ABSTRACT Ensilage of refused fruit with forage is a viable approach to increase resource use in ruminant feed. The use of refused melon (Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo var. inodorus H. Jacq.) fruit (RMF), ensiled at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8% of natural matter with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), was assessed in terms of chemical- bromatological composition and fermentative profile. Experimental silos filled with mixtures and hermetically sealed were used. After 34 d of fermentation, the silos were opened, and samples were analyzed. Dry matter concentration shows a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) with RMF inclusion in sorghum silage rising from 30.83% to 32.08% at 4% of RMF inclusion, followed by a reduction in the subsequent levels. There was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in ether extract, total digestible nutrients, digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and in vitro digestibility of DM and organic matter, increasing respectively 3.96%, 5.32%, 0.25 Mcal kg-1, 0.19 Mcal kg-1, 1.89% and 0.74% from 0% to 8% of RMF inclusion. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) of neutral detergent fiber, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin with RMF inclusion. We also observed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in ammoniacal N, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and lactic acid concentrations in silage with the addition of RMF. The inclusion of RMF improved the chemical-bromatological composition and fermentative profile of sorghum silage, and an inclusion level of 8% is recommended.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary oilseed grains on physico-chemical and sensory parameters of the meat of Nellore steers. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design in four treatments that consisted of four diets: one without the addition of lipids (control diet) and others containing cottonseed, soybean, sunflower seed. The meat from animals fed with soybean scored highest for succulence and tenderness. The inclusion of oilseed grains modified the composition of fatty acids in the meat, but did not influence the lipid indexes or the cholesterol content in the meat. We suggest the inclusion of soybean in the diet of young cattle because increase the meat acceptability by consumers.