ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological variables of the cultivar Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw in the first cycle and in the regrowth, under different frequencies of drip irrigation, cultivated in the Agreste da Paraíba mesoregion. Therefore, a randomized block design was used, with 2 treatments (irrigation frequencies) and 4 replications (blocks), with each treatment repeated 3 times within the block (triplicate) totaling 24 experimental plots. For physiological variables, data were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means compared by t test at 5% probability using SAS ® (2002). The present study shows that the stress of environmental conditions had a greater impact on the frequency of irrigation every 28 days, since the forage cactus irrigated every 7 days had the highest internal concentration of CO2; CO2 absorption rate; instant efficiency in water use; intrinsic efficiency of water use; instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, both in the first cycle and in the regrowth period. Respiratory rate and stomatal conductance did not differ between irrigation frequencies for both cycles, showing the good adaptation of the cultivar to the semiarid region.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of confined Santa Inês sheep, fed different diets, in a Semiarid environment. Twenty whole sheep with 5 ± 0.5 months of age and 27 ± 2.0 kg were used, receiving two different diets for 72 experimental days, one composed of defatted soybean meal and the other of protein-enriched cactus meal. They were evaluated for different diets, consumption, production, carcass characteristics, morphometric measures and edible components. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with two treatments and 10 replications. Performance data and carcass characteristics were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by t test at 5% probability level using Statistical Analysis System [SAS]® (1999). Thus, the use of emulsified palm forage protein in the feeding of Santa Inês male lambs proved to be an excellent protein source when compared to the use of defatted soybean meal, since the results of performance and carcass characteristics were similar, being the use of this alternative source advised as it presents the best benefit-cost ratio.

ABSTRACT The choice of floor type within the animal production system is an important factor, as it is associated with a high incidence of changes in locomotion, hoof injuries and herd disposal, which has led producers to modify the type of flooring for more comfortable, durable and dry materials, such as rubber, however, the raw material makes the investment very high. Because polymeric waste is potentially recyclable and has good thermal and mechanical properties, it is feasible to develop research aimed at characterizing them in order to verify their feasibility of application as flooring for animal production installations. The present research analyzed the combination between the EVA residue and the regenerated rubber from tires, where samples were produced in 4 different concentrations: 0, 25, 50 and 75% of regenerated rubber. The samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and submitted to tensile, permanent deformation under compression, abrasion and hardness tests. The sample with 75% showed greater softness and less residual deformation, which is a positive effect due to the reduction of stiffness due to the insertion of rubber in the compounds. However, due to the incompatibility of the blends and a significant decline in the mechanical properties, the sample without regenerated rubber has a greater potential for recycling and application for which the research aimed for. It is estimated that the property improvement can be achieved with the use of a compatibilizing agent that favors the adhesion between the materials.

RESUMO A escolha do tipo de piso dentro do sistema de produção animal é um fator importante, já que está associado a grande incidência de alterações na locomoção, lesões de cascos e descarte de rebanho, o que tem levado aos produtores modificar o tipo de piso por materiais mais confortáveis, duráveis e secos, como é o caso dos emborrachado, no entanto, a matéria-prima torna o investimento muito alto. Devido os resíduos poliméricos serem potencialmente recicláveis, apresentar boas propriedades térmicas e mecânicas, torna-se viável o desenvolvimento de pesquisas que visem caracteriza-los de modo a verificar sua viabilidade de aplicação como piso para instalação de produção animal. A presente pesquisa analisou a combinação entre o resíduo de EVA e a borracha regenerada oriunda de pneus, onde foram produzidas amostras em 4 diferentes concentrações: 0, 25, 50 e 75% de borracha regenerada. As amostras foram analisadas através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura e submetida a testes de tração, deformação permanente à compressão, abrasão e dureza. A amostra com 75% apresentou maior maciez e menor deformação residual, sendo este um efeito positivo devido a redução da rigidez devido a inserção de borracha aos compostos, no entanto, devido a incompatibilidade das blendas e declínio significativo das propriedades mecânicas analisadas, a amostra sem borracha regenerada apresenta melhor potencial de reciclagem e de aplicação a qual a pesquisa a destina. Estima-se que a melhoria de propriedade pode ser alcançada com uso de agente compatibilizante que favoreça a adesão entre os materiais.

Abstract This work aims to evaluate, at different stages, the productive performance, carcass quality, and intestinal biometry of European quails (Coturnix coturnix Coturnix), consuming diets with increasing levels of seaweed bran (Sargassum sp). A total of 240 European quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix Coturnix) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four levels of bran inclusion (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5%), 6 replications with 10 birds in each experimental plot. In the period from 1 to 21 days, the feed intake of the control group was higher, with lower water consumption. In the period from 22 to 42 days, feed and water consumption increased with the inclusion of seaweed, but with a reduction in weight gain. In the total period, water consumption was higher at the level of 2.5 and 7.5%, with lower consumption in the control group, with a small reduction in slaughter and carcass weight with the inclusion of bran. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in carcass quality and intestinal biometry. We recommended the inclusion of up to 7.5% of sargassum meal in the diet of European quails at all stages, without compromising its productive performance, carcass quality, and intestinal biometry.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance, egg quality and the morphometry of the organs of Japanese quails (Cotournix cotournix japônica) when kept in comfort and under thermal stress. 192 nine-week-old quail were used, distributed in a completely randomized design at two temperatures (T1 = 24 °C and T2 = 32 °C), with 12 replicates of eight birds each, with an experimental period of 63 days, divided into three 21-day periods. Feed intake (g fowl-1 day-1), water consumption (mL fowl-1 day-1), egg production (%), egg weight (g), egg mass (g fowl- 1 day-1) and feed conversion (kg kg-1 and kg dozen-1). Laying quails after their production cycle are marketed as beef animals. It is observed that the average final live weight was reduced (P = 0.0362) by 27.58 g in birds kept at a temperature of 32 oC, which can compromise its commercial value. The feed intake of the birds was reduced (P = 0.0051) by 14.75% with an increase in ambient temperature. Birds kept at a temperature of 32 oC for 12 h daily showed a reduction in feed intake, final weight, yolk, and gizzard weight, but without affecting egg production, weight and mass.

ABSTRACT Based on the temperature and humidity index, for quails from the 3rd to the 5th week of life, in the dry period in Paraíba state, Brazil, the objective was to carry out a bioclimatic zoning, identifying as regions suitable for the reproduction of quails and, when necessary, mitigating measures for greater animal comfort. The bioclimatic zoning was carried out for the mesoregions of the state, the climatic data used are from meteorological stations in the period from 1961 - 2015, from them maps were elaborated with the spatial distribution of the index, identifying as regions with ideal thermal comfort conditions for the animals. For quails in the third week, the Agreste mesoregion presents the best situation in the dry season, not requiring corrective measures to maintain the comfort of these animals. In the fourth week of life of the quails, the mesoregions that would provide THI values within the ZCT in the dry period would be the Zona da Mata paraibana and Sertão, while the ZCT for quails in the fifth week of life, could be found throughout the state of Paraíba.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to carry out bioclimatic zoning based on the historical series of climatic variables such as air temperature, maximum, minimum and relative humidity collected in six conventional meteorological stations in the state of Paraíba, Brazil and from this to determine whether or not the animals are in thermal comfort by comparing with the results obtained in scientific research in each mesoregion in the rainy and dry periods. Then based on this the comfort conditions for small ruminants in the rainy and dry seasons of the mesoregions of Paraíba were observed using data from the literature, and demonstrated in spatial distribution maps. The variables air temperatures, maximum and minimum and relative humidity varied throughout the state for the rainy season between 22 to 27, 18 to 21, 25 to 31ºC and 64 to 82%, respectively, and in dry season is 23 to 27, 28 to 35, 19 to 23ºC and 49 to 76%, respectively. However, it is concluded that raising sheep and goats is viable in all mesoregions of the state of Paraíba in both periods.

ABSTRACT This study was designed to assess the effects of feeding space availability on social behavior and performance of housed crossbreed sheep through the use of three different types of feeders. Thirty-six crossbreed ewes (Santa Inês × Dorper; 2-3 years old) with initial body weight of 34.99±4.28 kg were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 (feeder type × available space at the feeder) factorial arrangement among nine pens. Pens had one of three feeder types (concrete bunk, plastic, or wood barrel) and one of three amounts of available space in the feeder (0.33, 0.25, or 0.20 m animal−1). Total dry matter intake/pen, dry matter intake per animal, total weight gain/pen, daily weight gain/animal, and food waste were evaluated. Percentage of time spent at feeding and frequency of aggressive behaviors/12 h were recorded. We observed a higher total daily weight gain in ewes with a feeding space of 0.33 and 0.25 m animal−1. The wastes were essentially insignificant for wood feeders in all feeding space treatments. The average number of aggressive behaviors was lower (P<0.05) for animals kept in pens with feeding space of 0.33 m animal−1 than for those maintained in pens with feeding space of 0.20 and 0.25 m animal−1. Ewes with feeding space of 0.33 m animal−1 fed simultaneously 54% of the time, while among pens with feeding spaces of 0.25 or 0.20 m animal−1, this period was reduced to 41 and 30%, respectively. An available feeding space of 0.33 m animal−1 is recommended for adult housed ewes, once it favors simultaneous access, lower competitive interactions at the feeder, and less variation in terms of individual weight gain among ewes.

The objective of this study was to analyze the behavior of three genetic groups of confined goats by image monitoring using nine unneutered goats of the Azul, Graúna and Moxotó genotypes. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (genetic groups × periods - morning, afternoon and night), with three replications. Animals were monitored by video cameras placed at the ceiling of each stall for 10 days. There were interaction factors in the frequency of behavioral categories: interaction with the trough, self-cleaning, standing bipedally, social interaction, and other activities. Azul, Graúna and Moxotó native goats kept in the same environment under the same system of containment and feeding show different frequencies and durations in their behaviors, which are influenced by the period of the day.

Castrated male goats (n = 40) of the Moxotó (n = 20) and Canindé (n = 20) breeds with an average weight of 15.3 kg were studied to determine intake, nutrient digestibility and weight gain for two diets with different energy levels. The experiment utilized a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (two breeds and two diets), in which goats were randomly allocated. A diet of low energy density and a forage:concentrate ratio of 70:30 was utilized along with a diet of high energy density and a forage:concentrate ratio of 35:64. To determine the nutrient intake and digestibility, at the end of the experiment, goats were kept in metabolism cages for a period of 15 days. Weighing of the goats was conducted weekly over a period of 90 days. The goats that were fed a diet of high energy density displayed significantly increased consumption of metabolic fractions, with the exception of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, when compared with those fed a diet of low energy density. The lack of difference in dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intake indicated that goats have a high digestive capacity for the diet containing a greater quantity of Maniçoba hay. Weight gain was significantly greater for those on the diet of greater energy density. Among the breeds, Canindé goats recorded the highest average consumption and weight gain. Coefficients of digestibility were significantly greater for the more energy dense diet, with no difference between breeds. Regardless of diet, the Canindé breed shows greater weight gain than the Moxotó breed.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components in Brazilian semi-arid native goats of different genotypes in feedlot system. It was used 30 non-castrated Azul, Graúna and Moxotó goats with average initial weight of 15.93 ± 2.4, distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 genotypes and 10 replicates. The experimental diet used had a roughage:concentrate ratio of 47:53. There was a significant effect for weight gain and subcutaneous fat thickness according to genotype. Retail cut yields did not differ among the studied breeds. The percentage of non-carcass components in relation to live weight and empty body weight were not different among genotypes. Graúna and Azul genotypes showed daily gain greater than Moxotó genotype. The subcutaneous fat thickness presented by Azul and Moxotó genotypes was greater than that of Graúna genotype. All genotypes have good quantitative and morphometric carcass traits in addition to satisfactory yields of cut and non-carcass components, but for subcutaneous fat thickness (carcass finishing), Azul and Moxotó genotypes stand out.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características quantitativas da carcaça de caprinos Moxotó e Canindé terminados em confinamento e recebendo dietas com dois níveis de energia. Foram utilizados 40 cabritos castrados, com peso médio de 15,2 kg, sendo 20 da raça Moxotó e 20 da raça Canindé, suplementados com dietas contendo 2,20 e 2,71 (Mcal/kg MS). O período experimental consistiu de 86 dias. Não se constatou distinções entre as medidas barimétricas de cabritos Moxotó e Canindé. Os cabritos da raça Canindé caracterizam-se por apresentar maior peso final, peso vivo pós-jejum e peso de carcaça quente e fria, que animais da raça Moxotó. Os animais que consumiram dietas com maior nível de energia apresentaram maior peso final e conformação, assim como maiores rendimentos de carcaça. Considerando-se os valores percentuais dos cortes comerciais não se observaram distinções entre os tratamentos. A dieta atuou como principal fator de influência sobre os componentes não constituintes da carcaça de caprinos das raças Moxotó e Canindé. De modo geral, caprinos da raça Canindé apresentam características quantitativas de carcaça superior a raça Moxotó. O fornecimento da dieta com maior nível energético (2,71 Mcal/kg MS) para caprinos da Raça Moxotó e Canindé, em confinamento, favorece a produção de carcaças com rendimentos superiores e cortes comerciais mais pesados.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the quantitative characteristics of carcasses of Moxotó and Canindé goats finished in feedlots and fed diets of two levels of energy. It was used 40 castrated young goats, 20 from Moxotó breed and 20 from Canindé breed, each one with an average body weight of 15.2 kg. The animals were fed with diets containing 2.20 and 2.71 (Mcal/kg DM). The experimental period lasted 86 days. There was no difference among the barometric measures of Moxotó and Canindé kids. Canindé goats showed higher final weight, higher weight after fasting and higher hot and cold carcass weights when compared to the Moxotó animals. Animals that consumed diets with higher energy level had higher final weight and conformation as well as higher carcass yield. Considering the percentage values of the commercial meat cuts, no difference among treatments was observed. The diet was the factor that most influenced the non-constituent components of the carcass of Moxotó and Canindé goats. In general, animals belonging to the Canindé breed presented higher quantitative characteristics than the Moxotó breed. Supply of diets with higher energetic level (2.71 Mcal/kg DM) for goats from Moxotó and Canindé breeds, in feedlots, favors the production of carcass with higher yields and heavier commercial meat cuts.

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.

Dois experimentos foram realizados para determinar o valor nutricional do ovo desidratado (OD), o efeito do tempo de jejum pós-eclosão (TJPe) e a inclusão do ovo desidratado em rações para frangos de corte. No primeiro experimento, 120 pintos de corte machos, linhagem Ross-308, foram alojados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e cinco repetições de oito aves. As coletas de excretas foram realizadas no período de 24 a 29 dias de idade, pela manhã e à tarde. No segundo experimento, um lote misto de 810 pintos da linhagem Cobb-500, com peso vivo inicial 33,41 ± 0,53, foi alojado em boxes de 1,0 × 1,5 m. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com 9 tratamentos e 6 repetições de 15 aves, em esquema fatorial 3 × 3, com três níveis de ovo desdratado (0, 2 e 4%) e três tempos de jejum pós-eclosão (28, 40 e 52 horas), correpondentes a 0, 12 e 24 horas de jejum pós-alojamento, respectivamente. O ovo desidratado apresentou 51,54% de PB e 4.278 kcal EMAn. Na fase de 1 a 7 dias, o peso vivo, o ganho de peso e o consumo de ração entre as aves submetidas a jejum de 40 e 52 horas foram inferiores aos daquelas alimentadas mais cedo (às 28 horas do tempo de jejum pós-eclosão), enquanto as aves submetidas a 52 horas de jejum pós-eclosão (24 horas de jejum pós alojamento) apresentaram os piores resultados. O nível de 4% de ovo desidratado na ração pré-inicial melhorou o peso vivo no segundo e terceiro dia de idade dos pintinhos. No período de 1 a 21 dias, o ovo desidratado pode ser utlizado na alimentação de frangos, pois não prejudica o desempenho das aves.

Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value of the dried egg (DEGG), and the effect of the post-starvation hatching time (PSHT) and the inclusion of dried egg powder in the diet of broiler chicks. In experiment 1, 120 male Ross-308 broiler chicks were housed according to a completely randomized design into three treatments and five repetitions of eight birds each. Excreta collection was daily performed from 24 to 29 days of age in the morning and afternoon. In experiment 2, a sex-mixed batch of 810 Cobb-500 chicks was used. Initial weight was 33.41 ± 0.53 g, and the chicks were housed in pens measuring 1.0 × 1.5 m. A completely randomized experimental design was used with nine treatments and six repetitions of 15 birds each, according to a 3 × 3 factorial of three DEGG levels (0, 2 and 4%) and three PSHT (28, 40 and 52 hours), corresponding to: 0, 12 and 24 hours of starvation after housing, respectively. DEGG showed 51.54% of CP and 4,278 kcal AMEn/kg. From 1 to 7 days of age, the birds submitted to starvation for 40 and 52 hours showed lower live weight, weight gain and feed intake when compared to birds fed sooner (at 28 hours PSHT). The poorest performance was shown by birds fasted for 52 hours (24 hours of starvation after being housed). DEGG levels of 4% in the pre-initial diet improved the live weight in the second and third days of age. In conclusion, DEGG might be used from 1 to 21 days of age in broiler diets without impairing the bird performance.

Dois experimentos foram realizados para avaliar a interação fósforo disponível (Pd) × fitase (UF) da dieta sobre o desempenho, os níveis plasmáticos de fósforo e os parâmetros ósseos de poedeiras. No experimento 1, utilizaram-se 240 aves com 40 semanas de idade distribuídas em esquema fatorial 5 × 2, composto de cinco níveis de fósforo disponível (0,094; 0,194; 0,294; 0,394 e 0,494%) e dois de fitase (0 e 300 unidades de fitase - UF). No experimento 2, utilizaram-se 288 aves com 44 semanas de idade, distribuídas também em esquema fatorial 3 × 4, composto de três níveis de fósforo disponível (0,094; 0,294 e 0,494%) e quatro de fitase (0; 300; 600 e 1.200 UF). No experimento 1, não houve interação fósforo disponível × fitase, mas o nível de fósforo disponível influenciou, de forma quadrática, a produção (PR) e a massa (MO) de ovos, os níveis plasmáticos de fósforo e a conversão por massa de ovos (CMO) e, de forma linear, o teor de cinzas na tíbia (CT) e a resistência óssea (RO). A adição de 300 UF elevou a disponibilidade do fósforo (de 4,034 para 4,784 mg/dL), o teor de CT (de 41,55 para 42,90%) e a resistência óssea (de 9,678 para 11,135 kgf/mm). No experimento 2, a produção aumentou de forma linear com os níveis de fósforo disponível da ração, que aumentaram linearmente com o aumento do nível de fitase. Os teores de cinzas na tíbia aumentaram até o nível de 567 UF. O aumento do fósforo disponível no nível de 600 UF melhorou de forma linear a massa de ovos, a conversão por massa de ovos e a conversão por dúzia de ovos. A suplementação da ração com menor teor de fósforo disponível (0,094%) com 300 a 1.200 UF melhorou a resistência óssea das aves. Poedeiras exigem em média 0,31 a 0,34% Pd. A adição de 300 UF ou o aumento do fósforo disponível em rações com 600 UF melhora a conversão por massa de ovos. A suplementação de rações deficientes em fósforo disponível com pelo menos 300 UF aumenta os níveis plasmáticos de fósforo, os teores de cinzas na tíbia e a resistência óssea de poedeiras comerciais.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate available phosphorus (aP) × phytase interaction of the diet on performance, phosphorus plasma levels and bone parameters of laying hens. In experiment 1, 240 birds with 40 weeks old, were distributed in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement, composed of five levels of available phosphorus (0.094; 0.194; 0.294, 0.394 and 0.494%) and two of phytase levels (0 and 300 Phytase Units - PU). In experiment 2, 288 birds with 44 weeks old were distributed in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement, composed of three levels of available phosphorus (0.094, 0.294 and 0.494%) and four phytase levels (0, 300, 600 and 1,200 PU). In experiment 1, there was no available phosphorus × phytase interaction, but available phosphorus level quadraticaly influenced egg production and egg mass, phosphorus plasma levels and feed conversion by egg mass (FCEM) and, in a linear fashion, tibia ashes content and bone strength. The addition of 300 PU increased the availability of phosphorus (from 4.034 to 4.784 mg/dL), tibia ashes content (from 41.55 to 42.90%) and bone strength (from 9.678 to 11.135 kgf/mm). In experiment 2, egg production increased in a linear fashion with dietary available phosphorus levels, which increased linearly with the increased phytase level. Tibia ashes content increased up to 567 PU. The increase in available phosphorus in of 600 PU level improved in a linear fashion the egg mass, FCEM or feed conversion dozen eggs. The supplementation of diet with lower of available phosphorus (0.094%) levels with 300 to 1,200 PU improved bone strength of the birds. Laying hens require on average 0.31 to 0.34% aP. Addition of 300 PU or increasing dietary available phosphorus with 600 PU improves FCEM. Supplementation of diets deficient in available phosphorus with at least 300 PU increases phosphorus plasma levels, tibia ash content and bone strength of commercial laying hens.