ABSTRACT: Grape pomace is a by-product that can be ensiled and added to animal feed for a sustainable animal production. This study evaluated the effects of grape pomace silage (GPS) on the intake, performance, and carcass and meat quality of feedlot lambs. Twenty-four male lambs (21.5 ± 3.0 kg initial body weight) were distributed into pairs to four diets levels 0, 10, 20, and 30 % of GPS. The addition of grape pomace silage influenced only ether extract (EE) intake linearly without hindering consumption. The diet did not affect performance and meat quality attributes and carcass parameters, with average daily gain (ADG) of 0.235 kg d−1, feed conversion 4.299, carcass conformation 2.7, compactness index 0.25 kg cm−1, fat thickness 1.51 mm, loin eye area 13.9 cm2, pH 5.79, natural matter moisture 74.05 g 100 g−1, and crude protein (CP) 19.94 g per 100 g−1 of dry matter (DM). Grape pomace as could be used as silage in lamb diets with up to 30 % GPS, as the chemical composition of this by-product and the results indicate that GPS did not compromise performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

ABSTRACT. To evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep confined and fed with substitution levels of soybean meal (SM) by detoxified castor cake (DCC). We adopted a completely randomized design, with four levels of substitution (0; 33; 67 and 100%) with five replicates (sheep). We estimated the percentages of total times of intake of feed, time of rumination, in ‘other activities’, in idle agreed and in idle sleeping, dividing the day into eight periods (5h00 to 8h00; 8h01 to 11h00; 11h01 to 14h00; 14h01 to 17h00; 17h01 to 20h00; 20h01 to 23h00; 23h01 to 2h00 and 2h01 to 5h00). No interaction was observed between levels of substitution of the SM by DCC and period of the day to go. However, the isolated effect period of the day, there is more time to go from 8h00 to 11h00. The time rumination was not influenced by the levels of substitution of the SM by DCC. As for the variable other activities, the level of 67% DCC was superior to that of 100%. Regarding the variables idle agreed and idle sleeping, were not observed effects of substitution levels of SM by DCC. The DCC provides no changes in the behavior of the sheep, but the period of the day exerts influence on the behavioral pattern of such animals.

Resumen Este estudio investigó la inclusión del ensilado de orujo de uva (EOU; 0, 10, 20 y 30 %), se evaluó en dietas de corderos, en la ingesta y digestibilidad de nutrientes, balance de nitrógeno y comportamiento ingestivo. Cuatro corderos de la raza Santa Inés con un peso de 21.93 ± 87 kg y aproximadamente siete meses de edad fueron alojados en jaulas metabólicas y distribuidos en un diseño cuadrado latino de 4x4. Los tratamientos consistieron en cuatro dietas con la inclusión de 0, 10, 20 y 30 % de EOU en las dietas. La ingesta de nutrientes se observó con un comportamiento lineal creciente para la ingesta de extracto etéreo (EE) (P<0.05) de acuerdo con el aumento de EE en las dietas, causado por el contenido de EE de las semillas en el EOU. Las dietas no difirieron en los coeficientes de digestibilidad de nutrientes y balance de nitrógeno (P>0.05), con una digestibilidad de materia seca (DMS) media de 678.6 ± 0.62 g kg-1 de MS y retención media de N de 239.78 g kg-1 de N ingerido. El comportamiento ingestivo de las dietas solo influyó (P<0.05) en el tiempo que los animales permanecieron inactivos de pie. Este parámetro mostró un comportamiento cuadrático con un punto máximo estimado en 17.73 % de EOU (P=0.041). En conclusión, se puede hacer uso de EOU hasta un nivel de inclusión del 30 % sin afectar negativamente a los parámetros evaluados.

Abstract This study investigated the inclusion of grape pomace silage (GPS; 0, 10, 20 and 30%) were evaluated in diets of lambs on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and ingestive behavior. Four lambs of the Santa Inês breed with weight of 21.93 ± 0.87 kg and approximately seven months old, were housed in metabolic cages and distributed in a 4x4 latin square design. The treatments consisted of four diets with the inclusion of 0, 10, 20 and 30% GPS in diets. The nutrient intake was observed an increasing linear behavior for ether extract (EE) intake (P<0.05) according to the increase of EE in the diets, caused by content of EE of seeds in GPS. The diets did not differ in the digestibility coefficients of nutrients and nitrogen balance (P>0.05), with average digestibility of dry matter digestibility (DDM) of 678.6 ± 0.62 g kg-1 DM and average retention of 239.78 g kg-1 N ingested of N. The ingestive behavior the diets were influenced (P<0.05) by only the length of time that the animals remained idle in standing. This parameter showed a quadratic behavior with a maximum point estimated at 17.73 % of GPS (P=0.041). In conclusion, the use of GPS can be used until inclusion level of 30 % without negatively affecting the parameters evaluated.

RESUMO Avaliou-se a influência de quatro níveis de substituição (0; 33; 67 e 100%) do farelo de soja (FS) pela torta de mamona destoxificada (TMD) em rações sobre o consumo, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e balanço de nitrogênio em ovinos mestiços, machos, não castrados em delineamento em blocos completos ao acaso com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Observou-se efeito linear decrescente dos níveis de substituição do FS pela TMD sobre o consumo de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), carboidratos totais (CT), carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF), nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT), digestibilidade da MS, MO e CT com reduções respectivas de 2,04; 1,70; 0,35; 1,56; 1,89 e 1,67 g dia-1 e 0,34; 0,53 e 0,51 g kg-1 de MS, para cada 1% de substituição do FS pela TMD. O CMS e FDNcp expressos em %PC e g kg-0,75 apresentaram resposta quadrática com valor máximo de 3,85 e 1,73%PC e 95,15 e 42,47 g kg-0,75 com 25,00; 65,00; 20,75 e 61,50% de substituição do FS pela TMD, respectivamente. Houve aumento linear no consumo de fibra em detergente ácido e digestibilidade do extrato etéreo. O balanço de nitrogênio não foi influenciado pela substituição do FS pela TMD. A substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de mamona destoxificada por autoclavagem na ração de cordeiros altera o consumo e digestibilidade dos nutrientes sem influenciar o balanço de nitrogênio.

ABSTRACT The effect of substituting soybean meal (SM) with four levels (0, 33, 67 and 100%) of detoxified castor cake (DCC) on intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance was evaluated in uncastrated, male, crossbred sheep in a randomised complete block design with four treatments and five replications. There was a decreasing linear effect from the levels of substitution on dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) intake, total carbohydrates (TC), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN), and on DM, OM and TC digestibility, for reductions of 2.04, 1.70, 0.35, 1.56, 1.89 and 1.67 g dia-1 and 0.34, 0.53 and 0.51 g kg-1 DM respectively, for each 1% SM substituted with DCC. DMI and NDFap expressed, in %BW and g kg-0.75, showed a quadratic response, with a maximum value of 3.85 and 1.73%BW, and 95.15 and 42.47 g kg-0.75, for 25.00, 65.00, 20.75 and 61.50% SM substituted with DCC respectively. There was a linear increase in the intake of acid detergent fibre and in ether extract digestibility. The nitrogen balance was not affected by the substitution of SM with DCC. Substituting soybean meal with castor cake detoxified by autoclaving in lamb diets alters nutrient intake and digestibility without affecting the nitrogen balance.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) inclusion levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 g kg−1 in dry matter) replacing ground corn on the feeding behavior, as well as physiological and hematological variables of crossbred lactating Anglo Nubian goats. Eight Anglo Nubian goats were used, which were distributed in a double 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design (four periods and four levels of buriti oil) replacing corn in the total dry matter. For the evaluation of feeding behavior, single animals were observed every ten minutes for 24 h on three days. Respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT), and sweating rate (SR) of the animals were evaluated in the morning (09:00 h) and in the afternoon (15:00 h). Blood samples were always taken in the morning, before feeding, by puncturing the jugular vein for the complete blood count and white blood cell count. The levels of buriti oil had no effect on feeding, rumination, idling time, water intake, defecation and urination, DM intake, feed efficiency, and rumination efficiency of DM and NDF, but had effects on NDF intake. Physiological variables (RT, SR, RR, and HR) in both periods of the day were not influenced by the inclusion of buriti oil. However, SR and RR were higher in the afternoon than in the morning. In erythrocyte, results showed that the hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume increased with the inclusion of buriti oil. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and total plasma protein were not affected by the inclusion of buriti in the goat diet. The inclusion of buriti oil is recommended in up to 45 g kg−1 (DM basis) as a replacement for ground corn in diet of lactating goats without affecting the feeding behavior and physiological and hematological variables.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da pastagem e a emissão de metano (CH4) entérico de bovinos Curraleiro Pé-duro x Nelore, em pastagem de Megathyrsus maximus 'Mombaça', tanto a pleno sol como em consórcio com palmeiras de babaçu (Attalea spp.), no bioma Amazônia. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com seis novilhos por sistema, e as avaliações foram realizadas nos períodos seco (2015) e no chuvoso (2016). Em comparação à forragem no sistema a pleno sol, a forragem no sistema silvopastoril apresentou maiores teores de proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, nutrientes digestíveis totais e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica, e menores teores de matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro e carboidratos totais (CHOT). No período das águas, o sistema silvopastoril apresentou maiores teores de proteína bruta e reduções de carboidratos não fibrosos e CHOT. As emissões de CH4 foram semelhantes entre os sistemas, tendo variado de 44,0 a 74,2 kg por animal por ano. No período seco, a emissão por quilograma de matéria seca ingerida e a perda de energia bruta por metano foram menores no sistema silvopastoril. No período chuvoso, as emissões foram similares entre os tratamentos. O sistema silvopastoril oferece pastagem de boa qualidade na seca e, considerando-se o ciclo com ambos os períodos, é mais eficiente (emissão de CH4 pelo ganho de peso diário) do que o sistema a pleno sol.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of pasture and enteric methane (CH4) emission of Curraleiro Pé-duro x Nellore cattle in a pasture of Megathyrsus maximus 'Mombaça', both in full sun and in a consortium with babassu palms (Attalea spp.) in the Amazonian biome. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six steers per system, and the evaluations were done during the dry period (2015) and rainy period (2016). In comparison to forage in the full sun system, forage in the silvopastoral system showed, in the dry period, higher levels of crude protein, ether extract, total digestible nutrient, and in vitro digestible organic matter, and lower levels of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total carbohydrate (TCHO). In the rainy period, forage in the silvopastoral system showed higher levels of crude protein and a reduction of nonfibrous carbohydrate and TCHO. The CH4 emissions were similar in both systems within the same period, and ranged from 44.0 to 74.2 kg per year per animal. During the dry period, the emission per kilogram of dry ingested matter and the loss of gross energy as methane were lower in the silvopastoral system. During the rainy period, the emissions were similar in both systems. The silvopastoral system yields forage with good quality in the dry period, and considering both periods, it is more efficient (emission of CH4 per daily weight gain) than the system in full sun.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade química de silagem e feno de gliricídia em diferentes alturas de resíduo. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial (3×2), constando de três alturas de resíduo (70, 90 e 110 cm) e dois procedimentos de conservação de forragem (silagem e fenação) com quatro repetições. Para os valores de pH da gliricídia in natura e silagem não diferiram em relação à altura de resíduo, diferente dos teores de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3), onde na altura de 70 cm, apresentaram menores valores. As alturas de corte não influenciaram as perdas por gases, efluentes e recuperação da matéria seca da silagem de gliricídia. O feno apresentou maiores teores de proteína bruta (PB). O menor valor de matéria seca (MS) a 70 cm para o feno, conferiu-lhe menor acúmulo de massa seca, apresentando ainda, valores superiores de extrato etéreo (EE) e fibra detergente neutro (FDN) em relação à silagem para as alturas de 70 e 90 cm. A planta mantida em altura mais elevada (110 cm), acumulou maior EE e concentração de material fibroso. A silagem de gliricídia apresenta valores adequados de pH independente da altura residual, assim como não influenciam as perdas fermentativas da silagem, no entanto, há perdas elevada de N-NH3 para altura residual 110 cm. MS, EE e FDN sofrem influência das alturas de resíduos, assim como pelos métodos de conservação.

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the chemical quality of silage and hay Gliricídia in different residue heights. The experimental design in randomized blocks in a factorial scheme (3×2), consisting of three residue heights (70, 90 and 110 cm) and two forage conservation procedures (silage and hay) with four replications. For pH values Gliricídia fresh and silage did not differ in relation to waste time, unlike the concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), where the height of 70 cm, had lower values. The cutting height did not influence gas losses, effluents and recovery of dry matter silage Gliricídia. Hay had higher crude protein (CP). The lowest dry matter (DM) and 70 cm for the hay, gave him less accumulation of dry matter, with still higher values of ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in relation to silage for heights 70 and 90 cm. The plant was maintained at a higher height (110 cm), EE and accumulated higher concentration of fibrous material. Silage Gliricídia provides suitable pH values independent of the residual time, and does not influence the fermentation losses of silage, however, there are high losses of NH3 for residual height 110 cm. DM, EE and NDF are influenced heights of waste, as well as the conservation methods.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate live weight and carcass traits, from birth to slaughter, and meat quality of Nellore (NEL), Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD), and crossbred (F1) products in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Progenies from CPD, NEL, and their F1 crossbred (½ NEL + ½ CPD), a total of 252, males and females, from birth to 24 months of age, were evaluated in a comparative study in growth performance. The steers were sent to slaughter at 28 months of age and carcasses and meat quality were analyzed. After slaughter, carcass weight, dressing percentage and Longissimus dorsi area (rib eye area) were evaluated; an index was created by the relationship between these measures per hundred kg of chilled carcass produced. To assess meat quality, the shear force, water-holding capacity, color, brightness, pH, and cooking loss were investigated. Results obtained showed that month and year of birth were significant on growth, indicating influence of climatic variables. Nellore offspring was heavier than F1 and this was heavier than CPD throughout the study period, including the hot and cold carcass. No differences were found in dressing percentage among NEL and F1, but CPD and F1 showed a rib eye area and index significantly higher than NEL. The meat from CPD group presented a stronger red coloration than the others, but there was no significant difference in the remaining meat qualitative variables among the three groups. Curraleiro Pé-Duro and F1 crossbred produce more meat per 100 kg of carcass than Nellore in natural pasture of Piauí State.

RESUMO A torta de mamona tem potencial para utilização na alimentação de ovinos em regiões semiáridas, mas apresenta como limitação a ricina, que pode causar intoxicação. Objetivou-se avaliar influência de dietas contendo torta de mamona em comportamento ingestivo, consumo e desempenho em ovinos. Foram distribuídos 20 ovinos Morada Nova em blocos ao acaso (dois blocos) com cinco tratamentos (torta de mamona não tratada, tratada com calcário calcítico, com ureia, com fosfato monobicálcico e autoclavada) e quatro repetições. O consumo dos nutrientes não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos de destoxificação, além dos animais não terem apresentado sintomas de intoxicação. Quanto ao comportamento ingestivo, não houve diferença para a maioria das variáveis entre tratamentos, bem como não se confirmou possível rejeição dos ovinos pela torta não tratada. Foi observado que os animais alimentados com dieta contendo torta de mamona autoclavada apresentaram desempenho superior aos que receberam torta não tratada. Apesar dos animais alimentados com torta de mamona tratada com fosfato monobicálcico não terem sido superiores aos alimentados com torta não tratada, apresentaram ganho médio diário 27,3% maior, consumiram menos 10,5% de alimento para ganhar 1 kg e, para ganharem 12 kg, precisaram de 24 dias a menos. A terminação de ovinos utilizando dietas contendo torta de mamona autoclavada apresenta resposta superior à terminação desses animais alimentados com dietas contendo torta de mamona não tratada ou destoxificada com ureia. Além disso, animais terminados com dietas contendo torta destoxificada com fosfato monobicálcico ou calcário calcítico apresentam resposta intermediária.

ABSTRACT Castor cake shows potential for use in sheep feed in semi-arid regions, but as a limitation, contains ricin, which can cause poisoning. The aim of his study was to evaluate the influence of diets containing castor cake on feeding behaviour, intake and performance in sheep. Twenty Morada Nova sheep were distributed into two randomised blocks with five treatments (untreated castor cake, castor cake treated with limestone, with urea, with monodicalcium phosphate and autoclaved) and four replications. Nutrient intake was not influenced by the detoxification treatments, with the animals displaying no symptoms of poisoning. There was no difference in feeding behaviour between treatments for most of the variables, and the possible rejection of the untreated cake by the sheep was not confirmed. It was found that animals fed diets containing autoclaved castor cake performed better than those which received untreated cake. Although the animals fed castor cake treated with monodicalcium phosphate were not superior to those fed untreated cake, they had a 27.3% greater average daily gain, consumed 10.5% less feed to gain 1 kg, and took 24 days less to gain 12 kg. The finishing of sheep fed diets containing autoclaved castor cake shows a superior response to the finishing of these animals fed diets containing untreated castor cake or detoxified with urea. Furthermore, animals finished on diets containing cake detoxified with monodicalcium phosphate or limestone show an intermediate response.

RESUMO. Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar a substituição do feno de capim-tifton por xiquexique (0, 12, 24 e 36%) sobre o comportamento ingestivo de vacas leiteiras em lactação. Foram utilizadas oito vacas com produção média de 15 kg de leite dia-1 e com peso corporal médio de 465,2 ± 39,4 kg, distribuídas em quadrado latino 4x4, duplo. Cada período experimental teve duração de 16 dias, sendo dez para adaptação e seis para coleta de dados. O registro das variáveis comportamentais foi realizado a intervalos de 5 min. durante 24h. Os tempos de alimentação, ruminação e mastigação total, expressos em hora dia-1, além da eficiência de alimentação (EAL) e de ruminação (ERU) expressas em g FDN h-1, o número de bolos ruminais e de mastigação merícicas por dia, diminuíram linearmente com os níveis de xiquexique nas rações experimentais. Houve aumento linear no tempo em ócio. Os níveis de xiquexique na ração de vacas leiteiras não influenciaram a EAL e ruminação ERU expressas em g MS h-1, número e tempo de mastigação merícica por bolo. A substituição do feno de capim-tifton por xiquexique na ração modifica o comportamento ingestivo de vacas em lactação em decorrência da redução dos teores de fibra.

ABSTRACT. This study evaluated the replacement of Tifton hay with xiquexique (0, 12, 24 and 36%) on feeding behavior of lactating dairy cows. To this end, eight cows with average milk production of 15 kg milk day-1 and average body weight of 465.2 ± 39.4 kg were distributed in a double 4x4 Latin square. Each experimental period lasted 16 days, ten for adaptation and six for data collection. The record of behavioral variables was made every five min. for 24 hours. The times spent in feeding, ruminating and total chewing, expressed in hours day-1, as well as feeding (FE) and rumination (RE) efficiencies, expressed in g NDF h-1, the number of cuds and cud chews per day showed a linear decrease according to the levels of xiquexique in the diet. There was a linear increase in time in idleness. Xiquexique levels in the diet for dairy cows did not influence FE and RE, expressed in g DM h-1, number and time spent in chewing per cud. The replacement of Tifton hay with xiquexique in the diet alters the feeding behavior of dairy cows due to the reduction in fiber content.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a composição química e tempo para atingir o ponto de fenação da Leucena (Leucena leucocephala) e Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium). Foram coletadas amostras nos tempos 0, 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, 14, e 16 horas de secagem para obtenção da curva de desidratação para cada espécie de forragem. O delineamento adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado com nove tratamentos (9 tempos de desidratação x três repetições). Os dados referentes às características morfológicas da espécie foram submetidos à análise estatística de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 1% de probabilidade. Para a curva de desidratação em função do tempo, os dados foram submetidos à análise de regressão. A relação folha:caule foi maior para a Gliricidia no tempo 16 horas de desidratação (P<0,05). As taxas de desidratação da amostra composta, vagem, colmo e folha composta da Gliricidia e Leucena apresentaram efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) com a Leucena mais eficiente na desidratação. Os teores de matéria seca da Gliricidia e Leucena foram, respectivamente, de 91,24% e 91,32%, enquanto os teores de proteína bruta foram de 18,64% e 17,7%. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína foram de 49,86% e 49,07%, e os teores de proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro foram de 1,01% e 1,77%. O tempo para atingir o ponto de feno da Leucena e da Gliricidia foi de 16 horas. A composição nutricional dos fenos de Leucena e Gliricidia apresentaram-se satisfatórios para serem fornecidos na alimentação de animais ruminantes.

SUMMARY The objective was to evaluate the chemical composition and time to reach the point of hay of Leucena (Leucena leucocephala) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium). Samples were collected in time 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 hours of drying to obtain dehydration curve for each species of forage. The design was completely randomized with nine treatments (9 times of dehydration x three replicates). Data for morphological characteristics of the species were subjected to statistical analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey test at 1% probability. For dehydration curve as a function of time, the data were subjected to regression analysis. The leaf:stem ratio was higher for Gliricidia in time and 16 hours of dehydration (P <0.05). The rates dehydration of Composed samples of pod, stem and leaf of Gliricidia and Leucena showed a linear increase (P <0.05) and the Leucena dehydration was most efficient. The dry matter content of Gliricidia and Leucena showed, respectively, 91.24% and 91.32% content, while the crude protein content was 18.64% and 17.7%. The fiber content neutral detergent corrected for ash and protein content was the 49.86% and 49.07, the neutral detergent insoluble protein content was 1.01% and 1.77%. The time to reach the point of Leucena and Gliricidia hay was 16 hours. The nutritional composition of hay Leucena and Gliricidia were satisfactory to be provided in the feeding of ruminant animals.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of wool produced by ewes of different genetic groups, ages, and reproductive statuses. A total of 115 ewes, of the following genetic groups, were used: 10 Corriedale, 37 Hampshire Down, 26 1/2 Hampshire Down + 1/2 Corriedale, 24 1/2 Ile de France + 1/2 Corriedale, and 18 1/2 Suffolk + 1/2 Corriedale. Age was determined by the number of permanent incisors, ranging from four teeth to eight teeth. Ewes were further classified by their reproductive status into: lambed, having reared one lamb; and not-lambed. Hampshire and half-blood Suffolk ewes were heavier (53.2 and 52.7 kg, respectively), while Corriedale animals were lighter (40.1 kg). Older ewes and not-lambed ewes were heavier as well. Fleece weight was higher for the Corriedale and its crossbred ewes (average of 2.9 kg). Genetic group did not affect yield after scouring (61.6%). Ewe age, reproductive status, and year of evaluation did not affect greasy fleece weight or yield. Fiber diameter and number of crimps were not affected by any tested variables, with mean values of 29.8 μm and 5.8 crimps per centimeter, respectively. Staple length was influenced only by genetic group, in which the Hampshire ewes showed the shortest staple (6.2 cm). In general, the character was classified as good to regular, and the worst was found in the Hampshire. That genetic group grew rough wool, while the others were rated as slightly soft to rough. All genetic groups presented wools with some medullation. The majority of the samples were classified from "Cruza 1" to "Cruza 3" in all five groups and, for quality, the majority of the samples were rated as Good. Wool produced by meat breeds presents variations of quantity and quality that should be considered by producers and industry.

ResumoO objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja em dietas para cordeiros Santa Inês confinados, avaliando o desempenho, consumo de nutrientes, comportamento ingestivo e medidas biométricas. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros machos não castrados, com 23,63 ± 2,44kg de peso corporal, distribuídos de maneira inteiramente casualizada em cinco tratamentos, sendo assim 6 repetições por tratamento, os quais foram os teores de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja de 0; 25; 50; 75 e 100%. O comportamento ingestivo foi avaliado através de observações pontuais a cada 10 minutos durante 24 horas. Não foi observado efeito significativo sobre os parâmetros de desempenho, consumo de matéria seca e de comportamento ingestivo. O ganho de peso médio diário foi de 312,73g, o consumo médio de matéria seca foi de 1,44kg/dia. A inclusão da torta de soja levou a um aumento linear no consumo de extrato etéreo em gramas/dia, em porcentagem do peso corporal e em porcentagem do peso metabólico. Foi observado efeito cúbico sobre parâmetros de consumo de fibra em detergente ácido. Os tempos de ruminação, alimentação e ócio foram de 425,85; 194,50 e 789,29min/dia, respectivamente. Em relação às medidas biométricas, não foi encontrado efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja. A torta de soja pode ser utilizada na substituição do farelo de soja, devendo-se atentar ao teor de extrato etéreo residual presente neste coproduto da indústria do biodiesel.

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal by soybean cake in diets for feedlot Santa Ines lambs, evaluating performance, nutrient intake, ingestive behavior and biometric measures. Thirty intact males were used, weighing 23.63 ± 2.44kg, distributed randomly in five treatments, with 6 animals each, with the treatments being the levels of substitution of soybean meal for soybean cake, by 0; 25; 50; 75 and 100%. The ingestive behavior was assessed by visual observations every 10 minutes, during 24 hours. No significant effects were found on the parameters of performance, DM intake, and ingestive behavior. The average daily weight gain was 312,73g, and the average dry matter intake was 1,44kg/day. The inclusion of soybean cake led to a significant linear increase in ether extract intake in grams/day, in percentage of body weight and in percentage of metabolic weight. Cubic effects were observed in the parameters of acid detergent fiber intake. The rumination, feed intake and idleness time observed were 425,85; 194,50 e 789,29 min/day, respectively. Regarding biometric measurements, there was no significant effect of replacing soybean meal with soybean cake. The soybean cake can be used in replacement of soybean meal, but is important to pay attention on the content of residual lipids present in this byproduct of the biodiesel industry.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, the carcass and meat characteristics of ewes supplemented with magnesium oxide. Eighteen 6-year-old Santa Ines ewes were used in a completely randomized experimental design, where three levels of supplementation (0.0, 0.1 and 0.2% magnesium oxide in the concentrate) were tested, with six replicates. Final weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were not affected by levels of magnesium supplementation. Hot and cold carcass weights showed linear increasing and quadratic responses, respectively, according to supplementation with magnesium. Carcass measurements such as length, depth, and measures of arm and leg were not affected by supplementation. Depth and width of the longissimus muscle and rib-eye area were not affected; however, marbling and ether extract increased linearly with supplementation. Water loss and color were not affected. Lipid oxidation and shear force were not affected by supplementation, while the myofibrillar fragmentation index showed a quadratic regression. There was a linear decrease in pH with magnesium supplementation. Supplementation with magnesium can improve carcass and meat pH, but can act negatively by increasing the amount of marbling and ether extract of meat.

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram a caracterização e a determinação das estimativas dos parâmetros relativos à cinética de degradação ruminal da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) dos fenos de mata pasto, juazeiro, mororó, aveia e Tifton 85 e silagens de milho, sorgo e palma forrageira. Foram determinados a composição químico-bromatólogica, os coeficientes de degradação e o efeito de repleção ruminal da FDN. As características químico-bromatológicas dos alimentos avaliados apresentaram variações em seus componentes nutricionais. A fração insolúvel potencialmente degradável da FDN, correspondente à fração B2 dos alimentos estudados, apresentou degradação variável. Os fenos de mata pasto, juazeiro e mororó apresentaram menores valores para a fração potencialmente degradável. As silagens de milho e sorgo apresentaram uma pequena variação para a fração potencialmente degradável e para a fração indigestível, assim como, para a taxa de degradação da FDN potencialmente digestível. O maior tempo de retenção total foi observado para mata pasto, juazeiro e mororó, seguidos pelas silagens, sendo constatados para os fenos de aveia e Tifton 85 os menores valores para esta variável. As forrageiras de regiões semiáridas avaliadas (mata pasto, juazeiro e mororó) podem limitar o consumo de matéria seca devido aos menores valores da fração potencialmente degradável e maiores valores da fração indigestível. O efeito de repleção ruminal da FDN é determinado pela integração de várias características da fibra. Dessa maneira, não se pode atribuir a toda e qualquer fonte de fibra as mesmas inferências restritivas à limitação física de consumo.

The objectives of the present work were to characterize and determine the estimates of the parameters relating to the kinetics of ruminal degradation of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in hays from forest pasture, the jujube plant, mororo, oats and Tifton 85, and silages from corn, sorghum and forage cactus. The bromatologic-chemical composition, the degradation coefficients and the effect of ruminal fill of the NDF, were all determined. The bromatologic-chemical characteristics of the feeds under evaluation displayed variations in their nutritional components. The potentially degradable insoluble fraction of the NDF, corresponding to the B2 fraction of the studied feeds, showed variable deterioration. Hays from forest pasture, the jujube plant and mororo showed lower values for the potentially degradable fraction. The silages from corn and sorghum showed a small variation in the potentially degradable fraction and in the indigestible fraction, as well as in the degradation rate of the potentially digestible NDF. The highest total retention time was observed for forest pasture, the jujube plant and mororo followed by the silages, with the lowest values for this variable found in the hays from oats and Tifton 85. Forages, evaluated from semiarid regions (forest pasture, jujube and mororo), may limit dry-matter intake due to lower values of the potentially degradable fraction and higher values of the indigestible fraction. The effect of NDF ruminal fill is determined by the integration of various fiber characteristics. Thus the same restrictive inferences on physical intake cannot be made for any and all sources of fiber.