ABSTRACT. Dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake and enteric CH4 emission were evaluated in 48 Nellore cattle (392 ± 27 days of age). Equations were generated from intake data and evaluated using root mean square prediction error (RMSPE), and validated by cross-validation. Equations that included DMI and hemicellulose intake (HEMI) [ C H 4 M J d - 1 = 4.08 ± 1.65 + 11.6 ± 2.34 D M I k g d - 1 - 33.4 ± 7.21 H E M I ( k g d - 1 ) ]; DMI and total carbohydrate intake (TCHI) [ C H 4 M J d - 1 = 5.26 ± 1.69 - 6.3 ± 1.47 D M I k g d - 1 + 8.8 ± 1.81 T C I k g d - 1 ]; metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and cellulose intake (CELI) [ C H 4 M J d - 1 = 5.16 ± 1.72 - 0.13 ± 0.048 M E I M J d - 1 + 7.37 ± 1.53 C E L I k g d - 1 ], and non-fiber carbohydrate intake (NFCI) [ C H 4 M J d - 1 = 3.14 ± 1.48 + 3.65 ± 1.05 N F C I k g d - 1 ] resulted in the lowest RMSPE (14.3, 14.1, 14.3 and 14.7%, respectively). When literature equations were evaluated using our database, the most accurate predictions were obtained with equations that included DMI and lignin intake (RMSPE = 15.27%) and MEI, acid detergent fiber intake and lignin intake (RMSPE = 15.7%). The mean error of predicting enteric CH4 emission with the equations developed in this study based on DMI and nutrient intake is 17% and the most accurate predictions are obtained with equations including DMI, carbohydrate intake and MEI.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to develop accurate regression equations to predict body composition of Nellore cattle using chemical composition of the 9th, 10th, and 11th ribs and to evaluate the models proposed by analyzing mean and linear bias. Sixty-seven Nellore bulls were slaughtered and slaughter body weight (SBW), hot carcass weight (HCW), and 9th-, 10th-, and 11th-rib-cut weight (RCW) were measured. Empty body composition was obtained after grinding, homogenizing, sampling, chemical analysis, and pooling (blood, skin, head + feet, viscera, and carcass). Chemical components were determined in rib cut, carcass, and empty body: protein (RCP, HCP, and EBP), fat (RCF, HCF, and EBF), ash (RCA, HCA, and EBA), and water (RCWt, HCWt, and EBWt). Stepwise options were used to determine variables to be included and excluded from regressions. Predictive ability of equations was verified using standard error of prediction, coefficient of determination, and Cp statistic. Regression estimates were tested to evaluate the models in a database different from that used for equation development. The best equations found to predict carcass components, in kg, were: HCF = -0.994 + 0.123 × SBW - 9.201 × RCW + 34.249 × RCF (R² = 0.86) and HCWt = 2.733 - 0.172 × SBW + 0.821 × HCW - 23.939 × RCF + 12.186 × RCWt (R² = 0.96). For empty body, the best equations, in kg, were: EBF = -1.4 + 0.166 × SBW - 10.073 × RCW + 40.202 × RCF (R² = 0.90) and EBWt = 3.524 + 0.272 × SBW + 0.373 × HCW - 11.727 × RCW + 31.079 × RCWt (R² = 0.98). Body weight has a high predictive power and should be included in equations to estimate body composition of Nellore cattle. Unbiased models are valid as an indirect method for determining body composition in beef cattle.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between feed efficiency and feeding behavior, growth and carcass traits in Senepol cattle. A total of 137 animals were evaluated. Of these animals, 36 males were evaluated in a second test, totaling 173 records (initial age of 466±96 days and initial weight of 426±104 kg). Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated as the difference between observed and expected dry matter intake, estimated by regression of dry matter intake on average daily gain and metabolic body weight (BW0.75), and the animals were classified as negative (high efficiency) and positive RFI (low efficiency). The mean RFI was -0.838±0.078 and 0.797±0.075 kg DM day-1 for negative and positive RFI animals, respectively, with a difference of 1.63 kg dry matter day-1. The dry matter intake of negative RFI animals, expressed as kg day-1 and percentage of mean body weight, was 11.3% and 13.1% lower than that of positive RFI animals. Negative RFI animals spent less time at the feed bunk and ingested less dry matter per visit than positive RFI animals, but did not differ in terms of chest girth, scrotal circumference, or hip height. However, negative RFI animals had lower rump fat deposition (7.13±0.477 mm) than positive RFI animals (7.83±0.473 mm). The Spearman correlation between RFI estimated in the first and second tests was 0.69, indicating that RFI is consistent when evaluated during two different periods of the life of the animal. Senepol animals with low residual feed intake (high efficiency) deposit less subcutaneous rump fat, but this reduction is not accompanied by a reduction in backfat thickness and longissimus muscle area.

Feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) in Nellore cattle were determined to calculate residual feed intake in two performance tests: first during the growth phase (RFIgrowth) and then during a measurement of the methane emission phase (RFImet). During the RFIgrowth test, 62 males and 56 females were classified as low-, medium-, and high-RFI. Enteric methane emission was measured in 46 animals; 23 males used for RFImet measurement plus 23 females (22 low-RFIgrowth and 24 high-RFIgrowth). Diet consisted of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu hay (445 g/kg DM) and concentrate (555 g/kg DM). During the RFIgrowth and RFImet phases, DMI was lower in the animals with low RFI, with no difference in ADG. Residual feed intake was -0.359 and 0.367 kg DM/d for low- and high-RFI animals. Enteric methane emission (g/d, g/kg BW0.75 and g/kg ADG) did not differ between RFIgrowth classes. Enteric methane emission (g/d) was higher in high RFImet and lower in low RFImet males. Spearman correlations among traits obtained during both tests, which were high between metabolic BW (r = 0.959) and between DMI (r = 0.718), and zero between ADG (r = -0.062), resulted in moderate correlation between RFIgrowth and RFImet (r = 0.412). However, it is not possible to confirm that high-efficiency animals release less enteric methane, since different results were obtained when enteric methane was compared between the RFIgrowth and RFImet classes.

Empty body and carcass chemical composition were determined in 67 Nellore bulls from Selection Nellore (NeS) and Control Nellore (NeC) herds of an animal breeding program for growth, slaughtered at 570 days of average age, after 100 days of feedlot. Selection Nellore animals had, respectively, 360 and 430 kg of initial and slaughter body weight, and NeC animals had 318 and 373 kg for the same traits. Animals were slaughtered and empty body composition was determined by chemical analysis of the components blood, hide, head and feet, viscera and carcass. Tissue deposition rates and gain chemical composition were also determined based on gains estimated by comparative slaughter technique. Significant differences were detected between NeS and NeC animals for slaughter body weight, empty body weight, empty body gain rate, and contents of water, protein, ash and retained energy in empty body, showing that selected animals had greater body sizes and growth rates. There were no significant differences in fat contents in empty body and carcass, suggesting that selected animals had higher growth rates as compared with the control, and were slaughtered with good body and carcass fat contents in the same feedlot time. Control Nellore animals showed a 10% higher gain in fat percentage than NeS in the period. This shows that the growth of bone and muscle ceased earlier and NeC group accumulated more fat. Animals selected for growth have heavier carcasses and greater tissue deposition rates with proportional composition similar to unselected animals.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the genetic and non-genetic effects that influence vigor at birth and preweaning mortality in Nellore calves. A total of 11,727 records of births that occurred between 1978 and 2006, offspring of 363 sires, were analyzed. Poor calf vigor at birth (VB) and preweaning mortality divided into stillbirth (SB), early mortality (EM) and total mortality (TM) were analyzed as binary variables. Generalized linear models were used for the evaluation of non-genetic effects and generalized linear mixed models for genetic effects (sire and animal models). The incidences were 4.75% for VB, 2.66% for SB, 5.28% for EM, and 7.99% for TM. Birth weight was the effect that most influenced the traits studied. Calves weighing less than 22 kg (females) and less than 24 kg (males) were at a higher risk of low vigor and preweaning mortality. Preweaning mortality was higher among calves born from cows aged <3 and >11 years at calving compared with cows aged 7 to 10 years. Male calves presented less vigor and higher preweaning mortality than female calves. Selection for postweaning weight did not influence preweaning mortality. The heritability estimates ranged between 0.01 and 0.09 for VB, 0.00 and 0.27 for SB, 0.03 and 0.17 for EM and 0.02 and 0.10 for TM. Stillbirth should be included as a selection criterion in breeding programs of Nellore cattle, alone or as part of a selection index, aiming to reduce preweaning mortality.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlated responses to selection for growth in feed efficiency and carcass traits of Nellore animals. A total of 121 animals of the Nellore control (NeC) and selection herds were subjected to performance testing and classified regarding residual feed intake (RFI). Sixty-seven of these animals were selected and finished until reaching 4 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness between the 12th and 13th ribs. The animals were slaughtered at a mean age of 541 days and mean live weight of 423 kg for NeS and of 363 kg for NeC, and carcass traits were measured. Animals in NeS presented higher initial and slaughter weights, dry matter intake, hot and cold carcass weight, weight of retail cuts, and carcass yield than NeC animals for the same slaughter age and feedlot time. No significant differences in RFI were observed between herds, showing that the weight gain from selection for growth did not cause changes in the energy efficiency of the animals.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de diferentes teores de fibra em detergente neutro oriunda da forragem com maturidade avançada sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade da matéria seca e de nutrientes, o balanço de nitrogênio, a produção de leite, a eficiência de utilização da energia metabolizável e o comportamento ingestivo de cabras em lactação. Foram distribuídas cinco cabras em delineamento em quadrado latino 5 × 5 utilizando-se teores crescentes de fibra em detergente neutro oriunda da forragem como variável independente. As concentrações de fibra em detergente neutro oriunda da foragem utilizadas foram 20, 28, 35, 43 e 49%. Os consumos de matéria seca, de nutrientes e de energia líquida reduziram com o aumento de fibra na ração. No entanto, o consumo de fibra em detergente foi crescente, indicando capacidade de acomodação desse componente nutritivo pelos animais. O teor de fibra influenciou os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e dos carboidratos não-fibrosos, contudo, a digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro não foi influenciada pelas dietas. O nível de fibra em detergente neutro oriunda da forragem não influenciou os constituintes do leite (gordura, proteína e lactose). O teor de fibra oriunda da forragem teve efeito quadrático sobre a produção de leite (corrigida e não corrigida para 4% de gordura), em kg/dia, com maiores produções obtidas com o teor de 28% de fibra. A eficiência de utilização da energia metabolizável não foi influenciada pelas variações nas dietas. O teor de fibra em detergente neutro oriunda da forragem influencia o comportamento ingestivo de cabras em lactação, aumentando os tempos de ruminação e mastigação e diminuindo o tempo em ócio dos animais.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the different contents of neutral detergent fiber from forage at advanced maturity on intake, digestibility of the dry matter and of nutrients, nitrogen balance, milk production, efficiency metabolizable energy use and the ingestive behavior of lactating goats. Five dairy goats were distributed in 5 × 5 Latin square by using increasing contents of neutral detergent fiber from forage as independent variable. Concentrations of neutral detergent fiber from forage used were 20, 28, 35, 43 and 49%. The intakes of dry matter, of nutrients and of net energy were reduced with the increase of fiber to the ration. However the intake of neutral detergent fiber was increasing, indicating the capacity of accommodation of this nutrient by the animals. Fiber content influenced digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates but digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was not influenced by the diets. Level of neutral detergent fiber from forage did not influence milk constituents (fat, protein and lactose). Content of fiber from the forage had a quadratic effect on milk production (corrected and not corrected for 4% of fat) in kg.day-1, with greater productions obtained with the content of 28% of fiber. Efficiency of use of the metabolizable energy was not influenced by the variations of the diets. Content of neutral detergent fiber from forage influences ingestive behavior of goats in lactation, increasing the time of rumination and chewing and reducing iddle time of the animals.

O objetivo neste estudo foi determinar o melhor período de avaliação para medidas de desempenho, consumo e eficiência alimentar. Durante 112 dias, 60 machos da raça Nelore, recém-desmamados, submetidos à prova de ganho de peso, foram alimentados em baias individuais para determinação do consumo alimentar e do desempenho. O peso corporal dos animais foi determinado a cada 28 dias, depois de jejum de 16 horas de líquidos e sólidos. As alterações na variância, variância relativa e correlações de Pearson e Spearman entre os dados dos períodos de avaliação reduzidos (28, 56 e 84 dias) e período total (112 dias) foram usados para determinar a melhor duração do período de avaliação. A duração do período de avaliação para ganho médio diário, consumo de matéria seca, conversão alimentar e consumo alimentar residual pode ser reduzida para 84, 28, 84 e 84 dias, respectivamente, pois tal redução não diminui significativamente a confiabilidade das avaliações em animais alimentados em baias individuais.

This study was conducted to determine optimum test duration for measuring performance, feed intake and feed efficiency. Sixty young Nellore bulls were submitted to feeding performance test and fed in individual pens to determine feed intake and performance over 112 days. Body weight was determined every 28 days, after fasting of water and feed for 16 hours. Changes in variance, relative variance and Pearson and Spearman correlations among data from shortened test periods (28, 56 and 84 days) and full test period (112 days) were used to determine optimum test duration. Test duration for average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed:gain ratio and residual feed intake could be shortened to 84, 28, 84 and 84 days, respectively, without reducing significantly the reliability of measurements for animals fed in individual pens.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito dos níveis de fibra em detergente neutro oriunda da forragem (FDNf) em dietas para cabras em lactação. Foram distribuídas cinco cabras em um delineamento quadrado latino 5 × 5, utilizando-se cinco níveis de FDNf (19, 27, 35, 42 e 48%) como variável independente. Os consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF), nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) e energia líquida (EL3x) reduziram linearmente com o aumento dos níveis de FDNF. O consumo de FDN não foi influenciado pelo aumento no nível de FDN e manteve-se próximo a 1,2% do PV. As variações nas concentrações de fibra das dietas não influenciaram os coeficientes de digestibilidade da MS, MO, FDN, PB e CNF. De forma semelhante, as concentrações dos constituintes do leite (gordura, proteína e lactose) não se alteraram entre os níveis de fibra das dietas. O nível de FDNf da dieta teve efeito linear decrescente sobre a produção de leite corrigida e não-corrigida para gordura. A melhor eficiência líquida de utilização da energia metabolizável consumida para produção de leite é atingida com dietas contendo 35% de FDNf.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of neutral detergent fiber levels from forage (NDFf) in diets for lactating goats. Five goats were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design, using five NDFf levels (19, 27, 35, 42 and 48%) as independent variable. Intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), nonfibrous carbohydrates (NFC), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and net energy (NE) linearly decreased as NDFf levels increased. NDF intake was not influenced by increase in NDF level and it was maintained close to 1.2% of BW. The variations in the concentrations of fiber in the diets did not affect the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, NDF, CP and NFC. Similarly, the concentrations of milk constituents (fat, protein and lactose) were not altered with the fiber levels of the diets. Level of NDFf had a decreasing linear effect on correct and not corrected milk production for fat. The best net efficiency of use of the metabolizable energy consumed for production of milk is reached with diets containing 35% of NDFf.

Foram comparados dois rebanhos Nelore, um selecionado para maior peso pós-desmame e outro controle, selecionado para a média de peso pós-desmame, para avaliar os efeitos de 29 anos de seleção sobre a eficiência alimentar. Sessenta machos Nelore com 205 kg e 267 dias de idade (41 selecionados e 19 controle), foram avaliados em baias individuais durante a prova de ganho de peso. O desempenho e o consumo de matéria seca foram utilizados para determinar as seguintes medidas de eficiência: conversão alimentar; consumo alimentar residual; ganho residual; eficiência parcial de crescimento; taxa de crescimento relativo; e taxa de Kleiber. Após o período experimental de 112 dias, os animais controle apresentaram menor peso vivo final em comparação aos selecionados, contudo, não diferiram quanto ao consumo de matéria seca (% do peso vivo), à área de olho-de-lombo e às espessuras de gordura subcutânea na altura da 12ª costela e na região da picanha. O consumo de matéria seca (kg/dia) e o ganho médio diário dos animais selecionados foram, respectivamente, 19,4 e 26,4% superiores aos dos controle. O maior ganho médio diário dos animais selecionados promoveu melhora significativa, em torno de 6%, na conversão alimentar; 70 g/dia no ganho residual; e de 17% na taxa de Kleiber. As demais medidas de eficiência (consumo alimentar residual, eficiência parcial de crescimento e taxa de crescimento relativo) não diferiram entre os rebanhos. Os 29 anos de seleção para peso pós-desmame não afetaram a eficiência alimentar de bovinos Nelore.

Two Nellore herds were compared, one selected for greater postweaning weight and the other, control, selected for average postweaning weight, to evaluate the effects of 29 years of selection on feed efficiency. Sixty Nellore males (41 selected and 19 control) averaging 205 kg and 267 days of age were evaluated in individual pens during performance test. Performance and dry matter intake were used to determine the following feed efficiency traits: feed conversion; residual feed intake; residual gain; partial growth efficiency; relative growth rate and Kleiber ratio. After the 112-day experimental period, control animals showed lower body weight when compared to selected animals, however, they did not differ for dry matter intake (% of body weight), rib-eye area and fat thickness at the 12th rib subcutaneous region and on the rump region. Dry matter intake (kg/day) and average daily weight gain from selected animals were, respectively, 19.4% and 26.4% higher than the control ones. The highest average daily weight gain by selected animals promoted significant improvement, around 6%, on feed conversion; 70 g/day on residual gain; and 17% on Kleiber rate. The other feed efficiency traits (residual feed intake, partial growth efficiency and relative growth rate) did not differ between herds. The 29-year selection for post-weaning weight did not affect feed efficiency of Nellore cattle.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de dietas com diferentes concentrações de fibra em detergente neutro oriunda da forragem (FDNf) sobre os parâmetros ruminais (pH e amônia) em cabras leiteiras. Foram utilizados cinco cabras não-lactantes fistuladas no rúmen arranjadas em delineamento quadrado latino 5 × 5, utilizando-se os níveis de FDNf (19, 27, 35, 42 e 48%) como variável independente. O aumento dos níveis de FDNf das rações reduziu linearmente os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da MS, MO, EE e CNF e afetou de forma quadrática o coeficiente de digestibilidade da FDN. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade ruminal da MS, MO e FDN aumentaram linearmente com a variação dos níveis de FDNf. De forma contrária, observou-se redução no coeficiente de digestibilidade intestinal da MS, MO, PB e FDN. O aumento no teor de FDNf e os tempos de coleta influenciaram o pH ruminal, contudo a amônia ruminal foi afetada apenas pelos tempos de coleta. A eficiência de síntese de proteína microbiana, quando expressa em g/kg NDT, foi influenciada pela elevação dos níveis de FDNf, e foi melhor no nível de 29,57% de FDNf.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets with different neutral detergent fiber levels derived from the forage (NDFf), on ruminal parameters (pH and ammonia) in dairy goats. Five non-lactating goats were used, with fistulae in the rumen. The animals were arranged in a 5 × 5 Latin square using the NDFf levels (19, 27, 35, 42 and 18%), as independent variables. The increase in the NDFf levels of the rations reduced linearly the coefficients of apparent digestibility of DM, OM, EE and NSC and affected the NDF digestibility coefficient quadratically. The coefficients of ruminal digestibility of DM, OM and NDF increased linearly with the variation in the NDFf levels. However, reduction was observed in the coefficient of intestinal digestibility of DM, OM, CP and NDF. The increase in the NDFf contents and the collection times influenced the ruminal pH, but the ruminal ammonia only affected by the collection times. The efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, when expressed in g/kg TDN, was influenced by the increase in NDFf levels, was best at the 29.57% NDFf level.

O consumo, a digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, a produção e a composição do leite de cabras foram avaliados em um experimento com quatro dietas isoenergéticas contendo 1,53 mcal de energia líquida/kg MS e 11,4; 16,5; 19,5 ou 22,6% PB. Os efeitos dos níveis de energia e PB foram avaliados considerando as razões dos teores de proteína e a concentração de energia líquida das dietas (PB/EL), de 7,3; 10,8; 12,9 e 14,8. Foram utilizadas oito cabras mantidas em baias individuais, distribuídas em dois quadrados latino 4 <FONT FACE=Symbol>´</FONT> 4. O período experimental foi de 21 dias, com 14 dias de adaptação e sete para coleta. Maiores consumos de MS foram obtidos com as dietas com razões PB/EL diferentes de 7,3. O fornecimento das dietas com menor razão PB/EL resultou em maior consumo de CNF e de EE e redução no consumo de NDT e EL. A digestibilidade de CNF e FDN não foi alterada. Maior digestibilidade do EE foi observada quando utilizada a menor razão PB/EL. A digestibilidade da PB diminuiu com o fornecimento da dieta com menor razão PB/EL (7,32), provavelmente em virtude da adição de de fontes nitrogenadas de alta degradabilidade ruminal (uréia). A digestibilidade da MS diferiu quando comparados os níveis extremos das razões PB/EL e foi menor na razão PB/EL de 7,3. Maior produção de leite foi observada quando comparada a razão PB/EL de 14,8 com as razões PB/EL de 7,3 e 10,8 e nenhuma alteração ocorreu para os componentes do leite. Maior eficiência de uso da MS consumida foi obtida com a dieta com maior razão PB/EL, no entanto, a eficiência de uso do N no leite em relação ao N consumido foi reduzida de maneira inversa.

Intake, digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, milk production and composition were evaluated with four isoenergetic diets containing 1.53 Mcal of net energy/kg DM and 11.4, 16.5, 19.5, and 22.6% CP. The effect of energy and PB levels were evaluated by considering the ratio of protein content and net energy concentration of the diets, obtaining values of 7.3, 10.8, 12.9, and 14.8. Eight goats were assigned to two 4 x 4 latin square design. The experimental period lasted 21 days, with 14 days for adaptation of animals and seven days for samplings. Higher DM intakes were obtained with diets with CP/NE ratio different from 7.3. The supply of the diets with lower CP/NE ratios resulted in higher intakes of NFC and EE and and reduction in TDN and NE intakes. Apparent digestibility of NFC and NDF were not altered. Higher digestibility of EE was observed when lower CP/NE ratio was used. CP digestibility decreased with the supply of diet with lower CP/NE ratio (7.3), probably due to the addition to the diet of nitrogen sources of high ruminal degradability (urea). DM digestibility differed when compared to the extreme levels of CP/NE ratio and lower in the CP/NE ratio of 7.3. Higher milk production was observed when compare 14.8 CP/NE ratio with 7.32 and 10.8 CP/NE ratio and no alteration occurred for milk components. Higher efficiency of consumed DM was obtained with diet with higher CP/NE ratio, whereas, the efficiency of N utilization in milk in relation to N intake was reduced in inverse way.

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar as relações entre as diferentes condições corporais e os níveis de energia nas dietas sobre o consumo, a variação de peso e a concentração de ácidos graxos não-esterificados (AGNE) no plasma de cabras leiteiras. O período experimental correspondeu aos 30 dias antes da data prevista para o parto. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 3, com duas condições corporais e três níveis de energia líquida (EL) nas dietas. Os animais foram distribuídos em grupos: o valor de escore corporal para o grupo 1 foi menor e, para o grupo 2, maior que 3,25. Foram oferecidas às cabras dietas isonitrogenadas (13% de PB), com diferentes níveis de EL: 1,1; 1,4 e 1,6 Mcal/kg de MS. Durante 21 dias antes da data prevista para o parto, foram coletadas amostras de sangue, em intervalos de sete dias, para análises da concentração de AGNE. Analisada individualmente, a condição corporal influenciou os consumos de MS e FDN, de modo que os animais com maior escore (>3,25) apresentaram menor consumo. Os níveis de EL das dietas influenciaram positivamente os consumos de MS e EL no final da gestação e a concentração de AGNE aos 14 dias antes do parto e no dia do parto. As cabras que consumiram a dieta menos energética apresentaram maiores concentrações de AGNE. Portanto, o pico de AGNE durante o final da gestação ocorreu quando o consumo de MS foi reduzido, ou seja, nos últimos 21 dias antes do parto.

The present study evaluated the relationship between different dietary net energy (NE) levels and body condition score (BCS) on performance of dairy goats during the prepartum period. Forty-eight pregnant goats were kept in individual cages during the last 30 days before parturition. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (two BCS and three levels of NE in the diet). Goats were assigned to one of two groups, based on body condition score, which was either 3.25 or below. Prepartum diets contained 1.1, 1.4 or 1.6 Mcal NE/kg DM and 13% of CP. Blood samples were collected weekly beginning 21 days before parturition and plasma analyzed for concentration of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). Intakes of DM and NDF were lower in animals with greater BCS. However, intakes of DM and NE paralleled the increment of energy in the diet while the opposite was observed for NDF intake. As expected, feeding goats the low NE diet increased the plasma concentration of NEFA at day -14 and at parturition.

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de óleo de soja (OS), sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos de cadeia longa (SC) e grão de soja (GS) na dieta sobre o consumo, as digestibilidades total e ruminal dos nutrientes, os parâmetros ruminais e a produção e eficiência de produção de proteína microbiana em cabras. Foram utilizadas oito cabras não-gestantes e não-lactantes, fistuladas no rúmen, distribuídas em delineamento experimental em quadrado latino 4 x 4, com duas repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro dietas, sendo uma controle (C), isenta de lipídio suplementar, e as demais, adicionadas de um dos suplementos testados, contribuindo com 4,5% de EE suplementar (6,5% na dieta total). A suplementação lipídica não alterou o consumo de MS. Os coeficientes das digestibilidades total e ruminal do EE nas dietas com suplementos lipídicos foram superiores aos da dieta controle. Maior tempo de retenção de partículas sólidas foi obtido com o uso de grão de soja como suplemento. Os tratamentos não influenciaram o pH, a síntese e a eficiência de proteína microbiana, mas reduziram a concentração de amônia no rúmen. A suplementação com lipídios no nível de 4,5% pode ser utilizada de modo eficiente em dietas para caprinos.

Eight non-pregnant, non-lactating dairy goats fitted with ruminal cannulas were assigned to two replicated 4 x 4 Latin squares to evaluate the effects of lipid supplementation on intake, total tract and ruminal digestibility of nutrients, ruminal metabolism, and microbial protein synthesis. Animals were fed a control diet (no fat supplementation; 2.0% ether extract) or a diet supplemented (4.5% of added ether extract) with soybean oil (SO), calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (CS) or whole soybean grain (WS). No significant differences were observed for dry matter intake among diets. Apparent total tract and ruminal digestibilities of ether extract were greater on diets containing fat supplements than on the control diet. The greatest ruminal retention time of particles was observed in the WS diet. Fat supplementation did not affect ruminal pH and microbial protein synthesis and efficiency but reduced the concentration of ruminal ammonia. Based on these results, it is recommended the addition of up to 4.5% of fat in diets of non-lactating dairy goats.