Tifton Hay Research Articles

Economic analysis of the finishing of lambs under confinement conditions using licuri cake ( Syagrus coronata Mart. Becc.)

SUMMARY The present study endeavors to determine the impact of the inclusion of licuri tart in the diet of finishing lambs, Santa Inês mestizos, by evaluating the economic parameters. For this purpose, a total of 44 lambs, including both uncastrated as well as vaccinated and wormed lambs, with an average age of six months and a mean body weight of 21.2 kg ± 2.7 kg, were employed. Initially, the lambs were fed on the diet which consisted of 40% Tifton-85 hay and 60% of a concentrated mixture, mainly composed of ground corn grain, soybean meal, mineral premix, being further followed by the inclusion of the licuri cake at four different levels (a) 0.0, (b) 8.0,(c) 16.0, and (d) 24% with respect to the dry matter. Principally, the soybean meal and milled corn were replaced by the licuri cake with these levels, thereby constituting four treatments and 11 replicates (11 lambs per treatment) in a completely randomized design. Further, for subjecting the lambs to the above mentioned four different levels of treatment, the lambs were confined for 70 days. The analysis of various economic parameters revealed that upon including the licuri cake up to the level of 24%, the operation cost decreases, which in turn results in higher profitability. However, its cost at the time of use will eventually determine its use for feeding lambs, because of the possible price variations of the ingredients used to formulate the diets along with the model of production of the rural property.

Effects of partial replacement of soybean meal with other protein sources in diets of lactating cows

The protein nutrition of dairy cows is of great importance because of its direct influence on milk production, reproductive efficiency, and feeding cost. Eight first-lactation Holstein cows were randomly assigned to two contemporary 4 × 4 Latin squares in a 2 × 2 factorial design to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with yeast-derived microbial protein (YMP) as a protein source (0% or 1.5% of dry matter (DM)) and its combination with slow-release urea (SRU; 0% or 0.75% of DM) on DM intake and milk production and composition, as well as blood parameters and nitrogen balance. Each experimental period lasted 28 days, with 21 days of adaptation and 7 days of data collection. The diets were formulated to attend the nutritional recommendations of the National Research Council and consisted of 49% forage (47% corn silage and 2% Tifton hay) and 51% concentrate, with 16.8% CP and 1.6 Mcal net energy for lactation/kg DM. For diets without YMP, the inclusion of SRU decreased DM intake, milk production as well as N intake and balance, but did not affect efficiency of production, milk composition or most of blood parameters. On the contrary, for diets with YMP, DM intake and milk production were increased by inclusion of SRU, while minor effects were observed for milk efficiency and composition, blood parameters as well as N intake, excretion and balance. When diets with SRU were compared, the inclusion of YMP increased DM intake, 4% fat-corrected milk, and N intake and balance (P<0.05), with no differences in milk production (kg/day), milk energy, efficiency of milk production or most of the blood parameters. For diets without SRU, YMP inclusion decreased DM intake, milk production, milk energy, N intake, fecal N and N balance (P<0.05), with no effects on milk efficiency and composition, or most of blood parameters. In conclusion, the use of YMP, SRU or both as partial substitutes of soybean meal in the diet of lactating cows has no negative effects on productivity parameters.

Evaluation of Fibrous Diets for Finishing Pigs: Digestibility, Performance and Carcass Traits

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate digestibility, performance and carcass traits of finishing pigs fed fibrous diets, such as, basal diet (Control treatment) and inclusion of Tifton-85 hay, Soybean hulls or Citrus pulp. Twenty crossbred castrated male pigs, with average body weight of 70.00±1.95 kg, distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments and five repetitions (blocks) were used to evaluate apparent total tract digestibility of dietary nutrients. To evaluate animal performance and carcass traits, eighty commercial hybrids pigs with 120 days of age and average body weight of 73.00±3.3 kg were used. Pigs were distributed in 40 boxes according to gender and body weight, with one castrated male and one female pig per pen (experimental unit), in a randomized block design with 10 repetitions (blocks) per treatment were used. Regarding the digestibility assay, Tifton hay presented 2425 kcal of digestible energy/kg, with low digestible protein content (3.36%). Citrus pulp presented 2850 kcal of digestible energy/kg, also with low digestible protein content (1.47%). Soybean hulls showed 2250 kcal of digestible energy/kg, with relatively medium crude protein digestibility coefficient (7.85%). Offering different fiber sources in the finishing phase for pigs promoted significant differences (p0.05) was observed for carcass parameters. Given the results obtained in this study, Soybean hull showed to be a promising ingredient to be used in diets of finishing pigs, leading to good results on animal performance and also contributing to the sustainability of pig production.

PSX-26 Ruminal bacteria and protozoa profile during adaptation and finishing periods of Nellore cattle previously submitted to either nutritional restriction or intake concentrate feedstuffs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional restriction or consumption of concentrate ingredients prior to the adaptation period to high-concentrate diet on ruminal microorganism’s profile of cannulated Nellore cattle. The experiment was designed as a two 3 x 3 Latin squares, in which six Nellore steers (323 ± 23 kg) cannulated in the rumen were fed according to the treatments: Restriction (Tifton hay fed 1.4% BW + supplement); Control (Tifton hay fed ad libitum + supplement) and Concentrate (Tifton hay fed ad libitum + 0.5% BW of concentrate and supplement). Each period of this study lasted 33-d with two 10-d washout interval, divided as follows: 14 days of pre-adaptation (when treatments were applied), 12 days of adaptation diet (72% and 79% concentrate for 6-d each) and 7 days of finishing diet (86% concentrate). On days 17 and 29 of each period, rumen fluid was collected to evaluate populations of rumen bacteria and protozoa. Differential counting of protozoa was performed using a microscope with a reticulum and a “Sedgwick Rafter” counting chamber (x10P>0.05) was observed on populations of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Megaesphaera elsdenii, Streptococcus bovis and Entodimium on both adaptation and finishing periods. No treatment effect was observed (P=0.69) on Diplodinium population in the adaptation period, however, cattle previously restricted or receiving concentrate increased Diplodinium numbers during finishing period (Control: 13.2P<0.01). Cattle receiving concentrate prior to adaptation period had decreased numbers of Dasytricha in the adaptation period (Control: 1.65P<0.01), however, those numbers increased during finishing period(Control: 0.01P<0.01) when compared to cattle on control group. Nutritional restriction or consumption of concentrate prior to adaptation period affected only rumen protozoa populations. Key Words:

77 Ruminal fermentation pattern of Nellore cattle previously submitted to either nutritional restriction or intake concentrate feedstuffs prior to adaptation to high-concentrate diets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional restriction or consumption of concentrate ingredients prior to the adaptation period to high-concentrate diet on ruminal fermentation pattern of cannulated Nellore cattle.The experiment was designed as a replicated 3 x 3 Latin squares, in which six 15-mo-old Nellore steers (323 ± 23 kg) cannulated in the rumen were fed according to the treatments: Restriction (Tifton hay fed at 1.4% BW + supplement); Control (Tifton hay fed ad libitum + supplement) and Concentrate (Tifton hay fed ad libitum + 0.5% BW of concentrate and supplement).Each period of this study lasted 33-d with two 10-d washout interval, divided as follows: 14 days of pre-adaptation (when treatments were applied), 12 days of adaptation diet (72% concentrate for 6-d and 79% concentrate for 6-d) and 7 days of finishing diet (86% concentrate). Rumen fermentation pattern was assessed by continuously measuring ruminal pH via data loggers and by collecting samples for determination of SCFA concentrations. Measurements were taken on days 16 and 28 of each period. No treatment effect was observed (P>0.05) for butyrate concentration and mean ruminal pH on both adaptation and finishing periods. Cattle receiving concentrate on pre-adaptation presented (P<0.05) greater concentrations of acetate (Control: 66.09b, Concentrate: 69.80a, Restriction: 68.63b) and propionate (Control: 22.45b, Concentrate: 25.47a, Restriction: 24.44ab) than cattle on control group in the adaptation period. In the finishing period, cattle previously restricted had lower (P=0.05) propionate concentration than those on control group (Control: 28.34a, Concentrate: 25.89ab, Restriction: 25.09b). Acetate concentration was not affected (P=0.83) in the finishing period. Cattle previously restricted had (P=0.01) the largest pH area below 5.2 expressed as pH x h/d (Control: 0.01b, Concentration: 0.05b, Restricted: 11.66a) in the adaptation period. Consumption of concentrate prior to adaptation did not negatively impacted ruminal fermentation pattern.

Levels of neutral detergent fiber in diets with forage palm for dairy goats

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the amount of fiber in the diet that is able to promote better use of nutrients in the diet of dairy goats when forage palm is the main source of roughage. Fifteen Alpine dairy goats were distributed in a 5 × 5 triple Latin square containing five treatments and five periods, and each treatment contained. We tested five diets composed of different contents of neutral detergent fiber from Tifton hay (NDFf) in the dry matter of rations containing forage palm: D1: 11.98%; D2: 18.31%; D3: 23.68%; D4: 28.76% and D5: 32.12% NDFf. The intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, non-fiber carbohydrates and ether extract decreased linearly with the increase in NDFf content. There was a linear increase of milk production and milk protein with increasing dietary NDFf. The fat, dry extract, protein, pH and acidity of the evaluated milk were not affected by increasing the levels of NDFf in the diet. In situations where dairy goats are fed forage palm and other types of forage are limited, 11.98% NDF from forage other than palm can be used as an effective source of NDF.

Health and nutrition in sheep receiving Bacillus thuringiensis

Performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, ruminal parameters, enteric methane (CH4) emission and blood parameters were studied in sheep receiving spores of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in their diet. Twenty Santa Inês lambs (10 castrated males and 10 females) with 18.0 ± 3.50 kg initial bodyweight (BW) and 3 months of age were maintained in individual stalls in a completely randomised design. They were divided into two groups with five males and five females each (Bt 2036 group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10)). The animals of the Bt 2036 group received daily 2.5 × 106 spores of Bt 2036/kg BW and control animals received a placebo. The diet consisted of Tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.) hay ad libitum and 300 g/animal.day of concentrate mixture, which was adjusted according to growth requirements. During 53 days, animal performance was evaluated, with feed intake measured three times per week and lambs weighed fortnightly. Blood samples were taken every 15 days to evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters. Rumen fermentation was investigated in three stages (start, middle and end of the experimental period) using parameters such as pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, short chain fatty acids, and populations of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, anaerobic fungi, methanogenic archaea and protozoa. At the end of the performance experiment, 18 lambs (Bt 2036 (n = 9), control (n = 9)) were selected for a digestibility trial, and placed in metabolic cages to estimate apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and microbial protein synthesis. Ten male (Bt 2036 (n = 5), control (n = 5)) lambs were used to evaluate CH4 production using the hexafluoride tracer technique. There was no effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) of Bt 2036 on any of the evaluated parameters. The daily addition of 2.5 × 106 spores/kg BW of Bt 2036 in the ruminant diet did not cause any negative effects on hematological traits or animal poisoning, nor did it interfere with fermentation by rumen microorganisms, apparent digestibility of nutrients or animal performance.

Effect of Dental Correction on Fecal Fiber Length in Horses

The aim of the study was to determine if dental correction changes fecal fiber length (FFL) in horses that had never been subjected to dental treatments. Thirty adult horses with mild to moderate dental abnormalities were selected. Dental disorders noted included sharp enamel points, focal overgrowths, shear mouth, step mouth, wave mouth, accentuated transverse ridges, and diastema. The horses were confined to individual stalls and fed Tifton hay (Cynodon spp.) 1.5% bwt/d, divided equally between two feedings. Fecal samples were taken for FFL analysis before (Day 0) and after (Day 15) dental correction. Mean FFL, determined by laboratory analysis, was recorded for each horse and time. The results were submitted to analysis of variance using the SAS statistical program, and means were compared by T-test (P < .05). Dental treatment resulted in significant (P < .05) reductions in FFL, with mean ± standard deviation of 3.27 ± 2.27 mm before dental correction and 2.15 ± 1.29 mm after correction. The results suggest that dental treatment improved the mastication efficiency and that FFL can be used to assess the dental health of equines.

Performance and methane emissions in dairy cows fed oregano and green tea extracts as feed additives

Plant extracts have been proposed as substitutes for chemical feed additives due to their potential as rumen fermentation modifiers and because of their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, possibly reducing methane emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the use of oregano (OR), green tea extracts (GT), and their association as feed additives on the performance and methane emissions from dairy between 28 and 87 d of lactation. Thirty-two lactating dairy cows, blocked into 2 genetic groups: 16 Holstein cows and 16 crossbred Holstein-Gir, with 522.6 ± 58.3 kg of body weight, 57.2 ± 20.9 d in lactation, producing 27.5 ± 5.0 kg/cow of milk and with 3.1 ± 1.8 lactations were evaluated (means ± standard error of the means). Cows were allocated into 4 treatments: control (CON), without plant extracts in the diet; oregano extract (OR), with the addition of 0.056% of oregano extract in the dry matter (DM) of the diet; green tea (GT), with the addition of 0.028% of green tea extract in the DM of the diet; and mixture, with the addition of 0.056% oregano extract and 0.028% green tea extract in the DM of the diet. The forage-to-concentrate ratio was 60:40. Forage was composed of corn silage (94%) and Tifton hay (6%); concentrate was based on ground corn and soybean meal. Plant extracts were supplied as powder, which was previously added and homogenized into 1 kg of concentrate in natural matter, top-dressed onto the total mixed diet. No treatment by day interaction was observed for any of the evaluated variables, but some block by treatment interactions were significant. In Holstein cows, the mixture treatment decreased gross energy and tended to decrease the total-tract apparent digestibility coefficient for crude protein and total digestible nutrients when compared with OR. During the gas measurement period, GT and OR increased the digestible fraction of the ingested DM and decreased CH4 expressed in grams per kilogram of digestible DMI compared with CON. The use of extracts did not change rumen pH, total volatile fatty acid concentration, milk yield, or most milk traits. Compared with CON, oregano addition decreased fat concentration in milk. The use of plant extracts altered some milk fatty acids but did not change milk fatty acids grouped according to chain length (short or long), saturation (unsaturated or saturated), total conjugated linoleic acids, and n-3 and n-6 contents. Green tea and oregano fed separately reduced gas emission in cows during the first third of lactation and have potential to be used as feed additives for dairy cows.

Sisal silage addition to feedlot sheep diets as a water and forage source

The objective of this study was to evaluate the water and nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, productive performance and carcass traits of sheep fed diets containing levels of sisal pulp silage (SPS) in substitution of tifton hay. Forty Santa Ines lambs (average initial body weight of 22±3.4kg) were randomly distributed among four diets containing 0, 167, 333, and 500g/kg of SPS in the total dietary dry matter (DM), containing 500g/kg of concentrate. The experimental period lasted 72days, after 21days of adaptation to the diets. Linear and quadratic effects of SPS levels were analyzed using orthogonal contrast. Intake of DM and OM were not affected by the substitution of tifton hay with SPS (P>0.05). Intake of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral digestible fiber (NDF) and acid digestible fiber (ADF) decreased linearly as SPS increased (P<0.05). The inclusion of SPS in the diets decreased linearly the voluntary water intake (P<0.05). Apparent digestibility of nutrients increased linearly with increasing dietary SPS levels, except for non-fibrous carbohydrates. Productive performance and carcass characteristics did not show significant effects (P>0.05). Sisal pulp silage is a suitable source to feed sheep, since animals showed similar intake and performances and it can be a consistent water source in arid and semiarid regions. Because of moderate concentration of physically effective fiber in the 333g/kg SPS diet group, we recommend the inclusion of 333g/kg of SPS in dietary dry matter in combination with tifton hay.

Intake, digestibility, growth performance, and enteric methane emission of Brazilian semiarid non-descript breed goats fed diets with different forage to concentrate ratios.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, growth performance, and enteric methane emissions of Brazilian semiarid non-descript breed goats (NDG) fed diets with different forage:concentrate ratios (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80) on a dry matter basis. Forty uncastrated male NDG with an average initial body weight of 13.3kg±4.7kg were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and eight replications. Ground Tifton-85 hay was used as forage and ground corn and soybean meal were used as concentrate. The sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique was used to measure methane emissions. The intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and ether extract increased linearly while the intake of neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly as the concentrate proportion increased (P<0.05). The digestibility of dry matter and organic matter increased while the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber decreased as the concentrate level increased (P<0.05). There were linear increases in final body weight, total weight gain, average daily gain, and feed efficiency (P<0.0001). Methane emissions per unit of body weight (ranging from 1.9 to 0.5g/kg), metabolic body weight (ranging from 3.9 to 1.2g/kg), and dry matter intake (ranging from 58.8 to 21.9g/kg) reduced linearly as the concentrate proportion increased (P<0.01). Decreasing the forage to concentrate ratio in the diet decreased methane emission and increased growth performance of NDG. The 80:20 ratio could be considered more appropriate to reduce methane emissions from NDG, which did not change much at higher levels of concentrate.

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.

Tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) silage as a replacement for Tifton 85 hay to feed lactating cows

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to evaluate the replacement of Tifton 85 hay (TH) for Tifton 85 silage (TS) in the diets of lactating cows. Five Holstein cows in middle of lactation were allocated in a 5 × 5 Latin square design and each experimental period lasted 18 days (12 days for adaptation and six days for collection). Treatments consisted of replacement of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of TH for TS. The intake and digestion of [...]

Evaluation of dairy sheep lambs supplemented with crude glycerin conveyed in water during pregnancy and lactation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of crude glycerin (CG) suplementation in sheep diets during pregnancy and transition period. Twenty-four Lacaune x East Friesian genotypes sheep were randomly assigned to four treatments. Diet was composed of roughage: tifton hay, and standard concentrate for the categories, being these similar among the treatments, whereas the CG differed for the supplements in (zero, 1,5, 3,0 and 4,5% of dry matter) being It added to the animals’ drinking water. The sheep received supplementation during all pregnancy and lactation. Dry matter intake during gestation was reduced with the higher supplementation of CG in the animals’ drinking water, presenting a linear decreasing response and remaining until delivery. Throughout lactation, the variable presented a linear behavior with the supplementation of CG on the eighteenth day of this phase, after a quadratic behavior was observed until the end of the evaluated period. The beta-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids levels were not influenced by CG supplementation throughout the gestation period. CG suplementation conveyed in water did not affect negatively milk production and composition.

Evaluation of dairy sheep lambs supplemented with crude glycerin conveyed in water during pregnancy and lactation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of crude glycerin (CG) suplementation in sheep diets during pregnancy and transition period. Twenty-four Lacaune x East Friesian genotypes sheep were randomly assigned to four treatments. Diet was composed of roughage: tifton hay, and standard concentrate for the categories, being these similar among the treatments, whereas the CG differed for the supplements in (zero, 1,5, 3,0 and 4,5% of dry matter) being It added to the animals’ drinking water. The sheep received supplementation during all pregnancy and lactation. Dry matter intake during gestation was reduced with the higher supplementation of CG in the animals’ drinking water, presenting a linear decreasing response and remaining until delivery. Throughout lactation, the variable presented a linear behavior with the supplementation of CG on the eighteenth day of this phase, after a quadratic behavior was observed until the end of the evaluated period. The beta-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids levels were not influenced by CG supplementation throughout the gestation period. CG suplementation conveyed in water did not affect negatively milk production and composition.

Replacement of tifton hay with alfalfa hay in diets containing spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) for dairy goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing tifton hay (Cynodon spp.) with alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) in spineless cactus-based (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) diets for lactating goats on intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, metabolic profile and production and composition of milk. The experimental diets were composed of increasing levels (0, 33, 67 and 100% of dry matter (DM)) of alfalfa hay to replace tifton hay. Twelve crossbred multiparous Saanen goats with an average initial body weight (BW) of 46.2±7.5kg and average milk production of 3.0kg/day were assigned to a triple Latin square experimental design (4×4), each having an average milk production of 3.0kg/day. The intake of DM, organic matter, crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrates was linearly increased (P<0.05) with increasing replacement levels. A quadratic effect was found for neutral detergent fiber intake, with the maximum intake estimated to be 788g/day for the 43.8% replacement level. There was no effect (P>0.05) of replacing tiffon hay with any level of alfalfa hay on total apparent digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, metabolic profile or milk production and composition. The total replacement of tifton hay with alfalfa hay can be used in the lactating goats diet without causing any problems in the dairy performance.

Diets based on plants from Brazilian Caatinga altering ruminal parameters, microbial community and meat fatty acids of Santa Inês lambs

Strategies for the sustainable intensification of ruminant production suggest breeding animals adapted to the environment in which they live using local fodders to maximize efficient ruminal fermentation. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of using Orbignya phalerata (Babassu) and Combretum leprosum (Mofumbo) leaves in ruminal short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and microbial community, as well as finishing performance, carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profile of Santa Inês hair lambs. The experimental treatments were diets with 50:50 forage:concentrate ratios, using the leaves of the experimental plants as a 33g/100g of dry matter (DM) replacement of Cynodon dactylon (Tifton-85) hay, with three groups: Control (no hay replacement), Babassu and Mofumbo. Twenty-four Santa Inês lambs (body weight=20.0±5.2kg) were used in a randomized experimental design with eight repetitions (5 males and 3 female) per treatment. Ruminal fluid samples of each animal were collected to determine SCFA and microbial community. The male animals were evaluated for finishing performance and carcass characteristics while longissimus lumborum muscle samples were used for determination of fatty acid profile. Interaction between treatment and sex was observed for total SCFA (P<0.05). Treatment affected (P<0.05) propionate, isobutyric, isovaleric and valeric fatty acids. Mofumbo showed a greater relative abundance of rumen fungi and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and lower Archaea. There was no difference between treatments (P>0.05) for finishing performance and carcass characteristics but meat fatty acid characteristics were affected by treatments. A redundancy analysis based on microbial abundance profile demonstrated two clusters, one cluster with Babassu and Control treatments, and other cluster with Mofumbo, with some variables associated to dissimilarity between clusters. These results indicated that the inclusion of these plants in lamb diets affects ruminal short chain fatty acids and microbial population, without compromising the production potential, carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profile.

Apparent digestibility and rumen protozoal profile of sheep fed cassava wastewater

SUMMARY The effects of cassava wastewater on nutrient digestibility and rumen protozoa were evaluated in 32 Santa Inês sheep fed a diet with Tifton hay, ground corn cob, and concentrate, containing 0, 500, 1000, or 1500 mL cassava wastewater. Uncastrated sheep at an average age of 167 days and average weight of 25.3 kg were housed in individual stalls and distributed in a randomized complete design with four treatments and eight replicates. The experimental period was 70 days: 15 days for adaptation to the diets and 60 days to collect the ingredients and diets supplied. Prior to this stage, the animals were adapted to the consumption of cassava wastewater, in collective cages, for seven days. Apparent digestibility was determined by partial feces collection and by using the LIPE® external marker in 250-mg capsules. The apparent digestibility of nutrients did not differ (P&gt;0.05) in relation to the cassava wastewater levels tested. Eleven genera of rumen protozoa were identified, and they formed a community that, except for Ophryoscolex, did not differ among the cassava wastewater treatments with respect to composition. However, Entodinium species were observed at a higher density (P&lt;0.05) in sheep that received 1500 mL of cassava wastewater. The use of cassava wastewater in the sheep diet does not affect the digestibility of nutrients or composition of rumen protozoa; however, it causes a significant increase in Entodinium density.

Performance of sheep fed forage cactus with total water restriction

SUMMARY A lack of water in livestock production can limit the performance of the animals; therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of water restriction on the growth performance of sheep that were fed forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera). Forty-two male sheep were used, with an average age and weight of ±100 days and 18.75 ± (2,05) kg , respectively, and they were fed diets containing concentrate, mineral mixture and three levels of substitution (30, 50 and 70%) of Tifton hay with forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera). The animals were slaughtered when they reached 32 kg (± 1 kg) of body weight or 90 days. The experimental design was a 3x2 factorial arrangement, forage cactus (30, 50, 70%) x water (with or without water) plus a control group (n=6). Variables were analyzed using Tukey and Dunnett's test at 5% with PROC GLM in SAS software. Voluntary water intake and dry matter intake (DMI) decreased with the inclusion of forage cactus; however, preformed water intake and total water intake increased with the inclusion of forage cactus. Water restriction and its interaction with the treatments had no effect on animal performance. Daily weight gain was higher for the diets with 30 and 50%forage cactus inclusion, at 174 and 155 g, respectively, compared with 90 g for the control diet. Cactus, therefore, can be used as a food supplement and water resource.

Viabilidade econômica do uso de fontes volumosas na dieta de ovinos confinados

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability of feedlotting sheep fed diets containing different roughage sources. Twenty-one uncastrated male Santa Ines sheep were assigned to three treatments in a completely randomized design: corn silage (CS); forage palm combined with sugarcane bagasse (SB), and forage palm combined with Tifton 85 hay (TH). Economic viability and productive parameters of the animals were evaluated in each treatment. Animals of treatment TH had higher weight gain, better feed conversion, and lower productions costs (P 0.05) in productive performance from the other treatments. The costs exceeded the revenue, resulting in negative profit for the diets tested. The high production costs of feedlot finishing using diets based on corn silage or palm combined with Tifton 85 hay or sugarcane bagasse make this activity unfeasible.