Spineless Cactus Research Articles

Silages in the form of diet based on spineless cactus and buffelgrass

This study was conducted to evaluate the fermentation pattern and the in situ dry matter degradability of silages in the form of diet. Five diets were formulated based on spineless cactus (Opuntia fícus-indica cv. ‘Gigante’) and buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris). The experimental design was completely randomised, with five treatments and three replicates in which the diets differed in the proportion of buffelgrass (0%, 15%, 25%, 30% and 35%, on a fresh matter basis). There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition of the diets, with all dry matter contents being within the ideal range. Ammonia-nitrogen content was not affected (p > 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in dry matter recovery across diets, which ranged from 96.28% to 99.93%. The pH values decreased as the time of opening (days) was extended. Organic acid contents differed across all diets; however, overall, all diets showed satisfactory lactic acid contents. As the proportion of buffelgrass in the diets was increased, the degradability of dry matter decreased. Based on fermentation profile, losses and chemical composition the diet with higher proportion of spineless cactus can be recommended for silage production.

&lt;i&gt;Orelha de Elefante Mexicana&lt;/i&gt; (&lt;i&gt;Opuntia stricta&lt;/i&gt; [Haw.] Haw.) spineless cactus as an option in crossbred dairy cattle diet

new genotype of spineless cactus is being used in the diets of dairy cattle that are raised in semi-arid regions. However, little is known about its nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing Miuda (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) with Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw.) spineless cactus, on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield and composition, feeding behaviour, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen balance, and ruminal and blood parameters of dairy cows. Ten Girolando cows, 500 ± 51.6 kg bodyweight, were distributed in a double Latin square design 5 x 5. The treatments consisted of replacement levels of Miuda (MIU) by Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) (14.38–12.95 kg d-1, 716.3–658.9 g d-1), organic matter (OM) (13.01–11.43 kg d-1, 747.8–704.8 g d-1), crude protein (CP) (2.02–1.61 kg d-1, 863.8–845.2 g d-1) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) (9.38–7.92 kg d-1) decreased linearly with the increase in replacement. Despite the decrease in intake and digestibility, the supply of nutrients was sufficient to maintain a milk yield of 12.5 kg d-1. The average daily weight gain decreased linearly with the increase in replacement, while protein microbial efficiency (g microbial CP kg-1 TDN intake; 91.24 to 127.44 g kg-1) increased linearly. Thus, OEM could replace 100% MIU in diets with 48% of spineless cactus, for crossbred lactating cows with 12.5 kg d-1 milk yield. Therefore, OEM is a viable new option for producing milk in smallholder livestock systems in semi-arid regions.Keywords: Alternative forage, milk yield, ruminal parameter, semi-arid, smallholder livestock system

Quality of meat from sheep fed diets containing spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck)

It was aimed to evaluate the effects of replacement of wheat bran in lambs' diets with spineless cactus (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in a lamb's diet on the physicochemical parameters, fatty acids and sensory analyasis of meat. The evaluation utilized 36 loins and legs from F1 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês lambs, with an average initial body weight of 19.5 ± 1.6 kg, were slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. Were found average values of 5.70, 11.27 N, 55.44 mg/100 g, of meat pH, shear force, and cholesterol, respectively. However, stearic acid, linoleic, linolenic, eicosatrienoic and eicosapentaenoic which linearly decreased. The color, aroma, texture, flavor, juiciness and global acceptance of meat were acceptable by the evaluators, additionally, they said they would buy meat coming of animals fed with 100% replacement. It is recommended that wheat bran is replaced by spineless cactus in the diet of lambs when this shows to be an ingredient with better cost-benefit ratio compared to wheat bran.

Divergence in nutrient concentration, in vitro degradation and gas production potential of spineless cactus genotypes selected for insect resistance

AbstractForage cactus is an important dry-season feed source for livestock in semi-arid regions, but in north-eastern Brazil, its contribution is limited by susceptibility to the carmine cochineal [Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell)] insect. New cactus germplasm shows superior agronomic performance, but the nutritive value of this material has not been adequately described. The objective of the current study was to assess the divergence in chemical composition and rate and extent of in vitro degradation of these genotypes. The treatments were 13 spineless cactus genotypes, eight of which were insect resistant types, two semi-resistant and three susceptible to the carmine cochineal. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and were replicated three times. Nutritional divergence was assessed using canonical variate analysis and hierarchical agglomerative clustering, using the variables: crude protein, total and non-fibrous carbohydrates, degradation rate and potential dry matter degradation. Five distinct nutritional groups were identified: Group I (OO), Group II (F-13 and F-15), Group III (OEA, OEM, COP, IPA 20 and GG), Group IV (V-16 and F-08) and Group V (Miuda, IS and F-21). Group II (F-13 and F-15; resistant genotypes) showed a chemical composition degradability in vitro suggesting it may have the greatest nutritive value as ruminant feed, while Group I had the least. Spineless cactus genotypes resistant to the carmine cochineal showed nutritional characteristics similar to or better than traditionally used cactus genotypes, such as Gigante and IPA 20, which can expand the range of options for using this forage.

A new cactus variety for dairy cows in areas infested with Dactylopius opuntiae

Spineless cactus is an important part of dairy cow diet in the semiarid Brazilia. Severe infestation of cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell) destroyed a vast area of the most common species of cactus planted in the region; Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. resistant varieties with superior agronomic performance were recently selected, but they still need to be tested with dairy cows. We evaluated the use of a resistant variety, ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ (OEM, Opuntia spp.), in dairy cow diet. We tested its effect on intake, nutrient digestibility, microbial protein, blood parameters and performance of lactating cows. Ten cows with an average milk yield of 20 kg/day were assigned to an experiment using a double 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experimental diets consisted of five replacement levels of Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck cv. (‘Miúda’) by ‘OEM’ (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) on a dry-matter (DM) basis) and were formulated considering the ingredient composition. The roughage:concentrate ratio was 70:30 on a DM basis. The replacement of ‘Miúda’ by OEM did not change the intake (kg/day) of DM (18.0), organic matter (16.3), crude protein (CP, 2.8), total digestible nutrients (11.6), non-fibre carbohydrates (7.6) and neutral detergent fibre (5.7), or the apparent digestibility (g/kg) of DM (655), organic matter (694), CP (739) and non-fibre carbohydrates (950), whereas apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fibre increased linearly. Microbial protein production (1.5 g/day), microbial protein efficiency (129.2 g CP/kg total digestible nutrients), plasma urea nitrogen (21.4 mg/dL), nitrogen balance (123 g/day), feed efficiency (1.1), nitrogen efficiency (0.2), milk production (20.0 kg/day), fat-corrected milk production (20.1 kg/day) and milk composition were not influenced by the replacement. Therefore, we recommend the use of OEM in the diet of lactating cows with an average milk yield of 20 kg/day.

Sugarcane bagasse as only roughage for crossbred lactating cows in semiarid regions

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of different levels of sugarcane bagasse, as exclusive roughage, on nutrient intake and digestibility, feeding behavior, microbial protein synthesis, and dairy performance of crossbred cows. Ten lactating Girolando breed cows (600±34.3 kg body weight) were assigned to a replicated 5×5 Latin square design. The control diet, based on spineless cactus, sugarcane bagasse, and concentrate, was formulated to meet the average production of 20 kg of milk per day, with 3.5% fat. The evaluated levels of sugarcane bagasse were: 30, 38, 46, and 54% dry matter bases. The intake and digestibility of dry matter decreased linearly with sugarcane bagasse levels. Rumination time was higher in cows fed 54% sugarcane bagasse. The inclusion levels had no effect on non-esterified fatty acid contents or on the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, but beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations showed a quadratic pattern to the bagasse levels. Higher yields of 3.5% fat-corrected milk were obtained with cows fed 30% sugarcane bagasse. Sugarcane bagasse inclusion in the diet of crossbred dairy cows decreases their performance; however, the bagasse can be used as exclusive roughage when associated with 70% concentrate.

Impact of spineless cactus cultivation (O. Ficus-indica) on the thermal characteristics of soil

Temperature is a fundamentally important factor for understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in soil. However, there are few studies in the Brazilian semiarid zone that seek to understand how soil degradation affects its thermal characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cultivation techniques on the thermal characterization of soil, using the model proposed by Johansen. The study was conducted in the Agreste region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil on two plots of land, one with native vegetation (Caatinga) and the other with spineless cactus (O. ficus - indica). It was observed that the procedures used to prepare the soil for cultivation of spineless cactus caused a reduction in the capacity to transmit the surface temperature to the interior of the soil. Changes in the physical properties of the soil required for cultivation resulted in a reduction in the average value of the volumetric heat capacity of about 22%; an increase of approximately 5% in the average volumetric heat capacity and a 26% increase in the thermal diffusivity of the soil, as well as a reduction of approximately 50% in the heat flux from the surface of the soil.

Productivity and nutrient concentration in spineless cactus under different fertilizations and plant densities

The objective was to evaluate the productivity and nutrient concentration in spineless cactus ‘Miuda’ (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) under levels of nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 150, 450 and 600 kg N ha-1 year-1), P fertilization (0 and 150 kg P2O5 ha-1 year-1), plant densities (5,000 and 40,000 plants ha-1) in two sites (Caruaru and Sao Bento do Una). The productivity was greater in plots with 40,000 plants ha-1, regardless of the site, with average of 16.8 and 7.2 t DM ha-1 two years-1, for 40,000 and 5,000 plants ha-1, respectively. In plots with 5,000 plants ha-1, nitrogen fertilization did not affect productivity, however, there was a linear increase in plots with 40,000 ha-1 plants. The plant N concentration increased with nitrogen fertilization and ranged from 7.3 to 9.9 g kg-1. The plant phosphorus (P) concentration was influenced by the interaction between all the factors evaluated and reduced until estimated fertilization of 322 kg N ha-1 in plots with 40,000 plants ha-1 and 150 kg P ha-1 and only in Sao Bento do Una, with P concentration of 1.19 g kg-1. Nitrogen fertilization increased N concentration in cladodes and productivity when using high plant density. The increase in planting density increases productivity and reduces the concentration of most nutrients, except sulphur (S).

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.

Replacement of Tifton hay by spineless cactus in Girolando post-weaned heifers´ diets

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers) replacement by Orelha de Elefante Mexicana spineless cactus (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw) on the nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, microbial protein synthesis, and efficiency of dietary nitrogen compound utilization in the diets of Girolando heifers. Twenty-four (3.5months and 100kg±3.5kg) Girolando heifers (5/8 Holstein x Gyr) were used and arranged in a completely randomized design. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly as a function of the levels of Tifton hay (TH) replacement by Orelha de Elefante Mexicana spineless cactus (OEM). The non-fiber carbohydrate intake and coefficient of dry matter digestibility increased, while the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility decreased linearly with the OEM inclusion. After evaluating the growth performance by observing weight gain and morphometric measurements, there were no significant alterations. The urinary volume, nitrogen balance as well as the efficiency of nitrogen retention had increased, while the urinary and plasma urea concentrations had decreased linearly with the OEM inclusion. The results obtained in this study show that Orelha de Elefante Mexicana spineless cactus should replace Tifton hay in post-weaned heifer diets.

&lt;b&gt;Multiple supplements containing spineless cactus enriched with urea forcattle

This study was realized to evaluate the effect of the ‘multiple supplements’ containing spineless cactus enriched with urea (0, 1, 2 and 3% on dry matter basis - DM) as a replacement to a traditional supplement (control) on ruminal parameters and microbial protein synthesis in crossbred steers. Five steers(½ Holstein x Zebu) can nulated in the rumen, with an average initial body weight of 240 ± 22.1 kg were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square. A quadratic effect was observed for DM intake and N retention, with maximum values of 6.97 kg d -1 and 50.9 gd -1 with the inclusion of 1.8 and 2.1% urea, respectively. Maximum concentrations of 16.2, 23.2 and 24.3 mg dL -1 of N-NH 3 were recorded in animals fed spineless cactus enriched with 1, 2, and 3% of urea. There was a quadratic effect on ruminal pH, with a value of 6.45 at 4.08 hours after feeding. Microbial synthesis efficiency of 103 g CPkg -1 TDN was obtained with the inclusion of 1.6% urea. Multiple supplements containing spineless cactus enriched with 1.6 up to 1.8% urea in replacement of a traditional supplement is recommended for cattle.

Effect of replacing wheat bran with spineless cactus plus urea in sugarcane-based diets for sheep

In times of drought, the availability of feed is reduced, and the use of concentrate ingredients, such as wheat bran, becomes costly for animal production. Thus, the use of spineless cactus emerges as a potential solution to the shortage of feed and water during prolonged drought periods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing wheat bran with spineless cactus plus urea (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) in sugarcane-based diets for sheep on nutrient intake, feeding behaviour, nitrogen balance and microbial protein synthesis. Five male Santa Ines sheep with average initial bodyweight of 34.0 ± 3.6 kg were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square. The maximum intakes of dry matter (DM) (1414 g/day), organic matter (OM) (1281 g/day), crude protein (CP) (204 g/day), neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) (425 g/day), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) (890 g/day) were estimated with replacement levels of 80.2%, 75.3%, 88.6%, 50.5%, and 79.3% respectively. Feeding behaviour was not altered by replacing wheat bran with spineless cactus plus urea. Nitrogen retention increased by 0.10 g/day, while plasmatic urea nitrogen increased by 0.20 mg/day for every 1% level of replacement. The maximum production of microbial nitrogen (15.9 g/day) and microbial protein synthesis (99.4 g/day) were estimated with replacement levels of 45.8 and 45.7%, respectively. It is concluded that up to 80% wheat bran could be replaced with spineless cactus plus urea in sugarcane-based diets for sheep. Keywords: Alternative feed, drought, feeding behaviour, intake, microbial protein

Carcass characteristics of lambs fed spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane.

ObjectiveFresh sugarcane has been a new roughage source for ruminant’s in semiarid regions, a function of the decline of sugar and alcohol industry in recent years. However, there is little data published regarding lambs fed sugarcane associated with spineless cactus. This study evaluated the effect of sugarcane replacement with spineless cactus (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) in the diet of Santa Inês lambs on carcass characteristics.MethodsThirty-six non-castrated Santa Ines lambs at four months of age and an initial body weight of 22±2.3 kg were assigned in a randomized block design and slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. The effects of spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane in the diet of the lambs on the carcass characteristics, commercial cut weight and yield, leg tissue composition, and carcass measurements were studied.ResultsThe study revealed quadratic behavior in slaughter body weight, and hot and cold carcass weight, with maximum values of 38.60, 18.60, and 18.11 kg and replacement levels of 40.18%, 44.42%, and 43.14%, respectively. The cold carcass yield presented an increasing linear behavior. The compactness index of carcass and leg presented a quadratic effect, with estimated maximal values of 0.28 and 0.57 kg/cm and replacement levels of 43.37% and 45.5%, respectively. The weights of commercial cuts of leg, loin, shoulder, and breast showed quadratic behavior, with maximum values of 2.79, 0.852, 1.46, and 1.30 kg and replacement levels of 49.5, 45.32, 39.0, and 40.7, respectively. For tissue composition, quadratic behavior was verified for leg weight, subcutaneous fat, and total fat.ConclusionThe replacement of sugarcane by spineless cactus at level 44% is recommended for finishing lambs considering that this level improved most of the carcass characteristics, weights, and yields of commercial cuts and leg tissue composition.

Características produtivas e estruturais de genótipos de palma forrageira irrigada em diferentes intervalos de corte

A palma forrageira, recebendo aporte adicional de água, pode se constituir em alternativa alimentar para os rebanhos da região semiárida brasileira, entretanto são escassas as informações sobre as respostas produtivas e estruturais dos genótipos, assim como do intervalo de cortes da planta. Esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de avaliar as características produtivas e estruturais de genótipos de palma forrageira em diferentes intervalos de corte. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos completos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas tendo os genótipos dispostos nas parcelas e os intervalos de corte nas subparcelas, com quatro repetições por tratamento, totalizando 48 unidades experimentais. O experimento foi realizado no período de maio de 2014 a setembro de 2015, com três genótipos de palma forrageira, a Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.), IPA 20 (Opuntia ficus indica (Mill)) e a Miuda (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm. Dyck) e intervalos de corte de 4, 8, 12 e 16 meses após o plantio. A OEM aos 16 meses apresentou maior massa de forragem (t de matéria seca/ha e matéria verde/ha) em comparação com a Miuda e IPA 20 nos diferentes intervalos de corte, tendo ainda maior taxa de acúmulo de forragem e melhor eficiência de uso da água. A Miuda teve maior número de cladódios e cladódios mais leves. A OEM juntamente com a Miuda apresentaram maiores índices de área de cladódio a partir de oito meses após o plantio comparada à IPA 20. Os genótipos assim como o intervalo de corte afetam as características produtivas e estruturais da palma forrageira.

Effect of spineless cactus intake (Opuntia ficus-indica) on blood glucose levels in lactating sows and its impact on feed intake, body weight loss, and weaning-estrus interval

The effect of spineless cactus intake (Opuntia ficus-indica) on blood glucose (BG) levels in lactating sows and its impact on daily and total feed intake (dFI−1 and TFI, respectively), body weight loss (BWL), and weaning-estrus interval length (WEI) were evaluated. Thirty-four hybrid (Yorkshire × Landrace × Pietrain) sows in lactation phase were used. Sows were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 17) where they received commercial feed and G2 (n = 17) provided with commercial feed plus an average of 2.0 ± 0.5 kg spineless cactus, based on a sow’s body weight. The variables evaluated were BG, dFI−1, TFI, BWL, and WEI. Statistical analysis was performed by using a fixed and mixed model methodology, under a repeated measurements experiment. Group effects were found on all analyzed variables (P < 0.05). The BG was lower in G2 (55.2 and 64.5 mg/dL pre- and post-prandial, respectively), compared to that in G1 (70.9 and 80.1 mg/dL pre- and post-prandial, respectively) (P < 0.05). G2 showed better performance than G1 for dFI−1, BWL, and WEI (P < 0.05) whose averages were 5.5 ± 1.8 kg, 7.4 ± 4.5%, and 5.3 ± 1.2 days, respectively. Averages for these variables in G1 were 4.7 ± 1.5 kg, 16.8 ± 4.6%, and 6.1 ± 1.6 days, respectively. Intake of spineless cactus reduced BG levels in lactating sows, generating greater dFI−1, lower BWL at the end of lactation, and a lower WEI.

Simplified Management of Dairy Heifers: Different Protein Supplements in Spineless Cactus Based Diets

Simplified Management of Dairy Heifers: Different Protein Supplements in Spineless Cactus Based Diets

Spineless cactus associated with Tifton hay or sugarcane bagasse may replace corn silage in sheep diets.

The effect of the replacement of corn silage with spineless cactus associated with Tifton 85 hay or sugarcane bagasse was evaluated on the performance, body weight components and sheep meat quality. Twenty-one Santa Inês male sheep with initial body weight of 22.9±2.9kg were used. They were confined in individual stalls for 74days receiving the following diets: corn silage + concentrate (CS); spineless cactus + Tifton 85 hay + concentrate (TH); spineless cactus + sugarcane bagasse + concentrate (SB). After the feedlot period, the animals were slaughtered and their body components were weighed and sampled. Data were submitted to Tukey's test at 5% probability. The average daily gain (0.25 vs 0.14kg), cold carcass weight (13.3 vs 13.7kg), loin muscularity (0.6 vs 0.4kg) and liver weight (0.7 vs. 0.5kg) were higher (P<0.05) for the TH diet when compared to that for the CS. The physical-chemical parameters of meat were not influenced (P>0.05) by the treatments and presented about 20.1% of crude protein, 6.1% of crude fat and shear force of 2.0kgf/cm2. In complete diets for sheep, Tifton 85 hay associated with spineless cactus provides greater weight gain, cold carcass muscularity and organ weight when compared to those for animals fed with corn silage as exclusive roughage. Sugarcane bagasse associated with spineless cactus may replace corn silage in complete diets for sheep.

The fatty acid profile of fat depots from Santa Inês sheep fed spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus‐indica Mill.)

Fat is the tissue that varies most in animals from both a quantitative and distribution perspective. It plays a fundamental biological role as energy storage during food scarcity. Renal, pelvic and internal fat are deposited first. These fats are used to identify fatty acid profiles that may be considered beneficial or unhealthy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the fatty acid profile of fat depots in Santa Inês sheep finished in confinement with spineless cactus in their diets. The treatments included increasing levels of spineless cactus (Opuntia fícus-indica Mill.): T1 = 0%, T2 = 30%, T3 = 50%, and T4 = 70%. The diets significantly affected the adipose depots. The orthogonal contrast between the diet with no cactus (control) and the other diets indicates that the quantity of saturated fatty acids decreased and that the levels of mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased in animals fed spineless cactus. The use of spineless cactus in the diets of Santa Inês sheep affects the lipid profile of their fat depots, reducing the quantity of saturated fatty acids and increasing the quantity of mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid profile of the fat depots indicates that these fats can be used to formulate meat products and add economic and nutritional value to such products, which increases sheep farmers' incomes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Características agronômicas e composição química da palma forrageira em função de diferentes sistemas de plantio

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar as características agronômicas e composição química em relação a diferentes sistemas de plantio da cultura da Palma Forrageira (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) P. Mill). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos completos casualisados com arranjo fatorial 2x2x2 com 4 repetições. Os fatores corresponderam a plantas expostas ao sol ou sombreadas (por plantas de Spondias spp.), posição de plantio do cladódio da Palma Forrageira (face larga voltada para leste/oeste ou norte/sul) e com ou sem adubação orgânica com esterco de bovino de corte. A Palma Forrageira foi plantada com espaçamento de 1,0m x 0,5m em Quixadá, Ceará, Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido no período de novembro de 2003 a novembro de 2007, sendo realizado dois corte. Foi avaliada a produção de massa verde a cada dois anos e a produção de massa seca. A composição química foi avaliada no último corte. O sombreamento com Cajá (Spondias ssp.) com 1,5m de altura promoveu redução na produção de massa verde da palma forrageira, fato não observado no segundo corte para massa seca. No segundo corte a palma que recebeu adubação orgânica obteve maior produção de massa verde com 60,48t ha-1. A posição de plantio do cladódio de palma forrageira influenciou a quantidade de fibra em detergente ácido. A palma forrageira deve ser plantada sem sombreamento, com direcionamento da parte mais larga do cladódio no plantio leste/oeste e com adubação orgânica de esterco bovino.

Palma forrageira associada à silagem de sorgo corrigida com ureia e farelo de algodão em dietas para novilhos Girolando

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, the apparent digestibility, the urea excretion, nitrogen balance and the microbial ruminal synthesis in steers (5/8 Holstein-Zebu). Thirty-eight animals with an initial average weight of 320 ± 32 kg and 24 ± 2 months old were distributed randomly in individual pens. The animals were assigned to completely randomized design and initial body weight was used as a covariate in the statistical model. The trial lasted 84 days. The treatments were: 1 - 60% of spineless cactus (SC) + 38% of sorghum silage corrected with urea (SSU) (3% of urea) + 0% of cottonseed meal (CM); 2 - 60% of SC + 26.5% of SSU (1.5% of urea) + 11.5% of CM; 3 - 60% of SC + 15% of sorghum silage + 23% of CM. The treatments had no effect on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. The association of cottonseed to diet resulted in greater body weight gain and better feed conversion (31%). The animals fed with high proportion of sorghum silage associate to spineless cactus as base of diet excreted less nitrogen urinary and fecal. The experimental diets had no effect on the ruminal microbial protein synthesis. We recommended 26.5 and 11.5% of sorghum silage corrected with urea and cottonseed meal, respectively, associated to spineless cactus in diets for dairy steers, with less concentrate ingredients in the diet.