RESUMO O objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento ingestivo, características de carcaça e a qualidade da carne de novilhas Nelore, alimentadas com torta de girassol em substituição ao farelo de algodão. Foram utilizadas 30 novilhas, com peso médio inicial de 274 kg ± 28 kg e idade média de 24 meses, confinadas por 76 dias. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos (0; 150; 300; 450 e 600 g kg-1 MS) e seis repetições por tratamento. Ao completar 24 h após o abate, avaliou-se conformação muscular e grau de acabamento realizada no músculo Longissimus dorsi na 13ª costela. Amostra representativa entre a 10ª e 12ª costelas foi coletada para avaliações dos componentes físicos das carcaças. Assim como as demais variáveis estudadas, o peso de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça, comprimento de carcaça e área de olho de lombo não foram influenciados pelos diferentes teores de torta nas rações. Os valores médios de porcentagem de músculo, osso e gordura da carcaça foram de 53,45; 16,14 e 29,46%, respectivamente, semelhantes entre tratamentos. Portanto, a utilização de até 600g kg-1 de torta de girassol em substituição ao farelo de algodão, como principal fonte proteica, não alterou as características de carcaça e a qualidade da carne de novilhas Nelore.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the feeding behavior, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nelore heifers fed sunflower pie replacing cottonseed meal. They were used 30 heifers with average initial weight of 274 kg ± 28 kg and average age of 24 months, confined for 76 days. The design was completely randomized with five treatments (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 g kg-1 DM) and six replicates per treatment. By completing 24 hours after slaughter, it evaluated muscle conformation and degree of finish made the Longissimus dorsi at the 13th rib. A representative sample between the 10th and 12th ribs was collected for evaluation of the physical components of carcasses. As well as the other variables, the hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, carcass length and rib eye area were not influenced by different pie levels in feed. The mean percentage of muscle, bone and fat from the carcass were 53.45; 16.14 and 29.46%, respectively, similar among treatments. Therefore, the use of up to 600 g kg-1 of sunflower pie replacing cottonseed meal as the main protein source, did not affect the carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nelore heifers.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar biológica e economicamente a utilização de três fontes proteicas (farelo de soja (FS), caroço de algodão (CA) ou torta de nabo forrageiro (TN)), na formulação de suplementos (1,0% do peso corporal (PC)) na terminação de novilhas de corte em pastos de capim Marandu na estação seca. Este experimento foi realizado no município de Potirendaba, SP, e análises químicas na Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PR. A área experimental foi de seis hectares, dividida em três piquetes, cada um com seis novilhas de corte 1/2 sangue Simental, 1/2 Nelore, PC inicial de 210 ± 8,34 kg, idade de 15 ± 3 meses. Foi realizada análise econômica utilizando-se método de orçamentos parciais. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições por tratamento (n=18). Foi realizada análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste Tukey (P<0,05). Animais suplementados com TN apresentaram menor ganho de peso (FS=0,81, CA=0,76 e TN=0,40 kg/animal/dia; P<0,05). Foi observada alteração negativa no rendimento líquido para os suplementos CA (US$-22,15/animal) e TN (US$-1,96/animal) em relação ao suplemento FS que, embora apresente maior valor de aquisição, mostrou-se favorável biológica e economicamente.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate biological and economically the use of three protein sources (soybean meal (SM), cottonseed (CS) or turnip cake (TC)), in the supplement formulation (1.0 % of body weight (BW)) in the finishing stage of heifers grazing Marandu grass pastures during the dry season. This experiment was conducted in the city of Potirendaba, São Paulo State, and the chemical analyses were performed at the Londrina State University, Paraná State. The experimental area had six hectares, divided into three paddocks, each one with six crossbred heifers (Simmental × Nellore), initial BW of 210 ± 8.34 kg, and age of 15 ± 3 months. Economic analysis was performed using the method of partial budgeting. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six replicates per treatment (n = 18). Analysis of variance was conducted, and means were compared by Tukey test (P <0.05). Animals supplemented with TC exhibited lower weight gain (SM = 0.81, CS = 0.76 and TC = 0.40 kg / animal / day; P <0.05). Negative changes were observed in net income for the CS supplements (US $ -22.15 / animal) and TC (US $ -1.96 / animal) relative to the SM supplement, which showed better biologic and economic results.

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 objectives of this work were to evaluate the environmental effects (age of dam, type of birth and sex of lamb) and genetic groups (Hampshire Down and Ile de France, ½ and ¾ Hampshire Down, Ile de France and Suffolk, and ½ Texel) on performance and morphometric characteristics (height, length and heart girth) of lambs; to test regressions to predict live weight of lambs from body measurements; and to describe the growth type of the measurements as function of the weight. Weights and measurements were collected from birth to weaning, every 14 days. For evaluations of performance in relation to environmental effects and genetic groups, only data from birth and from weaning were used; for type of growth all collected data were used. Lambs from younger ewes (2 teeth) presented smaller average for weight at birth, heart girth and height at weaning. Single-birth lambs presented greater averages than twins. Genetic group influenced all traits evaluated, except heart girth at birth and average heart girth gain. Means for birth weight were higher in ¾ Ile de France (3.93±0.16 kg) and lower in ½ Texel lambs (3.04±0.24 kg), and for weaning, they were higher in ½ Texel (14.86±0.87 kg) and lower in Ile de France lambs (11.66±0.83 kg). Year of birth influenced all traits. Heart girth and length showed a negative allometric growth in relation to weight, while between weight and height the relation was positive allometric. The factors that most influenced the performance of lambs from birth to weaning are the type of birth, genetic group and year of birth. Correlations between body weight and morphometric measurements are significant, so it is possible to predict one from the other.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the environmental effects (age of dam at lambing, type of birth and sex of lamb) and genetic groups (Santa Inês and ½ Santa Inês) on weight and morphometric measurements (heart girth, body length and height) of lambs; to test linear and allometric regressions to predict the weight through the measurements; and to describe the type of growth of the measurements from weight. Weight and morphometric measurements were sampled from birth to 154 days of age, at every 14 days. For the evaluation of the environmental factors and to predict the regressions the data of birth, weaning and 154 days of age were used; and to determine the type of growth all the data collected were used. The lambs derived from younger (two-tooth) ewes recorded lower averages than the ones from eight-tooth ewes for weight, heart girth and body length at birth and length at weaning. The animals born from single births presented higher average weight from birth to weaning, as well as of all the measurements from birth to 154 days of age than those from twin births. There was no difference between the genetic groups Santa Inês and ½ Santa Inês. The correlations between the weight and measurements were significant, and it was possible to predict the weight from the morphometric measurements through regressions. The type of weight gain with heart girth was isometric, while with length it was positive allometric, and with height it was negative allometric. Thereby, in the absence of a scale it is possible to predict the weight from the morphometric measurements, and the type of birth is the most important factor that affects the development of lambs from birth to weaning.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of feeding energy levels during the last third of gestation and lactation on performance of ewes and lambs up to weaning. The experiment was carried out in the sheep raising sector of Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), from August to December of 2007. Thirty-two adult lambs with 105 days of gestation, average live weight of 57.55 kg and average body condition scores of 3.42 were used in the beginning of the experiment. The animals were confined in collective pens, distributed randomly in three treatments: 2.4; 2.2 and 2.0 Mcal of metabolizable energy (ME)/kg of dry matter (DM). Feed supply was ad libitum during the last third of gestation and lactation. Weaning occurred at 70 days. Body weight, body condition score and milk production of ewes and body weight of the lambs were analyzed. There were no significant differences for body weight and body condition of ewes at lambing; however, the level of 2.4 Mcal enabled better results for those characteristics at weaning and higher gain in weight and body condition scoring during the experiment. Severe energetic restriction (2.0 Mcal ME/kg DM) determined lower average daily milk production. Lambs from levels 2.4 and 2.2 presented similar weights in all measurements and were superior to those in level 2.0. Lambs from level 2.4 presented higher average weight gain from birth to weaning. The energetic restriction upon lambs at the end of gestation and during lactation limits the performance of ewes and lambs up to weaning.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos ambientais (idade da mãe ao parto, tipo de nascimento, sexo do cordeiro e ano de nascimento) e os grupos genéticos sobre o peso e medidas morfométricas de cordeiros, ao nascimento e ao desmame; testar regressões para predizer peso por meio das medidas e descrever o tipo de crescimento das medidas. Os filhos de ovelhas mais jovens (dois dentes) apresentaram médias menores para todas as características, exceto altura ao desmame. As médias de peso ao nascimento variaram de 3,34 ± 0,14kg nos filhos de ovelhas de dois dentes a 3,94 ± 0,09kg nos filhos de ovelhas de oito dentes, e as de peso ao desmame variaram de 12,19 ± 0,72kg nos filhos de ovelhas de dois dentes a 14,79 ± 0,62 nos filhos de ovelhas de seis dentes. Os cordeiros nascidos de partos simples apresentaram maiores médias que os gêmeos. As médias de peso ao nascer foram de 3,24 ± 0,11kg a 4,08 ± 0,06kg e para peso ao desmame foram de 11,18 ± 0,59kg a 15,81 ± 0,35kg, as médias menores foram dos cordeiros gêmeos e as maiores dos cordeiros simples. O grupo genético influenciou o peso, o comprimento e a altura ao nascimento, os Santa Inês puros apresentaram médias maiores que os ½ Santa Inês. O ano de nascimento influenciou todas as características. Todas as correlações entre pesos e medidas foram significativas, e assim foi possível prever o peso em função das medidas.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental effects (age of dam, type of birth, sex of the lamb and year of birth) and genetic groups on the weight and morphometric measurements of lamb at birth and at weaning; test regressions for predicting weight of lambs by the measurements and describe the type of growth of the measures. Lambs of young ewes (2 teeth) had lower average for all characteristics except height at weaning. The average birth weight ranged from 3.34 ± 0.14kg in the offspring of two teeth ewes to 3.94 ± 0.09kg in the lambs of eight teeth ewes, and for weaning weight ranged from 12.19 ± 0.72kg in the offspring of two teeth ewes, and 14.79 ± 0.62 in the lambs of six teeth ewes. The single birth lambs had highter averages than the twins. Means for birth weight ranged from 3.24 ± 0.11kg to 4.08 ± 0.06kg and for weaning weight from 11.18 ± 0.59kg to 15.81 ± 0.35kg, the averages were lower for twins and greater for single lambs. The genetic group affected the weight and the length and height at birth, where purebred Santa Inês lambs presented greater averages than ½ Santa Inês lambs. The year of birth influenced all traits. All correlations between weights and measures were significant. It is possible to predict the weight on the basis of measures.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar as características de carcaça e a qualidade da carne de animais puros das raças Tabapuã, Bonsmara e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore. Foram utilizados cinco bovinos castrados de cada grupo genético, com idade média de 22 meses e peso vivo de 394±21 kg ao início do experimento. A dieta, para todos os animais, continha silagem de cana-de-açúcar e ração comercial na proporção de 55% e 45% (base seca), respectivamente, com 14,99% de proteína bruta (PB) e 59,84% de nutrientes totais digestíveis (NDT). Ao abate, não foram observadas diferenças no peso de carcaça fria nem nos pesos e percentuais dos cortes comerciais (traseiro, costilhar e dianteiro) entre os grupos genéticos. Os animais puros Bonsmara apresentaram maior área de olho-de-lombo, maior percentual de músculo e menor percentual de gordura na carcaça. Nos animais mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore, a espessura de gordura de cobertura (EGC) foi maior que os Bonsmara e Tabapuã, porém todos os grupos genéticos apresentaram EGC acima do mínimo (3 mm) exigido pelos frigoríficos. Não foi observada diferença na composição centesimal da carne entre os grupos genéticos. A carne dos animais Bonsmara e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore e ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore foi mais macia que a dos animais Tabapuã. O perfil de ácidos graxos no músculo longissimus dorsi não diferiu entre os grupos genéticos estudados. A carne dos animais Bonsmara e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore e ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore apresentou melhor qualidade se comparada à dos Tabapuã.

The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass traits and meat quality of Tabapuã and Bonsmara purebred steers, and crossbred ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nellore and ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nellore steers. Five animals were used in each genetic group. The average age and weight at the beginning of the experiment were 22 months and 394±21 kg. All animals received the same diet, which was composed of sugar cane silage and a commercial ration, in a ratio of 55 and 45% (dry matter basis), respectively, with 14.99 crude protein and 59.84% total digestible nutrients. There were no differences between the genetic groups for cold carcass weight or percentages of commercial cuts (forequarter, hindquarter and sidequarter) at slaughter. Bonsmara steers presented the greatest ribeye area and percentage of muscle, and the lowest percentage of fat in the carcass. Crossbred ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nellore animals presented greater back fat thickness (BFT) than Bonsmara and Tabapuã animals; however, all genetic groups presented BFT greater than the minimum (3 mm) required by the meat industry. There was no difference in the meat centesimal composition between genetic groups. Meat from Bonsmara, ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nellore and ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nellore presented greater tenderness than that from Tabapuã steers. The longissimus fat acid profile did not differ between the genetic groups studied. Meat from Bonsmara and crossbred ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nellore and ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nellore animals presented greater quality than that from Tabapuã steers.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho em confinamento de animais puros das raças Tabapuã (T), Bonsmara (B), mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore (B1) e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore (B2). Foram utilizados cinco bovinos castrados de cada grupo genético, com idade média de 22 meses e peso vivo de 394 ± 21 kg, ao início do experimento. A dieta para todos os animais continha silagem de cana-de-açúcar e ração comercial na proporção de 55 e 45% (base seca), respectivamente, com 14,99% de PB e 59,84% de NDT. Os animais foram abatidos quando atingiram escore visual de acabamento de 3, numa escala de 1 = magros a 5 = obesos. Houve efeito significativo dos grupos genéticos sobre o consumo de matéria seca, cujas médias foram de 1,9; 2,1; 2,2 e 2,2% do PV, respectivamente, para os animais Tabapuã, Bonsmara, B1 e B2. O ganho médio diário em peso vivo dos animais cruzados B1 (0,925 kg) e B2 (1,122 kg) e puros Bonsmara (1,035 kg) foi superior ao dos animais da raça Tabapuã (0,630 kg), que foram mais tardios para atingir escore corporal de abate. O consumo de nutrientes, como porcentagem do peso vivo ou por unidade de peso metabólico, não diferiu entre grupos genéticos. Carcaças de animais Bonsmara apresentaram melhor escore de conformação, porém as carcaças dos animais da raça Tabapuã tiveram melhores médias para rendimento de carcaça quente (56,2%) e fria (55,2%). Não houve diferença no peso de carcaça fria entre os grupos genéticos. Animais Bonsmara puros, B1 e B2, apresentam melhor desempenho em confinamento em comparação aos Tabapuã.

The objective of this work was to evaluate feedlot performance of Tabapuã (T) and Bonsmara (B) purebreed animals, and ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore (B1) and ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore (B2) crossbred animals. It was used five castrated bovines from each genetic group at average age of 22 months and live weight of 394 ± 21 kg at the beginning of the experiment. The diet for all the animals contained sugar cane silage and commercial ration at the proportion of 55 and 45% (dry matter basis), respectively, with 14.99% CP and 59.84% TDN. Animals were slaughtered when they reached a visual finishing body score of 3, in a scale from 1 = thin to 5 = obese. There was a significant effect of genetic groups on dry matter intake, whose averages were 1.9, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.2% BW for Tabapuã, Bonsmara, B1 and B2 animals, respectively. Average daily gain in live weight of crossbred animals B1 (0.925 kg) and B2 (1.122 kg) and purebred Bonsmara (1.035 kg) were greater than the ones of Tabapuã (0.630 kg), which were the latest to reach body condition score for slaughtering. Nutrient intake, as percentage of the body weight or per unit of metabolic weight, did not differ among genetic groups. Carcasses of Bonsmara animals presented the best conformation score, but carcasses of Tabapuã animals obtained the best means for hot (56.2%) and for cold (55.2%) dressing percentages. There was no difference for cold carcass weight among the genetic groups. Purebred Bonsmara steers, B1 and B2, presented better fedlot performances in comparison to Tabapuã steers.

Avaliaram-se as características quantitativas e a composição regional e tecidual de carcaças de cordeiros submetidos a três níveis de energia (2,23; 2,54 ou 2,85 Mcal de energia metabolizável/kg MS) na alimentação e abatidos aos 32,2 ± 3,8 kg de peso corporal e 145,6 ± 20,1 dias de idade. As rações eram isoproteicas (16,70% PB) e foram fornecidas a 18 cordeiros não-castrados, mestiços Texel, confinados em baias individuais em aprisco com piso elevado do solo e ripado. As meias-carcaças esquerdas foram separadas em paleta, perna, lombo, costelas e pescoço e, em cada um desses cortes, foi avaliada a composição tecidual (osso, músculo e gordura). Com exceção da porcentagem de lombo, os níveis de energia apresentaram efeito quadrático sobre os demais cortes. Com o nível intermediário de energia, foram obtidas as maiores porcentagens de paleta e pescoço e os menores valores de perna e costelas. O nível energético da dieta influenciou a distribuição dos cortes na carcaça, mas não afetou sua composição tecidual média. A paleta foi o corte com a maior variação tecidual decorrente dos níveis de energia. Os cortes analisados podem ser usados para estimar a composição tecidual média das carcaças, no entanto, a paleta é o menos indicado.

The objective of this study was to evaluate quantitative characteristics and carcass regional and tissue composition of lambs submitted to different energy levels (2.23, 2.54 and 2.85 Mcal ME/kg DM) in the diet and slaughtered with 32.2 ± 3.8 kg body weight and at average age of 145.6 ± 20.1 days. The diets were isoproteic (16.70% CP) and fed to 18 no castrated crossbred Texel male lambs. The lambs were confined in individual pens, in a slotted floor sheep barn. The half left-side carcasses were splitted into the shoulder, leg, loin, ribs and neck. The tissue composition (bone, muscle and fat) was also evaluated in each cut. Except for loin percentage, energy levels presented a quadratic effect on the other cuts. The percentages of shoulder and neck were greatest at the middle energy level and the percentages of leg and ribs were lowest at this level. The energy level of the diet influenced the distribution of the cuts in the carcass, but it did not affect the average tissue composition of the carcass. The shoulder was the cut with the greatest tissue variation. The different cuts can be used to predict the average tissue composition of the carcass but the shoulder is the least indicated.

Avaliou-se o desempenho de bovinos castrados de três grupos genéticos: Nelore (NN); ½ Guzerá × ½ Nelore (GN); e ½ Brahman × ½ Nelore (BN). Foram utilizados 41 bovinos com 24 meses de idade, mantidos em pastagem de capim-braquiária. Todos os animais eram de mesmo rebanho e foram criados sob as mesmas condições e abatidos aos 3 anos de idade. No início do experimento e no abate, os animais cruzados com Brahman foram mais pesados que os animais dos outros dois grupamentos genéticos. As médias para peso corporal dos grupos Nelore, Guzerá × Nelore e Brahman × Nelore no início do experimento foram: 324, 320 e 343 kg e no abate de: 474, 470 e 499 kg, respectivamente. Os ganhos médios diários, no entanto, foram similares entre os três grupos (0,388; 0,386 e 0,409 kg/dia, respectivamente). Animais do grupo Brahman × Nelore produziram carcaças quentes mais pesadas que as obtidas no grupo Guzerá × Nelore (253 × 238 kg), porém, estes dois grupos não diferiram estatisticamente do grupo Nelore (242 kg). As porcentagens de músculo, gordura e ossos na carcaça foram similares entre os grupos. Outras características da carcaça (rendimento, área de olho-de-lombo, gordura de cobertura e marmoreio) e a maciez da carne, avaliada por um painel de avaliadores e por um texturômetro, foram também similares entre os três grupamentos genéticos. O cruzamento de outras raças zebuínas (Brahman ou Guzerá) com o Nelore não melhorou as características qualitativas da carcaça e da carne, embora o cruzamento com Brahman tenha resultado em animais mais pesados e com carcaças mais pesadas.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of steers of three genetic groups: Nellore (NN), ½ Guzerat × ½ Nellore (GN) and ½ Brahman × ½ Nellore (BN). Forty-one steers, 24 mo old, kept in pasture of Brachiaria grass. All animals were from the same herd and were raised under the same conditions and slaughtered at 3 years old. At the beginning of the experiment and at slaughter, Brahman-crossed animals were heavier than the animals from the other two groups. Means for body weight for the groups NN, GN and BN, were respectively, 324, 320 and 343 kg at the beginning of the experiment, and 474, 470 and 499 kg at slaughter. However, average daily gains were similar among the groups (0.388, 0.386 and 0.409 kg/d, respectively). Animals of BN group produced heavier hot carcasses (253 × 238 kg) than those obtained in the GN group, but these two groups did not differ from the NN group (242 kg). Percentages of muscle, fat and bones in the carcass were similar among the groups. Other carcass traits (dressing percentage, ribeye area, fat thickness and marbling) and meat tenderness, measured by a trained panel or by a texturometer were, also, similar among the three genetic groups. The crossing of other zebu breeds (Brahman or Guzerat) with Nellore did not improve quality characteristics of carcasses and meat; however, crossing with Brahman resulted in heavier animals with heavier carcasses.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar a digestibilidade de componentes nutricionais não-degradados no rúmen por meio da técnica de três estádios. Foram avaliados oito alimentos concentrados: grão de girassol integral (GI), torta de girassol com uma (TG1x) e com duas passagens pela prensa (TG2x), grão de soja integral (SI) e parcialmente desengordurado (SD), farelo de soja (FS), farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado (GM) e concentrado comercial (CC) com 36% de PB. Os alimentos foram incubados no rúmen de bovinos por 33, 20 e 12 horas, correspondendo a taxas de passagens de 3, 5 e 8%/h, respectivamente. Os resíduos não-degradados no rúmen foram submetidos à digestão com solução de pepsina com pH 1,9 durante 1 hora e, posteriormente, em solução de pancreatina com pH 7,8 durante 24 horas, ambas a 38ºC. Nos resíduos desta incubação, foram determinados a MS, MO e os teores de nitrogênio total. A digestibilidade intestinal in vitro da MS não degradada no rúmen, considerando taxa de passagem de 5%/h, variou de 7,88 a 37,72%, sendo que o CC e a SI apresentaram as maiores digestibilidades. A digestibilidade da PB não-degradada no rúmen variou de 13,67 a 81,76% para mesma taxa de passagem. O GI apresentou a menor e o CC e o FS as maiores digestibilidades da PB. A digestibilidade da MO variou de 7,93 a 37,14% para a mesma taxa de passagem, sendo que o GI foi o menos digestível e o CC e a SI, os mais digestíveis. Os menores valores para a proteína digestível não degradável no rúmen (PNDR D), em g/kgMS, foram obtidos nas tortas de girassol com uma ou duas passagens, sugerindo que estes alimentos não devem ser empregados quando se deseja maiores teores de PNDR D.

The objective of this trial was to determine the intestinal digestibility of nutrients using an in vitro three-step enzymatic procedure. Eight concentrate feeds were evaluated: whole sunflower (WSF), mechanically pressed sunflower cake (SFC1x; one press extraction), mechanically pressed sunflower cake (SFC2x; two press extractions), whole soybean (WSB), partially degreased soybean (DSB), soybean meal (SBM), degreased corn germ meal (CGM), and a commercial concentrate with 36% of CP (CC). Feeds were incubated in the rumen of bovines for 33, 20 and 12 hours corresponding approximately to the rates of passage of 3, 5 and 8%/h, respectively. The ruminal undegradable residues were digested with a 1.9 pH-pepsin solution for one hour at 38ºC followed by a second digestion with a 7.8 pH-pancreatin solution for 24 hours also at 38ºC. The residues were then analyzed for total nitrogen, dry matter, and organic matter. The in vitro intestinal digestibilities of ruminal undegradable DM, protein, and organic matter assuming a rate of passage of 5%/h ranged from 7.88 to 37.72%, 13.67 to 81.76%, and 7.93 to 37.14%, respectively. Commercial concentrate and WSB showed the greatest dry matter and organic matter digestibilities. Crude protein digestibility was highest on CC and SBM and lowest on WSF. Organic matter digestibility also was lowest on WSF. The lowest values of digestible ruminal undegradable protein (RUP D) were observed on both sunflower cakes (SFC1x and SFC2x) suggesting that these feeds should not be used in diets of animals with high requirements of RUP D.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar características quantitativas e qualitativas da carcaça e da carne de bovinos inteiros e castrados, suplementados ou não durante o primeiro inverno. Foram utilizados 40 bovinos Nelore, machos, inteiros e castrados, com peso inicial e idade média de 300kg e 14 meses, submetidos a dois tratamentos: SUP - os animais foram mantidos em pasto e receberam suplementação (0,5% do peso vivo) constituída por 25% de farelo de soja e 75% de milho em grão triturado, durante o primeiro inverno (01/06/2003 a 21/09/2003); NSU- animais mantidos em pasto, sem suplementação. Após o abate, à idade média de 28 meses, foram avaliadas as características de carcaça. Os animais do tratamento NSU apresentaram maior (P<0,05) percentagem de músculo na carcaça do que os do tratamento SUP (71,65 vs 68,53%, respectivamente), porém os animais suplementados apresentaram carnes mais macias (7,66 vs 6,41kgf). Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) quanto à espessura de gordura subcutânea entre animais inteiros e castrados (2,20 vs 4,17mm, respectivamente), porém os castrados apresentaram maior (P<0,05) percentagem de gordura na carcaça (11,34 vs 16,68%) e carnes mais macias (7,50 vs 6,57kgf). Os animais inteiros e os não-suplementados apresentaram medida de gordura de cobertura inferior ao exigido pela indústria.

This research was aimed at evaluating quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the carcass and meat from intact or castrated beef cattle, supplemented or not supplemented during the first winter. Forty Nellore males, intact or castrated, with initial weight and age of 300kg and 14 months, were submitted to the treatments: 1) SUP - Animals on pasture and supplemented (0.5% of the live body weight) with concentrated (25% of soybean meal and 75% of ground corn) during the first winter (06/01/2003 to 09/21/2003), and 2) NSU - Animals on pasture, without supplementation. At slaughter, on an average age of 28 months, the carcass characteristics were evaluated. Animals of the NSU treatment presented the largest (P<0.05) muscle percentage in the carcass, when compared to animals of the SUP treatment (71.65 vs 68.53%, respectively), however, supplemented animals presented meats with greater tenderness (7.66 vs 6.41kgf). Differences were not observed (P>0.05) for fat thickness between castrated and intact animals (4.17 vs 2.20 mm, respectively), however, castrated animals presented greater (P<0.05) fat percentage in the carcass (16.68 vs 11.34%) and more tender meat (6.57 vs 7.50kgf) than the intact animals. Intact and non-supplemented animals presented backfat thickness lower than required by the industry.

Objetivou-se com este estudo analisar o desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas submetidas a diferentes formas de suplementação alimentar antes e durante o período de acasalamento. Utilizaram-se 112 ovelhas (63 no primeiro ano e 49 no segundo) dos grupos raciais Hampshire Down, Ile de France, Suffolk e Corriedale. Os animais foram separados em três grupos: T1 (sem suplementação), T2 (suplementação com 600 g/dia de milho triturado) e T3 (suplementação com 600 g/dia de concentrado constituído de 75% de milho triturado e 25% de farelo de soja). As ovelhas sob suplementação (T2 e T3) apresentaram maiores pesos e ganhos de peso até o final da estação de monta. Os escores da condição corporal também foram maiores ao final da estação de acasalamento nas ovelhas sob suplementação, implicando maior deposição de tecidos (músculo e gordura) no corpo do animal. O flushing não resultou em maior taxa de parição nem em aumento de partos gemelares, porém, ocasionou maior índice de natalidade nas ovelhas que receberam suplementação somente com milho. Os fatores idade e grupo racial das ovelhas afetaram significativamente o índice de natalidade. A suplementação energética com milho pode melhorar o número de cordeiros nascidos por ovelhas acasaladas.

The objective of this study was to investigate the reproductive performance of ewes submitted to different feeding management before and during the breeding period. A total of 112 ewes, 63 in year one and 49 in year two of the study, from the genetic groups Hampshire Down, Ile de France, Suffolk and Corriedale, were used. The ewes were separated in three groups: T1 (without supplementation), T2 (supplemented with 600 g/day of ground corn) and T3 (supplemented with 600 g/day of a concentrate containing 75% of ground corn and 25% of soybean meal). Supplemented ewes (T2 and T3) had higher body weight and more weight gain until the end of the breeding period than those not supplemented. Body condition scores were also greater at the end of the breeding period for supplemented ewes, indicating a greater fat and muscle deposition. Supplementation did not improve fertility rate and twins birth rate, but increased birth rate in ewes supplemented with corn. Age and genetic group both affected birth rate. It was concluded that feeding corn to ewes improved the number of lambs per ewe.