ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of confined Santa Inês sheep, fed different diets, in a Semiarid environment. Twenty whole sheep with 5 ± 0.5 months of age and 27 ± 2.0 kg were used, receiving two different diets for 72 experimental days, one composed of defatted soybean meal and the other of protein-enriched cactus meal. They were evaluated for different diets, consumption, production, carcass characteristics, morphometric measures and edible components. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with two treatments and 10 replications. Performance data and carcass characteristics were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by t test at 5% probability level using Statistical Analysis System [SAS]® (1999). Thus, the use of emulsified palm forage protein in the feeding of Santa Inês male lambs proved to be an excellent protein source when compared to the use of defatted soybean meal, since the results of performance and carcass characteristics were similar, being the use of this alternative source advised as it presents the best benefit-cost ratio.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses in lactating goats. Eight apparently healthy, adult, multiparous Anglo-Nubian goats, with an average body weight of 42.06±3.5 kg and approximately 52±4 days in lactation, were randomly assigned into two Latin squares (4×4) composed of four levels of PP (0, 33.3, 66.7, and 100% of dry matter) for four periods. Daily feed intake, feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers (hemogram and biochemical parameters), and physiological responses (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate) were assessed. Intake, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency were not affected by the replacement of ground corn with PP. At these replacement levels, the goats significantly spent more time feeding and ruminating. There was a significant decrease in the number of chews (number/day and number/min) with an increase in PP inclusion. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate were higher in the afternoon for the three periods measured. There were no negative changes in blood markers or rumen health with the use of PP. The current findings indicate that PP can be used to replace up to 100% of the corn in the diet of lactating goats without causing significant changes in animal health, feeding behavior, or physiological parameters.

ABSTRACT A comparative slaughter trial was conducted to estimate the body composition and net requirements of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Co for growth of castrated Moxotó goat kids, with15.69±0.78 kg initial body weight (BW), grazing in the semiarid region of Brazil. The baseline group consisted of four randomly selected kids (15.37±0.30 kg BW). Thirty-two kids were randomly allocated into eight groups (considered as block), distributed among four levels of concentrate supplementation (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% BW). Animals in a group were slaughtered when the 1.5% BW treatment kids in the group reached approximately 25 kg BW. The trace element content (mg/kg of empty body weight) ranged from 23.68 to 27.81 mg Zn, 35.70 to 47.29 mg Fe, 0.86 to 1.09 mg Mn, 1.45 to 1.75 mg Cu, and 0.83 to 0.87 mg Co for Moxotó kids at 15 and 25 kg BW, respectively. The net requirements (mg/kg of empty body weight gain) ranged from 30.43 to 35.74 mg Zn, 53.48 to 70.84 mg Fe, 1.22 to 1.54 mg Mn, 1.93 to 2.32 mg Cu, and 0.91 to 0.95 mg Co for animals with BW ranging from 15 to 25 kg, respectively. Indigenous goats grazing in the semiarid region of Brazil have different requirements from those values recommended by international committees for dairy and meat goats.

RESUMO. Esse estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da suplementação concentrada e das escalas de tempo de avaliação nas respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de ovelhas prenhes em sistema de pastejo. Foi usando um arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 x 3 (duas raças: Morada e Santa Inês; dois níveis de suplementação concentrada: 0,5 e 1,5% do peso vivo; e três escalas de tempo de time avaliação: 10, 20 e 30 minutos) com seis repetições por tratamento. Os parâmetros fisiológicos foram influenciados tanto pelo período do dia como pela raça, com médias mais elevadas no período da tarde em ovelhas Santa Inês. Além disso, foi encontrada influência da suplementação concentrada entre as raças com superioridade em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês. A atividade de pastejo foi influenciada (p < 0,05) pelas escalas de tempo de avaliação. Intervalo de 10 minutos foi a metodologia mais eficaz para avaliar com maior precisão o comportamento desses animais. Ovelhas Morada Nova apresentaram menos tempo de pastejo (p < 0,05) na escala de 10 minutos em comparação com 20 e 30 minutos, que foram semelhantes (p > 0,05) para essa atividade. Assim, as ovelhas prenhes apresentaram alta capacidade adaptativa com observações de 10 minutos para uma melhor descrição da atividade de pastejo em Morada Nova.

ABSTRACT. This study was realized to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation and time scales of evaluation on behavioral and physiological responses of pregnant ewes on grazing system. The experimental design was a randomized 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (two breeds: Morada and Santa Inês; two concentrate supplementation levels: 0.5 and 1.5% of body weight; and three time scales of evaluation: 10, 20 and 30 minutes) with six replicates per treatment. The physiological parameters were influenced by period of the day and breeds, with higher values in the afternoon to Santa Inês ewes. Also, influence of concentrate supplementation was found between the breeds with greater values in Santa Inês ewes. But, it did not alter the physiological parameters among animals of the same genetic group. The grazing activity was influenced (p < 0.05) by the scales of observation intervals. Interval of 10 minutes was the most effective methodology to assess accurately the behavior of these animals due to higher number of the registries, offering higher data reliability. Morada Nova breed exhibited less time grazing (p < 0.05) on the 10-minute scale compared to 20 and 30 minutes, which were similar (p > 0.05) for such a feature. Thus, the pregnant ewes exhibited high adaptive capability with observations of 10 minutes for better description of grazing activity in Morada Nova.

<title>Resumo</title><p>Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do nível de suplementação com concentrado sobre o perfil hematológico de ovelhas Santa Inês no terço final da gestação e puerpério, assim como dos cordeiros. Utilizaram-se onze ovelhas, aos 75 últimos dias de gestação e nos primeiros 75 dias de lactação e oito cordeiros progênie das ovelhas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas sempre pela manhã a cada 14 dias. A suplementação não afetou (P>0,05) o eritrograma e o leucograma dos animais e os componentes sanguíneos avaliados encontraram-se dentro do intervalo de referência para a espécie. A categoria animal influenciou (P<0,05) os valores de hemácias, observando-se os maiores valores (11,72 x 10⁶/µL) para os cordeiros. Os cordeiros apresentaram valores inferiores (3073,3/µL) de neutrófilos em comparação com as ovelhas, seja na gestação (4957,6/µL) ou no puerpério (4067,3/µL), que não diferiram entre si (P>0,05). Já na contagem de linfócitos, os valores encontrados nos cordeiros (2858,8/µL) foram semelhantes aos das fêmeas gestantes (2982,0/µL); as fêmeas em lactação (4119,8/µL) apresentaram os maiores valores. A suplementação com concentrado (0,5% do PV) no pré e pós-parto não altera o perfil eritrocitário e leucocitário de ovelhas Santa Inês, sendo as maiores diferenças observadas entre as ovelhas das duas categorias e os cordeiros.</p>

<title>Abstract</title><p>The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of concentrate supplementation level on hematological profile of Santa Ines ewes, at the last third of pregnancy and postpartum, and of their lambs. We used eleven ewes at the last 75 days of pregnancy and the first 75 days of lactation and eight lambs born from these ewes, allotted in a completely randomized design and split-plot arrangement in time. Blood samples were collected every fourteen days. Neither the erythrocyte nor the leukocyte profile was affected by the different levels of supplementation (P>0.05) and the blood components evaluated were within the reference range for adult sheep. The animal category affected (P<0.05) erythrocytes, and the highest values (11.72 x 106/p.l) were observed in lambs. Lambs showed lower values (3073.3/µL) for neutrophils in comparison with ewes, during pregnancy (4957.6/µL) or postpartum (4067.3/µL); these values did not differ (P>0.05). For the lymphocyte count, the values found in lambs (2858.8 /µL) were similar to those in pregnant ewes (2,982.0/µL); lactating ewes (4119.8/µL) showed the highest values. Concentrate supplementation (0.5% BW) at pre and postpartum does not alter the erythrocyte and leukocyte profile of Santa Inês sheep, with the largest differences between the two sheep categories and lambs.</p>

The objective of this study was to determine how concentrate supplementation during late third gestation and lactation affects ewe and offspring performance from birth to weaning. Thirty-six ewes and their offspring (n = 32) were used. Eighteen Morada Nova and 18 Santa Inês ewes were artificially inseminated with semen from Dorper ram and distributed in a completely randomized factorial arrangement (2 × 2) consisting of two supplementation levels (5 and 15 g kg-1 of BW) and two breeds (Morada Nova and Santa Inês) or two crosses (Dorper × Morada Nova and Dorper × Santa Inês). The ewes were weighed, their body condition was evaluated during pregnancy, and the weaning weight of the lambs at up to 70 days old was measured. There was no effect of breed or supplementation on the prolificacy or type of birth. The Santa Inês ewes had a faster rate of development, although the weight loss during lactation was lower in the Morada Nova ewes. The weight development of the Dorper × Santa Inês lambs during the maternal-dependent phase was 34 g/100 g higher than that of the other cross, with no difference in the maternal-independent phase. Dorper × Santa Inês lambs gain more weight during the 70 days of development. However, the Dorper × Morada Nova lambs show a better response in terms of production efficiency when comparing the weight of the lambs with the weight of the sheep.

The objective of the present study was to assess the growth performance and carcass traits of Moxotó goat kids fed different levels concentrate (supplement) (SL) on native pasture under semiarid conditions in Brazil. Thirty-two castrated kids (15.7±0.78 kg initial BW) were allocated randomly to one of the four SL (treatment groups: 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg BW). When the animals of treatment group 15 g/kg BW reached 25 kg BW, the animals in the other treatments groups were also slaughtered. Therefore, the animals belonging to the 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg of BW were finished with 18.40, 21.04, 22.94 and 25.74 kg of BW, respectively. The concentrate supplementation positively influenced the performance and the carcass traits of animals, providing higher feed intake and thus greater weight gain. The results of cold carcass yields were 405.9, 427.0, 449.1 and 462.9 g/kg of SBW for 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg BW, respectively. The weight of the different commercial cuts, (neck, ribs, shoulder, loin and leg) increased linearly as the SL increased; however the yields of the carcass cuts were not influenced, except for the shoulder. Overall, the distribution of non-carcass fat increased as SL increased, with the exception of mesenteric fat yield, which was not influenced. The use of concentrate supplementation to Moxotó goats under grazing conditions on native rangelands of the Brazilian semiarid improves the performance of animals and carcass yield, but does not affect the yields of commercial cuts of Moxotó growing goats.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da adição de melão em substituição ao milho moído em dietas sobre a composição centesimal e análise sensorial da carne de ovinos da raça Morada Nova. Foram utilizados 20 animais da raça Morada Nova, machos não-castrados, com peso vivo médio inicial de 15 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso para avaliação de quatro níveis (0, 30, 60 e 100%) de inclusão de melão em substituição ao milho moído, cada um avaliado com cinco repetições. Para determinar a composição centesimal da carne, utilizou-se o músculo semimembranosus. Com o músculo longissimus dorsi, procedeu-se à análise sensorial quantificando, por intermédio de notas, os atributos de sabor, odor, suculência, maciez e aparência global. As análises dos dados não apresentaram diferenças significativas para a composição centesimal (umidade, proteína, lipídio e matéria mineral). Na análise sensorial, a suculência apresentou comportamento quadrático, com ponto de máximo de 5,18, e as demais qualidades organolépticas (odor, sabor, maciez e aparência global) não foram influenciadas pela inclusão de melão em substituição ao milho nas dietas. A utilização de melão em substituição ao milho em dietas para ovinos Morada Nova não afeta as principais qualidades organolépticas da carne.

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the influence of the addition of melon fruit replacing ground corn in diets on the centesimal composition and sensory analysis of meat from Morada Nova lambs. Twenty Morada Nova males with average weight of 15 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with four increasing levels (0, 30, 60 and 100%) of melon in substitution of ground corn, each one with five replications. To determine the chemical composition of meat, the semimembranosus muscle was used. With the muscle longissimus dorsi sensory analysis, the attributes of taste, odor, juiciness, softness and overall appearance were conducted by quantifying, by means of scoring. Data analysis showed no significant differences in proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid and ash). At the sensory analysis, juiciness showed quadratic response with a maximum peak of 5.18 and the other organoleptic qualities (flavor, tenderness and overall appearance) were not affected by the inclusion of melon replacing corn in diets. The use of melon in diets for Morada Nova sheep diets does not affect the main organoleptic qualities of meat.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da relação volumoso:concentrado sobre a composição tecidual e os rendimentos de carcaça e de cortes comerciais de cordeiros Morada Nova em confinamento, utilizaram-se 18 cordeiros com peso vivo (PV) inicial de 15 kg, distribuídos em seis grupos de três animais (um em cada dieta), de acordo com a relação volumoso(V):concentrado(C): 40:60, 55:45 e 70:30. Foram avaliados os pesos de corpo vazio (PCV), de carcaça quente (PCQ) e de carcaça fria (PCF), a partir dos quais foram calculados os rendimentos biológico (RB), de carcaça quente (RCQ) e de carcaça fria (RCF) e a perda de peso por resfriamento (PPR). A carcaça foi dividida em cinco cortes cárneos (perna, lombo, costelas, paleta e pescoço), os quais foram pesados para cálculo de seus rendimentos em relação ao peso da meia-carcaça. A perna foi dissecada em músculo, osso e gordura e os pesos desses tecidos foram expressos em peso absoluto e em porcentagem da perna. Calcularam-se as relações músculo:osso e músculo:gordura, o índice de musculosidade da perna (IMP) e a área de olho-de-lombo (AOL). O aumento de 30 para 60% de concentrado na dieta elevou os rendimentos de carcaça quente e carcaça fria, assim como o rendimento biológico. Os crescentes teores de concentrado na dieta não afetaram a porcentagem de músculo na perna, mas proporcionaram maior deposição de gordura e maior área de olho-de-lombo.

Eighteen lambs averaging initial body weight (BW) of 15 kg were allotted to six groups of three animals (one lamb per diet) and were fed diets with following forage:concentrate ratios (F:C): 1) 40F:60C; 2) 55F:45C; or 3) 70F:30C. Lambs of each group were slaughtered when the animal fed the diet with the highest concentrate level reached 25 kg of BW. Animals were slaughtered after 16 h of fasting (feed and water). After obtaining the slaughter body weight (SBW), animals were anesthetized by electric discharge and killed by bleeding of the carotid arteries and jugular veins. Blood was then collected and weigthed. Soon after evisceration, skin, head and extremities of the fore and rear members were removed. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was emptied, weighted and the value added to that of blood to obtain the empty body weight (EBW), which was calculated by subtracting SBW from GIT + blood weights. The carcasses were weighted and stored at 4°C within a 24-hours period. The empty body (EBW), hot carcass (HCW) and cold carcass weights (CCW) were all used to calculate the biological (BY), hot carcass (HCY) and cold carcass yields (CCY) as well as the weight loss by cooling process (CWL). The carcass was divided in five cuts (leg, loin, ribs, shoulder clod and neck) that were weighted for calculation of cut yields. The leg was dissected in muscle, bone and fat, and weights of these tissues were expressed in absolute weight and in percentage of leg weight. The muscle:bone and muscle:fat ratios, index of leg muscularity (ILM) and the loin eye area (LEA) were also calculated. Increasing dietary concentrate from 30 to 60% increased not only hot and cold carcass yields but also biological yield. The increasing levels of concentrate in the diet showed no effect on the percentage of leg muscle. However, it was observed an increase in both fat deposition and rib eye area.

Este trabalho foi realizado objetivando-se determinar a composição corporal de proteína, gordura e energia e as exigências nutricionais de proteína e energia para mantença e ganho de peso de ovinos Morada Nova. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros com peso vivo (PV) médio inicial de 15 kg. Para determinação da composição corporal, pela metodologia do abate comparativo, seis cordeiros (animais-referência) foram abatidos aos 15 kg, seis aos 20 kg (abate intermediário) e os demais foram distribuídos em seis grupos (um para cada dieta) de três animais, de acordo com a relação volumoso(V):concentrado(C): 40:60, 55:45 e 70:30. Os cordeiros em cada grupo foram abatidos quando o que recebia a dieta com maior teor de concentrado atingiu 25 kg de PV. A composição corporal variou de 181,53 a 178,74 g de proteína; 72,37 a 131,11 g de gordura e 1,81 a 2,34 Mcal de energia por kg de peso de corpo vazio (PCV). As exigências líquidas de ganho variaram de 222,30 a 218,6 g de proteína e de 3,30 a 4,28 Mcal de energia por kg de PV ganho. As perdas endógenas de nitrogênio foram de 0,332 g/kg0,75/dia. A exigência líquida de energia para mantença, estimada pela produção de calor em jejum, foi de 52,49 kcal/kg0,75 de PCV. As exigências de proteína e energia metabolizável para cordeiros dos 15 aos 25 kg de PV, com ganho de peso diário de 100 g, oscilaram de 53,46 a 60,19 g/dia e de 1,47 a 2,00 Mcal/dia, respectivamente.

This investigation was carried out to determine body composition of protein, fat, and energy as well as nutritional requirements of protein and energy for maintenance and weight gain of Morada Nova Lambs. Thirty lambs averaging 15 kg of initial body weight (BW) were used in this trial. To determine the body composition using the comparative slaughter approach six lambs were slaughtered at 15 kg (reference animals), six at 20 kg (intermediary slaughter), and the remaining were distributed in one of six groups of three animals (one animal per diet) receiving the following forage (F):concentrate(C) ratios: 1) 40F:60C; 2) 55F:45C, and 3) 70F:30C. Lambs in each group were slaughtered when the animal fed the highest amount of concentrate reached 25 kg of BW. Body composition varied from 181.53 to 178.74 g of protein, 72.37 to 131.11 g of fat, and 1.81 to 2.34 Mcal of energy per kg of empty body weight (EBW). The net requirements of gain varied from 222.30 to 218.6 g of protein and from 3.30 to 4.28 Mcal of energy per kg of gained BW. The endogenous losses of nitrogen were of 0.332 g/kg0.75/day. The net requirement of energy for maintenance, estimated by heat production in fasted animals, was of 52.49 Kcal/kg0.75 of EBW. The requirements of metabolizable protein and energy for lambs from 15 to 25 kg of BW with daily weight gain of 100 g varied from 53.46 to 60.19 g/day and from 1.47 a 2.00 Mcal/day, respectively.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido para se determinar a composição corporal e as exigências nutricionais de cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P), magnésio (Mg), sódio (Na) e potássio de ovinos da raça Morada Nova. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros com peso vivo (PV) médio inicial de 15 kg e 70 dias de idade. Seis cordeiros foram abatidos aos 15 kg, para determinação da composição corporal inicial (animais-referência) pela metodologia do abate comparativo; seis foram abatidos aos 20 kg (abate intermediário) e os demais distribuídos em seis grupos de três animais (um para cada dieta), de acordo com as relações volumoso(V):concentrado(C): 1) 40V:60C; 2) 55V:45C; e 3) 70V:30C. Os animais, em cada grupo, foram abatidos quando o cordeiro que recebia a dieta com maior teor de concentrado atingiu 25 kg de PV. A composição corporal variou de 14,33 a 12,42 g de Ca; 8,12 a 7,15 g de P; 0,47 a 0,46 g de Mg; 1,60 a 1,40 g de Na e de 2,30 a 2,23 g de K por kg de peso de corpo vazio. As exigências líquidas de ganho variaram de 13,54 a 11,74 mg de Ca; 7,96 a 7,02 mg de P; 0,57 a 0,55 mg de Mg; 1,54 a 1,35 mg de Na e de 2,75 a 2,68 mg de K por g de ganho de PV. As exigências dietéticas diárias de macrominerais para cordeiros dos 15 aos 25 kg de PV, ganhando 100 g/dia, variaram de 2,76 a 3,12 g de Ca; 1,91 a 2,95 de g de P; 0,60 a 0,77 g de Mg; 0,60 a 0,86 g de Na e de 1,51 a 2,63 g de K.

The objective of this trial was to determine the body composition and nutritional requirements of macrominerals for Morada Nova sheep. Thirty lambs averaging 15 kg of initial body weight (BW) and 70 days of age were used in this study. Six lambs (reference-animals) were slaughtered with 15 kg of BW to determine the initial body composition using the comparative slaughter methodology; six other lambs were slaughtered with 20 kg of BW (intermediary slaughter) and the remaining 18 lambs were distributed to six groups of three animals (one lamb for each treatment) and received diets with the following forage(F):concentrate(C) ratio: 1) 40F:60C; 2) 55F:45C; and 3) 70F:30C. Animals from each group were slaughtered when the lamb that had been fed the diet with the highest concentrate level reached 25 kg of BW. Body composition varied from 14.33 to 12.42 g of Ca, 8.12 to 7.15 g of P, 0.47 to 0.46 g of Mg, 1.60 to 1.40 g of Na, and 2.30 to 2.23 g of K per kg of empty body weight. Net gain requirements ranged from 13.54 to 11.74 mg of Ca, 7.96 to 7.02 mg of P, 0.57 to 0.55 mg of Mg, 1.54 to 1.35 mg of Na, and 2.75 to 2.68 mg of K per g of gained BW. Daily macromineral requirements for lambs from 15 to 25 kg of BW gaining 100 g/day varied from 2.76 to 4.74 g Ca, 1.91 to 3.15 g of P, 0.60 to 0.93 g of Mg, 0.60 to 0.76 g of Na, and 1.51 to 1.79 g of K.

Este experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da inclusão de Egeria densa na ração sobre o consumo voluntário, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar de ovinos Santa Inês. Dezesseis ovinos foram distribuídos ao acaso em quatro tratamentos: T0 = 81% de feno de tifton (FT) e 19% de concentrado (farelo de soja e milho); T27 = 27% de feno de Egeria (FE), 54% de FT e 19% de concentrado; T54 54% de FE, 27% de FT e 19% de concentrado e T81 = 81% de FE e 19% de concentrado. Verificou-se que o consumo voluntário foi reduzido, e o ganho de peso, quando analisado todo o período experimental, não foi afetado pela adição de feno de Egeria. Durante o período experimental, verificou-se que o ganho de peso foi uniforme nos animais que receberam as dietas sem e com 27% feno de Egeria. Quando as dietas continham 54 e 81% de feno de Egeria, o ganho de peso apresentou comportamento quadrático. Apesar da alta concentração de alguns elementos minerais, a Egeria tem potencial como forrageira para ovinos, desde que seja fornecida em baixa proporção na ração ou por curto período.

Sixteen Santa Inês sheep were randomly allotted to four treatments (T0 = 81% tifton hay (TH) and 19% concentrate (soybean meal and corn); T27 = 27% egeria hay (EH), 54% TH and 19% concentrate; T81 = 81% EH and 19% concentrate) to evaluate the effect of Egeria hay inclusion in the diet on voluntary intake, weight gain and feed efficiency. Voluntary intake reduced and body weight gain was not affected by EH inclusion. During the experimental period, weight gain was similar for the animals fed diet without or with 27% EH. EH inclusion (at levels of 54 and 81%) affected quadractricaly body weight gain. Despite of the high minerals concentration, EH could be used as forage in small quantity or for short period.

Objetivando avaliar o efeito da adição de feno de catingueira (FC) sobre os balanços de nitrogênio e de energia em ovinos Morada Nova, foram utilizados 15 animais machos, castrados, durante 22 dias. O delineamento estatístico foi inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram da inclusão de 0, 50 e 100% de FC à ração, na base da matéria seca. Os níveis de inclusão do FC às dietas não influenciaram nenhum dos parâmetros de balanço de nitrogênio. A perda média total de nitrogênio foi de 75,60% do ingerido e através da urina, de 61,31%. Não se observou efeito dos níveis de inclusão de FC sobre os parâmetros de balanço de energia, exceto para a energia bruta perdida pelas fezes, que diminuiu linearmente, à medida que se aumentou a participação do FC às dietas. A perda média total de energia foi de 58,40% da ingerida. Os resultados permitem indicar o feno de catingueira como fonte estratégica de alimento para os animais do semi-árido nordestino, sobretudo no período seco.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of "catingueira" hay (CH) addition on nutritional balance by sheep. Fifteen "Morada Nova" males castrated sheep were used in a complete randomized design with three treatments (0, 50 and 100% CH addition) and five replications. The inclusion of CH did not influence the apparent nitrogen balance. The energy retained as percentage of the ingested energy was not affected by treatment, however, the energy retained as percentage of the digested energy declined linearly in function of the CH inclusion level. Considering the nutrititonal demands of the experimental animals, it was concluded that the average intake observed at the intermediary levels of CH, showed that the "catingueira" have a reasonable nutritive value, being a strategic forage plant to the herd in the dry season in the semi-arid region.

Foi estudada a composição centesimal da carne de cordeiros submetidos a três dietas com diferentes níveis de concentrado. Foram utilizados 18 cordeiros, machos não castrados, da raça Morada Nova, com peso vivo médio inicial de 15kg. As dietas constituíram-se em: D1 - 60% de concentrado (C) e 40% de volumoso (V); D2 - 45% de C e 55% de V e D3 - 30% de C e 70% de V. Quando os animais que recebiam a D1 atingiam 25kg de peso vivo, o respectivo lote, formado por três animais, era abatido. As carcaças foram refrigeradas a 4ºC por 24 horas. A meia carcaça esquerda foi seccionada em cinco cortes: pescoço, paleta, costelas, lombo e perna. As pernas foram dissecadas para a obtenção do músculo Semimembranosus, no qual foi determinada a composição centesimal. Os níveis de concentrado na dieta não afetaram o teor de umidade, matéria mineral e gordura da carne ovina, porém afetaram (P<0,05) o teor de proteína. As dietas com 30 e 60% de concentrado propiciaram mesmo teor de proteína na carne.

Centesimal composition of meat from lambs submitted to three diets with different concentrate levels was studied. Eighteen Morada Nova male lambs were used, with 15kg initial live weight. The diets were: D1 - 60% concentrate (C) and 40% roughage (R); D2 - 45% C and 55% R and D3 - 30% C and 70% R. When animals that received the D1 reached 25kg live weight, the respective lot, formed by three animals, was slaughtered. The carcasses were refrigerated at 4ºC for 24 hours. From the left half carcass were obtained five cuts: neck, shoulder, ribs, loin and leg. The legs were dissected and the Semimembranosus muscle was obtained in order to determinate the centesimal composition. The concentrate levels in the diet did not affect water, ash and fat content of the lamb meat, but they affected (P<0.05) meat protein content. Meat from lambs fed with 30% and 60% concentrate in the diet had similar protein content.