ABSTRACT Soil fertility evaluation is important for adopting conservation management and adequate nutrient supply. The objective of this study was to identify critical levels and soil fertility classes using the boundary line method for rainfed crops (corn, cowpea and sabiá [Mimosa caesalpiniifolia]) in the Brazilian semi-arid region. A database of 226 soil fertility analyses of samples from the 0.00-0.20 m soil layer, and corn, cowpea and sabiá yields from Ceará State was used to generate interpretation classes (at 80 and 95 % of maximum yield). In a scatter plot, soil nutrient concentrations (x-axis) and relative crop yields (y-axis) were correlated, and the border points fitted to a quadratic model. Proposed interpretation classes were classified as very low, low, adequate, high and very high, except for Na+, whose adequate class was considered tolerable. Generated models showed coefficients of determination (R2) for the chemical properties ranging from 0.54 to 0.92. Based on the interpretation classes, the critical level was determined as 6.3 for pH, 10.8 g dm-3 for OM, 20.9 mg dm-3 for P, 81 mg dm-3 for K, 55 mmolc dm-3 for Ca2+, 24 mmolc dm-3 for Mg2+ and 8 mg dm-3 for S-SO42-. Interpretation classes for soils with high-activity clay in the Brazilian semi-arid region were superior to those in the reference literature. Boundary line method established fertility classes and critical levels for soil chemical properties in more than one crop, using the concept of relative yield. supply corn (corn Mimosa caesalpiniifolia caesalpiniifolia] semiarid semi arid 22 0.000.20 000020 0.00 0.20 0 00 20 0.00-0.2 layer at 9 yield . yield) plot xaxis x axis (x-axis yaxis y (y-axis correlated model low Na Na+ tolerable R2 R (R2 054 54 0.5 092 92 0.92 63 6 3 6. pH 108 10 10. dm3 dm dm- OM 209 20. P K 5 Ca2 Ca Ca2+ 2 Mg2 Mg SSO42. SSO42 SSO S SO42 SO S-SO42- highactivity activity literature 000 0.000.2 00002 0.0 020 0.2 0.00-0. (R 05 0. 09 0.9 1 SSO4 SO4 S-SO42 0.000. 0000 02 0.00-0 S-SO4 0.000 0.00- S-SO

ABSTRACT Livestock production in semi-arid areas has been unpredictable due to climate variability, mainly rainfall. This study aims to simulate rangeland production variability affected by rainfall over time and relate it to an adjusted carrying capacity, using forage stock to maximize the potential of production of the system to a specifi c guarantee level. Regression analysis of forage biomass against rainfall was performed for ecological sites in the Brazilian semi-arid region to generate probability distribution curves for the historical rainfall for each location using Monte Carlo approach. Forage biomass variability estimated over time was used as input to the model. The system optimizes forage use at a sustainable stocking rate and uses forage surpluses in good years to fill defi cits during adverse years, due to a certain level of guarantee. As a rule, smallholder farmers would need to maintain a storage of around 1,500 kg ha-1 of DM of forage to maintain an adjusted carrying capacity of 0.11 animal units ha-1, with a guarantee of 95% in the long term, stressing the forage storage capacity as a central component of the model. Since farm size infl uences forage production capacity and mainly forage stock capacity, recommendations to cope with this paradigm are suggested. semiarid semi arid approach model rule 1500 1 500 1,50 ha1 ha ha- 011 0 11 0.1 ha1, 1, 95 term suggested 150 50 1,5 01 0. 9 15 5

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características morfogênicas e estruturais de Megathyrsus maximus 'BRS Tamani', submetido a doses crescentes de adubação nitrogenada, assim como os componentes de sua biomassa. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (0, 300, 600 e 1.200 kg ha-1 de N por ano) e três repetições, em 12 unidades experimentais de 12,5 m² cada uma. As avaliações ocorreram ao longo do período de descanso do pasto, após a desfolhação para um índice de área foliar residual de 1,0, até o momento em que o pasto atingiu o número 3,0 novas folhas produzidas por perfilho. As taxas de alongamento foliar e de colmo aumentaram com o incremento das aplicações de N até a dose equivalente a 1.200 kg ha-1 de N por ano. Houve resposta linear decrescente do filocrono e do tempo de vida das folhas. Incrementos de 704% foram observados na biomassa de folhas verdes passíveis de colheita, para a dose equivalente a 1.200 kg ha- 1 de N por ano. As biomassas de forragem morta e caule colhido não foram afetadas pelas doses de N. A adubação nitrogenada apresenta efeito positivo sobre as características morfogênicas, estruturais e produtivas do capim 'BRS Tamani' até a dose equivalente a 1.200 kg ha-1 de N por ano.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the morphogenic and structural characteristics of Megathyrsus maximus 'BRS Tamani', subjected to increasing nitrogen doses, as well as the components of its biomass. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with four treatments (0, 300, 600, and 1,200 kg ha-1 N per year) and three replicates, in 12 experimental units of 12.5 m² each. The evaluations were performed in the rest period of the pasture, after defoliation to a residual leaf area index of 1.0, until the pasture reached the number 3.0 of new leaves produced per tiller. Leaf and stem elongation rates increased with the increment in N doses up to 1,200 kg ha-1 N per year. There was a decreasing linear response for phyllochron and leaf life span. Increases of 704% were observed for the harvestable green leaf biomass, at the dose equivalent to 1,200 kg ha-1 N per year. The biomasses of dead forage and harvestable stem were not affected by the N doses. Nitrogen fertilization shows a positive effect on the morphogenic, structural, and productive characteristics of 'BRS Tamani' guinea grass up to the dose equivalent to 1,200 kg ha-1 N per year.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o raleamento em faixas e o enriquecimento com gramíneas exóticas em uma área de Caatinga, de modo que fosse possível manter e ou aumentar a biodiversidade de espécies vegetais nativas, e intensificar a produção de biomassa de forragem. Dois estudos foram conduzidos em uma área de Caatinga raleada em faixas e em outra área de Caatinga não manipulada no período chuvoso e transição águas-seca no ano de 2016. Avaliou-se a produção de biomassa herbácea e, a diversidade e equabilidade pelos índices de Shannon-Weaver (H’) e Pielou (J’) das áreas raleada em faixas e não manipulada. Foi ainda avaliado o estabelecimento dos capins massai e búffel ao centro e na lateral da área raleada em faixa. Na época das águas a produção de biomassa herbácea na área raleada em faixas e não manipulada foi de 1.228 kg ha-1 e 833,33 kg ha-1, enquanto o período de transição águas-seca 1.973 kg ha-1 contra 836,00 kg ha-1, respectivamente. Os índices permaneceram próximos H’ (1,86) e J’ (0,74), para a área raleada e H’ (1,77) e J’ (0,85) para a não manipulada. O capim-massai apresentou melhor estabelecimento e desenvolvimento que o capim-búffel no centro e na lateral da área raleada em faixas. O raleamento em faixas aumenta a biodiversidade da área contribuindo juntamente com o enriquecimento no incremento de biomassa de forragem herbácea.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the thinning into strips and the enrichment with exotic grasses in a Caatinga area in order to maintain and increase the biodiversity of native vegetable species and forage production. Two studies were carried out-one in an area of Caatinga thinned into strips and one in an unmanipulated Caatinga area-during the rainy and rainy-dry season transition periods in 2016. The production of herbaceous biomass was evaluated, and the diversity and equability of the two areas were assessed through Shannon-Weaver (H’) and Pielou (J’) indexes. The establishment of massai and buffel grasses at the center and edges of the area thinned into strips was also evaluated. During the rainy season, the production of herbaceous biomass in the area thinned into strips and the unmanipulated area was 1,228 kg ha-1 and 833.33 kg ha-1, while during the rainy-dry transition period, it was 1,973 kg ha-1 and 836.00 kg ha-1, respectively. The indexes remained similar: H’ (1.86) and J’ (0.74) for the area thinned into strips, and H’ (1.77) and J’ (0.85) for the unmanipulated area. The massai grass presented better establishment and development than that by the buffel grass in the center and edges of the area thinned into strips. Thus, thinning into strips increases the biodiversity of an area, and this combined with enrichment through grasses increases the biomass of herbaceous forage.

RESUMO O objetivo desse trabalho foi delimitar áreas aptas e o requerimento hídrico de irrigação para cultivo do capim Tanzânia no estado do Ceará. A produtividade do capim Tanzânia foi obtida a partir de um modelo matemático que assume os valores da evapotranspiração real, resultante do balanço hídrico climatológico da cultura. A necessidade hídrica para reposição de água ao longo do ano para solos com capacidade de água disponível de 20 (solos rasos), 40 (solos arenosos), 60 (solos de textura média) e 100 mm (solos argilosos). A partir da TAMS obteve-se a frequência relativa de ocorrência de produtividade mensal em diferentes municípios Cearense. Os valores de produtividade do capim Tanzânia no estado do Ceará predominaram entre 20.000 e 30.000 kg MS ha-1 ano-1. Durante os meses chuvosos o potencial produtivo varia em função da mesorregião econômica, as quais apresentam condições climáticas distintas. Portanto, o estado do Ceará possui aptidão para produção do capim Tanzânia, sob regime de sequeiro, durante apenas quatro meses, predominantemente, de fevereiro a maio, sendo que as condições climáticas não favorecem o desenvolvimento do capim nos demais meses.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to define areas suitable, and the irrigation water requirement for, cultivation of Tanzania guineagrass in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Tanzania guineagrass yield was estimated by a mathematical model, which considers the crop actual evapotranspiration, resulting from the crop climatological water balance. The water requirement throughout the year was estimated for soils with a water holding capacity of 20 (shallow soils), 40 (sandy soils), 60 (soils with medium texture) and 100 mm (clay soils). The relative frequency of occurrence of monthly productions greater than 2,750 kg DM ha-1 month-1 was obtained for different areas in Ceará, representative of most of the state's economic mesoregions. Tanzania guineagrass annual yields in the state of Ceará were between 20,000-30,000 kg DM ha-1 year-1. During the rainy season, the productive potential varies with the economic mesoregion, which presents different climatic conditions. The state of Ceará is only suitable for the rainfed production of Tanzania guineagrass for 4 months each year, predominantly from February to May, while weather conditions do not favor the development of this grass in the remaining months.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de frequências e intensidades de desfolhação sobre os componentes da biomassa e a estrutura do dossel em capim-aruana (Panicum maximum 'Aruana IZ-5'), pastejado sob lotação rotativa com ovinos. Avaliaram-se duas frequências de desfolhação (FD), com níveis de interceptação de 85 e 95% da radiação fotossinteticamente ativa (Irfa) incidente no topo do dossel, e duas intensidades de desfolhação (ID), com índices de área foliar residual (IAFr) de 1,0 e 1,8. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 2x2. Os componentes da biomassa e as características estruturais nas condições de pré-pastejo foram afetados principalmente pela FD, com a redução da biomassa de colmos verdes e de forragem morta, e, ainda, pela elevação da altura da primeira lígula viva. Pastos manejados com menor FD proporcionaram menor relação lâmina foliar/colmo, com média de 1,65, e os pastos com maior FD apresentaram média de lâmina foliar/colmo de 2,40. Os componentes da biomassa residual foram afetados pela ID, com maior biomassa de forragem verde residual em pastos manejados com IAFr de 1,8. Os pastos manejados com 95% de Irfa e IAFr de 1,8 apresentaram biomassa de colmo verde residual e biomassa de forragem morta residual superiores aos dos demais manejos. Para pastejo por ovinos, o capim-aruana deve ser manejado com frequência de 85% de Irfa e intensidade de desfolhação correspondente a IAFr de 1,0.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of frequencies and intensities of defoliation on the biomass components and on the canopy structure of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum 'Aruana IZ-5') pasture under intermittent sheep stocking. Two defoliation frequencies (DF), with 85 and 95% interception levels of the photosynthetically active radiation (Ipar) incident on the top of the canopy, and two defoliation intensities (DI), with residual leaf area index (LAIr) of 1.0 and 1.8 were evaluated. A completely randomized design was carried out, in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. Biomass components and the structural features in the pre-grazing conditions were affected mainly by DF, with the reduction of green biomass of culms and of dead forage, and were also affected by the increase in the height of the first alive ligule. Pastures managed with lower DF provided lower leaf blade/culm ratio, with 1.65 average, while pastures managed with greater DF showed 2.40 mean leaf blade/culm ratio. Components of the residual biomass were affected by the DI, with a greater residual green forage biomass in pastures managed with LAIr of 1.8. Swards grazed at 95% Ipar and 1.8 LAIr showed residual green biomass of culms and residual dead forage biomass superior to those of the other managements. For grazing by sheep, 'Aruana' Guinea grass should be managed with a 85% Ipar frequency and defoliation intensity corresponding to LAIr of 1.0.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito das árvores de pau-branco (Cordia oncocalyx) sobre parâmetros fisiológicos, altura e biomassa do milho, em diferentes distâncias das árvores, em sistema agrossilvipastoril. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (distâncias do caule das árvores de 1, 2, 3 e 4 m), além do controle (plantas do cultivo tradicional), e cinco repetições. Cada parcela consistiu de uma árvore de pau-branco, ao centro, e linhas de milho plantadas nas quatro distâncias avaliadas do caule. As medidas fisiológicas e a produção de matéria seca foram registradas aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após o semeio do milho. As plantas sob a copa do pau-branco, a 1 e 2 m do caule, tiveram suas trocas gasosas, altura e produção de matéria seca afetadas pelas árvores. As plantas cultivadas a 3 m do caule tiveram desempenho semelhante ao observado no cultivo tradicional, e as cultivadas a 4 m apresentaram maior fotossíntese, condutância estomática, transpiração, altura e produção de matéria seca. As plantas de milho sob a copa são afetadas negativamente pelo sombreamento das árvores, enquanto as plantas fora da copa podem se beneficiar da presença das árvores no sistema.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of "pau-branco" (Cordia oncocalyx) trees on physiological parameters, height, and biomass of maize at different distances from the trees in an agrosilvipastoral system. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four treatments (distances from trees of 1, 2, 3, and 4 m), besides a control (plants cultivated in the traditional system), and five replicates. The plots consisted of one "pau-branco" tree at the center, and maize rows planted at the four evaluated distances from the tree stem. Physiological measurements and dry matter production were recorded at 30, 60, and 90 days after the sowing of maize. The plants under the canopy of "pau-branco" - at 1 and 2 m from the stem - had their gas exchange, height, and dry matter production affected by the trees. The plants 3 m away from the stem had similar performance to those in the traditional system, and the plants at 4 m of distance had higher photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, height, and dry mass production. Maize plants under the canopy are negatively affected by tree shading, whereas plants outside the canopy can be favored by the presence of trees in the system.

Na região semiárida, o manejo inadequado dos sistemas de cultivo, aliado à baixa produção de fitomassa, pode contribuir para reduzir os estoques de carbono (C) e nitrogênio (N) do solo; portanto, a adoção de sistemas de manejo para a preservação desses elementos é necessária. Objetivou-se avaliar as alterações promovidas nos estoques de C e N do solo por sistemas agrícolas agroflorestais (agrossilvipastoril e silvipastoril) e tradicional (com derrubada da vegetação, queima e cultivo por dois-três anos), confrontando-os à vegetação natural de Caatinga, após 13 anos, em experimento instalado em um Luvissolo Crômico órtico típico, no município de Sobral, Ceará. Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0-6, 6-12, 12-20, 20-40 e 40-60 cm, em quatro repetições, considerando os relevos plano, convexo e côncavo em cada situação de estudo, sendo determinados o C orgânico total, o N total e as densidades do solo. Entre os sistemas agroflorestais estudados, o silvipastoril, em longo prazo, promoveu as maiores reduções nos estoques de C e N, enquanto o agrossilvipastoril as menores perdas, representando alternativa sustentável para o sequestro de C e N do solo nessas condições semiáridas. O sistema de cultivo tradicional apresentou reduções de 58,87 e 9,57 Mg ha-1 dos estoques de C orgânico e N total, respectivamente, indicando sua não adequação para as condições semiáridas brasileiras. Os relevos côncavo, no sistema agrossilvipastoril, e plano, no silvipastoril, apresentaram os maiores estoques de C orgânico, enquanto para o N total, a forma côncava apresentou os maiores valores na vegetação nativa, agrossilvipastoril e silvipastoril.

In the semiarid region of Brazil, inadequate management of cropping systems and low plant biomass production can contribute to reduce soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks; therefore, management systems that preserve C and N must be adopted. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in soil C and N stocks that were promoted by agroforestry (agrosilvopastoral and silvopastoral) and traditional agricultural systems (slash-and-burn clearing and cultivation for two and three years) and to compare these systems with the natural Caatinga vegetation after 13 years of cultivation. The experiment was carried out on a typical Ortic Chromic Luvisol in the municipality of Sobral, Ceará, Brazil. Soil samples were collected (layers 0-6, 6-12, 12-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm) with four replications. The plain, convex and concave landforms in each study situation were analyzed, and the total organic C, total N and densities of the soil samples were assessed. The silvopastoral system promoted the greatest long-term reductions in C and N stocks, while the agrosilvopastoral system promoted the smallest losses and therefore represents a sustainable alternative for soil C and N sequestration in these semiarid conditions. The traditional agricultural system produced reductions of 58.87 and 9.57 Mg ha-1 in the organic C and total N stocks, respectively, which suggests that this system is inadequate for these semiarid conditions. The organic C stocks were largest in the concave landform in the agrosilvopastoral system and in the plain landform in the silvopastoral system, while the total N values were highest in the concave landform in the native, agrosilvopastoral and silvopastoral systems.

Biomass flow characteristics and forage accumulation were evaluated in Bermudagrass (Tifton 85) pasture managed under intermittent stocking with different management strategies. The management levels utilized were conventional (10 cm residual height and unfertilized), light (20 cm residual height and unfertilized), moderate (20 cm residual height with fertilization of 300 kg N/ha.year) and intensive (10 cm residual height with fertilization of 600 kg N/ha.year). A randomized design was used with repeated measurements over time, in two periods of the year, with four replicates. There was significant effect of management × period of the year on the leaf elongation rate (LER). The management levels under fertilization (0.59 and 0.60 cm/tiller.day for the intensive and moderate management, respectively) and the rainy season (0.49 cm/tiller.day) showed the greatest stem elongation rate. Leaf senescence rate (LSR) before and after and total LSR were modified by the management × period of the year interaction. The intensive management, with 0.38 leaves/tiller.day, as well as the dry period, with 0.27 leaves/tiller.day, showed higher leaf appearance rate. The lowest phyllochron was observed in intensive management and dry periods, as well as an interaction with the management of the same periods of the year. There was management × period of year interaction effect on leaf lifespan; the highest value was found under conventional management and dry period. Both production and forage accumulation rates were higher in the intensive and moderate management levels and dry season, and there was interaction of the intensive management system with the seasons. Managing pastures under moderate and intensive rotational stocking, which occurred mainly in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively, maximizes the flow of tissues and consequently production and accumulation of forage.

Physiological differences in the Cordia oncocalyx tree growing at different densities in two distinct areas were investigated. An agrosilvopastoral system (AGP) and a secondary forest (SF) were studied. Under both types of land-use, C. oncocalyx presented a relative frequency of approximately 50%, and absolute densities of 670 and 80 individuals per hectare, respectively. Net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (g s), and transpiration (E) were measured, and the SPAD index was recorded in sun leaves from the canopy and shade leaves from the lower canopy, in both the wet and dry seasons. We quantified the dry biomass of leaves and fruit on a per-tree basis at the end of the wet season. Net photosynthesis was higher in shaded leaves in the AGP in the wet season, reaching an average of 4.8 μmol m-2 s-1 against 3.2 μmol m-2 s-1 under SF. As trees began to shed their leaves at the beginning of the dry season and more radiation reached the shaded leaves, there was an increase in SF for A, depending on the intensity of light reaching the leaves. In the sun leaves, gas exchange was similar for the land-use systems during the wet season, but stronger in AGP than under SF during the dry season. This happened when the leaves in AGP retained more relative water content during a period of low gravimetric levels of the soil water. The lower tree density in AGP promoted a higher SPAD index and dry biomass in both the sun and shaded leaves, and allowed greater A, E and g s rates in the sun leaves at the beginning of the dry period.

Avaliou-se a produção e qualidade do leite de cabras em pasto cultivado de Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Tanzânia sob níveis de suplementação com concentrado. Foram utilizadas oito cabras da raça Anglonubiana, com idade entre dois e quatro anos, peso médiode 43,6 kg, entre a 2ª e 4ª ordem de lactação, distribuídas em duplo quadrado latino balanceado 4 x 4. Os níveis de suplementação avaliados foram: 0,0; 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5% do peso vivo. O concentrado, foi composto por grão de milho e farelo de soja. O consumo de matéria seca e de nutrienteseas produçõesdiárias de leite, de leite corrigido a 4% de gordura, gordura, proteína, lactose e sólidos totais aumentaramcom a suplementação, enquanto que os teores de gordura e sólidos totais reduziram. A suplementação com concentrado em até 1,5% do peso vivo em pasto cultivado de capim-tanzânia promove aumento no consumo de matéria seca e de nutrientes da dieta, do que resulta o aumento linear na produção de leite e de seus constituintes.

It was evaluated the production and quality of milk produced by goats grazing Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Tanzania (Guineagrass) and receiving four levels of concentrate supplementation. Eight Anglo Nubian goats, aged between two and four years, 43.6 kg in average body weight and between the 2nd and 4th lactation were distributed into two 4 x 4 balanced Latin square design. The supplementation levels were: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of body weight. The concentrate was composed of corn and soybean meal. The intake of dry matter and nutrients, and the daily production of milk, 4% fat-corrected milk, fat, protein, lactose and total solids had increased (p < 0.05) with supplementation, whereas fat and total solids percentage were reduced (p < 0.05). The concentrate supplementation up to 1.5% of live weight in Tanzania-grass pasture raises the intake of dry matter and nutrients, resulting in a linear increase in milk production and of its components.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da amonização com diferentes níveis de ureia e do uso de grãos de soja como fonte de urease, na melhoria da composição químico-bromatológica do resíduo agroindustrial da carnaúba (Copernicia prunifera), conhecido como bagana (BC). Os níveis de ureia utilizados foram 0, 2,5, 5, 7,5 e 10%, em relação à percentagem de matéria seca total da BC; e os níveis de grãos de soja tostados foram de 0 e 20%. Foram também avaliados o consumo de ração e o desempenho de cordeiros confinados, submetidos a dietas com níveis crescentes de substituição de feno de capim Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) (FT) pela BC: 100 FT; 25% BC e 75% FT; 50% BC e 50% FT; 75% BC e 25% FT; 100% BC. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros mestiços inteiros, recém-desmamados, com peso corporal médio de 17 kg e idade média em torno de 80 dias. Os teores de proteína bruta na forragem aumentaram com o aumento das dosagens de ureia. Foram observados, ainda, aumentos nos teores de fibra em detergente neutro e celulose e redução da digestibilidade da BC. Os consumos diários mais elevados de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e fibra em detergente neutro foram observados nos animais que receberam apenas FT como volumoso. O desempenho animal foi reduzido com o aumento da BC na dieta.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of ammonization with different levels of urea and the use of soybean grains as a urease source, for the improving of the chemical composition of carnaúba (Copernicia prunifera) agroindustrial residue (BC). The levels of urea were 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% in relation to the percentage of total dry matter of BC and the levels of toasted soybean grains were 0 and 20%. Evaluations were also made for forage intake and performance of confined sheep subjected to diets with increasing levels of replacement of Tifton 85 grass (Cynodon spp.) hay (FT) by BC: 100% FT, 25% BC plus 75% FT, 50% BC plus 50% FT, 75% BC plus 25% FT, and 100% BC. Thirty crossbred 80-day old weaned sheep with 17 kg initial average weight were used. Crude protein in the forage increased with the increasing doses of urea. Increases were also observed for neutral detergent fiber and cellulose contents and reductions were observed for roughage digestibility. The highest daily intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ethereal extract and neutral detergent fiber were observed in animals fed only FT. Animal performance decreased with increase of BC in the diet.

Avaliaram-se o consumo, a digestibilidade, o pH e concentração de amônia ruminais e a taxa de passagem em bovinos alimentados com dietas contendo feno de capim-tifton 85 (TIF) e silagem de milho (SM) em diferentes proporções. Utilizaram-se quatro animais castrados, com peso médio de 523kg, fistulados no rúmen, distribuídos em um quadrado latino 4 x 4, recebendo 60% de volumoso e 40% de concentrado, na base da matéria seca. O volumoso consistiu das seguintes proporções (%): 100 TIF:0 SM; 67 TIF:33 SM; 33 TIF:67 SM e 0 TIF:100 SM. Os consumos de matéria seca (MS), de matéria orgânica (MO) e de matéria orgânica digestível (MOD), de proteína bruta (PB), de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e de carboidratos totais (CHOT) e digeríveis (CHOD) não foram influenciados pelas diferentes proporções de feno de capim-tifton 85: silagem de milho nas dietas, registrando-se valores médios de 9,2; 8,7; 6,4; 1,1; 3,7; 7,3 e 5,4 kg/dia, respectivamente. O consumo de extrato etéreo (EE) elevou linearmente com o aumento da silagem de milho nas dietas. As digestibilidades aparentes da MS, MO, PB, EE e CHO também não foram influenciadas pelas diferentes proporções de silagem de milho, obtendo-se, respectivamente, valores médios de 71,8; 73,0; 69,5; 69,2 e 73,9%. Para a digestibilidade da FDN, observou-se efeito quadrático, estimando-se valor máximo de 65,2% para dietas contendo 30,98% de silagem de milho. Estimou-se concentração máxima de amônia de 12,0 mg/100 ml e valor mínimo de pH de 5,98 às 2,44 e 6,82 horas após a alimentação, respectivamente. A taxa de passagem não foi influenciada pelas diferentes proporções de feno:silagem, no volumoso, apresentando valor médio de 4,2%/hora.

The intake, digestibility, ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations and passage rate were evaluated in steers fed corn silage (CS) and Tifton 85 bermudagrass hay (T85H)-based diets, at different forage proportions. Four rumen fistulated steers with 523 kg of live weight were used in a 4x4 latin square design, and fed diets containing 60:40 forage:concentrate proportions in dry matter basis. The forage portion consisted of: 100 T85H:0 CS; 67 T85H:33 CS; 33 T85H:67 CS and 0 T85H:100 CS. The dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), digestible organic matter (DOM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total carbohydrates (TC) and total digestible carbohydrates (TDC) intakes were not affected by different T85H: CS proportions and averaged 9.2, 8.7, 6.4, 1.1, 3.7, 7.3 and 5.4 kg/day, respectively. The ethereal extract (EE) intake increased with increasing on corn silage proportion of the diets. The DM, OM, CP, EE and TC apparent digestibilities were not affected by increasing percentage of corn silage on rations and averaged 71.8, 73.0, 69.5, 69.2 and 73,9%, respectively. There was a quadratic effect for NDF digestibility, with maximum value of 65.2% for diets with 30.98% of CS. The N-ammonia maximum content (12.0 mg/100 ml) and minimum value of pH (5.98) were estimated 2.44 and 6.82 hours after feeding, respectively. The passage rate, which was not affected by changing T85H:CS proportions in the forage, averaged 4.2 %/hour.