ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate passive immunity transfer, health, performance, and metabolism of Holstein calves fed colostrum supplement associated with medium-quality colostrum. After birth, calves were blocked according to birth weight and date and distributed into the following treatments: high-quality colostrum (> 50 mg of Ig/mL; n = 15; 150 g kg−1 BW; positive control group); medium-quality colostrum (30-40 mg of Ig/mL; n = 14; 150 g kg−1 BW), and medium-quality colostrum (30-40 mg of Ig/mL; n = 15; 150 g kg−1 BW) + colostrum supplement (15 mL) given with the colostrum. Colostrum was given within the first 12 h of life in two meals by nipple bottle, and colostrum replacer was administered by a blister syringe. Blood samples were taken every 12 h up to 48 h of life for total serum protein (TSP) evaluation. After colostrum feeding, calves were fed 4 L of transition milking, split in two meals for a period of one to four days and received milk replacer thereafter. Calves were individually housed, with free access to water and concentrate and bucket-fed 6 L/d of milk replacer up to the sixth week of life, when they received 4 L/d until weaning, with eight weeks. Colostrum feeding protocol affected the TSP concentration in the first 48 h of life, while the concentrations of albumin, glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, γ-glutamyl transferase, and alkaline phosphatase were not affected. During the milk-feeding period, the concentrate and total dry matter intake were not affected by the colostrum protocol, but increased as animals aged. Colostrum-feeding protocol did not affect performance or health of calves. Feeding colostrum supplement associated with medium-quality colostrum had no effect on passive immune transfer, performance, nor on the metabolism during the liquid-feeding phase.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente experimento foi avaliar o efeito do consumo adicional de imunoglobulinas através do fornecimento de suplemento de colostro associado a colostro materno de alta qualidade na transferência de imunidade passiva, saúde e desempenho de bezerras da raça Holandesa recém-nascidas. Após o nascimento, 80 fêmeas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos: (CM) colostro materno de alta qualidade, fornecido em volume correspondente a 15% do peso ao nascer (PN); e (CM+S) colostro materno de alta qualidade (15% PN) + suplemento de colostro. Os parâmetros sanguíneos não foram afetados pelo fornecimento adicional de imunoglobulinas (Ig) através da associação de suplemento com colostro materno. O consumo de concentrado e o consumo total de matéria seca (MS) não foram afetados pela administração do suplemento de colostro. O consumo adicional de Ig através do fornecimento de suplemento de colostro também não afetou o desempenho e a eficiência alimentar das bezerras, entretanto os animais dobraram o peso ao nascer ao final do experimento, assim como aqueles que receberam CM. Em relação à saúde, o fornecimento adicional de Ig não afetou os dias com diarréia, dias com febre ou dias medicados. O consumo adicional de Ig através do fornecimento de suplemento de colostro em associação ao colostro materno de alta qualidade não melhorou a imunidade, bem como não afetou o desempenho ou a saúde das bezerras.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional consumption of immuneglobulins associated with high quality colostrum in health and performance of dairy calves. After birth, 80 females were randomly assigned to two treatments: MC) high quality colostrum, supplied in a volume corresponding to 15% of birth weight; and MC+S) high quality colostrum (15% of birth weight) + colostrum supplement. Blood parameters were not affected by the additional supply of immune globulins (Ig) by colostrum supplement feeding. The concentrate and total dry matter intakes were not affected by the administration of colostrum supplementation. The additional intake of Ig through the colostrum supplement did not affect the performance or feed efficiency of calves; however, animals doubled their birth weight at the end of the period, as occurred with MC fed calves. Regarding the health, additional supply of Ig did not affect the number of days with diarrhea, days with fever or medicated days. The additional intake of Ig via colostrum supplement in combination with high quality maternal colostrum have not improved immunity or affected the performance and health of dairy calves.

RESUMO Além da proteína bruta (PB), gordura (EE) e teor de fibra bruta (FB), o suprimento adequado de aminoácidos essenciais (AAE) é um fator importante na avaliação de sucedâneos lácteos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar amostras de sucedâneos lácteos quanto a sua composição em nutrientes e simular o atendimento das exigências de AEE de bezerros em diferentes sistemas de aleitamento. Quarenta e uma amostras de sucedâneos foram coletadas de 14 marcas e analisadas quanto à composição em nutrientes. A técnica de espectroscopia de infravermelho próximo foi utilizada para estimativa de conteúdo de AAE. As amostras apresentaram níveis adequados de PB (21,2 ± 2,90%) e EE (14,5 ± 3,41%) para bezerros aleitados de acordo com o sistema de alimentação convencional (4L/d), mas não para sistema intensivo (> 6L/d). Foram observados valores elevados de FB (1,6 ± 0,86%). A composição em EAA dos sucedâneos foi menor que o esperado para dieta líquida que substitui o leite integral. Nenhuma das amostras analisadas apresentou concentração adequada de lisina (5,72 ± 1,09% PB) ou metionina (1,65 ± 0,38% PB) para atender as exigências diárias dos bezerros, independentemente do sistema de aleitamento. É clara a necessidade de sucedâneos com maior teor de PB. Alternativamente, recomenda-se a suplementação de sucedâneos lácteos com AAE.

SUMMARY Other than crude protein (CP), crude energy (CE) and crude fiber (CF) content, the adequate supply of essential amino acids (EAA) is an important factor in milk replacer evaluation. The aim of this study was to analyze milk replacer samples as regard to nutrients, especially EAA, composition and simulate the attainability of calves' requirements in different feeding systems. Forty-one milk replacer samples were collected from 14 brands and analyzed for nutrient composition. The near infrared spectroscopy technique was used for AA content estimation. Samples presented adequate levels of CP (21.2±2.90%) and ether extract (14.5±3.41%) for calves fed according to the conventional (4L/d), but not for intensive milk feeding system (>6L/d). High values of CF were observed in the samples (1.6±0.86%). The EAA composition of milk replacer samples was lower than expected for a liquid feed supposed to replace whole milk. None of the analyzed samples presented adequate lysine (5.72±1.09% CP) or methionine (1.65±0.38% CP) to meet calves' daily requirements, regardless of feeding system. Higher crude protein milk replacers are needed. Alternatively, supplementation of milk replacers with EAA is recommended.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi o de avaliar os sinais clínicos, análise de gases e os efeitos metabólicos da diarreia em bezerros em aleitamento, consumindo concentrado inicial contendo polpa cítrica (PC) como substituto de milho. Vinte e quatro bezerros recém-nascidos da raça Holandesa foram distribuídos, de acordo com a composição do concentrado, nos seguintes tratamentos: (1) 0% PC, (2) 32% PC, (3) 64% PC, na matéria seca. Os bezerros foram alojados em abrigos individuais, com acesso livre a água e concentrado, e receberam 4L/d de sucedâneo lácteo. Após o diagnóstico de diarreia, avaliações de escore fecal, sinais clínicos e medidas de parâmetros fisiológicos foram realizadas três vezes ao dia durante 3-d. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas para análise de eletrólitos, hemogasometria e metabólitos plasmáticos. A composição do concentrado não afetou o escore fecal, as características das fezes diarreicas, ou o agravamento dos sinais clínicos da diarreia (P>0,05). Alterações nos parâmetros plasmáticos, de hemogasometria ou de eletrólitos, em função da composição do concentrado, não resultaram em desidratação, acidose ou outro distúrbio metabólico nos bezerros diarreicos (P>0,05). As concentrações de lactato total e D-lactato foram superiores para bezerros alimentados com concentrado sem inclusão de polpa ou com 64% de inclusão, enquanto a concentração de L-lactato foi superior somente para aqueles consumindo concentrado com 64% de PC. No entanto, os bezerros não apresentaram sinais de acidose metabólica. Os índices de conforto térmico influenciaram os parâmetros clínicos e fisiológicos (P<0,05). A polpa cítrica pode substituir o milho na composição de concentrados para bezerros sem prejudicar a saúde intestinal ou o metabolismo de bezerros jovens acometidos por diarreia.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical signs, gas analysis, and metabolic effects of diarrhea in milk-fed calves consuming starter feed containing citrus pulp (CP) as a replacement for corn. Twenty-four newborn Holstein male calves were distributed into treatments according to starter composition: (1) 0% CP, (2) 32% CP, (3) 64% CP, on dry matter basis. The calves were housed in individual hutches, with free access to water and concentrate, and received 4 L/d of milk replacer. After diarrhea diagnosis, evaluations of fecal score, score of clinical signs and measurement of physiological parameters were performed three times a day during 3-d. Blood samples were collected for electrolytes, blood gases, and plasma biochemical analysis. Starter feed composition had no negative effect (P>0.05) on fecal score, characteristics of diarrheic stools and on the aggravation of diarrhea clinical signs. Biochemical, blood gases and electrolytes changes, as a function of starter composition, did not resulted (P>0.05) in dehydration, acidosis, or other metabolic disturbance animals. Total lactate and D-lactate plasma concentrations were higher for calves on control and 64% CP, and L-lactate was highest for the 64% CP; however, calves showed no signs of metabolic acidosis. Thermal comfort indexes influenced clinical and physiological parameters (P<0.05). Citrus pulp may replace corn in starter composition without prejudice to intestinal health or metabolism of young diarrheic calves.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and microbiological composition of colostrum samples collected from colostrum banks or newly calved cows on dairy farms. For this purpose, 66 colostrum samples from dairy cows were directly collected during the milking of newly calved cows or from colostrum storage bank. Samples were collected from commercial properties in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná - Brazil, which were classified according to the total daily milk yield (MY). Even though average immunoglobulin concentrations were either adequate (79.7 and 51.7 mg/mL, for farms with MY>701 L/d and <200 L/d, respectively) or marginal (48.1 mg/mL for MY between 201-700 L/d), for only 48.4% of the colostrum samples, immunoglobulin concentrations were greater than 50 mg/mL. A variety of factors such as production system, animal breed, and time of sample collection can also affect the variables studied. In addition to emphasizing nutrition, good hygiene practices during the colostrum collection and storage process also deserve attention, since 24% of colostrum samples were below the microbial quality parameters. When nutritional and microbiological quality were simultaneously analyzed, only 22.6% of colostrum samples met the recommendations. Therefore, most of the calves in this region of Brazil are likely to present failure of passive immunity transfer and are exposed to pathogens when fed maternal colostrum.

RESUMO Foram utilizados 24 bezerros que receberam 4L/dia de sucedâneo, além de livre acesso a água e concentrado até a 8a semana. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em dois tratamentos: 1) Controle: sem a suplementação de probiótico; 2) Suplementação de 2g/d de Bacillus subtilis e Bacillus licheniformis via sucedâneo lácteo. Semanalmente os animais foram pesados e foram aferidas as medidas corporais; também foram realizadas colheitas de sangue para determinação de glicose, proteína total, ureia e albumina, além de hematócrito. Foram colhidas amostras de fezes semanalmente para contagem de bactérias ácido láticas e enterobactérias e determinação de pH fecal. O peso corporal, o ganho de peso médio diário e as medidas corporais não foram alteradas pela suplementação; muito embora tenham apresentado efeito significativo de idade dos animais. O escore fecal, pH fecal e consumo de concentrado diário também não foram afetados pela suplementação. No entanto, o consumo de concentrado e o pH fecal sofreram influência da idade em resposta ao crescimento natural dos bezerros. A contagem de bactérias ácido láticas foi maior em número do que a contagem de enterobactérias durante todo o período. Apenas as enterobactérias sofreram efeito da idade, enquanto as bactérias ácido láticas permaneceram variando, porém dentro de um padrão constante. Os parâmetros sanguíneos também não foram afetados pela suplementação com probiótico mas todos, com a exceção da albumina, tiveram influência da idade. A suplementação com o probiótico não apresentou benefícios no desempenho ou no metabolismo de bezerros leiteiros, também não reduziu a ocorrência de casos de diarreia.

SUMMARY Twenty-four Holstein calves were utilized and received 4L/d of liquid diet consisting of commercial milk replacer, and had free access to water and starter concentrate. Weaning occurred at the 8th week of age. Animals were distributed in a randomized block design, in the following treatments: 1) Control - without supplementation with probiotic, 2) Supplementation: 2g/d of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, via milk replacer. Every week calves were weighted and body measurements were taken. Blood samples were drawn weekly for determination of hematocrit, glucose, total protein, urea and albumin. Fecal samples were weekly collected for lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria couting and fecal pH determination. Concentrate starter intake and fecal scores were monitored daily. Body weight, average daily gain, and corporal measurements were not affected by the supplementation of probiotic; however, presented a significant age effect. The fecal score, fecal pH and starter intake were not affected by probiotic supplementation. However, starter intake and fecal pH were affected by age due to calves’ natural growth. The acid lactic bacteria count was higher than the count of enterobacteria during the whole evaluation period. Only enterobacteria were affected by the age of animals, while acid lactic bacteria remained constant despite little variations. Blood parameters were also not affect by supplementation of probiotic, but all of them, except albumin concentrations, were influenced by age. The supplementation with probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis via milk replacer presented no benefits in dairy calves performance or metabolism and did not reduced the occurrence of diarrhea.

RESUMO Vinte bezerros mestiços da raça Holandês x Jersey, distribuídos em blocos completos casualizados, foram utilizados para determinar o efeito do fornecimento de probiótico de bactérias ruminais sobre o desempenho e os parâmetros sanguíneos de bezerros leiteiros em sistema de desaleitamento precoce. Os animais foram submetidos ao tratamento controle ou ao fornecimento via oral de 2g de probiótico/dia durante o aleitamento. Os bezerros receberam 6 litros de sucedâneo lácteo por dia divididos em duas refeições diárias e foram desaleitados de forma gradual na 6ª semana de vida, entretanto, as variáveis foram coletadas até a 10ª semana. O consumo de concentrado inicial e o escore fecal foram registrados diariamente. Semanalmente foram realizadas pesagens e medidas corporais como, altura de cernelha, largura de garupa e perímetro torácico. Foram realizadas colheitas de sangue nas semanas, 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10, 2h após o primeiro aleitamento, para determinação de concentrações plasmáticas de glicose, proteína total, albumina, β-hidroxibutirato e cortisol. A suplementação de probiótico não afetou o consumo de concentrado, o peso, o ganho de peso, e as medidas corporais dos animais. Não houve efeito sobre o escore fecal entre os tratamentos. Os parâmetros sanguíneos não foram alterados em resposta ao fornecimento do probiótico, apenas a concentração de cortisol, que foi maior nos animais suplementados. O fornecimento de probiótico de bactérias ruminais não favorece o desempenho e o metabolismo de bezerros leiteiros em sistema de desaleitamento precoce.

SUMMARY Twenty crossbred Holstein x Jersey calves, distributed in a completely randomized block design were used to evaluate the effect of probiotic of ruminal bacteria supply on performance and blood parameters of dairy calves in early weaning system. Animals were submitted to control treatment or supplementation of 2g/ day of probiotic via milk replacer. The calves received 6 liters of milk replacer per day divided in two daily meals and were gradually early weaned at the 6th week of age, however, all data were collected until 10th week of age. Starter feed intake and fecal score were registered daily. Weekly, body weight, and body measures like, height withers, hip width and heart girth were taken. Blood samples were taken at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th week, two hours after the morning feeding, to determine plasma concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, β-hydroxybutyrate and cortisol. Probiotic supplementation didn´t affect starter feed intake, daily weight gain, weight or body measurements. The probiotic supply also had no effect on fecal scores between treatments. Blood parameters were not affect by probiotic supplementation. The probiotic of ruminal bacteria supply present no benefits on the performance or metabolism of dairy calves in early weaning system.

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to characterize the Brazilian dairy calves raising systems through a survey of major aspects of animal husbandry. One hundred seventy-nine producers and/or technicians were interviewed. The questionnaire addressed issues related to the management of the dry cow and the newborn, nutritional management of the liquid-feeding phase, housing, and health management. A third of newborn calves stay with their mothers for more than 24 h after delivery, and only 56% of the calves receive colostrum within the first 8 h of life. Four out of ten producers allow the calf to suckle colostrum directly from the mother. Regarding the liquid diet, 44 and 35% of the farms provide marketable milk and discard milk for the calves, respectively. It was possible to identify several areas of improvement in the raising system; for instance, greater attention could be given to dry cows and the monitoring of births and to the establishment of adequate protocols to evaluate colostrum quality and feeding management.

Objetivou-se determinar em equinos a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e o tempo médio de retenção dos grãos de sorgo de baixo e alto teores de tanino submetidos na ensilagem a dois processamentos, prensagem e moagem. Foram utilizados quatro cavalos castrados sem raça definida delineados em blocos casualizados, resultando em quatro repetições por tratamento. Os tratamentos consistiram de silagens de grãos úmidos de sorgo de baixo tanino e alto teor de tanino submetidos a dois tipos de processamentos, prensagem e moagem, arranjados em esquema fatorial 2x2 (2 genótipos de sorgo e 2 processamentos na ensilagem). Observaram-se diferenças significativas entre as silagens com baixo e alto teor de tanino, bem como dos processamentos na ensilagem, no qual os melhores resultados obtidos foram para a silagem de grãos úmidos de sorgo de baixo tanino moída, com os valores para CDMS, CDMO, CDEB, CDPB e CDAmido, de 83,82; 83,91; 85,17; 86,56 e 84,72%, respectivamente. Ainda, não se identificou efeito significativo entre os grãos estudados, bem como dos processamentos, sobre o tempo médio de retenção, com média de 17,5h. Concluiu-se que a moagem dos grãos de sorgo na ensilagem aumenta a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O tempo médio de retenção em equinos apresentou-se similar entre os grãos de sorgo ensilados sob a forma prensada e moída.

The objective was to evaluate apparent digestibility of nutrients and the mean retention time of high-moisture grains of sorghum with low (SLT) and high (SHT) tannin submitted to two processing during ensilage, grinding and rolling. There were used four castrated male horses, crossbred. It was used randomized block by design for four replications, totalizing four repetitions for each treatment. The treatments consisted of SLT e SHT submitted to two processing during ensilage, griding and rolling, in 2 x 2 factorial arrangement tested (2 sorghum genotypes and 2 processing). The daily DM intake was 2% body weight, this way the test-diets were composited by 30% SLT and 70% of hay. There observed differences (P<0.05) between SLT and SHT, as like, of processing method, in that best results were for grinding-SLT, whose means values were to DCDM, DCOM, DCCE, DCCP and DCStarch of 83.82, 83.91, 85.17, 86.56 e 84.72%. Furthermore, not identified significant effect between the grains studied, as well as the processing, on the mean retention time, with an average of 17.5 h. It was concluded that the grinding of grain sorghum silage increases nutrient digestibility. The mean retention time in horses presented similar among grain sorghum silages as rolled and grinded.

Objetivou-se caracterizar a dinâmica fermentativa, microbiológica e nutricional de colostro bovino fermentado em condições anaeróbias e diferentes temperaturas. O colostro foi homogeneizado e armazenado em garrafas PET em condições anaeróbias e incubadas em temperatura controlada (32,5 ± 1°C ou 22,5 ± 1°C) ou ambiente (17,4 - 21,5ºC), e abertas após 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias, para determinação de parâmetros fermentativos, nutricionais e contagem de bactérias, mofos e bolores. Os valores de pH apresentaram variação durante o período de fermentação (p < 0,0001), com colostro armazenado a 32,5°C apresentando os menores valores e marcada redução nos primeiros dias. A acidez titulável e a concentração de ácido lático apresentaram valores crescentes. O desenvolvimento de BAL foi elevado, especialmente em altas temperaturas. Após 35 dias, em torno de 50% do N total estava na forma de N não-proteico e a caseína foi reduzida a 0,66% do N total. A lactose foi reduzida durante a fermentação. A concentração de gordura não foi afetada pela temperatura durante o processo. Os resultados sugerem que a temperatura na qual o colostro é fermentado em condições anaeróbias influencia diretamente na velocidade e intensidade do desenvolvimento da população microbiana e degradação dos principais componentes nutricionais como a caseína e a lactose.

The fermentative, microbiological and nutritional dynamics of bovine colostrum fermented under anaerobic conditions at different temperatures is provided. Colostrum was homogenized and stored in PET bottles in anaerobic conditions and incubated at controlled temperature (32.5 ± 1°C or 22.5 ± 1°C) or at room temperature (17.4 - 21.5ºC) and opened after 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days to determine fermentative and nutritional parameters and bacteria, yeast and mold counts. Further, pH rates showed significant variations during the fermentation period (p < 0.0001), with colostrum stored at 32.5°C, exhibiting the lowest rates and significant reduction during the first days. Titratable acidity and lactic acid concentration showed increasing rates and LAB development was intense, especially at high temperatures. After 35 days, about 50% of total nitrogen became non-protein N and casein fraction was reduced to 0.66% of total nitrogen. Lactose decreased during fermentation and fat concentrations were not affected by temperature. Results suggested that the temperature at which the colostrum was fermented directly influenced the speed and intensity of microbial population development and degradation of the main nutritional parameters, such as casein and lactose.

Foram utilizados oito cavalos castrados sem raça definida em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O objetivo foi determinar o valor nutritivo das silagens de grãos de sorgo de baixo (SBT) e alto (SAT) teores de tanino na alimentação de equinos. Os tratamentos consistiram de duas dietas-teste compostas pelos grãos de sorgo ensilados (SBT e SAT), substituindo em 30% a MS da dieta-referência, constituída exclusivamente por feno. Os valores de digestibilidade dos nutrientes dos SBT e SAT apresentaram diferenças nos CDMS, CDMO, CDEB, CDPB e CDAmido em que SAT foi inferior (p < 0,05) para todos os parâmetros, em que os valores médios foram de, respectivamente, 79,53, 84,54, 79,36, 76,11 e 100% para SBT e 60,29, 64,47, 59,38, 44,63 e 97,06% para SAT. Concluiu-se que a utilização do SBT é promissora na nutrição de equinos, tornando-se alimento alternativo nas formulações de rações.

There were used eight castrated male horses, crosbred. It was used randomized completely design. The objective was to evaluate the nutritive value of high-moisture grains silage of sorghum with low (SLT) and high (SHT) tannin in the feeding equine. The treatments consisted of two test-diets containing SLT or SHT, replacing 30% of dry matter (DM) of the reference-diet, constitued by only hay. The values of digestibility coefficients (DC) of nutrients SLT and SHT had differences for DCDM, DCOM, DCCE, DCCP and DCStarch, whose means values were 79.53, 84.54, 79.36, 76.11 and 100% to SLT e 60.29, 64.47, 59.38, 44.63 and 97.06% to SHT, respectively. It was concluded that high-moisture grains silage of sorghum with low tannin should be used in equine nutrition, this is an alternative feed.

Foram utilizados quatro cavalos castrados sem raça definida, distribuídos em blocos casualizados. Objetivou-se estudar a viabilização dos indicadores internos, celulose (CELi) e lignina indigestíveis (LIGi), para predizer a digestibilidade em cavalos. Os tratamentos consistiram na determinação da digestibilidade por método direto com a coleta total de fezes (CT) e indireto pelo uso CELi e LIGi obtidos pelas técnicas "in situ" (IS) na cavidade ruminal de bovinos e "in vivo" (IV) nos equinos por meio do saco de náilon móvel (SNM). A produção fecal e taxa de recuperação (p > 0,05) médios encontrados foram de 2,80 kg na MS e 101%, respectivamente. As estimativas dos CD dos nutrientes (p > 0,05) foram adequadamente preditos pela CELi e LIGi, obtidos "in situ" e "in vivo", no qual os valores médios observados foram de 52,63, 54,17, 64,90, 43,73 e 98,28% para MS, MO, PB, FDN e Amido, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que a CELi e LIGi podem ser obtidas "in vivo" por meio do SNM em equinos, para predizer os coeficientes de digestibilidade de nutrientes, consumindo dieta mista.

Four crossbred geldings were used in a randomized blocks experimental design. The objective was to study the use of the internal markers indigestible cellulose (iCEL) and indigestible lignin (iLIG), obtained in situ (cattle) or in vivo (equine) to predict nutrient apparent digestibility in horses. Treatments consisted of different methodologies to determine digestibility: direct method with total feces collection (TC), and indirect method using internal markers iCEL and iLIG obtained either by in situ incubation in bovine rumen or in vivo (IV) using the mobile nylon bag (MNB) technique in horses. Feces production was 2.80 kg in DM, and average recovery rate (p > 0.05) was 101%. Nutrient digestibility coefficient (p > 0.05) estimates were adequately predicted by iCEL and iLIG, obtained in situ or in vivo, with average values of 52.63, 54.17, 64.90, 43.73 and 98.28% for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and starch, respectively. It can be concluded that iCEL and iLIG may be obtained in vivo by MNB in horses consuming a forage-concentrate diet, to predict nutrient digestibility coefficients.

Foram utilizados quatro cavalos castrados, por meio de delineamento em blocos casualizados. Objetivou-se viabilizar a obtenção in vitro das fibras indigestíveis, FDNi e FDAi, mediante a utilização, como inóculos, de líquido ruminal (LR) e fezes equina (FE), para estimar o coeficiente de digestibilidade nutrientes (CDN) de cavalos. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelo método direto com a coleta total de fezes (CT) e indireto pelo uso das FDNi e FDAi obtidas por meio dos inóculos, LR e FE. Desta forma, no primeiro ensaio os equinos consumiram exclusivamente feno de coast-cross, e para o ensaio 2 os animais receberam 70% de feno de coast-cross e 30% de grãos de milho. Para o ensaio 1, a FDAi-FE, promoveu a melhor taxa de recuperação (TR) do indicador, o que a igualou ao grupo controle (CT), em 103,67%, enquanto que as FDNi-LR e FDAi-LR resultaram as piores taxa de 83,43 e 88,28%, respectivamente. As estimativas dos CDN foram adequadamente preditos pelas FDNi-FE e FDAi-FE. No ensaio 2 não se verificou efeito significativo do tipo de indicador e do método de obtenção na TR do indicador (valor médio de 101%). As estimativas dos CDN foram adequadamente preditos pela FDAi, obtida por meio de ambos inóculos e FDNi, com o uso de fezes equina, para equinos alimentados com dieta mista. Concluiu-se que as fezes equina podem ser usadas como inóculo na obtenção das FDNi e FDAi, in vitro, em equinos alimentados exclusivamente com feno de coast-cross e na predição da digestibilidade de nutrientes, para cavalos que consomem dieta mista.

Four castrated horses were utilized in randomized blocks experimental design. The objective was to study the "in vitro" acquirement of indigestible fiber, neutral detergent fiber (NDFi) and acid detergent fiber (ADFi), using as inoculum source rumen fluid (RF) or horse feces (HF), to estimate the nutrient digestibility (ND) in horses. Treatments consisted of direct method by total feces collection (TC) and indirect method either by the use of NDFi or ADF by the use of LR or HF as inocula source. The first essay was done with horses fed coast-cross hay exclusively, while for the essay two, the horses were fed of 70% of coast-cross hay and 30% corn grain. For the essay 1, ADFi-HF presented the best marker recuperation rate (RR) (103.67%), being similar to control (TC), while NDFi-RF and ADFi-RF resulted in lower RR (P<0.05), 83.43 and 88.28%, respectively. The ND was adequately estimated by NDFi-HF and ADFi-HF. On the second essay there were no significant effects of the marker type, as well as for the indigestible marker acquirement method, for the marker RR (average value of 101%). The ND was adequately predicted by the ADFi obtained for both innocula source and NDFi obtained by the use of HF as inoculum, for horses fed a mixed diet. It can be concluded that horse feces may be used as inoculum source for the acquirement of NDFi and ADFi "in vitro" for digestibility determination on horses fed coastcross hay exclusively, as well as for horses fed a mixed diet.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the route of administration of mannan-oligosaccharides in the diet of dairy calves and their effects on performance and plasma parameters indicative of rumen development. Following birth, twenty-four male Holstein calves were used in a completely randomized design and assigned to the following treatments: Control; 4 g/d Bio-Mos® (Alltech Biotech.) added to starter concentrate; and 4 g/d Bio-Mos® mixed into milk replacer. Animals were housed in individual hutches with free access to water, and fed 4L/d of milk replacer until weaning at six weeks. Calves also received 23g/kg crude protein of starter concentrate ad libitum. Fecal scores were evaluated daily. Body weights, growth measurements and blood samples for glucose, urea-N and β-hidroxibutyrate analyses were taken weekly until 8 weeks of age. There were no significant effects of treatment or treatment × age interactions for mean starter concentrate intake, weight gain or body growth. However, there was a significant age effect for all parameters. Fecal scores were not affected by treatments. Also, plasma concentration of glucose, urea-N or β-hidroxibutyrate were not affected by treatment or the treatment × age interaction. However, urea-N and β-hidroxibutyrate concentrations significantly increased with age, suggesting adequate rumen development. Under the conditions of this study, there were no calf performance benefits when mannan-oligosaccharides were incorporated into milk replacer or calf starter concentrate.

Foram utilizados quatro cavalos castrados sem raça definida pelo delineamento em blocos casualizados. Objetivou-se viabilizar os indicadores internos indigestíveis, FDNi e FDAi, obtidas pelas técnicas in situ nos bovinos e in vivo nos equinos por meio do saco de náilon móvel (SNM). Os tratamentos consistiram de digestibilidade determinada por método direto com a coleta total de fezes (CT) e indireto pelo uso de FDNi e FDAi obtidos pelas técnicas in situ (IS) na cavidade ruminal de bovinos e in vivo (IV) nos equinos por meio do SNM. As FDNi-IV e FDAi-IV promoveram a melhor taxa de recuperação (TR) do indicador, igualando-se ao grupo CT, em 91,50%, enquanto a técnica in situ resultou nas piores taxas, na média 86,50%, para ambos os indicadores indigestíveis (p < 0,05). As estimativas dos CD dos nutrientes foram adequadamente preditos pela FDAi-IV, para equinos alimentados com feno, no qual os valores observados foram de 46,41; 48,16; 47,92 e 45,51% para MS, MO, FDN e EB, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que o SNM em equinos pode ser usado para obter a FDAi em equinos alimentados exclusivamente com feno de coast-cross e para cavalos consumindo dieta mista, as FDNi e FDAi foram eleitas para predizer CD de nutrientes.

Four castrated crossbred horses were used in a randomized block design to study the use of indigestible internal markers iNDF and iADF obtained in situ (from bovines) or in vivo (from equines). Treatments consisted of determining digestibility by the direct method comprising total feces collection (TC) and by the indirect method comprising internal markers iNDF and iADF obtained by in situ incubation in bovine rumen or in vivo by the mobile nylon bag (MNB) technique with horses. iNDF-IV and iADF-IV resulted in better marker recovery rate (RR) (91.50%), similar to TC. The in situ technique resulted in lower RR values for the two indigestible markers, averaging 86.50% (p < 0.05). Estimates of the nutrient coefficient of digestibility (CD) were adequately predicted by iADF-IV, for horses fed on hay exclusively, with rates 46.41, 48.16, 47.92 and 45.51% for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), FDN and gross energy, respectively. Results show that MNB may be used to obtain iADF in horses fed on coast-cross hay exclusively, whereas NDFi and ADFi were selected for horses fed on mixed diets to predict the coefficient of nutrient digestibility.