ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with different types of carbohydrates associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thirty castrated male lambs (20.5 ± 7.6 kg) were used, distributed in a randomized block design under three experimental diets: High proportion of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) diet; High NFC diet + spineless cactus (high proportion of NFC and spineless cactus) and Low NFC diet (low proportion of NFC), in a 60 day experimental period. The variables of nutrient intake, performance, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. The animals fed the High NFC + spineless cactus diet presented a higher dry matter intake, organic matter, mineral matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrates intake (p <0.05). Carcass characteristics and weight of commercial cuts were improved in High NFC and High NFC + spineless cactus diets (p <0.05), on the other hand we observed a total fat weight reduction in animals fed with High NFC + spineless cactus. The results indicate that high levels of NFC positively influence animal performance, where the type of carbohydrate influences nutrient intake, also affecting carcass characteristics.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn by double-distilled glycerin, a co-product of the biodiesel industry, on goat curd cheese in terms of physical-chemical, microbiological and sensory aspects. Twelve multiparas Saanen goats weighing 47.07 ± 2.41 kg and at 90 ± 5 days of lactation. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (0 and 15% inclusion of glycerin). The physicochemical parameters analyzed were: fat (%), non-fat solids (%), protein (%), lactose (%), salts (%), relative density at 15/15 °C (gmL-1), index cryoscopic (°C), electrical conductivity (mScm-1), pH and acidity. The milk from each treatment was used to make the rennet cheese. The fat had a significant effect (P < 0.05) with inclusion of glycerin in the diet. The physicochemical characteristics of the cheese were influenced (P < 0.05) by feeding up to 15% of glycerin. Regarding sensory attributes, only firmness was influenced (P < 0.05) by the inclusion of glycerin in the diet of dairy goats. Bidistilled glycerin, when inserted in the diet of dairy goats at a level of 15%, causes a reduction in the lipid content of milk and cheese, consequently affecting the cheese yield, and the parameter of firmness in the sensory of the evaluated cheeses.

ABSTRACT. The physical-chemical characteristics and sensory attributes of milk are variable. This study aimed to evaluate how spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopius sp.) influences the composition and sensory characteristics of goat milk. Twelve lactating goats with body weights of 51.35 ± 3.75 kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, with three simultaneous squares composed of four animals, four periods, and four experimental diets: Control - goats fed tifton grass hay and concentrate; SCOE - goats fed the Orelha-de-elefante spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCB - goats fed the Baiana spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCM - goats fed the Miúda spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate. The levels of protein and non-greasy solids and the sensory attributes of the milk (odor, butter flavor, and global acceptance) did not differ between the treatments (p > 0.05). The lipid content of the milk was reduced in the SCOE treatment compared to the control (p = 0.0014). The milk obtained from animals fed the SCOE and SCM treatments had a stronger flavor (p < 0.05). These results suggest that varieties of spineless cactus resistant to carmine cochineal can be used as goat feed without affecting milk production or global acceptance.

RESUMO Na bovinocultura leiteira, as vacas apresentam mudanças metabólicas importantes durante o período de transição, principalmente aquelas de alta produção, que necessitam de nutrientes em maior quantidade para suprir a demanda requerida. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de hipomagnesemia subclínica no pré e pós-parto em vacas leiteiras inseridas em sistemas de produção de leite na microrregião de Sousa-PB e município de São João do Rio do Peixe-PB. Para isso foram realizadas visitas quinzenais a 34 propriedades rurais, onde a equipe coletou 357 amostras de sangue por meio de punção venosa, sendo 106 provenientes de vacas em lactação que se encontravam no período de pré-parto e 251 de vacas em lactação inseridas no período de pós-parto. Verificou-se que as propriedades forneciam três tipos de suplemento mineral: suplementação exclusiva com NaCl; suplementação com NaCl + núcleo mineral; e suplementação comercial. As vacas que recebiam a suplementação mineral do tipo comercial corresponderam aquelas com maior prevalência (10,53%) de ocorrência do distúrbio, apresentando ainda diferença significativa (P < 0,05) entre as demais formas de suplementação. Em relação ao período reprodutivo em que as vacas se encontravam, notou- se que aquelas do pós-parto apresentaram maior prevalência de hipomagnesemia subclínica (9,96%) em relação às vacas do pré-parto (8,49%). Porém não houve diferença significative (P > 0,05) entre ambas. Estudos como esse tornam-se fundamentais para alertar produtores rurais e técnicos sobre a ocorrência da hipomagnesemia subclínica na região, além dos prejuízos que os distúrbios metabólicos acarretam.

ABSTRACT In dairy farming, cows display important metabolic changes during the transition period, particularly high-production cows, which need nutrients in greater quantity to meet the required demand. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical hypomagnesemia in pre- and post-partum dairy cows inserted in milk-production systems in the Sousa microregion and the district of São João do Rio do Peixe, both in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. As such, visits were made every two weeks to 34 rural properties, where the team collected 357 blood samples by venepuncture, 106 from pre-partum lactating cows and 251 from lactating cows in the post-partum period. It was found that the properties supplied three types of mineral supplement: a single supplement of NaCl, a supplement of NaCl + mineral base, and a commercial supplement. The cows receiving the commercial mineral supplement had the highest prevalence (10.53%) of the disorder, even showing a significant difference (P < .05) between the other types of supplement. In relation to reproductive period, it was found that the post-partum cows had a higher prevalence of subclinical hypomagnesemia (9.96%) than did the pre-partem cows (8.49%); there was, however, no significant difference (P > .05) between the two. Studies such as this are fundamental for alerting rural and technical producers to the occurrence of subclinical hypomagnesemia in the region, in addition to the damage caused by metabolic disorders.

RESUMO A cultura da mamona destaca-se, no nordeste do Brasil, para a produção de óleo, gerando coprodutos com potencial para a alimentação animal. Por essa razão, avaliou-se, neste trabalho, o efeito sobre o comportamento ingestivo da inclusão de 0; 33; 67 e 100% do farelo de mamona destoxificado (FMD) em substituição ao farelo de soja, em dietas para ovinos. Foi adotado o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco ovinos por tratamento. Os consumos de MS e FDN não foram influenciados (P > 0,05) pela participação do FMD na dieta, com médias de 1362,6 e 582,98 g/animal/dia, respectivamente. A substituição do farelo de soja pelo FMD não influenciou (P > 0,05) os tempos de ruminação, de ócio e de TMT, com média de 181,33; 347,04 e 366,24 min/12 h, respectivamente. Verificou-se efeito quadrático (P < 0,05) para o tempo em alimentação, com mínima de 164,56 min/12 h, quando da participação de 60% de FMD na dieta. Houve efeito quadrático (P < 0,05) para a eficiência de alimentação, com máximas de 4,43 g MS/min e 2,08 g FDN/min, quando da participação de 58,8 e 69,5%, respectivamente, do FMD nas dietas. A eficiência de ruminação em g MS e FDN/min não foi influenciada (P > 0,05), com médias de 4,31 e 1,84, respectivamente. A substituição do farelo de soja pelo FMD diminui o tempo em alimentação quando da utilização em 60%, mas não influencia o consumo de MS e FDN, o tempo despendido em ruminação, em ócio, e o TMT. O uso de 60% de FMD eleva a eficiência de alimentação de MS e FDN e não compromete a eficiência de ruminação.

ABSTRACT Castor bean crops stand out in the Northeastern Brazil for oil production, producing coproducts with potential for animal diets. Thus, this work evaluated the effect on ingestive behavior when 0, 33, 67 and 100% of detoxified castor bean meal (DCBM) were included to substitute soy bean meal in diets for sheep. The randomized blocks design was used with five sheep in each treatment. Dry matter intake and neutral detergent fiber intake were not affected (P > .05) by the inclusion of DCBM in the diet, with means of 1362.6 and 582.98 g/animal/day, respectively. Substitution of soybean meal by DCBM did not affect (P > .05) times of rumination, idle and total chewing, with averages of 181.33, 347.04 and 366.24 minute/12 h, respectively. A quadratic effect (P < .05) was found for feeding time, with minimum of 164.56 min/12 h, when 60% of DCBM was included in the diet. A quadratic effect (P < .05) was verified for eating efficiency with maximum of 4.43 g DM/minute and 2.08 g NDF/minute. Rumination efficiency in g DM and NDF/minute were not affected (P < .05), with means of 4.31 and 1.84, respectively. The substitution of soybean meal by DCBM decreases feeding time when 60% of it was used but does not influence the intake of DM and NDF, time spent in ruminating and idle, and total chewing time. The use of 60% of DCBM increases feeding efficiency of DM and NDF, and does not compromise the efficiency of rumination.