ABSTRACT. The objective was to evaluate fertility, cyclicality behavior, and sexual performance of Pantaneiro sheep throughout the year’s photoperiods in Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment one, the ewes used aged between 2 and 4 years, distributed in three homogeneous groups of 54 animals and subjected to reproductive evaluation in three different predefined luminosity periods, consisting of autumn (11h 45 min.), spring (12h 30 min.), and summer (12h 55 min.). The characteristics studied were body weight (BW), body condition score (BCC), estrus distribution (EST), percentage of pregnant females per cycle (%P), plasma progesterone (PP), and fertility (F) in the three predefined seasons. The mating system used was controlled natural nocturnal and lasted for 45 days. Experiment two, evaluated the ram sexual activity. The males (10) were individually exposed to four ovariectomized ewes. The ewes cycled during evaluated seasons, and the highest fertility was observed in animals with BCC >2.75. The PP concentration differed among periods, and higher conception rates (F) were observed in autumn and spring. The rams (75%) had a medium of sexual performance when they performed more than two ejaculations in 20 min throughout the seasons. Pantaneiro sheep of both genders had a similar fertility index, with early and constant activity throughout the year, displaying no photoperiodism or seasonality.

Abstract Recent molecular tools and technologies have marked the discovery of the origin and domestication processes of a wide variety of species, using either genomic or mitochondrial molecular markers to provide input for selection programs, as well as the management and conservation of animal breeds. This study aimed to analyze genes of mitochondrial DNA of the following sheep (Ovis aries) breeds: Pantaneira, Bergamácia, Dorper, White Dorper, Ile de France and Hampshire Down, to obtain their population genetic parameters and investigate the origin of these sheep populations reared in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA allowed to infer their phylogenetic relationships and revealed significant differences among them when compared with each other and with sequences obtained from GenBank. Through the formation of haplotypes, it was noted that the Pantaneira breed served as the maternal basis for the formation of the other breeds reared in the region, and it was possible to suggest a European origin for the sheep populations studied.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo e as características da carcaça de cordeiros alimentados com silagens de diferentes tipos de sorgo e milho. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, da raça Suffolk. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (silagens) e oito repetições (animais). Foram testadas silagens de sorgo forrageiro GrandSilo, sorgo sacarino BRS 506, sorgo sacarino BRS 511 e milho híbrido duplo BRS 2223. Os cordeiros alimentados com silagens de sorgo apresentaram menor consumo diário de matéria seca que os alimentados com silagem de milho. A dieta contendo silagem de milho proporcionou ganho de peso 27% superior ao dos tratamentos com as demais silagens. A digestibilidade in vivo não diferiu entre as diferentes silagens. Os cordeiros alimentados com silagem de milho apresentaram os menores rendimentos de carcaça quente e fria, de 44,71 e 42,62%, respectivamente, enquanto os que consumiram silagem de sorgo BRS 506 apresentaram os maiores rendimentos de carcaça quente e fria, de 46,90 e 44,78%. O maior consumo e o melhor desempenho dos animais alimentados com silagem de milho não foi suficiente para incrementar a produção e o rendimento de carcaça. Os cordeiros alimentados com silagem de sorgo sacarino BRS 506 apresentam maior eficiência de conversão da silagem em carcaça.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the productive performance and carcass traits of lambs fed silages of different types of sorghum and corn. Thirty-two uncastrated male Suffolk lambs were used. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments (silages) and eight replicates (animals). Silages of the GrandSilo forage sorghum, BRS 506 saccharine sorghum, BRS 511 saccharine sorghum, and the BRS 2223 double-grain corn hybrid were tested. The lambs fed sorghum silages had a lower daily dry matter intake than those fed corn silage. The diet containing corn silage led to 27% greater weight gain, when compared with the treatments with the other silages. In vivo digestibility did not differ among the different silages. Lambs fed corn silage showed the lowest hot and cold carcass yields of 44.71 and 42.62%, respectively, whereas those that consumed BRS 506 sorghum silage showed the highest hot and cold carcass yields of 46.90 and 44.78%. The greater intake by and the better performance of the animals fed corn silage was not enough to enhance production and carcass yield. Lambs fed BRS 506 saccharine sorghum silage have higher efficiency in the conversion of silage into carcass.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o ganho de peso de novilhos suplementados com probióticos e aminoácidos, por meio da análise de identidade de modelos. Foram utilizados 64 novilhos castrados da raça Canchim e cruzados Canchim x Nelore com 24 ± 1,8 meses de idade e peso corpóreo inicial de 395,4 ± 10,5 kg, mantidos em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha em sistema de pastejo contínuo. Foram testados quatro tratamentos: Testemunha (Test); Probiótico líquido (ProbL); Probiótico líquido mais aminoácidos em pó (ProbL+AAsPó); e Probiótico líquido mais aminoácido injetável (ProbL+AAsInj), em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com 16 animais por tratamento. Os tratamentos foram comparados através do Teste de Identidade de Modelos, utilizando o software R. O modelo logístico de três parâmetros (L3p) foi o selecionado para representar o ganho de peso médio diário em função do tempo. As estimativas dos parâmetros do modelo foram significativas em todos os tratamentos, apresentando coeficiente de determinação (R2)elevado e raiz quadrada do erro quadrático médio (RMSE) baixa. De acordo com o teste de identidade de modelos não houve diferença significativa entre os modelos para os tratamentos utilizados, não havendo diferença no ganho de peso dos animais com a utilização de probióticos e/ou de aminoácidos.

SUMMARY The goal of this study was to analyze the weight gain of calves supplemented with probiotics and amino acids, through model identity analysis. There were utilized 64 catrated Canchin and Canchin x Nelore calves at 24 ± 1,8 months of age and initial average weight of 395,4 ± 10,5 Kg. The calves were kept on continuous grazing system in a Brachiária brizantha pasture. Four treatments were evaluated: witnesses (test); probiotic liquid (ProbL); probiotic liquid plus amino acids powder (ProbL+AAsPó); and probiotic liquid plus injectable amino acids, in a randomized experimental design with 16 animals by each treatment. The treatments, in turn, were compared trough identity model test, on R software. In order to represent the daily average weight gain over time, the logistic model with three parameters (L3p) was selected. The parameter’s estimates of the model were significant in every treatment, with high coefficient of determination (R2)and low root mean square error (RMSE). There was not significant difference between the models for the treatments, based on the identity model test. Therefore, there was no difference in weight gain by probiotics and/or amino acids utilization.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão de níveis de glicerina bruta na alimentação de cordeiros nas características biométricas e histológicas testiculares. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros não castrados, confinados com 93,79 ± 5,73 dias de idade e peso corporal de 20,22±2,84kg. Os tratamentos testados foram: 0; 2,5; 5,0 e 7,5% de inclusão de glicerina bruta na matéria seca da dieta em substituição ao milho. Os animais foram abatidos usando a condição corporal como critério em escore de 2,5 a 3,5, em uma escala que varia de 1 a 5, sendo que as variáveis avaliadas foram o peso inicial, peso final, peso de carcaça quente, espessura de gordura de cobertura, condição corporal, e os parâmetros biométricos testiculares: perímetro escrotal, peso testicular no escroto, peso dos testículos direito e esquerdo, volume dos testículos direito e esquerdo, largura testicular, comprimento testicular, diâmetro de túbulo seminífero e altura de epitélio germinativo. Não houve influência significativa dos níveis de glicerina bruta sobre nenhuma das variáveis analisadas, também não houve correlação entre as características avaliadas com a condição corporal. Foram observadas correlações positivas entre o peso de carcaça quente e espessura de gordura de cobertura (r=0,57, p<0,05). Houve correlação positiva (r=0,55, p<0,05)) entre perímetro escrotal e peso corporal. O diâmetro do túbulo (r=0,47, p<0,05) e a altura do epitélio seminíferos (r=0,62, p<0,05) estiveram correlacionados com o volume testicular. A inclusão de níveis crescentes de glicerina bruta na alimentação de cordeiros Pantaneiros até 7,5% de inclusão não influencia nas características biométricas e histométricas testiculares dos animais.

SUMMARY Objective to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of levels of crude Glycerin in the feeding of lambs in the biometric characteristics and testicular histological. 24 lambs were neutered, not confined with 93.79 ± 5.73 days of age and body weight of 20.22 ± 2.84 kg. The treatments tested were: 0; 2.5; 5.0 and 7.5% of crude Glycerin injection in dry matter of diet in place of maize. The animals were slaughtered using the criteria in body condition score of 2.5 to 3.5 on a scale ranging from 1 to 5, and the variables evaluated were the initial weight, final weight, hot carcass weight, fat cover thickness, body condition, and the biometric parameters: testicular weight, scrotal perimeter in the scrotum, testicle weight left and right volume of right and left testicle, testicular testicular length width, seminiferous tubule diameter and height of germinal epithelium. There was no significant influence of crude Glycerin levels on any of the variables analyzed, also there was no correlation between the features assessed with body condition. Positive correlations were observed between hot carcass weight and fat thickness (r=0,57, p= p<0,05)). There was positive correlation (r=0,55, p= p<0,05)) between scrotal perimeter and body weight. The tubule diameter (r=0,47, p=p<0,05) and height of the seminiferous epithelium (r=0,62, p=p<0,05) were correlated with testicular volume. The inclusion of increasing levels of crude Glycerin in the feeding of lambs Pantaneiros, did not influence the biometric characteristics and testicular histométrics of animals.

ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de novilhas da raça Pantaneira (Bos taurus taurus) confinadas e alimentadas com diferentes tipos de feno e ração concentrada, com uma relação na matéria seca de 60:40%, respectivamente. Quinze animais, com peso médio inicial de 298kg e idade de 30 meses, foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em três lotes, com cinco repetições. Os fenos utilizados foram: feno deBrachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã, feno de Panicum maximum cv. Massai, e feno de Stylosantes capitata/macrocephala cv. Campo Grande. Todas as dietas possuíam teores energéticos e proteicos semelhantes, de 63,3% de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) e 12,5% de proteína bruta (PB), e eram fornecidas duas vezes ao dia, à vontade. As observações de comportamento ingestivo foram efetuadas em três baterias de 48 horas cada, em intervalos de 28 dias, totalizando 144 horas. Os dados foram interpretados por meio de análise de variância e teste de Tukey. Não foram observadas influências das forrageiras nos tempos de alimentação, ruminação, ócio, interagindo e dormindo, tampouco nas eficiências de alimentação e de ruminação, na ingestão de água e nas excreções de urina e fezes, sendo todas as variáveis estatisticamente iguais. A utilização de qualquer um dos tipos de feno na dieta de novilhas Pantaneiras é recomendada.

AbstractThe objective this work was to evaluate the intake and physiological behavior of heifers of the Pantaneira (Bos Taurus taurus) breed, feedlot and fed with different types of hay and concentrate, in a ratio in dry matter of 60:40 %, respectively. Fifteen animals, with an average initial weight of 298 kg and 30 months of age, were distributed through completely randomized design in three batches, with five replicates. The hays were: hay of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata, hay of Panicum maximum cv. Massai, and hay of leguminous Stylosantes capitata/macrocephalacv. Campo Grande. All diets had similar energy and protein content of 63.3% Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) and 12.5% Crude Protein (CP) and were fed twice a day, ad libitum. The observations of ingestive behavior and physiology were made in three batteries of 48 hours each, an interval of 28 days, totaling 144 hours. The data were interpreted by analysis of variance and Tukey test. There weren’t influences of forage in feeding times, rumination, sleeping and interacting; efficiencies in feeding and rumination, water intake and excretion in urine and feaces, and all variables are statistically similar. Therefore, the use of either type of hay in the diet is recommended Pantaneiras heifers.

Background The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity of Pantaneiro sheep, using microsatellite markers, in order to assist maintenance and management plans, enhance mating systems and reduce the inbreeding rate. A total of 127 animals were genotyped at eight microsatellite loci. They belonged to populations from the Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD) (Dourados/MS/Brazil) and Embrapa Pantanal (Corumbá/MS/Brazil). Results The population of Pantaneiro sheep from the UFGD exhibited a high mean number of alleles (11.13) and allelic richness (10.66). The polymorphic information content was highly informative in the locus studied, resulting in a mean value of 0.71. Observed heterozygosity was lower than expected for all molecular markers assessed. The analysis of molecular variance showed a differentiation rate of 5.2% between populations. Conclusions The results of the statistical parameters indicated that populations of Pantaneiro sheep require special attention on herd management, and it's further necessary to implement breeder exchange programs in order to preserve the genetic variability of these populations. Furthermore, the maintenance of those populations in their typical habitats is rather required to allow different responses from the herds to the interactions between genotype and environment.

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of genetic group (GG) of the calf during gestation, mobilization of body reserves and period of postpartum anestrus in Nellore cows. Thirty-seven primiparous and multiparous cows were used: 24 gave birth to Nellore (NEL), and 13 gave birth to ½ Simmental × ½ Nellore (SIM) calves. According to the date of calving, cows were divided into three blocks, with intervals of 20 days between blocks. The body condition (BC) of the cows was estimated subjectively on a scale from 0 to 5 points, with intermediate grading of 0.5 points. We measured the thickness of subcutaneous fat (SF) between the 12th and 13th ribs and rump by ultrasound. Blood samples from each cow were collected weekly from the third week after birth until weaning, to analyze the level of progesterone; in the samples collected until 16 weeks postpartum, we analyzed the concentration of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). The gestation period of mothers of NEL calves was eight days longer, on average. The variables relating to the mobilization of body reserves (NEFA, BC and SF) were not influenced by calf GG, with the only significant effects being the number of days postpartum, with a peak in the concentration of NEFA between the sixth and eighth weeks and linear decrease in BC and NF. Mothers of NEL calves remained in anestrus for 4.6 weeks longer than the mothers of crossbred calves.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar diferentes doses de efluente de abatedouro avícola para proporcionar melhorias nas características produtivas, morfogênicas e estruturais do capim-piatã. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, adotando-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em que foram testadas cinco doses de efluentes: 324, 648, 972, 1.296 e 1620m³ ha-1 ou equivalente a 50, 100, 150, 200 e 250kg ha-1 de N. As variáveis mensuradas foram: produção de matéria seca (MS), taxa de aparecimento de folha (TApF), taxa de alongamento de folha (TAlF), filocrono, taxa de alongamento de pseudocolmo (TAlC), comprimento final de folha (CFF) e números de folhas verdes (NFV). A produção de MS seguiu um modelo linear de predição em função das doses efluente avícola, em que o tratamento com 250kg ha-1 de N foi 55% maior, quando comparado com o tratamento de 50kg ha-1 de N. Todas as características morfogênicas e estruturais avaliadas com exceção do filocrono apresentaram comportamento linear positivo. Dessa forma, o efluente de abatedouro avícola pode ser utilizado como uma alternativa para adubação do capim-piatã, pois este respondeu de maneira crescente até a dose máxima testada.

The organic fertilizer is considered a viable alternative for the production of forage grasses. However there is little information about the rates and composition of the organic fertilizers. According to this assumption the objective of this study was to figure out the best dose of effluent from poultry processing plants in order to improve the structural, morphogenetic and productive characteristics of Piata palidadegrass. The experiment was carried out at a greenhouse and performed in a completely randomized design in which five doses of effluent, 324, 648, 972, 1296 and 1620m³ ha-1 were tested and equivalent to 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250kg ha-1 de N respectively. The measured variables were: dry matter (DM), leaf appearance rate, leaf elongation rate, phyllochron, pseudo stem elongation rate, final leaf length and numbers of green leaves. The production of DM presented a linear prediction model according to the N rates, while the treatment with 250kg ha-1 de N was 55% higher when compared to the treatment with 50kg ha-1 de N. All morphogenetic and structural characteristics that were evaluated presented a positive linear fashion, except the phyllochron. Thus, the effluent from poultry processing plant may be used as an alternative to fertilization of the 'Piata' palisadegrass because this responded by increasing the maximum dose tested.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of anaerobic digestion on the treatment of effluent from poultry slaughterhouse. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Waste Recycling from Animal Production/FCA/UFGD. During four weeks, eight experimental digesters, semi-continuous models, were loaded and set according to the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, and according to the solid fraction treatment, separated with 1 mm sieve or without separation. The average weekly production of biogas and methane as well as the methane concentrations, the potential production per amount of chemical oxygen demand (COD) added and reduced, the concentrations of N, P and K at the beginning and end of process, and the most likely numbers of total and thermotolerant coliforms were evaluated. For data analysis, a completely randomized design was performed in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement (4 HRT: 7, 14, 21 and 28 days and separation with 1 mm sieve or without separation), with repetition over time. The highest production of biogas and methane was statistically significant for the HRT of 7 and 14 days (5.29 and 2.38 L of biogas and 4.28 and 1.73 L of methane, respectively). There was an interaction between HRT and the separation of the solid with sieve and the highest production was obtained in the treatment without separation. Similar behavior was observed for the potential production with a maximum of 0.41 m³ methane.kg-1 COD added with an HRT of 7 days without separation of the solid fraction. The separation of the solid fraction is not recommended in the pretreatment of liquid effluent from poultry slaughterhouse, once the potential for production and production of methane and biogas were reduced with this treatment.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características físicas e sensoriais da carne suína PSE, suas correlações e os prejuízos causados para a indústria, em função de sua ocorrência. Em abatedouro comercial aferiu-se o pH das carcaças (n=1601) aos 45 minutos post mortem (pH45), classificou-as em PSE (pH45<5,8) ou normais (pH45≥5,8). Após 24 horas de resfriamento, foram coletadas amostras do músculo Longissimus dorsi de 26 carcaças PSE e 26 normais, que foram avaliadas quanto à coloração (L*, a*, b*), perda de exsudato, perda de peso por cozimento, força de cisalhamento, atributos sensoriais (maciez, suculência e palatabilidade) e composição centesimal. Foram avaliadas as correlações entre parâmetros físicos e sensoriais. A incidência de carnes PSE foi de 10,06%. O pH final, perda de peso por cozimento, força de cisalhamento e composição centesimal não diferiram entre os tipos de carne. A perda de exsudato foi, aproximadamente, 39% maior para carne PSE. O pH45 correlacionou-se, negativamente, com L* (R= -0,331) e b* (R= -0,528). A suculência correlacionou-se, positivamente, com a palatabilidade (R= 0,436) e maciez (R= 0,297) e, negativamente, com a perda de peso por cozimento (R= -0,326). A força de cisalhamento apresentou correlação positiva com perda de exsudato (R= 0,529) e negativa com maciez (R= -0,767). O prejuízo estimado em função da ocorrência de carnes PSE foi da ordem de R$340.800,00 anuais. Carnes PSE apresentam alterações negativas nas propriedades funcionais e sensoriais, relacionadas com a redução de sua capacidade de retenção de água, o que causa perdas consideráveis para a indústria processadora.

The work was carried out to evaluate the physical and sensory characteristics of PSE pork, their correlations and damages caused to the industry because of its occurrence. In a commercial slaughterhouse has measured the pH of carcasses (n = 1601) at 45 minutes post mortem (pH45), classified them into PSE (pH45 < 5.8) or normal (pH45≥ 5.8). After 24 hours of cooling were collected the samples from the Longissimus dorsi muscle of the 26 normal and 26 PSE carcasses that were evaluated for color (L*, a*, b*), exudate loss, cooking loss, shear force, sensory attributes (tenderness, juiciness and flavor) and centesimal composition. Were evaluated the correlations between the physical and sensory parameters. The final pH, cooking loss, shear force and centesimal composition did not differ between the types of meat. The exudate loss was 39% higher for the PSE meat. The pH45 was negatively correlated with L* (R= -0.331) and b* (R = -0.528). The juiciness was positively correlated with flavor (r = 0.436) and tenderness (R = 0.297) and negatively with cooking loss (R = -0.326). The shear force was positively correlated with exudate loss (R = 0.529) and negatively with tenderness (R = -0.767). The estimated loss due to the occurrence of PSE meat were of R$340,800.00 per year. The PSE meat show negative changes in the functional and sensory properties, almost all related to reducing its water holding capacity, causing considerable losses to the processing industry.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of calf genetic group on the performance of Nellore lactating cows. The variables studied included milk ingestion, pasture intake, calf weight gain and cow body weight. A total of 13 Nellore calves and 8 crossbred Simental × Nellore calves were used, all born from Nellore mothers. During the experimental period of 210 days, calves were weighted at birth and at 30-day intervals, whereas cows were weighed every 14 days. Milk intake was estimated using the weigh-suckle-weigh method. Pasture intake was determined 6, 12, and 24 weeks after birth by using chromic oxide as an external marker and indigestible acid detergent fiber as an internal marker. Average weight of crossbred calves was 10.1 kg and their milk intake was 0.42 kg higher than in purebred calves. There was no difference, however, in pasture intake between genetic groups. In Nellore cows, body weight and pasture consumption (9.2 kg of DM/cow/day) were not influenced by calf heterosis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of crossings between sheep breeds on the intrinsic quality of leather. It was used the skins of 36 lambs (18 females and 18 males), resulting from crosses between ewes of a native breed from the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and rams of the same native breed as well as the Texel and Santa Inês genetic groups. The animals were raised in confinement until slaughter weight, from 28 to 32 kg. After slaughter, samples were taken from the skins for histological analysis. The skins were tanned with chromium, retanned and greased. It was taken from the leather samples for electromicrographs and for tests for tensile and tear strength (intrinsic quality). Morphological aspects from the skin as well as from the leather help to understand the results found and they evidence that breeds or crossings among breeds interfere in the intrinsic quality of leather and skin of sheep.

O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho, as características das carcaças e a qualidade da carne de cordeiros Santa Inês, terminados em confinamento, alimentados com dietas contendo 60% de concentrado e enriquecidas com soja grão ou gordura protegida. Os concentrados foram compostos de farelo de soja, milho, farelo de trigo, ureia, núcleo mineral, soja grão ou gordura protegida. Como volumoso foi utilizado o feno de capim-tifton 85. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros com aproximadamente 19,30 ± 1,77 kg e média de idade de 5 meses alojados em baias individuais por um período de 105 dias (21 de adaptação e 84 dias de período experimental). Os animais foram pesados ao início do experimento e a intervalos de 28 dias, com a finalidade de acompanhar o ganho de peso dos animais. Findo o experimento, foram abatidos para mensurações nas carcaças e avaliação das características quantitativas. Após o resfriamento das carcaças por 24 horas, foram retiradas amostras do lombo para análises da qualidade da carne. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e oito repetições. Os animais que receberam a gordura protegida apresentaram maior ganho em peso (0,24 kg/dia). As dietas contendo soja grão ou gordura protegida proporcionaram melhor conversão alimentar (4,80 e 4,06 respectivamente). O enriquecimento da dieta com soja grão ou gordura protegida não promove diferenças significativas nas características de carcaça nem na qualidade da carne.

The objective of this work was to evaluate performance, carcass traits and meat quality of Santa Inês lambs, finished in feedlot, fed diets containing 60% concentrate and enriched with soybean grain or with protected fat. The concentrates were composed with soybean meal, corn, wheat meal, urea, mineral mixture, soybean grain or protected fat. Tifton-85 hay was used as roughage. It was used 24 lambs with approximately 19.30 ± 1.77 kg and at average age of five months. The animals were housed in individual pens for a period of 105 days (21 days of adaptation and 84 days of experimental period). The animals were weighed at the beginning of the experimental period and at every 28-day interval aiming at following weight gains in the animals. When the experiment finished, the animals were slaughtered for measurements on carcasses and assassement of quantitative characteristics. After cooling carcasses for 24 hours, samples were taken from the loin for meat quality analysis. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with three treatments and eight replicates. Animals fed protected fed presented better feed conversion (4.80 and 4.06, respectively). Diets enriched with soybean grain or protected fat do not promote significant differences on carcass traits and meat quality neither.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a dinâmica ruminal de novilhos leiteiros recebendo dietas contendo grão de milho inteiro, milho moído na forma de quirera ou milho inteiro tratado com ureia. Para isso, foram mantidos em regime de confinamento seis animais fistulados no rúmen alimentados com dietas com teores semelhantes de energia e proteína. A dieta foi formulada com relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60 na matéria seca e continha silagem de sorgo como volumoso. O delineamento utilizado foi na forma de um quadrado latino 3 × 3, com três animais e três períodos, e foi repetido duas ou quatro vezes conforme o parâmetro estudado, totalizando seis ou 12 repetições por dieta. O tratamento do grão de milho não influenciou o pH do líquido ruminal nem a degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca, fibra em detergente ácido e celulose. Todas as dietas propiciaram concentração de N-amoniacal adequada para o crescimento microbiano ruminal; todavia, nos animais alimentados com grão de milho inteiro tratado com ureia, essa concentração foi significativamente menor. A atividade bacteriana é menor em animais alimentados com dietas contendo milho moído e não difere entre os animais alimentados com grão de milho inteiro ou grão de milho inteiro tratado com ureia.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ruminal dynamics of dairy steer fed diets containing whole corn grains, grains ground into grits or whole grain treated with urea. Thus, six rumen-fistulated animals were kept in confinement and fed diets with similar contents of energy and protein. The diet was formulated with 40:60 roughage:concentrate ratio in the dry matter using sorghum silage as roughage. The experiments followed a 3 × 3 latin square design, with three animals and three periods and they were repeated eith-er two or four times depending on the studied parameter, totaling six or 12 replicates per diet. Corn grain treatment did not affect the pH of the ruminal fluid neither the ruminal degradability of dry matter, acid detergent fiber and cellulose. All diets provided a concentration of amoniacal nitrogen suitable for ruminal microbial growth; however, for animals fed whole corn grain treated with urea, this concentration was significantly lower. Bacterial activity was lower in animals fed diets containing ground corn and they do not differ among animals fed whole corn grain or corn grains treated with urea.