Abstract This study evaluated the inclusion of concentrate and monensin, salinomycin and flavomycin in sheep diets on intake, digestibility, in situ degradability, ruminal variables and nitrogen balance. Five sheep in a latin square received the treatments: HAY (hay only), CONT (hay + concentrate), MON (hay + concentrate + monensin), SALI (hay + concentrate + salinomycin), and FLAV (hay + concentrate + flavomycin). Hay was offered ad libitum, concentrate, 20 g kg-1 of body weight (BW), and additives, 0.75 mg kg-1 of BW. The treatments with the concentrate (CONT, MON, SALI and FLAV) showed increased (P≤0.05) on intake, digestibility, total VFA, propionate and butyrate proportions, N-NH3, and nitrogen balance, and decreased (P≤0.05) DM and NDF degradability, acetate proportion, acetate:propionate ratio, and rumen pH compared to the HAY. The comparison between the outcome effects from additives with the CONT showed that the acetate proportion and acetate:propionate ratio was only reduced by MON (P≤0.05). MON and SALI increased (P≤0.05) the propionate proportion. The proportion of butyrate was increased with the inclusion of FLAV and reduced with MON 8and SALI. Only MON reduced the production of N-NH3 (P≤0.05). Other variables showed no effects from additives (P>0.05) in relation to the CONT. The inclusion of the concentrate in sheep diets caused alterations on intake, digestibility, ruminal variables (VFA, pH, and N-NH3) and nitrogen balance. However, the additives only altered the ruminal variables (VFA and N-NH3) and the greatest effects were observed with MON.

Resumen El presente estudio evaluó la inclusión de concentrado con monensina, salinomicina y flavomicina en dietas para ovinos, evaluando consumo, digestibilidad, degradabilidad in situ, variables ruminales y balance de nitrógeno. Cinco ovejas, bajo un diseño de cuadrado latino, recibieron cada uno de los tratamientos: HENO (solo heno como tratamiento control), CONT (heno + concentrado), MON (heno + concentrado + monensina), SALI (heno + concentrado + salinomicina) y FLAV (heno + concentrado + flavomicina). HENO fue suministrado ad libitum, mientras que el concentrado fue a 20 g kg-1 de peso corporal (PC) y los aditivos a 0.5 mg kg-1 de PC. Los tratamientos con el concentrado (CONT, MON, SALI y FLAV) mostraron un aumento (P≤0.05) en consumo, digestibilidad, AGV totales, proporciones de propionato y butirato, N-NH3 y balance de nitrógeno, y disminuyeron (P≤0.05) degradabilidad de materia seca y fibra en detergente neutro, proporción de acetato, relación acetato: propionato y pH del rumen comparado con el tratamiento control. La comparación entre los efectos dados por los aditivos con el CONT mostraron que la proporción de acetato y la relación acetato:propionato solo se redujeron en MON (P≤0.05). MON y SALI aumentaron (P≤0.05) el propionato, mientras que el butirato incrementó con la inclusión de FLAV, reduciéndose con MON y SALI. Únicamente MON disminuyó la producción de N-NH3 (P≤0.05). Otras variables no mostraron efectos de los aditivos (P>0.05) en relación con CONT. La inclusión del concentrado en las dietas para ovejas causó alteraciones en el consumo, digestibilidad, variables ruminales (AGV, pH y N-NH3) y balance de nitrógeno, sin embargo, los aditivos solo alteraron las variables ruminales (AGV y N-NH3), observando los mayores efectos con el MON.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da redução na frequência de suplementação proteico-energética sobre o consumo de nutrientes, degradabilidade e digestibilidade da forragem, assim como o pH e concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3) ruminal em bovinos de corte recebendo feno de baixa qualidade. Foi utilizado o delineamento quadrado latino de 4 x 4. Quatro bovinos foram alimentados com feno de baixa qualidade e submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: sem suplementação (controle); suplementação com 0,82% do peso corporal (PC), três vezes por semana (3x); 0,49% do PC, cinco vezes por semana (5x); e 0,35% do PC sete vezes por semana (7x). O uso do suplemento proteico-energético aumentou a ingestão de matéria seca (MS), PB (proteína bruta), FDN (Fibra em detergente neutro), EE (extrato etéreo), CNF (carboidratos não fibrosos) e os coeficientes de digestibilidade da PB, EE e CNF. Entretanto, não foram observadas diferenças na degradação da MS e FDN do feno entre os tratamentos. A suplementação não alterou o pH ruminal, mas a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3) foi maior no tratamento 7x. A redução na frequência de suplementação proteico-energética diária para 3x ou 5x não afetou negativamente o consumo, digestibilidade e degradabilidade dos nutrientes em bovinos de corte recebendo feno de baixa qualidade.

Abstract The aim was evaluated the effect of reduce in protein-energy supplementation frequency on nutrients intake, forage digestibility and degradability, as well as, ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3) concentration in beef cattle receiving low-quality hay. A 4 x 4 Latin square design were used. Four steers were fed with low-quality hay and subjected to four treatments: no supplementation (control); protein-energy supplementation with 0.82% of body weight (BW) offered three times per week (3WK); 0.49% of BW offered five times a week (5 WK), and 0.35% of BW offered seven times per week (7 WK). The use of protein-energy supplementation increased intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ether extract (EE), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and the digestibility coefficients of CP, EE, and NFC. However, no differences in DM and NDF degradation visit the website to get the how were observed between treatments in the evaluated hay. Supplementation did not alter ruminal pH, but the N-NH3 concentration was highest in treatment 7WK. Reduction in protein-energy supplementation frequency of daily to 3WK or 5WK does not negatively affect intake, digestibility and degradability of nutrients in beef cattle receiving low quality hay.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of injectable trace minerals (ITM) on growth, health, antioxidant enzyme activity, and immune system of newborn Boer kids. Newborn kids (n = 125) were assigned to one of two treatments: injection (0.1 mL 4.5 kg-1) of saline or ITM. Injectable trace minerals had 60, 10, 5, and 15 mg mL-1 of Zn, Mn, Se, and Cu, respectively. Kids were evaluated daily for the presence of diarrhea and weighted on d 0, 28, and 56. Blood samples were obtained on d 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56. The ITM injection increased the plasma concentration of superoxide dismutase (d 14), glutathione peroxidase (d 3 and 7), and blood platelets (d 7) compared with saline injection. Kids receiving ITM showed greater amount of blood eosinophils and less mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH; d 3) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) compared with kids receiving saline injection. The ITM injection did not affect other components of leukogram and erytogram. The ITM-injected kids tended to have less diarrhea incidence compared with saline-injected kids (20.7 vs. 34.8±7.10% respectively). The ITM injection did not affect mortality rate and growth. Therefore, a single ITM injection administered to newborn Boer kids increases the plasma concentration of antioxidant enzymes, platelets, and eosinophils, reduces MCH, MCHC, and tends to reduce the incidence of diarrhea, but does not affect mortality and growth.

ABSTRACT We evaluated performance, non-carcass components, and carcass characteristics of crossbred Texel lambs in different categories of residual intake and gain (RIG). We assessed 77 crossbred (¼ Pantaneira and ¾ Texel) non-castrated animals in two study phases. The first phase included 47 lambs with an initial average weight of 29.9±5.5 kg, and the second phase included 30 lambs with initial average weight of 22.4±3.3 kg. Dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated for 70 days. Animals were divided into three groups in terms of efficiency: efficient (high RIG), intermediate (medium RIG), or inefficient (low RIG), based on the standard deviation of the mean for the RIG variable. We measured the yield of non-carcass components, carcass characteristics, and yield of meat cuts. Efficiency group had no association with DMI, nor with initial and final body weights of the animals. The ADG of efficient (0.310 kg day−1) and intermediate (0.290 kg day−1) animals was greater than observed in inefficient (0.260 kg day−1) animals. Lambs in the efficient and intermediate groups had significantly higher levels of all efficiency indicators evaluated. Efficient and intermediate animals yielded significantly more wool/skin in comparison with lambs in the inefficient group. Animals with high RIG also had lower relative weight of testicles/scrotal sac in comparison with inefficient animals. Fat deposition in the omentum and mesentery as well as total fat were decreased in efficient animals. No significant differences occurred among groups regarding carcass characteristics and yield of meat cuts. The RIG index allows for the identification of lambs with higher growth rates and greater wool/skin yield and lower proportion of visceral fat.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the addition of antibiotic growth promoters to free-choice mineral supplement on ingestive behavior, mineral intake, and growth performance of grazing bulls. Sixty Nellore bulls [initial body weight (BW) of 219±17.8 kg and 15±2 months of age] were divided in 12 marandu grass paddocks. The treatments were: mineral supplement (control), mineral supplement + virginiamycin (VIRG), mineral supplement + lasalocid sodium (LASA) and mineral supplement + salinomycin sodium (SALI). Mineral supplements were formulated with target intake of 60 g d−1 and the growth promoters of 75 mg 100 kg−1 of BW. The experimental design was the completely randomized blocks. There was no treatment effect on ingestive behavior or mineral intake; however, the active ingredient intake differed between treatments. In the last experimental period, the intake of active ingredient LASA and SALI were higher than VIRG (0.66, 0.54, and 0.39 mg kg−1 of BW, respectively). Treatments also did not affect BW and average daily gain, which were 0.63, 0.60, 0.64, and 0.62 kg d−1 for control, VIRG, LASA, and SALI, respectively. Free-choice mineral supplementation intake by bulls has a high variability, and this impairs the regulation of the intake of antibiotic growth promoter additives. Therefore, the addition of antibiotic growth promoters to the mineral supplement does not affect ingestive behavior, mineral intake, and growth performance of grazing bulls.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de dois teores de proteína bruta no suplemento mineralnitrogenado para terminação de novilhos Nelore. Foram utilizados 90 animais, com peso médio inicial de 382,35±32,95 kg, submetidos a dois tratamentos: suplemento com 30% de proteína bruta (75% de milho, 8,91% ureia e 16,09% mineral) e 40% de proteína bruta (66,67% de milho, 11,90 % ureia e 21,43% mineral). Os animais foram mantidos em dois piquetes de Uruchloa brizantha cv. MG-5 (sin. Brachiaria brizantha). Foram realizadas pesagens ao início, aos 45 e aos 94 dias de experimento, quando foram abatidos com 451,1±35,38 kg. Foi avaliado o consumo de suplemento, o ganho de peso e variáveis econômicas. Houve efeito do tratamento sobre o consumo de suplemento (P<0,05), com médias de 0,69±0,21 (40% PB) e 2,26±0,52 (30% PB) kg/dia. A média de ganho de peso total foi superior (P<0,01) para os animais que receberam suplemento com 30 % PB (71,46 vs 64,33 kg/animal). Foi obtido maior peso de abate nos animais do tratamento com 30% PB (456,66 vs. 443,84 kg). Em ambos tratamentos, o desempenho e as caracteristicas de carcaça foram satisfatórios. Sob o ponto de vista econômico, recomenda-se a suplementação com 40 % PB na terminação de novilhos em pastagens, porém o sucesso para redução dos custos de produção no campo depende das variações entre as cotações nas diferentes regiões do país e mercado de oportunidades.

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two protein levels in mineral-protein-energy supplements on the productivity and economic performance of Nellore steers. Ninety animals weighing 382.35±32.95 kg on average, were treated with mineral-nitrogen supplements containing 30% crude proteins (CP; 75% ground maize, 8.91 % urea and 16.09% mineral) and 40% CP (66.67 % ground maize, 11.90% urea, and 21.43% mineral). The animals were housed in two paddocks of Uruchloa brizantha ‘MG-5’ (syn. Brachiaria brizantha) and were weighed at the beginning, at 45 days, and at 94 days of the experiment, when they were slaughtered at an average weight of 451±35.38 kg. We evaluated supplement intake, weight gain and economic aspects. The 40 and 30% CP treatments significantly affected supplement intake (P<0.05), with averages of 0.69 and 2.26 kg/day, respectively. The average total weight gain was higher (P<0.01) in animals receiving the supplement containing 30 % CP (71.46 kg / animal) than in animals receiving 40% CP (64.33 kg/animal). Greater slaughter weight was attained in the animals treated with 30% CP (456.66 vs. 443.84 kg). The mineral-nitrogen supplementation in both CP levels provided satisfactory animal performance and carcass characteristics. Owing to economic considerations, it is recommended to use 40% CP mineral-nitrogen supplements on finishing steers on pasture, although success in reducing production costs of livestock ultimately depends on the variations in prices between the different regions of the country and market opportunities.

RESUMO: A ingestão das favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum causa distúrbios digestivos, fotossensibilização hepatógena e abortos em ruminantes. Para caracterizar a intoxicação aguda, favas de E. contortisiliquum foram administradas a ovinos por meio de cânula ruminal. No Experimento 1, uma dose única de 12g/kg de peso corporal (pc) foi administrada a três ovinos. Um dos ovinos morreu e os outros dois se recuperaram após mostrar sinais clínicos. No experimento 2, 10g/kg/pc foram administradas diariamente a 15 ovinos, por três dias consecutivos ou até o parecimento dos sinais clínicos. Catorze ovinos mostraram sinais clínicos leves a acentuados após ingestão de 1-3 doses. Dois ovinos morreram e os outros se recuperaram. Observou-se nos ovinos dos experimentos 1 e 2, diarreia, anorexia, atonia ruminal, apatia, desidratação e taquipneia. Os principais achados macroscópicos incluíram conteúdo ruminal espumoso e alaranjado em meio ao qual se observavam fragmentos das favas de E. contortisiliquum, e conteúdo intestinal líquido. Histologicamente, havia degeneração balonosa e desprendimento do epitélio de revestimento dos pré-estomagos. A avaliação do conteúdo ruminal revelou acidose ruminal láctica aguda (ARLA). Análise bromatológica das favas de E. contortisiliquum revelou 537.8g/kg de matéria seca de carboidratos não fibrosos, quantidade suficiente para causar ARLA. Um ovino do Experimento 2 teve insuficiência hepática aguda, caracterizada por icterícia, elevação da atividade sérica das enzimas hepáticas e alterações histológicas observadas em biópsia hepática. Concluiu-se que a administração de favas de E. contortisiliquum na alimentação de ovinos, nas doses de 10g/kg pc ou maiores, pode causar ARLA. A ocorrência de insuficiência hepática num dos ovinos deste experimento sugere que a lesão hepática pode se desenvolver em ovinos que não apresentam ARLA.

ABSTRACT: Ingestion of Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods causes digestive disturbances, secondary hepatogenous photosensitization and abortions in ruminants. Pods were administered to sheep via a ruminal cannula to characterize acute poisoning. In Experiment 1, a single dose of 12g/kg of body weight (BW) was administered to three sheep in one experiment. One sheep died, and the other two recovered after presenting clinical signs. In Experiment 2, 10g/kg BW were administered daily to 15 sheep until the onset of clinical signs or for three consecutive days. Fourteen sheep showed mild to severe signs after the ingestion of 1-3 doses. Two sheep died, and the others recovered. Clinical signs in both experiments were diarrhea, anorexia, rumen atony, apathy, dehydration and tachypnea. The main macroscopic findings were an orange, frothy ruminal content witch contained pods fragments. The intestinal content was liquid. Detachment of the mucosa from the submucosa and ballooning degeneration of mucosal cells were observed histologically in the forestomachs. Evaluation of ruminal contents revealed acute lactic ruminal acidosis (ALRA). Bromatological analysis of E. contortisiliquum pods revealed 537.8g/kg DM (dry matter) of non-fibrous carbohydrates, which is sufficient to cause ALRA. Only one sheep in Experiment 2 had liver failure, characterized by jaundice, elevated serum activity of liver enzymes and histological lesions in liver biopsies. It is concluded that the administration of E. contortisiliquum pods in forage-fed sheep at doses of 10g/kg BW or higher may cause ALRA. The induction of liver failure in one sheep suggests that liver damage may occur in those sheep that do not develop acidosis.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar fontes de nitrogênio não-proteico (NNP) combinadas para suplementação de novilhos Nelore na recria mantidos em pastagens diferidas. Após o deferimento de quatro piquetes de Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG4 por 60 dias (20 ha cada) 80 novilhos Nelore castrados, com peso corporal médio de 280,40±19,59kg, foram avaliados durante 120 dias. O manejo adotado foi pastejo rotacionado, com mudanças de piquetes a cada 15 dias. Foram avaliados quatro tratamentos com diferentes combinações de fontes de NNP: Ureia + Ureia extrusada + Ureia revestida; Ureia + Ureia revestida; Ureia + Ureia extrusada; Ureia extrusada. Em todos os tratamentos foram fornecidos suplemento proteico-energético-mineral ad libitum, com 30% de proteína bruta e 40% de nutrientes digestíveis totais.Quando avaliadas individualmente, as fontes de NNP apresentaram solubilidades distintas em água e solução tampão, sendo o menor valor observado para ureia revestida (P<0,05). Os animais dos tratamentos Ureia + Ureia extrusada + Ureia revestida e Ureia extrusa da apresentaram ganho médio diário superior (0,4kg/dia; P<0,05) aos animais dos tratamentos Ureia + Ureia extrusada (0,34kg/dia). Os animais do tratamento Ureia extrusada apresentaram maior ganho de carcaça (1,71 @/animal) em relação aos demais (P<0,05). A margem líquida do tratamento Ureia extrusada (R$ 158,20/animal) foi superior em 10,8%, 8,2% e 35,8% aos tratamentos Ureia + Ureia extrusada + Ureia revestida, Ureia + Ureia revestida e Ureia + Ureia extrusada, respectivamente. Recomenda-se a utilização de ureia extrusada como fonte de nitrogênio não proteico em suplementos para novilhos Nelore em pastagem diferida.

SUMMARY The objective of evaluating sources of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) combined for supplementation of Nelore steers in deferred pasture. After the deferral of four pickets of Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG4 (20 ha each) of 60 days, 80 Nellore steers, with average body weight 280.40 ± 19.59 kg, were evaluated for 120 days. The management adopted was rotational grazing, with pickets changes every 15 days. We evaluated four treatments with different combinations of NNP sources: Urea +Urea extruded + Urea coated; Urea + Urea coated; Urea + Urea extruded and Urea extruded. In all treatments were provided protein supplement-mineral energy ad libitum, with 30% of crude protein and 40% of total digestibility nutrient. When evaluated individually, the NPN sources presented different solubility in water and buffer, and lowest value observed for coated urea (P<0.05).The animals of the treatments Urea + Ureaextruded + Urea coated and Urea extruded showed average daily gain (0.4 kg/day; P<0.05) of animals treatments Urea + Urea extrudedthe animals(0.34 kg/day).The animals of the Urea extruded treatment higher carcass gain (1.71 @/animal) compared to other (P<0.05).The net margin of the Urea extruded treatment (R $ 158,20/animal) was superior in 10.8%, 8.2% and 35.8% to treatments Urea + Urea + Urea coated, Urea + Ureaextruded and Urea + Ureacoated, respectively. It is recommended to use extruded urea as source of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) in supplements of Nellore steers in deferred pasture.

RESUMO O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar estratégias de suplementação sobre o consumo de suplemento, comportamento e desempenho de novilhos zebuínos mantidos em pastagem de capim-marandu (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) diferido. Foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado para testar cinco estratégias de suplementação: sal mineral (SM), sal proteinado com 25% de ureia (SP) e três multimisturas (45,5% NDT) com 10% (MM10), 15% (MM 15), ou 20% (MM20) de ureia. Foram utilizados vinte novilhos com peso inicial 300±24,9kg, sendo quatro por tratamento, mantidos em cinco piquetes de 3,4ha rotacionados semanalmente, de julho a outubro de 2010. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA, usando o Teste de Tukey para comparar as médias (P<0,05); entretanto, a análise econômica determinou a melhor estratégia. A ingestão de suplementos foi alterada (P<0,05) pela estratégia de suplementação, sendo de: 106, 196, 852, 666 e 400 g/animal/dia para SM, SP, MM10, MM15 e MM20, respectivamente. O aumento do consumo de suplementos não alterou o tempo de pastejo ou ruminação/ócio (P>0,05). SM resultou em perda de peso (-137 g/animal/dia). Utilizando-se o SP praticamente manteve o peso dos novilhos. Entretanto, para obtenção de ganho de peso, as multimisturas devem ser utilizadas (P<0,05). Nesses casos, o ganho de peso diário chegou a 324 g/animal (MM10). Baseado nos resultados econômicos, a melhor estratégia foi MM20, seguida de MM10.

SUMMARY The objective of this work was to evaluate different supplementation strategies on supplement intake, behavior, and performance of beef steers grazing stockpiled palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) pastures. There was used a completely randomized design trial to test five supplementation strategies: commercial mineral (SM), mineral plus25% of urea (SP), and three multimixtures (45.5% TDN) with 10% (MM10), 15% (MM 15), or 20% (MM20) of urea. Twenty zebuine steers weighting 300±24.9 kg of initial body weight, being four animals per treatment, were raised on five paddocks of 3.4 hectares under weekly rotation, from July to October of 2010. Data were submitted to ANOVA, using Tukey′s test to compare average values (P≤0.05); however, economic analysis determined the best strategy. Supplementation did not affect the grazing or rumination/resting time (P>0.05). The intake of supplements was affected (P<0.05) by supplementation strategy, being 106, 196, 852, 666, and 400 g/day for SM, SP, MM10, MM15, and MM20, respectively. SM resulted in losing weight (-137 g/animal/day). Using SP practically maintained the cattle weight. However, if gains are desired, multimixtures should be used (P<0.05). In those cases, daily weight gain reached 324 g/animal (MM10). Based on economic analysis, the best strategy was MM20, followed by MM10.

RESUMO Objetivou-se ajustar e avaliar modelos para predição da composição física e química corporal de borregas a partir de medidas obtidas da seção da 9ª à 11ª costelas (seção 9-11) ou da 12ª costela. Foram confinadas em baias individuais 36 borregas mestiças alimentadas com níveis crescentes de concentrado (0; 20; 40; 60 e 80%) até atingirem 37,70 ± 10,23kg para o abate. No abate, a meia-carcaça direita de cada animal foi dissecada para determinação da proporção de músculo (PMC), gordura (PGC), osso (POC), proteína bruta (PPBC) e extrato etéreo (PEEC). A seção 9-11 e a 12ª costela foram obtidas na meia-carcaça esquerda com objetivo similar. Os modelos para predição foram ajustados como possíveis variáveis preditoras a PMC, PGC, POC, PPBC e PEEC na seção 9-11 (PM9-11, PG9-11, PO9-11, PPB9-11 e PEEC9-11, respectivamente) ou na 12ª costela (PM12, PG12, PO12, PPB12 e PEE12, respectivamente). Foi observada correlação positiva entre a PM9-11 e PMC (r = 0,69; P<0,001). A PG9-11 foi correlacionada com a PGC (r = 0,93; P<0,001). A PO9-11 foi positivamente correlacionada com a POC (r = 0,92; P<0,001). A PG12 gerou modelo acurado para a predição da PGC (R2 = 0,92; P<0,001). A equação de predição para estimativa da POC a partir da PO9-11 foi mais precisa e acurada (R2= 0,86; P<0,001) em relação à PO12 (R2 = 0,55). É possível gerar modelos de predição de componentes físicos e químicos corporais de borregas a partir da seção 9-11 e 12ª costela.

SUMMARY The objective of to adjust and evaluate models for prediction the physical and chemical body composition of ewe lambs from measurements of the section 9-11 th rib (section 9-11) or the 12th rib. Thirty-six lambs were confined in individual stalls fed with increasing levels of concentrate (0; 20; 40; 60 and 80%) to reach 37.70 ± 10.23 kg to slaughter. At slaughter, the right half carcass of each animal was dissected to determine the proportion of muscle (PCM), fat (PCF), bone (PCB), crude protein (PCCP) and ether extract (PCEE). Section 9-11 and 12th rib were obtained in the left half carcass for a similar purpose. The models to prediction were adjusted as possible predictor variables PCM, PCF, PCB, and PCCP and PCEE in section 9-11 (PM9-11, PF9-11, PB9-11, PCB9-11 and PCEE9-11, respectively) or 12th rib (PM12, PF12, PO12, PCB12 and PEE12, respectively). Positive correlation was observed between PM9-11 and PCM (r = 0.69; P <0.001). The PF9-11 was correlated with PFC (r = 0.93, P <0.001). PO9-11 was positively correlated with PCB (r = 0.92, P <0.001). The PF12 generated accurate model for predicting the PCF (R2 = 0.92, P <0.001). Prediction equation for estimating of PCB from PB9-11 was more precise and accurate (R2 = 0.86, P <0.001) than PB12 (R2 = 0.55). It is possible generate models predicting of body physical and chemical components of ewes lambs from section 9-11 and 12th rib.

<p>Influências exercidas pela nutrição sobre produção animal dão-se por variações no peso e condição corporal, afetando a homeostase, em dietas com altos níveis de energia ou proteínas, cujas modificações causam rápida e imediata alteração em vários agentes metabólicos humorais. Com objetivo de avaliar a influência de cinco diferentes dietas de curto prazo sobre ganho de peso e perfil bioquímico (colesterol total e frações HDL/LDL, triglicerídeos, glicose, ureia, creatinina, proteínas totais, albumina), 70 ovelhas mestiças Santa Inês, aleatoriamente distribuídas em cinco grupos, foram submetidas às dietas, durante sete dias (1- milho, farelo de soja, gordura protegida, silagem de milho; 2 - milho, farelo de soja, silagem de milho; 3 - gordura protegida, silagem de milho; 4 - silagem de milho; 5 - feno de Tifton). Nos dias 0 e 8 (anterior à instituição das dietas e seguinte ao término) pesou-se as ovelhas e colheu-se sangue, visando quantificação do perfil bioquímico. Os dados foram analisados com delineamento experimental de 5x2 por ANOVA de duas vias de medidas repetitivas e pós-teste de Tukey. Não se observaram variações no peso corporal entre grupos de dieta, mas evidenciaram-se diferenças no ganho de peso (g/7 dias) entre grupos (G4 = 1,82±0,23 g <italic>versus</italic> G1 = 0,21±0,43 g). Colesterol total e LDL-colesterol variaram entre grupos, tendo o G1 apresentado maiores valores. Os demais componentes bioquímicos não tiveram diferenças significativas. Ovelhas submetidas a programa de <italic>flushing</italic>de curto prazo, responderam com ganho de peso, associado a aumentos em seus níveis de colesterol total e reduções na ureia sérica.</p>

<p>Nutrition influence on animal production is given by changes in weight and body condition, affecting homeostasis, with use of diets with high levels of energy or protein. Changes in the diet cause a rapid and immediate change in various metabolic humoral agents. With the objective to evaluate the influence of five different short-term diets on weight gain and biochemical profile (total cholesterol and fractions HDL/LDL, triglicerydes, glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin), 70 ewes Santa Inês crossbred, randomly distributed into five groups, were subjected to diets for seven days (1 - corn, soybean meal, protected fat, corn silage, 2 - corn, soybean meal, silage corn, 3 - protected fat, corn silage, 4 -corn silage, 5 - Tifton hay). The days 0 and 8 (before the institution of the diet and after finish) was weighed and blood was obtained from ewes in order to quantify the biochemical profile. Data were analyzed with 5x 2 experimental delineation using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey post-test. There were no changes in body weight between diet groups, but became evident variations in weight gain (g / 7 days) between groups (G4 = 1.82 ± 0.23 g <italic>versus</italic> G1 = 0.21 ± 0.43 g). cholesterol-LDL and total cholesterol varied between groups, with the G1 presented the highest values. The other biochemical component shad no statistically significant differences. Ewes subjected to a flushing program, responded with weight gain, associated with increases in their cholesterol levels and reductions in serum urea.</p>

The objective was to determine the effects of driving on the growth of steers during 55 days of moving by drive and 84 days after the arrival. Twenty-five steers were randomly chosen from a herd of 1,000 Nellore cattle, which were evaluated in two periods: the driving period, in which animals were moved a distance of 700 km on foot for 55 d; and the post-driving period, which lasted 84 d. Serum samples were obtained for hormone dosing (T3, T4, cortisol, and IGF-I) by radioimmunoassay using commercial kits. The data was collected at different time points during the experiment. No changes in live weight were observed between days 0 and 55. During the post-driving period, on the 28th, 56th, and 84th d, the average weights were 226.10 kg, 224.28 kg, and 242.6 kg, respectively; differences in weight were observed on the 84th d when compared with the 56th d. There were no changes in insulin and T3 levels in either periods; the lowest T4concentration was observed during the driving period. The serum T4concentration increased after 56 d of post-driving, and it was greater than the concentrations detected on the other days. The highest levels of cortisol were identified after 28 d of post-driving. An increase in IGF-I concentration was observed after 56 and 84 d of post-driving. Moving cattle by driving does not alter the weight of the animals and weight gain occurs during the post-driving period due to an increase in the T4 and IGF-I levels.

The present study tested brown propolis in crude or extract form as a feed supplement for feedlot lambs to identify the type that most improves in vivo nutrient digestibility. Digestibility was assessed by both total fecal collection and internal markers and the results obtained by these techniques were compared. The completely randomized design was used to compare feed intake and nutrient digestibility of 24 male lambs aged seven months among four dietary treatments (crude brown propolis, propolis ethanol extract, monensin sodium, and control). Methods of feces collection were compared using a completely randomized split-plot design, with experimental diets corresponding to the main factor and the methods to estimate fecal production as the sub-factor. The diets had a roughage:concentrate ratio of 50:50, with Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.) as roughage, and ground corn, soybean meal and minerals as concentrate. The lambs fed diets with crude propolis had higher feed intake than those fed diets containing monensin sodium. The different diets did not affect dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, or acid detergent fiber digestibility, but crude propolis supplementation provided higher ether extract digestibility than monensin sodium. Nutrient digestibility, as indicated by indigestible neutral detergent fiber, indigestible acid detergent fiber and sequentially-determined indigestible acid detergent fiber, was lower than that found with the fecal collection method. The addition of brown propolis has the same effect as monensin, but neither maximized nutrient availability in the diet of feedlot lambs at 7 months of age. Digestibility assessment using the internal markers indigestible neutral detergent fiber, indigestible acid detergent fiber and sequentially-determined indigestible acid detergent fiber is not an efficient method compared with total feces collection.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os efeitos de dois teores de silagem de milho e da suplementação com soja extrusada sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos na gordura do leite. Oito vacas da raça Holandesa foram distribuídas em um quadrado latino duplo 4 x 4, em arranjo fatorial. Os tratamentos foram: alta silagem de milho e baixo lipídio, alta silagem de milho e alto lipídio, baixa silagem de milho e baixo lipídio e baixa silagem de milho e alto lipídio. Os períodos experimentais tiveram duração de 21 dias cada. As amostras de leite foram coletadas nos dias 18 e 19 de cada período experimental. O aumento dos teores de lipídios nos dois níveis de silagem diminuiu as concentrações de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (C4:0 - C12:0). O teor de ácido linoleico conjugado (cis-9 trans-11 C18:2) aumentou de 3,72 para 4,85, e de 4,60 para 5,89mg/g, quando a soja extrusada foi utilizada em dietas com alto e baixo nível de silagem de milho, respectivamente. O aumento no teor de lipídios na dieta resultou em maior concentração de trans-11 C18:1. O ácido graxo trans-10 C18:1 tendeu a aumentar com a elevação do teor de lipídios na dieta. Houve correlação significativa entre trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 e percentual de gordura do leite. A suplementação com soja extrusada diminuiu os ácidos graxos de cadeia curta e o ácido palmítico no leite. Além disso, esta oleaginosa aumentou a concentração de ácido linoleico conjugado (C18:2 cis-9 trans-11) e vacênico, com o aumento da qualidade do leite para o consumo humano.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two levels of maize silage and extruded soybeans supplementation on fatty acid profile in milk fat of dairy cows. Eight Holstein cows were distributed in a double 4x4 Latin Square design with a factorial arrangement. The treatment groups were: high maize silage and low lipid, high maize silage and high lipid, low maize silage and low lipid and low maize silage and high lipid. The experimental periods lasted 21 days. Milk samples were collected on days 18 and 19 of each experimental period. The increase of lipid contents in high and low maize silage diets decreased short chain fatty acids concentrations (C4:0 - C12:0). The conjugated linoleic acid content (cis-9 trans-11 C18:2) increased from 3.72 to 4.85, and 4.6 to 5.89mg/g, when extruded soybeans was used in high and low level of corn silage, respectively. The increase in dietary lipids content resulted in higher trans-11 C18:1 fatty acid concentration. Fatty acid trans-10 C18:1 tended to increase with the elevation of the lipids content in the diet. There was significant correlation between trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 and milk fat percentage. The extruded soybeans supplementation decreased shortchain fatty acids and palmitic acid in milk. In addition, this oilseed enhanced the concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2 cis-9 trans-11) and vaccenic acid, which improved the milk quality for the human health.

Avaliaram-se o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes de dietas contendo feno de capim-braquiária (Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG4) de baixa qualidade e de diferentes níveis protéicos. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: controle (somente feno) e feno com adição crescente, via infusão ruminal, da mistura sulfato de amônio, caseína e uréia (0,5:1,0:4,5) de modo a elevar em +2, +4, +6 e +8% o nível de PB das dietas. Os dados foram analisados em delineamento quadrado latino, com cinco níveis de suplementação, cinco animais e cinco períodos. A adição de quantidades crescentes de nitrogênio não-protéico (NNP) à dieta teve efeito quadrático sobre os consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e extrato etéreo (EE). O maior consumo de MS foi observado com o nível de 10,5% PB. Não foram observados efeitos dos níveis de PB sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade de MS, MO, FDN e EE. Houve efeito linear crescente sobre o coeficiente de digestibilidade da PB, que apresentou valores de 57,4; 66,9; 73,6; 77,3 e 81,7% nos níveis de PB de 6,3; 8,5; 10,5; 12,63 e 14,8%, respectivamente. O nível de 10,5% de PB foi o ponto crítico para a obtenção de resposta máxima para os consumos de MS (7,7 kg/dia) e MO (7,2 kg/dia). A suplementação com compostos nitrogenados em quantidades que permitam elevar o nível protéico da dieta a 10,5% otimiza o uso de forragens de baixa qualidade.

The intake and digestibilility of the nutrients of diets containing palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. MG4) hay of low quality and different protein levels were evaluated. The evaluated treatments were control (only hay) and hay with crescent addition, by rumen infusion, of the mixture containing ammonium sulphate, casein end urea (0.5:1.0:4.5) in way to elevate in +2, +4, +6 and +8% the CP level in the diets. A Latin square experimental design with five levels supplementation, five animals and five periods was used. The addition of crescent levels of no protein nitrogen (NPN) to the diet showed a quadratic effect on the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ether extract (EE) intake, and the biggest intake was observed with level of 10.5% CP. No effect of CP levels were observed for on the DM, OM, NDF and EE digestibilities coefficients. There was crescent linear effect on CP apparent digestibility coefficient, that showed values of 57.4, 66.9, 73.6, 77.3 and 81.7% for the CP levels of 6.3, 8.5, 10.5, 12.6 and 14.8%, respectively. The critical point and estimated maximum response were: 10.5% CP and 7.7 kg DM/day and 7.2 kg OM/day. The supplementation with nitrogenous compounds in amounts that permit to elevate the dietary protein level up to 10.5% of CP increases the use of low-quality forage.