Abstract Different harvest strategies can substantially affect yield in forages. A study was carried out to determine the optimum harvest strategy for Lotus corniculatus, genotype 255301, during two production periods among four tested strategies: three determined by the percentage of light intercepted by the canopy (90, 95 and 100 % IL), and one season-defined fixed cut (FC). The treatments (IL and FC) were distributed in a randomized block design with three repetitions. Forage yield in the FC was 27 % lower than the 95 % IL in the first period (19,915 vs 28,417 kg DM ha-1), and 29 % lower than the average of all three IL treatments in the second period (19,100 vs 26,952 kg DM ha-1). Average seasonal yield in both periods was higher in spring (9,447 kg DM ha-1) than in autumn (3,120 kg DM ha-1). The leaf was the component that contributed most (56 %) to yield, particularly in spring in the 95 % IL treatments. Plant height was greatest in the 90, 95 and 100 % IL treatments (average= 21.5 cm) and lowest in the FC treatments (average= 17 cm). By season, plant height was greatest (average= 24 cm) in spring and lowest in winter (average= 17 cm). In both periods, average leaf:stem ratio was highest in the FC treatment (2.3) followed by the 90, 95 and 100 % IL treatments. Lotus corniculatus genotype 255301 yield was optimum when harvested using intercepted light percentages as an indicator; leaf production was highest in the 95 % intercepted light treatments.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la mejor estrategia de cosecha en Lotus corniculatus, dependiente de diferentes porcentajes de luz interceptada (LI) por el dosel y una denominada corte fijo (CF) definido estacionalmente, en dos periodos de producción. Los tratamientos (LI y CF) se distribuyeron en un diseño de bloques al azar, con tres repeticiones. El rendimiento de forraje del CF fue 27 % menor al 95 % de LI en el primer periodo (19,915 vs 28,417 kg MS ha-1), y 29 % al promedio de los porcentajes de LI en el segundo periodo (19,100 vs 26,952 kg MS ha-1). El rendimiento promedio estacional fue mayor en primavera (9,447 kg MS ha-1), comparado con otoño (3,120 kg MS ha-1), en ambos periodos. La hoja fue el componente que mayor aporte tuvo (56 %), principalmente en primavera con 95 % de LI. Con 90, 95 y 100 % de LI se registraron las alturas mayores (21.5 cm) y con un CF las alturas menores (17 cm). Entre estaciones, las alturas mayores (24 cm) se presentaron en primavera y las menores en invierno (17 cm). En ambos periodos, se presentó la relación promedio hoja:tallo mayor en el CF (2.3), seguido del 90, 95 y 100 % de LI. El comportamiento mejor de Lotus corniculatus genotipo 255301, se presentó cuando éste fue cosechado usando los porcentajes de luz interceptada como indicador; sin embargo, la mayor cantidad de hoja se produjo con 95 % de luz interceptada.

Abstract The objectives were to obtain the forage accumulation curve, morphological components and light interception to determine the optimal cutting time for green forage of Triticale 118. The study was carried out in Texcoco, State of Mexico, under an irrigation system, during the winter of the year 2012-2013 (cycle 1) and 2013-2014 (cycle 2). The harvest was carried out every seven days, starting at 43 days after sowing (dds) and until the forage accumulation decreased. The average height of 20 plants, intercepted radiation (IR), dry matter accumulation, morphological composition and leaf area index (LAI) were recorded in each harvest. In cycle 1 the maximum forage accumulation was obtained at 84 dds with a yield of 1 852 kg of DM ha-1, in the gleaning stage, an IR of 75% and a plant height of 52 cm were obtained, but due to a frost, it was not possible to continue sampling. In the case of cycle 2, the maximum forage accumulation occurred at 119 dds with a value of 8 733 kg of DM ha-1, where the optimal cutting moment was between 77 and 91 dds, when the plant reached an IR of between 85 and 86%, LAI between 2.3 and 3.2, respectively, and an average of 58 cm. In this experiment, it was established that, with the IR, LAI and height, the optimum harvest time for Triticale 118 can be defined, obtaining quality forage.

Resumen Con el objetivo de obtener la curva de acumulación de forraje, componentes morfológicos e intercepción luminosa para determinar el momento óptimo de corte, en forraje de Triciale 118. El estudio se realizó en Texcoco, Estado de México, bajo un sistema de riego, durante el invierno del año 2012-2013(ciclo 1) y 2013-2014 (ciclo 2). La cosecha se realizó cada siete días, iniciando a los 43 días después de la siembra (dds) y hasta que la acumulación de forraje disminuyó. En cada cosecha se registró la altura promedio de 20 plantas, la radiación interceptada (RI), la acumulación de materia seca, la composición morfológica e índice de área foliar (IAF). En el ciclo 1 la máxima acumulación de forraje se obtuvo a los 84 dds con un rendimiento de 1 852 kg de MS ha-1, en la etapa de espigamiento, se obtuvo una RI de 75% y una altura de planta de 52 cm, pero por una helada no se hicieron los muestreos. En el caso del ciclo dos la máxima acumulación de forraje ocurrió a los 119 dds con un valor de 8 733 kg de MS ha-1, donde el momento óptimo de corte fue entre los 77 y 91 dds, cuando la planta alcanzo una RI de entre 85 y 86%, IAF entre 2.3 y 3.2, respectivamente y un promedio de 58 cm. En este experimento se estableció con la RI, IAF y altura se puede definir el momento óptimo de cosecha del Triticale 118, obteniendo forraje de calidad.

Abstract: The present research work was carried on to study the productive performance of a group of 100 half-sib families (HSF) derived from each of Oaxaca and San Miguel commercial varieties, and San Miguel x Oaxaca and Oaxaca x San Miguel populations, in pots placed outdoors at Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico. Harvests of aerial biomass were made every 5 wk during the fall-winter growing season 2013-2014 and 4 wk during the spring growing season 2014. The HSF derived from San Miguel x Oaxaca and Oaxaca x San Miguel had 10 % higher dry matter yield (DMY), absolute crop growth rate (ACGR) and leaf:stem ratio (L:S) per plant than the HSF derived from San Miguel and Oaxaca in every growing season and harvest. On the other hand, the HSF derived from San Miguel had greater number of tillers (NS) per plant in the winter and spring seasons, and lower plant height (PH) in the spring season than the HSF derived from Oaxaca, San Miguel x Oaxaca and Oaxaca x San Miguel. The DMY and ACGR were 57 % and 33 % higher in spring than in fall and winter. The L:S was 5 % higher in fall than in winter and 30 % higher than in spring; the greatest values for NS and PH were measured in spring. The radiation use efficiency (RUE) had higher values in spring than in fall and winter with the highest values in April. The observed variability among the HSF derived from San Miguel x Oaxaca and Oaxaca x San Miguel, suggests the possibility of selecting families with higher dry matter yield.

Resumen: Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo en 100 familias de medios hermanos (FMH) derivadas de las variedades San Miguel y Oaxaca, y las poblaciones San Miguel x Oaxaca y Oaxaca x San Miguel, en macetas a la intemperie en Montecillo, Texcoco, Estado de México. Se realizaron cortes cada cinco semanas en otoño-invierno 2013-2014 y cada cuatro semanas en primavera 2014. Las FMH derivadas de San Miguel x Oaxaca y Oaxaca x San Miguel tuvieron en promedio 10 % mayor rendimiento de materia seca (RMS), tasa absoluta de crecimiento (TAC) y relación hoja:tallo (H:T) por planta, que las FMH derivadas de San Miguel y Oaxaca, en cada corte y estación del año. Las FMH derivadas de San Miguel presentaron mayor número de tallos (NT) en invierno y primavera, y menor altura de planta (AP) en primavera que las de Oaxaca y las FMH derivadas de San Miguel x Oaxaca y Oaxaca x San Miguel. El RMS y TAC en primavera fueron 57 y 33 % más altos que en otoño e invierno. La relación H:T en otoño fue 5 % mayor que en invierno y 30 % mayor que en primavera; el mayor NT y AP se presentaron en primavera. La eficiencia en el uso de la radiación (EUR) fue mayor en primavera que en otoño e invierno con los valores más altos en abril. La variabilidad entre las FMH derivadas de San Miguel x Oaxaca y Oaxaca x San Miguel, indica la posibilidad de seleccionar familias superiores en rendimiento de materia seca.

RESUMO A polpa de café é produzida em grandes quantidades e sua eliminação contribue para a poluição do ambiente. Não entanto, seu alto valor nutricional e capacidade antioxidante a torna uma opção para a alimentação animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a composição química, o teor de compostos fenólicos e a capacidade antioxidante da polpa de café fresco (PCF), ensilada (PCE) ou ensilada e seca ao sol (PCED). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (n=4). Matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), cinzas (CEN), fibra em detergente neutro (NDF), fibra em detergente ácido (ADF), lignina, compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante foram avaliadas. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variância e as médias pelo teste de Tukey. A percentagem de PB, NDF e ADF foi maior no PCE, e PCED em relação ao PCF. Nenhuma alteração no teor de lignina foi encontrado. Silagem e desidratação ao sol não afetou o teor de cafeína ou tanino. Não houve diferença na proporção de ácido caféico (2,031±2,873, 5,103±0,391, 4,913±0.018 mg g-1 MS no PCF, PCE, PCED, respectivamente). O ácido clorogênico (2,593±1,756 mg g-1 FCP; 5,368±0,422 mg g-1 ECP; 4,875±0,678 mg g-1 EDCP) aumentou com o processo de ensilagem, mas não foi afetado pela desidratação ao sol. O teor de etanol decreceu no PCE e PCED, em relação ao PCF (PCF 15.88±0.97%; PCE 7,04±1.16%; PCED 0,00%), enquanto que a capacidade antioxidante não foi afetada. Em concluão o processo de ensilagem e a deshidratacão ao sol afetou o valor nutritivo, mas não a capacidade antioxidante da polpa de café.

ABSTRACT Coffee pulp is produced in large quantities, and its disposal can pollute the environment. However, the nutritional value and antioxidant content of coffee pulp make it a good option for animal feed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, the phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of coffee pulp using fresh (FCP), ensiled (ECP), and ensiled and sun-dried (EDCP) coffee pulp. The study design was completely randomized with three treatments (n=4). Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were determined. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, and means were compared with the Tukey test. The percentage of CP, NDF and ADF was higher in ECP and EDCP than in FCP. There were no changes in lignin content. Ensiling and sun drying did not decrease (P>0.05) caffeine or tannins. No differences were found in caffeic acid (2.031±2.873, 5.103±0.391, 4.913±0.018 mg g-1 DM in FCP, ECP, EDCP, respectively). The concentration of chlorogenic acid (FCP 2.593±1.756; ECP 5.368±0.422; EDCP 4.875±0.678 mg g-1) increased with the ensiling process, but it was not affected by sun drying. Ethanol decreased in ECP and EDCP relative to FPC (FPC 15.88±0.97%; ECP 7.04±1.16%; EDCP 0.00%); however, antioxidant capacity was not affected. It was concluded that the ensiling process and sun drying affected the nutritional value of coffee pulp but not its antioxidant capacity.

The objectives of the research were to generate forage accumulation curves, and to determine the optimal cutting time for forage for three lines of barley, during two growth cycles. Cuttings started 43 days after sowing (DAS), and until the maximum accumulation of dry matter was reached. Forage accumulation, morphological composition, leaf area index, plant height and light interception were evaluated weekly. Data from the experiments were analyzed using SAS software, using a randomized block design and a split-plot arrangement with three replicates. Intercepted radiation and leaf area can be used to determine the optimal cutting time. The optimal cutting time in the second growth cycle was 70 DAS, with intercepted radiation values of 94, 95, and 91%, leaf area indices of 7, 5, and 3, and heights of 88, 82 and 59 cm for Esp x O'Connor, Esp x CP and Lenetah (p < 0.05), respectively, at the stem elongation stage. The optimum period or optimum phenological stage for cutting of green forage or haying is the stem elongation stage, due to high values of leaves number, light interception and leaf area index recorded in this phenological stage. Since a point of view of total dry matter yield it is recommended to harvest at the beginning of grain dough stage, when the grain yield and dry matter yield are the highest.

Los objetivos del estudio fueron construir curvas de acumulación de forraje, y determinar el momento óptimo de corte para forraje de tres líneas de cebada, durante dos ciclos de crecimiento. Los cortes se iniciaron a los 43 días después de la siembra (DDS) y hasta que se alcanzó la máxima acumulación de materia seca. La acumulación de forraje, composición morfológica, índice de área foliar, altura de planta e intercepción luminosa se evaluaron semanalmente. Los datos de los experimentos se analizaron con SAS, para un diseño experimental de bloques al azar en arreglo de parcelas divididas con tres repeticiones. La radiación interceptada y el índice de área foliar pueden ser criterios utilizados para determinar el momento óptimo de corte. El momento óptimo de corte en el segundo ciclo de cultivo fue a los 70 DDS, con valores de intercepción luminosa de 94, 95 y 91%, con índices de área foliar de 7, 5 y 3 y alturas de 88, 82 y 59 cm para Esp x O'Connor, Esp x Cp y Lenetah (p < 0,05), en el estado de elongación del tallo. El período óptimo de desarrollo para corte de forraje verde o henificado en cebada es la etapa de elongación del tallo, debido a que en esta etapa se registró la mayor cantidad de hojas, intercepción luminosa e índice de área foliar. Desde el punto de vista de rendimiento total se recomienda cosechar en el inicio del estado masoso del grano que es cuando se tiene la mayor cantidad de forraje y grano.

The objective of the present study was to determine the nutritive value, the presence of antioxidant compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of coffee pulp ensiled or non-ensiled. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and lignin, as well as the antioxidant compounds present in coffee pulp and their antioxidant capacity, were determined. A completely randomized design was used. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance. Ensiling of coffee pulp increased the CP content from 98.6 to 111.6 g kg−1 DM, NDF from 414.6 to 519.5 g kg−1 DM, ADF from 383.9 to 439.3 g kg−1 DM, and lignin from 122.9 to 133.6 g kg−1 DM. Caffeine decreased from 5.72 to 5.02 mg g−1 DM. Three antioxidant compounds were detected. Caffeic acid decreased due to ensiling (16.49 vs 14.69 mg g−1 DM). Gallic acid (2.88 vs 2.58 mg g−1 DM) and chlorogenic acid (62.12 vs 56.00 mg g−1 DM) did not differ, and there was similar antioxidant capacity of non-ensiled (215.66 µmol trolox g−1 DM) and ensiled coffee pulp (206.59 µmol trolox g−1 DM). Despite the decrease in the caffeic acid content due to the ensiling process, it is possible to use either ensiled or non-ensiled coffee pulp for animal feeding because of its high antioxidant capacity.

La etología, ciencia que estudia el comportamiento animal, es tan antigua como el hombre, aunque solamente en 1973 fue reconocida como tal, al otorgárseles a los investigadores Lorenz, Tinbergen y von Frish el premio Nobel en medicina y fisiología por sus estudios en conducta animal. Se ha reconocido la importancia que tiene en la producción animal, al aplicarse estos conocimientos en programas de alimentación, reproducción, diseño de instalaciones, manejo, transporte y sacrificio de los animales, como lo demuestran múltiples estudios realizados con diferentes especies domésticas, los cuales son revisados en el presente trabajo.

Ethology is the science which studies animal behavior. It is as old as man, although it has only been in recent years that its importance has been recognized, when Lorenz, Tinbergen and von Frish were awarded the Nobel Prize of medicine and physiology in 1973. The importance of the knowledge about animal behavior to improve animal production when it is applied to nutrition programs, reproduction, animal housing design, animal handling, transport and slaughter, has been demonstrated in several studies with domestic animals, which are reviewed in the present article.

A etología, ciência que estuda o comportamento animal, é tão antiga como o homem, ainda que somente em 1973 fosse reconhecida como tal, ao ser-lhes outorgado, aos investigadores Lorenz, Tinbergen e von Frish, o premio Nobel em medicina e fisiologia por seus estudos em conduta animal. Foi reconhecida a importância que têm na produção animal, ao aplicarem-se estes conhecimentos em programas de alimentação, reprodução, desenho de instalações, manejo, transporte e sacrifício dos animais, como o demonstram múltiplos estudos realizados com diferentes espécies domésticas, os quais são revisados no presente trabalho.

Para conocer el efecto de suplementación con harina de tres arbustivas forrajeras tropicales, en el comportamiento productivo y fermentación ruminal de corderos en crecimiento, se realizó un estudio durante 90 días, utilizando 30 corderos con encaste de Pelibuey y Black Belly (18,29 ± 1,56 kg PV), mantenidos en pastoreo continuo en estrella africana (Cynodon plestostachyus; 75,5% FDN y 6,1% PC) de 7:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m, posteriormente los animales fueron alojados en corraletas individuales, proporcionándoles 200 g animal-1 d-1 de suplemento de acuerdo a los tratamientos (T) evaluados: T1 = sólo pastoreo (SP), T2 = T1+concentrado comercial (CC), T3 = T1+harina de cocoíte (Gliricidia sepium; HC), T4 = T1+harina de morera (Morus alba; HM) y T5 = T1+harina de tulipán (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis; HT). Las variables registradas fueron: consumo de suplemento y pasto, ganancia diaria de peso (GDP), digestibilidad aparente de materia seca del suplemento y del pasto. En fluido ruminal se midió pH, concentración de ácidos grasos volátiles, nitrógeno amoniacal, bacterias totales y protozoarios. El CC y la HT presentaron el mejor (P < 0,05) consumo de suplemento (CC, 181,6ª; HC, 97,7c; HM, 149,7b; HT, 167,2ab g d-1), de materia seca total (SP, 789,1b; CC, 976,8ª; HT, 941,8ª g d-1) y la mejor GDP (SP, 46,1b; CC, 81,6ª; HT, 77,1ª; g d-1). El CC propició la más alta (P < 0,05) digestibilidad aparente de la materia seca (DAMS, 60,97ª); en contraste la más baja (P < 0,05) DAMS se presentó con el uso de HC (SP, 49,27ab; CC, 54,00ª; HC, 48,52C; HM, 50,47ab; HT, 50,54ab). En las variables ruminales, no se observaron diferencias entre tratamientos para pH, nitrógeno amoniacal y AGV; solamente se registraron cambios (P < 0,05) en la concentración (1 × 10(8) mL-1) de bacterias totales (SP, 45,0ª; HM, 1,1b) y de protozoarios (SP, 20,73b; CC, 96,01ª; 1 × 10(4) mL-1). La harina de tulipán mostró una respuesta similar a la del CC. La menor respuesta se obtuvo con HC. Por lo anterior se recomienda HT como sustituto de CC para corderos en pastoreo en el trópico.

A study was carried out in order to determine the effect of a commercial feed and three different meals produced by tropical forage shrubs, on productive performance, digestibility and some rumen variables, when used as supplements for grazing lambs. Thirty crossbreed (Pelibuey X Black Belly) male lambs (18.29 ± 1.56 Kg BW), were used in a 90 d study. Animals were on continuous grazing of African star (Cynodon plestostachyus; (75.5% NDF, 6.1% CP) from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. After grazing animals were housed in individual pens and fed (200 g animal-1 d-1)any of four supplements, according to treatment: T1 = grazing (G); T2 = T1 + commercial concentrate (CC); T3 = T1 + cocoite meal (Gliricidia sepium; CM); T4 = T1 + morera meal (Morus alba; MM), and T5 = T1 + tulipan meal (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis; TM). Supplement and forage intake, dry matter digestibility and daily weight gain, were measured. Volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia nitrogen concentration, total bacteria and protozoa were determined in rumen liquor. Differences in supplement intake (P < 0.05) (CC, 181.6ª; CM, 97.7c; MM, 149.7b; TM, 167.2ab g d-1), dry matter intake (OG, 789.1b; CC, 976.8ª; TM, 941.8ª g d-1) and daily weight gain (OG, 46.1b; CC, 81.6ª; TM, 77.1ª; g d-1) were found. The highest (P < 0.05) percentage of dry matter digestibility (DMD) was found for CC (CC, 60.97ª). Forage DMD was the lowest for CM (OG, 49.27ab; CC, 54.00ª; CM, 48.52C; MM, 50.47ab; TM, 50.54ab). No differences (P > 0.05) were found for rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen and VFA concentration among treatments. Compared with OG treatment, supplementation with MM decreased (P < 0.05) total bacteria concentration (OG, 45.0ª vs MM, 1.1b × 10(8) mL-1)whilst CC increased protozoa concentration (OG, 20.73b vs CC, 96.01ª × 10(4) mL-1). Supplementation with TM showed similar results that those observed with CC. The lowest response was observed for CM and OG. It is concluded that TM can be used as a supplement instead of CC in the tropic for grazing lambs.

Los radicales libres o especies reactivas al oxigeno (ROS) se producen continuamente en el organismo como consecuencia de los procesos metabólicos normales y fuentes exógenas como el ejercicio intenso, situaciones de estrés, factores ambientales y agentes contaminantes (drogas y pesticidas). Un radical libre es una molécula o átomo que presenta al menos un electrón no apareado. Cuando la producción de ROS es excesiva, el resultado es el estrés oxidativo, término que se relaciona con el daño a las biomoléculas: proteínas, lípidos, carbohidratos y ADN. Asi mismo, se le ha relacionado con enfermedades que afectan a humanos y animales. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo revisar aspectos básicos del estrés oxidativo, así como la utilización de antioxidantes en las diferentes especies de animales domésticos

Free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), are produced during normal cell activity as a consequence of metabolic processes and exogenous sources such as intense exercise, stress, environmental factors and polluting agents (drugs and pesticides). A free radical is a molecule or atom that contains one or more unpaired electrons. When ROS production is excessive it causes oxidative stress, which might damage cellular structures including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and DNA. Oxidative damage has been involved in many diseases that affect humans and animals. This paper reviews different aspects related to oxidative stress and the use of antioxidants in domestic animals.

Os radicais livres ou espécies reativas ao oxigênio (ROS) se produzem continuamente no organismo como conseqüência dos processos metabólicos normais e fontes exógenas como o exercício intenso, situações de estresse, fatores ambientais e agentes contaminantes (drogas e pesticidas). Um radical livre é uma molécula ou átomo que apresenta ao menos um elétron não pareado. Quando a produção de ROS é excessiva, o resultado é o estresse oxidativo, termo associado ao dano das biomoléculas: proteínas, lipídeos, carboidratos e DNA. Também é relacionado com enfermidades que afetam a humanos e animais. A presente revisão tem como objetivo revisar aspectos básicos do estresse oxidativo, assim como a utilização de antioxidantes nas diferentes espécies de animais domésticos.