Resumo A Segurança Alimentar é um tema importante para a saúde pública e o comércio internacional de alimentos. Resíduos de medicamentos veterinários e contaminantes ambientais em produtos de origem animal podem causar doenças e toxicidade aguda em organismos expostos a essas substâncias. Este estudo avaliou dados oficiais de monitoramento de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento em tecidos de aves e suínos no período de 2002 a 2014 para verificar padrões ocultos na ocorrência de seis medicamentos comuns (Closantel, Diclazuril, Nicarbazina, Sulfaquinoxalina, Doxiciclina e Sulfametazina). A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de dois métodos de aprendizado de máquina: árvore de decisão e redes neurais, além da avaliação visual por meio de gráficos e mapas. As taxas de contaminação foram baixas, variando de 0 a 0,66%. Foi identificado um padrão de distribuição espacial das detecções de substâncias por região, mas nenhum padrão de distribuição temporal foi observado. No entanto, as regressões mostraram um aumento nos níveis quando essas substâncias foram detectadas, portanto, o monitoramento deve continuar. No entanto, os resultados mostram que os produtos monitorados durante o período do estudo apresentaram baixo risco à saúde pública.

Abstract Food Safety is an important topic for public health and international trade in food. Residues of veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants in animal products can cause diseases and acute toxicity in organisms exposed to these substances. This study evaluated official monitoring data of veterinary drug residues from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply in tissues of poultry and swine in the period between 2002 and 2014 to check for hidden patterns in the occurrence of six common drugs (Closantel, Diclazuril, Nicarbazin, Sulfaquinoxaline, Doxycycline and Sulfamethazinein). The analysis of data was performed by using two machine learning methods: decision tree and neural networks, in addition to visual evaluation through graphs and maps. Contamination rates were low, varying from 0 to 0.66%. A spatial distribution pattern of detections of substances by region was identified, but no pattern of temporal distribution was observed. Nevertless, regressions showed an increase in levels when these substances were detected, so monitoring should continue. However, the results show that the products monitored during the study period presented a low risk to public health.

Resumo Essa revisão detalha os efeitos negativos da infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis no metabolismo do fósforo de ovinos e os impactos diretos e indiretos da alta excreção em animais susceptíveis, bem como as vantagens oferecidas pela alimentação de precisão como estratégia potencial para mitigar perdas. Em ovinos infectados com T. colubriformis há uma alta redução na biodisponibilidade de P, devido à depressão na capacidade de absorção desse mineral, afetando a absorção e a reciclagem de P no trato digestivo, causando deficiência mineral. Portanto, a alimentação de precisão compila informações de genética animal, tipo de alimentação e manejo da pastagem para controlar o consumo de alimento e a quantidade e qualidade dos dejetos produzidos. Nesse sentido, a adoção da alimentação de precisão pode proporcionar um melhor arranjo das informações, tornando a produção de ovinos mais econômica, social e ambientalmente sustentável.

Abstract This review details the negative effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in sheep phosphorus metabolism and direct and indirect impacts from high excretion from susceptible animals, as well as the advantages offered by precision feeding as potential strategies to mitigate loss. In sheep infected with T. colubriformis there is a high reduction in P bioavailability, because of depression in the absorptive capacity of this mineral, affecting the absorption and recycling of P to the digestive tract, causing mineral deficiency. Therefore, precision feeding compiles animal genetics information, feeding type and grazing management to control animal feed intake and quantity and quality of manure produced. In this sense, the adoption of precision feeding can provide a better arrangement of the information, making sheep production more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis nos parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos, digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros Santa Inês. Dezoito cordeiros Santa Inês, de três meses de idade e castrados (16,9 ± 1,43 kg de peso corporal), foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos experimentais: infectados com T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) e não infectados (U, n = 9). O grupo I recebeu um total de 45.000 larvas L3 de T. colubriformis (5.000 larvas infectantes, três vezes por semana, durante três semanas). Durante o período experimental, foram avaliadas as variáveis sanguíneas, digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio. Os cordeiros I apresentaram redução de eritrócitos, hemoglobina, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio e proteínas totais, além de aumento de plaquetas e eosinófilos, quando comparados ao grupo U (p< 0,05). Contudo, exceto para proteínas totais, os valores estavam dentro do intervalo normal para a espécie. Além disso, a digestibilidade da matéria seca e da matéria orgânica foi menor no grupo I de cordeiros (p = 0,08). Os presentes achados destacam que a infecção por T. colubriformis teve potencial para prejudicar alguns parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos, bem como a digestibilidade aparente da dieta, o que poderia afetar a produtividade dos cordeiros.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection on the hemato-biochemical parameters, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance in Santa Inês lambs. Eighteen three-month-old Santa Ines castrated male lambs (16.9 ± 1.43 kg of body weight) were randomly distributed in two experimental treatments: infected with T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) and uninfected (U, n = 9). The I group received a total of 45,000 L3 larvae of T. colubriformis (5,000 infective larvae, three times per week, for three weeks). During the experimental period, blood, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance were evaluated. The I lambs showed a reduction in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and total proteins, as well as an increase in platelets and eosinophils compared to those in the U group (p < 0.05). With the exception of total protein content, these values were within the normal range for the species. Furthermore, lower dry matter and organic matter digestibility were observed in the I lambs (p = 0.08). The present findings highlight that T. colubriformis infection has the potential to impair some hemato-biochemical parameters as well as feed digestibility in lambs, which could affect their productivity.

ABSTRACT: The use of new feed resources, particularly local agroindustrial byproducts, such as banana, may be an option for replacing those traditionally used for sheep feed to reduce production costs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary effects of replacing corn bran with banana leftovers on performance, carcass, non-carcass components, meat traits, and fatty acid profile of Santa Inês lambs. Twenty-four Santa Inês female lambs with an average weight of 23.73 kg were fed diets containing 60 % coast cross hay and 40 % concentrate (30 % corn bran and 10 % soybean meal). Treatments consisted of corn bran replaced by banana leftovers at rates of 0, 25, 50, and 75 % on a dry matter basis. The experiment lasted 120 days. Animals were slaughtered and carcasses and non-carcass components were evaluated. The half-carcasses were weighed and sectioned into commercial cuts. The 12th and 13th ribs were dissected to collect bones, muscle and fat proportions. Cooking loss, color, shear force and sarcomere length were measured. Fatty acid profiles were obtained by gas chromatography. Hot and cold carcass weight, leg, neck, lung, loin eye area, fat thickness, initial sample weight of the 12th and 13th ribs, fat and bone, presented a negative linear effect of banana leftovers replacing corn in the diet. Loin, fat thickness, cooking loss and carcass redness showed a negative quadratic effect, while full and empty abomasum, full omasum, sarcomere length and yellowness presented a positive quadratic effect. Replacement of up to 75 % of corn bran by banana leftovers did not interfere in the intake, performance, meat traits and the fatty acid profile of lambs. The use of banana leftovers may be an alternative for reducing animal production costs.

ABSTRACT: Gossypol easily pairs with lysine side chains and enzymes involved in the cellular growth process. The effect of gossypol (a compound present in cotton co-products) in ruminant metabolism and meat quality is not yet clear. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of cotton co-products in lamb muscle proteome. Twenty-four Santa Inês ram lambs, 5-months old (20.6 ± 1.9 kg), were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (without cottonseed), whole cottonseed, cottonseed meal and high oil cottonseed meal. At 95 days into the experiment, lambs were slaughtered and samples from Longissimus dorsi were collected. Proteins were extracted and analyzed by 2-D electrophoresis. Spots showing a significant effect from the treatment (the “treatment effect”) and present in more than 90 % of the samples were identified using mass spectrometry. Cotton co-products decreased the abundance of aldehyde and malate dehydrogenases, creatine kinase M-type and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase. They also increased four proteins related to muscle contraction. Thus, feeding cotton co-products to lambs changed the abundance of important muscle proteins. A cotton co-product diet induced a negative impact on the energy supply of muscle cells and, consequently, the abundance of ATP dependent proteins (contractile apparatus) increased, probably in order to offset and maintain muscle function. These proteomic changes can promote our understanding of alterations in the sensorial properties of meat due to cotton co-product diets in further investigations.

Resumen Antecedentes: Existe poca información sobre la calidad de la canal en ovejas jóvenes nulíparas y primíparas de diferentes razas y grupos genéticos. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia del grupo genético, de la preñez, de la edad y sus interacciones sobre la composición de la canal, calidad de la carne y perfil de ácidos grasos en la carne de ovejas. Métodos: Ochenta y cinco ovejas de 12 meses de edad de raza Santa Inés y sus cruces con Texel, Dorper y Ile de France fueron cruzadas con carneros White Dorper para evaluar la influencia de la gestación sobre la composición de la canal y la calidad de la carne. Después del destete, todas las ovejas (nulíparas y primíparas) fueron engordadas y sacrificadas a los 21 meses de edad. Otras 24 ovejas de seis a veintiún meses de edad del mismo grupo genético fueron incluidas en el análisis para determinar el perfil de ácidos grasos. Resultado s: El grupo genético afectó el peso del músculo y de la grasa, como también la longitud del ojo del músculo. El peso de la grasa, porcentajes de músculo y grasa, el grosor de la grasa subcutánea y las perdidas por cocción fueron afectadas por la preñez, siendo más gordas las hembras nulíparas. Los grupos genéticos especializados en producir carne como Dorper, Texel e Ile de France mostraron mejor calidad de carne comparado con la raza Santa Inés. De los 19 ácidos grasos identificados, los saturados estaban presentes en mayores cantidades, especialmente esteárico y palmítico. Los contenidos de Omega-6 fueron influenciados por la edad y la preñez. Conclusiones: Las ovejas más jóvenes y nulíparas tienen mejor calidad de carcasa en términos de composición de ácidos grasos.

Abstract Background: Little information is available on carcass quality in nulliparous and primiparous ewes of different breeds and genetic groups. Objective: To evaluate the effect of genetic group, pregnancy, age and their interactions on carcass traits, meat quality and fatty acid profile in sheep. Methods: Eighty-five Santa Ines ewes and their crosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France, aged 12 month were bred with White Dorper rams to assess the influence of pregnancy on carcass composition and meat quality. After weaning, all ewes (nulliparous and primiparous) were fattened for slaughter at 21 months of age. A further 24 six to twenty one-month-old female lambs from the same genetic groups were included in the analysis to determine the fatty acid profile. Results: Genetic group affected muscle and fat weight as well as the eye muscle length. Fat weight, muscle and fat ratios, subcutaneous fat thickness and cooking loss were affected by pregnancy with nulliparous females being fatter. Meat purpose breeds such as Dorper, Texel and Ile de France showed better meat quality compared to the Santa Ines hair breed. Of the 19 identified fatty acids, saturated were present in greater quantities, especially stearic and palmitic. Omega-6 content was influenced by age and pregnancy. Conclusions: Younger and nulliparous females have better carcass quality in terms of fatty acid composition.

Resumo Antecedentes: Existe pouca informação sobre a qualidade da carcaça em ovelhas jovens nulíparas e primíparas de diferentes raças e grupos genéticos. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do grupo genético, da prenhes, da idade e suas interações sobre as características da carcaça, qualidade da carne e perfil de ácidos graxos na carne de ovelhas. Métodos: Oitenta e cinco ovelhas Santa Inês e suas cruzas com Texel, Dorper e Ile de France com 12 meses de idade foram cruzadas com carneiros White Dorper para avaliar a influência da prenhes sobre a composição da carcaça e a qualidade da carne. Após o desmame, todas as ovelhas (nulíparas e primíparas) foram engordadas para serem abatidas aos 21 meses de idade. Mais 24 ovelhas com idade variando entre seis a vinte e um meses do mesmo grupo genético foram incluídas na análise para determinar o perfil de ácidos graxos. Resultados: O grupo genético influenciou os pesos do musculo e da gordura bem como o comprimento da área de olho de lombo. O peso da gordura, a relação músculo e gordura, a espessura de gordura subcutânea e as perdas por cocção foram influenciadas pela prenhes, sendo as fêmeas nulíparas as mais gordas. Os grupos genéticos especializados em produção de carne como o Dorper, o Texel e o Ile de France apresentaram melhor qualidade de carne comparado a raça Santa Inês. Dos 19 ácidos graxos identificados, os presentes em maiores quantidades foram os saturados, principalmente o esteárico e o palmítico. O Conteúdo de ômega 6 foi influenciado pela idade e pela prenhes. Conclusões: As fêmeas jovens e nulíparas apresentam melhor qualidade de carcaça em termos de composição de ácidos graxos.

ABSTRACT: The use of lambs from crossing of local with specialized sheep breeds for meat production may lead to higher meat deposition and a smaller fat amount in the carcass, with a more adequate nutritional profile for human consumption. This study investigated the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of lambs from the Morada Nova and Santa Inês locally adapted hair breeds and crosses between Dorper × Morada Nova and Dorper × Santa Inês slaughtered at approximately 35 kg. Morada Nova lambs showed lower (p < 0.05) performance compared to the other genetic groups resulting in a higher age at slaughter (p < 0.05). Crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês and Dorper × Morada Nova lambs showed better characteristics for meat production with better (p < 0.05) conformation as well as leg and carcass compacteness index. Dorper × Santa Inês have a fatty acid profile that is more suitable for human consumption than Dorper × Morada Nova lambs do (p < 0.05); however, both had lower (p < 0.05) intramuscular lipid content (as measured by ether extract levels from Longíssimus lumborum) compared with purebred lambs. Therefore, when the objective is to obtain lean meat, with improved nutritional profile to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, the use of breeds and crosses that reduce animal slaughter age, such as the ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês crossbred, is an interesting alternative.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar três espécies de gramíneas tropicais quanto à produção de metano (CH4) in vitro e à degradabilidade da matéria orgânica, para determinar as relações entre a qualidade nutritiva das gramíneas e a produção de CH4. O capim-colonião (Megathyrsus maximus), o capim-braquiarão (Urochloa brizantha) e o capim-decumbens (Urochloa decumbens) foram avaliados. O capim-braquiarão apresentou os maiores teores de matéria orgânica, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina, e o menor teor de proteína bruta. O capim-decumbens apresentou os maiores teores de hemicelulose e de nitrogênio em fibra de detergente neutro, além do menor teor de celulose. O capim-colonião e o capim-decumbens apresentaram maior produção total de gases do que o braquiarão. Além disso, o capim-colonião apresentou maior produção de CH4, e o capim-braquiarão, menor degradabilidade verdadeira da matéria orgânica e reduzido fator de partição, em comparação ao capim-decumbens. Maior produção de CH4 foi verificada em casos em que os valores de hemicelulose e fator de partição foram menores. A qualidade nutricional e a produção de CH4 das forragens avaliadas podem ser utilizadas como parâmetros a serem empregados, que visem a sustentabilidade da produção de ruminantes.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate three tropical forage species for their in vitro methane (CH4) production and organic matter degradability, in order to determine the relationships between forage grass nutritive quality and CH4 production. Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha), and signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) were evaluated. Palisade grass showed the highest organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, and lower-crude protein content. Signal grass had the highest values for hemicellulose and neutral detergent fiber-nitrogen, and the lowest-cellulose content. Guinea grass and signal grass showed a higher-total gas production than palisade grass. Besides, Guinea grass showed an increased CH4 production, and palisade grass showed lower value for truly degraded organic matter, and reduced partitioning factor, in comparison to signal grass. An increased CH4 production was observed in cases of lower hemicellulose and paratitioning factor. The nutritive value and CH4 production of forages may be employed as parameters, aiming at the sustainability of ruminant production.

RESUMO. Foram realizados dois experimentos para se avaliar a influência do grupo genético, da prenhez e da idade do animal sobre as características da carcaça e dos cortes comerciais de ovelhas. No primeiro experimento foi avaliado o efeito da prenhez e do grupo genético em 61 ovelhas Santa Inês e seus cruzamentos com Texel, Dorper e Ilê de France. O experimento 2 foi conduzido com 132 ovelhas Santa Inês prenhes e não prenhes abatidas com idades entre 6 a 48 meses para avaliar a influência da idade sobre as características da carcaça. Em ambos os experimentos foram realizadas medidas de peso de carcaça quente, peso de carcaça fria, rendimento de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça fria e comprimento da carcaça, assim como o rendimento e a percentagem da paleta, pescoço, lombo, fralda, costela e pernil, além do comprimento e perímetro do pernil. No experimento 1, a raça Santa Inês apresentou similaridade para as características da carcaça e dos cortes com os outros grupos genéticos avaliados, exceto para o peso de corpo vazio. As fêmeas que pariram apresentaram menor escore de condição corporal que as fêmeas nulíparas. No experimento 2, o peso vivo em jejum, os pesos do lombo, costela e pernil, bem como a circunferência do pernil apresentaram efeito quadrático com o aumento da idade. A idade de abate ideal situa-se antes dos 16 meses de idade para a obtenção de cortes mais caros.

ABSTRACT. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of genetic group, pregnancy and animal age on the carcass traits and commercial cut patterns of sheep carcasses. In the first experiment, the effect of pregnancy and genetic group were evaluated on 61 eleven month old Santa Inês ewes and their crosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France. Experiment 2 was carried out with 132 Santa Inês nulliparous or lambed ewes slaughtered with ages ranging from 6 to 48 months to evaluate the influence of age on carcass traits. For both experiments, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, carcass yield, cold carcass yield and carcass length were measured, as well as the yields and percentages of shoulder, neck, loin, belly, ribs, leg and leg length and perimeter. In experiment 1, the Santa Inês breed presented similar carcass and cut traits compared to the others genetic groups evaluated, except for fasting body weight. Lambed animals had lower body condition score than nulliparous females. In experiment 2, fasting body weight, loin, rib and leg weights, as well as the leg perimeter, presented a quadratic effect with increasing age. Ideal slaughter age is before 16 months to obtain more expensive cuts.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da carcaça em 74 ovelhas Santa Inês deslanadas com idades entre 6 a 48 meses. O abate ocorreu após jejum e eletrochoque, seguido de dissecção das veias jugulares e artérias carótidas. As avaliações realizadas foram peso de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça quente, comprimento de carcaça, espessura da pele, pesos e percentagens de ombro, pescoço, lombo, fralda, costelas e pernil e comprimento e perímetro do pernil. A área de olho de lombo, a cor usando o sistema CIELAB, a força de cisalhamento e a perda por cocção também foram avaliados. Os dados foram submetidos às análises de variância, regressões, correlações e de componentes principais utilizando o pacote estatístico SAS. O peso de carcaça quente foi 15,75 kg e o rendimento de carcaça foi de 43,65%. Os animais mais jovens apresentaram maior rendimento de pernil enquanto os rendimentos de lombo e ombro aumentaram com a idade. A carne foi mais escura em animais mais velhos. Com o aumento da idade, ocorreu redução na quantidade dos cortes comerciais e aumento das perdas de características de qualidade como cor, perda por cocção e força de cisalhamento; portanto, o abate deve ser realizado antes de 30 meses de idade.

Abstract The objective of this trial was to evaluate carcass quality in 74 Santa Ines hair ewes aged 6 to 48 months. Slaughter occurred after fasting and electroshock, followed by dissection of the jugular veins and carotid arteries. Hot carcass weight, hot carcass yield, carcass length, skin thickness, shoulder, neck, loin, belly, rib and leg weights and percentages, leg length, and girth were measured. The rib eye area, color (by CIELAB system), shear force, and cooking loss were also measured. The data were analyzed using SAS procedures for analysis of variance, regressions, correlations, and principal components. Hot carcass weight was 15.75 kg and yield was 43.65%. Younger animals had higher leg yield while yields of loin and shoulder increased as age increased. The meat was darker in older animals. As age increased, both the quantity of commercial cuts decreased and the loss of quality traits, such as color, cooking loss, and shear force, increased; therefore, slaughter should be performed before 30 months of age.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different grazing systems: isolated, alternate and simultaneous, on feed intake, performance and carcass characteristics of sheep. About 5.2 ha area of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximun Jacq cultivate Tanzania) was divided into 13 paddocks. This area was used as a stocking rate of two animal units (AU) per ha for 7 days’ occupation and 21 days rest. A total number of 58 animals were used consisting of 12 heifers and 30 Santa Ines lambs with the addition of 16 adult ewes that were used to stabilize grazing pressure in the isolated system. The sheep were fed on 200 g per head per day of concentrate and cattle 2 kg per head per day. The parameters determined were the following: weekly weight (WW), total live weight gain (LWG) and mean daily weight gain (MDW). Also dry matter intake was estimated 84 days after the start of the experiment using external indicators (Purified and Enriched Lignin) in addition to carcass traits and composition which were also estimated. The result obtained for carcass composition revealed that the muscle:bone ratio and bone percentage were better in the alternate system. Moreover, the simultaneous and isolated systems showed higher lamb performance than the alternate system, while there was no effect on dry matter intake. Furthermore, there was no difference of the different systems on carcass traits and feed intake of sheep. Nevertheless, the simultaneous grazing system showed better sheep performance than the alternate grazing system.

ABSTRACT Cottonseed coproducts contain gossypol which can have specific effects upon the male reproductive system. We evaluated the reproductive development of male lambs close to puberty fed on three cotton coproducts. Twenty-four 5-month old male lambs received four diets: 20 % of dry matter intake of whole cottonseed (WCS), high oil cottonseed meal (CSC), cottonseed meal (CSM), and a control group (CTL) without any cottonseed coproducts. Free gossypol intake was 16.32, 6.98, 5.47 and 0 mg kg−1 BW−1 d−1 for WCS, CSC, CSM and CTL, respectively. Every 15 days, the animals were weighted and serum and semen samples were collected. After 95 days, testis samples were collected for analysis under light and transmission electron microscopes. The CTL group had higher testosterone concentrations than CSC at the end of the trial and lower total sperm defects, higher mass movement and higher scores for seminiferous epithelium than other treatments. The WCS and CSC groups showed higher levels of segmental aplasia lesion in sperm than other diets, which showed that high levels of gossypol led to higher occurrence of this lesion. Cottonseed coproducts had a negative impact on the reproductive system of pubertal lambs regardless of gossypol concentration. Therefore, the use of cottonseed coproducts to feed lambs earmarked for reproduction is not safe.

In order to study the effect of five inclusion levels of mulberry (Morus alba cv. cubana) on methanogens and some main cellulolytic populations within rumen liquor of water buffalos (Bubalus bubalis), and contribute to the knowledge of the action mechanism by which the Cuban variety of mulberry reduces ruminal methanogenesis, an in vitro fermentation was carried out and five inclusion levels (0, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) of M. alba vc. cubana to a diet based on star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) were evaluated. Total, methanogenic and cellulolytic (Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus) bacteria, and fungi were identified and quantified by polymerase chain reaction in real time. The percentage of cellulolytic and methanogenic bacteria, regarding total bacteria population was evaluated, as well as the delta delta Ct (ΔΔCt) and the expression of different ruminal microbial populations, in relation to control treatment. The inclusion of M. alba cv. cubana did not affect the studied ruminal microbial populations. The percentage of representation of F. succinogenes, R. albus and methanogens, regarding total bacteria was not affected with the inclusion of this variety of mulberry on the diet. Values of ΔΔCt and expression relative to control treatment of microbial populations evidenced that diets containing mulberry tree had the same difference and the same expression relative to the control treatment. It can be concluded that inclusion of M. alba cv. cubana on diet not affect the main microbial populations that degrade the fiber in the rumen, which could be used as a strategy for reducing methane production in the rumen. The mechanism by which this plant is able to reduce ruminal methanogenesis is not through direct effect on methanogens

Para estudiar el efecto de la inclusión de diferentes niveles de morera (Morus alba vc cubana) en los metanógenos y algunas de las principales poblaciones de microorganismos celulolíticos del rumen de búfalos de río (Bubalus bubalis), y contribuir al conocimiento del mecanismo de acción mediante el cual la variedad cubana de morera reduce la metanogénesis ruminal, se realizó una fermentación in vitro y se evaluaron cinco niveles de inclusión (0, 15, 20, 25 y 30 %) de M. alba vc cubana a una dieta base de pasto estrella (Cynodon nlemfuensis). Se identificaron y cuantificaron bacterias totales, metanogénicas, celulolíticas (Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus) y hongos mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real. Se determinó el porciento de bacterias celulolíticas y metanogénicas relativo a la población de bacterias totales, el delta delta Ct (∆∆Ct) y la expresión de las diferentes poblaciones microbianas ruminales relativo al tratamiento control. La inclusión de M. alba vc cubana no afectó las poblaciones microbianas ruminales estudiadas. El porcentaje de representación de F. succinogenes, R. albus y metanógenos con respecto a las bacterias totales tampoco se afectó con la inclusión de esta variedad de morera en la dieta. Los valores de ∆∆Ct y la expresión relativa al tratamiento control de las poblaciones microbianas evidenciaron que las dietas que contenían morera tuvieron la misma diferencia y la misma expresión relativa al tratamiento control. Se concluye que la inclusión de M. alba vc cubana en la dieta no afecta las principales poblaciones microbianas que degradan la fibra en el rumen, lo que podría utilizarse como estrategia para reducir la producción de metano en el rumen. El mecanismo por el que esta planta logra reducir la metanogénesis ruminal no es por efecto directo sobre los metanógenos

Objetivou-se com o presente experimento, avaliar o efeito do grupo genético e do peso de abate sobre a área de olho de lombo, composição tecidual e centesimal da 12ª costela. Utilizaram-se cordeiros Santa Inês, ½ Ile de France x ½ Santa Inês e ½ Texel x ½ Santa Inês, abatidos com diferentes pesos (35 e 45kg). Após o resfriamento da carcaça a 4°C durante 24 h, a 12ª costela foi removida para mensuração da composição tecidual e centesimal. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento fatorial 3 (grupo genético) x 2 (sexo) x 2 (peso de abate) e analisado pelo softwareSAS®, utilizando-se o teste Duncan para comparação de médias e realizada correlação a 0,05 significância. Animais Texel x Santa Inês apresentam melhor potencial para característica de qualidade da 12ª costela, com acabamento mais precoce para o abate. Os cordeiros abatidos aos 35kg apresentam menor teor de gordura e maior proporção comestível, sendo este o peso recomendado ao abate.

This experiment evaluated the effect of genetic group and slaughter weight on rib eye area, tissue and centesimal composition of the 12th rib. Were used lambs Santa Ines, ½ Ile de France x ½ Santa Ines and ½ Texel x ½ Santa Ines lambs, slaughtered at different weights (35 and 45kg). After cooling at 4°C for 24 h, the 12th rib was removed for tissue and centesimal. The experiment was in a 3 (genetic group) x 2 (sex) x 2 (slaughter weight) factorial design and analyzed using Correlation and Duncan 0.05 means test in SAS®. Texel x Santa Ines animals had the best potential for quality traits of the 12th rib, with earlier finishing for slaughter. The lambs slaughtered at 35kg had lowest fat and highest edible proportion, this being the recommended slaughter weight.

Objetivou-se com este experimento avaliar os efeitos de métodos alternativos de suplementação de cordeiros em aleitamento sobre seu desempenho e sobrevivência. Foram utilizados 84 cordeiros Santa Inês, 50 % machos e 50 % fêmeas, de partos simples e gemelares. Os animais foram divididos em três tratamentos: A (controle), B (200 mL de leite de vaca/animal/dia) e C (200 mL de leite de vaca, mais 20g de mistura múltipla/animal/dia). O experimento se inciou às três semanas de idade dos cordeiros e terminou ao desmame (2 meses). O peso dos ovinos ao desmame (PD) foi 10,90, 13,20 e 13,59 kg, para os tratamentos A, B e C respectivamente, e o ganho médio diário (GMD) foi de 126, 163 e 168 g/animal/dia, respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade foi maior (P< 0,05) no grupo A em relação aos grupos B e C. O sexo dos animais influenciou significativaente (P<0,05) o GMD e PD. GMD e PD foram menores para os ovinos que morreram em comparação aos que sobreviveram: 7,94 kg contra 13,51 kg e 77 g contra 165g, respectivamente. Os gêmeos apresentaram GMD e PD menores (P<0,05) que os de parto simples. A suplementação com ou sem a mistura múltipla se mostrou eficiente, podendo aumentar a produtividade do sistema de produção.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of alternative methods of feeding on the performance and mortality rate of suckling lambs. Eighty-four Santa Inês lambs, twins and singles, half male and half female, were used. The animals were divided into three groups: A (control), B (bovine milk) and C (bovine milk plus Multi-mixture). The experiment began when lambs were three weeks old and finished at weaning at 2 months of age. Each animal from group B received 200 mL of bovine milk daily; group C received 200 mL of bovine milk plus 20g of Multi-mixture daily. Weaning Weight (WW) was 10.90, 13.20 and 13.59 kg, respectively for groups A, B and C. Daily Weight Gain (DWG) was 126, 163 and 168 g.day-1 respectively. The mortality rate was higher (p<0.05) in group A than in group B and C. Gender influenced significantly (p<0.05) the DWG and WW. DWG and WW were lower for the animals that died compared to the animals that survived: 7.94 kg against 13.51 kg (WW) and 77 g against 165 g (DWG) respectively. The twins had lower (P<0.05) WW and DWG when compared to the singles. The use of milk-replacers with or without Multi-mixture is effective and it can increase the productivity of the system.