ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the effects of maturity at harvest and row spacing on fermentative profile, aerobic stability, and nutritional value of biomass sorghum (BRS 716) silage. The experiment was conducted using a split-plot completely randomized block design with three row spacings (45, 70, and 90 cm) and four maturities at harvest (70, 100, 130, and 160 days) and eight replications. Polyvinyl chloride silos of known weight measuring 50 cm length and 10 cm diameter were used for silage production. Dry matter and total carbohydrate contents of the silage increased linearly, whereas crude protein and ash decreased linearly with maturity at harvest. Row spacing did not influence pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3), gas and effluent losses, and dry matter recovery of silage. The concentrations of malic, succinic, and acetic acids and ethanol responded quadratically to maturity at harvest. The levels of neutral detergent fiber, lignin, and indigestible neutral detergent fiber increased linearly with maturity at harvest. Ruminal degradation kinetics of dry matter of biomass sorghum silage was not influenced by row spacing. BRS 716 biomass sorghum should be planted at 70-cm row spacing and harvested at 160 days for silage production based on fermentative profile, dry matter losses, and nutritional characteristics.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of wilting times and application of an enzymatic-bacterial inoculant on the fermentative profile and nutritional characteristics of BRS capiaçu grass silage in a semi-arid region. Four wilting times treatments (control, 6, 24, and 30 h), with or without the addition of an enzymatic-bacterial inoculant, were analyzed as a split-plot completely randomized design with eight replications. Parameters of the rumen degradability test were analyzed using a split-plot completely randomized block design with four replications. There was no interaction between wilting times and inoculant application on pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and aerobic stability of BRS capiaçu silage. Aerobic stability was reduced by 1.2 h for every 1-h increase in wilting time. Inoculant application reduced the pH values by 2.59% and extended the aerobic stability of the silage by 19 h. There was a significant interaction of wilting times and inoculant application on the levels of malic, succinic, lactic, and acetic acids. Inoculant application increased the contents of dry matter, ash, crude protein, insoluble neutral detergent fiber, and total carbohydrates by 3.63, 6.13, 7.73, 6.39, and 9.97% compared with non-inoculated silages, respectively. Wilting times for up to 30 h and application of enzymatic-bacterial inoculant improves the fermentative profile and chemical composition and reduces dry matter losses of silage of BRS capiaçu grass harvested at 100 days of regrowth.

Resumo O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a intensidade de antracnose em banana ‘Prata-Anã’ com aplicação de três formulações de fosfito, em dois intervalos de aplicação nos cachos da bananeira em desenvolvimento, e avaliar as características físicas e químicas dos frutos. No campo, em adição ao manejo do produtor, foram avaliadas três formulações de fosfito: FCu1 (4% de Cu + 20% de P2O5), FCu2 (4% de Cu + 22% de P2O5) e FK (42 % de P2O5 + 27,7% de K2O) pulverizados nos cachos da bananeira, em diferentes frequências de aplicação: quatro e oito vezes. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados, seguindo esquema fatorial 5 x 2, sendo 3 formulações de fosfito, água pura e sem aplicação e dois intervalos de aplicação. Foram adotadas como testemunha água pura e ausência de aplicação. Os frutos foram colhidos, armazenados em câmara de refrigeração (25 ±1°C e 80 ±5% UR) e avaliados quanto à incidência e à severidade da antracnose bem como as características físicas e químicas. A aplicação de fosfito de cobre pode controlar a incidência da antracnose em até 38%, e a severidade, em 49,5 %. As frequências de aplicação dos fosfitos não interferem na intensidade da antracnose. A aplicação de fosfito FCu1 nos cachos de banana ‘Prata-Anã’, assim como realizar oito aplicações de fosfitos, aumenta a perda de massa fresca. A frequência de aplicação dos fosfitos interferiu nas características químicas dos frutos de banana.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthracnose intensity in ‘Prata-Anã’ banana with the application of three phosphite formulations in two application intervals in the developing banana bunches and to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits. In the field, in addition to producer management, three phosphite formulations were evaluated: FCu1 (4% Cu + 20% P2O5), FCu2 (4% Cu + 22% P2O5) and FK (42% P2O5 + 27.7% K2O) sprayed on banana bunches at different application frequencies: four and eight times. The experiment was carried out in a randomized blocks design following a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, with 3 phosphite formulations, pure water and no application and two application intervals. Pure water and no application were used as control. Fruits were harvested, stored in refrigeration chamber (25 ± 1 ° C and 80 ± 5% RH) and evaluated for anthracnose incidence and severity, as well as physical and chemical characteristics. The application of copper phosphite can control anthracnose incidence by 38% and severity by 49.5%. The frequency of phosphite application does not affect anthracnose intensity. FCu1 phosphite application in ‘Prata-Anã’ banana bunches, as well as eight phosphite applications increases fresh mass loss. Phosphite application frequency affected the chemical characteristics of banana fruits.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of quantitative feed restriction level on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, efficiency and feeding behavior, and productive performance of F1 Holstein × Zebu cows in late lactation. Sixty F1 Holstein × Zebu cows were used at the stage of late lactation (183.0±17.5 days of lactation) and with initial body weight (BW) of 499±30 kg. The experimental arrangement adopted was the completely randomized design, with five feed restriction levels (3.39, 2.75, 2.50, 2.25, and 2.00% of BW) and twelve cows as replicates for each treatment. The roughage:concentrate ratio was of 75:25 in the total dry matter of the diet. The restriction of dietary supply from 3.39 to 2.0% of BW linearly reduced dry matter intake by 51.74%. The restriction in diet supply linearly increased dry matter digestibility in 13.76%. For each 1% BW restriction in the diet supply for the animals, there was a linear reduction of 3 h in feeding time. Restriction in diet supply of crossbred cows from 3.39 to 2.0% of BW reduced milk production by 24.84%. For each 1% restriction on supply, 2.17 L of milk were not produced. Milk production corrected to 3.5% fat was not altered with the feed restriction. Final BW decreased 41 kg for each percentage unit of diet restriction. Feed efficiency increased 28.72% with feed restriction. For F1 Holstein × Zebu cows in the late lactation, the restriction of dietary supply up to 2.0% of body weight decreases nutrient intake, nitrogen balance, rumination time, and milk production; however, it improves nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency of the animals.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of nitrogen fertilization on the morphogenic, structural, productive and chemical composition of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R. D. Webster cv. Basilisk in a silvopastoral system with eucalyptus. The experimental treatments consisted of pastures of Basilisk cultivar, fertilized with 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg ha-1 year-1 of N, and intercropped with eucalyptus, clone GG 100 (Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla). The experimental arrangement followed a randomized block design with four replicates. The evaluated characteristics were: foliar appearance rate, phyllochron, leaf length, leaf elongation rate, leaf life span, foliar senescence rate, number of green leaves per tiller, number of senescent leaves per tiller, daily dry matter accumulation, dry matter production, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber. In the conditions of the established silvopastoral system, nitrogen fertilization did not influence (p > 0.05) the morphogenic and structural characteristics of Basilisk cultivar, except for height (p < 0.01) and leaf: stem ratio (p = 0.02). The nitrogen fertilization of the Brachiaria grass with eucalyptus in the proposed structural arrangement does not modify (p > 0.05) the morphogenic characteristics. However, in ration to dry matter production, doses of up to 400 kg of N ha-1 are recommended.

Objetivou-se por meio deste estudo avaliar as características estruturais, produtivas e o valor nutritivo do capim-Tifton 85 adubado com duas doses de nitrogênio em quatro idades de rebrota. Foi utilizado delineamento em blocos casualizados seguindo esquema fatorial 4 x 2, com 4 idades de rebrota (28, 35, 42 e 49 dias) e duas doses de nitrogênio (100 e 300 kg ha-1) com seis repetições, totalizando 48 unidades experimentais de 25 m² (5x5m) cada. O critério de blocagem foi à variação na área experimental. A produção de matéria seca incrementou linearmente, em média 56.4%, à medida que avançou a idade de rebrota de 28 para 49 dias (P<0,01). Entre as doses de N, houve aumento de 17.2% na produção de matéria seca quando adubado com 300 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio. A altura das plantas (P<0,01), assim como o número de folhas vivas (P<0,01), número de folhas expandidas (P<0,01) e o comprimento final da folha (P<0,01) aumentaram linearmente com o avanço da idade corte. A adubação do capim Tifton 85 com 100 kg ha-1 de N, manejado a cada 35 dias melhora a produção de matéria seca, características estruturais e valor nutricional da forragem para corte e/ou pastejo.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural, productive and nutritional value of Tifton 85 grass fertilized with two nitrogen doses at four regrowth ages. The experimental design was a randomized block in a factorial 4 x 2, with four regrowth ages (28, 35, 42 and 49 days) and two levels of nitrogen (100 and 300 kg ha-1) in six replicates, totaling 48 experimental units, of 25 m² (5x5m) each. The blocking criterion was the variation in the experimental area. Dry matter production increased linearly, on average 56.4%, as the regrowth age increased from 28 to 49 days (P<0.01). Among the N rates, there was a 17.2% increase in dry matter yield when fertilized with 300 kg / ha of nitrogen. The height of the plants (P <0.01), as well as the number of live leaves (P <0.01), number of expanded leaves (P <0.01) and the final leaf length (P <0.01) increased linearly with the advancement of cut age. Fertilization of Tifton 85 grass with 100 kg ha-1 of N, managed every 35 days improves the dry matter production, structural characteristics and nutritional value of forage for cutting and / or grazing.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se avaliar a produção, o valor nutritivo e a degradação ruminal potencial do feno de capim-Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) colhido em quatro idades de rebrota (28, 35, 42 e 49 dias) e adubado com duas doses de nitrogênio (N; 100 e 300 kg N ha-1). O delineamento foi o em blocos ao acaso, arranjado em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, com seis repetições. A área experimental foi o critério de blocagem. A adubação nitrogenada incrementou (p < 0,01) a produção de matéria seca e a produção de matéria seca digestível do feno e também os teores de lignina (p = 0,01) e proteína bruta (p = 0,01). Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína (p = 0,01), fibra em detergente ácido (p = 0,01) e celulose (p = 0,02) ajustaram-se ao modelo quadrático de regressão em função das idades de rebrota. Para degradabilidade ruminal potencial do feno foi observado efeito quadrático (p = 0,01), com valor máximo de 73,1% aos 37 dias de rebrota. O feno de capim-Tifton 85 adubado com 300 kg ha-1 de N e colhido até os 37 dias de rebrota resulta em maior produção de matéria seca de feno, maiores teores de proteína bruta, melhor degradabilidade ruminal potencial da matéria seca.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, nutritional value and potential ruminal degradation of Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) harvested at four regrowth ages (28, 35, 42 and 49 days) and fertilized with two nitrogen doses (N; 100 and 300 kg N ha-1). The experimental design was a randomized block design, arranged in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with six replications each. Nitrogen fertilization increased (p < 0.05) dry matter yield and digestible dry matter production of hay and also lignin and crude protein contents. Nitrogen fertilization increased (p < 0.01) the dry matter yield and the digestible dry matter production of hay, as well as lignin (p = 0.01) and crude protein (p = 0.01). The neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (p = 0.01), acid detergent fiber (p = 0.01) and cellulose (p = 0.02) adjusted to the quadratic function regression model of the regrowth ages. For potential rumen degradability hay, it was observed quadratic effect (p = 0.01) with maximum value of 73.1% at 37 days of regrowth. Tifton 85 hay fertilized with 300 kg ha -1 of N and harvested up to 37 days of regrowth results in higher hay dry matter yield, higher crude protein content, and better dry matter rumen degradability.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se avaliar as características estruturais, produtivas e nutricionais da palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck. cv. Miúda/Doce) sob cinco doses de nitrogênio e duas orientações de plantio. Utilizou-se um delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial de 5 x 2, sendo cinco doses de nitrogênio (0, 150, 300, 450 e 600 kg de N ha-1), e duas orientações de plantio (Norte/Sul e Leste/Oeste), com três repetições. Com exceção das espessuras de cladódio secundário (p = 0,04) e terciário (p = 0,02), as características morfométricas da palma forrageira não foram influenciadas pelas doses de nitrogênio (p > 0,05), sendo a média da altura de 120 cm e área do cladódio primário, secundário e terciário de 160,9; 208,0 e 158,4 cm², respectivamente. A aplicação de adubo nitrogenado, nas condições de sequeiro e doses avaliadas não afetou a produtividade de massa verde (PMV; p = 0,56), de massa seca (PMS; p = 0,74) e o teor de matéria seca (MS; p = 0,72), sendo as médias de 276,0 t ha-1, 43,2 t ha-1 e 15,7%, respectivamente. O incremento das doses de nitrogênio não melhora a maioria das características morfométricas e nem a PMS da palma forrageira Miúda aos 730 dias após o plantio.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the structural, productive and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck. cv. Miúda/Doce) under five nitrogen doses and two planting orientations. A randomized block design in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme was used in the scheme: five nitrogen doses (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 kg of N ha-1), and two planting orientations (North/South and East/West), with three replicates. Except for the thickness of the secondary (p = 0.04) and tertiary cladodes (p = 0.02), the morphometric characteristics of the cactus pear were not influenced by the nitrogen doses (p > 0.05). The mean height was 120 cm, the areas of the primary, secondary and tertiary cladodium were 160.9; 208 and 158.4 cm², respectively. The application of nitrogen fertilizer, in the dry conditions and doses evaluated, did not affect the production of green matter (PGM, p = 0.56), dry matter (PDM, p = 0.74) and dry matter content (DM, p = 0.72), with averages of 276 t ha-1, 43.2 t ha-1 and 15.7%, respectively. The increase of the nitrogen doses does not improve the majority of the morphometric characteristics or the dry matter yield of the cactus pear cv. Miúda at 730 days after planting.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito e o melhor nível de inclusão de glicerina bruta na ensilagem de capim Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) sobre os parâmetros fermentativos e a composição química da silagem. Os tratamentos consistiram de silagem de capim Tifton 85 (controle) e silagem de capim Tifton 85 com quatro níveis de inclusão de glicerina bruta (1, 5, 10 e 15% de inclusão na matéria natural) durante a ensilagem. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado sendo quatro tratamentos mais o controle com cinco repetições. Foi verificado que a inclusão de 1%, 5%, 10% e 15% de glicerina bruta diminuiu 18%, 18%, 20% e 22% o valor de pH em relação a silagem controle (5,0), respectivamente. A inclusão de 15% de glicerina bruta na silagem de capim Tifton 85 aumentou 4,3% o teor de carboidratos totais, 67,4% o teor de extrato etéreo e 17,7% o teor de nutrientes digestíveis totais em relação à silagem controle. A utilização de 15% de glicerina bruta na matéria natural de capim Tifton 85 durante a ensilagem melhora o perfil fermentativo e as características nutricionais da silagem.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect and the best level of crude glycerin inclusion in grass ensiling Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) on fermentative parameters and silage chemical composition. Treatments consisted of Tifton 85 grass silage (control) and silage Tifton 85 grass with four levels of inclusion of crude glycerin (1, 5, 10 and 15% inclusion in natural matter) during ensiling. A completely randomized design with four treatments more control with five replications was used. It has been found that the inclusion of 1%, 5%, 10%, 15% crude glycerin decreased by 18%, 18%, 20% and 22%, the pH value compared to the control silage (5.0), respectively. The inclusion of 15% crude glycerin in silage Tifton 85 grass increased by 4.3% in total carbohydrate, 67.4% in the ether extract and 17.7% in the total digestible nutrient content compared to control silage. The use of 15% crude glycerin in the natural field of Tifton 85 grass during ensiling enhances the fermentation profile and the nutritional characteristics of silage.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se determinar e mensurar os ácidos fenólicos em quatro variedades de cana-de-açúcar (RB 855536, RB 765418, SP 80-1842 e SP 80-1816) na forma in natura e ensilada, bem como avaliar a influência destes ácidos sobre a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca e fibra em detergente neutro. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial. Para a fração da matéria seca (MS), as variedades RB 855536 e SP 80-1842 tiveram médias 17,80% superior em relação às demais. As variedades SP 80-1842 e RB 855536, não diferiram entre si (p > 0,05) com média de degradabilidade efetiva da MS de 33,70%. Para a silagem, os maiores teores de ácido p-cumárico foram constatados na variedade RB 855536 que foi 24,64% superior às variedades RB 765418 e SP 80-1842 (média de 12,75%) e 52,60% à variedade SP 80-1816 (média de 8,02%), sendo que para a forma in natura, as variedades não diferiram entre si (p > 0,05), média de 8,86%. A silagem da variedade SP 80-1816 apresentou teor de ácido ferúlico 40,82% superior às demais variedades, média 4,63%. A verificação das concentrações dos ácidos fenólicos p-cumárico e ferúlico não são suficientes para justificar o efeito da ação microbiana sobre as variedades estudadas nas diferentes formas de processamento.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to determine and measure the phenolic acids in four varieties of sugarcane (RB 855536, RB 765418, SP 80-1842 and SP 80-1816) as fresh and ensiled, and assess the influence of these acids on in situ degradability of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial design. For the fraction of dry matter (DM), varieties RB 855536 and SP 80-1842 had average 17.80% higher compared to others. The SP80-1842 and RB 855536 varieties did not differ (p > 0.05), with an average of DM effective degradability of 33.70%. For silage, the highest levels of p-coumaric acid were found in the variety RB 855536, which was 24.64% higher than the varieties RB 765418 and SP 80-1842 (average 12.75%) and 52.60% of the variety SP 80-1816 (average 8.02%), since for the in natura form, varieties did not differ between each other (p > 0.05), and had an average of 8.86%. Silage variety SP 80-1816 has ferulic acid content 40.82% higher than the other varieties, with an average of 4.63%. The examination of the concentrations of phenolic acids p-coumaric and ferulic are not sufficient to justify the effect of microbial action on the varieties studied in different forms of processing.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar rendimento, perfil de ácidos graxos, composição físico-química e sensorial do queijo Minas frescal produzido do leite de vacas alimentadas com dietas com diferentes fontes de compostos nitrogenados (farelo de soja, ureia, farelo de girassol e farelo de mamona detoxicado). Foram utilizadas oito vacas F1 Holandesas/Zebu, com produção média de 20 kg de leite corrigido para 3,5% de gordura dia-1, em dois quadrados latinos 4 × 4, sendo compostos de quatro tratamentos (dietas), quatro animais e quatro períodos experimentais cada. Os queijos foram fabricados no último dia de cada período experimental. A composição físico-química, o rendimento e a textura do queijo foram semelhantes entre dietas experimentais. As dietas utilizadas influenciaram a concentração do ácido graxo C11:0, sendo superior para as dietas com farelo de soja e farelo de girassol; o C18:2 C9-T11 (CLA) mostrou-se superior para as dietas com ureia, farelo de soja e farelo de girassol; e o C20:3 para as dietas com farelo de soja e ureia. Para os demais ácidos graxos saturados, monoinsaturados e poli-insaturados não foram observadas diferenças. Diferentes fontes de compostos nitrogenados na dieta de vacas, com produção média de 20 kg de leite corrigido para 3,5% de gordura, não alteram a composição físico-química, o rendimento nem a aceitação do queijo Minas frescal, entretanto pode influenciar o perfil de ácidos graxos da gordura do queijo.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate yield, fatty acid profile, physical, chemical and sensory composition of Minas fresh cheese made with milk from cows fed diets containing different sources of nitrogen compounds (soybean meal, urea, sunflower meal and detoxified castor bean meal). Eight F1 Holstein/Zebu cows with average production of 20 kg milk corrected to 3.5% fat day-1 were distributed in two 4 × 4 Latin squares, consisting of four treatments (diets), four animals and four experimental periods. Cheese was produced on the last day of each experimental period. The physical and chemical composition, yield and texture of cheese were similar between diets. The used diets influenced the concentration of fatty acid C11:0, which was higher for diets with soybean meal and sunflower meal; C18:2 C9-T11 (CLA) was higher for diets with urea, soybean meal and sunflower meal and C20:3 for diets with soybean meal and urea. For the other saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, differences were not detected. Different sources of nitrogen compounds in the diet for cows with average production of 20 kg milk corrected to 3.5% fat day-1 have no effect on the physical or chemical composition, yield, as well as acceptance of Minas fresh cheese. However, it can influence the fatty acid profile in the cheese fat.

RESUMO. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho de cordeiros em confinamento recebendo dietas formuladas com fenos de diferentes genótipos de Cynodon spp. Ainda, comparar a digestibilidade da matéria seca das dietas usando diferentes métodos de avaliação (coleta total de fezes e óxido crômico). Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros, machos, não castrados, mestiços Suffolk, com média de idade de 90 dias e peso corporal médio de 21,5 kg ± 1,6. As dietas foram formuladas utilizando um concentrado padrão e feno dos seguintes genótipos de Cynodon dactylon: Jiggs, Vaquero, Tifton 68, Coast-Cross, Tifton 85 e Russel, em uma razão volumoso concentrado de 60:40, constituindo os tratamentos, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, sendo 5 dietas e 2 métodos de avaliação de digestibilidade. Os animais que receberam feno do Vaquero apresentaram ingestão de matéria seca de 18,3; 16,9; 25,6; 20,7 e 24,2% superior aos animais alimentados com feno de Jiggs, Tifton 68, Coast Cross, Tifton 85 e Russel, respectivamente. Não foi verificada diferença entre as dietas para digestibilidade usando coleta total de fezes e óxido de cromo e peso final dos animais. As dietas a base de feno de Jiggs possibilitaram maior ganho de peso diário e melhor conversão alimentar.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of feedlot lambs fed diets formulated with hay of different genotypes of Cynodon spp. and to compare the dry matter digestibility of diets using different evaluation methods (total fecal collection and chromium oxide). Suffolk crossbred neutered male lambs (n=30), with an average age of 90 days and average body weight of 21.5 kg ± 1.6. Diets were formulated using a standard concentrate and hay of the following genotypes of Cynodon dactylon: Jiggs, Vaquero, Tifton 68, Coast-Cross, Tifton 85 and Russell, in a 60:40 forage concentrate ratio, composing the treatments distributed in a randomized block design in a factorial 5 x 2 arrangement of 5 diets and 2 digestibility evaluation methods. Animals receiving Vaquero hay showed dry matter intake of 18.3; 16.9; 25.6; 20.7 and 24.2% higher than those fed hay of Jiggs, Tifton 68, Coast Cross, Tifton 85 and Russell, respectively. There was no difference between diets for digestibility using total fecal collection, chromium oxide and final weight of animals. Jiggs hay based diets allowed greater daily weight gain and better feed conversion.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a cinética da fermentação e taxas de degradação de gramíneas do gênero Cynodon estimadas pela técnica semi automática de produção de gases in vitro. As forrageiras utilizadas foram: Coastcross, Tifton 85 e Tifton 68. As leituras de pressão foram realizadas nos tempos: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72 e 96h. A degradabilidade da matéria seca (DMS) foi obtida pela porcentagem de matéria seca (MS) remanescente após 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 96h de fermentação. A gramínea Tifton 85 apresentou uma produção total de gases superior (p <0,05). Maiores taxas de fermentação ocorreram no tempo inicial de fermentação decrescendo (p <0,05) com o avançar do tempo. As gramíneas Tifton 85 e Tifton 68 apresentaram valores superiores (p <0,05) de fração solúvel, insolúvel potencialmente degradável, insolúvel, degradabilidade potencial e efetiva da matéria seca em relação à gramínea Coastcross. Maior produção de gases durante a incubação in vitro da matéria seca foi observada para o capim Tifton 85.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the fermentation kinetics and degradation rates of Cynodon grasses estimated by semi-automated technique of in vitro gas production. The forages were: Coastcross, Tifton 85 and Tifton 68. Pressure readings were taken at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Dry matter degradability (DMD) was obtained by the percentage of dry matter (DM) remaining after 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours of fermentation. Tifton 85 showed a higher total gas production (p <0.05). Higher fermentation rates were found at the beginning of fermentation followed by subsequent reduction (p <0.05) over time. Tifton 85 and Tifton 68 showed higher values (p < 0.05) for soluble fraction, potentially degradable insoluble fraction, insoluble fraction, potential and effective degradability of dry matter in relation to Coastcross grass. Higher gas production during in vitro incubation of dry matter was observed for Tifton 85 g.

O presente experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de suplementações sobre o desempenho produtivo e parâmetros econômicos de novilhos de corte, em fase de recria, manejados em pastagens durante a época da seca. Foram utilizados 24 novilhos castrados, com idade e peso médios de 18 meses e de 269 kg, respectivamente. Foram avaliados os seguintes tratamentos: pastagem sem minerais (P); pastagem e sal mineralizado (PSM) e pastagem e sal mineralizado mais ureia (PSMU). A composição bromatológica caracterizou-se por baixos conteúdos de proteína bruta e altos valores de fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido para forragens amostradas na forma de coleta completa comparada com a técnica de simulação de pastejo. Os animais sob os tratamentos com suplementação mineralizada mais ureia apresentaram ganhos de peso diários médios superiores (p < 0,05) ao daquele submetido apenas à pastagem. No entanto, quando o peso médio foi expresso em peso metabólico apenas o tratamento com ureia apresentou superioridade nos dados (p < 0,05). A suplementação de animais em pastejo mostrou-se uma técnica economicamente rentável, sendo que a utilização de sal mineralizado com ureia no período seco possibilita melhor desempenho a custos viáveis.

The present study evaluated the effects of supplements on the productive performance and economical parameters of beef steers on pastures during the dry season. Twenty-four castrated steers with average age and weight of eighteen months and 269 kg, respectively, were evaluated in the following treatments: pasture without minerals (P); pasture and mineral salt (PMS) and pasture and mineral salt plus urea (PMSU). The chemical composition showed low contents of crude protein and high values of neutral and acid detergent fiber for forages sampled in the form of complete collection compared with the grazing simulation technique. The supplementation with mineral salt plus urea led to a higher average daily gain (p < 0.05) than the animals on pasture without mineral. However, when the average daily gain was expressed per metabolic weight, the supplementation with mineral salt plus urea was superior (p < 0.05). The supplementation of animals on pasture proved economically profitable, and the use of mineral salt with urea in the dry season enables a better performance at viable costs.

Objetivou-se por meio deste trabalho determinar a degradação ruminal da fibra em detergente neutro de gramíneas do gênero Cynodon, colhidas em quatro idades de corte. Foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos arranjados em um esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo os cinco genótipos: Tifton 85, Jiggs, Russel, Tifton 68 e Vaqueiro; estudadas as parcelas e as quatro idades de corte as subparcelas: 28, 48, 63 e 79 dias. À medida que aumentou um dia na idade de corte, houve redução linear da degradabilidade efetiva da fibra em detergente neutro da lâmina e do colmo em 0,16 e 0,18%, respectivamente. O avanço na idade de corte influenciou linearmente e positivamente a fração indegradável da fibra em detergente neutro com incrementos diários para a lâmina foliar e para o colmo de 0,12 e 0,18%, respectivamente. Na idade de 28 dias de rebrota, todos os genótipos apresentaram maiores teores de fração insolúvel potencialmente degradável, degradabilidade efetiva e menor fração indegradável da fibra em detergente neutro da lâmina e do colmo em relação às demais idades, sendo desta forma recomendado esse intervalo para manejo de corte.

The aim of this work was to determine ruminal degradation of neutral detergent fiber of grasses of the genus Cynodon, harvested at four cutting ages. It was used a randomized block design, with five treatments arranged in a split plot, the five evaluated genotypes: Tifton 85, Jiggs, Russel, Tifton 68 and Vaquero; were the plots and ages of cutting were the subplots: 28, 48, 63 and 79 days. By adding one day in the cutting age, there was a linear reduction in the effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber of blade and stem of 0.16 and 0.18%, respectively. The increase in the cutting age had a linear and positive influence on the undegradable neutral detergent fiber with daily increments for leaf and stem of 0.12 and 0.18%, respectively. At the 28 regrowth day, all genotypes showed higher content of potentially degradable insoluble fraction, effective degradability and lower undegradable fraction of the neutral detergent fiber of blade and stem in relation to other ages, in this way this interval is recommended for cutting management.