Abstract The objective was to evaluate the fermentative, chemical characteristics and aerobic stability of corn grain silages rehydrated with whey fluid (WF) or whey powder (WP) and water, with or without the addition of inoculant (I). The corn grain was ground and hydrated adding water without chlorine and/or whey to reach 35 % humidity and stored in silos of 4.36 kg. After 45 d of fermentation, samples of the silages were submitted to chemical-fermentative analyses in opening of silos and 240 h of exposure to air. The aerobic stability of the silages was evaluating during 240 h has considered to the loss when the temperature of the ensiled mass exceeded the ambient temperature by 2 °C. A reduction in the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin content of the silages was observed with the use of WF and WP. The levels of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) were the lowest for WF and WP (0.7 and 0.9 g/kg TN) and pH was 4.31 for WF after 240 h of aerobic exposure. The use of inoculants provided higher levels of Ash, ether extract (EE), and low buffering capacity (BC), in addition to reductions in ADF levels. The inoculated silages showed higher levels of NH3-N and pH after 240 h. The silage of corn grains rehydrated with WF provided ideal pH values, low NH3-N content, reduced levels of ADF and lignin, and improved aerobic stability. In addition to being a sustainable alternative, the use of fluid whey to rehydrate corn grains adds nutritional value and improves silage fermentation.

Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar las características fermentativas, químicas y la estabilidad aeróbica de los ensilados de grano de maíz rehidratados con suero fluido (SF) o suero en polvo (SP) y agua, con o sin la adición de inoculante (I). El grano de maíz se molió e hidrató añadiendo agua sin cloro y/o suero para alcanzar el 35 % de humedad y se almacenó en silos de 4.36 kg. Tras 45 días de fermentación, se sometieron muestras de los ensilados a análisis químico-fermentativos en apertura de silos y 240 h de exposición al aire. Se considera que la estabilidad aeróbica de los ensilados evaluada durante 240 h se perdió cuando la temperatura de la masa ensilada sobrepasó la temperatura ambiente en 2 °C. Se observó una reducción en el contenido de fibra detergente ácida (FDA) y lignina de los ensilados con el uso de SF y SP. Los niveles de nitrógeno de amoniaco (NH3-N) fueron los más bajos para el SF y el SP (0.7 y 0.9 g/kg TN) y el pH fue de 4.31 para el SF tras 240 h de exposición aeróbica. El uso de inoculantes proporcionó mayores niveles de cenizas, extracto de éter (EE) y baja capacidad de amortiguación (BC), además de reducciones en los niveles de FDA. Los ensilados inoculados mostraron niveles más altos de NH3-N y de pH después de 240 h. El ensilado de granos de maíz rehidratados con SF proporcionó valores de pH ideales, un bajo contenido de NH3-N, niveles reducidos de FDA y lignina, y una mejor estabilidad aeróbica. Además de ser una alternativa sostenible, el uso de suero fluido para rehidratar los granos de maíz añade valor nutricional y mejora la fermentación del ensilado.

ABSTRACT: Grape pomace is a by-product that can be ensiled and added to animal feed for a sustainable animal production. This study evaluated the effects of grape pomace silage (GPS) on the intake, performance, and carcass and meat quality of feedlot lambs. Twenty-four male lambs (21.5 ± 3.0 kg initial body weight) were distributed into pairs to four diets levels 0, 10, 20, and 30 % of GPS. The addition of grape pomace silage influenced only ether extract (EE) intake linearly without hindering consumption. The diet did not affect performance and meat quality attributes and carcass parameters, with average daily gain (ADG) of 0.235 kg d−1, feed conversion 4.299, carcass conformation 2.7, compactness index 0.25 kg cm−1, fat thickness 1.51 mm, loin eye area 13.9 cm2, pH 5.79, natural matter moisture 74.05 g 100 g−1, and crude protein (CP) 19.94 g per 100 g−1 of dry matter (DM). Grape pomace as could be used as silage in lamb diets with up to 30 % GPS, as the chemical composition of this by-product and the results indicate that GPS did not compromise performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

Resumen Este estudio investigó la inclusión del ensilado de orujo de uva (EOU; 0, 10, 20 y 30 %), se evaluó en dietas de corderos, en la ingesta y digestibilidad de nutrientes, balance de nitrógeno y comportamiento ingestivo. Cuatro corderos de la raza Santa Inés con un peso de 21.93 ± 87 kg y aproximadamente siete meses de edad fueron alojados en jaulas metabólicas y distribuidos en un diseño cuadrado latino de 4x4. Los tratamientos consistieron en cuatro dietas con la inclusión de 0, 10, 20 y 30 % de EOU en las dietas. La ingesta de nutrientes se observó con un comportamiento lineal creciente para la ingesta de extracto etéreo (EE) (P<0.05) de acuerdo con el aumento de EE en las dietas, causado por el contenido de EE de las semillas en el EOU. Las dietas no difirieron en los coeficientes de digestibilidad de nutrientes y balance de nitrógeno (P>0.05), con una digestibilidad de materia seca (DMS) media de 678.6 ± 0.62 g kg-1 de MS y retención media de N de 239.78 g kg-1 de N ingerido. El comportamiento ingestivo de las dietas solo influyó (P<0.05) en el tiempo que los animales permanecieron inactivos de pie. Este parámetro mostró un comportamiento cuadrático con un punto máximo estimado en 17.73 % de EOU (P=0.041). En conclusión, se puede hacer uso de EOU hasta un nivel de inclusión del 30 % sin afectar negativamente a los parámetros evaluados.

Abstract This study investigated the inclusion of grape pomace silage (GPS; 0, 10, 20 and 30%) were evaluated in diets of lambs on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and ingestive behavior. Four lambs of the Santa Inês breed with weight of 21.93 ± 0.87 kg and approximately seven months old, were housed in metabolic cages and distributed in a 4x4 latin square design. The treatments consisted of four diets with the inclusion of 0, 10, 20 and 30% GPS in diets. The nutrient intake was observed an increasing linear behavior for ether extract (EE) intake (P<0.05) according to the increase of EE in the diets, caused by content of EE of seeds in GPS. The diets did not differ in the digestibility coefficients of nutrients and nitrogen balance (P>0.05), with average digestibility of dry matter digestibility (DDM) of 678.6 ± 0.62 g kg-1 DM and average retention of 239.78 g kg-1 N ingested of N. The ingestive behavior the diets were influenced (P<0.05) by only the length of time that the animals remained idle in standing. This parameter showed a quadratic behavior with a maximum point estimated at 17.73 % of GPS (P=0.041). In conclusion, the use of GPS can be used until inclusion level of 30 % without negatively affecting the parameters evaluated.

ABSTRACT: The use of intercropped grass legumes provides a source of sustainable animal production as these vegetables contribute to an increase in forage yield by area, and substitute inorganic nitrogen and other components. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of silages and the yield and milk quality of Holstein cows fed triticale silages in monoculture or intercropped with either oats or legumes. The crops for silage production were triticale (TS), triticale in consortium with forage pea (TSP), and triticale in consortium with oats, forage peas and vetches (TSOPV). The silages showed no differences in dry matter content. The highest crude protein (13.06 %) and ethereal extract content was observed in TSOPV, but in the case of the latter, there was little difference when compared with TS (2.35 and 2.16 %, respectively) although the ash contents of the TSOPV and TSP silages did present a difference compared to TS silage. The neutral and acid detergent fibers (NDF and ADF) and cellulose fractions of TS silage were higher (68.60, 41.46 and 38.19 %, respectively) than those in TSOPV and TSP silages, which also had higher levels of soluble nitrogen, ethanol and acetic acid. Dry matter intake was higher in both TSOPV and TSP, which also provided a higher milk yield (21.19 and 20.45 L cow d−1) compared to that of TS silage (18.74 L cow d−1). Cows fed TS also produced milk with a lower N-ureic content (15.15 mg dL−1). The inclusion of legumes with triticale provided good fermentative quality for silage and increased milk production of cows without altering their concentrations of fat and protein.

RESUMO. Esse estudo objetivou avaliar a composição bromatológica da forragem e da silagem pré-secada de doze cereais de inverno colhidos em estádio de pré-florescimento. Utilizou-se aveia preta (Avena strigosa) cv. EMB 139 e cv. IAPAR 61, aveia branca (Avena sativa) cv. IPR 126 e cv. URS Taura, cevada (Hordeum vulgare) cv. BRS Brau e cv. BRS Cauê, trigo (Triticum aestivum) cv. BRS Umbu e cv. BRS Tarumã, centeio (Secale cereale) cv. Temprano e cv. BRS Serrano e triticale (X Triticosecale) cv. IPR 111 e cv. BRS Saturno. A colheita ocorreu quando as plantas atingiram estádio de pré-florescimento, onde foram pré-murchadas e ensiladas. O triticale cv. IPR 111 apresentou características químicas notórias em relação aos demais tratamentos, tendo o maior teor de proteína bruta (113,7 g kg-1) e os menores teores de FDN e FDA (657,9 e 380,9 g kg-1, respectivamente). Dentre as silagens pré-secadas a cevada cv. BRS Cauê apresentou a maior concentração de NDT (614,7 g kg-1). O triticale cv. IPR 111 se mostrou como um alimento de alta qualidade nutricional enquanto forragem, e manteve essas características após conservação. Já a silagem pré-secada da cevada cv. BRS Cauê apresentou o maior potencial de degradabilidade de nutrientes.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition of the forage and pre-dried silage from twelve winter cereals harvested at pre-flowering. We used black oat (Avena strigosa) cv. EMB 139 and cv. IAPAR 61; white oat (Avena sativa) cv. IPR and 126 hp. URS Taura; barley (Hordeum vulgare) cv. BRS Brau and cv. BRS Cauê; wheat (Triticum aestivum) cv. BRS Umbu and cv. BRS Tarumã; rye (Secale cereale) cv. Temprano and cv. BRS Serrano; and triticale (X. Triticosecale) cv. IPR and 111 hp. BRS Saturno. Plants were harvested at pre-flowering, when they were pre-dried and ensiled. The analysis of variance evidenced nutritional differences between species and cultivars. Triticale cv. IPR 111 showed notorious chemical characteristics in relation to the other treatments, highest protein content (113.7 g kg-1) and lower content of NDF and ADF (657.9 and 380.9 g kg-1, respectively). Among the pre-dried silages, barley cv. BRS Cauê had the highest level of NDT (614.7 g kg-1). Triticale cv. IPR 111 was shown as a high-quality nutritional food as forage and kept these characteristics after conservation. On the other hand, the pre-dried silage of barley cv. BRS Cauê showed the highest potential for nutrient degradability.

RESUMO. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar diferentes aditivos microbianos, no tocante a eficiência da estabilidade aeróbia em silagens de milho. O híbrido de milho utilizado para cultivo e posterior confecção das silagens foi o DKB 310. Os tratamentos impostos às silagens foram: 1) Tratamento Controle, sem nenhum aditivo microbiano. 2) Tratamento com LPPA composto por: Lactobacillus plantarum CCT 0580 3,1x1010 UFC/g e Propionibacterium acidipropionici CCT 4843 3,1 x 1010 UFC g-1; 3) Tratamento com Inoculum, composto por: Bacillus subtilis CCT 0089 3,0 x 109 UFC g-1, Lactobacillus plantarum CCT 0580 1,2 x 1010 UFC g-1 e Propionibacterium acidipropionici CCT 4843 1,5 x 1010 UFC g-1 e 4) Tratamento LB, composto apenas por Lactobacillus buchneri CCT 3746 2,6 x 1010 UFC g-1. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições para cada tratamento. Para os parâmetros avaliados diariamente, utilizou-se o esquema de parcelas subdivididas, em que os fatores das parcelas foram as silagens e o fator atribuído à subparcela, o tempo de exposição ao ar. Não houve diferença dos aditivos sobre o pH da silagem em nenhum dos dias de avaliação. A silagem controle atingiu valores de temperatura maiores indicando maior vulnerabilidade. Todos os aditivos não apresentaram instabilidade aeróbia. As silagens confeccionadas com uso dos aditivos microbianos foram eficientes em manter a estabilidade aeróbia.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to assess different microbial additives, regarding the efficiency of aerobic stability in corn silages. The corn hybrid used for silages production was the DKB 310. The treatments consisted of: 1) control treatment without any microbial additive; 2) Treatment with LPPA composed of: Lactobacillus plantarum CCT 0580 3.1 x 1010 CFU g-1 and Propionibacterium acidipropionici CCT 4843 3.1 x 1010 CFU g-1; 3) Treatment with Inoculum, composed of Bacillus subtilis CCT 0089 3.0 x 109 CFU g-1, Lactobacillus plantarum CCT 0580 1.2 x 1010 CFU g-1 and Propionibacterium acidipropionici CCT 4843 1.5 x 1010 CFU g-1 and 4) Treatment LB, composed only of Lactobacillus buchneri CCT 3746 2.6 x 1010 CFU g-1. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates for each treatment. For the parameters evaluated daily, we used the split plot design, in which the different silages were assigned to the plots and the time of exposure to air was assigned to the subplots. There was no difference of additives on silage pH in any of the evaluation days. The control silage reached higher temperatures indicating greater vulnerability. All additives had no aerobic instability. Silages made with the use of microbial additives were effective in maintaining the aerobic stability.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja sobre as características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cordeiros Santa Inês. Foram utilizados 29 machos inteiros, com 23,63 ± 2,44 kg de peso vivo, 80 dias de idade, distribuídos de maneira inteiramente casualizada, submetidos a cinco dietas, sendo que as dietas variaram nos teores de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja de 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%. Para cada teor de substituição foram utilizados seis animais, mas no teor de 25%, cinco animais. Foram realizadas avaliações das carcaças e retirou-se o Longissimus dorsi para análises da qualidade da carne. As características da carcaça não foram afetadas pelos diferentes teores de torta de soja. Observou-se efeito quadrático para a força de cisalhamento e efeito linear decrescente para a intensidade de odor, mas não foram observadas diferenças nos demais parâmetros. A substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja pode ser realizada sem prejuízo à maioria das características da carcaça e de carne e altos teores de torta de soja na dieta podem resultar em benefícios às qualidades sensoriais da carne de cordeiros recebendo dietas concentradas.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by soybean cake on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Santa Ines lambs. Twenty-nine intact males were used, weighing 23.63 ± 2.44 kg, at 80 days of age, distributed randomly, submitted to five diets, with the diets differing in the levels of substitution of soybean meal by soybean cake (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). Each diet was provided to six animals, except the 25% diet, in which five animals were used. Carcass characteristics were evaluated, and the Longissimus dorsi was removed for meat quality analysis. The different levels of soybean cake did not affect carcass characteristics. Regarding the characteristics of meat, there was a quadratic effect for the shear force and negative linear effect on flavor intensity, but no significant differences on the other parameters were observed. Replacement of soybean meal for soybean cake can be made without affecting most of the carcass and meat characteristics, and high levels of soybean cake in the diet can improve the meat sensorial quality of lambs receiving concentrated diets.

ResumoO objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja em dietas para cordeiros Santa Inês confinados, avaliando o desempenho, consumo de nutrientes, comportamento ingestivo e medidas biométricas. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros machos não castrados, com 23,63 ± 2,44kg de peso corporal, distribuídos de maneira inteiramente casualizada em cinco tratamentos, sendo assim 6 repetições por tratamento, os quais foram os teores de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja de 0; 25; 50; 75 e 100%. O comportamento ingestivo foi avaliado através de observações pontuais a cada 10 minutos durante 24 horas. Não foi observado efeito significativo sobre os parâmetros de desempenho, consumo de matéria seca e de comportamento ingestivo. O ganho de peso médio diário foi de 312,73g, o consumo médio de matéria seca foi de 1,44kg/dia. A inclusão da torta de soja levou a um aumento linear no consumo de extrato etéreo em gramas/dia, em porcentagem do peso corporal e em porcentagem do peso metabólico. Foi observado efeito cúbico sobre parâmetros de consumo de fibra em detergente ácido. Os tempos de ruminação, alimentação e ócio foram de 425,85; 194,50 e 789,29min/dia, respectivamente. Em relação às medidas biométricas, não foi encontrado efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja. A torta de soja pode ser utilizada na substituição do farelo de soja, devendo-se atentar ao teor de extrato etéreo residual presente neste coproduto da indústria do biodiesel.

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal by soybean cake in diets for feedlot Santa Ines lambs, evaluating performance, nutrient intake, ingestive behavior and biometric measures. Thirty intact males were used, weighing 23.63 ± 2.44kg, distributed randomly in five treatments, with 6 animals each, with the treatments being the levels of substitution of soybean meal for soybean cake, by 0; 25; 50; 75 and 100%. The ingestive behavior was assessed by visual observations every 10 minutes, during 24 hours. No significant effects were found on the parameters of performance, DM intake, and ingestive behavior. The average daily weight gain was 312,73g, and the average dry matter intake was 1,44kg/day. The inclusion of soybean cake led to a significant linear increase in ether extract intake in grams/day, in percentage of body weight and in percentage of metabolic weight. Cubic effects were observed in the parameters of acid detergent fiber intake. The rumination, feed intake and idleness time observed were 425,85; 194,50 e 789,29 min/day, respectively. Regarding biometric measurements, there was no significant effect of replacing soybean meal with soybean cake. The soybean cake can be used in replacement of soybean meal, but is important to pay attention on the content of residual lipids present in this byproduct of the biodiesel industry.

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the environmental effects (age of dam, type of birth and sex of lamb) and genetic groups (Hampshire Down and Ile de France, ½ and ¾ Hampshire Down, Ile de France and Suffolk, and ½ Texel) on performance and morphometric characteristics (height, length and heart girth) of lambs; to test regressions to predict live weight of lambs from body measurements; and to describe the growth type of the measurements as function of the weight. Weights and measurements were collected from birth to weaning, every 14 days. For evaluations of performance in relation to environmental effects and genetic groups, only data from birth and from weaning were used; for type of growth all collected data were used. Lambs from younger ewes (2 teeth) presented smaller average for weight at birth, heart girth and height at weaning. Single-birth lambs presented greater averages than twins. Genetic group influenced all traits evaluated, except heart girth at birth and average heart girth gain. Means for birth weight were higher in ¾ Ile de France (3.93±0.16 kg) and lower in ½ Texel lambs (3.04±0.24 kg), and for weaning, they were higher in ½ Texel (14.86±0.87 kg) and lower in Ile de France lambs (11.66±0.83 kg). Year of birth influenced all traits. Heart girth and length showed a negative allometric growth in relation to weight, while between weight and height the relation was positive allometric. The factors that most influenced the performance of lambs from birth to weaning are the type of birth, genetic group and year of birth. Correlations between body weight and morphometric measurements are significant, so it is possible to predict one from the other.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar características produtivas e os teores de matéria orgânica e composição mineral do resíduo remanescente da colheita de híbridos de milho em três alturas. Cinco híbridos de milho foram avaliados em três alturas de corte (15, 35 e 55 cm). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas e três repetições. Nas amostras foram determinadas as concentrações de N, P, K, Ca, MS, MM e MO. O diâmetro do colmo (22,4 mm), produção de espigas (8,0 t MS ha-1), índice de colheita de grãos (37,3%), e produtividade total de forragem (15,0 t MS ha-1) não diferiram entre híbridos. Houve efeito de híbrido para as variáveis de composição mineral do resíduo remanescente da colheita. Com exceção do cálcio, a elevação da altura de colheita de 15 para 55 cm não aumenta a concentração dos minerais no resíduo. A quantidade de matéria orgânica e mineral de resíduo que permanece na lavoura aumenta com a elevação da altura de colheita.

Current trial evaluated yield, organic matter and mineral composition of the residual harvest of five maize hybrids at three cutting heights (15, 35 and 55 cm). The experimental design consisted of a randomized block split plot with three replications. Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, MS, MM and MO in the samples were evaluated. No difference among hybrids occurred in stem diameter (22.4 mm), ear production (8.0 ton DM ha-1), grain harvest index (37.3%) and total forage yield (15.0 ton DM ha-1). Hybrid effect occurred for variables of mineral composition of harvest residues. With the exception of calcium, a rise in cutting height from 15 to 55 cm failed to increase the concentration of minerals in the residue. The amount of organic matter and mineral residues that remained in the field increased in proportion to crop height.

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar a estabilidade aeróbia e as perdas durante o processo de fermentação de silagens de triticale em cultivo exclusivo ou em misturas com aveia e/ou leguminosas. As culturas utilizadas para produção das silagens foram: triticale (X. Triticosecale Wittimack); triticale em consórcio com ervilha-forrageira (Pisum arvense); e triticale em consórcio com aveia (Avena strigosa Schreb), ervilha-forrageira e ervilhaca (Vicia sativa). O teor de matéria seca e a recuperação de matéria seca não diferiram entre as silagens. A capacidade tampão foi maior para a silagem de triticale cultivado em consórcio com aveia, ervilha-forrageira e ervilhaca (88,67 m eq. NaOH/100 g de MS), seguida da silagem de triticale cultivado em consórcio com ervilha-forrageira (80,80 m eq. NaOH/100 g de MS). Os valores de condutividade elétrica foram maiores nas silagens de triticale cultivado em consórcio. A silagem de triticale apresentou as menores temperaturas observadas nos silos, e as silagens de triticale cultivado em consórcio, maior retenção de calor e maiores valores de pH. A silagem de triticale em consórcio com aveia e leguminosas apresenta menor estabilidade aeróbia e não reduz a estabilidade aeróbia da ração total. A recuperação de matéria seca durante a armazenagem e na avaliação da estabilidade em aerobiose é semelhante entre as silagens.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the aerobic stability and losses during the fermentation process of triticale silages in single crop or in mixtures with oats and/or legumes. The following crops were used for silage production: triticale (X. Triticosecale Wittimack), triticale intercropped with forage pea (Pisum arvense) and triticale intercropped with oats (Avena strigosa Schreb), forage pea and vetch (Vicia sativa). The dry matter content and its recovery did not differ among the silages. Buffer capacity was higher for tricale silage intercropped with oats, forage pea and vetch(88.67 m eq. NaOH/100 g DM) followed by triticale intercropped with forage pea (80.80 m eq. NaOH/100 g DM). Electric conductivity values were higher in the intercropped triticale silages. Triticale silage presented the lowest temperatures observed in the silos, and the silages of intercropped triticale silages presented higher heat retention and higher pH values. Silage of triticale intercropped with oats and legumes presented lower aerobic stability but it did not reduce the aerobic stability of the total feed. Dry matter recovery during storage and in stability evaluations in aerobiosis is similar among the silages.

Objetivou-se com o estudo avaliar a composição química e a digestibilidade aparente em ovinos da grama estrela ensilada com diferentes aditivos. Os aditivos empregados foram o enzimo-bacteriano (em duas concentrações) e a uréia (10 kg/tonelada), totalizando quatro tratamentos. Para o experimento de digestibilidade, foram utilizados quatro ovinos machos castrados distribuídos em delineamento quadrado latino (4x4). Em relação à composição química, as variáveis MS, PB, EE, FDA e LIG apresentaram diferença (P<0,05) entre os valores obtidos, porém a FDN não mostrou diferença entre tratamentos. Quanto à capacidade tampão e ao pH os menores valores foram obtidos com os tratamentos com aplicação de inoculante. Não houve efeito de tratamento (inoculante ou aplicação de uréia) sobre a digestibilidade da MS, PB e FDN.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and apparent digestiblity in sheep of stargrass ensilaged with different additives. The additives used were enzyme-bacterial inoculent (in two concentrations) and urea (10 kg/ton), totalling 4 treatments. For the digestability experiment, four male sheep were distributed in a (4x4) latin square design. With respect to chemical composition, the variables; dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, acid detergent fiber, and lignin showed statistical difference (P<0,05) among the obtained values. However, neutral detergent fiber showed no difference among treatments. Concerning buffering capacity and pH, the lowest values were for silages treated with inoculents. No treatment effects (inoculent or urea application) for dry matter, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber digestibility of stargrass silages were detected.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, o balanço de nitrogênio e a concentração plasmática da uréia em dietas para ovinos com diferentes níveis de inclusão de farinha de penas hidrolisada. Foram utilizados cinco ovinos machos, castrados, com 50 kg de peso vivo. O delineamento utilizado foi o quadrado latino 5 x 5, em que os tratamentos consistiram em níveis de 0, 25, 50 , 75 e 100% de substituição do farelo de soja mais uréia pela farinha de penas. O método utilizado para a determinação da digestibilidade e do balanço de nitrogênio foi a colheita total de fezes e urina. A ingestão da proteína bruta sofreu efeito quadrático, enquanto sua digestão sofreu efeito linear negativo, com a substituição do farelo de soja mais uréia pela farinha de penas hidrolisada. Houve efeito linear positivo na excreção fecal e negativo na digestibilidade de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), com a inclusão da farinha de penas. Essa inclusão também influenciou de forma linear decrescente a ingestão de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) e seu valor para as dietas. A inclusão da farinha de penas influenciou todas as variáveis estudadas no balanço de nitrogênio. Houve efeito linear crescente na excreção de nitrogênio nas fezes e na urina e decrescente na digestibilidade da matéria seca e na concentração de uréia plasmática. Quanto ao nitrogênio consumido e retido houve efeito quadrático dos níveis de substituição.

The objective of this study was to evaluate apparent digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen balance and plasma urea nitrogen in diets with different levels of hydrolyzed feather meal inclusion. Five wethers with 50 kg of live weight were used. A 5 x 5 Latin square experimental design was used and the treatments were as following: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% replacement of soybean meal plus urea by hydrolyzed feather meal. Total feces and urine collection was used for apparent digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance. Hydrolyzed feather meal inclusion produced a quadratic response for protein intake and a negative linear response for protein digestion. Fecal excretion increased linearly and digestibility decreased linearly for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) with hydrolyzed feather meal inclusion. Hydrolyzed feather meal inclusion decreased linearly total digestible intake and produced a linear effect for all variables evaluated in nitrogen balance. There was a positive response for feces and urine nitrogen excretion and a negative response for dry matter digestibility and plasma urea nitrogen. There was a quadratic effect for intake nitrogen and nitrogen retention.