ABSTRACT Climatic conditions cause variation in the availability and nutritional quality of forages; therefore, the use of corn (Zea mays L.) silage has been proposed. However, this crop has a low protein concentration, so the combination with legumes can improve this characteristic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of silage in different proportions of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and corn forage grown in a subtropical region. In Tamaulipas, Mexico, six treatments were evaluated: Soybean 100% (S100), corn 100% (C100), and soybean-corn proportions (80%-20%: S80C20; 60%-40%: S60C40; 40%-60%: S40C60, and 20%-80%: S20C80). The variables that were evaluated were: Density, pH, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), starch, crude fat, net energy for lactation (NEL), net energy for weight gain (NEG), and metabolizable energy (ME) and mineral content. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. Treatment S100 showed the highest values (p < 0.05) in CP, ADF, crude fat, NEL, and NEG. The C100 had the highest values (p < 0.05) in starch and NFC, and the lowest pH value (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the S40C60, S60C40, S20C80 combinations showed the highest values (p < 0.05) of TDN, ENL, and ENG. In the case of the combinations, the one with the best values was S40C60. In this regard, the mean values were: CP 143 g kg-1; NEL 1.43 Mcal kg-1; and pH 3.9. According to these values, it is classified as a silage of good nutritional quality, and we recommend its use in subtropical climates.

Abstract The use of silage is considered as a feeding strategy in animal production systems with ruminants during dry periods. The objective was to evaluate the yield and nutritive value in forage and silage of Mulato II grass (Urochloa hybrid) and two additives, at different regrowth ages. Ages of 3, 6 and 9 weeks and additives (orange peel and molasses) were evaluated in silages: 1) Mulato II (ME); 2) Mulato II + orange peel; 3) Mulato II + molasses and 4) Mulato II + orange peel + molasses. The variables were: yield (kg ha-1) of total dry matter (TDM) and by morphological component, plant height (PH, cm), leaf area index (LAI), CP, NDF, ADF and lignin in forage and silage; pH, brix degrees and DM (%) in silage. When the forage was harvested at nine weeks of regrowth, the highest DM yield was obtained (7 508 kg ha-1), while the CP content was higher in week three of regrowth (201 g kg-1), exceeding by 10 and 29% that found in the sixth and ninth weeks. The silages with additives presented the highest CP values and the lowest values of ADF, NDF and pH. The higher the age of regrowth, the higher the dry matter yields, while the nutritive value decreased; however, the use of orange peel and molasses in grass silages improved the nutritive value.

Resumen El uso de ensilados es considerado como estrategia de alimentación en los sistemas de producción animal con rumiantes en periodos de estiaje. El objetivo fue evaluar el rendimiento y valor nutritivo en forraje y ensilado de pasto Mulato II (Urochloa híbrido) y dos aditivos, a diferente edad de rebrote. Se evaluaron edades de 3, 6 y 9 semanas y aditivos (cáscara de naranja y melaza) en ensilados: 1) Mulato II (ME); 2) Mulato II + cáscara de naranja; 3) Mulato II + melaza y 4) Mulato II + cáscara de naranja + melaza, mediante un diseño de bloques completos al azar. Las variables fueron: rendimiento (kg ha-1) de materia seca total (MST) y por componente morfológico, altura de planta (AP, cm), índice de área foliar (IAF), PC, FDN, FDA y lignina en forraje y ensilado; pH, grados brix y MS (%) en ensilados. Al cosechar el forraje a la edad de rebrote de nueve semanas se obtuvo el mayor rendimiento de MS (7 508 kg ha-1), mientras que, el contenido de PC fue mayor en la semana tres de rebrote (201 g kg-1), superando en 10 y 29% a lo encontrado en la sexta y novena semana. Los ensilados con aditivos presentaron los valores mayores de PC y menores de FDA, FDN y pH. A mayor edad de rebrote se obtienen mayores rendimientos de MS, pero el valor nutritivo disminuye, sin embargo, el uso de la cáscara de naranja y melaza en ensilados de pasto mejora el valor nutritivo.

Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar el contenido nutricional e índice de clorofila (ICC) de seis forrajes arbóreos, para ello se analizó el ICC, proteína, fósforo, potasio, calcio, magnesio y azufre a 30, 45 y 65 días. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques completamente al azar en parcelas divididas con seis repeticiones. Los resultados se compararon con un test de Tukey al 5 %, se realizaron correlaciones (Pearson) y regresiones lineales para determinar el efecto del ICC con los nutrientes. Los contenidos de ICC, proteína, fósforo, potasio, calcio, magnesio y azufre presentaron diferencias estadísticas (p < 0,05) para los factores arbustos forrajeros e intervalos de corte, y su interacción. Leucaena presentó mayores contenidos de ICC en todos los intervalos. Los resultados de proteína fueron mayores en Gliricidia (30 días), Leucaena (45 días) y Moringa (60 días). Para fósforo los mejores valores se obtuvieron en Morus (30 días) y Moringa (30, 45 y 60 días). Tithonia alcanzó mayor concentración de potasio y calcio en los tres intervalos de corte, así como para magnesio (30 días). El ICC determinado con medidores de lectura directa permitió correlacionarse con el contenido de proteína y los nutrientes del tejido foliar P, K, Ca, Mg, S.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the nutritional content and chlorophyll index (CCI) of six tree forages, for which CCI, protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur were analyzed at 30, 45, and 65 days. A completely randomized block design in divided plots with six replications was used. Results were compared with a 5% Tukey test, correlations (Pearson) and linear regressions were performed to determine the effect of ICC on nutrients. The contents of ICC, protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur showed statistical differences (p < 0.05) for the factors forage shrubs, cutting intervals, and intercropping. Leucaena presented higher contents of ICC in all intervals. Protein results were higher in Gliricidia (30 days), Leucaena (45 days), and Moringa (60 days). For phosphorus, the best values were obtained in Morus (30 days) and Moringa (30, 45, and 60 days). Tithonia reached higher potassium and calcium concentrations in the three cutting intervals, as well as for magnesium (30 days). The ICC determined with direct reading meters allowed correlation with protein content and leaf tissue nutrients P, K, Ca, Mg, S.

Abstract Pastures is important for livestock production, are source of food mainly for ruminant livestock. The study was conducted in grasslands of the highlands of Puno, Peru, at an altitude of 3818 masl. The objective was to determine the effect of revegetation with two native grasses: Festuca dolichophylla Presl "chilligua" (Fedo) and Poa gilgiana Pilger "K'achu" (Pogi) in the recovery of degraded pastures with the addition of sheep manure as a source of organic matter (OM), conducted under a split-plot design whose study factors were 2 native species, 2 fertilization factors with and without the addition of sheep feces and urine (OM), in 3 blocks; The results indicate that the highest growth and biomass yield was for Fedo, probably due to its adaptive capacity, the green matter yield of Fedo and Pogi was higher in the treatment with the addition of OM, the incorporation of manure to the pasture had a positive influence on the recovery of the pasture, on the other hand Fedo had a greater height than Pogi; Likewise, the seed production of the treatments with added OM was higher than the treatments without OM; the protein content with addition of OM was higher in both species and the NDF was higher in the species without addition of OM; the application of OM favored the growth and nutritive value of the species. It was concluded that revegetation and incorporation of sheep manure had a favorable effect on the recovery and nutritional quality of the pasture.

Resumen Los pastizales naturales son importantes para la producción ganadera, son fuente de alimentación principalmente para el ganado rumiante. El estudio se realizó en pajonales del altiplano de Puno Perú a una altitud de 3818 msnm el objetivo fue determinar el efecto de la revegetación con dos gramíneas nativas: Festuca dolichophylla Presl “chilligua” (Fedo) y Poa gilgiana Pilger “K´achu” (Pogi) en la recuperación de pastizales degradados con adición de estiércol de ovino como fuente de materia orgánica (MO), conducido bajo el diseño de parcelas divididas cuyos factores de estudio fueron 2 especies nativas, 2 factores de abonamiento con y sin adición de (MO) heces y orina de ovino, en 3 bloques; los resultados indican que el mayor crecimiento y rendimiento de biomasa fue para Fedo probablemente por su capacidad de adaptación, rendimiento de materia verde de Fedo y Pogi fue superior en el tratamiento con adición de MO, la incorporación de estiércol al pastizal influyo positivamente en la recuperación del pasto, por otra parte Fedo resulto con mayor altura que Pogi;; la producción de semilla de los tratamientos adicionados con MO fueron superiores a los tratamientos sin aporte de MO; el contenido de proteína con adición de MO fue mayor en ambas especies, la FDN fue mayor en las especies sin adición de MO, la aplicación de MO favoreció el crecimiento y el valor nutritivo de las especies. Se concluye que la revegetación e incorporación de estiércol de ovino tuvo un efecto favorable en la recuperación y calidad nutritiva del pastizal.

Abstract: This study compared forage yield and agronomic characteristics of 9 maize cultivars (Pioneer 30N11, Pioneer 4444, Pioneer 30K08, SC-128W, SC-166Y, SC-78Y, TWC-324W, TWC-368Y and TWC- 321W) ensiled with or without urea as for ruminants on in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics and nutrient degradability. A factorial randomized complete block design was used. Pioneer 30N11 and Pioneer 4444 showed the greatest silage forage yield, ear weight, and plant height. The chemical composition of maize silage cultivars without urea revealed that Pioneer 30K08 had the greatest (P<0.001) crude protein (CP) content (127 g/kg), while the lowest CP content (89 g/kg) was observed with SC-78Y. CP content ranged from 118 to 156 g/kg when urea was added to the maize silage cultivars. The neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin contents recorded the highest values (P<0.01) in TWC-324W, SC-128W and SC-78Y. Urea treatment of different cultivars affected (P<0.05) the concentrations of CP, ether extract (EE), non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), and fibers. Urea treatment increased CP and EE in all cultivars and increased or decreased truly degraded dry matter (TDDM), truly degraded organic matter (TDOM), protozoa, ammonia and methane (P<0.05). Overall, Pioneer 30N11, Pioneer 4444 and Pioneer 30K08 showed the greatest forage yield and nutritive value as a feed for ruminants.

Abstract The availability of forage decreases during the dry season, so it is advisable to conserve forage and preferably it should contain high nutritional value. The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of silages in different proportions of soybean and buffel grass forage under subtropical conditions. The treatments were three forage combinations: S50B50 (50% soybean forage + 50% buffel grass forage), S25B75 (25% soybean forage + 75% buffel grass forage) and B100 (100% buffel grass forage ). The variables evaluated were: crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ether extract, and metabolizable energy. Data were analyzed based on a completely randomized design with three repetitions and Tukey’s mean comparison ((= 0.05). The S50B50 treatment presented the highest values of CP (128 vs 65 g kg-1) and EE (28 vs 21 g kg-1), compared to B100, which had the highest values of neutral detergent fiber (692 vs 513 g kg-1) and acid detergent fiber (408 vs 355 g kg-1). S25B75 and B100 treatments presented similar ME values (p> 0.05), 1.43 and 1.54 Mcal kg-1, respectively, which were surpassed by S50B50 by 15% (1.71 Mcal kg-1). Soybean and buffel grass silage could be an alternative for ruminant feeding during the dry season; in particular, the combination of 50% soybean forage and 50% buffel grass obtains the best nutrient profile.

Resumen Durante la época seca se reduce la disponibilidad de forraje, por ello es conveniente conservar el forraje y de preferencia este debe contener alto valor nutritivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el valor nutritivo de ensilados en diferentes proporciones de forraje de soya y pasto buffel en condiciones subtropicales. Los tratamientos fueron tres combinaciones de forraje: S50B50 (50% forraje de soya + 50% forraje de pasto buffel), S25B75 (25% forraje de soya + 75% forraje de pasto buffel) y B100 (100% forraje de pasto buffel). Las variables evaluadas fueron: proteína cruda (PC), fibra detergente neutro, fibra detergente ácido, extracto etéreo y energía metabolizable. Los datos se analizaron con base en un diseño completamente al azar con tres repeticiones y la comparación de medias de Tukey ((= 0.05). El tratamiento S50B50 presentó los mayores valores de PC (128 vs 65 g kg-1) y EE (28 vs 21 g kg-1) en comparación con B100, quien tuvo los mayores valores de fibra detergente neutro (692 vs 513 g kg-1) y fibra detergente ácido (408 vs 355 g kg-1). Los tratamientos S25B75 y B100 presentaron valores similares (p> 0.05) de EM, 1.43 y 1.54 Mcal kg-1, respectivamente; los cuales fueron superados por S50B50 en 15% (1.71 Mcal kg-1. El ensilado de soya y pasto buffel podría ser alternativa para la alimentación de rumiantes durante época de estiaje, en particular, la combinación de 50% forraje de soya y 50% pasto buffel se obtiene el mejor perfil nutrimental.

Incorporating olive pomace (OP) into ruminant feed can alleviate the environmental impact of OP disposal, minimize food-feed competition, and bolster food security. However, high fibre and low crude protein (CP) reduce its nutritional value for ruminants. The study assessed the effect of oyster mushrooms (OYM) on the nutritive value of OP. To this end, chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of spent OP substrate were evaluated. The OYM was spawned on 200 g OP at the rate of 0 (OP0), 10 (OP10), 20 (OP20), 30 (OP30), 40 (OP40), and 50% w/w (OP50) and cultivated for 35 d with 10 replicate pots per spawning rate. Dry matter, organic matter, CP, and ash increased linearly, whereas neutral detergent fibre and crude fat declined linearly. In vitro cumulative gas production at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h showed a positive quadratic response. Spawning rates linearly enhanced the immediately fermentable fraction (a) and rate of gas production from the slowly fermentable fraction (c), while the partitioning factor increased linearly. Positive quadratic responses were noted for the slowly fermentable fraction, potential gas production, effective gas production, and in vitro organic matter degradation at 96 h of ruminal incubation. In conclusion, OYM enhanced the nutritive value of OP by reducing fibre content, a, and c fractions while improving CP content and fermentation efficiency. This approach facilitates the bioconversion of OP into sustainable ruminant feed, leading to lower feed costs, addressing waste disposal issues, and creating supplementary income for the olive oil industry.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting urea and rice bran with mulberry or a mixture of mulberry and Leucaena in the diet on growth rate, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fermentation, estimated methane production, and rumen microbial protein synthesis in lambs fed a basal diet of urea-treated rice straw. The experiment consisting of three supplement treatments with six replications was arranged in a randomized block design. Eighteen lambs with an initial body weight of 14.4 ± 3.35 kg were used. The three supplement treatments were (i) urea-rice bran (UR) comprising 38.5% of the diet, (ii) mulberry foliage comprising 30% of the diet as UR substitution (Mb), and (iii) a mixture of mulberry-Leucaena foliage in a 1:1 ratio comprising 30% of the diet as UR substitution (MbL). All lambs were fed a basal diet of urea-treated rice straw, and the diets were formulated with iso-energy and iso-protein content. Substituting urea rice bran with either mulberry foliage or a mixture of mulberry-Leucaena foliage yielded similar effects on urinary and faecal nitrogen excretions, nitrogen retention, rumen fermentation, microbial nitrogen yield, and the average daily gain of lambs (71.4 g/day). Both the mulberry and the mulberry-Leucaena mixture supplements exhibited higher dry matter intake by 15.4% and 9.9% and neutral detergent fibre digestibility by 17.5% and 14.5%, respectively, compared to urea-rice bran supplementation. These findings indicate that mulberry or a mixture of mulberry-Leucaena foliage is a promising alternative to replace urea-rice bran in improving the nutritional values of the rice straw basal diet for sheep.

ABSTRACT. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) is an important forage in South America and the United States because of its high palatability, resistance to trampling and grazing, and tolerance to cold, but it exhibits low seed yield and poor seed quality. Previous studies reported improvements in forage production and nutritive value in hybrids and ecotypes; however, information about seed yield and quality in forage bahiagrass is limited. This study aimed to characterize the seed yield and quality of nine P. notatum intraspecific hybrids and three controls: P. notatum ecotypes V4 and Bagual and cultivar Pensacola. Inflorescence density, 1,000-seed weight, seed yield and germination rate decreased in year 2 influenced by weather conditions and ergot. Seed yield ranged from 139 (Pensacola) to 1,158 (Bagual) kg ha-1 among all entries, where Bagual, C18, and V4 produced more than 974 kg ha-1, which was approximately seven times more than Pensacola. Bagual, C18, V4, 336, C15, 225, and D3 showed germination rates greater than 83%. In conclusion, Bagual had the highest seed yield and germination rate, whereas hybrids C18 and 336 showed high seed yield, 1,000-seed weight, and germination rate in both years. Bagual, C18, and 336 should be used in future breeding programs to improve seed production traits. Our study revealed that selection for seed production traits can result in improvements in seed yield and quality in bahiagrass.

Abstract Using a random block design and four replications, the productive performance and quality of salinity - tolerant Cenchrus purpureus varieties (CT-500, CT-502, CT-504, CT-508) was studied and compared with CT-115 under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Granma province at different regrowth ages (45, 60, 75 and 90 days). There were evaluated length and width of leaves and internodes, plant height, leaves and stem percent, leaf area, Absolute Growth Rate and Relative Growth Rate, dry matter yield and the quality indicators CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, DMA and bovine intake index. There was significant interaction (P<0.05) and increases with the regrowth ages, for the length of leaves, internodes, plant height, leaves width and leaf area with 136.75 cm, 20.10 cm, 187.50 cm (CT-504), 4.18 cm and 549.75 cm2 for CT-115 at 90 days, respectively, although there were not differences for this variable in CT-500 and CT-502 varieties. The highest Relative and Absolute Growth Rate during the rainy season were for CT-115 at 60 days with 3.12 cm.day-1 and 0.0173 cm.cm-1.day-1, respectively, and for the components of the cell wall (NDF, ADF and ADL) with values of 70.93 %, 39.20 % and 4.89 % at 90 days for CT-504 (NDF and ADF) and CT-500 (ADL). There were decrease of CP and DMD in 6.64 and 16.59percentage units respectively, with the highest values at 45 regrowth age (11.90 and 67.73 %) in CT-115 and CT-502 varieties. The intake index was increased until 60 days with it highest value (114.95 g.kg-1 LW) for CT-115. The effect of the interaction variety x regrowth age in salinity -tolerant Cenchrus purpureus varieties in the morphological indicators, yield and nutritive quality was showed in this study and the best morphological indicators, yield, growth rate and components of the cell wall in CT-504 and CT-508 were obtained, while CT-115 was higher in leaf area, digestibility and intake index. These varieties can be an option for cattle feeding in soil of medium and low salinity of the eastern region of the country.

Resumen Mediante un diseño de bloques al azar y cuatro réplicas se estudió el comportamiento productivo y calidad de variedades de Cenchrus purpureus tolerantes a la salinidad (CT-500, CT-502, CT-504, CT-508) comparados con el CT-115 en las condiciones edafoclimáticas de la provincia Granma a diferentes edades de rebrote (45, 60, 75 y 90 días). Se evaluaron longitud y ancho de hojas y entrenudo, altura de la planta, porciento de hojas y tallos, área foliar, Tasa de Crecimiento Absoluto y Tasa de Crecimiento Relativa, rendimiento en materia seca y los indicadores de calidad PB, FDN, FDA, LAD, DMS e índice de consumo bovino. Hubo interacción significativa (P<0.05) e incrementos con la edad de rebrote, para la longitud de las hojas, entrenudos, altura de planta, ancho de las hojas y área foliar con 136.75 cm, 20.10 cm, 187.50 cm (CT-504), 4.18 cm y 549.75 cm2 para CT-115 a los 90 días, respectivamente, aunque no se presentó diferencias para esta variable en las variedades CT-500 y CT-502. Las mayores Tasa de Crecimiento Absoluto y Relativa durante la estación lluviosa fueron para CT-115 a los 60 días con 3.12 cm.día-1 y 0.0173 cm.cm-1.día-1, respectivamente y también para los componentes de la pared celular (FDN, FDA y LAD) con valores de 70.93 %, 39.20 % y 4.89 % a los 90 días para el CT-504 (FDN y FDA) y CT-500 (LAD). Hubo decrecimiento de la PB y DMS en 6.64 y 16.59 unidades porcentuales respectivamente, con los mayores valores a los 45 días de rebrote (11.90 y 67.73 %) en las variedades CT-115 y CT-502. El índice de consumo se incrementó hasta los 60 días con su mayor valor (114.95 g.kg-1 PV) para CT-115. El efecto de la interacción variedad x edad de rebrote en variedades de Cenchrus purpureus tolerantes a la salinidad en los indicadores morfológicos, rendimiento y calidad nutritiva quedó demostrado en el presente estudio y se obtuvieron los mejores indicadores morfológicos, rendimiento, tasa de crecimiento y componentes de la pared celular en CT-504 y CT-508, mientras que CT-115 fue superior en área foliar, digestibidad e índice de consumo. Estas variedades pueden ser una opción para la alimentación del vacuno en suelo de mediana a baja salinidad de la región oriental del país.

Abstract 16. The objective of this trial was to assess the nutritive value and the leaf:stem ratio of the subtropical grass Siam grass (Brachiaria mutica ecotype Siam) under different levels of nitrogen (N) fertilization and sequential cuts through spring, summer and autumn. Over already established pasture plots, four increasing levels of N fertilization were applied (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg N ha-1). The design consisted in three blocks, inside each one the treatments were assigned randomly. Six cuts were done: Oct-18, Nov-28, Jan-10, Feb-21, Apr-3 and May-15. The samples were weighed, separated in leaf and stem and dried in force-draft oven and were analyzed in the laboratory. Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), estimated digestibility (DIG) and metabolizable energy concentration (EM) were determined. Increasing levels of N fertilization have effect on dry matter yield (DM), CP, NDF, ADF. Digestibility and EM were also little affected by N fertilization. These results show that the nutritive value of this grass did not vary by the N fertilization. The major effect of the N fertilization was the high yield of DM ha-1, it increased significantly.

Resumen. 20. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el valor nutritivo y la relación hoja:tallo de la gramínea subtropical pasto Siam (Brachiaria mutica ecotipo Siam) con diferentes niveles de fertilización nitrogenada en cortes secuenciales en primavera, verano y otoño. En parcelas de la pastura ya establecidas, fueron aplicados cuatro niveles crecientes de fertilización nitrogenada (0, 75, 150, 225 kg N ha-1). El delineamiento se constituyó en tres bloques, dentro de cada uno los tratamientos se distribuyeron aleatoriamente. Se hicieron seis cortes: 18 de octubre, 28 de noviembre, 10 de enero, 21 de febrero, 3 de abril y 15 de mayo. Las muestras fueron pesadas, separadas en hoja y tallo, secadas en estufa de ventilación forzada y analizadas en laboratorio. Se determinó proteína bruta (PB), fibra detergente neutro (FDN), fibra detergente ácido (FDA), y estimadas la digestibilidad y la energía metabolizable (EM). Niveles crecientes de fertilización nitrogenada tiene efecto sobre la productividad de materia seca (MS), PB, FDN y FDA. La digestibilidad y la EM también fueron poco afectadas por la fertilización nitrogenada. Esos resultados muestran que el valor nutritivo del pasto Siam no varió con la fertilización nitrogenada. El principal efecto de la fertilización nitrogenada fue la alta productividad de MS ha-1, que aumentó significativamente.

Resumen El pasto Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani es una planta forrajera híbrida de alta calidad, de tamaño pequeño y con intensa actividad de macollaje. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para examinar el potencial del pasto Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani en diferentes edades de rebrote (49, 63, 77 y 91 días) para la producción de heno, en el período lluvioso. El experimento se realizó en la Escuela Agrícola de la Universidad Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul-Brasil, entre octubre de 2015 y abril de 2016. Los tratamientos correspondieron a cuatro edades de rebrote, con cuatro repeticiones, distribuidas en parcelas de 9 m2. Las edades de rebrote influyeron en las características morfogenéticas del pasto, excepto por la senescencia de la hoja y la longitud final de la hoja. Los rendimientos de materia verde (9.6-17.6 t ha-1) y seca (2.6-5.9 t ha-1), el rendimiento de heno (3.4-6.9 t ha-1) y las proporciones de tallo (91.6-455.9 g kg-1) y material senescente (34.8-98.4 g kg-1) aumentaron con las edades de rebrote, mientras que la proporción de hojas (837.7-402.1 g kg-1) y la relación hoja:tallo (15.9-0.9) disminuyeron (P<0.05). Los contenidos de materia seca (881.7-852.8 g kg-1) y de proteína (81.2-47.6 g kg-1) del heno disminuyeron con las mayores edades de rebrote; sin embargo, los contenidos de fibra detergente neutro (746.5-759.2 g kg-1), fibra detergente ácido (519.8-567.7 g kg-1) y lignina (74.3-86.4 g kg-1) aumentaron a medida que lo hicieron las edades de rebrote. La digestibilidad de los nutrientes disminuyó con las edades de rebrote (P<0.05). Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani tiene el potencial de producir heno ha-1, mejor valor nutritivo y una alta proporción de hojas en el intervalo de rebrote de 49 a 63 días.

Abstract The grass Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani is a hybrid high-quality, small-sized forage plant with intense tillering activity. This study was carried out to examine the potential of the grass Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani at different regrowth ages (49, 63, 77, and 91 d) for hay production, in the rainy period. The experiment was conducted at the Farm School of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul-Brazil, between October 2015 and April 2016. The treatments corresponded to four regrowth ages, with four replicates, distributed into 9 m2 plots. Regrowth ages influenced the morphogenetic characteristics of the grass, except for leaf senescence and final leaf length. Green (9.6-17.6 t ha-1) and dry-matter (2.6-5.9 t ha-1) yields, hay yield (3.4-6.9 t ha-1), and proportions of stem (91.6-455.9 g kg-1) and senescent material (34.8-98.4 g kg-1) increased with the regrowth ages, while the proportion of leaves (837.7-402.1 g kg-1) and the leaf: stem ratio (15.9-0.9) decreased (P<0.05). The dry matter (881.7-852.8 g kg-1) and protein contents (81.2-47.6 g kg-1) of the hay decreased with the higher regrowth ages; however, the neutral detergent fibre (746.5-759.2 g kg-1) acid detergent fibre (519.8-567.7 g kg-1) and lignin (74.3-86.4 g kg-1) contents rose as the regrowth ages did. Nutrient digestibility decreased with the regrowth ages (P<0.05). Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani has the potential to produce of hay ha-1, better nutritive value and a high proportion of leaves in the regrowth interval of 49 to 63 d.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the use of “whole grains” claims in food products marketed in Brazil and evaluate the nutrient profile of these products. METHODS Data from 775 grain-based packaged foods collected in Brazil from April to July 2017 were analyzed. Based on the INFORMAS protocol for food labeling, the prevalence of packaged foods with “whole grains” claims was estimated. Information on the list of ingredients was analyzed to evaluate the presence and amount of whole or refined grains in six food groups. The nutrient profiles of the products with and without “whole grains” claims were compared using the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile model. RESULTS The packages of about 19% of the evaluated products showed “whole grains” claims in their front panel. Of these, 35% lacked any whole grains among their top three ingredients. Breakfast cereals, granola bars, bread, cakes and other bakery products, cookies, and pasta had higher amounts of refined flour than whole grain ingredients in their compositions.We found 66% of products with “whole grains” claims were high in nutrients of concern according to PAHO’s criteria. CONCLUSION Our results showed that over a third of the products in Brazil with “whole grains” claims lacked whole grains as one of their main ingredients. Most had a high content of nutrients associated with noncommunicable chronic disease risk factors, indicating the overestimation of their health benefits.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ degradability of elephant grass silage dry matter with increasing levels of sugarcane bagasse. A completely randomized design was adopted with five treatments: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% inclusion of sugarcane bagasse on an as-fed matter basis, with five replications, totalling 25 experimental units. The increasing proportion of sugarcane bagasse analysed was favourable only in increasing the concentration of dry matter and fibre of silages and in maintaining a considerable crude protein content. In the in situ degradation assay, the addition of sugarcane bagasse in silage decreased the ruminal degradability of dry matter, and as the passage rates increased, the effective degradability decreased. In the in vitro gas production assay, the total production of gases was decreased with the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse, as did the degradability of organic matter and neutral detergent fibre. The recommendation for the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse should be analysed according to the desired objective, emphasizing that values higher than 5% can greatly compromise the final nutritive value of elephant grass silage.

Abstract Burley tobacco-leaf protein extracted by alkali and precipitated by acid was hydrolyzed enzymatically, and optimum protease and hydrolysis parameters were determined. Pepsin was best and gave the highest hydrolysis rate (15.55%). As per results of the single-factor test, optimum hydrolysis conditions were: temperature 37 °C, pH 2, and an [E]/[S] ratio of 5%. These hydrolysis conditions were optimized by an orthogonal experiment that rendered the same results as the single factor experiment. The ratio of essential to total amino acids and that of essential to non-essential amino acids contained in the burley tobacco-leaf protease hydrolysate were higher than the FAO/WHO standard values of 0.4 and 0.6, among which hydrophobic amino acid content was the highest, followed by negatively and positively charged amino acid contents. In vitro antioxidant experiments showed that the scavenging rates of DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals of tobacco-leaf protein hydrolysates were higher than those before hydrolysis. Further, the hydroxyl radical-scavenging rate was the most significant, and total antioxidant capacity was improved. The nutritive value of the burley tobacco-leaf protein hydrolysate improved upon pepsin-mediated hydrolysis, and the antioxidant activity was better. These results provide a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of tobacco protein resources.