Abstract Food quality and safety have been a concern of the world population, especially in relation to the chemical and microbiological hazards present in food. The presence of antimicrobial residues at levels above the maximum residue limit makes milk unsuitable for human consumption. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze 184 raw milk samples from the dairy region of Pernambuco state, in order to evaluate the presence of 31 antimicrobial residues from six different groups (β-lactam, sulfonamide, tetracycline, quinolone, fluoroquinolone and pyrimidine). The samples were collected from producers who supply the dairys with and no inspection service and the analyses were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. In the qualitative analysis of multiresidues, no sample presented violation for the antimicrobials analyzed. In the quantitative analysis of β-lactams, only one sample of producers who supply milk to dairys with state inspection service presented a result above the maximum residue limit for cloxacillin (464 μg.L-1). It is concluded that raw milk produced in the dairy region of the state of Pernambuco has a low rate of violation of the values established by the current legislation for antimicrobial residues.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os mecanismos de resistência aos antimicrobianos β-lactâmicos em 251 amostras de Staphylococcus coagulase-negativa (CoNS) isolados de cabras com mastite subclínica, bem como determinar a sensibilidade e a especificidade dos testes de nitrocefina e difusão em disco para detectar a resistência à penicilina, em comparação à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As amostras foram avaliadas quanto à presença dos genes blaZ e mecA, à produção de β-lactamase e à susceptibilidade à penicilina. Do total de isolados, 228 (91%) apresentaram o gene blaZ e, dentre estes, 144 (63%) foram positivos para β-lactamase. A resistência à penicilina foi observada em 125 isolados e, destes, 96,8% apresentaram o gene blaZ. A sensibilidade dos testes fenotípicos para detectar a produção de β-lactamase foi baixa, mas a sua especificidade foi alta; o coeficiente Kappa mostrou leve concordância entre os testes fenotípicos e a PCR. O gene mecA foi detectado em apenas 3% dos isolados, que foram identificados como pertencentes às espécies: S. capitis subsp. ureolyticus, S. caprae, S. warneri, S. sciuri, S. simulans e S. cohnii subsp. urealyticum. Staphylococcus coagulase-negativa são importantes agentes etiológicos da mastite caprina e apresentam genes blaZ e mecA de resistência aos antimicrobianos β-lactâmicos. A sensibilidade dos testes de nitrocefina e difusão em disco para detectar a resistência à penicilina é baixa em relação à da PCR.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate resistance mechanisms to β-lactam antimicrobials in 251 strains of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) isolated from subclinical goat mastitis, as well as to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the nitrocefin and disk diffusion methods to detect penicillin resistance, in comparison with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The isolates were evaluated for the presence of the blaZ and mecA genes, β-lactamase production, and susceptibility to penicillin. Of the total isolates, 228 (91%) carried the blaZ gene and, among these, 144 (63%) were positive for β-lactamase production. Resistance to penicillin was observed in 125 of the isolates, of which 96.8% carried the blaZ gene. The sensitivity of the phenotypic methods to detect β-lactamase production was low, but their specificity was high; the Kappa coefficient showed a poor agreement between the phenotypic methods and PCR. The mecA gene was detected in only 3% of the isolates, which were identified as belonging to the species: S. capitis subsp. ureolyticus, S. caprae, S. warneri, S. sciuri, S. simulans, and S. cohnii subsp. urealyticum. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus are important mastitis-causing pathogens in goat and harbor the blaZ and mecA genes related to resistance to β-lactam antimicrobials. The sensitivity of the nitrocefin and disk diffusion methods to detect penicillin resistance is low in relation to that of PCR.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este estudo identificar, por meio da análise de componentes principais e análise de agrupamento, as variáveis capazes de explicar a variabilidade na qualidade e na produção de leite de vacas Holandesas. Foram utilizados dados mensais de controle leiteiro, de três fazendas comerciais localizadas na região Agreste do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, obtidos no período de 2007 a 2017. Foram analisadas 5.872 informações de produção e componentes do leite, e de escore de células somáticas (SCS), quanto à possibilidade de formação de grupos que pudessem ser destacados pela similaridade e verificar a capacidade discriminante dessas características nos grupos. Os métodos K-means e Ward.D2, baseados na análise da distância euclidiana e dos componentes principais (PCA), foram utilizados para indicar as fontes de variação que diferenciaram os grupos. Foi observado que os primeiros três componentes principais explicaram 79,69% da variabilidade dos dados. A variável que mais contribuiu no primeiro componente foi o teor de sólidos totais com 29,66%. No segundo componente, a lactose, se destacou com uma contribuição de 49,43%. Na análise de agrupamento, três clusters diferiram em relação a todas as características (p<0,001), o cluster 2, por exemplo, concentrou 43,15% (2.534) das informações, agrupando animais com um menor SCS e maior lactose e produção de leite. As variáveis sólidos totais, lactose e gordura foram as que mais contribuíram dentro dos três componentes selecionados. A ACP e agrupamento podem ser ferramentas úteis na obtenção de características efetivas, sendo três fatores considerados importantes para explicar a relação entre produção e qualidade do leite.

ABSTRACT Using multivariate analyses, this study attempted to identify important traits explaining the relationship between milk production and quality produced by Holstein cows. Monthly milk records from three commercial dairy farms located in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, Brazil, collected in the period from 2007 to 2017, were used. A total of 5,872 observations regarding milk production, milk components and somatic cell score (SCS) were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. According to the former analysis, the first three principal components explained 79.69% of the total variation. Total solids content contributed 29.66% of the variation in the first principal component, while lactose content contributed 49.43% of the variation in the second principal component. According to the latter analysis, three clusters differed for all characteristics (p<0.001) and cluster 2 concentrated 43.15% (2,534) of the information with lower SCS and higher lactose content and milk production. Total solids, lactose and fat were considered the most representative traits explaining the variability of the data set. The multivariate techniques used in this study proved useful in obtaining effective characteristics, with three factors considered important in explaining the relationship between Holstein cows’ milk production and quality.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of the cactus Opuntia stricta (Haw.) in sheep diets on the feed intake, digestibility, fermentation, and physicochemical characteristics of the ruminal digesta. Five sheep cannulated in the rumen (61.5±9.5 kg body weight) were assigned in a Latin square design (5×5), with five diets and five experimental periods of 21 days each. The first 14 days were the adaptation period, and data were collected over the following seven days, making the total duration of the experiment 105 days. The diets included a control diet and four diets containing cactus at 121, 245, 371, and 500 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The diets had a forage:concentrate ratio of 65:35. The inclusion of cactus increased the DM intake and non-fiber carbohydrates, but reduced the neutral detergent fiber intake. It also increased the apparent digestibility of the DM, reduced the digesta density 4 h after feeding, and increased the production of ruminal fluid foam. The inclusion of cactus quadratically affected the DM rumen turnover, with the lowest value observed in the 336.5 g/kg cactus diet. The DM ruminal disappearance rate increased with the inclusion of cactus to the diets and quadratically affected the ruminal pH, with the highest value found in the 150 g/kg cactus diet. The concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) increased, but the acetate:propionate ratio decreased with the inclusion of cactus at 500 g/kg DM. Taken together, our findings indicate that the evaluated spineless cactus can be added to sheep diets up to the level of 500 g/kg DM. The inclusion of O. stricta (Haw.) improves feed intake, DM digestibility, and SCFA and modifies the physicochemical characteristics of the ruminal digesta.

RESUMO Em rebanhos leiteiros, um dos objetivos mais importantes da seleção é a melhoria da produção e composição do leite. Vários estudos demonstraram que os genes candidatos da kappa-caseína (CSN3) e da β-lactoglobulina (β-LG) estão associados a produção de leite, qualidade do leite e características de saúde em animais leiteiros. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi detectar polimorfismos nos genes CSN3 e β-LG e avaliar possíveis associaçoes desses polimorfismos com a produção de leite em até 305 dias (305MY) e a capacidade de transmissão prevista (PTA) de leite em bovinos da raça Girolando. No total, 138 touros e 729 vacas (n = 867) foram amostrados. A genotipagem foi realizada pelo método PCR-RFLP utilizando as enzimas HinfI e HaeIII para os genes CSN3 e β-LG, respectivamente. Os resultados estatísticos revelaram dois alelos A e B para ambos os genes. Os genotipos e alelos mais frequentes para os genes CSN3 e β-LG foram respectivamente: AA (0,7324) e A (0,8558) e AB (0,4827) e A (0,5017). O teste x2 revelou que os dois loci estavam em equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg (p <0,001). Os efeitos de substituiçao alélica para as variantes nao foram significativos para as características 305 MY e PTA para 305MY (p> 0,05). Portanto, as variantes alélicas identificadas nos genes β-LG e CSN3 devem ser mais investigadas antes de serem incluidas nos programas de melhoramento desenhados para bovinos leiteiros Girolando objetivando melhorar as características do leite analisadas no presente estudo.

SUMMARY In dairy farm animals, one the most important goal of the selection is the improvement of milk yield and composition. Several studies have demonstrated that the candidate genes of the kappa-casein (CSN3) and β - lactoglobulin (β-LG) are associated with milk yield, milk quality and health traits in dairy animals. Therefore the aim of this study was to detect polymorphisms in CSN3 and β-LG genes and its association with milk yield in up to 305 days (305MY) and predicted transmission capacity (PTA) for 305MY in Girolando cattle. Totally, 138 bulls and 729 cows (n=867) were sampled. The genotypes of both genes were obtained by the PCR-RFLP method using HinfI and HaeIII enzymes for CSN3 and β-LG genes, respectively. Statistical results revealed two alleles A and B for both genes. The genotypes and alleles more frequents for CSN3 and β-LG genes were respectively: AA (0.7324) and A (0.8558), and AB (0.4827) and A (0.5017). The x2 test revealed that the two loci were at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p<0.001). The allele substitution effects for the variants were not significant on 305MY and PTA for 305MY (p>0.05). The allele variants of β-LG and CSN3 might be more investigated before include them into future breeding schemes designed for Girolando dairy cattle with objective of improving milk traits as milk yield in up to 305 days (305MY) and predicted transmission capacity (PTA) for 305MY..

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the replacement of Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) by maniçoba hay or silage (Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg) on sheep intake and performance. Twenty-four male Santa Ines animals were used, with initial body weight of 19.77 ± 1.95 kg and average age of 160 days. The animals were distributed in three treatments (Tifton 85 hay-TH, Maniçoba hay-MH and Maniçoba silage-MS), arranged in a randomized blocks design, with 8 replicates per treatment. The feedlot period lasted for 71 days. The means of the variables were tested by Tukey’s test at 5% probability. Sheep fed MH presented higher dry matter intake (p > 0.05) than those fed TH (1.17 kg day-1 vs 1.06 kg day-1). Neutral detergent fiber intake was higher (p > 0.05) for MH-fed sheep (0.394 kg day-1) when compared to MS (0.340 kg day-1). The digestibility of total carbohydrates was higher (p > 0.05) for MH diet (0.71 g kg-1) than TH (0.67 g kg-1). The average daily gain and body weight at slaughter did not differ (p > 0.05) among treatments. Maniçoba hay or silage can replace Tifton 85 hay in sheep diets.

RESUMO Para investigar a relação entre contagens de células somáticas (CCS) e características atualmente selecionadas (produção de leite, gordura, proteína, lactose, sólidos totais e sólidos não gordurosos) em vacas leiteiras holandesas em clima semiárido brasileiro, foram coletados dados de 272 vacas de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro 2016. As fazendas foram localizadas na região Agreste do estado de Pernambuco, cujas características climáticas, de acordo com o Instituto Nacional de meteorologia-INMET, foram: temperatura média anual de 25,21°C; precipitação média anual de 562,07 mm e umidade relativa média anual de 75,61%. Foi analisado um total de 4.586 registros de contagens de células somáticas (CCS) no leite, produção de leite e componentes lácteos. A CCS foi transformada logaritmicamente em ECS ECS = log 2 ( CCS / 100 . 000 ) + 3 ) . Dez ECS foram obtidos para determinar seus efeitos sobre a produção e composição do leite. Os dados foram processados usando os comandos PROC GLM e PROC CORR do SAS. Os resultados mostraram correlações positivas entre ECS e gordura, proteína, sólidos totais e teores de sólidos não gordurosos, enquanto o ECS e o teor de lactose e o rendimento do leite foram correlacionados negativamente. A maior produção de leite (34,43 kg/vaca/dia) foi obtida para o menor ECS (0; 0 a 24 células x 1000/mL). A produção de leite e a lactose diminuíram quando os percentuais de proteína e gordura aumentaram, principalmente quando o ECS foi acima de cinco. O aumento da ECS influenciou negativamente a produção e a composição do leite em vacas de holandesas criadas no clima semiárido brasileiro.

SUMMARY This study aimed to investigate the relationship among somatic cell scores (SCS) and currently selected traits (milk yield, and fat, protein, lactose, total solids and no-fat-solids contents) in Holstein dairy cows in a semi-arid climate. The data were collected from available records of 272 Holstein cows from January 2007 to December 2016. Farms were located in Agreste region of Pernambuco whose climatic characteristics according to Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia-INMET were: average annual temperature of 25.21 °C; average annual precipitation 562.07 mm, and average annual relative humidity 75.61%.. A total of 4,586 records of somatic cell counts (SCC) in the milk, milk yield and milk components was analyzed. The SCC was transformed logarithmically into SCS SCS = log 2 ( SCC / 100 , 000 ) + 3 ) before statistical investigation. Ten SCS were obtained for determining their effects on milk yield and composition. Data were processed using PROC GLM and PROC CORR procedures in SAS. Results showed positive correlations among SCS and fat, protein, total solids and solids-non-fat contents, while the SCS and lactose content and milk yield were negatively correlated. The highest milk yield (34.43 kg/cow/day) was obtained for the lowest SCS (0; 0 to 24 cells x 1000/mL). The milk yield and lactose decreased while protein and fat contents increased when SCS increased mostly above score five (400 to 799 cells x 1000/mL). It was observed that the increase in SCS influenced negatively milk yield and composition in Holstein cows created in the semi-arid climate in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição parcial ou total do feno de Tifton 85 por palma forrageira in natura ou desidratada sobre o desempenho e componentes do peso corporal de ovinos. Foram distribuídos aleatoriamente 30 cordeiros deslanados, com peso vivo inicial de 19 kg ± 0,35 kg, em cinco tratamentos, a saber: feno de Tifton 85 (FE); feno de Tifton 85 + palma in natura (FEPA); feno de Tifton 85 + palma desidratada (FEPD); palma in natura (PA); palma desidratada (PD). Além da palma e feno ofertou-se, na forma de mistura completa, farelo de soja, sal mineral e calcário em todos os tratamentos. Os animais foram mantidos confinados durante 75 dias; decorridos esse período foram abatidos e tiveram os pesos dos componentes corporais registrados. O consumo de matéria seca, nutrientes digestíveis totais e ingestão voluntária de água foram maiores (p < 0,05) para os tratamentos PD e FEPD. O ganho médio diário foi de 118 g dia-1 e o peso corporal ao abate de 25,8 kg e não foram influenciados (p > 0,05) pelos tratamentos. O peso de carcaça fria e área de olho de lombo foram menores (p < 0,05) para dieta FE. A substituição parcial ou total do feno de Tifton 85 por palma forrageira (in natura ou desidratada) melhora o desempenho e as características de carcaça de ovinos.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the effect of partial or total replacement of Tifton 85 hay with fresh or dehydrated spineless cactus on performance and body weight components of sheep. Thirty hair lambs, with 19 kg ± 0.35 kg initial weight, were randomly divided into five treatments, namely: Tifton 85 Hay (HA); Tifton 85 Hay + fresh spineless cactus (HAFC); Tifton 85 Hay + dehydrated spineless cactus (HADC); fresh spineless cactus (FC); dehydrated spineless cactus (DC). In addition to the spineless cactus and hay, the complete mixture contained soybean meal, mineral salt and limestone in all treatments. Animals were confined for 75 days and then slaughtered. The weight of body components was recorded. Dry matter intake, total digestible nutrients intake and voluntary water intake were higher (p < 0.05) for the DC and HADC treatments. The average daily gain was 118 g day-1 and body weight at slaughter of 25.8 kg were not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. The cold carcass weight, rib eye area, weight and yield of the skin, liver, kidney and large intestine were higher (p < 0.05) for the DC and HADC treatments. Partial or total replacement of Tifton 85 hay with fresh or dehydrated spineless cactus, in complete diets for sheep, increases the weight of the cold carcass and non-carcass components.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram verificar a influência da cor do pelame na tolerância ao calor e ganho de peso de 21 cordeiras da raça Santa Inês, não-gestantes e não-lactantes, sendo sete de cada uma das pelagens preta, castanha e branca, com peso médio inicial de 25,71; 24,85 e 25,00 kg, respectivamente, para os animais brancos, castanhos e pretos e aproximadamente 12 meses de idade. Os experimentos foram conduzidos durante o verão na região agreste do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. O índice de tolerância ao calor e o desempenho dos animais foram avaliados uma vez por semana durante oito semanas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e sete repetições. Ovinos brancos apresentaram pequena superioridade na tolerância ao calor que os castanhos e pretos, 88,3; 85,5 e 86,6 respectivamente, mas isso não se refletiu no desempenho produtivo dos animais, os quais apresentaram ganho de peso médio diário de 170,10; 193,69 e 199,50 g para os animais brancos, castanhos e pretos, respectivamente.

This study evaluated the influence of coat color on the heat tolerance and performance of 21 Santa Inês lambs, non-pregnant, non-lactating, seven animals of each coat color: black, brown and white, with an average initial weight of 25.71, 24.85 and 25.00 kg, for white, brown and black animals, respectively, and 12 months of age. The study was conducted during summer in the agreste region of Pernambuco State, Brazil. Twenty-one sheeps were assigned to a completely randomized design with three treatments and seven replicates. The heat tolerance index and the animal performance were evaluated once a week for eight weeks. White sheep were slightly superior in heat tolerance to brown and black sheep, 88.3, 85.5 and 86.6 respectively, but this was not reflected in the growth performance of the animals, which showed average daily weight gain of 170.10, 193.69 and 199.50 g for animals white, brown and black, respectively.

Foram estudados os efeitos da inclusão da raiz de mandioca em substituição ao milho sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e comportamento ingestivo de cabras leiteiras de raça Saanen alimentadas com dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar. Foram utilizadas cinco cabras lactantes com produção média de 2 kg de leite dia-1, distribuídas em um quadrado latino 5 x 5, com cinco níveis de inclusão de raiz de mandioca (0, 10, 20, 30 e 40%) em substituição ao milho. A digestibilidade aparente da MS, PB, MO, EE, CHOT não foi influenciada pelos níveis de substituição do milho triturado por raiz de mandioca. A digestibilidade aparente da FDN diminuiu linearmente em função do aumento de raiz de mandioca nas dietas. A digestibilidade aparente dos CNF aumentou linearmente com o aumento de raiz de mandioca nas dietas. O comportamento ingestivo não sofreu influência da inclusão da raiz em substituição ao milho nos níveis estudados. A substituição do milho triturado pela raiz de mandioca não interfere na digestibilidade e no comportamento ingestivo de cabras em lactação.

It was studied the effects of inclusion of cassava in substitution of corn on nutrient digestibility and ingestive behavior of dairy goats of Saanen breed fed diets based on cane sugar. It was used five lactating goats with average production of 2 kg of milk per day allotted to 5 x 5 Latin square design with five levels of inclusion of cassava (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) replacing corn. The apparent digestibility of DM, CP, OM, TC was not affected by the replacement levels of ground corn for cassava. The apparent digestibility of the NDF fraction decreased linearly with the increase of cassava in diets. The apparent digestibility of NFC increased linearly with the increase of cassava in the diets. Feed behavior in all studied variables did not influence the inclusion of cassava in place of corn. The replacement of cracked corn by cassava did not affect the digestibility, and chewing behavior of lactation goats.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da associação de silagens de girassol e sorgo; fenos de leucena, guandu e capim-elefante, com palma forrageira sobre a produção e composição do leite; consumo e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes em vacas 5/8 Holandês-zebu. Foram utilizadas cinco vacas, com peso corporal médio e produção de leite média diária de 516,95 (±5,58) e 11,1 (±0,75) kg, respectivamente. Os consumos de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, carboidratos totais e carboidratos não fibrosos, produção de leite em kg/dia, os teores e as produções, em kg/dia, de gordura, proteína e sólidos totais do leite e a digestibilidade da proteína bruta e carboidratos não fibrosos não foram influenciados pela associação das silagens e fenos com a palma forrageira. O consumo de extrato etéreo, produção de leite corrigida e a eficiência alimentar foram superiores no tratamento com silagem de girassol em relação aos fenos. O consumo de fibra em detergente neutro foi superior para o tratamento com feno de capim-elefante, em relação à silagem de girassol. A silagem de girassol proporcionou maior produção de leite, corrigida para gordura e melhor eficiência alimentar, quando comparada aos fenos.

The aim of the present experiment was to assess the effect of the association of the spineless cactus with sunflower silage, sorghum silage, leucena hay, pigeon pea hay or elephant grass hay on intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients and milk yield and composition in crossbred lactating cows. Five cows with average body weight and daily milk yield of 516.1 and 11.1kg, respectively. The intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, total carbohydrates and non-fibrous carbohydrates, milk yield, contents and yield (kg/day) of fat, protein and total solids of milk and digestibility of crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates were not influenced by the combination of the silage and hay with cactus. The ether extract intake, fat-corrected milk yield and feed efficiency were higher to treatment with sunflower silage compared to hays. The neutral detergent fiber intake was higher in the treatment with elephant grass hay compared to sunflower silage. Sunflower silage produced higher fat-corrected milk and better feed efficiency when compared to hay.

The objective of this study was to evaluate intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behavior and blood parameters of milking goats fed cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica) and increasing urea levels in substitution to soybean meal. Ten multiparous Alpine goats with average weight of 31±6.0 kg were used and distributed into (5 × 5) Latin squares and assessed during five 17-day periods, receiving five treatments with the following substitution levels: 0; 5; 10; 15 and 20 g/kg of urea. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non-fiber carbohydrates, ether extract, organic matter and water intake values showed differences, whith average values ranging from 1.03 to 1.13; 0.12 to 0.14; 1.76 to 2.10 kg/day and 0.77 to 1.48 kg/day, respectively. The NDF and crude protein apparent digestibility values were significantly affected by urea levels. In relation to the ingestive behavior, the urea levels did not influence the feeding, idleness or rumination parameters. Difference was observed for the following physiological variables: feces frequency (11.5 to 15.9 times per day), urine frequency (10.8 to 14.2 times per day) and frequency of search for water (0.8 to 2.1 times per day). The urea levels influenced the blood parameters, whose average levels ranged from 29.83 to 40.76 mg/dL. Pear cactus and increasing urea levels in substitution to soybean meal do not alter the dry matter intake or ingestive behavior. The use of urea associated with forage cactus reduces water intake and increases the blood urea concentration of milking goats.

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da associação de silagens de girassol e sorgo; fenos de leucena, guandu e capim-elefante, com palma forrageira, sobre o consumo, digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e parâmetros ruminais em ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com fístulas no rúmen. Foram utilizados cinco ovinos com peso corporal médio de 30kg (±0,3), distribuídos em quadrado latino 5x5. Os consumos de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, carboidratos totais, carboidratos não-fibrosos, nutrientes digestíveis totais, fibra em detergente neutro (% peso vivo), digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta e carboidratos não-fibrosos não foram influenciados pela associação dos alimentos. O consumo de extrato etéreo foi superior no tratamento com silagem de girassol em relação à silagem de sorgo e aos fenos. O consumo de fibra em detergente neutro (kg/dia) foi superior para o tratamento com feno de capim-elefante em relação à silagem de girassol e semelhante aos demais tratamentos. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca para a silagem de sorgo foi superior quando comparada aos fenos de leucena e capim elefante. Não foi observada diferença significativa para os valores de pH e concentração de amônia ruminal para os tratamentos nos diferentes tempos de coleta. A associação da palma forrageira com silagens e fenos não altera o consumo de matéria seca e energia. Silagens de sorgo e girassol e fenos de leucena, guandu e de capim elefante associados à palma forrageira apresentam-se como uma boa alternativa alimentar para ovinos na região semiárida do Nordeste brasileiro.

The aim of the present experiment was to assess the effect of the association of the spineless cactus with sunflower silage, sorghum silage, leucena hay, pigeon pea hay or elephant grass hay on intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients and ruminal measures in mixed breed sheep, with fistulas in the rumen. Five sheep with a mean body weight of 30kg (±0,3), were distributed in 5x5 Latin squares. Intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, total carbohydrates, total digestible nutrients (in kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (in % of live weight), apparent digestibility of crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrates were not influenced by the association of spineless cactus and the silages or hays. Ether extract intake was greater for the elephant grass hay treatment in comparison to sunflower silage and similar to the sorghum silage and hays. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and total carbohydrates was not influenced by the association of spineless cactus and silages or hays. Apparent digestibility of dry matter for sorghum silage was higher in comparison to the leucena hay and elephant grass hay. There was no significant difference between pH and ruminal ammonia concentration for the treatments at different sampling times. The association of spineless cactus and silages or hays did not alter dry matter intake and energy. Sorghum silages and sunflower and leucena, pigeon pea and elephant grass hay associated the spineless cactus show a good food alternative to sheep in semiarid region of the northeastern Brazil.

Castrated male goats (n = 40) of the Moxotó (n = 20) and Canindé (n = 20) breeds with an average weight of 15.3 kg were studied to determine intake, nutrient digestibility and weight gain for two diets with different energy levels. The experiment utilized a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two breeds and two diets), in which goats were randomly allocated. A diet of low energy density and a forage:concentrate ratio of 70:30 was utilized along with a diet of high energy density and a forage:concentrate ratio of 35:64. To determine the nutrient intake and digestibility, at the end of the experiment, goats were kept in metabolism cages for a period of 15 days. Weighing of the goats was conducted weekly over a period of 90 days. The goats that were fed a diet of high energy density displayed significantly increased consumption of metabolic fractions, with the exception of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, when compared with those fed a diet of low energy density. The lack of difference in dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intake indicated that goats have a high digestive capacity for the diet containing a greater quantity of Maniçoba hay. Weight gain was significantly greater for those on the diet of greater energy density. Among the breeds, Canindé goats recorded the highest average consumption and weight gain. Coefficients of digestibility were significantly greater for the more energy dense diet, with no difference between breeds. Regardless of diet, the Canindé breed shows greater weight gain than the Moxotó breed.

Dry fecal matter production was estimated from neutral detergent indicators on indigestible fiber, indigestible acid detergent fiber, indigestible dry matter, incubated for 144 hours and 288 hours, as well as chromium oxide (Cr2O3) and enriched and purified isolated lignin (LIPE®) in two sampling schemes (3 and 5 days) on buffaloes. Sample consisted of five castrated animals with average weight of 300 ± 0.6 kg fed on elephant grass cv Cameroon (Pennisetum purpureum). Experimental design consisted of randomized blocks in subdivided plots. Production of dry fecal matter was overestimated when using Cr2O3, indigestible acid detergent fiber 144 hours, indigestible neutral detergent fiber 144 hours, indigestible neutral detergent fiber 288 hours and indigestible dry matter 144 hours, while indigestible acid detergent fiber 288 hours, indigestible dry matter 288 hours and LIPE® did not differ from total collection. The same result was observed for apparent digestibility of nutrients. There was no difference in dry fecal matter production and digestibility between both collection periods of 3 and 5 days, demonstrating that a collection period of three days can be used to estimate dry fecal matter production in buffaloes. A three-day period of sample collection, in order to estimate dry fecal matter production and apparent digestibility coefficients, is therefore recommended. The use of LIPE®, fibers in indigestible acid detergent and indigestible dry matter as indicators, both latter incubated for 288 hours, result in accurate estimates of dry fecal matter production in confined buffaloes, fed on a forage based diet.