ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the multivariate relationship among body protein, fat, and macrominerals in Saanen goats of different sexes (castrated males, females, and intact males) using canonical correlation analysis. Individual records of 274 Saanen goats combined from 10 studies was used. Two sets of body constituents were established: the first one contained variables related to body protein or fat (canonical variate U) and the second contained variables related to body calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, or potassium (canonical variate V). Two canonical pairs were identified for each sex. However, irrespective of sex, first canonical pairs accounted for more than 87% of variance of the dependent variables, these only being used for the analysis. For canonical variate U1, canonical weights for protein were greater than that for fat (in castrated males, protein = 0.62 and fat = 0.41; in females, protein = 0.96 and fat = 0.039; and in intact males, protein = 0.81 and fat = 0.20). For canonical variate V1, in males, the highest canonical weights were for potassium and phosphorus, whereas the lowest were for calcium (in castrated males, potassium = 0.485 > phosphorus = 0.259 > magnesium = 0.206 > sodium = 0.129 > calcium = 0.081, and in intact males, potassium = 0.499 > phosphorus = 0.459 > sodium = 0.105 > magnesium = 0.024 > calcium = 0.001). On the other hand, in females, the highest canonical weights were for potassium and calcium, whereas the lowest was for magnesium (potassium = 0.539 > calcium = 0.201 > phosphorus = 0.178 > sodium = 0.088 > magnesium = 0.081). The current results may help to understand the role of sex on strength and nature of the association among body protein, fat, and macrominerals in growing Saanen goats.

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.

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to to evaluate how feed restriction and different forage:concentrate ratios affect digestibility, methane emission (using the SF6 technique), and energy utilization of Anglo-Nubian goats. Fifteen (15) dry and non-pregnant Anglo Nubian goats, averaging 30±2.9 kg body weight, were used. The experiment was divided into two trials, the first of which was designed to study the effects of feed restriction (0% or ad libitum; 15% of feed restriction or equivalent to 85% of ad libitum intake; and 40% of feed restriction or equivalent to 60% of ad libitum intake) and the second, to study the effects of forage:concentrate (F:C) ratios (75:25, 54:46, and 25:75) in the diet. The sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer gas method was used to collect and estimate methane (CH4) emissions. Feed restriction level did not affect apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber. Methane emission (g d−1) decreased linearly as intake level decreased. However, energy loss in methane proportional to organic matter intake was similar among levels of feed restriction; consequently, dietary metabolizability did not differ among treatments. Methane gas (g d−1) as a function of F:C ratio revealed a quadratic response, showing the highest values when animals were fed the 46:54 F:C ratio diet (18.2 g d−1), suggesting that the decrease in absolute CH4 occurred when the level of concentrate inclusion in the diet surpassed approximately 50%. The results presented herein may be relevant for the ongoing and future efforts towards completion of an IPCC inventory regarding the contribution of goats to the greenhouse gas effects on the planet.

The objective of this study was to determine the protein requirements for the growth of intact male, female, and castrated male Saanen goats weighing 30 to 45 kg of body weight (BW) and to compare estimates of the protein requirements for maintenance (NPm) by the comparative slaughter and nitrogen balance techniques. To determine the maintenance requirements, 55 goats were assigned in a split-plot design using a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (three sexes and three dry matter intake (DMI) levels). A linear regression of retained N (as measured by the slaughter technique and estimated from the nitrogen balance) on N intake on a daily basis was used to calculate the net protein for maintenance. The net protein requirement for weight gain (NPg) was obtained using 65 goats fed ad libitum in a completely randomized design. The first derivative of the allometric equation of protein content in the empty BW with respect to the empty BW yielded estimates of the NPg. According to the comparative slaughter technique, the estimated NPm was 1.46 g/kg of metabolic weight, which is 50% lower than the estimate from the nitrogen balance technique. When evaluating the variance of the error, the nitrogen balance also showed greater values, indicating less precision compared with that of the comparative slaughter technique. The daily NPg ranged from 155.7±10.9 to 153.4±13.5 g/kg of EBW gain for growing Saanen goats. The protein requirements (NPm and NPg) of intact male, female, and castrated male Saanen goats are similar, from 30 to 45 kg BW, in accordance with current feeding systems. Moreover, the results of the present study indicate that the estimate of NPm using the comparative slaughter technique is more precise and lower than that using the N balance technique.

The present study was conducted to determine the body composition and the mineral requirements for growth of wool and hair lambs. A total of 34 castrated lambs with an initial body weight (BW) of 19.9±0.8 kg were used; 17 of these lambs were of the genotype Ideal × Ile de France and 17 were Santa Inês. Ten lambs (5 of each genotype) were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to establish their initial body composition. The remaining lambs were assigned to one of three diets (40% roughage and 60% concentrate, 60% roughage and 40% concentrate, or 80% roughage and 20% concentrate) in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. All of the diets were provided ad libitum. When the group under 40% roughage and 60% concentrate reached 35 kg BW, all of the animals were slaughtered. Linear regressions were used to determine the relationship between the shrunk BW and the empty body weight (EBW) for each genotype. These equations were compared and revealed differences between the genotypes. The allometric equations were calculated using the relationship between the amount of minerals and the EBW. The equations of a given mineral for each genotype were compared to verify if they were statistically different. The equations for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium differed between genotypes. The same equations were used to estimate the major body mineral composition per kilogram of EBW. The net requirement for gain of the fleece-free Ideal × Ile de France lambs ranged from 7.77 to 6.80 g Ca, 4.54 to 4.14 g P, 0.30 to 0.27 g Mg, 1.18 to 1.07 g K and 0.84 to 0.76 g Na per kg BW gain, and the requirements of the Santa Inês animals ranged from 9.57 to 8.37 g Ca, 5.39 to 4.91 g P, 0.36 to 0.33 g Mg, 1.18 to 1.07 g K and 0.90 to 0.81 g Na per kg BW gain for the lambs weighting 20 to 35 kg. Santa Inês lambs showed higher requirements for Ca, P, Mg and Na.

Procurou-se conhecer as mudanças nos índices zootécnicos e na rentabilidade de duas propriedades produtoras de leite caprino de níveis tecnológicos distintos após aplicação do regime quadrimestral de partos. A pesquisa foi realizada em duas etapas: diagnóstico da situação inicial e simulação. O diagnóstico foi feito por meio de inquirição semi-estruturada e observações diretas realizadas em visitas periódicas. Nesta etapa observou-se a falta de registro de controle nas propriedades. Simulou-se, com auxilio de um programa montado em Microsoft® Excel, os índices zootécnicos, a estruturação do rebanho estabilizado, despesas e receitas em novos cenários técnico-produtivos, facilitando a aplicação da técnica da orçamentação parcial para comparação da situação inicial e propostas. O regime quadrimestral aumentou o rendimento da atividade, mas com uma produção constante para um mercado consumidor intermitente.

It tried know the changes in the zootechnic indices and in the profitability of two milk goat producers properties of distinct technological levels after application of the production system of childbirths. The research was accomplished in two stages: diagnosis of the initial situation and simulation. The diagnosis was done through inquiry semi-structured and direct observations accomplished in periodic visits. In this stage the control record lack was observed in the properties. It simulated, with assist of a program set in Microsoft® Excel, the zootechnic indices, the structure of the stabilized herd, expenses and revenues in the new situations, facilitating the application of the technique of budget partial for comparison of the initial situation and the proposal. The production system increased the revenue of the activity, however it produced milk constantly for an intermittent consuming market.

O interesse pelos pequenos ruminantes aumentou nos últimos anos sob os aspectos produtivo e científico. No Brasil, caprinos e ovinos são os que despertam maior interesse econômico. Assim, este trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de discutir o progresso científico com caprinos e ovinos nos últimos dez anos. Foram pesquisadas várias bases de dados, entre elas as do Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), da Scientific Electronic Library Online - SciELO, da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE e da Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - FAO. Na última década, os pequenos ruminantes têm merecido especial atenção dos pesquisadores, o que pode ser comprovado pelo aumento de 41% nas publicações mundiais envolvendo estas espécies, o que foi acompanhado por aumento ainda mais expressivo, 219%, em âmbito nacional. A evolução também foi observada sob os aspectos metodológicos dos projetos, ressaltando a abordagem multidisciplinar nas pesquisas mais atuais. Nos últimos dez anos, houve crescimento do aporte de recursos para editais temáticos demandados pela sociedade e pela cadeia da carne e do leite, além da preocupação com qualidade, competitividade e sustentabilidade.

Worldwide interest in small ruminants has increased in recent years in both, the productive and scientific aspects. In Brazil, the same trend has been observed, however, among all small ruminants, goats and sheep can be highlighted. Thus, this review aimed to discuss scientific progress in goat and sheep in the last decade. Data were collected in different databases, such as Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Scientific Electronic Library Online - SciELO, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - FAO. In the last decade, goat and sheep have received particular attention from researchers, which can be proved by the number of publications involving these species, which increased 41% worldwide, and nationwide increase was even more expressive, 219%. Methodological aspects applied in researches have also improved, emphasizing multidisciplinary approach. Much of the scientific progress was due to increasing financial support through thematic calls demanded by society and by the productive chain of meat and milk. In these calls is noticeable the concern with product quality, competitiveness and sustainability.

Avaliaram-se as alterações da fração fibrosa e as características químicas dos fenos de braquiária decumbens (Brachiaria decumbnes Stapf) e jaraguá (Hyparrhenia rufa Ness Stapf) não-tratados, tratados com uréia (U-5,4% da MS), uréia (UL-5,4% da MS) mais labe-labe (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet, cv. Highworth-3,0% da MS) ou amônia anidra (NH3 -3,0% da MS). O tratamento químico com uréia ou NH3 aumentou o pH e a digestibilidade in vitro verdadeira dos fenos. A amonização não alterou os teores de fibra em detergente ácido e celulose, mas diminuiu os de fibra em detergente neutro, hemicelulose e lignina. O uso do labe-labe como fonte adicional de urease não aumentou a eficiência da uréia no tratamento dos volumosos. As avaliações do conteúdo de umidade, do poder tampão e da atividade ureática são técnicas que podem auxiliar na previsão das respostas dos volumosos à amonização com o uso de uréia.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the changes on the chemical composition and the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the Brachiaria decumbens Stapf, jaraguá (Hyparrhenia rufa Ness Stapf) hays, untreated, treated with urea (5.4% DM), urea (UL-5.4% DM) and lab lab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet, cv. Highworth-3.0% DM); and anhydrous ammonia (NH3 3.0% DM). The chemical treatment increased the pH and the in vitro digestibility of the hays Ammoniation did not affect ADF and cellulose contents. The NDF, hemicellulose and lignin contents decreased due to ammoniation with NH3. The urea utilization had the same efficiency that anhydrous ammonia on the hemicellulose content of the hays. The use of an external source of urease did not affect the urea treatment efficiency. The evaluation of the chemical characteristics of the forages, as the dry matter content, buffering capacity, and urease activity can be helpful on the prediction of their responses to the ammoniation.

Este estudo foi desenvolvido para se avaliarem as alterações nos conteúdos de compostos nitrogenados dos fenos de braquiária decumbens (Brachiaria decumbnes Stapf) e jaraguá (Hyparrhenia rufa Ness Stapf) não-tratados, tratados com uréia (U - 5,4% da MS), uréia (UL - 5,4% da MS) mais labe-labe (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet, cv. Highworth-3,0% da MS) ou amônia anidra (NH3 -3,0% da MS). A aplicação de amônia anidra ou de uréia aumentou os teores de N total, N insolúvel em detergente neutro, N insolúvel em detergente ácido, N não-protéico e N amoniacal. A amonização diminuiu as relações N insolúvel em detergente neutro/N total e N insolúvel em detergente ácido/N total e aumentou as relações N não-protéico/N total, N amoniacal/N total e os teores de PB. O N aplicado foi retido, principalmente, nas formas de NNP e N amoniacal.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the changes on the nitrogen compounds of the Brachiaria decumbens Stapf, jaraguá (Hyparrhenia rufa Ness Stapf) grasses hay, untreated, treated with urea (5.4% DM), urea plus lab-lab (UL-5.4% DM plus Lablab purpureus L. Sweet, cv. Highworth-3.0% DM) and anhydrous ammonia (NH3 - 3.0% DM). The chemical treatment with urea or NH3 increased the total N, neutral detergent insoluble N 9NDIN), acid detergent insoluble N (ADIN), non nitrogen protein (NNP), and the ammonical nitrogen (AN) contents. Ammoniation decreased the NDIN/TN and ADIN/TN ratios. The chemical treatment increased the NNP/TN and NA/TN ratios, and the crude protein contents. The N applied as urea or NH3 was retained as NNP and in the ammoniacal form.