The objective of this experiment was to evaluate levels of replacement (0, 33, 67 and 100%) of corn silage with fresh sugarcane in dairy-goat diets on the ingestive behavior of these animals. Eight lactating Alpine goats (after lactation peak) with a live weight of 51.95±3.29 kg were distributed into two 4 × 4 Latin squares according to their milk production. Animals were placed in individual pens where they received diets ad libitum, twice a day, with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60, during 72 days of experiment. The evaluated variables were time spent feeding (TSF), ruminating (TSR), idle (TSI) and chewing (TSC), dry matter intake (DMI), neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI), feeding efficiency of dry matter (FEDM) and neutral detergent fiber (FENDF), rumination efficiency of dry matter (REDM) and neutral detergent fiber (RENDF), number of ruminal boli per day (NRB) and number of rumination chews per day (NRC). The different treatments had no effect on TSF or TSR. However, a linear effect was observed on TSC. There was a linear effect on TSI, in which the highest value was observed in the treatment with 0% of sugarcane inclusion. A quadratic effect was observed on dry matter intake, with minimum point of 2.14 kg/day for 68.04% of sugarcane inclusion; however, NDFI was not affected by the different treatments. There was no effect of treatments on FEDM, although a quadratic effect was observed on FENDF, wherein the lowest value was observed in the treatment with 67% of sugarcane inclusion. There was no effect of different levels of corn silage replacement on REDM, RENDF, NRB or NRC. Sugarcane can be replaced with corn silage without changing the times spending on feeding and rumination.

Thermal comfort is of great importance in preserving body temperature homeostasis during thermal stress conditions. Although the thermal comfort of horses has been widely studied, there is no report of its relationship with surface temperature (T S). This study aimed to assess the potential of data mining techniques as a tool to associate surface temperature with thermal comfort of horses. T S was obtained using infrared thermography image processing. Physiological and environmental variables were used to define the predicted class, which classified thermal comfort as "comfort" and "discomfort". The variables of armpit, croup, breast and groin T S of horses and the predicted classes were then subjected to a machine learning process. All variables in the dataset were considered relevant for the classification problem and the decision-tree model yielded an accuracy rate of 74 %. The feature selection methods used to reduce computational cost and simplify predictive learning decreased model accuracy to 70 %; however, the model became simpler with easily interpretable rules. For both these selection methods and for the classification using all attributes, armpit and breast T S had a higher power rating for predicting thermal comfort. Data mining techniques show promise in the discovery of new variables associated with the thermal comfort of horses.

Desenvolveu-se o presente estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) nos não-componentes da carcaça de cabritos de três genótipos. Foram utilizados 23 machos inteiros de três genótipos, sendo oito Alpino (A), quatro ½ Boer + ½ Alpino (½ BA) e 11 ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpino (¾ BA), dos quais 12 receberam rbSTe 11controle. O hormônio de crescimento utilizado foi a somatotropina recombinante bovina (rbST) e os animais do tratamento 1 receberam o hormônio na quantidade de 0,3 mg/kg de peso vivo, a partir dos 45 dias, ajustada em intervalos de 14 dias. Os animais do tratamento 2 (controle) receberam solução salina na mesma dosagem e intervalo. Os animais ½ BA apresentaram uma maior proporção dos não-componentes externos (cabeça, patas e pele) em relação aos da raça Alpina. Em relação aos órgãos vitais, como pulmão, rins e baço, e aos não-componentes sangue, gordura interna e gordura perirenal, os animais da raça Alpina apresentaram maiores valores em relação aos ¾ BA. A administração da somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) não produziu efeito nos não-componentes da carcaça. As proporções e os pesos dos não-componentes da carcaça variaram em função dos genótipos, embora abatidos a pesos vivos semelhantes.

This study was developed with the aim of evaluating recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on non-carcass components of goat kids of three genotypes. It was used 23 male goat kids of three genotypes, being 8 Alpine, 4 ½ Boer + ½ Alpine (½ BA) and 11 ¾ Boer + ¼Alpine (¾ BA), from which 12 received rbST e 11 control. The growth hormone used was the recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) and animals of treatment 1 received the hormone in the amount of 0.3 mg/kg live weight, from 45 days, adjusted in intervals of 14 days. Animals of treatment 2 (control) received saline solution in the same dosage and interval. The ½ BA goats presented a higher proportion of external non-carcass components (head, feet and skin) in relation to Alpine goats. Regarding the vital organs, such as lungs, kidneys and spleen, and the non-carcass components blood, internal fat and perinephric fat, Alpine goats presented higher values than ¾ BA goats. The administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) did not produce effect on proportions and weight of non-carcass components. Proportions and weight of non-carcass components varied in function of genotypes, although animals were slaughtered at similar live weight.

Foram utilizados 78 cabritos de ambos os sexos e de cinco genótipos: raça Alpina, ½ Boer + ½ Alpina, ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpina, ½ Anglo-nubiana + ½ Alpina e tricross (½ Anglo-nubiana + ¼ Boer + ¼ Alpina), com peso médio inicial de 14,1 ± 2,5 kg. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do genótipo, do sistema de terminação e do sexo sobre as características físico-químicas da carne. Os sistemas de terminação foram constituídos: ST1 - cabrito + mãe em pasto e ST2 - cabrito desmamado confinado. Os cabritos do ST1 foram mantidos em piquetes formados com Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia e os do ST2 receberam dieta completa com 16% PB e 73% NDT. Os valores de pH, a* (teor de vermelho), Perda de Peso ao Cozimento (PPC) e porcentagem de Extrato Etéreo (EE) foram influenciados pelo genótipo. Os teores de vermelho (a*) e L* (luminosidade), PPC e porcentagens de umidade, proteína, EE e cinzas foram influenciados pelo sistema de terminação. O músculo longissimus dorsidos animais ½ BA apresentou as melhores características físico-químicas. Se a preferência do consumidor for por uma carne mais macia e com maior teor de gordura, as fêmeas são mais indicadas.

Seventy-eight kids of both sexes and five genotypes were used: Alpine, ½ Boer + ½ Alpine (½ BA), ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpine, ½ Anglo-nubian + ½ Alpine and "tricross" (½ Anglo-nubian + ¼ Boer + ¼ Alpine) with initial average weight of 14.1 ± 2.5. The objective was to evaluate the effect of genotype, finishing system, and sex on the physiochemical characteristics of goat meat. Finishing systems were: ST1 - kid + dam in pasture and ST2 - weaned kid and feedlot. Kids in ST1 were kept in an area with Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania, and after grazing, water and mineral salt/mix were fed ad libitum to the animals. The animals in ST2 were confined in collective pens distributed according to genotypes and received diet with 16% CP and 73% TDN. The values of pH, a* (red content), Cooking Loss (CL), and Ether Extract (EE) percentage were influenced by genotype. Values for red content (a*) and L* (brightness), CL and percentages of moisture, protein, EE, and ash were influenced by the finishing system. Longissimus dorsi muscle from animals ½ BA exhibited better physiochemical characteristics. For greater tenderness and higher percentages of fat, consumers should choose female kid goat meat.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a influência do grupo racial e da condição sexual nas características da carcaça de caprinos jovens criados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 91 animais, 52 machos e 39 fêmeas, pertencentes a cinco grupos raciais: Alpino, ½Boer + ½Alpino, ½Anglo Nubiano + ½Alpino, ¾Boer + ¼Alpino, e ½Anglo Nubiano + ¼Boer + ¼Alpino. Foi tomado o peso ao jejum, no dia do abate, após 24 horas de jejum de sólidos. Foram tomadas medidas biométricas e de carcaça, objetiva e subjetivamente. O grupo racial influenciou a altura de cernelha, o comprimento interno e externo da carcaça e o comprimento de perna, que foram maiores nos animais Alpinos, bem como a largura do peito, o escore corporal, os índices de compacidade da carcaça e da perna e a cobertura de gordura da carcaça, que foram melhores nos animais com grau de sangue Boer. Animais machos tiveram maior altura de cernelha, medidas da estérnebra com ultrassom, comprimento interno da carcaça, comprimento de perna, profundidade dos tecidos na altura da 3ª e 4ª estérnebras tomadas na carcaça. Nas demais características corporais avaliadas, não foram encontradas diferenças entre grupos raciais e sexo dos animais. O cruzamento do grupo Boer com Alpino reduz o comprimento das carcaças e aumenta a cobertura de gordura e a quantidade de tecidos depositados, mas não influencia o desempenho do animal.

This study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the influence of breed groups and sexual conditional on carcass traits of young goats raised in feedlot. It was used 91 animals, 52 males and 39 females, belonging to five breed groups: Alpine, ½Boer + ½Alpine, ½Nubian + ½Alpine, ¾Boer + ¼Alpine and ½ Anglo-Nubian + ¼Boer + ¼Alpine. On the slaughter day, the shrunk weight was measured after 24 hours of solid fasting. Biometric and carcass measures were objectively and subjectively taken. Racial group influenced withers, internal and external carcass length, and leg length, which were greater for Alpine animals, as well as chest width, body condition score, carcass and leg compactness index and fat thickness on carcass, which were better in animals with Boer blood degree. Male animals showed greater withers, measures of sternebrae by ultrasound, internal carcass length, leg length, tissue depth height between 3rd and 4th sternebrae measured on carcass. On the other body evaluated characteristics, it was not found any differences among breed groups and sex of the animals. Crossing Boer with Alpine reduces carcass length, and increases fat thickness and deposited tissue, however, it does not change animal performance.

Este trabalho foi realizado com os objetivos de quantificar e qualificar a carcaça e os cortes cárneos de cabritos de dois sexos (machos e fêmeas) e três grupos raciais - Alpino; ½ Boer + ½ Alpino (½ BA); e ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpino (¾ BA) - abatidos em três idades (aos 60, 90 e 120 dias de confinamento), visando avaliar o aproveitamento de cabritos provenientes de rebanhos leiteiros. As carcaças foram avaliadas pelas características de peso, rendimento, conformação, gordura de cobertura, comprimento interno e externo, comprimento da perna, perímetro da garupa, profundidade torácica, largura da garupa, compacidade, rendimento dos cortes cárneos e proporção dos tecidos. Os dados foram analisados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial incompleto 2 X 3 X 3 (2 sexos X 3 grupos raciais X 3 idades de abate). O aumento da idade dos animais promove aumento do peso e das medidas da carcaça, assim como dos componentes comestíveis da carcaça e do rendimento comercial. Mestiços Boer apresentam maior compacidade de perna e menos osso em relação aos Alpinos. O grupo racial, a idade de abate e o sexo não influenciam a maciez da carne.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the yield and quality of the carcass and meat cuts from kids of both sexes, slaughtered at three different ages, aiming to use animals from dairy herds. Forty-one kids were used, from three breed groups: Alpine, ½ Boer ½ Alpine (½ BA) and ¾ Boer ¼ Alpine (¾ BA), which were slaughtered at 60, 90 or 120 days of slaughter age. The animals were raised in a feedlot system. The following carcass traits were evaluated: carcass weight, commercial yield, conformation, subcutaneous fat, internal and external length, leg length, rump perimeter, thoracic depth, rump width, compactness, meat cut yield and tissue proportion. Meat tenderness was evaluated by means of the Warner-Bratzler shear force. Data were analyzed as an incomplete factorial arrangement (2 sexes X 3 breed groups X 3 slaughter ages), in a complete randomized design. As age increased, so did carcass weight and characteristics, as well as the weight of edible carcass components and commercial yield. The Boer crossbreds showed higher leg compactness and less bone compared to the Alpines. No difference in meat tenderness was observed for breed group, age or sex.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de cabritos de três grupos raciais. Foram considerados nas avaliações o peso, o ganho de peso, as medidas biométricas, a conversão alimentar e o custo de produção relativo à alimentação. Utilizaram-se 41 cabritos, machos e fêmeas, de três grupos raciais (A - Alpino; ½ BA - ½ Boer + ½ Alpino; e ¾ BA - ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpino), avaliados aos 60, 90 e 120 dias em sistema de confinamento. As médias foram comparadas por análise de variância utilizando-se o teste Tukey. O desempenho não diferiu entre os grupos raciais. O escore corporal foi maior nos animais ¾ BA, o que pode representar vantagem econômica ao produtor se esses animais forem comercializados vivos. Com o avanço da idade, houve aumento do comprimento corporal, da altura anterior, da altura posterior, do perímetro torácico, do perímetro da perna, da largura da garupa e da largura do peito. Os machos foram superiores às fêmeas quanto às medidas biométricas e quanto ao peso ao nascimento, aos 60 e aos 90 dias. Os machos Alpinos foram mais pesados aos 120 dias e apresentaram, ainda, maior ganho de peso no intervalo dos 30 aos 60 dias. O menor custo de produção relativo à alimentação por quilograma de cabrito produzido foi observado aos 90 dias de idade.

The objective of this trial was to evaluate performance (weight and weight gain), body measurements, feed conversion, and production costs of purebred (Alpine) and crossbred [½ Boer + ½ Alpine (½ BA) and ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpine (¾ BA)] goat kids at different ages (60, 90 and 120 days). Therefore, 41 kids in a feedlot system were used in this study. Data were submitted to analysis of variance using the Tukey test for comparison of means. No difference in performance was observed among the three different groups of animals (Alpine, ½ BA, and ¾ BA). Body condition score was greatest in ¾ BA kids, which may represent additional profit to producers if animals are sold alive. As expected, most body measurements increased with age. Body measurements and weight at birth, 60 and 90 days of age were all greater on males than females. In addition, Alpine males were heavier than females at 120 days of age. They also gained more weight from 30 to 60 days when compared to females. The lowest production cost (kg of feed per kg of weight gain) was observed at 90 days of age.