate. To estimate the microbial protein synthesis, the technique of purine derivatives was used. The mesquite extract quadratically increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and total digestible nutrients, as well as increased propionate production, acetate:propionate ratio and microbial protein synthesis. The numbers of ciliate protozoa in the rumen decreased as a result of mesquite extract inclusion in the diet. The use of mesquite pod extract at a concentration of 488 mg/mL is recommended to improve digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and total digestible nutrients, and to optimize microbial protein synthesis and increase propionic acid production.

Meat Quality of Dairy Steers Fed Mesquite Pod Meal in Semi-Arid

The exploitation of dairy steers for meat production is an alternative to improve production rates, but feed alternatives to cereal grains like corn used in animal feed should be researched. In this study, we aimed to evaluate performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of dairy steers consuming different levels (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 g/kg, dry matter basis) of mesquite pod meal replacing corn. Twenty-five intact Holstein-Zebu dairy steers at approximately 18 months of age and with an initial body weight of 219±22 kg were used. A completely randomized design with five treatments (replacement levels) and five replications (animals) was adopted, and data were analyzed using PROC GLM for analysis of variance and PROC REG for regression analysis. There was no significant influence of the levels of replacement of corn by the mesquite pod meal as regards dry matter intake, final body weight, weight gain, carcass weight, or carcass yield (P > 0.05). The meat quality of the cattle was not significantly affected by the different levels of replacement (P > 0.05). Mesquite pod meal can fully replace corn in diets for dairy steers.

Mesquite Pod Removal by Cattle, Feral Hogs, and Native Herbivores

The dispersal of woody plant seeds by livestock has been implicated as one of the causes of woody plant encroachment in semiarid ecosystems worldwide. In the southern Great Plains, United States, cattle are suspected to have increased encroachment of the woody legume honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) because they are effective consumers of mesquite pods and pass viable seed from those pods through their digestive systems. Since other animal species also consume or gather mesquite pods and seeds, our objective was to compare the removal of mesquite pods by cattle, other vertebrate herbivores, and insects. Mature pods were collected from trees in late summer and placed within each level of a hierarchical exclusion design using fences and cages that blocked cattle; other large vertebrates (deer, feral hogs); smaller vertebrates (rabbits, birds, rodents); and insects at replicate sites in north and south Texas locations. Pod removal was quantified during 60-d trials in the fall of each of 3 yr. The treatment that allowed cattle to have access to pods had the greatest or tied for the greatest pod removal at trial end in all trials. Final pod removal in the feral hog and white-tailed deer treatments was numerically lower but statistically similar (P ≤ 0.05) to cattle. However, the rate of pod removal during the first 20 d in several of the trials was greatest (P ≤ 0.05) in the cattle treatment at both locations. Pod removal by rodents was high in 1 yr at both locations, which we attributed to high growing season precipitation at both locations during that year. Results may have implications regarding seed-centric grazing management decisions and keeping cattle out of pastures when mesquite pods are abundantly present on the ground.

English

The administration of Mesquite pod extract (containing mesquitol, daidzein and genistein) to female and male rats disrupts reproductive variables. However, its effect on fertility is not known. This study evaluated fertility in male and female rats treated with mesquite pod extract, comparing its effects with those of daidzein and estradiol. The following treatments were given for 30 days to groups of female and male rats: vehicle, mesquite pod extract, DAI and E2. Treatments were administered subcutaneously for 30 days. These extract disrupted both the female and male sexual behavior in a similar way to DAI, but less than E2. Mesquite pod extract increased the number of days in estrus and decreased lordosis intensity during proestrus. Mesquite pod extract-treated males showed lower testicular and glandular weights, as well as decreased sperm motility, viability and count. In females treated with mesquite pod extract, the number of pups was lower than in control females, and 10 to 20% of pups were dead. These effects were similar to those with DAI-treatment. Despite the lower sperm quality, the fertility of mesquite pod extract- and DAI-treated males seem not to be disrupted, as they could impregnate control females. These results show that mesquite pod extract can disrupt female but not male fertility. Key words: Mesquite pod extract, daidzein, fertility, offspring, sexual behavior, phytoestrogens.

Plant extracts as phytogenic additives considering intake, digestibility, and feeding behavior of sheep.

The objective was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, and ingestive sheep behavior with feeding phytogenic additives derived from plant extracts. Five non-emasculated sheep without defined breed at 28 ± 1.81kg initial body weight and 6months age were used. Treatments consisted of administering four phytogenic additives from the garlic extracts, coriander seed, oregano, and pods of mesquite, plus a control treatment (without additive). The ration was composed of Tifton 85 hay grass, corn, soybean meal, and mineral salt. As experimental design, we used a 5 × 5 Latin square design (five treatments and five periods). The data were analyzed through the mixed model through the procedure PROC MIXED of software Systems Statistical Analysis version 9.1, with comparation analysis between the treatment without additive (control) with phytogenic additives produced from vegetable extracts of mesquite pod, of coriander seed, the bulb of garlic, and the oregano leaves. There were no significant differences for the nutrient intake and ingestive behavior patterns. However, the additive intake derived from mesquite pods and coriander extracts provided an increase in digestibility. Extracts from garlic, coriander, and mesquite pods can be used as phytogenic additives in feeding sheep.

Effects of alkaloid extracts of mesquite pod on the products of in vitro rumen fermentation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of alkaloid extracts of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) D.C. pods obtained by two extraction methods as compared with sodium monensin on the gas production kinetic, mitigation of methane, and rumen fermentation products using wheat bran or Tifton 85 hay as substrates, by the semi-automatic in vitro gas production technique. A completely randomized design was adopted, and two natural additives were tested made from mesquite pod (alkaloid extract I and alkaloid extract II) at three levels (3.9, 7.9, and 12μg), sodium monensin 5μM (positive control), and no inclusion of additives (negative control). The volume of gases produced by the degradation of the fibrous fraction of wheat bran was influenced by the concentration of the extract I added to the medium, and the amounts of 7.9 and 12μg were equal to monensin at the lowest value. The degradation rate of the fibrous carbohydrates with additive extract I at 12μg was lower in relation to monensin. When Tifton 85 hay was utilized, alkaloid extract I provided a shorter colonization time as compared with monensin at the added amounts of 7.9 and 12μg and higher production of gases from the fibrous fraction but without interfering with the total volume of gases produced during 96h of fermentation of carbohydrates. In the periods of 12 and 24h of incubation, utilizing alkaloid extract I, the mean values of methane production with wheat bran and Tifton 85 hay were lower than monensin (p<0.05) when the respective amounts of 7.9 and 12μg were added. Alkaloid extract I has similar potential to sodium in reducing production of total gases, methane, and the acetate/propionate ratio.

Total replacement of corn by mesquite pod meal considering nutritional value, performance, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, and microbial protein synthesis of Holstein-Zebu crossbred dairy steers.

The objective of the present study to assess the effects of mesquite pod addition replacing corn (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000g/kg in the dry matter basis) on nutrient intake, animal performance, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and microbial protein synthesis. Twenty-five Holstein-Zebu crossbred dairy steers at 219 ± 22kg initial body weight and 18months of age were used. The experiment lasted 84days, divided into three periods of 28days. A completely randomized design was used, and data were submitted to analysis using PROC GLM for analysis of variance and PROC REG for regression analysis using the software Statistical Analysis Systems version 9.1. Experimental diets were composed of Tifton 85 hay, soybean meal, ground corn, mesquite pod meal, and mineral salt. Samples of food offered were collected during the last 3days of each period, and the leftovers were collected daily, with samples bulked per week. At the end of each 28-day period, the remaining animals were weighed to determine total weight gain and average daily gain. The assessment of behavioral patterns was performed through instantaneous scans in 5-min intervals for three consecutive 12-h days. A single urine sample from each animal was collected on the last day of each collection period at about 4h after the first feeding. The replacement of corn by mesquite pod meal did not significantly influence treatments regarding nutrients intake, animal performance, and feeding behavior. Retained and consumed nitrogen ratio did not statistically differ between replacement levels. Likewise, there were no statistical differences regarding microbial protein synthesis and efficiency between replacement levels. Mesquite pod meal can be used in Holstein-Zebu crossbred dairy steers' diet with total corn replacement.

Comparison of the effects of mesquite pod and Leucaena extracts with phytoestrogens on the reproductive physiology and sexual behavior in the male rat

Mesquite (Prosopis sp.) and Leucaena leucocephala are widespread legumes, widely used to feed several livestock species and as food source for human populations in several countries. Both mesquite and Leucaena contain several phytoestrogens which might have potential estrogenic effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mesquite pod and Leucaena extracts on several aspects of behavior and reproductive physiology of the male rat.The effects of the extracts were compared with those of estradiol (E2) and of two isoflavones: daidzein (DAI) and genistein (GEN). The following treatments were given to groups of intact male rats: vehicle; mesquite pod extract; Leucaena extract; E2; DAI; GEN. The results indicate that mesquite pod and Leucaena extracts disrupt male sexual behavior in a similar way to DAI and GEN, but less than E2. The main disruptor of sexual behavior was E2, however after 40 and 50days of administration, both extracts and phytoestrogens disrupted sexual behavior in a similar way to E2. The extracts also increased testicular germ cell apoptosis, decreased sperm quality, testicular weight, and testosterone levels, as phytoestrogens did, although these effects were less than those caused by estradiol. The number of seminiferous tubules with TUNEL-positive germ cells increased in extracts treated groups in a similar way to phytoestrogens groups, and E2 caused the greatest effect. The number of TUNEL-positive cells per tubule increased only in Leucaena extract and E2 groups, but not in mesquite- and phytoestrogens-treated groups. Spermatocytes and round spermatids were the TUNEL-positive cells observed in all experimental groups. This effect was associated with smaller testicular weights without atrophy in experimental groups compared with control. Testicular atrophy was only observed in estradiol-treated males. Testosterone decreased in males of all experimental groups, compared with control, this androgen was undetectable in E2 treated males. These results suggest that mesquite pod and Leucaena extracts cause effects similar to those of phytoestrogens in male rat reproduction, these effects were lower than those caused by E2.

Influence of different proteinaceous diets on consumption, brood rearing,and honey bee quality parameters under isolation conditions

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of 5 proteinaceous diets on honey bees under isolation conditions. The diets were soybean meal, mesquite pod powder, date paste, Feedbee®, and corn gluten, along with control colonies (bees fed naturally on pollens). These 5 diets were supplied to honey bee colonies under isolation conditions, except for the control group. Food consumption amount, brood rearing activity, and some physiological parameters of the honey bees were measured. The best consumption amount was for date paste, followed by Feedbee, mesquite, and corn gluten, respectively. Concerning brood rearing activity, the highest mean of sealed brood cells was 174.7 cells/colony in colonies fed on Feedbee, while no brood was reared in colonies fed on soybean meal. The fresh weight, dry matter, and protein content of fully grown larvae and newly emerged workers were higher in colonies fed on bee bread than the colonies fed on the artificial diets. Total soluble solids %, total hemolymph count, and hemolymph protein % were varied among tested diets. Feedbee was able to enhance brood rearing, but Feedbee is expensive and not available in the local markets of Saudi Arabia. Hence, beekeepers are advised to use mesquite pod flour as a pollen substitute in dearth periods.

&lt;b&gt;Fine mesquite pod meal on performance, palatability and feed preference in lambs

We evaluated the effect of inclusion of fine mesquite pod meal (FPM) in the diet on performance, preference and palatability of diets in feedlot lambs. Five diets were formulated with increasing levels of FPM (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0%). For performance evaluation, the design was completely randomized with five treatments and seven replications. For palatability and preference analysis, the same design was used, but the treatments consisted of diets with 0 and 3% FPM and fourteen replications. The palatability was assessed considering the amount of feed consumed within 30 min., and the preference, considering the feed intake after 24 hours. FPM had no influence on weight gain, but caused a reduction in intake and an increase in dry matter digestibility for inclusion level above 2.4%. The greatest contribution of FPM inclusion is due to the increase in neutral detergent fiber digestibility. The preference and palatability in feedlot lambs is not affected by the inclusion of 3% FPM.

Decontamination of Mesquite Pod Flour Naturally Contaminated with Bacillus cereus and Formation of Furan by Ionizing Irradiation

Mesquite pod flour produced from nitrogen-fixing trees of the Prosopis species has a unique aroma and flavor that is preferred by some consumers. Due to the presence of wildlife, grazing domestic animals, and insects, the pods have a high potential of being contaminated with human pathogenic bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus. Nonthermal processing technologies are helpful to reduce the population of microorganisms in the flour because heating deteriorates the characteristic flavor. A study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of ionizing radiation in decontaminating two types of mesquite pod flours (Prosopis alba and Prosopis pallida) naturally contaminated with B. cereus and the effects of irradiation on the formation of furan, a possible human carcinogen. Results showed that the populations of B. cereus were 3.8 and 5.4 log CFU/g in nonirradiated P. alba and P. pallida flours, respectively, and populations of microflora, mesophilic spores, B. cereus, and B. cereus spores decreased with increasing radiation doses. At 6 kGy, the populations fell below 1 log CFU/g. Irradiation at 6 kGy had no significant effect on the fructose, glucose, or sucrose content of the flour. Nonirradiated P. alba and P. pallida flours contained 13.0 and 3.1 ng/g of furan, respectively. Furan levels increased with irradiation doses at rates of 2.3 and 2.4 ng/g/kGy in the two flours. The level of 3-methylbutanal was reduced or not affected by irradiation, while the hexanal level was increased. Our results suggested that irradiation was effective in decontaminating contaminated mesquite flour. The significance of furan formation and possible changes in flavor due to irradiation may need to be further examined.

&lt;b&gt;Mesquite pod meal in sheep diet: intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance

Eight Santa Ines sheep were assigned to two 4 x 4 Latin squares, to evaluate the effects of replacing elephant grass silage with different levels of mesquite pod meal (MDM) (15, 30 and 45% DM) on intake, apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total carbohydrates (TC) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) and the nitrogen balance. There was a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the intake of DM, OM, CP, ADF, NDF, NFC and TC according to the addition of MPM to the diet. The digestibility of DM, OM and CP increased (p < 0.05) with the addition of MDM. We observed a positive linear effect (p < 0.05) for the nitrogen intake. The addition of mesquite pod meal up to 45% increased the intake of DM, NDF, ADF, CP, OM, NFC and TC but reduced the digestibility of EE and NDF. MPM at 30 and 45% propitiated a positive nitrogen balance.

Substitution of Corn for Mesquite Pod Meal in Diets for Lambs

This study aimed to evaluate intake, digestibility, ingestive behaviour, and body weight variation in lambs fed mesquite pod meal (0, 30, 60 and 90%) in substitution of ground corn grains (as-fed basis) in pelleted diets. Twelve Santa Ines×Dorper lambs with average body weight of 25.0±1.8 kg were distributed through three 4×4 Latin Squares consisting of four periods and four treatments. Diets consisted of 30% alfalfa hay and 70% concentrate. The experimental period was 60 days, divided into 15-day periods. The intakes of dry matter (DM), total carbohydrates (TC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were not influenced (P>0.05) by the different levels of mesquite pod meal added in substitution of corn. The digestibility coefficients of DM, organic matter (OM), ether extracts (EE), neutral detergent fibre free of ash and protein (NDFap), TC and the TDN decreased linearly (P<0.05) as the level of mesquite pod meal in the diet was increased. Feed efficiency [g DM and neutral detergent fibre (NDF)/hour] was not influenced (P>0.05) by the mesquite pod meal levels; contrastingly, this feedstuff caused a reduction of 12.13 and 1.9 g in rumination efficiency (g DM and NDF/hour, respectively) for every percentage unit added. The average weight gain showed quadratic behaviour (P<0.05) as a result of the substitution level, and maximum weight gain was estimated at 275.9 g/day at the substitution level of 47.5%.

Coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility of some feedstuffs for Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

This research aimed at evaluating the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) for conventional products (whole ground corn, wheat middlings, soybean oil, broken rice and whole ground sorghum) and alternative by-products (cassava root meal, mesquite pod meal and copra meal) by tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). A semi-purified reference diet containing 345gkg−1 CP and 13.44MJDEkgdiet−1 was used and test diets were produced by incorporation of test ingredients in a 7:3 ratio (700gkg−1 reference diet and 300gkg−1 test ingredient). Chromic oxide was used as an indigestible inert marker at 1gkg−1 and feces were collected following a modified Guelph procedure. CTTAD of DM ranged from 0.426 to 0.838 among the feedstuffs. CTTADs of GE showed trend similar to DM, ranging from 0.449 to 0.927. Soybean oil, cassava root meal and broken rice had the highest CTTAD of GE while whole ground sorghum and mesquite pod meal showed the lowest values. The CTTAD of crude protein of the feedstuffs evaluated ranged from 0.714 to 0.875. These results indicate that copra meal and cassava root meal have great potential to replace commonly used ingredients in diets for tambaqui and further research to determine their level of inclusion is needed. Additionally, further research is necessary to determine if the fiber digestibility is influenced by dietary fat content in tambaqui diets. The CTTAD of protein above 0.700 observed in this study indicated that tambaqui is able to efficiently digest protein in several types of ingredients.

&lt;b&gt;Mesquite pod meal in elephant grass silages&lt;/b&gt; - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v35i3.12506

This study evaluated the chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of elephant grass silages at different growth stages (70, 90 and 110 days), with the addition (0, 5, 10 and 15%, on a fresh matter basis) of mesquite pod meal. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used in a factorial arrangement with four replications. PVC pipes 100 mm in diameter were used as experimental silos. After 30 days of ensilage, samples were taken from the open silos to determine chemical composition and IVDMD. The inclusion of mesquite pod meal (MPM) increased (p &lt; 0.01) the concentrations of DM and CP. No interaction (p &gt; 0.01) was detected between MPM concentrations and elephant grass cutting age for DM, CP and NDF contents in the silages. A decrease (p &lt; 0.01) was observed in NDF, ADF and MM concentrations with the inclusion of MPM. There was a linear increase (p &lt; 0.01) in IVDMD with increasing levels of MPM; and IVDMD decreased (p &lt; 0.01) with increasing cutting age of the elephant grass. The inclusion of mesquite pod meal contributed to improve the chemical composition and digestibility of silages.

Mesquite pod meal in diets for Santa Inês sheep: ingestive behavior

This study aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep fed increasing levels of mesquite pod meal (0, 15, 30 and 45% in total dry matter diet), replacing grass silage elephant. Eight non-castrated Santa Ines sheep with average weight of 32 kg were divided into two 4 x 4 Latin squares, each lasting 15 days. The sheep were submitted to visual observation every ten minutes, for 24 hours, in the 13thday of each experimental period. There was no significant regression (p > 0.05) relative to the time spent on feeding, rumination and resting, depending on the levels of substitution of mesquite pod meal. The average time spent on feeding, rumination and resting was 5.64, 10.88 and 8.8h day-1, respectively. There was a positive linear effect (p < 0.05) regarding the levels of replacement of elephant grass silage by mesquite pod meal on dry matter intake (DMI), neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI), feeding efficiency of DM, rumination efficiency of DM, rumination efficiency of NDF. The use of observation intervals of up to 30 minutes does not alter the assessment of time spent on feeding, rumination and resting.

Mesquite pod meal in diets for lactating goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects inclusion of 0%, 33.3%, 66.7% and 100% natural matter (NM) of mesquite pod meal (MPM), in substitution of corn, on the intake, digestibility and feeding behavior of lactating Saanen goats. The forage:concentrate ratio in the diet was 40:60, using elephant grass silage as a forage source. Eight adult lactating goats with about 60 days in milk and weighting 50 kg were divided into two 4 × 4 latin squares and four 17-day experimental periods. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrient (TDN) intakes were not influenced by MPM levels. Ether extract (0.51; 0.34; 0.36; 0.20 kg/day) and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) (0.54; 0.53; 0.49; 0.36 kg/day) intakes showed a linear effect with increased MPM. Organic matter (OM) and NDF intakes presented a quadratic behavior. The maximum OM intake was estimated with the replacement of 40.5%. The maximum estimated intakes for NDF were 0.665 kg/day and 14.8 g/kg body weight, with a replacement close to 60%. Nutrient digestibility coefficients and TDN levels (655.0 g/kg) were not affected, except for NFC. The time spent eating, ruminating and idle was not influenced by the addition of MPM. The feeding rate of DM had a linear decrease which reflected the intake restriction. Corn replacement with MPM should not exceed 40.5%, although its total replacement does not interfere with the intake of DM, CP and TDN on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and most ingestive behavior parameters.

Farelo da vagem de algaroba associado a níveis de ureia na alimentação de ovinos: balanço de nitrogênio, N-ureico no plasma e parâmetros ruminais

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of including urea in diets containing mesquite pod meal on nitrogen balance, plasma urea-N and ruminal parameters. Eight gelded males, with mean weight of 33.5 kg, were divided into two 4 x 4 Latin squares. Treatments consisted of following urea levels in diet: 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of total dry matter. The diet was provided as total diet a 40:60 forage: concentrate ratio based on total diet DM. Total urine and feces were collected and nitrogen excretion was determined. Blood was collected, followed by plasma extraction and quantification of urea nitrogen. To evaluate pH and ammonia-N in rumen fluid, four rumen fistulated animals were used . Intake of N (31.68 g day-1) and losses through feces (7.94 g day-1) and urine (9.95 g day-1) did not change. The concentrations of ammonia-N and plasma urea-N increased linearly. Rumen pH was similar among treatments. The inclusion of urea does not influence the nitrogen balance, but increases the concentrations of rumen ammonia-N and urea nitrogen in plasma, which may influence energy expenditure in the body.

Agroindustrial byproducts in diets for Nile tilapia juveniles

This study was conducted to evaluate performance and body composition of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets containing byproducts aerial parts of cassava meal (Manihot esculenta), mesquite pod meal (Prosopis juliflora), cocoa meal (Theobroma cacao) and palm kernel cake (Elaeis guineensis) and to analyze the economic viability of the feed. A total of 1,350 juvenile males (100 g) were distributed in 15 cages (1 m3) in completely randomized design with five treatments (basal diet and four test diets) and three replicates. The following aspects were evaluated: final weight, total feed intake, total weight gain, feed conversion, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate, dry matter, crude protein, fat and ash body, the average cost of feed per kilogram of weight gain and economic efficiency rate. No differences were observed for total consumption of food or survival rate. For other variables, the inclusion of cocoa and cassava meal impaired fish performance. No differences were observed for dry matter, crude protein and body ash. The lower body fat accumulation was recorded for the tilapia fed palm kernel cake. The best economic indicators were found to diets containing palm kernel cake. The byproducts evaluated can be used up to 150 g/kg in feed formulation, providing good performance and economic rate for Nile tilapia.

Santa Inês sheep supplementation on urochloa grass pasture during the dry season: intake, nutrient digestibility and performance

This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the effect of concentrate supplementation, formulated with different ingredients (Mesquite pod meal, sorghum meal or wheat meal and mineral supplementation) on performance, intake and digestibility of nutrients in Santa Inês lambs grazing on urochloa grass during the dry season. Twenty-four uncastrated weaned Santa Inês sheep, with average body weight (BW) 20±2 kg with an average of 120 days of age were used in the assay. The experiment lasted 75 days. The animals grazing deferred Urochloa grass (Urochloa mosambicensis (Hack) Daudy) were distributed into four treatments consisting of mineral supplementation provided ad libitum and concentrated supplements containing mesquite pod meal, sorghum meal or wheat meal, supplied 10 g /kg BW on dry matter basis. The intakes of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were affected by the intake of concentrate supplement, regardless of the ingredients used in the supplements, compared with the mineral supplementation treatment, since the consumption of forage was reduced in 30% with mesquite pod meal supplement, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake was not affected in relation to treatments. The digestibility of DM and CP were higher for treatments with supplements, and NDF digestibility did not differ between treatments. A significant difference was observed in the values of average daily gain for the treatments with concentrate supplementation compared with the one of mineral supplementation. The supplementation with concentrate in grazing enables improvement of performance, intake and digestibility of nutrients regardless of the ingredient used in the supplement.