Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar la calidad del henolaje del pasto Tanzania (Panicum maximum) con diferentes contenidos de materia seca y un almacenamiento de 90 días, a través de la composición química, cuantificación de gases, ácidos grasos volátiles, perfil microbiológico, estabilidad aeróbica, pH y nitrógeno amoniacal. El diseño experimental utilizado fue completamente al azar con cuatro tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. Los tratamientos consistían de cuatro contenidos de materia seca (MS) de la planta en el momento de la producción del henolaje del pasto Tanzania siendo: en materia fresca (sin deshidratación), 400, 500 y 600 g kg-1 de MS (deshidratados en pleno sol). El tratamiento con 600 g kg-1 de MS de la planta proporcionó la mayor estimación (p < 0,01) de MS en el henolaje con 581,6 ± 15,4 g/kg, y el mayor (p < 0,01) contenido de carbohidratos solubles con 45,4 ± 1,24 g/kg MS. Después de 90 días de almace namiento, el tratamiento en materia fresca presentó mayores (p < 0,01) cantidades de O2 en el interior de los fardos. En relación al CO2 los mayores índices fueron observados para los tratamientos con 500 y 600 g kg-1 de MS. También se observó el mayor (p < 0,01) contenido de ácido acético en los tratamientos materia fresca y con 500 y 600 g kg-1 de MS de la planta, con 36,4 ± 1,6, 38,2 ± 1,6 y 48,9 ± 1,6 g kg-1 de MS, respectivamente. Para el ácido butírico se obtuvo la mejor (p < 0,01) valoración de 27,0 ± 0,5 g kg-1 de MS en el tratamiento en materia fresca. El tratamiento con 600 g kg-1 de MS mostró mayor (p < 0,01) valor de pH en la hora cero con 6,36 ± 0,03. El tratamiento en materia fresca presentó mayor valor de N-NH3 en la hora cero de exposición al aire con 4,65 ± 0,12. El pasto Tanzania con 500 y 600 g kg-1 de MS, presenta el henolaje de mejor calidad.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2 concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage.

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein energetic, enzymatic and mineral profile of Nellore cows during the pregnancy, parturition and postpartum. Fifteen multiparous cows with 4 ± 1 years of age and live weight of 400 ± 50 kg were used at different stages (non-pregnant, in the initial, middle and late pregnancy, at birth, one day postpartum, 30 and 60 days postpartum). Blood collections were performed every 30 days and assayed for the following blood biomarkers: Protein (total proteins, albumin, urea and creatinine), energetic (cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and beta hydroxybutyrate), mineral (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) and enzymatic (alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase). Calcium had the lowest concentrations (p < 0.05) in the initial pregnancy, while phosphorus had the highest concentration at parturition (p < 0.05). Triglycerides, glucose and beta hydroxybutyrate were influenced by the stages of pregnancy, reducing in the late pregnancy and at parturition. Glucose had a reduction in the late pregnancy and elevation in the postpartum. Beta hydroxybutyrate showed increase at the late pregnancy. Although lipomobilization occurred in the phases of higher metabolic demands in the attempt to maintain homeostatic conditions. Nellore cows did not present negative energy balance in the late pregnancy period, maintaining normal variation in blood markers throughout the experimental period.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses in lactating goats. Eight apparently healthy, adult, multiparous Anglo-Nubian goats, with an average body weight of 42.06±3.5 kg and approximately 52±4 days in lactation, were randomly assigned into two Latin squares (4×4) composed of four levels of PP (0, 33.3, 66.7, and 100% of dry matter) for four periods. Daily feed intake, feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers (hemogram and biochemical parameters), and physiological responses (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate) were assessed. Intake, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency were not affected by the replacement of ground corn with PP. At these replacement levels, the goats significantly spent more time feeding and ruminating. There was a significant decrease in the number of chews (number/day and number/min) with an increase in PP inclusion. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate were higher in the afternoon for the three periods measured. There were no negative changes in blood markers or rumen health with the use of PP. The current findings indicate that PP can be used to replace up to 100% of the corn in the diet of lactating goats without causing significant changes in animal health, feeding behavior, or physiological parameters.

ABSTRACT. This study was conducted to evaluate changes in hematological biomarkers of Nellore cows at different reproductive stages. Fifteen multiparous cows with 4 ± 1 years of age and live weight of 400 ± 50 kg were used at different stages (non-pregnant, in the initial, middle and late pregnancy, at birth, one day postpartum, 30 and 60 days postpartum). Blood collections were performed every 30 days and assayed for the following hematological biomarkers: hemogram (red blood cells, globular volume, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)) and leukogram (total and differential counts). The erythrogram was influenced (p < 0.001) by the reproductive stages, with variation in the results obtained for the total red cell count, hemoglobin content, globular volume, MCV, MCHC and total plasma proteins. The reproductive stages influenced the leukocyte profile with variation in the total leukocyte count and in the absolute values of neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Hematological biomarkers of Nellore cows showed significant changes due to the physiological adjustments required in response to the metabolic requirements imposed in the final stage of pregnancy and in the beginning of lactation, ensuring the nutritional contribution in energy and oxygen transported through the blood.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) inclusion levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 g kg−1 in dry matter) replacing ground corn on the feeding behavior, as well as physiological and hematological variables of crossbred lactating Anglo Nubian goats. Eight Anglo Nubian goats were used, which were distributed in a double 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design (four periods and four levels of buriti oil) replacing corn in the total dry matter. For the evaluation of feeding behavior, single animals were observed every ten minutes for 24 h on three days. Respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT), and sweating rate (SR) of the animals were evaluated in the morning (09:00 h) and in the afternoon (15:00 h). Blood samples were always taken in the morning, before feeding, by puncturing the jugular vein for the complete blood count and white blood cell count. The levels of buriti oil had no effect on feeding, rumination, idling time, water intake, defecation and urination, DM intake, feed efficiency, and rumination efficiency of DM and NDF, but had effects on NDF intake. Physiological variables (RT, SR, RR, and HR) in both periods of the day were not influenced by the inclusion of buriti oil. However, SR and RR were higher in the afternoon than in the morning. In erythrocyte, results showed that the hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume increased with the inclusion of buriti oil. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and total plasma protein were not affected by the inclusion of buriti in the goat diet. The inclusion of buriti oil is recommended in up to 45 g kg−1 (DM basis) as a replacement for ground corn in diet of lactating goats without affecting the feeding behavior and physiological and hematological variables.

ABSTRACT A comparative slaughter trial was conducted to estimate the body composition and net requirements of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Co for growth of castrated Moxotó goat kids, with15.69±0.78 kg initial body weight (BW), grazing in the semiarid region of Brazil. The baseline group consisted of four randomly selected kids (15.37±0.30 kg BW). Thirty-two kids were randomly allocated into eight groups (considered as block), distributed among four levels of concentrate supplementation (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% BW). Animals in a group were slaughtered when the 1.5% BW treatment kids in the group reached approximately 25 kg BW. The trace element content (mg/kg of empty body weight) ranged from 23.68 to 27.81 mg Zn, 35.70 to 47.29 mg Fe, 0.86 to 1.09 mg Mn, 1.45 to 1.75 mg Cu, and 0.83 to 0.87 mg Co for Moxotó kids at 15 and 25 kg BW, respectively. The net requirements (mg/kg of empty body weight gain) ranged from 30.43 to 35.74 mg Zn, 53.48 to 70.84 mg Fe, 1.22 to 1.54 mg Mn, 1.93 to 2.32 mg Cu, and 0.91 to 0.95 mg Co for animals with BW ranging from 15 to 25 kg, respectively. Indigenous goats grazing in the semiarid region of Brazil have different requirements from those values recommended by international committees for dairy and meat goats.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a composição química e tempo para atingir o ponto de fenação da Leucena (Leucena leucocephala) e Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium). Foram coletadas amostras nos tempos 0, 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, 14, e 16 horas de secagem para obtenção da curva de desidratação para cada espécie de forragem. O delineamento adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado com nove tratamentos (9 tempos de desidratação x três repetições). Os dados referentes às características morfológicas da espécie foram submetidos à análise estatística de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 1% de probabilidade. Para a curva de desidratação em função do tempo, os dados foram submetidos à análise de regressão. A relação folha:caule foi maior para a Gliricidia no tempo 16 horas de desidratação (P<0,05). As taxas de desidratação da amostra composta, vagem, colmo e folha composta da Gliricidia e Leucena apresentaram efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) com a Leucena mais eficiente na desidratação. Os teores de matéria seca da Gliricidia e Leucena foram, respectivamente, de 91,24% e 91,32%, enquanto os teores de proteína bruta foram de 18,64% e 17,7%. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína foram de 49,86% e 49,07%, e os teores de proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro foram de 1,01% e 1,77%. O tempo para atingir o ponto de feno da Leucena e da Gliricidia foi de 16 horas. A composição nutricional dos fenos de Leucena e Gliricidia apresentaram-se satisfatórios para serem fornecidos na alimentação de animais ruminantes.

SUMMARY The objective was to evaluate the chemical composition and time to reach the point of hay of Leucena (Leucena leucocephala) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium). Samples were collected in time 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 hours of drying to obtain dehydration curve for each species of forage. The design was completely randomized with nine treatments (9 times of dehydration x three replicates). Data for morphological characteristics of the species were subjected to statistical analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey test at 1% probability. For dehydration curve as a function of time, the data were subjected to regression analysis. The leaf:stem ratio was higher for Gliricidia in time and 16 hours of dehydration (P <0.05). The rates dehydration of Composed samples of pod, stem and leaf of Gliricidia and Leucena showed a linear increase (P <0.05) and the Leucena dehydration was most efficient. The dry matter content of Gliricidia and Leucena showed, respectively, 91.24% and 91.32% content, while the crude protein content was 18.64% and 17.7%. The fiber content neutral detergent corrected for ash and protein content was the 49.86% and 49.07, the neutral detergent insoluble protein content was 1.01% and 1.77%. The time to reach the point of Leucena and Gliricidia hay was 16 hours. The nutritional composition of hay Leucena and Gliricidia were satisfactory to be provided in the feeding of ruminant animals.

RESUMO. Esse estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da suplementação concentrada e das escalas de tempo de avaliação nas respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de ovelhas prenhes em sistema de pastejo. Foi usando um arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 x 3 (duas raças: Morada e Santa Inês; dois níveis de suplementação concentrada: 0,5 e 1,5% do peso vivo; e três escalas de tempo de time avaliação: 10, 20 e 30 minutos) com seis repetições por tratamento. Os parâmetros fisiológicos foram influenciados tanto pelo período do dia como pela raça, com médias mais elevadas no período da tarde em ovelhas Santa Inês. Além disso, foi encontrada influência da suplementação concentrada entre as raças com superioridade em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês. A atividade de pastejo foi influenciada (p < 0,05) pelas escalas de tempo de avaliação. Intervalo de 10 minutos foi a metodologia mais eficaz para avaliar com maior precisão o comportamento desses animais. Ovelhas Morada Nova apresentaram menos tempo de pastejo (p < 0,05) na escala de 10 minutos em comparação com 20 e 30 minutos, que foram semelhantes (p > 0,05) para essa atividade. Assim, as ovelhas prenhes apresentaram alta capacidade adaptativa com observações de 10 minutos para uma melhor descrição da atividade de pastejo em Morada Nova.

ABSTRACT. This study was realized to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation and time scales of evaluation on behavioral and physiological responses of pregnant ewes on grazing system. The experimental design was a randomized 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (two breeds: Morada and Santa Inês; two concentrate supplementation levels: 0.5 and 1.5% of body weight; and three time scales of evaluation: 10, 20 and 30 minutes) with six replicates per treatment. The physiological parameters were influenced by period of the day and breeds, with higher values in the afternoon to Santa Inês ewes. Also, influence of concentrate supplementation was found between the breeds with greater values in Santa Inês ewes. But, it did not alter the physiological parameters among animals of the same genetic group. The grazing activity was influenced (p < 0.05) by the scales of observation intervals. Interval of 10 minutes was the most effective methodology to assess accurately the behavior of these animals due to higher number of the registries, offering higher data reliability. Morada Nova breed exhibited less time grazing (p < 0.05) on the 10-minute scale compared to 20 and 30 minutes, which were similar (p > 0.05) for such a feature. Thus, the pregnant ewes exhibited high adaptive capability with observations of 10 minutes for better description of grazing activity in Morada Nova.

<title>Resumo</title><p>Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do nível de suplementação com concentrado sobre o perfil hematológico de ovelhas Santa Inês no terço final da gestação e puerpério, assim como dos cordeiros. Utilizaram-se onze ovelhas, aos 75 últimos dias de gestação e nos primeiros 75 dias de lactação e oito cordeiros progênie das ovelhas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas sempre pela manhã a cada 14 dias. A suplementação não afetou (P>0,05) o eritrograma e o leucograma dos animais e os componentes sanguíneos avaliados encontraram-se dentro do intervalo de referência para a espécie. A categoria animal influenciou (P<0,05) os valores de hemácias, observando-se os maiores valores (11,72 x 10⁶/µL) para os cordeiros. Os cordeiros apresentaram valores inferiores (3073,3/µL) de neutrófilos em comparação com as ovelhas, seja na gestação (4957,6/µL) ou no puerpério (4067,3/µL), que não diferiram entre si (P>0,05). Já na contagem de linfócitos, os valores encontrados nos cordeiros (2858,8/µL) foram semelhantes aos das fêmeas gestantes (2982,0/µL); as fêmeas em lactação (4119,8/µL) apresentaram os maiores valores. A suplementação com concentrado (0,5% do PV) no pré e pós-parto não altera o perfil eritrocitário e leucocitário de ovelhas Santa Inês, sendo as maiores diferenças observadas entre as ovelhas das duas categorias e os cordeiros.</p>

<title>Abstract</title><p>The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of concentrate supplementation level on hematological profile of Santa Ines ewes, at the last third of pregnancy and postpartum, and of their lambs. We used eleven ewes at the last 75 days of pregnancy and the first 75 days of lactation and eight lambs born from these ewes, allotted in a completely randomized design and split-plot arrangement in time. Blood samples were collected every fourteen days. Neither the erythrocyte nor the leukocyte profile was affected by the different levels of supplementation (P>0.05) and the blood components evaluated were within the reference range for adult sheep. The animal category affected (P<0.05) erythrocytes, and the highest values (11.72 x 106/p.l) were observed in lambs. Lambs showed lower values (3073.3/µL) for neutrophils in comparison with ewes, during pregnancy (4957.6/µL) or postpartum (4067.3/µL); these values did not differ (P>0.05). For the lymphocyte count, the values found in lambs (2858.8 /µL) were similar to those in pregnant ewes (2,982.0/µL); lactating ewes (4119.8/µL) showed the highest values. Concentrate supplementation (0.5% BW) at pre and postpartum does not alter the erythrocyte and leukocyte profile of Santa Inês sheep, with the largest differences between the two sheep categories and lambs.</p>

The objective of this study was to determine how concentrate supplementation during late third gestation and lactation affects ewe and offspring performance from birth to weaning. Thirty-six ewes and their offspring (n = 32) were used. Eighteen Morada Nova and 18 Santa Inês ewes were artificially inseminated with semen from Dorper ram and distributed in a completely randomized factorial arrangement (2 × 2) consisting of two supplementation levels (5 and 15 g kg-1 of BW) and two breeds (Morada Nova and Santa Inês) or two crosses (Dorper × Morada Nova and Dorper × Santa Inês). The ewes were weighed, their body condition was evaluated during pregnancy, and the weaning weight of the lambs at up to 70 days old was measured. There was no effect of breed or supplementation on the prolificacy or type of birth. The Santa Inês ewes had a faster rate of development, although the weight loss during lactation was lower in the Morada Nova ewes. The weight development of the Dorper × Santa Inês lambs during the maternal-dependent phase was 34 g/100 g higher than that of the other cross, with no difference in the maternal-independent phase. Dorper × Santa Inês lambs gain more weight during the 70 days of development. However, the Dorper × Morada Nova lambs show a better response in terms of production efficiency when comparing the weight of the lambs with the weight of the sheep.

The objective of the present study was to assess the growth performance and carcass traits of Moxotó goat kids fed different levels concentrate (supplement) (SL) on native pasture under semiarid conditions in Brazil. Thirty-two castrated kids (15.7±0.78 kg initial BW) were allocated randomly to one of the four SL (treatment groups: 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg BW). When the animals of treatment group 15 g/kg BW reached 25 kg BW, the animals in the other treatments groups were also slaughtered. Therefore, the animals belonging to the 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg of BW were finished with 18.40, 21.04, 22.94 and 25.74 kg of BW, respectively. The concentrate supplementation positively influenced the performance and the carcass traits of animals, providing higher feed intake and thus greater weight gain. The results of cold carcass yields were 405.9, 427.0, 449.1 and 462.9 g/kg of SBW for 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg BW, respectively. The weight of the different commercial cuts, (neck, ribs, shoulder, loin and leg) increased linearly as the SL increased; however the yields of the carcass cuts were not influenced, except for the shoulder. Overall, the distribution of non-carcass fat increased as SL increased, with the exception of mesenteric fat yield, which was not influenced. The use of concentrate supplementation to Moxotó goats under grazing conditions on native rangelands of the Brazilian semiarid improves the performance of animals and carcass yield, but does not affect the yields of commercial cuts of Moxotó growing goats.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a utilização do feno de maniçoba (Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg.) em diferentes níveis (30, 40, 50 e 60%) sobre os consumos e as digestibilidades de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), energia bruta (EB), extrato etéreo (EE), carboidratos totais (CT), carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e os consumos de água e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Utilizaram-se oito cabras da raça Moxotó, multíparas, com aproximadamente 60 dias de lactação, pesando 44,26 ± 4,23 kg, em delineamento quadrado latino duplo 4 × 4, com quatro tratamentos, quatro períodos e quatro animais. Cada período teve duração de 15 dias (10 de adaptação dos animais às dietas e 5 para coleta de dados). Utilizou-se a fibra em detergente ácido indigestível (FDAi) como indicador interno para estimativa da produção de matéria seca fecal. A utilização do feno de maniçoba nos níveis de 30, 40, 50 e 60% nas dietas para cabras em lactação não alterou os consumos de MS, MO, PB, EE, MM e CT. Os consumos de CNF, NDT e água diminuíram linearmente com o aumento no nível de feno de maniçoba nas dietas, enquanto os de FDN e FDA (kg/dia, %PC e g/kg0,75) aumentaram linearmente. A digestibilidade aparente de MS, MO, PB, EE, CT, CNF, EB e FDA reduziu linearmente, enquanto a da FDN não se alterou com o aumento dos níveis de feno na dieta.

This research was conducted with the objective of evaluating the use of different Maniçoba hay (Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg) levels (30, 40, 50 and 60%) on intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (TCHT), non fiber carbohydrates (NFC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), water intake (WI), besides total digestible nutrients intake (TDNI). Eight multiparous Moxotó dairy goats with initial weight of 44,26 ± 4,23 kg were assigned to two 4 × 4 Latin squares design, with four treatments, four experimental periods and four animals. Each experimental period lasted 15 days (ten days for animal adaptation to diets and five days for feed, refusal and feces collection. Indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) was used as an internal marker to estimate fecal dry matter yield. The use of Maniçoba hay in the levels (30, 40, 50 and 60%) in diets did not affect the DM, OM, CP, EE, MM, and TCHT intakes. The NFC, TDN and water intakes decreased linearly with the increase of dietary hay levels while NDF and ADF (kg/day; %BW and g/kg0.75) intakes increased linearly. The apparent DM, OM, CP, EE, CHT, NFC, GE and ADF digestibility decreased linearly while the NDF digestibility was not affected with the increase in the dietary hay levels.