RESUMO: Conhecido como um animal de múltiplas funções, o Equus asinus sempre foi utilizado para diversos fins, tais como entretenimento, cavalgadas, meios de transporte, tração agrícola e produção de leite. Embora os asininos estejam associados a um vasto patrimônio social, cultural, econômico e ecológico, eles perderam importância nas atividades das propriedades rurais, tanto nas economias desenvolvidas dos países europeus como na região Nordeste do Brasil. Não existem estudos específicos de sistemas de produção visando a exploração racional das espécies de asininos no Brasil. Novas perspectivas para o uso do asno na região semiárida brasileira através da indústria leiteira despertou o interesse científico e o interesse dos investidores. O asinino, aliado ao baixo custo de produção e à rusticidade da espécie, tem a capacidade de contribuir para a economia com produtos de alto valor biológico e características terapêuticas. Assim, esta revisão forneceu uma visão ampla do asinino criado no Nordeste do Brasil, observando suas características e relevância para a região. Os benefícios do leite asinino e a necessidade de promover a produção e comercialização deste leite na cadeia produtiva do leite também serão discutidos.

ABSTRACT: Known as an animal of multiple functions, the Equus asinus has always been used for various purposes, such as entertainment, horseback riding, means of transport, agricultural traction and dairy farming. Although, donkeys are associated with a vast heritage of social, cultural, economic and ecological importance, they have lost their importance in the activities of rural properties, both in the developed economies of European countries and in the Northeast region of Brazil. Specific studies of production systems aimed rational exploitation of the donkey species in Brazil do not exist. New perspectives for the use of donkey in the Brazilian semiarid region through the dairy industry has aroused scientific interest and the interest of investors. The donkey, allied to the low production costs and rusticity of the species, has the capacity to contribute to the economy with products of high biological value and therapeutic characteristics. Thus, this review provided a broad view of the donkey bred in the Northeast of Brazil, observing its characteristics and relevance for the region. The benefits of donkey milk and the need to promote the production and marketing of this milk in the dairy production chain will also be discussed.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with different types of carbohydrates associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thirty castrated male lambs (20.5 ± 7.6 kg) were used, distributed in a randomized block design under three experimental diets: High proportion of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) diet; High NFC diet + spineless cactus (high proportion of NFC and spineless cactus) and Low NFC diet (low proportion of NFC), in a 60 day experimental period. The variables of nutrient intake, performance, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. The animals fed the High NFC + spineless cactus diet presented a higher dry matter intake, organic matter, mineral matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrates intake (p <0.05). Carcass characteristics and weight of commercial cuts were improved in High NFC and High NFC + spineless cactus diets (p <0.05), on the other hand we observed a total fat weight reduction in animals fed with High NFC + spineless cactus. The results indicate that high levels of NFC positively influence animal performance, where the type of carbohydrate influences nutrient intake, also affecting carcass characteristics.

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate tannic acid's influence on lactating cows' diets on milk production and lipid composition. Five crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu), distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square, were used to evaluate the effect of increasing tannic acid (hydrolyzable tannin). The diets were composed of 35 kg of corn silage as bulking and 6.38 kg of concentrate. The treatments consisted of increasing levels of tannic acid added to diets (0%, 1.3%, 2.6%, 3.9% and 5.2%). It was observed a decreasing linear effect (P<0.05) of the inclusion of tannic acid in the concentration of saturated butyric fatty acids (C4:0) presenting a mean of (2.99), and quadratic effect in the concentration of saturated fatty acids lauric (C12:0) presenting mean (26.74). The addition of tannic acid had effects on saturated fatty acids, decreasing the concentrations of butyric acid and increasing the concentrations of lauric acid. Atherogenicity and thrombogenicity rates reveal the potential for the prevention of coronary heart disease. However, the observed changes do not compromise the milk's chemical composition and nutritional quality,the y nutritional quality of the milk, presenting possibilities of human health benefits, thus enabling the aggregation of value for these products.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of six typical Brazilian cheeses (bovine milk coalho, goat milk coalho, fresh ricotta, manteiga, fresh Minas, and Padrão Minas). Padrão Minas cheese presented high acidity and the highest contents of protein, fat, and ash, while Ricotta cheese presented the lowest contents of protein, fat, and ash. Bovine milk coalho and Minas fresh cheeses were characterized as source of zinc. Manteiga cheese was characterized by the yellow color (higher b* values). Goat milk coalho cheese was characterized by the white color (higher L* values) and presented the highest concentration of minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and phosphorus). Part of the typical Brazilian cheeses did not agree with the legislation for moisture (5.9%) and fat in the dry matter (11.8%) classifications, as well as, did not have adequate concentrations of protein (65.4%) and fat (44.9%) stated in the label, being the non-conformity dependent on the cheese type. Furthermore, 30% of the cheeses (30%) disagreed with the microbiological Brazilian legislation, as they presented coliforms and/or coagulase-positive Staphylococcus counts above the limits. It can be concluded that the Brazilian cheeses are nutritive, but the microbial quality and nutritional labels need improvement.

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding tannic acid to the diet on the milk quality of cows. The five primiparous crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) were used, with about four years old, the average body weight of 420 ± 30 kg, 100 days of lactation initial average production of 18 ± 4 kg of milk/cow/day. The treatments consisted of increasing tannic acid (0; 1.3; 2.6; 3.9 and 5.2%) to replace corn bran in the diet, based on dry matter. The sensory attributes of odor had a significant effect (P < 0.05) of the inclusion of tannic acid in the diet. The odor attributes showed a lower average for the control treatment, and these attributes also showed orthogonal contrast, except the characteristic cow, that is, the control group differed from the treatments as the tannin was introduced, the attribute value became higher compared to the control group. The inclusion of 5.2% tannic acid in dairy cows’ diet promoted a slight variation in the taste of milk. However, it did not alter the quality or acceptance of this milk by consumers.

ABSTRACT. The physical-chemical characteristics and sensory attributes of milk are variable. This study aimed to evaluate how spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopius sp.) influences the composition and sensory characteristics of goat milk. Twelve lactating goats with body weights of 51.35 ± 3.75 kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, with three simultaneous squares composed of four animals, four periods, and four experimental diets: Control - goats fed tifton grass hay and concentrate; SCOE - goats fed the Orelha-de-elefante spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCB - goats fed the Baiana spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCM - goats fed the Miúda spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate. The levels of protein and non-greasy solids and the sensory attributes of the milk (odor, butter flavor, and global acceptance) did not differ between the treatments (p > 0.05). The lipid content of the milk was reduced in the SCOE treatment compared to the control (p = 0.0014). The milk obtained from animals fed the SCOE and SCM treatments had a stronger flavor (p < 0.05). These results suggest that varieties of spineless cactus resistant to carmine cochineal can be used as goat feed without affecting milk production or global acceptance.

Resumo Os benefícios do consumo da uva já são amplamente reconhecidos e devem-se em grande parte aos compostos fenólicos. Esses efeitos benéficos irão depender da bioacessibilidade desses compostos na uva e em seus derivados. Foram elaboradas duas formulações de preparado de uva Isabel: PAX (com agave e xilitol) e PS (com sacarose); e duas formulações de farinha de uva Isabel: FAX (a partir do resíduo do processamento do PAX) e FS (a partir do resíduo do processamento do PS). Os produtos foram analisados quanto às suas propriedades nutricionais e antioxidantes, e a bioacessibilidade de seus compostos fenólicos foi verificada por meio de um modelo de digestão simulada. O preparado e a farinha apresentaram níveis relevantes de açúcares (10,83-49,71 g 100 g-1), sendo que aqueles produzidos com adoçantes naturais tiveram uma redução na concentração dos açúcares de 51% e 29% para o preparado e a farinha, respectivamente, em comparação com formulações com sacarose, destacando-se também o alto teor de fibras na farinha (20,14-21,95 g 100 g-1). A catequina (2,37-28,11 mg 100 g-1) foi o composto mais bioacessível (22% a 168%), que juntamente com o ácido caftárico (2,31-69,43 mg 100 g-1) e o malvidina 3-glicosídeo (8,65-16,47 mg 100 g-1) representam os compostos observados em maior quantidade. O preparado teve maior bioacessibilidade tanto em relação à uva quanto à farinha para a maioria dos compostos fenólicos. Além disso, os produtos elaborados apresentaram maiores valores de antocianinas e atividade antioxidante que a uva in natura, destacando o efeito benéfico do processamento da uva.

Abstract The benefits of grape consumption are widely recognized and mostly due to phenolic compounds. These beneficial effects will depend on the bioaccessibility of these compounds on grape and its derivatives. This study elaborated two formulations of Isabel grape preparation: PAX (with agave and xylitol) and PS (with sucrose); and two formulations of Isabel grape flour: FAX (from the PAX process residues) and the FS (from the PS process residues). The products were analyzed regarding their nutritional and antioxidant properties; their phenolic compounds’ bioaccessibility was also verified through a simulated digestion model. The preparation and flour exhibited relevant sugars levels (10.83-49.71 g 100 g-1). Those produced with natural sweeteners had a reduction in sugar concentration of 51% and 29% for preparation and flour, respectively, compared to formulations with sucrose, with the high fiber content in the flour is being further highlighted (20.14-21.95 g 100 g-1). The catechin (2.37-28.11 mg 100 g-1) was the most bioaccessible compound (22% to 168%), which together with the caftaric acid (2.31-69.43 mg 100 g-1) and malvidin 3-glucoside (8.65-16.47 mg 100 g-1) represent the compounds observed in greater quantity. The preparations showed higher bioaccessibility regarding grapes and flours for most of the phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the products elaborated presented higher values of anthocyanins and antioxidant activity than the in natura grape, highlighting the beneficial effect of grape processing.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades físico-química e sensorial da carne de cordeiros Santa Inês submetidos a restrições quantitativas de nutrientes. Vinte e quatro animais confinados receberam dietas com 30% e 60% de restrição alimentar e foram comparados ao grupo controle sem restrição alimentar (ad libitum). Após o abate, o músculo Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) foi coletado para avaliação, tendo sido a carne de cordeiro afetada pelas restrições alimentares (p < 0,05). O conteúdo lipídico diminuiu com o aumento da restrição, enquanto a resistência ao cisalhamento, a luminosidade (L*) e o índice de vermelho (a*) foram menores nos cordeiros tratados com 60% de restrição e houve variação significativa (p < 0,05) nas propriedades sensoriais de acordo com a dieta. Em razão do maior escore quanto ao aroma e à similaridade ao controle em relação ao sabor, à maciez e à avaliação global, o nível de restrição alimentar de 30% pode ser considerado uma alternativa econômica e eficiente para a manutenção da qualidade da carne de cordeiro.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and sensory properties of the meat of Santa Ines lambs subjected to quantitative nutrient restrictions. Twenty-four confined animals received diets with 30% and 60% feeding restriction levels, and were compared to a controlled group without feeding restrictions (ad libitum). After slaughter, the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle was collected for the evaluation, being the lamb meat was affected by the feeding restrictions (p < 0.05). The lipid content decreased with the increased restriction, whereas the shear strength, the lightness (L*) and the red index (a*) were lower in lambs treated with the 60% restriction and there were significant variation (p < 0.05) in the sensory properties according to diet. Due to the greater score in relation to aroma and similarity to control with respect to flavor, tenderness and overall evaluation, the 30% feeding restriction level can be considered an economic and efficient alternative for the maintenance of quality in lamb meat.

Abstract Caprine Coalho cheese presents great potential for a typical protected designation of origin, considering that this traditional Brazilian cheese presents a slightly salty and acid flavor, combined with a unique texture. This study optimized the HS-SPME-GC-MS methodology for volatile analysis of Coalho cheese, which can be used as a tool to help in the identification of the distinctive aroma profile of this cheese. The conditions of equilibrium time, extraction temperature and time were optimized using the statistical tool factorial experimental design 23, and applying the desirability function. After the evaluation, it was concluded that the optimum extraction conditions comprised equilibrium and extraction time of 20 and 40 minutes, respectively; and ideal extraction temperature of 45 °C. The optimum extraction of volatile compounds in goat Coalho cheese captured 32 volatile compounds: 5 alcohols, 5 esters, 3 ketones, 6 acids, 3 aldehydes, 3 terpenes, and 7 hydrocarbons.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of meat from Santa Inês, Dorper × Santa Inês, and undefined-breed lambs finished in a feedlot system according to two forage:concentrate ratios (50:50 and 20:80) in the diet. Overall, 54 non-castrated animals were used (with an average initial weight of 23±1.5 kg at 150 days old) and were slaughtered when they reached 36 kg of live weight or 63 days of confinement. Diets with high concentrate levels favored meat production with higher protein content. Among the saturated fatty acids, only heptadecanoic (C17:0) and arachidic acids (C20:0) differed among the treatments. The amount of oleic acid detected in the meat ranged from 49.2 to 51.9 g/100 g, making this one the most representative fatty acids. Regardless of the diet and genotype, the unsaturated fatty acid and desirable fatty acid levels in the lamb meat characterize it as of satisfactory quality for the consumer market.

The objectives of this trial were to evaluate the fatty acid profile, chemical composition, and sensory effects of crude glycerin on the longissimus dorsi muscle of crossbred Boer goat kids. Twenty crossbred Boer goat kids (20.8±2.9 kg of BW at slaughter) were used in a completely randomized block design to determine the effect of partial replacement of corn by crude glycerin on chemical composition, longissimus dorsi muscle fatty acid profile, and sensory characteristics of meat. Kids were penned individually for 51 d and fed an isonitrogenous (140.0±2.0 g.kg-1 CP, DM basis) diet composed of 700 g.kg-1 concentrate and 300 g.kg-1 Tifton (Cynodon sp.) hay. Increasing levels of crude glycerin (80.0 g/100 g glycerol, DM basis) were 0, 40, 80 or 120 g.kg-1. There was no effect on the moisture, protein, or total lipids in the longissimus dorsi; however, the ash content decreased linearly with glycerin addition. Linear decrease for linoleic acid (3.57, 2.84, 3.76, and 2.33) and ω6:ω3 ratio (10.61, 9.71, 7.26, and 7.18 for CG0, CG40, CG80 and CG120, respectively) was observed with crude glycerin inclusion. Saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were not affected by treatments. In the sensory assessment, crude glycerin changed the toughness, color intensity, and overall appreciation of the longissimus dorsi muscle. The partial replacement of corn by crude glycerin has a low impact on chemical composition and meat fatty acid profile. Based on the overall appreciation, it is recommended to include 80 g.kg-1 crude glycerin in the diet.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características quantitativas e qualitativas de carcaça e da carne de novilhos superprecoces ½ Red Angus x Nelore (NEL) e ¾ Red Angus x Nelore (RED). Foram utilizados 50 machos, sendo 25 de cada grupo genético, alimentados em confinamento desde o desmame (7 meses) até atingirem idade para abate (15 meses). Foi verificado diferença entre os grupos genéticos para os ganhos na desmama (158,57 kg NEL e 181,60 kg RED) e o peso ao abate não apresentou diferenças estatísticas (412,33 kg NEL e 426,53 kg RED). O rendimento de carcaça fria e quente não foi influenciado pelo grupo genético, com os bovinos NEL apresentando rendimento de 50,49 e 52,55% e os RED 50,91 e 52,89%, respectivamente. As porcentagens de músculo (55% NEL e 53% RED), gordura (26% NEL e 27% RED), osso (18% NEL e 18% RED), e espessura de gordura subcutânea (4,1 mm NEL e 4,0 mm RED) foram similares em ambos os grupos genéticos. Animais ¾ Angus x ½ Nelore apresentaram maior perda por descongelamento (9,05%). Não houve diferença para as características sensoriais como impressão global, maciez, suculência e força de cisalhamento nos genótipos avaliados. Os grupos genéticos apresentaram similaridade das características tanto da carne quanto da carcaça.

This work aimed to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the carcass and meat of very young steers, ½ Red Angus x Nelore (NEL) and ¾ Red Angus x Nelore (RED). Fifty males were used, 25 from each genetic group, fed in feedlots from weaning (7 months) until reaching the age for slaughter (15 months). A difference was observed between the genetic groups for gains at weaning (158.57 kg NEL and 181.60 kg RED) but the weight at slaughter showed no statistical differences (412.33 kg NEL and 426.53 kg RED). Cold and hot carcass yield was not affected by the genetic group, with NEL bovines showing a yield of 50.49% and 52.55% and the RED of 50.91% and 52.89% respectively. The percentage of muscle (55% NEL and 53% RED), fat (26% NEL and 27% RED), bone (18% NEL and 18% RED), and thickness of subcutaneous fat (4.1 mm NEL and 4.0 mm RED) were similar for both genetic groups. The ¾ Angus x Nelore animals showed a higher loss when thawing (9.05%). There was no difference in such sensory characteristics as overall impression, tenderness, juiciness and shear force in the evaluated genotypes. The genetic groups showed a similarity of characteristics for meat as well as carcass.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of sources of nitrogen on the intake and digestibility of nutrients and production and chemical composition of goat milk. Soybean meal (SBM), soybean meal + urea (SBM+U), cottonseed meal + urea (CM+U), cottonseed cake + urea (CC+U) and whole cottonseed + urea (WC+U) were used, representing the different sources of nitrogen in the diet. Ten crossbred goats were used (Alpine + Saanen), weighing on average 47.90±1.94 kg of body weight at 30 days of lactation, distributed in a double Latin square (5 × 5) with five treatments and five periods. There was influence of the different sources of nitrogen on the intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) of animals, with the lowest values found in most of the variables studied for animals that received CC+U and WC+U. There was an effect of diets on the DM, OM, CP and NFC digestibility coefficients. The diet with sole addition of SBM presented the best result regarding the amount of milk produced, followed by animals fed SBM+U and CM+U and values of 2.05 kg/day; 1.92 kg/day; 1.73 kg/day; 1.47 kg/day; and 1.24 kg/day of milk for diets with SBM, SBM+U, CM+U, CC+U and WC+U, respectively. Milk composition was also changed, and the diet with WC+U showed higher percentages: 0.1208 and 0.0041 percent, for total solids and fat, respectively. There was no difference in nitrogen balance between treatments. The use of SBM+U and CM+U did not compromise the milk performance and characteristics, but the use of CC+U and WC+U is indicated in periods of low milk production.

Over the past few years, the use of probiotics, which are capable of exerting beneficial effects on the composition of intestinal microbiota, has increased. Cheeses have been suggested as a better carrier of probiotic bacteria than other fermented milk products. The effect of added cultures of probiotic lactic acid bacteria on the quality of a Brazilian goat semi-hard cheese (coalho) was assessed during 21 days of storage at 10 ºC as follows: C1, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and L. lactis subsp. Cremoris (standard cheese); C2, Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-5); C3, Lactobacillus paracasei (Lactobacillus casei-01); C4, BBifidobacterium lactis (BB12); and C5, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei and B. lactis. Differences in some physico-chemical, experimental texture and proteolysis parameters were found among the assessed cheeses. All of them presented high luminosity (L*) with predominance of the yellow component (b*). Numbers of lactic acid bacteria in the cheeses were greater than 10(7) cfu g-1 during storage. Cheeses with the added probiotic strains alone and in co-culture were better accepted than cheeses without the probiotic strains. It is suggested that goat "coalho" cheese could be a potential carrier of probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

Trinta e dois caprinos machos não castrados de quatro grupos genéticos, oito da raça Boer Puro, oito mestiços de ¾ Boer + ¼ SPRD, oito mestiços de ½ Boer + ½ SPRD e oito mestiços de ½ Anglo Nubiano + ½ SPRD, foram utilizados para caracterizar a sua qualidade de carne. Os caprinos foram criados em confinamento e abatidos com o peso vivo médio de 29 kg. Em conjunto com as análises de cor, foram determinados o decréscimo da temperatura e do pH durante 24 horas no músculo longissimus dorsi, a perda de peso por cocção, a capacidade de retenção de água e sensoriais. O genótipo (p < 0,05) influenciou significativamente o período de confinamento: mestiços de ½ Boer + ½ SPRD apresentaram maior número de dias em confinamento, enquanto os Boer Puro alcançaram o peso final no menor período de dias. O genótipo também influenciou significativamente (p < 0,05) os parâmetros de perda de peso por cocção, força de cisalhamento e cor (intensidade de amarelo e luminescência) e os atributos sensoriais de sabor, odor e cor de carne crua. O cruzamento das raças Boer e Anglo Nubiana com os nativos SPRD resultou em carne caprina de elevada qualidade.

Thirty-two intact male goats from four genetic groups (eight pure-bred Boers, eight ¾ Boer + ¼ SPRD crossbreeds, eight ½ Boer + ½ SPRD crossbreeds, and eight ½ Anglo Nubian + ½ SPRD crossbreeds) were evaluated for meat quality. The goats were reared in confinement and slaughtered at the average live weight of 29 kg. Temperature and pH decrease in the longissimus dorsi muscle was determined for 24 hours, and analyses of colour, cooking loss, water-holding capacity, and sensory attributes were also performed. Genotype significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the confinement period; ½ Boer + ½ SPRD crossbreeds required the most time in confinement to reach the target weight, while the pure-bred Boers required the least time. Genotype also significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the weight loss due to cooking, shearing force, colour (intensity of yellowness and luminescence), and the sensory attributes of flavour, odour, and raw colour of the meat. The crossing of exotic Boer and Anglo Nubian breeds with the native SPRD resulted in a goat meat of high quality.