ABSTRACT The present study aimed at assessing the effects of hepatoprotective agents in diets that contain sources of energy on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient partition in lactating cows. Sixteen Holstein x Gir crossbred mid-lactation cows with an average body weight of 553 ± 85 kg were used in this study. These animals were allocated in a 4x4 Latin square design. A 2x2 factorial arrangement was employed in this feeding experiment. In each treatment, cows received diets with or without a hepatoprotective agent and variable in ground corn grain or citrus pulp as energy sources. Evaluated parameters included nutrient intake and digestibility, milk production, milk composition, energy balance, and nitrogen balance. Performance and nutrient balance variables were assessed and no interaction was observed between the hepatoprotective compounds and the dietary sources of energy. Dry matter intake, milk production and net energy for lactation were higher in corn as an energy source whereas milk fat content was higher in citrus pulp diets. There was a reduction in protein and casein contents in the milk of cows that was supplemented with an hepatoprotective agent. In this study, the hepatoprotective agent improved nitrogen balance in dairy cows. The use of the hepatoprotective compounds in the diet of these lactating cows in confinement reduced the milk protein fraction and favored a higher nitrogen balance in these animals. Retention of nitrogen compounds in the metabolism of lactating cows under confinement is influenced by hepatoprotective agents.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos de fontes de energia associadas a um hepatoprotetor sobre a produção, composição do leite e a partição dos nutrientes em vacas lactantes confinadas. Foram utilizadas 16 vacas mestiças Holandês x Gir no terço médio da lactação, com peso corporal médio de 553 ± 85 kg, distribuídas em delineamento experimental quadrado latino 4x4 quádruplo em arranjo fatorial 2x2. Os tratamentos consistiram de dieta com ou sem a inclusão do hepatoprotetor, e variação de milho moído ou polpa cítrica como fontes de energia. Não houve interação (P>0.05) entre as fontes de energia e o hepatoprotetor para as variáveis de desempenho e balanço de nutrientes. O consumo de matéria seca, a produção de leite, o leite corrigido para 4% de gordura foram maiores (P<0.05) nas dietas com milho moído como fonte de energia. O teor de gordura do leite foi maior (P<0.05) nas dietas com a polpa cítrica. Houve redução (P<0.05) no teor de proteína bruta e caseína no leite das vacas que receberam o hepatoprotetor na dieta. O hepatoprotetor favoreceu maior (P<0.05) retenção e balanço de nitrogênio nas vacas. Portanto, o milho moído pode ser utilizado na dieta como fonte de energia para impulsionar a produção de leite. Enquanto, a fonte de energia proveniente da polpa cítrica afeta a composição do leite, através do incremento no teor de gordura. O uso de hepatoprotetores na dieta favoreceu maior retenção de nitrogênio em vacas lactantes confinadas.

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate tannic acid's influence on lactating cows' diets on milk production and lipid composition. Five crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu), distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square, were used to evaluate the effect of increasing tannic acid (hydrolyzable tannin). The diets were composed of 35 kg of corn silage as bulking and 6.38 kg of concentrate. The treatments consisted of increasing levels of tannic acid added to diets (0%, 1.3%, 2.6%, 3.9% and 5.2%). It was observed a decreasing linear effect (P<0.05) of the inclusion of tannic acid in the concentration of saturated butyric fatty acids (C4:0) presenting a mean of (2.99), and quadratic effect in the concentration of saturated fatty acids lauric (C12:0) presenting mean (26.74). The addition of tannic acid had effects on saturated fatty acids, decreasing the concentrations of butyric acid and increasing the concentrations of lauric acid. Atherogenicity and thrombogenicity rates reveal the potential for the prevention of coronary heart disease. However, the observed changes do not compromise the milk's chemical composition and nutritional quality,the y nutritional quality of the milk, presenting possibilities of human health benefits, thus enabling the aggregation of value for these products.

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding tannic acid to the diet on the milk quality of cows. The five primiparous crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) were used, with about four years old, the average body weight of 420 ± 30 kg, 100 days of lactation initial average production of 18 ± 4 kg of milk/cow/day. The treatments consisted of increasing tannic acid (0; 1.3; 2.6; 3.9 and 5.2%) to replace corn bran in the diet, based on dry matter. The sensory attributes of odor had a significant effect (P < 0.05) of the inclusion of tannic acid in the diet. The odor attributes showed a lower average for the control treatment, and these attributes also showed orthogonal contrast, except the characteristic cow, that is, the control group differed from the treatments as the tannin was introduced, the attribute value became higher compared to the control group. The inclusion of 5.2% tannic acid in dairy cows’ diet promoted a slight variation in the taste of milk. However, it did not alter the quality or acceptance of this milk by consumers.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar as características de carcaça de caprinos mestiços F1 (Bôer x sem padrão de raça definida) terminados em pastagem de caatinga raleada e enriquecida com capim corrente (Urochloa trichopus Stapf.), submetidos a suplementação. Foram utilizados 24 caprinos mestiços com peso vivo 27,00 ± 3,32 kg. O suplemento foi elaborado de modo a atender as exigências nutricionais para que os animais do maior nível de suplementação obtivessem um ganho de 150 g diário. Para a análise dos dados foi adotado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (níveis de suplementação de 0,0%; 0,5%; 1,0% e 1,5% do peso vivo) e seis repetições (animais). Os dados foram submetidos a análises de variância e de regressão. Observou-se que a suplementação proporcionou efeito linear crescente para o peso ao abate, peso de carcaça quente, peso de carcaça fria, peso de corpo vazio, rendimento de carcaça quente e rendimento de carcaça fria; efeito quadrático para o rendimento biológico. A perda de peso por resfriamento não sofreu influência da suplementação. Para os resultados das avaliações subjetivas apenas a conformação sofreu influência da suplementação (P<0,05). Para a morfometria observou-se efeito linear positivo da suplementação para o perímetro do tórax, perímetro da garupa, largura da garupa, largura do tórax. O nível de suplementação proporcionou efeito linear e positivo sobre o peso da maioria dos não componentes comestíveis da carcaça, sendo que para o rendimento não foi observado influência da suplementação para a maioria das variáveis. Conclui-se que o uso crescente de suplementação até o nível de 1,5% do peso vivo para caprinos F1 (Boer x sem padrão de raça definida) mantidos em pastagem de caatinga resulta em maiores pesos e rendimentos de carcaças.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass traits of crossbred F1 goats (Boer x non-descript breed) finished on thinned caatinga pasture enriched with signal grass (Urochloa trichopus Stapf.), and receiving supplementation. Twenty-four crossbred F1 goats with 27.00 ± 3.32 kg body weight were used. The supplement was designed to meet the nutritional requirements and animals receiving the highest supplementation level could gain 150g per day. For data analysis, a completely randomized design was adopted, with four treatments (supplementation levels of 0.0%; 0.5%; 1.0% and 1.5% body weight) and six replications (animals). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression. Supplementation resulted in an increasing linear effect for slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, empty body weight, hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield; and a quadratic effect for biological yield. Weight loss by cooling was not influenced by supplementation. For the results of subjective evaluations, only conformation was influenced by supplementation (P<0.05). For morphometry, a positive linear effect of supplementation was found for thorax perimeter, croup perimeter, croup width, thorax width. The level of supplementation caused a positive linear effect on the weight of most non-edible carcass components, and there was no influence of supplementation on most variables for yield. It can be concluded that increasing levels of supplementation up to 1.5% body weight for F1 goats (Boer x non-descript breed) kept on caatinga pasture results in higher carcass weight and yield.

Resumen La homeopatía se puede utilizar en la producción lechera como una alternativa segura a los antibióticos, capaz de reducir la expansión de la resistencia microbiana, manteniendo la salud de los rebaños. Sin embargo, los compuestos homeopáticos también pueden usarse como protectores del hígado y pueden actuar en la modulación de la función hepática. Los medicamentos homeopáticos a base de hierbas se pueden utilizar como agentes hepatoprotectores, ya que tienen la capacidad de prevenir y reparar los trastornos hepáticos que comúnmente afectan a las vacas lactantes. Así, el conocimiento de las propiedades terapéuticas de las plantas permite la elaboración de preparados homeopáticos, capaces de preservar la salud de los animales de granja. En base a esto, el objetivo de esta revisión es discutir los compuestos vegetales utilizados en homeopatía como hepatoprotectores y sus efectos sobre el metabolismo hepático y la respuesta productiva de los rumiantes lactantes.

Abstract Homeopathy can be used in dairy farming as a safe alternative to antibiotics, capable of reducing the expansion of microbial resistance, while maintaining the health of herds. However, homeopathic compounds can also be used as liver protectors, and can act in the modulation of liver function. Herbal homeopathic medicines can be used as hepatoprotective agents, since they have the ability to prevent and repair liver disorders that commonly affect lactating cows. Thus, knowledge of the therapeutic properties of plants allows the preparation of homeopathic preparations, capable of preserving the health of farm animals. Based on this, the aim of this review was to discuss plant compounds used in homeopathy as hepatoprotectors and their effects on liver metabolism and on the productive response of lactating ruminant animals.

Resumo A homeopatia pode ser utilizada na pecuária leiteira como uma alternativa segura aos antibióticos, capaz de reduzir a expansão da resistência microbiana, ao passo que mantém a saúde dos rebanhos. No entanto, os compostos homeopáticos podem também ser usados como protetores do fígado, podendo atuar na modulação da função hepática. Os medicamentos homeopáticos a base de plantas podem ser utilizados como agentes hepatoprotetores, uma vez que possuem a capacidade de prevenir e reparar desordens hepáticas que comumente acometem vacas em lactação. Assim, o conhecimento das propriedades terapêuticas de plantas permite a elaboração de preparos homeopáticos, capazes de preservar a saúde dos animais de produção. Baseado nisso, objetivou-se com esta revisão discorrer sobre compostos vegetais utilizados na homeopatia como hepatoprotetores e seus efeitos no metabolismo hepático e na resposta produtiva de animais ruminantes em lactação.

RESUMO: Este estudo mostrou o efeito da restrição alimentar no desempenho, balanço de nitrogênio, síntese microbiana de proteínas, característica da carcaça e corte de carne de 32 machos Sindi não castrados (296 ± 21,3 kg de peso corporal inicial e 21 ± 1,5 meses de idade). Todos os touros foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (níveis de restrição alimentar) (0, 15, 30 e 45% no total de matéria seca - MS) e os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão. Consumo de nutrientes, balanço de nitrogênio, peso corporal final, ganho total, eficiência alimentar, ganho de carcaça, peso de carcaça quente e fria, espessura subcutânea de gordura, cortes comerciais e tecido adiposo diminuíram linearmente (P<0,05) com o nível de restrição alimentar. Houve aumento linear na digestibilidade do DM, FDNap, carboidratos totais e quantidade de tecido muscular, além de aumento quadrático de carboidratos não fibrosos e porcentagem de tecido ósseo com o nível de restrição imposto aos touros (P<0,05). A restrição alimentar não afetou (P>0,05) a digestibilidade da proteína bruta, balanço de N, síntese e eficiência microbiana, eficiência de deposição, área do longissimus dorsi e relação músculo + gordura / osso. A restrição alimentar reduziu a ingestão e, consequentemente, o desempenho, as características da carcaça e os cortes de carne de touros Sindi, porém promoveu redução na excreção de N, o que pode ser importante se for realizado um subsequente ganho compensatório.

ABSTRACT: This study showed the effect of feed restriction on performance, nitrogen balance (NB), microbial protein synthesis, carcass traits and meat cut of the thirty-two Sindhi non-castrated males (296 ± 21.3 kg initial BW and 21 ± 1.5 months old). All bulls were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (feed restriction levels) (0, 15, 30, and 45% in total dry matter -DM) and the data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression. Nutrient intake, NB, final BW, total gain, feeding efficiency, carcass gain, hot and cold carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, commercial cuts and fat tissue decreased linearly (P<0.05) by feed restriction level. A linear increased on digestibility of DM, NDFap, total carbohydrates and on the proportion of muscle tissue, as well as quadratic increase on non-fibrous carbohydrates and bone tissue percentage with the restriction level imposed on bulls (P<0.05). The feed restriction did not affect (P>0.05) the digestibility of crude protein, synthesis and microbial efficiency, deposition efficiency, longissimus dorsi area and muscle + fat/bone ratio. The feed restriction reduced intake and consequently performance, carcass traits and meat cuts of Sindhi bulls; however, it promoted a reduction in the N excretion, which can be important if conducted a subsequent compensatory weight gain.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to use biometric measurements to predict carcass characteristics of lambs of the Morada Nova breed. We used 48 lambs with mean initial body weight (BW) of 15.0±0.04 kg and slaughter body weight (SBW) of 26.37±2.43 kg. The animals were weighed weekly and underwent a period of adaptation of 15 days before slaughter. The biometric measurements were obtained the day before slaughter, comprising body length, withers height, rump height, thigh length, breast width, rump width, thigh perimeter, rump perimeter, thorax perimeter, leg length, and body condition score. Additional measurements included slaughter BW and empty BW (EBW). The data recorded at slaughter comprised the weights of the viscera, carcass, and internal fat and offal. The in vivo measurements of body length were present in most of the equations for predicting the SBW, EBW, hot carcass weight (HCW), and cold carcass weight (CCW). The SBW and EBW presented a variation of approximately 9%. The variables that evaluated the carcass, HCW, and CCW demonstrated less data variation than SBW and EBW, which was probably because these measurements were obtained following evisceration and skinning, thus removing factors of more significant variation in vivo . The prediction models found in the present study varied with an R² of 0.49-0.93, indicating high levels of variation. In sum, biometric measurements can be used to predict the carcass characteristics of Morada Nova lambs with different body conditions.

RESUMO Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o desempenho de novilhas leiteiras em recria sob duas estratégias de suplementação mineral. Foram utilizadas 16 novilhas Holandês x Zebu com peso vivo médio inicial de 135,25 kg, divididas em 2 tratamentos (sal proteinado e sal mineralizado) e manejadas em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, em sistema rotacionado. Ao final de cada ciclo de 28 dias, os animais foram pesados e o peso utilizado para cálculos de GMD e taxa de lotação. A altura do pasto e a massa de forragem foram mensuradas antes da entrada e após a saída dos animais, onde foram retiradas amostras para análises bromatológicas e estimativas de consumo. Os suplementos foram fornecidos ad libidum. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos, estações e interação tratamento vs estação para o GMD que foram 301,12 e 357,13 g dia-1. Observou-se efeito significativo (P<0,05) entre as estações (Primavera/Verão). O consumo médio de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro foram respectivamente, 3,94 e 2,87 kg; 2,53 e 1,69%; 89,26 e 59,56 g kg0,75; 429,89 e 238,42 g dia-1; 9,74 e 6,17g kg0,75; 118,79 e 84,07 g dia-1; 2,98 e 2,05 kg dia-1; 1,86 e 1,17%, para as estações avaliadas. O consumo de proteinado foi superior (P<0,05), observando-se 36,50 e 65,50 g 100 kg-1PV. A digestibilidade da MS foi significativa (P<0,05) para interação, tratamento vs estação, cujo valores foram respectivamente 49,76 e 46,80 para os tratamentos. Os efeitos dos suplementos utilizados foram equivalentes.

ABSTRACT Here in this study we assessed dairy heifers kept in tropical grasslands during spring and summer seasons to observe the effects of two supplementation strategies upon their performance. Sixteen dairy heifers (Holstein 5/8 x Gyr 3/4) with 135.25 kg of body mass were randomly assigned in two supplementation treatments (e.g., mineral salt and protein salt supplement) during spring and summer seasons, divided into two groups of eight animals that represented 4.29 animal unit ha. Initial and final fasted weights (i.e., feed and water withheld for 16h) were obtained before to start and at the end of each grazing cycle (28 days), and then the weight gain (kg animal-1) per grazing cycle was calculated by the difference between final and initial weights. There was no significant effect (P <0.05) on the intake of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and dry matter digestibility, between treatments (P <0.05). However, there was a significant effect (P <0.05) between seasons; e.g., respective means of dry matter intake (kg day-1,% BW g / kg 0.75), intake of crude protein (g day-1 g / kg 0.75), ether extract (g day-1), neutral detergent fiber (g day-1 and% BW) were 3.95 and 2.88 kg, 2.54 and 1.65%, 89.27 and 59.56 g kg0.75, 429.89 and 298.43 g day-1, 9.72 and 6.18 g kg0.75, 118.79 and 84.07 g day-1, 2.90 and 2.05 kg day-1, 1.86 and 1.18%, for Spring and Summer seasons. Moreover, the dry matter intake (% BW and g kg 0.75 of DM) were higher (P < 0.05) during the spring season (e.g., 2.53 vs 1.64 % BW; and 89.26 vs 59.56 g kg0.75 DM).

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho e características da carcaça de cordeiros Santa Inês terminados a pasto e suplementados com blocos multinutricionais (BMs). Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros inteiros, sendo 10 do biótipo Santa Inês Tradicional e 10 Santa Inês Moderno. Estes foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, onde permaneceram até atingirem a idade para abate de 264 dias. Apesar de possuírem biótipos distintos, os ovinos não diferiram estatisticamente para variáveis de desempenho, características quantitativas, qualitativas, morfometria, biometria, somente a variável de rendimento de paleta apresentou-se superior para o biótipo moderno em 19,75% enquanto que para o tradicional foi de 19,18%. Observou- se um consumo crescente de bloco multinutricional pelos cordeiros até aos 56 dias de experimento, atingindo no máximo 0,240g/animal/dia, mas aos 84 dias houve um declínio para 0,198g/animal/dia. O ganho de peso médio diário (GPMD) foi de 144,22 e 146,67 para o biótipo tradicional e o moderno respectivamente, bem como o peso final (PF) que foi de 32,26 e 32,66kg para cada biótipo. A tipificação da carcaça dos animais é moderada, sendo, portanto uma carcaça magra. A margem bruta de lucro foi de 78 reais/animal. Apesar das diferenças biotípicas os cordeiros da raça Santa Inês terminados a pasto e suplementados com blocos multinutricionais apresentam carcaças com características semelhantes.

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics of Santa Inês lambs fed pasture supplemented with multinutritional blocks (MB). Twenty whole lambs were used, 10 of the Santa Inês Tradicional and 10 Santa Inês Moderno biotypes. These were distributed in a completely randomized design, where they remained until reaching the slaughtering age of 264 days. Although they had different biotypes, sheep did not differ statistically for performance variables, quantitative, qualitative, morphometry, biometrics, only the palette yield variable was higher for the biotype in 19. 75%, while for the traditional one it was 19. 18%. Increasing use of the multinutritional block was observed by lambs up to 56 days of experiment, reaching a maximum of 0.240g/animal/day, but at 84 days there was a decline to 0.198g/animal/day. The average daily gain (ADG) was 144.22 and 146.67 for the traditional and modem biotypes, respectively, and the final weight (FW) was 32. 26 and 32. 66kg for each biotype. The carcass of the animals is moderate and therefore a lean carcass. The gross profit margin was 78 reais/animal. Despite the biotypic differences, the Santa Inês lambs fed pasture and supplemented with multinutritional blocks showed similar carcass characteristics.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar os efeitos da restrição alimentar sobre as características de carcaça de cabritos Canindé castrados. Foi utilizado um delineamento em blocos casualizados, no qual 21 cabritos com peso corporal (PC) de 15,9±1,0kg foram distribuídos por três níveis de restrição alimentar: ad libitum, 20% e 40% de restrição alimentar. A dieta consistiu de 55% de volumoso (Tifton) e 45% de concentrado. Os animais foram abatidos quando os cabritos alimentados ad libitum atingiram PC de 25kg. Após o abate, as carcaças foram resfriadas por 24 horas e, subsequentemente, mensuradas. Os cabritos alimentados ad libitum e submetidos à restrição alimentar de 20% apresentaram medidas morfométricas semelhantes, exceto para a circunferência do peito. Os cabritos alimentados ad libitum apresentaram maiores valores para rendimento de carcaça quente e fria em comparação àqueles submetidos à restrição alimentar de 40% e não diferiram entre os cabritos com restrição alimentar de 20%. Os pesos dos cortes comerciais apresentaram médias decrescentes com a intensidade da restrição alimentar. Cabritos Canindé castrados submetidos à restrição alimentar de 20% obtém rendimento de carcaça e proporção dos cortes comerciais similares aos alimentados ad libitum.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feed restriction on the carcass characteristics of castrated Canindé goat kids. A randomized block design was used, in which 21 goat kids with a body weight (BW) of 15.9±1.0kg were allocated to three levels of feed restriction: ad libitum, 20% and 40% restriction related to the ad libitum intake. The diet consisted of 55% forage (Tifton) and 45% concentrate. All animals were slaughtered when the kids fed ad libitum reached a BW of 25kg. After slaughter, the carcasses were chilled for 24 hours and subsequently measured. Kids fed ad libitum and subjected to 20% feed restriction showed similar morphometric carcass measurements, except for the chest circumference. Goat kids fed ad libitum exhibited greater values for warm and cold carcass yields compared with those subjected to 40% feed restriction and did not differ from the kids under 20% feed restriction. Weights of the commercial cuts showed decreasing mean values according to the intensity of feed restriction. Castrated Canindé goat kids subjected to 20% feed restriction presented similar carcass yields and proportion of commercial cuts to those fed ad libitum.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da restrição alimentar sobre o desenvolvimento dos órgãos e deposição de gordura em caprinos Canindé castrados. Foram utilizados 21 cabritos confinados, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com peso inicial de 15,9 ± 1,03kg. Os cabritos foram alocados em três níveis de restrição alimentar (sete animais por nível): ad libitum (alimentados à vontade); restrição moderada (restrição de 20% em relação à quantidade de matéria natural consumida pelos animais alimentados ad libitum) e restrição severa (restrição de 40% em relação à quantidade de ração consumida pelos animais alimentados ad libitum). A ração experimental apresentou uma proporção de 55% de volumoso (Tifton) e 45% de concentrado. Aos 110 dias de experimento os cabritos foram abatidos com peso médio de 23,5 kg ± 2,5 kg. Esvaziou-se o trato gastrointestinal (TGI), a bexiga e a vesícula biliar e foram mensurados os seus pesos para determinação do peso de corpo vazio (PCV). Foram separados e registrados os pesos dos órgãos (baço, coração, fígado, pâncreas, pulmões, rins, sangue, TGI) e dos depósitos de gordura (cardíaca, mesentérica, omental e pélvico-renal). A restrição alimentar em caprinos Canindé afetou o peso absoluto dos órgãos e das gorduras (P < 0.05) que estão mais envolvidas com a função de reserva energética (mesentérica, omental e pélvico-renal), no entanto, não afetou o percentual dos órgãos em relação ao PCV (P > 0.05), indicando que mesmo sob restrição o desenvolvimento dos órgãos é proporcional ao desenvolvimento do corpo.

SUMMARY The study aimed to evaluate the effect of feed restriction on the development of organs and fat deposition in castrated Caninde goats. Twenty one goats were distributed in a completely randomized design, with initial body weight of 15.9 ± 1.03kg. The goats were allocated into three levels of feed restriction (seven animals per level): ad libitum; moderate restriction (restriction of 20% on the amount of feed consumed by the animals fed ad libitum) and severe restriction (40% restriction on the amount of feed consumed by the animals fed ad libitum). The diet consisted of 55% forage (Tifton) and 45% concentrate. At 110 days of experiment, the goats were slaughtered with abody weight of 23.5kg ± 2.5kg. The components included the internal organs (spleen, heart, liver, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, blood) the emptied and cleaned digestive tract and fat deposits (in heart, mesenteric, omental and pelvic-renal) were weighed. Feed restriction in Canindé goats affected the weight of organs and fat deposition in regions more involved with the energy storage function (mesenteric, omental and pelvic-renal) (P < 0.05), however, feed restriction does not affect the percentage of the organs in relation to EBW (P > 0.05), indicating that even under feed restriction organ development is proportional to the development of the body.

RESUMO O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar a biometria, morfometria e os órgãos não-componentes da carcaça de ovinos Santa Inês, em confinamento, alimentadas com níveis crescentes (0; 20; 40 e 60% na matéria seca) de subproduto agroindustrial da goiaba como um substituto para o milho. Quarenta ovinos Santa Inês, machos (não castrados), com média de 17,41 ± 1,27kg de peso corporal (PC) e 120 dias de idade no início do estudo, foram utilizados neste experimento. Os animais foram abatidos aos 32kg ou 105 dias de confinamento. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dez repetições por tratamento. Os animais submetidos a dietas com 60% de substituição apresentaram menor comprimento corporal (63,20cm), menor altura de cernelha (67,30cm) e de garupa (69,50 cm), baixo escore de condição corporal (2,40 pts), carcaças de conformação inferior (2,25 pts), menor perímetro do tórax (65,10cm) e baixos rendimentos de órgãos como coração (0,52%), baço (0,15%), rins (0,25%) e pulmão (0,89%). O milho pode ser substituído pelo subproduto da goiaba em níveis de até 40%, sendo relevante a obtenção de animais com características corporais desejáveis para produção de carne e com rendimento de órgãos não constituintes da carcaça satisfatórios ao mercado.

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to evaluate the biometrics, morphometry and the organs do non-constituents of the carcass of feedlot Santa Inês sheep fed with increasing levels (0; 20; 40 and 60% dry matter basis) of guava agroindustrial by-products as a replacement for corn. Forty male (noncastrated) Santa Inês sheep, averaging 17.41 ± 1.27 kg body weight (BW) and 120 days of age at the beginning of the study, were used in this trial. The animals were slaughtered at 32 kg or 105 days of confinement. A completely randomized design with ten replicates per treatment was used. The animals submitted to diets with 60% substitution showed lower body length (63.20cm), lower withers height (67.30cm) and hip (69.50cm), low body condition score (2.40 pts), lower carcass of conformation (2.25 pts), lower chest perimeter (65.10cm) and low yields of organs such as heart (0.52%), spleen (0.15%), kidneys (0, 25%) and lung (0.89%). Corn can be replaced by guava agroindustrial by-product at levels up to 40%, being relevant to obtain animals with body characteristics desirable for meat production and yield of organs non-constituents of carcass satisfactory to the market.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of forage cactus with different fiber sources (elephant grass hay - EGH; corn straw - CS, hay of cassava shoots - HCS; fresh sugarcane bagasse - FSB; and hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse - HSB) on the milk yield and composition and the feeding behavior of lactating Sindhi cows. Five cows with average body weight, average daily milk yield, and average daily 4%-fat-corrected milk yield of 265, 4.95 and 5.22 kg, respectively, were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The effect of experimental diets on milk yield and composition, feeding time (FT), rumination time (RT), idle time, mean values of total chewing time (TCT), number of ruminal boli (NRB), number of rumination chews (NRC), and feed efficiency (FE) and rumination efficiency (RE) expressed as a function of DM and NDF were analyzed. Milk yield in kg/day and corrected to 4.0% fat from the animals that received cactus associated with CS were higher as compared with the treatment with hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse. The milk composition variables were not influenced by the treatments, and nor were FT, RT, TCT, NRB and NC. Two patterns were observed for FE and RE, with higher efficiency of the diets with EGH, CS and HCS and lower efficiency for diets containing sugarcane bagasse. In this context, Sindhi cows fed forage cactus associated with corn straw, elephant grass hay, and hay of cassava shoots present better performance, feeding efficiency, and rumination responses than those fed forage cactus associated with fresh sugarcane bagasse and hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse.

The effect of the substitution of Tifton hay (0, 33, 66, 100 g/100 g) for pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) stubble hay was evaluated in the characteristics of the carcasses of goats of an unknown breed (UB) in feedlot. Thirty-two bucks with an average initial live weight of 17.5±1.3 kg, at approximately 150 days of age, were housed in individual stalls provided with feeding and drinking troughs. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replications. There was a quadratic effect on the weights of hot carcass and cold carcass, empty body, and loin eye area. A linear increase was observed for losses by carcass cooling. The weights of commercial cuts and the weights of total muscle, total bone, intramuscular fat, and total fat decreased linearly. All morphometric measurements were influenced by the inclusion of pineapple stubble hay in the .diets. Substitution of Tifton hay for pineapple stubble hay at the level of 33 g/100 g improves the carcasses of UB goats qualitatively and quantitatively

This experiment was carried to evaluate the effect of forage cactus with different fiber sources (elephant grass hay [EGH], corn straw [CS], hay of cassava shoots [HCS], fresh sugarcane bagasse [FSB], and hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse [HSB]) on intake, apparent digestibility and macrobiotic protein production of cows. Five cows with 265 kg average body weight, 4.95 kg average daily milk yield and 5.22 kg 4% fat-corrected milk yield were randomly allocated to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals fed cactus associated with CS, EGH and HCS showed higher intake of DM and nutrients. However, regarding the digestibility, diets with sugarcane bagasse showed higher digestibility compared with those with CS and hay. For microbial protein, the excretion of purine derivatives, synthesis of microbial N and microbial protein production were higher in the treatment with CS than in the treatment with sugarcane bagasse. On the other hand, the treatment with EGH and HCS did not have statistical differences compared with the other cases. The mean efficiency of microbial protein synthesis of the experiment was 131 g microbial crude protein/kg of TDN. The treatment with CS showed better efficiency; however, it was statistically superior only compared with FSB. The other treatments did not show statistical difference compared with the other cases. Diets with cactus associated with corn straw, hay of elephant grass or hay of cassava shoots provide higher intake of dry matter and nutrients and better metabolic response compared with diets with cactus associated with sugarcane bagasse for lactating Sindhi cows.