Abstract The study's aim was to evaluate the microbiological, nutritional, textural quality and palatability of pet biscuits made with the inclusion of three flours. The treatments were chicken viscera flour (CVF), commercial Nile tilapia flour (FF) and mixed fish flours of several species (FVF). For the FVF, only the carcasses (backbones) of Nile tilapia, salmon, tuna and sardines were used, and they were washed, whereas FVF as well as the others were cooked for 60 minutes, then pressed, ground and dehydrated for 24 hours at 60° C. After this period, they were crushed and ground for inclusion in the biscuits. The CVF, FF and FVF flours showed 43.82%, 50.48% and 56.70% of crude protein, respectively. CVF had the highest lipid content (10.01%) and FVF had the highest ash content (23.94%) and FVF had the highest caloric value (338.63 kcal 100 g-1). The inclusion of flours in biscuits did not influence the protein and carbohydrate contents, whose average values were 18.48% and 50.23%. However, they influenced the moisture content, lipids, ash and caloric value. Biscuits with the inclusion of viscera (CVF) had the highest lipid content (5.91%) and those with fish had the highest ash content (5.66% and 5.81%) for FF and FVF. Biscuits with FVF had a lower caloric value (318.47 kcal 100 g-1). The microbiological analysis indicated that the biscuits were considered of good quality to feed dogs. Regarding texture and palatability, there was no significant difference between treatments. The inclusion of fish flour, both FF and FVF, is a viable alternative.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e nutricional, a textura e a palatabilidade de biscoitos pet elaborados com a inclusão de três farinhas. Os tratamentos foram farinha de vísceras de frango (FVC), farinha de tilápia comercial (FF) e mix de farinhas de peixes de várias espécies (FVF). Para FVF, foram utilizadas apenas as carcaças (espinhaço) de tilápia, salmão, atum e sardinha, as quais foram lavadas. Em todos os tratamentos, as farinhas foram cozidas por 60 minutos, depois prensadas, moídas e desidratadas por 24 horas a 60 °C. Decorrido esse período, as farinhas foram trituradas e moídas para inclusão nos biscoitos. As farinhas FVC, FF e FVF apresentaram 43,82%, 50,48% e 56,70% de proteína bruta, respectivamente. A FVC apresentou maior teor lipídico (10,01%) e a FVF, maior teor de cinzas (23,94%) e o maior valor calórico (338,63 kcal 100 g-1). A inclusão das farinhas nos biscoitos não influenciou nos teores de proteína e carboidratos, cujos valores médios foram de 18,48% e 50,23%, respectivamente. Entretanto, influenciaram no teor de umidade, lipídios, cinzas e valor calórico. Os biscoitos com inclusão de vísceras (CVF) apresentaram os maiores teores de lipídeos (5,91%) e aqueles com inclusão pescado maiores teores de cinzas (5,66% e 5,81%) para FF e FVF. Os biscoitos com FVF apresentaram menor valor calórico (318,47 kcal 100 g-1). A análise microbiológica indicou que os biscoitos apresentaram qualidades apropriadas para serem fornecidos a cães. Em relação a textura e aceitabilidade, não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos. A inclusão de farinhas de peixe, tanto FF quanto FVF, é uma alternativa viável.

ABSTRACT. The study aimed to determine the fatty acid profile, omegas and lipid quality indeces in commercial cuts of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) of the slaughter class 11.1 to 14.0 kg. Sample collections were carried out in two fish processing industries located in Rondônia state, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with processing performed in triplicate. Data were submitted to ANOVA to assess differences between commercial cuts in chemical compositions. If ANOVA appeared statistically significant (α=0.05), the averages were compared by Tukey's test. In the composition of fatty acids, there was a difference (p <0.05) between cuts. Commercial cuts that expressed the highest percentages of SFAs tail fillet 51.2%, of MUFAs fillet mignon 39.8% and of PUFAs deboned cut 20.7%. The indeces prescribed for lipid quality, ∑PUFAs/∑SFAs, ∑PUFAs (n-6/∑n-3), AI, TI and HH, indicate that commercial cuts have lipid quality. Deboned is the cut with the highest PUFA fatty acid content, with the highest values of Omega 3, 6, 7 and n-9 being also expressed. Nutritional information is important for the processes of conservation and processing, development of new products on the market, as well as guiding the form of preparation, thus providing commercial security for different market niches.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se a puberdade e o parto alteram a contagem de folículos antrais (CFA) em fêmeas Nelore (Bos indicus) de corte. Foram realizados dois experimentos para comparar a CFA entre os períodos pré-púbere e púbere e entre os períodos pré-púbere e pós-parto. A CFA e a concentração folicular não diferiram entre os períodos pré-púbere e púbere. Entretanto, a área ovariana foi maior após a puberdade. Além disso, a CFA e a área do ovário foram maiores no período pós-parto quando comparado ao pré-púbere. Portanto, a CFA não é afetada pela puberdade de novilhas Nelore, mas aumenta significativamente quando as novilhas pré-púberes se tornam vacas. (CFA Bos indicus corte prépúbere pré pósparto. pósparto pós parto. Entretanto disso prépúbere. Portanto prépúberes púberes vacas

Abstract The objective of this work was to investigate whether puberty and parturition alter the antral follicle count (AFC) in female Nelore (Bos indicus) beef cattle. Two experiments were carried out to compare AFC between the prepubertal and pubertal periods and between the prepubertal and postpartum periods. AFC and follicle concentrations did not differ between the prepubertal and pubertal periods. However, the ovarian area increased after puberty. In addition, AFC and the ovarian area were greater in the postpartum than in the prepubertal period. Therefore, AFC is not affected by the puberty of Nelore heifers, but increases significantly when the prepubertal heifers become cows. (AFC Bos indicus cattle However addition period Therefore cows

ABSTRACT. To evaluate the bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Xaraés palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha ‘Xaraes’ syn Brachiaria brizantha) under grazing in integrated crop, livestock (ICL), and forest (ICLF) systems, we conducted an in situ degradability trial in randomized blocks with three non-lactating 3/4 Gyr × 1/4 Holstein cows, provided with ruminal cannula. The management of Xaraés palisade grass was similar in both systems, differing only regarding shading in the ICLF system provided by eucalyptus trees (average 65% crown cover). Grass samples were incubated for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Considering the passage rate 2% h-1, the Xaraés palisade grass of ICL system had greater NDF effective degradability in relation to ICLF (46.38 vs 44.98%). However, the palisade grass CP potential degradability was greater in the ICLF than in the ICL system (68.92% vs. 65.40%). The presence of trees in the pasture has effect on nutritional traits of the Xaraés palisade grass, increasing its protein content and degradability and reducing its fiber degradability.

ABSTRACT. In this study, the stimulatory effects of application of glyphosate herbicide coupled with manganese sulfate (8%) foliar fertilizer on the production and bromatological characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha ‘Marandu’ were evaluated. The experiments were performed using randomized complete block design with a 5×4 factorial scheme in plots subdivided over time (across four evaluations) with four repetitions, totaling 100 observations. The effects of sublethal doses of acid equivalent (a.e.) of glyphosate (5.40, 21.60, 64.80, and 108.00 g·a.e.·ha-1) and control plus manganese sulfate foliar fertilizer (1,000 g ha-1) were assessed in four successive evaluations at a defoliation frequency of 21 days. Foliage at 20 cm height (to evaluate forage production); leaf/stem ratio (LSR); and contents of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and lignin (LIG) were measured in experimental plots with a usable area of 7.5 m2. Application of sublethal doses of glyphosate plus manganese sulfate did not increase forage production, increased LSR, reduced LIG content, and did not affect CP content in all four evaluations. NFD and ADF indicated satisfactory qualitative indices for animal feed following the application of sublethal doses of glyphosate plus manganese sulfate in all four evaluations.

Avaliou-se as características morfogênicas do Capim Tamani (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani), estabelecido com sementes inoculadas ou não com Azospirillum brasilense em função de fontes de fosfato (superfosfato triplo e fosfato natural reativo de bayovar) e doses crescentes de nitrogênio (0, 75, 150, 300 e 600 kg ha-1) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, organizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 5 com 4 repetições. A inoculação com Azospirillum brasilense promoveu uma melhoria no aproveitamento dos adubos fosfatados, reduzindo a amplitude de respostas entre eles. Contudo, o melhor desempenho foi observado com a fonte de maior solubilidade (superfosfato triplo) associada aos maiores níveis de adubação nitrogenada.

It was evaluated the morphogenic characteristics of the Capim Tamani (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani) established with seeds either inoculated or not with Azospirillum brasilense as a function of phosphate sources (triple superphosphate and bayovar natural reactive phosphate) and increasing doses of nitrogen (0, 75, 150, 300 and 600 kg ha-1) in a completely randomized design, organized in a 2 x 2 x 5 factorial scheme with 4 replications. The inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense promoted an improvement in the use of phosphate fertilizers, reducing the amplitude of responses between them. However, the best performance was observed with the source of higher solubility (triple superphosphate) associated with higher levels of nitrogen fertilization.

RESUMO: No processo industrial de fabricação de palmito babaçu (Attalea speciosa) em conserva, a entrecasca ou bainha menos tenra, apresenta características impróprias à alimentação humana, sendo muitas vezes descartada de forma inadequada, oferecendo riscos de poluição ambiental. De tal forma, objetivou-se avaliar o consumo e a digestibilidade em ovinos recebendo silagens de coproduto da industrialização de palmito babaçu (CIPB) com diferentes aditivos ou silagem de cana-de-açúcar. Utilizou-se 15 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, constituindo de cinco tratamentos e três repetições. Os tratamentos compreendiam dietas de silagem de babaçu enriquecidas com quirera de milho (QM), quirera de arroz (QA), raspa de mandioca (RM), casca de café combinada com quirera de milho (CC), e silagem de cana-de-açúcar (CA), todos complementadas com concentrado, na relação volumoso:concentrado, 65:35. Silagens a base de CIPB e CA tiveram consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE) e carboidrato não-fibroso (CNF) semelhantes. O incremento de aditivos às silagens de CIPB favoreceram a digestibilidade da MS, MO, PB, CNF, fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Silagem a base de CIPB pode ser utilizada na dieta de ruminantes com a inclusão de aditivos, especialmente quirera de milho e raspa de mandioca, que conferem qualidade nutricional superior às demais silagens avaliadas.

ABSTRACT: The inner bark or less tender sheath generated from industrial manufacture of canned babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) heart is inadequate for human consumption, often being discarded inappropriately and giving rise to environmental pollution. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the intake and digestibility in sheep fed on silage of the agro-industrial co-product of babassu palm (ICBP)enriched with different additives, or on sugarcane silage. Fifteen Santa Inês sheep were distributed in a completely randomized design, consisting of five treatments and three replicates. The treatments comprised babassu palm silage enriched with broken maize (BM), broken rice (BR), cassava scrapings (CS), coffee husk combined with maize kernel (CC), and sugarcane silage (SC), all supplemented with concentrate, at a voluminous:concentrate ratio of 65:35. Silages based on ICBP and SC had similar intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC). Increasing the additive fraction in ICBP silages favored the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NFC, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total digestible nutrients (TDN). Our results indicated that silage based on additive-enriched ICBP can be used in the diet of ruminants, especially those based on broken maize and cassava scrapings that provide superior nutritional quality compared to the other silages assessed.

The objective of this study was to estimate requirements of energy, protein and macrominerals of young Nellore/Holstein crossbreds bulls supplemented on pastures of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. Thirty-five young bulls, at 8.53±0.18 months of age and with initial body weight of 230.6±6.1 kg were used. Ten animals were slaughtered as reference, in different weight range, and the other animals were slaughtered at the end of the experimental period. For estimate of net energy requirements for weight, a regression equation between log of retained energy (RE) and log of empty body weight gain (EBWG) was constructed. Net requirements of Ca, P, Mg, Na and K were determined by the equation Y' = a.b.Xb-1, in which a and b represent the intercept and the coefficient of equation of prediction of macrominerals in body content, respectively. Requirements of metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm) were obtained from retained energy in function of metabolizable energy intake (MEI). The requirements of MEm of Nellore/Holstein crossbreds young bulls on pasture was 125 kcal/EBW0.75/day. The efficiency of ME utilization for maintenance (k) of grazing Nellore/Holstein crossbred young mbulls was 0.58 and 0.24 for gain. The total metabolizable protein requirements for an animal with 400 kg and with average daily gain of 1.0 kg, were 638.36 g/day. The dietetic requirements of Ca and P for an animal with 400 kg BW were 0.49 and 0.21% of DM, respectively. Daily metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance of grazing Nellore/Holstein crossbred young bulls was 11.6% greater than the values found for cattle in feedlot in Brazil (112 kcal/kg EBW0.75).

This trial was conducted to evaluate some beef quality attributes of Nellore, F1 Simmental × Nellore and F1 Angus × Nellore steers finished on feedlot. The effects of feeding regime and genetic group on shear force, thawing losses, cooking (leak + evaporation) losses, total losses and muscle fiber type, as well as carcass pH and temperature during 24 h of chilling were evaluated. There was a genetic group effect on shear force, where the beef from F1 Simmental × Nellore and F1 Angus × Nellore animals had lower values than Nellore animals. Beef of the animals fed the diets with 1% and 2% of body weight on concentrated lost more liquid than the meat of the animals fed at maintenance during thawing and when considering total losses. During cooking there was a difference among the feeding regimes for drip losses which were greater on the animals fed the diet of 1% of body weight on concentrate, followed by the 2% diet and, finally, by the animals fed at maintenance. The muscle of the Nellore steers had larger proportion of intermediate fibers and lower proportion of oxidative fibers than the crossbred animals. The proportion of glycolytic fibers was not influenced by genetic group. The Nellore animals had larger proportion of fibers of fast contraction and smaller proportion of fibers of slow contraction when compared with the crossbred animals. Feeding regime did not influence the proportion of muscular fibers or shear force. Nellore cattle produce tougher beef than crossbred Simmental × Nellore or Angus × Nellore, although all of them have the potential to produce an acceptable beef when slaughtered at young age. Feed restriction up to 90 days is not enough to cause modification on muscle fiber frequencies, then not affecting beef quality.

Sixty 18-month-old steers (20 Nellore, 20 F1 Simmental × Nellore and 20 F1 Angus × Nellore with average body weight of 265.6±6.4 kg; 325.3±4.7 kg and 324.6±6.0 kg, respectively) were used. The effects of feeding regime and genetic group on physical carcass composition, empty body composition, composition of the gain, as well as the pattern of tissue deposition were evaluated in this trial. The interaction between genetic group and feeding regime was not significant for any variable evaluated. Animals fed at the maintenance level produced carcass with larger proportions of bones and muscle than the animals fed ad libitum and Nellore animals had larger muscle portion and smaller adipose tissue portion on the carcass than the crossbred animals. Nellore animals and those fed at maintenance had smaller amount of total fat in the carcass than the crossbred animals and those fed ad libitum, respectively. Fat was deposited more pronouncedly in the intermuscular depot, followed by the visceral depot. The rate of deposition of the carcass tissues was smaller in the Nellore animals and in the animals fed the diet with concentrate allowance equivalent to 1% body weight (except for subcutaneous fat tissue), when compared with the crossbred animals and those fed the diet with 2% BW on concentrate, respectively. The rate of fat deposition on the visceral depot was larger in the F1 Angus × Nellore animals and on those fed the 2% of BW of concentrate diet when compared with F1 Simmental × Nellore animals and those fed the diet with the lowest concentrate allowance (1% BW).

Avaliaram-se o desempenho produtivo e as características nutricionais em tourinhos Nelore em fase de recria, não-castrados, recebendo diferentes ofertas de suplementos em pastagem de Brachiaria decumbens, de julho a setembro de 2006. A área foi dividida em cinco piquetes de 2,0 ha, com disponibilidade média de matéria seca (MS) e matéria seca potencialmente digestível (MSpd) de 3,88 e 2,22 t/ha, respectivamente. Foram utilizados 30 bezerros com peso e idade iniciais médios de 230,0 ± 6,14 kg e 8,5 ± 0,18 meses, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado contendo cinco tratamentos: quatro ofertas de suplementos em comparação a mistura mineral (MM). Foram avaliados a MM (60 g/animal) e suplementos múltiplos, fornecidos diariamente nas quantidades de 0,5; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0 kg/animal para suprir 300 g/dia de PB. Os animais responderam ao uso de suplementos múltiplos, ganhando mais peso (88,72%) e apresentaram maiores níveis séricos de N-ureia (19,95 vs. 9,66) em comparação àqueles que receberam mistura mineral. Os animais sob suplementação apresentaram maiores consumos de MS, MO, EE, FDN, CNF e NDT e esses consumos aumentaram com os níveis de oferta de suplemento. A suplementação aumentou o coeficiente de digestão da maioria das variáveis avaliadas, independentemente do nível de suplemento fornecido. Os níveis mais moderados (0,5 kg) de suplementos múltiplos podem ser fornecidos aos tourinhos em fase de recria durante o período da seca para estimular o consumo de pasto, porém a máxima produção microbiana é obtida com oferta de 1,34 kg de suplemento. As melhores respostas de desempenho e características nutricionais podem ser obtidas com o fornecimento diário de suplemento em níveis de 0,5 a 1,34 kg/animal.

Productive performance and nutritional characteristics of crossbreds Nellore young bulls, in the growing stage, receiving different supplement offers, from July to September 2006, grazing on Brachiaria decumbens pasture were evaluated. The area was divided in five paddocks of 2.0 ha, with availability of dry matter and potentially digestible dry matter of 3.88 and 2.22 t/ha, respectively. Thirty animals of 230.0 ± 6.14 kg initial weight and 8.5 ± 0.18 months of age were assigned in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments, and four supplementation levels. Mineral mix (60 g/day) and multiple supplements, formulated to supply different supplementation levels in the amounts of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg/animal to supply 300 g/day of crude protein were evaluated. Animals responded to the use of multiples supplements, gaining more weight (88.72%), in addition to showing higher seric N-urea levels (19.95 vs. 9.66), when compared with animals fed diets supplied with mineral mix. Animals under supplementation showed higher intake of DM, OM, EE, NDF, NFC and TDN in relation to animals without supplementation, and this intake increased with the levels of supplement offer. Supplementation increased the coefficient of digestion of the majority of variables, regardless of the supplementation level. More moderate levels (0.5 kg) of multiple supplement may be provided to young bulls in the growing stage, during the dry season, to stimulate intake of pasture; however the maximum microbial yield is achieved with 1.34 kg of supplement. The best responses of performance and nutritional characteristics can be obtained with dairy supply of supplement in levels of 0.5 to 1.34 kg/animal.

Avaliou- se o efeito da adição de óxido de cálcio (0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0%, da MS) na composição química e degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca e fibra de detergente neutro (FDN), nas perdas de MS e na população microbiana em silagens de cana. Foi utilizado um delineamento com cinco níveis de óxido de cálcio e três repetições. Todas as variáveis foram influenciadas (P<0,05) pela adição de óxido de cálcio nas silagens, exceto a composição em proteína insolúvel em detergente ácido, carboidratos solúveis em água e lignina. O teor de matéria seca e o pH aumentaram linearmente, enquanto que os de matéria orgânica, hemicelulose e proteína bruta reduziram, também linearmente, com os níveis de óxido de cálcio. A fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína e a fibra em detergente ácido ajustaram- se a modelo quadrático, com valores mínimos calculados de 33,3 e 22,5% para os níveis de 1,73 e 1,49% óxido de cálcio, respectivamente. A digestibilidade in vitro da MS (DIVMS) e o conteúdo de nitrogênio amoniacal ajustaram- se a modelos quadráticos, com valores máximos de 80,1 e 9,1% para os níveis de 1,8 e 0,7% de óxido de cálcio, respectivamente. A produção mínima de gás (3,18%) foi observada no nível de 1,39% de óxido de cálcio. A produção de efluente e a recuperação de MS da massa ensilada apresentaram redução e aumento linear, respectivamente, com adição de óxido de cálcio. A maior população de bactérias ácido- lácticas foi observado na silagem tratada com 1,5% de óxido de cálcio. A adição de óxido de cálcio aumentou a degradabilidade da fração solúvel da MS, que foi superior a 50,0% e reduziu a fração indegradável da FDN. A adição de óxido de cálcio em níveis acima de 1,0% na cana- de- açúcar durante a ensilagem melhora a DIVMS e a recuperação da matéria seca, aumenta as populações de bactérias ácido- lácticas e reduz a produção de leveduras.

It was evaluated the addition of calcium oxide (0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; and 2.0% of dry matter) effect on the chemical composition and ruminal degradability of the dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, on the losses of dry matter, and on the microbial population in sugar cane silages. A design with five levels of calcium oxide and three replications was used. All the variables were influenced by the addition of calcium oxide in the silages, except the composition in acid detergent insoluble protein, water soluble carbohydrates and lignin. The dry matter content and pH linearly increased while the contents of organic matter, hemicellulose and crude protein linearly decreased with the levels of calcium oxide. Neutral detergent fiber corrected for ashes and protein and acid detergent fiber were adjusted for the quadratic models with calculated minimal values of 33.3 and 22.5% for the levels 1.73 and 1.49% of calcium oxide, respectively. The in vitro digestibility of the dry matter and the content of amoniacal nitrogen adjusted to quadratic models with maximal levels of 80.1% and 9.1% for the levels of 1.8 and 0.7% of calcium oxide, respectively. The minimal production of gas (3.18%) was observed at the level of 1.39% of calcium oxide. Production of effluent and recovery of dry matter of the ensiled mass showed a reduction and a linear increase, respectively, with addition of calcium oxide. The highest lactic acid bacterial population was observed in the silage treated with 1.5% of calcium oxide. The addition of calcium oxide increased degradability of the soluble fraction of the dry matter, which was higher than 50% and reduced the non- degradable fraction of the neutral detergent fiber. Addition of calcium oxide level higher than 1.0% in the sugar cane during ensilage improves in vitro dry matter digestibility and the recovery of dry matter, increases populations of lactic acid bacteria and reduces production of yeasts.

Avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes relações de cana-de-açúcar e capim-elefante (0:100; 25:75; 50:50; 75:25 e 100:0% na matéria natural) sobre a composição química e as perdas em silagens tratadas com inoculante bacteriano utilizando-se silos laboratoriais. Adotou-se um esquema fatorial 2 × 5 (com e sem inoculante e cinco proporções de capim-elefante), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. Observou-se interação relação cana e capim-elefante × inoculante para a composição em proteína bruta (PB) e o pH. As demais variáveis foram influenciadas apenas pelas relações crescentes de capim-elefante. Os teores de MS, fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína, fibra em detergente ácido, proteína insolúvel em detergente ácido, hemicelulose e lignina nas silagens aumentaram linearmente com as proporções de capim-elefante. Por sua vez, o teor de carboidratos solúveis e a digestibilidade in vitro da MS das silagens decresceu linearmente com o aumento da proporção de capim-elefante. O valor médio do nitrogênio amoniacal foi de 7,0% na MS. Os valores de PB das silagens inoculadas e não-inoculadas ajustaram-se a modelos lineares, crescentes e decrescentes, respectivamente. Observou-se maior teor de PB nas silagens tratadas com inoculante. Os valores de pH das silagens, com e sem inoculante, ajustaram-se a modelos quadráticos e lineares, respectivamente. Os teores de ácido lático, propiônico e butírico não foram influenciados pelas proporções de capim-elefante, enquanto os teores de ácido acético, no caso das silagens não-inoculadas, e de etanol decresceram linearmente com o aumento do nível de capim-elefante. A relação de 25% de cana-de-açúcar e 75% de capim-elefante melhora o valor nutricional e aumenta a recuperação da MS ensilada, em decorrência das mais baixas produções de efluentes e gases. O inoculante bacteriano homofermentativo não tem efeito na silagem de cana-de-açúcar.

The effects of different ratios of sugarcane and elephant grass (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0% of the natural basis) were assessed on the chemical composition and losses in silages treated with a bacterial inoculant, using laboratory silos. A 2 × 5 factorial arrangement (with and without inoculant and five elephant grass ratios) in a randomized blocks design with three replications was used. Interaction was observed in the sugarcane and elephant grass ratio × bacterial inoculant for crude protein (CP) and pH. The other variables were influenced only by the increasing proportions of elephant grass. The contents of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber corrected for ashes and protein, acid detergent fiber, insoluble protein in acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose and lignin in the silages increased linearly with the proportions of elephant grass. The water soluble carbohydrate contents and dry matter in vitro digestibility of the silages decreased linearly with the increase in the proportion of elephant grass. The mean value of ammonia nitrogen in relation to total N was 7.0% (% of DM). The CP values of the inoculated and non-inoculated silage fitted linear models. The highest CP content was observed in the silage treated with inoculant. The pH values of the silages, with and without inoculant, fitted quadratic and linear models, respectively. The lactic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid contents were not influenced by the elephant grass ratios, while the acetic acid content, for the non-inoculated silages, and ethanol decreased linearly with the increase in elephant grass. The ratio of 25% sugarcane and 75% elephant grass improves the nutritional value and increases the silage DM recovery, because of the lower effluent and gas productions. The homofermentative bacterial inoculant does not affect the sugarcane silage.

Avaliou-se a influência da forma de utilização do milho em suplementos no desempenho de novilhos na fase de terminação, durante o período das águas, em pastagem de capim-braquiária. Utilizaram-se 16 bovinos mestiços com peso inicial de 384 kg e 18 meses de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos mistura mineral (MM) (controle); milho triturado (MT); milho desintegrado com sabugo (MDS); e milho desintegrado com palha e sabugo (MDPS) - e quatro repetições. Os animais foram mantidos em pastagem de 6 ha de Brachiaria decumbens Stapf, dividida em quatro piquetes de 1,5 ha, com disponibilidade de matéria seca total (MST) de 4,77 t/ha e MSpd (matéria seca potencialmente digestível) de 3,14 t/ha. Para avaliação dos parâmetros nutricionais, utilizaram-se quatro animais mestiços fistulados no esôfago, no rúmen e no abomaso, com peso médio inicial de 390 kg, distribuídos em quadrado latino 4 × 4, composto de quatro tratamentos e quatro períodos experimentais. Os animais do grupo controle receberam mistura mineral diariamente (60 g/dia), enquanto os demais receberam os suplementos (1,0 kg/dia). Os suplementos múltiplos não influenciaram o desempenho dos animais, mas as concentrações séricas de uréia foram maiores nos animais sob suplementação. O consumo de PB, assim como a digestibilidade total de PB, aumentou com o uso dos suplementos múltiplos. Os animais do grupo controle (mistura mineral) apresentaram maior consumo de matéria seca e matéria orgânica de pasto. O uso de suplemento múltiplo (1 kg/dia) no período das águas promoveu aumento numérico de até 165 g/animal em relação à suplementação com mistura mineral. O milho desintegrado com palha e sabugo e o milho desintegrado com sabugo equivalem ao grão de milho triturado.

The effect of corn feeding forms in multiple supplements on performance of finishing steers grazing signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf) during rainy season was evaluated. Sixteen crossbred steers with initial weight of 384 kg and 18 mo old were distributed to four supplements mineral mix (MM) (control) and three multiple supplements with different feeding forms of corn: ground corn (GC); ground ear-corn (GEC) and ground whole-plant corn (GWPC) - in a completely randomized experimental design with four replicates. The animals were kept in pasture, 6 ha of signal grass, divided into four paddocks of 1.5 ha, with total dry matter and potentially digestible dry matter availabilities of 4.77 t/ha and 3.14 t/ha, respectively. Four esophagus, rumen and abomasum fistulated crossbred animals with initial weight of 390 kg, were used to evaluate the nutritional parameters. Animals were distributed to a 4 × 4 Latin square, composed of four supplements and four experimental periods. The animals in the control group were fed daily with 60 g/day of MM, while the others were fed with 1.0 kg/day of the multiple supplements different. Multiple supplements did not influence the performance of animals, but serum urea concentrations were higher in animals fed with the different multiple supplements. Crude protein and intake and digestibility increased with the use multiple supplements. Animals of the control showed higher dry matter and organic matter intake from the pasture. The different multiple supplements (1 kg/day) promoted numerical increase of up to 165 g/animal/day in relation to control during rainy season. Ground whole-plant corn and ground ear-corn are equivalent to ground corn for steers in the finishing phase in pasture in the rainy season.

O experimento foi conduzido para avaliar o valor nutritivo da silagem de capim-elefante produzida com o capim emurchecido ou adicionada de diferentes níveis de farelo de cacau. O capim-elefante foi colhido aos 50 dias de rebrota após o corte de uniformização e submetido aos seguintes tratamentos na ensilagem: capim-elefante emurchecido ao sol por 8 horas, e capim-elefante sem emurchecimento com 0, 7, 14, 21 e 28% de farelo de cacau (FC) (% da matéria natural). Foram utilizadas quatro repetições por tratamento; o material foi acondicionado em silos de PVC com 0,15 m de diâmetro e 0,3 m de altura, adotando-se compactação de 500 kg/m³. A inclusão do farelo de cacau na ensilagem do capim-elefante mostrou-se eficiente em aumentar o teor de MS da silagem. A inclusão de FC no nível de 7% permitiu produção de silagem com teor de MS semelhante ao da silagem de capim emurchecido. As silagens com FC apresentaram maiores teores de NT, EE, lignina, NIDN e NIDA, no entanto, os teores de FDN, FDA CEL, HEM, cinzas e NDT e a DIVMS diminuíram com a adição de farelo de cacau. O NDT estimado para a silagem de capim emurchecido foi superior ao obtido nas demais silagens, com e sem farelo de cacau. Embora o FC tenha promovido redução da DIVMS, sua inclusão nos níveis de 7 e 14% proporcionou boa digestibilidade das silagens (acima de 60%). O emurchecimento do capim-elefante e a adição de FC podem ser alternativas para aumentar o teor de MS da silagem e garantir a produção de silagens de bom valor nutritivo.

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the nutritive value of elephant grass silage wilted under the sun light for eight hours. Other treatments involved the same elephant grass without exposing to sun light but with addition of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28% of cocoa meal (CM) at the ensilage process. The PVC silos used in the experiment measured 0.15 m of diameter and 0.30 m of height. During the ensiling process the forage was compressed until reach 500 kg/m³. The addition of CM on elephantgrass during the ensiling process increased efficiently the silage DM concentration. The treatment of 7% addition of CM resulted in DM concentration similar to the wilted treatment. The treatments involving addition of CM presented high TN, EE, LIG, NDIN, and ADIN concentrations. Reductions in NDF, ADF, CEL, HEM, ash, TDN, and IVDMD concentrations were detected with the addition of CM. The estimated TDN of wilted treatment was greater than the other treatments with or without CM. Although the CM reduced IVDMD, the 7 and 14% levels of CM inclusion resulted in elevated digestibility over 60%. The wilting and CM addition may be used as alternatives to increase silage DM concentration.