ABSTRACT Aqueous systems composed of ionic liquid make up a new alternative for use in processes involving the separation of biomolecules. The objective of this experiment was to obtain the thermo-physical properties of density, refractive index, electrical conductivity, molar volume, thermal expansion coefficient and apparent specific volume of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The thermo-physical properties of aqueous solutions of this ionic liquid were measured as a function of the mass fraction w = (0.05, 0.125, 0.2, 0.275 and 0.35), temperature T = (293.15, 303.15, 313.15 and 323.15) K and pH = (7.5, 8.0 and 8.5). Models representing the combined effects between variables were fit since they are required for industrial applications where the physical parameters must be accurately calculated. Models representing the combined effects of the variables temperature, mass fraction and pH values of ionic liquid were adjusted and presented good fit.

Abstract The α-amylase enzyme was produced by solid state fermentation (SSF) and its partition behavior in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) was determined using systems consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and potassium phosphate buffer. To determine the best conditions for α-amylase production, a central composite design was constructed for two independent variables: fermentation time and moisture content, and for the partition study, a face-centered central composite design (CCF) with four independent variables: PEG molecular weight, pH, temperature and partition time. It was indicated that the best enzyme production conditions were a fermentation time of 35.0 hours and 45.7% moisture content. From the results obtained, it was found that increasing the polymer molecular weight promotes a reduction of the enzyme concentration in the upper phase, increasing its concentration in the lower phase. It was also observed that the partition coefficients increased with increasing pH values and a reduction in temperature.

Síntese de proteína microbiana e metabolismo de nitrogênio em vacas suplementadas com raiz de mandioca e milho em pastagem tropical. O experimento foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho moído por raiz integral de mandioca moída e desidratada nos níveis 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% nos suplementos experimentais, para vacas lactantes mantidas em pastagens tropicais irrigadas e adubadas. Foram utilizadas dez vacas da raça Holandesa, divididas em dois quadrados latinos 5 x 5, com média inicial de 150 dias de lactação, produção leiteira inicial de lactação de 22±3,3 kg dia-1 e peso corporal inicial médio de 603±65 kg, mantidos em pastagem formada por capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum, SCHUM) cultivar Pioneiro, consorciado com capim Tifton 85 (Cynodon nlemfuensis), adubada com 600 kg de nitrogênio por hectare ano-1. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas (p > 0,05) entre os níveis de substituição do milho moído por raiz de mandioca moída e desidratada no concentrado, sobre a síntese de proteína microbiana, que apresentou média estimada de 1.288,49 g dia-1 e, eficiência na síntese de proteína microbiana por quilograma de NDT com média estimada de 91,30 g kg-1 NDT, o balanço de nitrogênio apresentou média estimada de 218,79 g dia-1 de nitrogênio retido (p > 0,05). A síntese de proteína microbiana e balanço de compostos nitrogenados não sofreram efeitos dos tratamentos.

Current experiment evaluated the effect of replacement of full corn meal by dehydrated ground cassava roots at levels 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in experimental supplements for lactating cows grazing on irrigated and fertilized tropical pastures. Ten Holstein cows were divided into two 5 x 5 Latin squares, with average initial 150 days of lactation, milk production 22±3.30 kg day-1 at the beginning of experiment and initial body weight of 603±65 kg. Cows were maintained on pasture consisting of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) cultivar Pioneiro, intercropped with Tifton 85 (Cynodon nlemfuensis), fertilized with 600 kg nitrogen per hectare year-1. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the substitution levels of corn meal by ground and dehydrated cassava root in the concentrate on the synthesis of microbial protein with an estimated average of 1,288.49 g day-1 and efficiency in the synthesis of microbial protein per kilogram of TDN with estimated average of 91.30 g kg-1 TDN. Nitrogen equilibrium showed an estimated average of 218.79 g day-1 of retained nitrogen. The microbial protein synthesis and nitrogen balance were not affected by treatments.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, por meio de duas metodologias distintas, o estado trófico do rio Catolé Grande sob diferentes níveis de vazão em uma seção transversal próxima ao ponto onde a água é captada para abastecer a cidade de Itapetinga no estado da Bahia, Brasil. As amostras de água foram coletadas em diferentes meses, correspondendo a diferentes níveis de vazão. A classificação do estado trófico rio Catolé Grande foi realizada usando as duas metodologias distintas, ambos com base no valor de fósforo. A vazão foi com base no produto da velocidade pela área da secção transversal. Os resultados mostraram classificações tróficas muito altas na seção avaliada, com os maiores índices de estado trófico associados a maiores níveis de vazão. A classificação da seção foi hipertrófica entre janeiro e julho de 2011, pelas duas metodologias, no entanto, no período de agosto a novembro, do mesmo ano, houve diferenças na classificação trófica. Considerando-se a média de todo o período de estudo, a seção avaliada foi classificada como hipereutrófica, independentemente da metodologia utilizada.

This study evaluated the trophic state of Catolé Grande River under different streamflow levels in a cross section near the uptake point for the water supply of the town of Itapetinga, in Bahia State, Brazil. Water samples were collected in different months, corresponding to different streamflow levels. The Catolé Grande River's trophic state classification was performed using two distinct methodologies, both based on phosphorus content. The streamflow was calculated by the product of velocity by cross section area. The results showed very high trophic classifications at the evaluated section, with the high levels of trophic status associated with high streamflows. The water classification at this section was hypertrophic between January and July of 2011, by both methodologies; however, from August to November of the same year, there were differences in trophic classification. Considering the average of the entire study period, the section was classified as hypereutrophic, regardless of the methodology used.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a dinâmica de determinadas variáveis de qualidade da água em função da vazão, em uma seção transversal do rio Catolé Grande próxima ao ponto de captação de água para abastecimento do município de Itapetinga-BA. Amostras de água foram coletadas por integração vertical, em diferentes meses, correspondente a diferentes vazões. Nessas amostras foram realizadas análises de potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), turbidez, sólidos totais dissolvidos, salinidade e fósforo total. A velocidade do fluxo foi medida com o auxílio do molinete e a vazão foi calculada pelo produto da velocidade pela área da seção. Os resultados apontaram que a salinidade, os sólidos totais dissolvidos e a turbidez apresentaram comportamentos semelhantes, aumentando linearmente com o incremento da vazão, enquanto o pH apresentou tendência contrária. As concentrações de fósforo apresentaram comportamento exponencial em função da vazão, sendo que os valores médios desta variável ultrapassaram os limites estipulados pela resolução CONAMA 357 para a pior classe de qualidade de água doce.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of water quality variables in relation to the stream flow rate in a cross section of the Catolé Grande River near the point of water uptake to supply the city of Itapetinga-BA. Water samples were collected by vertical integration in different months, corresponding to different flow rates. This work analyzed the hydrogenionic potential (pH), turbidity, total dissolved solids, salinity and total phosphorus of the water samples. The flow velocity was measured using a flow meter. The flow rate was calculated by the product of velocity by cross section area. The results showed that salinity, total dissolved solids and turbidity had similar behaviors in relation to the flow rate, with increased concentrations of these variables with increasing river flow rate, whereas the opposite was observed for pH. Phosphorus concentrations showed an exponential behavior as a function of flow rate, and the average values of this variable exceeded the limits stipulated by CONAMA Resolution 357 for the worst class of freshwater quality.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o consumo voluntário e o desempenho de novilhas leiteiras em pastos de Urochloa decumbens diferidos com dois períodos de diferimento. O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizados com dois tratamentos e sete repetições, que consistiram em dois períodos de diferimento: T1= 95 e T2= 140 dias. Foram utilizadas 14 novilhas Holandês/Zebu com peso corporal (PC) médio de 300 kg. O consumo de matéria seca da forragem representou 2,5 e 1,2% do PC para os tratamentos 95 e 140 dias, respectivamente. Para o tratamento T2 os animais tiveram um consumo de apenas 139,5 g de PB, consequência do baixo teor deste nutriente, 3,4% de PB, na forragem disponível. Verificou-se um consumo de FDN 1,7 e 1,0% do PC para os tratamentos T1 e T2, respectivamente. O ganho de peso médio diário foi de 785,8 g dia-1 para o tratamento T1, enquanto no T2 houve perda de peso, em média -31,1 g dia-1. Na prática, o diferimento de pastos de Urochloa decumbens por 95 dias que permitam uma estrutura com índice de acamamento de 1,5 proporciona maior consumo e desempenho de novilhas leiteiras. Na prática, o diferimento de pastos de Urochloa decumbens que permitam uma estrutura com índice de acamamento de 1,5 proporciona maior consumo e desempenho de novilhas leiteiras.

Voluntary intake and performance of dairy heifers grazing on Urochloa decumbens pastures with two deferral periods are evaluated. The totally randomized experimental design consisted of two treatments and seven replications, with two deferral periods: T1 = 95 and T2 = 140 days. Fourteen Holstein-Zebu heifers, average body weight (BW) 300 kg, were used. Intake of forage dry matter was 2.5% and 1.2 BW respectively for treatments 95 and 140 days. In treatment T2 the animals had an intake of only 139.5 g of CP, due to low nutrient content, or rather, 3.4% of CP in the forage available. There was an intake of NDF of 1.7% and 1.0 of BW for T1 and T2, respectively. The average daily weight gain was 785.8 g day-1 for T1 and average weight loss of -31.1 g day-1 for T2. Deferral of pastures Urochloa decumbens for 95 days to allow a 1.5 lodging index provides greater consumption and performance of dairy heifers. Deferral of Urochloa decumbens pastures to allow a 1.5 lodging index provides greater intake and performance of dairy heifers.

In this experiment the chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents of Arachis pintoi were evaluated to verify if the presence of nitrogen in the soil could contribute to the effectiveness of the establishment of this legume. The design was completely randomized, in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement, with four N rates (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) and four irrigation levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% of field capacity), with four replications. The biochemical evaluations of chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll and total soluble sugars, sucrose and starch were performed. The highest contents of chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll in leaves were found at the dose of 120 kg ha-1. The water regime of 25% of field capacity was responsible for the lowest content of reducing sugars and total soluble sugars in leaves, stolons and roots. In the roots, the sucrose contents were higher in these conditions, which can be associated with a slight tolerance of the plant to water stress. The water deficiency was responsible for the decrease of reducing sugars and total N in the whole plant and positively influenced the levels of chlorophyll and sugars in the stolon, promoting growth, especially of shoots, at the beginning of establishment.

The objective was to evaluate the growth of Arachis pintoi fertilized with nitrogen and water deficiency conditions. The study was developed in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement with four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha) and four irrigation levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% of field capacity), in a completely randomized experimental design, with four replications. High doses of N benefited the production of root shoots while the root increased its production at a dose of 40 kg N/ha. The number of green and senescent leaves were influenced by N fertilization and the water regime, where higher doses of N provided greater total number of green leaves (364 leaves/pot) and the limitation of water resulted in a greater number of senescent leaves (78 leaves/pot). Observing the maximum point, the water regime of 90% of field capacity and 120 kg N/ha favored leaf appearance rate of 1.2 leaves/day and less phyllochron (4.6 days/leaf) at 85% of field capacity and 115 kg N/ha. The dose of 120 kg N/ha resulted in ultimate greater width (1.4 cm) and length (2.4 cm) of the leaf at 100% of field capacity. The final length of stolons showed quadratic effect for N, having greatest length (58.1 cm) at 75 kg N/ha and 100% of field capacity.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a densidade populacional de perfilhos de pastos de Urochroa decumbens diferidos por 95 e 140 dias, visando determinar a estratégia mais adequada de adubação nitrogenada. Foram estudadas quatro estratégias de adubação no início e no final do verão (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg ha-1 de N), respectivamente, com quatro repetições. Para os pastos diferidos por 95 dias, as densidades populacionais de perfilhos vegetativos foram maiores (p < 0,05) para a estratégia 0-100. O peso de perfilhos vegetativos por ha, no final do período de diferimento, foi maior para a estratégia 0-100, seguida da estratégia 50-50. As densidades de perfilhos vegetativos, avaliadas nos pastos diferidos por 140 dias, foram maiores (p < 0,05) para as estratégias de adubação 0-100 e parcelados 50-50. No final do período de diferimento, constatou-se maior (p < 0,05) densidade de perfilhos mortos para a estratégia de adubação 0-100, não constatando efeito (p < 0,05) no pós-pastejo. A estratégia de aplicação de 100 kg ha-1 no final do verão, seguida da estratégia de 50 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio parcelado no início e final do verão, promove influência positiva sobre a densidade populacional de perfilhos em pastos diferidos por 140 dias.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the tiller population density in Urochroa decumbens pasture deferred for 95 and 140 days, aiming to determine the best strategy for nitrogen fertilization. Four fertilization strategies at the beginning and end of summer (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg ha-1 of N) were studied, respectively, with four repetitions. For the pastures deferred for 95 days, the population densities of vegetative tillers were greater (p < 0.05) for the strategy 0-100. At the end of the deferment period, the weight of the vegetative tillers per hectare was greater for the strategy 0-100, followed by the strategy 50-50. The densities of vegetative tillers, evaluated in the pastures deferred for 140 days, were greater (p < 0.05) for the fertilization strategies 0-100 and divided 50-50. At the end of the deferment period, greater density (p < 0.05) of dead tillers was verified for the fertilization strategy 0-100, not proving effect (p < 0.05) in post-grazing. The strategy of application of 100 kg ha-1 at the end of summer, followed by the strategy of 50 kg ha-1 of nitrogen divided between the beginning and end of summer, promoted a positive influence on the tiller population density in pastures deferred for 140 days.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the establishment of forage peanut (Arachis pintoi cv. Belmonte) propagated vegetatively. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with treatments arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial design - two ages (70 and 85 days after planting) and four nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha) - with four replications. Morphogenetic and structural characteristics and production were evaluated. The nitrogen accelerated the establishment of the forage peanut with an increase in dry weight of green leaves and stolons. The greatest length of stolons (48.0 cm) was obtained with a dose equivalent to 86 kg N/ha and higher density of stolons (20 stolons/vase) between 78 and 82 kg N/ha. Nitrogen fertilization also reduced the phyllochron from 6.7 to 4.6 days/leaf. These data were more intense at 85 days, suggesting greater photosynthetic contribution during this period related to the large number of leaves after 70 days. Therefore, nitrogen can be an important tool to accelerate the establishment of pure stands of forage peanut.

O leite é um alimento de grande importância nutricional. Além disso, a atividade leiteira pode ser destacada pelo desenvolvimento econômico e social que promove nas propriedades rurais. Dessa forma, objetivou-se, neste trabalho, caracterizar a produção de leite e o manejo sanitário dos animais de propriedades da bacia leiteira da região sudoeste da Bahia. A metodologia proposta foi composta pela aplicação de um questionário, constituído de questões objetivas, a uma amostra de 94 produtores, que fornecem leite para cooperativas ou laticínios da região, cadastrados no diagnóstico inicial das fazendas do programa Geraleite. Os dados obtidos foram importantes para conhecer e comparar o perfil de fazendas leiteiras nessa região. Com a pesquisa, constatou-se que 54,7% dos produtores não fazem anotações zootécnicas e 64,9% não fazem anotações relacionadas à parte econômica. Dos entrevistados, 82% praticam nas propriedades uma ordenha e 18% duas ordenhas por dia, a monta natural não controlada foi o manejo reprodutivo mais utilizado. A média geral da produção de leite nas fazendas foi de 1125 litros de leite/vaca/ano e 3,1 litros/vaca/dia. Essa baixa produtividade deve-se, principalmente, à deficiência tecnológica, animais não especializados e à falta de assistência técnica nas fazendas.

Milk is a food of great nutritional importance. In addition, the dairy can be highlighted by the economic and social development that promotes in the rural properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize milk production and animal health management of properties in the dairy region of the southwestern region of Bahia. The methodology proposed is made by applying a questionnaire with objective questions, using a sample of 94 producers participating in the research that provide milk for dairy cooperatives and dairy in the region registered in the preliminary farm diagnosis in program Geraleite. The data obtained are important to know and to compare the profile of dairy farms in this region, 54.7% of producers did not take husbandry notes and 64.9% did not take notes related to the economics. Of the respondents 82% make one milking and 18% two milkings per day in properties, the natural mating uncontrolled was the reproductive management more used. The average milk production on farms was 1125 liters of milk /cow/year and 3.1 liters/cow/day. This low productivity is due mainly to technological deficiency, non specialized animals and lack of technical assistance in the farms.

The objective was to assess the effects of a concentrate consisting of two types of corn: flint and dent, with three different grinding degrees (1, 3 and 5 mm), as a function of intake, performance and digestibility of three crossbred dairy suckling heifers. A randomized block design involving 54 crossbred heifers in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement was used to assess intake and performance patterns. In order to assess digestibility, the experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of 24 crossbred heifers. Weighting and measurements of height at withers and thoracic perimeter were performed. There was no significant interaction between grinding degree and corn type for any of the studied variables. The daily intake of concentrate dry matter was higher for flint corn (243 g/day) as compared with dent corn (160 g/day). The grinding degree caused difference in the dry matter, crude protein and ether extract intake, with higher intake when 3 and 5 mm sieves were used in the process. There was no difference regarding average daily gain and increased withers, croup and thoracic perimeter. Likewise, feed conversion did not differ. Regarding dry matter digestibility, there was an effect resulting from the hardness of corn (78.9% for dent, and 84.3% and for flint corn). As for the grinding degree, the highest value of dry matter digestibility was found when using 5 mm sieves (84.2%), whereas the percentage values found for 1 mm and 3 mm mesh sieves were 79.1% and 78.1%, respectively. It is recommended that heifer calves in the early stage of growth be fed flint corn ground through 3 or 5 mm mesh sieves.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características estruturais de pastos de Brachiaria decumbens diferidos por 140 dias, visando determinar a estratégia mais adequada de adubação nitrogenada. Foram estudadas quatro estratégias de adubação no início e no final do verão (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg ha-1 de N), respectivamente, com quatro repetições. Para avaliação das densidades volumétricas, a forragem foi colhida em três estratos: estrato A- acima de 40 cm; B- 20-40 cm; e C- 0-20 cm do solo. O índice de tombamento foi menor (p < 0,05) para a estratégia de adubação com 100 kg ha-1 de N aplicados no final do verão. No estrato B foram observadas maiores (p < 0,05) densidades de forragem total, de lâmina foliar e de colmo verde para estratégia de adubação de 100 kg ha-1 de N aplicados no início do verão (100-0). Maiores comprimentos de colmos (p < 0,05) foram observados nos pastos com estratégia de adubação 0-100, seguida da estratégia 50-50. A estratégia de aplicação de 100 kg ha-1 no final do verão, seguida da estratégia de 50 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio parcelado no início e final do verão, promoveram influência positiva sobre as características estruturais em pastos diferidos por 140 dias.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics of Brachiaria decumbens pastures deferred for 140 days, in order to determine the most appropriate nitrogenous fertilization. Four fertilization strategies were studied at the beginning and end of summer (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg ha-1 N), respectively, with four replications. For volumetric density evaluation, forage was harvested in three strata: stratum A- over 40 cm above the soil; B- 20-40 cm; and C- 0-20 cm above the soil. The falling index was lower (p < 0.05) for the fertilization strategy using 100 kg ha-1 N applied at the end of summer. In stratum B (between 20 and 40 cm above the soil), greater (p < 0.05) densities were observed for total forage, leaf blade and green stem using the fertilization strategy of 100 kg ha-1 N applied in early summer (100-0). Greater stem lengths (p < 0.05) were observed in pastures with fertilization strategy 0-100, followed by the 50-50 strategy. The strategies of applying 100 kg ha-1 at the end of summer, followed by the strategy of 50 kg ha-1 nitrogen partitioned in the beginning and end of summer, have a positive influence on the structural characteristics in pastures deferred for 140 days.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de Brachiaria decumbens diferidos por períodos de 95 e 140 dias. Foram realizados dois ensaios experimentais (95 e 140 dias) e em cada ensaio foram estudadas quatro estratégias de adubação no início e no final do verão (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg ha-1 de N), respectivamente, com quatro repetições. A maior (p < 0,05) produção anual de matéria seca (MS) foi verificada para a estratégia de adubação com 100 kg ha-1 de N aplicados no início do verão (100-0), nos pastos diferidos com 95 dias. Entretanto, no outono, inverno e primavera, a estratégia de aplicação de 100 kg ha-1 de N no final do verão (0-100), proporcionou maiores (p < 0,05) produções de forragem. A produção diária de matéria seca, quando comparada ao verão, sofreu reduções de 8, 89 e 58% para as estações outono, inverno e primavera, respectivamente, no ensaio de 95 dias de diferimento. Pode-se inferir que a estratégia de aplicação de 100 kg ha-1 no final do verão é uma estratégia adequada para aumentar a produção de matéria seca para os pastos avaliados nos dois períodos de diferimento estudados, reduzindo a curva de sazonalidade da produção anual de forragem.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the production of Brachiaria decumbens deferred for periods of 95 and 140 days. Two experimental trials (95 and 140 days) were carried out and, in each one, four fertilization strategies were studied at the beginning and end of summer (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg ha-1 of N), respectively, with four replications. The highest (p < 0.05) annual production of dry matter (DM) was verified for the fertilization strategy with 100 kg ha-1 of N applied in early summer (100-0), in pastures deferred for 95 days. However, in autumn, winter and spring, the application strategy of 100 kg ha-1 of N at end of summer (0-100) had greater (p < 0.05) forage production. Daily dry matter production, when compared to that of summer, was reduced by 8, 89 and 58% for autumn, winter and spring, respectively, in the 95-day deferring trial. It can be inferred that the strategy of application of 100 kg ha-1 in late summer is an appropriate strategy to increase dry matter production for grasses in the two studied deferral periods, reducing the curve of seasonal annual forage production.

O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar a massa de matéria seca forragem e de seus componentes morfológicos, a altura e o índice de tombamento do pasto, a densidade volumétrica e o valor nutritivo da forragem em pastos de Brachiaria decumbens diferidos por 95 dias sob quatro estratégias de adubação nitrogenada. Foram estudadas quatro estratégias de aplicação de nitrogênio no início e no final do período chuvoso, respectivamente (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg de N.ha-1), avaliados em três estratos verticais a cada 20 cm, num delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições. Os pastos adubados com 100 kg de N no final do período chuvoso apresentaram maiores massas de matéria seca de forragem total, lâmina de folha e de colmo verde, bem como altura, altura estendida e densidade volumétrica da forragem total, lâmina de folha e de colmo verde em todos os estratos estudados. Os índices de tombamento foram maiores para os pastos adubados no final do período chuvoso (0-100 e 50-50). Os percentuais de fibra em detergente neutro foram menores no estrato A (acima de 40 cm do solo) e os teores proteína bruta (PB) maiores em todos os estratos para os tratamentos 0-100 e 50-50. Embora a adubação com 100 kg de N no final do período chuvoso permita aumentar a massa de forragem total e de lâminas de folhas e melhorar a qualidade desta forragem, a maior densidade de colmos nos estratos superiores e o elevado índice de tombamento podem caracterizar dificuldades na seleção da forragem e redução no consumo e desempenho animal.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the forage dry matter yield and its morphological components, height and pasture falling index, bulk density and forage nutritional value in Brachiaria decumbens pastures deferred for 95 days under four strategies of nitrogen fertilization. It was studied four strategies of nitrogen application at the beginning and at the end of the rainy season, respectively (0-0, 100-0, 50-50, 0-100 kg N/ha) evaluated in three vertical strata at every 20 cm in a randomized block design in a split-plot arrangement with four replicates. Pastures fertilized with 100 kg N at the end of the rainy season showed greater weights of total forage dry matter, leaf blade and green stem as well as height, extended height and total forage bulk density, leaf blade and green stem in all strata studied. Falling indexes were greater for pastures fertilized at the end of the rainy season (0-100 and 50-50). The percentage of neutral detergent fiber were lower in stratum A (40 cm above ground), and contents of crude protein (CP) were greater in all strata for the treatments 0-100 and 50-50. Although fertilization with 100 kg N at the end of the rainy season allows an increase in the mass of total forage and leaf blades and improvement in the quality of this forage, greater density of stems in the upper strata and the high falling index can characterize difficulties in forage selection and reduction in intake and animal performance.