Resumo: Objetivou-se avaliar a disponibilidade de forragem e desempenho de caprinos em Caatinga raleada e enriquecida com Urochloa trichopus submetida ao diferimento de pastejo e doses de adubação fosfatada. Foram utilizados 24 caprinos mestiços F1 (Boer x SPRD), inteiros, com peso corporal de 15,0 ± 2,6 kg, distribuídos em quatro piquetes (n = 6) de acordo com o peso vivo, idade e estado fisiológico. Os animais realizaram pastejo na Caatinga, com lotação contínua, sendo recolhidos e colocados em baias individuais permanecendo nesse local durante a noite. No experimento para avaliar desempenho animal foi usado delineamento blocos casualizados com 4 tratamentos (0, 11, 33 e 60 dias de diferimento) e seis repetições. Para determinação produção de massa seca e composição florística foi usado a adubação fosfatada nas dosagens de x P2O5 em um delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos, 0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 kg de P2O5 com 4 repetições. A adubação fosfatada promoveu efeito para a composição florística de dicotiledôneas e U. trichopus (P<0,05). Houve efeito do diferimento de pastagem para o peso final dos caprinos, com o menor peso (20,40 kg) observado aos 60 dias de diferimento (P<0,05). A adubação fosfatada não aumentou a produtividade de matéria seca. O diferimento não é indicado para uma área de vegetação da caatinga, pois mesmo com a vedação, no período seco ocorreu uma diminuição na disponibilidade e na qualidade da forragem, acarretando um menor aporte dos animais.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage availability and performance of goats in thinned Caatinga enriched with Urochloa trichopus subjected to grazing fallowing and levels of phosphorus fertilization. Twenty-four F1 crossbred goats (Boer x Non-descript breed), whole, 15.0 ± 2.6 kg body weight were distributed in four paddocks (n = 6) according to body weight, age and physiological status. Animals grazed on Caatinga, under continuous stocking, and were gathered and kept in individual pens overnight. The experiment to evaluate animal performance was a randomized block design with 4 treatments (0, 11, 33 and 60 days of fallowing) and six replications. To determine dry mass production and floristic composition, phosphate fertilization was used in the doses of x P2O5 in a randomized block design with five treatments, 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg P2O5 with 4 replications. Phosphate fertilization had an effect on the floristic composition of dicots and U. trichopus (P<0.05). There was an effect of pasture fallowing on the final weight of goats, with the lowest weight (20.40 kg) observed after 60 days of fallowing (P<0.05). Fallowing is not suitable for an area of vegetation in the caatinga, because there was a decrease in forage availability and quality in the dry period, resulting in a lower performance of animals.

ABSTRACT. The physical-chemical characteristics and sensory attributes of milk are variable. This study aimed to evaluate how spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopius sp.) influences the composition and sensory characteristics of goat milk. Twelve lactating goats with body weights of 51.35 ± 3.75 kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, with three simultaneous squares composed of four animals, four periods, and four experimental diets: Control - goats fed tifton grass hay and concentrate; SCOE - goats fed the Orelha-de-elefante spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCB - goats fed the Baiana spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCM - goats fed the Miúda spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate. The levels of protein and non-greasy solids and the sensory attributes of the milk (odor, butter flavor, and global acceptance) did not differ between the treatments (p > 0.05). The lipid content of the milk was reduced in the SCOE treatment compared to the control (p = 0.0014). The milk obtained from animals fed the SCOE and SCM treatments had a stronger flavor (p < 0.05). These results suggest that varieties of spineless cactus resistant to carmine cochineal can be used as goat feed without affecting milk production or global acceptance.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou avaliar o comportamento ingestivo e a preferência alimentar de caprinos criados em Caatinga (Floresta Tropical Seca) degradada em três épocas do ano: transição (chuva-seca), seca e chuva. O experimento foi desenvolvido na Estação Experimental pertencente à UFPB em São João do Cariri-PB, Brasil. Foram utilizados seis caprinos machos mantidos em pastagem com área de 3,2 hectares. A avaliação dos animais foi feita por meio de observação visual e ininterrupta. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos (época de chuva-seca, seco e chuvoso) e seis repetições (animais). As médias foram submetidas ao Teste de Tukey em nível de 5%. Na época de transição (chuva-seca), o tempo gasto pelos animais apresentou semelhanças para gramíneas, herbáceas/subarbustivas, serapilheira, arbustivos/arbóreos selecionados, com exceção das bromélias e cactáceas. Na estação chuvosa, os animais despenderam maior tempo de pastejo consumindo gramíneas. Nessa mesma época, o marmeleiro (Croton hemiargyreus Mill. Arg.) foi a espécie mais selecionada em relação à catingueira (Caesalpinia pyramidalis) e ao pereiro (Aspidosperma pyrifolium). O tempo despendido para atividade de pastejo na época de transição (chuva-seca) foi superior à época chuvosa e seca. Os caprinos, em criação extensiva na Caatinga, apresentam alta plasticidade no hábito alimentar podendo comportarse como animais pastejadores ou ramoneadores.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the ingestive behavior and feeding preference of goats reared in degraded Caatinga (dry tropical forest) during three seasons: transition (rainy-dry), dry, and rainy seasons. The experiment was carried out at the UFPB Experimental Station in São João do Cariri, PB, Brazil. Six male goats kept on pasture with an area of 3.2 hectares were used. The animals were assessed through continuous visual observation. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments (rainy-dry, dry, and rainy seasons) and six replications (animals). Means were submitted to the Tukey test at a 5% level. The time www.revistas.ufq.br/vet spent by animals during the transition season (rainy-dry) had to cite in the article page. similarities for the selected grasses, herbaceous/sub-shrub plants, litter, and shrub/ tree plants, except for bromeliads and cacti. The animals spent longer grazing time consuming grasses at the rainy season. During this season, marmeleiro (Croton hemiargyreus Mill. Arg.) was the most selected species in relation to catingueira (Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul.) and pereiro (Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart.). The time spent for grazing activity during the transition season (rainy-dry) was longer than the rainy and dry season. Goats reared extensively in the Caatinga have high plasticity in their eating habits and can behave as grazing or browsing animals.

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to perform a morphological and morphoagronomic analysis of wild Manihot species from a Brazilian semiarid region for inclusion in the collection at the Center for Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba. To characterize the 55 accessions, 12 quantitative and 18 qualitative descriptors were used. A dissimilarity matrix was generated by Mahalanobis generalized distance (D²), and clusters were identified by the UPGMA method. It was possible to verify the formation of 8 dissimilar groups based on morphological characters and 5 groups based on morphometric characters, indicating the presence of genetic diversity among accessions. The evaluated morphometric variable with the greatest relative contribution was the length between the central lobe. Based on the dissimilarity matrix, the accessions 16 x 48 were the most genetically distant accessions, followed by 47 x 49. The accessions 4 Monteiro, 16 Soledad, 38 Boa Vista, 3 Pedra Lavrada, 7 Junco, 10 Barra de Santa Rosa, 21 Monteiro, and 39 Junco are the most promising and can be used as parents in breeding programs for this forage species.

ABSTRACT. Poincianella pyramidalis (catingueira) is a endemic plant of the Caatinga, selected by animals grazing on native pasture. With the aim of evaluating characteristics indicative of its nutritional quality, 10 plants were selected and identified, sampled at five different ages, were used to determine dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), mineral matter (MM), DM degradability (Deg DM), NDF degradability (Deg NDF) and in situ and in vitro leaf-tissue degradability. Phytochemical prospection was performed, and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance applied to detect the presence of secondary compounds. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test at 5%, and correlation analysis was carried out on the variables for leaf maturity in days. The levels of CP, NDF and Deg NDF showed a negative correlation with the increases in leaf age. Leaf-tissue degradation was restricted due to a physical barrier developed in the leaf fragments, which can be attributed to plant defence mechanisms. The in situ degradability of the cell wall components decreased with the increase in leaf age. The high levels of tannins and lignin, and the strong presence of flavonoids, should be considered for their anti-nutritional and pharmacological potential.

RESUMO: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação orgânica e cortes sobre a composição química e a digestibilidade in vitro da fitomassa aérea da pornunça. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados em parcelas subdivididas com quatro cortes, duas adubações e quatro repetições. Os cortes foram realizados nos meses de fevereiro, junho e outubro de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012. A adubação foi com esterco bovino e ovino aplicados nos meses de maio de 2010 e março de 2011 na quantidade de 20 Mg ha-1. Foram avaliados os componentes estruturais da parte aérea, tais como limbo foliar, pecíolo, ramo e completo (limbo foliar mais pecíolo e ramo) da pornunça. Os estercos bovino e ovino não influenciaram (P>0,05) a composição química dos componentes estruturais da parte aérea. Diferenças foram verificadas entre os cortes, exceto para a matéria seca (MS) do limbo foliar e do componente completo de extrato etéreo (EE), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e hemicelulose (HC). Houve efeito (P<0,05) para a digestibilidade in vitro da MS dos componentes estruturais nos diferentes cortes, sendo a maior digestibilidade para os componentes estruturais no corte realizado em fevereiro de 2011. Menores teores de proteína bruta foram encontrados nos componentes pecíolo e ramo. A pornunça deve ser considerada como alternativa alimentar para os animais em função dos valores da composição química apresentada neste estudo, sendo o limbo foliar a parte da planta que apresenta o melhor valor nutritivo.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this Study was to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizer and cuts on the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the air pornunça biomass. The experimental design of randomized blocks in a split plot with four courts, two fertilization, and four replications. The cuts were made in February, June and October 2011 and February 2012. The fertilizer was with cattle and sheep manure, applied in May 2010 and March 2011 in the amount of 20 Mg ha-1. We evaluated the structural components of the shoot, such as leaf blade, petiole, branch and full (leaf blade and petiole more branch) of pornunça. The manure beef and lamb did not influence (P>0.05) the chemical composition of the structural components of the shoot. Differences were noted between the cuts, except for dry matter (DM) of the leaf blade and the full component of ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and hemicellulose (HC). There was a significant (P<0.05) for the in vitro digestibility of the MS of the structural components in different cuts, with the highest digestibility for structural components in the cut made in February 2011. Lower crude protein was found in the petiole and components branch. The pornunça should be considered as an alternative food for animals according to the chemical composition of the values presented in this study, with the leaf surface of the plant part that presents the best nutritional value.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of leaves of maniçoba (Manihot sp.) according to their development stage and their relationship with the soil characteristics. For this purpose, plants in their natural growth areas in the semiarid region of Paraíba State, Brazil, were sampled. Leaves of maniçoba collected in five different locations at four different development stages were harvested and characterized: expanding leaf, completely expanded leaf, leaf at the beginning of senescence and a pool (mixture of all leaves). The evaluated traits were: dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent insoluble protein, acid detergent insoluble protein, ash, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur and sodium. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized, in a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement: four leaf development stages and five locations, respectively; each plot had 10 replications. There was interaction effect between leaf development stage and locations on dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent insoluble protein and acid detergent insoluble protein. The results for neutral detergent fiber of leaves at the beginning of senescence were higher than other treatments and similar to the pool, while the acid detergent fiber content of the leaves in early senescence was higher than those of other treatments, averaging 34.8%. Crude protein content had its highest percentage in expanding leaves, averaging 23.0%. Nitrogen, potassium and sodium data showed interaction between the leaf types and locations of harvest, while phosphorus and sulfur did not show interaction. The chemical and mineral composition of maniçoba leaves range according to their development phase and according to their soil and climatic conditions in places of natural occurrence, with a tendency towards reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus as they approach senescence.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar o perfil fermentativo e a composição bromatológica de silagens de sorgo. No experimento 1, avaliou-se o perfil fermentativo do sorgo em resposta à adubação nitrogenada, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em parcela subdividida 5 x 6 (cinco doses de nitrogênio e seis períodos de abertura). As doses de adubação nitrogenada foram: 0; 50; 100; 150 e 200kg/ha e os períodos de abertura foram: 1; 3; 7; 14; 28 e 49 dias. No experimento 2 avaliaram-se as variações nos constituintes bromatológicos do sorgo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com cinco repetições, e os tratamentos tiveram os mesmos níveis de adubação do experimento 1. Os teores de matéria seca aumentaram linearmente com as doses de nitrogênio e com o período de fermentação. O pH aumentou linearmente em função da adubação nitrogenada e apresentou resposta quadrática em função do período de fermentação. Os valores de N-NH3 apresentaram resposta quadrática, tanto a doses de nitrogênio, quanto dos dias de abertura. A matéria orgânica aumentou linearmente e a matéria mineral reduziu. Lignina respondeu de forma linear crescente ao incremento da adubação nitrogenada. Os teores de hemicelulose reduziram linearmente. Os valores de matéria seca, pH e amônia demonstraram eficácia no processo fermentativo da silagem, independente da quantidade de nitrogênio utilizado. A utilização da adubação é uma prática interessante, pois aumenta a produtividade da planta sem alterar a composição bromatológica da silagem.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the fermentation characteristics and chemical composition of sorghum silage. In the first experiment the fermentative profile of sorghum silages in response to nitrogen fertilization was evaluated using a completely randomized design, in split-plot scheme with five doses of nitrogen (in the plot) and six opening times (in the subplot). The nitrogen levels were 0; 50; 100; 150 and 200kg/ha and the opening times were: 1; 3; 7; 14; 28and 49 days after ensiling. In the second experiment the variations in the chemical composition of sorghum silages was evaluated. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five repetitions, and the treatments consisted on the same levels of fertilization of first experiment. Dry matter increased linearly with the nitrogen and the fermentation period. The pH increased linearly as a function of nitrogen and showed a quadratic response as a function of fermentation period. The N- NH3 values showed a quadratic response both to nitrogen as for the opening day. Organic matter increased linearly and mineral matter decreased. Lignin responded linearly to increasing nitrogen fertilization. The hemicellulose decreased linearly. The dry matter, pH and ammonia values show efficacy in the silage fermentation process independent of nitrogen level used. The use of fertilizer is an interesting practice, which increases plant productivity without changing the chemical composition of the silage. Nevertheless, for the most economic treatment, is indicated the use of 150kg of nitrogen per hectare.

Objetivou-se com este experimento avaliar o efeito do pastejo caprino sobre a fenologia do marmeleiro (Croton sonderianus Müll. Arg.), catingueira (Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tull.), malva (Malva sylvestris L.) e pereiro (Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart.) em área de caatinga no Cariri paraibano. O experimento foi conduzido na fazenda experimental Bacia-Escola pertencente à UFPB, São João do Cariri, PB, no ano de 2008. Foram monitoradas cinco plantas por piquete, com leituras semanais, num total de 28 no período de 05/03/2008 a 19/10/2008, observando-se as seguintes variáveis: número total de folhas, folhas verdes, folhas amarelas, folhas secas, frutos e flores.Os tratamentos consistiram em três taxas de lotação e foram distribuídos em três piquetes: T1 (3,1 an/ha), T2 (1,5 an/ha) e T3 (0 an/ha). Para análise dos dados, agruparam-se as leituras por datas nas respectivas semanas. Foi verificado efeito do pastejo sobre os parâmetros fenológicos observados, notadamente no tratamento com maior taxa de lotação, para as espécies do marmeleiro e da malva, ocasionando redução antecipada do total de folhas, flores e frutos, promovendo alteração na fenologia dessas espécies. Observou-se menor efeito do pastejo sobre a fenologia do pereiro, e não foi verificado efeito sobre a catingueira. Notou-se que os pulsos de precipitação foram suficientes para desencadear os eventos fenológicos nas espécies. A precipitação interferiu no comportamento fenológico das espécies, desencadeando o período de brotamento logo após os primeiros eventos de chuvas, bem como a floração e frutificação, acontecendo em meados do período chuvoso. A queda de folhas ocorre logo após o término do período chuvoso na catingueira, marmeleiro e malva, sendo mais persistente no pereiro.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of goat grazing on the phenology of Croton sonderianus Müll. Arg., Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tull, Malva sylvestris L. and on Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart. in a Caatinga area in the Cariri in the state of Paraíba. The experiment was carried on the experimental farm "Bacia Escola" at the Federal University of Paraíba in São João do Cariri, state of Paraíba, in 2008. Five plants per paddock were monitorated, with weekly readings, totaling 28 in from March 5th 2008 to October19th, 2008 by observing the following variables: total number of leaves, green leaves, yellow leaves, dry leaves, fruit and flowers. The treatments consisted of three stocking rates and three pastures: T1 (3.1 an/ha), T2 (1.5 an/ha) and T3 (0 an/ha). For the analysis of the data, readings were grouped by date according to their respective weeks. It was noted effects of pasture on the observed phonological parameters, especially in the treatment with the largest stocking rate, for species of quince tree and mallow causing an early reduction of the total of leaves, flowers and fruits, promoting changes in the phenology of this species. Pasture did not affect much on the phenology of pear tree and no effect was observed for "catingueira". It was observed that rain pulses were sufficient to trigger phonological effects in the species. Rainfall interfered in the phenological behavior of the species, triggering the period of sprouting after the first rain, and the flowering and fruiting occurring in the middle of the rainy season. The fall of leaves occurs right after the end of rainy season for catingueira, quince and mallow, and it is more persistent for pear tree.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic divergence of 25 sorghum hybrids (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in the semiarid region of Paraiba. A randomized block design with three replications was used for evaluation of plant height (PH), total natural matter production (TNMP) and total dry matter production (TDMP) and the percentage of components of DM (panicle, leaf blade, stem and dead matter) of the following hybrids: 866005, 866019, 866033, 866034, 866035, 866036, 866037, 866040, 866041, 866042, 866043, 866044, 870025, 870031, 870035, 870041, 870051, 870067, 870081, 870085, 870095, 1F305, BRS 610, Volumax, and XBS60329. Hybrid 1F305, followed by hybrid 866034, presented the highest average PH. There was a range from 7.679 to 20.948 kg/ha (average of 13,799 kg/ha) for TDMP. Hybrids 1F305, BRS 610 and Volumax presented less potential, and hybrids 866,041 and 866,042 were the most productive. Based on cluster analysis and subjective cut in 50% of dissimilarity, it was possible to establish four hierarchical groups, from which two stood out concerning productive characteristics. The group formed by hybrids Volumax, BRS 610, and XBS60329 presented lower averages for yield and lower percentage of panicle. Hybrids 866041 and 866042 show a higher total dry matter production, with values around 20,000 kg/ha.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar aspectos relacionados com o crescimento e a bromatologia do feijão-bravo (Capparis flexuosa L.) em uma área no Curimataú, Semiárido Paraibano. Para a análise da evolução do crescimento desta espécie formou-se quatro grupos de plantas segundo a classe de altura: GI até 0,50 m; GII de 0,51 a 1 m; GIII de 1,01 a 1,50 m e GIV a >1,51 m. No período de março a dezembro de 2007 determinou-se a altura e o número de ramos dos indivíduos, sendo o diâmetro do caule registrado de março a setembro. Avaliou-se também, a composição bromatológica das folhas e talos do feijão-bravo. Em todos os grupos, o feijão-bravo apresentou crescimento lento no período chuvoso. Entretanto, até o mês de agosto, observou-se o aumento no número de ramos das plantas, independente do grupo estabelecido. No Período amostrado, não se constatou diferença (p > 0,05) entre plantas em termos de diâmetro, em todos os grupos amostrados. Os dados bromatológicos registrados foram os seguintes: matéria orgânica (91,95%); cinzas (8,05%); matéria seca (47,1%) e umidade (52,9%). Os teores de proteína bruta (8,13%); fibra bruta (32,32%); extrato etéreo (5,37%); e energia bruta (5.015 cal g-1) do feijão-bravo, dado a estas características, sugerem que esta espécie apresenta potencial para ser utilizada como forrageira.

The general aim of this study was to describe the growth and bromatology of Capparis flexuosa L. in an area of Caatinga, Paraiba State, Brazil. To analyze the growth evolution, the plants were divided in four groups according to the height classes: GI until 0.50 m; GII from 0.51 to 1 m; GIII from 1.01 to 1.50 m and GIV above >1.51 m; the plants height, the number of branches and the basal diameter were determined, in the period between March and December, 2007. The bromatological composition of leaves and branches of Capparis flexuosa was evaluated. It was showed, in all groups, that Capparis flexuosa presents a slow growth, even in the wet season. However, until August, we verified an increase in the number of branches, not dependent on the established group. During the showed period, we did not find differences (p > 0.05) between plants in terms of diameter, in all groups. The content of Crude protein (8.13%); gross fiber (32.32%); extract ether (5.37%); Organic Matter (91.95%); Ash (8.05%); dry matter (47.1%); Moisture (52.9%) and Energy (5015 cal g-1) of Capparis flexuosa sugests that this species can be used as forage.

O aumento da intensidade do uso do solo e a diminuição da cobertura vegetal nativa no nordeste brasileiro têm levado à degradação dos recursos naturais e, em especial, à diminuição da fertilidade do solo. Diante disso, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar as mudanças nos atributos físicos e químicos do solo em área de floresta nativa secundária e pastagem na microrregião do Brejo Paraibano. Foram selecionadas três áreas, na propriedade Engenho Mineiro, cujo solo local foi classificado como Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo, sendo duas representadas por pastagens de capim Brachiaria ssp, exploradas por mais de 25 anos e com claros sinais de degradação, e a outra em área de floresta nativa secundária. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado no esquema de parcelas subdivididas com cinco repetições. As amostras de solo foram coletadas de 0-10, 10-20 e 20-30cm de profundidade. Em virtude do desnível da área, procedeu-se às coletas numa linha em curva de nível, distanciadas 10m entre si. Os atributos físicos avaliados foram: densidade do solo e de partículas, porosidade total, argila total e natural, grau de floculação, diâmetro médio ponderado de agregado seco e úmido e determinação da distribuição de macro e micro agregados, separados por via seca e via úmida. Para os atributos químicos, foram determinados os valores de pH em água e os teores de cálcio, magnésio, fósforo, potássio, alumínio trocável, hidrogênio + alumínio e de matéria orgânica (MO), para as áreas e profundidades estudadas. O solo das áreas estudadas, em geral, apresentou baixa fertilidade. Dos resultados, verificou-se que mudanças na cobertura original acarretaram aumento no pH e redução no teor de matéria orgânica. A área cultivada com pastagem apresentou aumento dos valores de densidade do solo, densidade de partículas e diminuição da porosidade total, a mudança da cobertura vegetal influenciou nos valores de macro e micro agregados nos ambientes estudados. A utilização da segmentação da topossequência por posições no relevo, uso e profundidades, visando à determinação da degradação do solo, mostrou-se eficiente na avaliação das diferentes profundidades deste. O sistema de manejo utilizado ocasiona mudanças nos atributos físicos e químicos do solo, que contribuem para o processo de degradação da área.

The increased intensity of land use and declining native vegetation in northeastern Brazil have led to degradation of natural resources and in particular to the decline of soil fertility.The present study aimed to assess changes in soil physical and chemical properties in secondary areas of native forest and pasture in the microregion of swamp Paraiban. Three areas were selected in the Engenho Mineiro property, whose land area was classified as Alfissol, and represented by pasture grass Brachiaria ssp which is being explorated for over 25 years with clear signs of degeneration and the other by a area of secondary native forest. The design was completely randomized in a split-plot with five replications. Soil samples were collected from 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30cm. Due to the unevenness of the area proceeded collect in line in curve level, 10.0m apart from each other. The physical attributes evaluated were: bulk density and particle, total porosity, degree of flocculation, and totality native clay, degree of flocculation, aggregate dry and wet mean weight diameter and determination of the distribution of macro and micro aggregates separated by dry and wet. For the chemical attributes were determined pH values in water and calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, aluminum, hydrogen + aluminum, and organic matter (OM) for the areas and depths studied. The soils of, in general, showed low fertility. From the results, it was found that changes in the the original coverage cause an increase in pH and reduction in organic matter content. The area cultivated with pasture presented higher values of soil density, density of particles and reduction of total porosity. The change in the vegetation cover influenced the values of macro and micro aggregates in the studied environments. The use of segmentation by the toposequence positions in the landascape, use and depths, to the determine soil degradation, was efficient in evaluating the different depths of it. The management system used causes changes in the soil physical and chemical attributes that contribute to the process of soil degradation.

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o ganho de peso, o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes de dieta à base de palma forrageira em ovelhas nativas confinadas na região do semiárido nordestino. Foram testadas duas formas de oferecimento da palma-forrageira (Opuntia ficus-indica): separada da mistura feno de capim-tifton + concentrado e junto da mistura feno + concentrado. Utilizaram-se 40 fêmeas das raças nativas Barriga-preta, Cara-curta, Cariri e Morada Nova, com peso inicial médio de 36,76 kg, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 4 × 2, com quatro raças e duas estratégias de alimentação. Os genótipos e as estratégias de alimentação influenciaram os consumos médios de fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais e os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da fibra em detergente neutro. O genótipo influencia o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar em ovelhas alimentadas com palma forrageira na dieta, uma vez que animais das raças Cariri e Cara-curta apresentam maiores ganhos de peso.

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the weight gain, intake of nutrients, and the apparent digestibility of diets based on spineless cactus in native ewes in feedlot system in Brazilian semiarid region. Two spineless cactus feeding strategies were evaluated: spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) separated from the Tifton hay + concentrated mixture, and with Tifton hay mixture + concentrate. It was used forty native breed ewes (Barriga Preta, Cara Curta, Cariri and Morada Nova), with average initial body weight of 36.76 kg, distributed in a complete randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme (four breed and two feeding strategies). The genotypes and feeding strategies neutral fiber detergent had effect on the average intake of neutral fiber detergent and total digestible nutrient, and on the coefficients of neutral fiber detergent. Genotypes affect weight gain and food conversion in ewes fed spineless cactus diets since Cariri and Cara curta breeds show greater weight gain.

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.

Avaliou-se o efeito de dois sistemas de plantio (sem camalhão e com camalhão) e de três espaçamentos (1,0 × 1,5 m; 1,5 × 2,0 m; e 2,0 × 2,0 m) sobre a qualidade e a produtividade de flor-de-seda aos 60 dias de rebrotação. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental com blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 × 3 (dois sistemas de manejo do solo e três densidades de plantio) com cinco repetições, em parcelas subdivididas no espaço e no tempo. Plantas escolhidas aleatoriamente foram cortadas, separadas por tratamento e analisadas quanto aos teores de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), cinzas, extrato etéreo (EE), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), celulose, hemicelulose, lignina, carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF) e carboidratos totais (CT) e quanto à produtividade (kg MS/ha). Os sistemas de manejo do solo e as densidades de plantio não influenciaram a composição em MO, cinzas, FDN, EE, lignina, celulose, CNF e CT. As densidades de plantio influenciaram o teor de hemicelulose e FDA. O sistema de manejo do solo com camalhão teve efeito linear decrescente sobre o teor de PB. A maior produtividade de MS (699,72 kg/ha) da flor-de-seda foi verificada no sistema de plantio mais adensado (1,0 m × 1,5 m) e correspondeu a 6.666 plantas/ha.

The effect of two soil handling systems was evaluated (without furrow and with furrow), three spacing (1.0 m × 1.5 m; 1.5 m × 2.0 m and 2.0 m × 2.0 m) on the quality and the productivity of rooster tree 60 days after cut. It was used a split-plot (space and time) factorial arrangement in a randomized block design. Factors were two soil handling systems and three planting densities (2 × 3) with five replications per treatment. Plants chosen randomly were cut, separated in accordance with treatments and analyed the contents of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), mineral matter (MM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), total carbohydrates (TC), and productivity (DM kg/ha). It was observed that the soil handling systems and planting densities did not influence the OM, MM, NDF, EE, lignin, cellulose, WSC and TC. The planting density affected the DM, hemicellulose, and ADF. The CP concentration was lower when using the handling systems with furrow. The DM largest productivity (699.72 kg MS/ha) of the rooster tree was verified in the more dense population (1.0 m × 1.5 m), corresponding to 6,666 plants/ha.