Tifton Hay Research Articles

Intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior and performance of goats fed spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, and performance of goats fed with spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). Thirty castrated male goats, without defined breed, aged 12 to 14 months, with an average body weight of 19.0±2.8kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design among three treatments (Control - Tifton hay, Miúda, and OEM) and ten replicates; the initial weight was considered as the covariate. The intake of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was highest in the control treatment, while the intake of NFC was higher in the OEM diet. Treatments containing forage cactus showed the highest digestibility of DM, OM, and NFC. The animals fed the control diet spent more time on rumination and total chewing, but the time spent feeding or feeding efficiency, and performance did not differ. The use of spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana) in a diet for goats, in the amount of 450g/kg of DM does not interfere with the performance of the animals and improves the digestibility of OM and NFC.

Effect of Feeding Frequency on Intake, Digestibility, Ingestive Behavior, Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Male Feedlot Lambs

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding frequencies (one, two, three, and four times per day) on the performance of male feedlot lambs. Forty Santa Inês male lambs were used with an average age of 120 days approximately and initial body weight of 24.90 ± 1.8 kg (mean ± S.D.). The lambs were distributed to treatment groups in a completely randomized experimental design, with 10 animals per treatment, placed in individual pens. A standard diet consisted of Tifton-85 hay and concentrate with a ratio of 60:40, respectively. The different feeding frequencies did not influence (p > 0.05) the intake of nutritional components, blood parameters, weight gain, ingestive behavior, carcass characteristics, or meat quality of male feedlot lambs. The feeding frequency of 3 and 4 times per day promoted the highest digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF; p = 0.008) and total digestible nutrients (TDN; p = 0.002). The feeding frequency of 3 times per day promoted the highest digestibility of crude protein (CP; p = 0.005). The time devoted to rumination (min/kg DM) was increased (p = 0.029) when the diet was supplied once a day compared to the other feeding frequencies. Based on these results, the recommended feeding frequency for male feedlot lambs is once a day. When feeding at this frequency, the ingestive behavior, productivity, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of male feedlot lambs will not be compromised.

Nutritive Value, In Vitro Fermentation, and Methane Production of Cactus Cladodes, Sugarcane Bagasse, and Urea.

Simple SummaryCyclical droughts affecting arid and semiarid regions promote direct negative impacts on agriculture, with deficits of water availability for the maintenance of crops destined for human supply and animal production, with direct and indirect socioeconomic effects. Although livestock rearing is one of the few viable economic activities for these regions, forage production in terms of quantity and quality is a critical obstacle to support the herd over the year. Research was developed to find a forage adapted to these climates. Cactus cladodes have been used as a traditional ingredient in ruminant diets in dry areas as a solution to forage scarcity. Many traditionally used sources of forage, fresh or conserved, can be added to diets with cactus. However, the limiting factor to their inclusion would be market availability and price. This study showed that cactus cladodes associated with sugarcane bagasse (a high available crop residue) present the same nutritive value of conserved crops as silages and hay. Cactus (Opuntia and Nopalea) are essential for ruminant production systems in arid and semiarid regions due to the limitation of forage production caused by the low precipitation.This study evaluated the effect of different roughages fed to sheep on nutrient and water intake, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, fermentation parameters, and methane production using an in vitro gas production system. The treatments consisted of five diets: cactus cladodes Nopalea (NUB) and Opuntia (OUB), both with the addition of sugarcane bagasse (SB) and urea/ammonium sulfate (urea/as); Tifton hay (TH); corn silage (CS); and sorghum silage (SS), also with added urea/as. The NUB provided greater (p ≤ 0.03) intakes of dry matter (1024 g/d), digestible organic matter (670 g/d), and crude protein (161 g/d) than those on the SS. The NUB provided greater (p < 0.01) dietary water intake (3023 g/d) than TH. The time spent on rumination was shorter (p < 0.01), and the idle time was longer in animals fed NUB and OUB than TH and CS. Microbial protein synthesis was not affected (p = 0.27). The final pH (6.4) of the incubation fluid and the concentration of NH3-N (39.05 mg/dL) were greater for NUB and OUB. Ruminal parameters and methane production were little or not affected by tested forages. We recommend using cactus cladodes in combination with sugarcane bagasse and urea/as in sheep diets.

Energy value of babassu cake as substitute bulk in sheep diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy value of diets containing babassu cake as a replacement for Tifton-85 hay (70, 140, 210, 280 and 350 g kg-1 dry matter, DM), using the technique of indirect calorimetry. Twenty-five castrated male Santa Inês sheep, with an average body weight of 49.6 + 9.4 kg, were used in a completely randomised design. The trial was carried out in an individual open-flow respirometry chamber for small ruminants, with each animal remaining for 24 hours inside the chamber. Gross energy and net energy intake were not affected by adding the cake. Digestible energy intake and metabolisable energy intake showed a linear response, ranging from 145.44 to 178.40 and from 121.85 to 158.08 kcal kg-0.75 day-1 respectively. The energy lost through faeces and methane (% of gross energy intake, GEI) showed decreasing linear behaviour, while the caloric increase, in %GEI, showed a quadratic response. The values for digestible energy and metabolisability presented an increasing linear response. The partial efficiency of use of metabolisable energy for maintenance ranged from 0.71 to 0.81, and showed a quadratic response; however, the net energy values did not differ. For every 10 g of added by-product, there was a reduction of 0.31 g of methane per kg of DM intake. The addition of babassu cake to replace up to 350 g kg-1 DM in sheep diets increases the energy efficiency of the diet and reduces methane emission by the animals.

Performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs fed with different roughage: concentrate ratios associated with variable physically effective neutral detergent fibre content

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of roughage:concentrate (R:C) ratio associated with a variable particle size of physically effective neutral detergent fibre (peNDF8) in the forage (Tifton-85 hay) on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Seventy-two 4-month-old, non-castrated Santa Ines male lambs (23.5 ± 2.32 kg BW) were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement [two peNDF8 hay particle sizes (13 and 6 mm) and two R:C ratios (700:300 and 500:500 g/kg DM total)]. DMI, DM, NFC and TDN digestibility's, N-intake and N-faecal excretion were affected by the R:C ratio (P &lt; 0.05). However, the N-retained was not affected by the studied variables (P &gt; 0.05). It was observed an interaction (P &lt; 0.05) between the peNDF8 and R:C ratios for final BW, average daily gain (ADG), colour parameters and pH 24 h. The lower roughage ratio provided greater (P &lt; 0.05) concentrations of C14:1, C16:1–cis9, C18:1–cis9, ΣMUFA, Σn–6:Σn–3 and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index, enzymatic activity Δ9desaturase-C16 and -C18. Lambs fed a lower roughage diet had improved performance and feed efficiency, however, presented reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations in the meat, especially Σn–3 family. Higher roughage diet and larger peNDF8 particle size improved the concentrations of PUFA while decreased Σn–6:Σn–3 ratio in meat. Larger peNDF8 particle size associated with higher roughage proportion, have reduced animal performance however, it increased protein concentration, a* and C* colour parameter without affecting fatty acids profile of Longissimus lumborum muscle.

Liver status of goats fed with cactus cladodes genotypes resistant to Dactylopius opuntiae

The effects of diets containing cactus cladodes genotypes resistant to Dactylopius opuntiae on the hepatic condition of crossbred male goats were evaluated. Thirty-six goats (19.0 ± 2.8 kg body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and twelve replications. For 70 days, the animals were provided with a diet containing Tifton hay as exclusive roughage (control) and two more diets in which the hay was partially replaced by Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (O.E.M.) cactus cladodes. Blood samples were collected one day before (baseline) and 50 days after the introduction of the tested diets to determine enzyme activities, bilirubins concentration and indicators of energy and protein metabolism, as well as, after slaughter, liver samples were collected for histopathological analysis. The use of cactus cladodes, regardless of genotype, decreased the serum concentration of cholesterol (P = 0.0023), whose averages were 73.24; 51.55 and 56.93 mg/dL, for the control treatments, with Miúda and with O.E.M. cactus cladodes, respectively. The animals that consumed cactus cladodes showed a predominance of degenerative and inflammatory processes and the O.E.M. cactus cladodes caused diffuse and accentuated coagulative necrosis in liver tissue (P = 0.0334). The cactus cladodes causes a decrease in serum cholesterol and, especially the O.E.M. genotype, causes outstanding tissue damage in the liver of goats, without affecting productive parameters.

Perfil metabólico de ovinos alimentados com silagem de subproduto de maracujá

RESUMO: O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil metabólico em ovinos sem padrão de raça definido, consumindo dietas compostas de silagem de subprodutos de maracujá em substituição ao feno de Tífton. O trabalho foi realizado no Campus de Engenharias e Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Alagoas, utilizando-se 28 ovinos, com peso corporal médio de 25 kg. Com período experimental de 60 dias sendo 15 para adaptação do ambiente e manejo, e 45 dias para coleta de dados. A dieta tinha como volumoso feno de Tífton (Cynodon ssp.) e silagem de subproduto (cascas) de maracujá (Passiflora edulins), e como concentrado, farelo de soja (Glycine max), farelo de milho (Zea mays) e sal mineral, fornecidos ad libitum. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de níveis de resíduo de maracujá em substituição ao feno de Tífton (0, 20, 40 e 60%) em dietas cuja proporção foi 60% de volumoso e 40% de concentrado. Os animais foram alojados em baias individuais, identificadas, providas de comedouro e bebedouro. Foram pesados no início e fim do período experimental. A coleta de urina spot, bem como o sangue, foi efetuada quatro horas após o fornecimento da alimentação. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, os dados foram interpretados por meio de análise de variância e regressão por meio do programa estatístico SAS (2001). Para o consumo de matéria seca e os pesos corporais foram observados comportamento linear crescente. O volume urinário também apresentou o mesmo comportamento. O perfil metabólico dos ovinos apresentou um comportamento linear crescente, bem como a síntese de proteína microbiana para os níveis de substituição. A substituição do feno de Tífton pela silagem do resíduo de maracujá apresenta melhores perfis metabólicos e proteína microbiana em ovinos confinados.&#x0D; PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Cordeiros, Ruminantes, Metabolismo.

Potential use of cassava by-product as ruminant feed.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) bagasse is the by-product from industry (BCI), generated during manufacturing of cassava flour; this material has significant amounts of carbohydrates consisting in a potential energy source for ruminants. We hypothesized that the inclusion of BCI in the diets may lead to fermentation parameters equivalent to those of conventional feedstuff such as tropical grasses or grains; therefore, we aimed to evaluate ruminal fermentation parameters of BCI in in vitro conditions. Three different substrates were prepared: 100% BCI (BCI diet), 100% tifton (Cynodon spp.) hay (CTL diet), and 50% tifton hay +50% BCI (THB diet). Ruminal fermentation parameters of these diets were evaluated in in vitro gas production assays. In a 24-h incubation, increased values for total gas production, organic matter degradability, and methane production were observed for BCId and THB as compared to CTL (p < 0.05), while neutral THB showed the highest value for neutral detergent fiber degradability (p < 0.05). Fermentation profile was evaluated in a 48-h assay: shorter lag time as well as increased gas production potential and fractional fermentation rate were observed for the BCId and THB as compared to CTL (p < 0.05). Our results suggested that by-product from cassava industry is a suitable feed for ruminant production, providing desirable in vitro ruminal fermentation performance and organic matter degradability.

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs fed with cassava foliage hay and spineless cactus.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the total or partial replacement of Tifton 85 hay (TH) by cassava foliage hay (CH) and/or spineless cactus (SC) on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of confined lambs. Thirty-five Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs were used, with an initial average weight of 16.0±1.9kg, fed with five treatment diets: 70% TH, 70% CH, 35% TH+35% CH, 35% TH+35% SC, and 35% CH+35% SC. After 90days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered and the carcass and meat data were compared using the Tukey test at 5%. The partial replacement of TH by SC increased the cold carcass weight by 3.9kg (p<.05). The proportion of fat (%) increased (p<.05) when TH was replaced by CH+SC. The intensity of red (a*) was lower (p<.05) in the meat of animals fed with CH or CH+SC. It is recommended to partially replace TH with SC, or to replace totally with CH in association with SC.

Replacing maize with low tannin sorghum grains: lamb growth performance, microbial protein synthesis and enteric methane production

Context Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) grain with low tannin content may be suitable as an alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) grain in ruminant diets in terms of input costs and drought tolerance, and effects on growth performance and mitigation of methane (CH4) emissions. Aims The study aimed to evaluate the effects of substitution of maize with sorghum grain at different rates on ruminal microbial protein synthesis, CH4 formation and liveweight gain in growing ruminants. Methods Twenty-five Santa Inês lambs (bodyweight 19.0 ± 1.5 kg) were randomly divided into five dietary treatments. Control diet components (on a dry matter basis) were Tifton-85 hay (400 g/kg), maize (405 g/kg), soybean meal (165 g/kg) and commercial mineral supplement (30 g/kg). Sorghum diets comprised the basal diet with the maize grain proportionately substituted with sorghum grain at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (diets S25–S100). Lamb feed intake, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis and CH4 emission were measured during an experimental period of 70 days. Key results Negligible variations of chemical composition were observed among the experimental diets, although numerical increases in condensed tannins were observed with increasing levels of sorghum replacement. There was no significant effect of level of sorghum inclusion on feed intake. Partial substitution of maize with sorghum grain increased lamb average daily gain linearly (P = 0.02) and quadratically (P = 0.002) compared with diets based on either grain alone, with the S50 lambs having the highest values. A linear decrease in dry matter digestibility (P = 0.02), organic matter (P = 0.02) and acid detergent fibre (P = 0.002) was observed for lambs receiving sorghum diets compared with the control. A significant linear (P = 0.023) effect was observed for retained nitrogen (g/day), with lambs fed S25 and S50 having higher values than those in other treatments. All partially substituted diets (S25, S50 and S75) reduced CH4 per unit bodyweight gain in a linear trend (P = 0.03), by 35%, 29% and 33%, respectively, and tended to increase (linear effect, P = 0.09) the calculated amounts of absorbed microbial protein compared with the control diet. Conclusions Low tannin sorghum grains can replace maize grains by up to 75% to maximise ruminal microbial biomass production for optimal lamb growth performance and reduced CH4 emission. Implications Animal productivity can be enhanced while mitigating the environmental impact of livestock production through the partial substitution of maize by low tannin sorghum grains in ruminant diets.

Biometric and carcass measurements in Santa Ines lambs fed dehydrated brewery residue

The aim of this study was to determine biometric measurements in vivo and in the carcass of Santa Ines lambs fed dehydrated brewery residue. Thirty-five Santa Ines lambs were used, approximately 70 days of age and with a mean initial body weight of 16.00±1.69 kg. The experimental design was completely randomised, with five levels of dehydrated brewery residue - DBR (0; 20; 40; 60 and 80%) added to the concentrated portion of the diet, with seven replications. The experimental diets consisted of Tifton-85 hay, soybean meal, ground maize, dehydrated brewery residue in the experimental proportions, dicalcium phosphate and a mineral base. The body condition score, thoracic girth and croup width were not influenced by the experimental diets, neither were the carcass measurements, except for croup circumference, chest width and leg compactness index (P&gt;0.05). However, there was a decreasing linear effect on the carcass compactness index and ribeye area as the DBR was added to the diet. The morphometric measurements of croup height and width, and chest width can be used as an alternative for estimating the body weight at slaughter and the cold-carcass weight of Santa Ines lambs fed dehydrated brewery residue, as they show a high correlation with these variables.

Quality of hydroponic forage corn cultivated on different by-product substrates

Abstract Hydroponic corn cultivation is an efficient, fast, and feasible alternative for periods of food scarcity; however, there is still little information on the qualitative and quantitative parameters of the produced biomass, especially with regard to substrates. This study aimed to evaluate the productive and qualitative aspects of hydroponic feed corn grown on different substrates with a cultivation period of 15 days. Four substrates were evaluated: 1) fermented whole açaí seeds, 2) crushed açaí seeds, 3) sugarcane bagasse, and 4) ground Tifton hay, with five replications under a randomized block design. Substrate temperature was monitored during the production period. After harvesting on day 15, roots length (RL), shoot length (SL), biomass dry matter content (BDM), dry biomass yield, forage dry mass productivity, crude protein (CP), and ash content were assessed. There was no correlation of growth period and substrate temperature. RL was not affected by substrates, BDM was lower in treatment 3, CP was not influenced, and ash content was higher in treatment 1. In general, the best development was observed in treatment 1 because of the absence of distinction regarding qualitative parameters (CP and ash) and higher granulometry of whole açaí seeds which affects mass density and substrate aeration, thus allowing higher dry biomass yield.

PSXII-20 Whole flint corn grain or tropical grass hay free choice in the diet of milk-fed dairy calves

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of whole flint corn grain or tropical grass hay free choice, as a fiber source in the diet, on the performance, ruminal and intestinal development of Holstein dairy calves. Forty-two Holstein calves were used in a randomized block design, considering sex, birth date and weight at 21 days of age (48.7 ± 0.82 kg), when the study started. Three solid diets were compared: 1) SC: starter concentrate only (24% CP, 14% NDF, 47% NFC); 2) SCH: starter concentrate, with free access to chopped Tifton-85 hay; and 3) SCW: starter concentrate with free access to whole flint corn grain. Animals were fed with 6 L/d until d 21, and then 4L/d of whole milk until gradual weaning at d 56. At weaning, 12 animals were randomly selected to be slaughtered to evaluate the weight of forestomach compartments and rumen and intestine morphometrics. Data were analyzed using the GLM or MIXED (repeated measures) procedure of SAS, and the means were compared using Tukey test (P ≤ 0.05). The SCH diet increased the total DMI (P = 0.01) and ADG (P = 0.01). Calves fed with SCH diet presented higher total proximal digestive tract weight (kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01). The empty reticulum-rumen weight was higher in calves fed the SCH diet (P = 0.03). The papillae area was higher in calves fed with SCH diet (P = 0.05). The depth of the crypts and the number of goblet cells from the duodenum and cecum were not affected by diets; however, the duodenum villus height was higher for animals that received SCH (P = 0.02). The tropical grass hay supplementation in the diet improved performance, ruminal and intestinal development. The whole flint corn grain do not play a fiber role for dairy calves.

PSII-25 Detection of neurotransmitter-related molecules by untargeted metabolomic analysis of rumen fluid from monensin-treated temperate and tropically adapted beef cattle

Abstract The effect of an ionophore on the ruminal metabolome of temperate and tropically-adapted cattle was evaluated. For 21 d, five Angus, 5 Brahman, and 5 BrahmanXAngus F1 steers (264 kg BW) with 5 steers per pen within breedtype, were fed Tifton bermudagrass hay ad libitum, at the conclusion of which rumen fluid (100-to-250 mL) was collected and stored at -80°C (PRE). During a subsequent 21-d period, all steers were fed Tifton hay ad libitum plus a supplement (908 g corn, 217 g soybean meal, 60 g dried molasses) with monensin (220 mg·steer−1·d−1) individually, at the conclusion of which rumen fluid (100-to-250 mL) was collected and stored at -80°C (POST). Rumen fluid samples were processed for an untargeted analysis by LC/MS on Compound Discoverer v.3.1. Approximately 2,043 compounds were detected with 825 being annotated by ChemSpider and other databases, of which several were associated with four neurotransmitters; acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and serotonin. After monensin, several ACh-related molecules increased (P &amp;lt; 0.003) in Angus (POST:PRE ratio=7.906) but ACh decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.043) in the F1 (ratio= 0.391) steers. Dopamine and dopamine-related molecules decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in Angus (ratio= 0.149) and F1 steers (ratio= 0.206) after monensin. No changes for rumen presence of ACh or dopamine occurred in Brahman steers after monensin. Multiple molecules related to GABA increased in Angus (P &amp;lt; 0.03) and Brahman (P &amp;lt; 0.02) steers. Serotonin-related molecules such as the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA; ratio= 4.389) increased (P &amp;lt; 0.005) only in Brahman steers. The addition of monensin to the diet differentially altered the presence of neurotransmitter-related molecules in the rumen fluid of temperate and tropically adapted beef cattle. Further research regarding physiological roles of ruminal neurotransmitters and modulation by ionophores that affect ruminal microbiota is warranted. Support: USDA FAH

Effect of high-grain diet and residual frying oil on the quality of lamb meat

In addition to influencing performance, the use of new ingredients in the diet of production animals can influence meat quality. Were used 15 lambs, crossbred from Dorper x Santa Inês, divided into three experimental groups. Group 1 (Control) fed with Tifton hay and concentrate, in the proportion of 40:60; Group 2- animals fed a 100% high grain diet; Group 3- lambs fed with Tifton hay and concentrated with the inclusion of 6% residual frying oil. After 40 days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered and the Longissimus dorsi muscle was removed from the carcasses for analysis of meat quality attributes. There was no effect of the test diets (P &gt; 0.05) on the physical parameters of the meat. The protein and lipid values were higher in the meat of the animals on the diet with residual oil. The moisture content of meat from animals on the high-grain diet showed higher values (P &lt; 0.05) than that of other diets. This fact is attributed to the lower muscle development in animals on this diet, which may also have contributed to the levels of meat protein and lipids in this treatment. It was concluded that the diet with the inclusion of frying oil was the best among the test diets because it did not negatively impact the meat quality.

Whole-flint corn grain or tropical grass hay free choice in the diet of dairy calves

Tropical grass hay feeding is related to improved ruminal health; however, it may decrease energy intake. On the other hand, whole-flint corn grain may be an alternative fiber source in the diet of dairy calves. Forty-two Holstein calves were used in a randomized block design, considering sex, birth date, and weight at 21 d of age, when the supply of whole-flint corn grain or tropical grass hay started. Three component-fed solid diets were compared: (1) starter concentrate only during the preweaning and starter concentrate with free choice of chopped Tifton-85 hay postweaning (SC), (2) starter concentrate with free choice of chopped Tifton-85 hay pre- and postweaning (SCH), and (3) starter concentrate with free choice of whole-flint corn grain pre- and postweaning (SCW). The animals were evaluated from 21 to 84 d of age. Calves were managed equally during the first 21 d, fed with 6 L/d of whole milk and a commercial starter concentrate (46% nonfiber carbohydrates, small particles, and pelleted) ad libitum. After that, milk feeding was reduced to 4 L/d until gradual weaning at 56 d of age. At 56 d of age, 4 animals per treatment were randomly chosen to be slaughtered for digestive tract weight evaluation and to collect tissue for histological analysis of the ruminal wall, duodenum, and cecum, whereas the other 30 animals were weaned and evaluated for a further 22 d when the SC diet also received hay ad libitum. Feed intake was measured daily. Weight gain and metabolic indicators of intermediate metabolism were evaluated weekly. Ruminal fluid was collected at wk 6, 8, 10, and 12 of age. The SCH diet increased the total and starter dry matter intake, and consequently, the average daily gain and body weight at 56 d of age. The SCW diet promoted an increase in propionate and decreased acetate-to-propionate ratio. Morphometric variables were affected by the SCH diet. The postweaning performance was unaffected by solid diets; however, the SCW diet decreased ruminal and fecal pH. Feeding hay, starting at 21 d of age, can stimulate early solid diet intake, promoting better performance and ruminal and intestinal development, when a highly fermentable and small particle pelleted starter is fed.

Avaliação de carcaça de cordeiros em sistema de confinamento alimentados com dieta 100% concentrado e dieta com inclusão de óleo residual

Objetivou-se, realizar avaliação de carcaça de cordeiros em sistema de confinamento alimentados com dieta 100% concentrado e dieta com inclusão de óleo residual, de modo a identificar qual dieta proporciona melhor desempenho. Foram utilizados 15 ovinos machos, não castrados, mestiços de Dorper × Santa Inês, com seis meses, confinado em baias coletivas por 50 dias. Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: Dieta Controle (CT) - Feno de Tifton + concentrado; Dieta de alto grão (AG) - Dieta 100% concentrado comercial para ovinos; Dieta com óleo residual de fritura (ORF) - Feno de tifton + concentrado + óleo residual de fritura. Semanalmente durante o período de confinamento foram coletadas as medidas morfométricas: altura de cernelha, altura de garupa, perímetro torácico e comprimento corporal para avaliação de carcaça. Não houve diferença estatística para consumo de matéria seca, ganho de peso, altura de garupa, altura de cernelha, comprimento do corpo, perímetro torácico, rendimento de carcaça, peso de carcaça, perímetro de patela de carcaça, comprimento de pernil da carcaça e perímetro de pernil da carcaça (P&gt;0,05) entre a dieta controle e com inclusão de 6% de óleo residual. Apesar de não diferir estatisticamente da dieta controle, a inclusão de óleo residual promoveu superioridade de consumo de matéria seca, ganho de peso total, peso de carcaça quente e fria e perímetro torácico de carcaça quente em relação aos animais alimentados com dieta de alto grão. A dieta com inclusão de 6% de óleo residual proporcionou melhores resultados produtivos e desempenho aos cordeiros.

Spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopius sp.) on the composition and sensory properties of goat milk

The physical-chemical characteristics and sensory attributes of milk are variable. This study aimed to evaluate how spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopius sp.) influences the composition and sensory characteristics of goat milk. Twelve lactating goats with body weights of 51.35 ± 3.75 kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, with three simultaneous squares composed of four animals, four periods, and four experimental diets: Control - goats fed tifton grass hay and concentrate; SCOE - goats fed the Orelha-de-elefante spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCB – goats fed the Baiana spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCM – goats fed the Miúda spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate. The levels of protein and non-greasy solids and the sensory attributes of the milk (odor, butter flavor, and global acceptance) did not differ between the treatments (p &gt; 0.05). The lipid content of the milk was reduced in the SCOE treatment compared to the control (p = 0.0014). The milk obtained from animals fed the SCOE and SCM treatments had a stronger flavor (p &lt; 0.05). These results suggest that varieties of spineless cactus resistant to carmine cochineal can be used as goat feed without affecting milk production or global acceptance.

Can urea associated with alternative carbohydrate sources replace conventional concentrate for lambs?

This study aimed to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen use, performance and blood metabolic profile of lambs in finishing fed with urea supplemented alternative feeds. Forty Santa Ines lambs, uncastrated males, with an average body weight of 22.8 ± 2.1 kg, were used in a completely randomized design. Four diets were tested, with Tifton-85 hay as forage (580 g/kg of dry matter) and corn + soybean meal (CSM), corn + urea (CU), cassava scraping + urea (CSU), and spineless cactus + urea (SCU). The lambs fed with SCU diet had lower (P < 0.05) intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), lignin, total carbohydrates (TCH), non-fibrous carbohydrates, and energy; lower (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility of DM, OM, and TCH, as well as lower (P < 0.05) final body weight and mean daily gain (g day−1). However, they presented a higher (P < 0.05) serum concentration of magnesium, higher urinary volume, and higher microbial efficiency (relationship between microbial N flux (g day−1) and digestible organic matter fermented in the rumen in kg day−1; DOMR). Plasma concentrations of glucose were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed CSM concerning to CSU and SCU lambs. Diets containing corn resulted in higher (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phosphorus. Serum albumin concentration was affected (P < 0.05) by soybean meal replacement. The carbohydrate sources corn, cassava scraping, or spineless cactus, in association with urea, in diets for finishing lambs did not allow the same performance compared to that of animals feed CSM. The SCU diet use can reduce freshwater intake and allow reasonable body weight gain. So, this diet may be more sustainable option in Arid and Semiarid livestock production. Diets containing spineless cactus allow a better efficiency (g N kg−1 DOMR) of the use of non-protein nitrogen in the rumen.

Effect of pelleted vs. ground starter with or without hay on preweaned dairy calves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the physical form of starter and inclusion of hay in the diet of preweaning dairy calves on performance, digestibility, ruminal development, and mRNA expression of genes involved in ruminal metabolism. Holstein × Gyr crossbred male calves (n = 38 1day old) were assigned to 3 treatments for 9 weeks: Control (n = 13; pellet starter with 4 mm diameter and 18 mm length and 4% steam-flaked corn), Ground (n = 12; same starter of the control but ground pass through a 4.0 mm sieve), or Ground plus 5% chopped Tifton hay GH (n = 13). All calves were fed 4 L/d of whole milk up to 63 d of age and were abruptly weaned at 64 d of age. Water and diets were offered ad libitum. Samples of ruminal contents were obtained from all animals at 30, 45, and 60 d of age to evaluate pH, ammonia nitrogen, and volatile fatty acids (VFA). At 55 d of age, an apparent digestibility assay was performed using 18 animals (n = 6/ treatment). At 65 d of age, the 18 animals were euthanized to evaluate the development of the digestive tract. The physical form of starter and the dietary inclusion of hay did not influence starter intake (Control 326 g/d, Ground 314 g/d and GH 365 g/d), daily weight gain (Control 541g/d, Ground 531g/d and GH 606g/d), feed efficiency, apparent nutrient digestibility, energy partitioning, nitrogen balance, ruminal pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration, VFA, the development of the digestive tract and the mRNA expression of genes involved in AGV metabolism.