Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm oil on the ruminal environment and nutrient digestibility of sheep diets. Twenty rumen-cannulated sheep were kept in individual stalls equipped with feeding and drinking troughs The animals were fed five diets based on Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage and supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g kg-1 of palm oil (based on total DM). The Elephant grass was harvested at 90 days of regrowth and the concentrate was based on ground corn grain, soybean meal and mineral mix (20 g kg-1 DM), offered to the sheep at a ratio of 1.5 g kg-1d-1 of body weight (restricted intake) to maintain a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 1:1, based on DM. There were no differences (P = 0.324) in ruminal disappearance and degradability parameters with up to 75 g of oil per kg of DM. Organic matter showed a linear reduction in apparent digestibility, while ether extract increased linearly. Palm oil affected the digestibility and nutritional parameters in ruminant diets.

ABSTRACT The objective was to group and characterize Zebu cattle carcasses according to sex. Data from 15,002 carcasses of cattle raised in the semiarid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were used. The carcass characteristics analyzed were weight, conformation, subcutaneous fat, number of permanent incisor teeth (PIT), and sex (uncastrated males, castrated males, females (up to six PIT), and cows (eight PIT)). Cluster analysis was applied to establish the relationship between sex and carcass characteristics. Four clusters were identified according to sex, and 60% of the total variance in the data set is explained by the clusters. Uncastrated males appear together in a single group (Cluster 1), which demonstrates homogeneity in their carcass characteristics. The heaviest group was Cluster 1. The castrated males appear in three groups, some of them (33.58%) grouped with the majority of cows (92.85%), which indicates that these carcasses did not achieve the quality required by the industry. Another part of the castrated males (41.84%) presented characteristics required by the industry. The females appear in all clusters. Except for uncastrated males and cows, the effect of sex (castrated males and females) on the carcass characteristics of Zebu cattle from the semiarid region of the Minas Gerais does not assure similar characteristics. Therefore, the improvement of carcass quality, using castration as the central grading criterion, should be reviewed not to overemphasize this item.

RESUMO A utilização de subprodutos agroindustriais na alimentação de ruminantes apresenta vantagens nutricionais, ambientais e econômicas, contribuindo para a sustentabilidade do sistema de produção. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o valor nutritivo de dietas contendo torta de babaçu em substituição ao feno de Tifton-85 (70; 140; 210; 280 e 350 g kg-1 de matéria seca; MS). Foram utilizados 25 ovinos machos castrados, com peso corporal médio de 49,6 ± 9,4 kg, alocados em gaiolas metabólicas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O consumo voluntário foi obtido pela subtração da quantidade de alimento fornecido pela sobra pesada na manhã seguinte. Para avaliação da digestibilidade dos nutrientes e balanço de nitrogênio (N), amostras de urina e fezes foram coletadas separadamente. O consumo de MS não foi influenciado, contudo o consumo de proteína bruta (PB) e extrato etéreo aumentaram linearmente. A inclusão da torta de babaçu não afetou a digestibilidade da MS (média de 604,6 ± 272,8 g kg-1). A digestibilidade aparente da PB e os teores de nutrientes digestíveis totais apresentaram comportamento linear crescente, enquanto a digestibilidade da fibra em detergente ácido decresceu linearmente. O teor de N retido variou de 9,72 ± 1,12 a 15,51 ± 1,84 g dia-1 e sua relação com o N ingerido variou entre 521,0 ± 26,7 e 578,4 ± 31,8 g kg-1 de N. A inclusão da torta de babaçu, em substituição ao volumoso, incrementou o valor nutritivo da dieta, podendo ser incluída em até 350 g kg-1 da MS na dieta, em substituição ao feno de Tifton-85.

ABSTRACT The use of agro-industrial by-products in feeding ruminants has nutritional, environmental and economic advantages, and helps to sustain the production system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of diets containing babassu cake as a substitute for Tifton-85 hay (70, 140, 210, 280 and 350 g kg-1 dry matter: DM). Twenty-five castrated male sheep with a mean body weight of 49.6 ± 9.4 kg were used, distributed in metabolic cages in a completely randomised design. Voluntary intake was obtained from the difference between the amount of feed provided and the leftovers the following morning. To evaluate nutrient digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance, samples of urine and faeces were collected separately. There was no effect on DM intake; however, crude protein (CP) and ether extract intake increased linearly increased linearly. The addition of babassu cake had no effect on DM digestibility (mean value of 604.6 ± 272.8 g kg-1). Apparent CP digestibility and total digestible nutrient content showed increasing linear behaviour, while the digestibility of acid detergent fibre decreased linearly. The level of retained N varied from 9.72 ± 1.12 to 15.51 ± 1.84 g day-1 with the ratio to ingested N ranging from 521.0 ± 26.7 to 578.4 ± 31.8 g kg-1 N. The addition of babassu cake to replace the roughage, increased the nutritional value of the diet. Babassu cake can be included up to a total of 350 g kg-1 DM in the diet as a substitute for Tifton-85 hay.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate performance and carcass and meat characteristics of lambs fed a solution of crude glycerin plus water (100 g kg−1 of dry matter) (GLY) during feedlot and pre-slaughter lairage. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial (GLY available or not in feedlot and GLY available or not in the slaughterhouse). We evaluated the following treatments (feedlot/slaughterhouse): GLY/GLY, GLY/water, water/GLY, and water/water (control). Lambs fed a balanced diet for 70 days in the feedlot. Slaughter started 12 h after the animals arrived at the slaughterhouse. Dry matter intake, feed conversion, average daily gain, and body weight of lambs fed GLY were similar to those of control lambs. Lambs receiving GLY ingested more water in the feedlot. At the slaughterhouse, water/GLY animals ingested more glycerin and water than GLY/water animals ingested water. Group GLY/GLY had lower drip loss in carcasses than the group GLY/water. The other carcass and meat characteristics (carcass weight, pH, subcutaneous fat thickness, ribeye area, color, water holding capacity, cooking losses, and shear force) were similar among treatments. Solution of crude glycerin plus water can be used as a dietary ingredient for lambs, since it improves hydration and does not change performance and carcass characteristics. This solution supplied as a pre-slaughter supplement does not improve carcass and meat characteristics.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate performance and carcass and meat characteristics of lambs fed a solution of cheese whey plus water (100 g kg−1 dry matter) (CW) during feedlot and pre-slaughter lairage. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial (place – feedlot and slaughterhouse, food – water or CW). We evaluated the following treatments (feedlot/slaughterhouse): CW/CW, CW/water, water/CW, and control (water/water). The lambs were given a balanced diet for 70 days in the feedlot. Slaughter started 12 h after the animals arrived at the slaughterhouse. Dry matter intake, gain-to-feed ratio, average daily gain, and body weight of lambs fed CW were similar to those of control lambs. The water/CW group consumed less of this solution than the CW/CW group in the slaughterhouse. The CW supplied as a pre-slaughter supplement reduces the drip losses of lamb carcasses provided that the animals also consume it during the feedlot period. The other carcass characteristics (carcass weight, pH, subcutaneous fat thickness, and ribeye area) were similar among treatments. The meat characteristics (color, water holding capacity, cooking losses, and shear force) were similar among treatments. Whey cheese added to water can be used as an ingredient of the diet for lambs and as pre-slaughter supplement, since it does not change performance and improves carcass characteristics.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o grau de bem-estar dos cordeiros submetidos ao transporte rodoviário e suas carcaças e carnes. Para isto, fez-se a avaliação dos parâmetros comportamentais durante o transporte, dos parâmetros fisiológicos após o desembarque e antes do abate e a caracterização das carcaças e carnes dos cordeiros. Realizaram-se quatro transportes rodoviários com durações crescentes (1h45min, 3h52min, 7h30min e 10h30min), cada transporte continha vinte cordeiros. O peso corporal dos animais foi de 36,64±2,13 kg antes do transporte. Os cordeiros foram abatidos 15 horas após o desembarque. Os cordeiros deitaram por pouco tempo (mediana igual à zero a cada 20min) em jornadas menores que 3h52min. O número de eventos potencialmente traumáticos foi baixo (mediana próxima a zero, a cada 20min) para quaisquer durações dos transportes. As concentrações de adrenalina e cortisol, bem como os metabólitos que são controlados por eles, foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos. Contudo, a massa das carcaças diminuiu e as concentrações de creatina quinase aumentaram linearmente quando os transportes foram mais longos, o que podem revelar diminuição do bem-estar. A qualidade da carne de cordeiros não sofreu interferências da duração dos transportes.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to assess the level of welfare in lambs by road transport and their carcasses and meat. Thus, we assessed behavioral parameters during transport, physiological parameters after landing and before slaughter and carcass and meat characteristics of lambs. Four road transports were achieved with increasing durations (1h45min, 3h52min, 7h30min and 10h30min), there were twenty lambs in each transport. Animals body weight was 36.64±2.13 kg before transport. The lambs were slaughtered 15 hours after landing. The lambs lie down (median equal to zero every 20min) for a short time in journeys shorter than 3h52min. The number of potentially traumatic events is low (median near zero every 20min) for any transport duration. The adrenaline and cortisol concentrations, as well as metabolites that are controlled by them, did not testify that longer transport. However, the carcasses mass decreased and creatine kinase concentrations increased linearly with longer transports, which may reveal decrease in welfare. The meat quality of lambs was not influenced by the transport duration.

Resumo Este experimento teve como objetivo avaliar o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, proteína bruta, frações fibrosas, energia e balanço do nitrogênio do feno de Andropogon gayanus colhido em três diferentes idades (56, 84 e 112 dias). O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e seis repetições. As digestibilidades aparentes da matéria seca, das frações fibrosas e da energia bruta foram maiores para os fenos colhidos aos 56 e 84 dias (P<0,05). O feno de A. gayanus colhido aos 56 dias apresentou maiores valores de consumo e digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta (5,22 g/UTM/dia; 55,69%, respectivamente) (P<0,05) em relação aos demais tratamentos que não diferiram entre si (P>0,05). Os valores de consumo e digestibilidade aparente apontam as idades de 56 e 84 dias como as melhores dentre as estudadas para o corte do capim A. gayanus para fenação.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, fiber fractions, energy, and the nitrogen balance of Andropogon gayanus hay at three different stages (56, 84 and 112 days). The statistical design was completely randomized, with three treatments and six replicates. Dry matter, fiber fractions, and energy apparent digestibility were higher (P<0.05) for hay harvested at 56 and 84 days. Crude protein intake and apparent digestibility of A. gayanus hay harvested at 56 days of growth were greater (P<0.05) than the hay harvested at 84 and 112 days. The A. gayanus hay showed the best voluntary intake and digestibility at 56 and 84 days of age.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes inclusões da farinha do endocarpo I do babaçu sobre o consumo e comportamento ingestivo de ovinos. Vinte ovinos machos não castrados foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso em quatro tratamentos com cinco repetições por tratamento. Os animais receberam dietas experimentais isofibrosas, isoenergéticas e isonitrogenadas (zero; 7,5%; 15%; 22,5%). O comportamento ingestivo foi realizado durante o período de 24 horas, sendo as variáveis comportamentais: ócio, ruminação e alimentação e mastigação. Observou-se que o consumo de matéria seca em função do peso vivo e do peso metabólico reduziu linearmente com a inclusão da farinha do endocarpo I na dieta. A eficiência de alimentação, ruminação e mastigação quando expressa em gramas /matéria seca/hora, reduziu de forma linear com as diferentes inclusões do subproduto. O comportamento ingestivo das atividades alimentação, ócio, ruminação e mastigação em minutos por dia não foi alterado neste ensaio

The objective of this work was to investigate the ingestive behavior of sheep fed with different inclusions of babassu endocarp meal I. The animals receive isofibrous, isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets containing the by-product in increasing levels of inclusion (zero; 7,5%; 15%; 22,5%). Twenty rams were used in this study and distributed in four treatments with five repetitions each. The ingestive behavior was conducted over a period of 24 hours, with visual observations at 5 minutes intervals and the variables being: idle, ruminating, feeding and chewing. The study demonstrated that the dry matter intake in function of the body weight and the metabolic weight decreased linearly as the babassu endocarp meal I was included in the diet. The feeding, ruminating and chewing efficiency when expressed in grams/dry matter/hour was reduced in a linear response with the different inclusions of the by-product. The ingestive behavior of feeding, idle, rumination and chewing activities in minutes/day was not altered in this study

Para se avaliar o efeito do plano nutricional e crescimento sobre a massa dos pré-estômagos, morfologia e quantificação de papilas ruminais, trinta e seis cordeiras da raça Santa Inês foram submetidas a dois planos nutricionais (ad libitum ou restrito) sendo abatidas em diferentes pesos vivo (20, 30 ou 40 kg de peso vivo), em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado balanceado em arranjo fatorial 2x3. Feito o abate, as vísceras foram pesadas livres de seu conteúdo em seguida mediu-se o volume de repleção do rúmen e retículo. Amostras do tecido ruminal oriundas dos sacos cranial e ventral foram coletadas para posteriormente serem realizadas com auxílio de lupa estereoscópica as medidas morfométricas das papilas ruminais, altura, largura da base, área, papilas por cm² e área absortiva por cm². Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos a análise de variância e as médias resultantes por tratamento foram comparadas por meio de teste de Student Newmann Keuls. Os diferentes planos nutricionais não influenciaram a massa das vísceras rúmen, retículo e omaso (P>0,05), no entanto, observou-se crescimento dessas vísceras em função do aumento do peso ao abate. O volume dessas vísceras foi afetado pelo peso ao abate, e observou-se menores volumes para animais com alimentação ad libitum (P<0,10). O número de papilas por cm² foi reduzido com o aumento do peso ao abate, sendo que altura e área foram aumentadas quando em pesos maiores. O plano nutricional afetou apenas a área e altura das papilas ruminais oriundas do saco cranial. A área absortiva não foi afetada pelos tratamentos. Plano nutricional e diferentes pesos vivos influenciam a morfologia dos pré-estômagos de cordeiras da raça Santa Inês.

For the evaluation of nutritional schemes and change on the pre-stomach morphology and quantification of rumen papillae, 36 Santa Inês female lambs were submitted to two nutritional schemes (ad libitum or restrict) and slaughtered with different live weights (20, 30 or 40 kg) in a completely randomized factorial design 2x3. After slaughter, the viscera were weighed empty and their volume was measured. Samples of ruminal wall from the cranial and ventral sacs were collected and with a stereomicroscope photographed and analyzed regarding height, basal width, area, papillae per cm² and absorptive area per cm². The results were submitted to analyses of variance and the means were compared by Student Newman Keuls test. The different nutritional schemes did not influence the weight of rumen, reticulum or omasum (P>0.05), although, growth of the viscera was observed by increase in live weight. The viscera volume was affected by live weight, and smaller volume was observed in the animals fed ad libitum diet (P<0.10). The number of papillae per cm² was reduced by the increase in live weight. Height and area of papillae were larger in heavier animals. The nutritional scheme only affected height and area of papillae of the cranial sac. The absorptive area was not affected by the treatments. Different nutritional schemes and live weights affect the pre-stomach morphology of Santa Ines female lambs.

Objetivou-se com o experimento demonstrar a composição bromatológica e avaliar a cinética de fermentação e degradabilidade ruminal efetiva in vitro, por meio da técnica "Hohenheim Gas Test", da farinha do mesocarpo do babaçu I® e II® (FMBI e FMBII) e de rações com diferentes níveis de inclusão. Foram conduzidos dois ensaios: um com os subprodutos puros e milho e outro com rações com inclusões da FMBI e FMBII nas seguintes proporções: 0; 7,5; 15,0 e 22,5% da matéria seca total. O delineamento foi o de blocos casualizados sendo seis blocos no primeiro e cinco no segundo ensaio. Os tempos de mensuração dos gases produzidos foram 3; 6; 9; 12; 24; 48; 72 e 96 horas. As farinhas FMBI e FMBII apresentaram composições bromatológicas diferentes, em relação aos constituintes da fibra (FDN, FDA e Lignina). As farinhas FMBI e FMBII apresentaram padrões de cinética de fermentação inferiores aos padrões de fermentação do milho grão. Com o aumento da proporção de FMBI e FMBII na ração, reduz-se a produção de gases por tempo de incubação. Em virtude do exposto, pode-se afirmar que as farinhas do mesocarpo I e II, apesar de serem fontes de amido, não apresentaram fermentação ruminal semelhante à fonte amilácea padrão, o grão de milho.

The objective of the experiment was to demonstrate the bromatological composition, and evaluate the fermentation kinetics and effective ruminal degradability in vitro, using the "Hohenheim Gas Test" technique, of babassu mesocarp flour I® and II® (FMBI and FMBII) and of feeds at different levels of inclusion. Two trials were carried out: one of pure byproducts and corn, and another of feeds with inclusions of FMBI and FMBII in the following proportions: 0, 7.5, 15.0 and 22.5% of the total dry matter. The experimental design was of randomized blocks, with six blocks in the first trial and five in the second. Measurement times for the gases produced were 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The FMBI and FMBII flours showed different bromatological composition for the fibre components (FDN, FDA and Lignin). The FMBI and FMBII flours also showed patterns for fermentation kinetics inferior to the fermentation patterns of corn grain. Increasing the ratio of FMBI and FMBII in the feed reduces gas production for time of incubation. In view of the above, it can be said that mesocarp flours I and II, despite being sources of starch, did not present ruminal fermentation similar to corn grain, the standard source of starch.

Neste trabalho objetivou-se verificar a influência do uso de tela de polipropileno com 80% de retenção luminosa nas respostas fisiológicas de ovinos da raça Santa Inês submetidos a pastejo; para isto, um experimento foi montado em Petrolina, PE, no período de junho a novembro de 2010 e adotados dois tratamentos (com sombreamento e sem sombreamento) com 20 animais em cada um. Aferiu-se a temperatura retal, a temperatura da superfície cutânea e a frequência respiratória, às 7 h e 15 h, duas vezes por semana. Foram medidos dados meteorológicos visando à determinação do índice de temperatura de globo negro e umidade, a cada 2 h, por 24 h durante todo o experimento. Verificou-se, após análise dos dados, que os ovinos do tratamento com sombreamento sofreram redução em todas as variáveis fisiológicas avaliadas, quando comparados com os do tratamento sem sombreamento. A utilização do sombreamento é justificada, em especial no período da tarde visto que todas as variáveis sofrem maior alteração.

In order to verify the influence of the use of polypropylene fabric with light retention 80 in physiological responses of Santa Inês sheep under grazing, an experiment was conducted in Petrolina, PE, between June to November of 2010. Two treatments (with and without shading) were adopted with 20 animals in each. Rectal temperature, skin surface temperature and respiratory rate at 7:00 am and 3:00 pm twice a week were measured. Meteorological data were recorded for the determinations of the temperature index of black globe and humidity, every 2:00 hours during 24 hours, throughout the experiment. It was verified after analysis of the data that sheep under shade treatment had suffered reductions in all physiological variables evaluated, when compared with the treatment without shade. The use of shading is justified, in particular in the afternoon, since all variables showed greater change.

Práticas de manejo adequadas e o aumento das doses de nitrogênio têm propiciado incrementos substanciais na produção de grãos do feijoeiro comum; no entanto, em cultivos de inverno e irrigado existem poucos estudos relatando a interferência do uso de doses de N em semeadura e cobertura na produção de grãos. O estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de doses crescentes de nitrogênio em semeadura e cobertura no desempenho agronômico do feijoeiro irrigado no período de inverno no Norte do Estado de Minas Gerais. Para tanto, utilizou-se o esquema fatorial 4 x 4 consistindo de quatro doses idênticas de nitrogênio em semeadura e cobertura (0, 40, 80 e 120 kg ha-1). O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com três repetições. Foram avaliadas as características: estande inicial, estande final, número de grãos por vagem, vagem por planta, peso médio de 100 grãos e rendimento de grãos. Não se obteve diferença significativa (p > 0,05) entre doses de N em semeadura e/ou coberta para o número de grãos por vagem nem para o peso de 100 grãos. Considerando apenas a adição de N em semeadura, o número de vagens por planta e o rendimento de grãos se elevaram com o incremento da dose de N até 120 kg ha-1. Apesar da interdependência das doses de N em semeadura e cobertura, acréscimos no rendimento de grãos foram obtidos apenas com a adição de doses de N na semeadura.

Appropriate management practices and higher nitrogen doses have led to substantial increases in grain yield of common bean, however in winter crop and under irrigated conditions few studies report the interference of nitrogen doses at seeding and in topdressing on the grain production. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding increasing doses of nitrogen at sowing and topdressing on the agronomic characteristics of bean irrigated during winter in the northern part of Minas Gerais state. For this purpose a 4 x 4 factorial design was used consisting of four identical doses of nitrogen at sowing and topdressing (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1). The following characteristics were evaluated: initial stand, final stand, number of grains per pod, pods per plant, mean weight of 100 grains and grain yield. No significant effect (p > 0.05) was obtained between N rates at seeding and/or topdressing for the number of grains per pod and weight of 100 grains. Considering only the addition of N at sowing, the number of pods per plant and grain yield increased with increasing dose up to 120 kg ha-1 N. Despite the interdependence of N rates in seeding and topdressing, major increases in grain yield were obtained with the addition of N at sowing.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar as características tecnológicas de duas variedades de cana-de-açúcar submetidas a diferentes níveis de adubação e supressões de irrigação. O experimento foi instalado na Fazenda Experimental da Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, em Janaúba-MG. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, três repetições, em parcelas subdivididas (2 x 3 x 6), sendo na parcela duas variedades de cana-de-açúcar, RB85-5453 e SP80-1816, com três épocas de supressão de irrigação e precipitação após emergência dos perfilhos (DIAC), caracterizadas aos 165, 195 e 225 dias, e na subparcela adubou-se com seis níveis de adubação mineral, 1 (0 kg ha-1 de N e K2O), 2 (14 kg ha-1 de N e 33 kg ha-1 de K2O), 3 (29 kg ha-1 de N e 66 kg ha-1 de K2O), 4 (43 kg ha-1 de N e 100 kg ha-1 de K2O), 5 (57 kg ha-1 de N e 133 kg ha-1 de K2O) e 6 (71 kg ha-1 de N e 166 kg ha-1 de K2O. As variáveis avaliadas foram: Brix, Pol do caldo, Açúcar Total Recuperável (ATR), Pureza e Litros de álcool estimados. Os níveis de adubação influenciaram a qualidade do caldo, obtendo média geral de 24,30 °brix, 20,976% pol do caldo, com a variedade RB85-5453 obtendo maiores valores para todas as variáveis analisadas, a variedade RB85-5453 apresentou maiores teores de ATR, atingindo valores superiores a 189,25 kg t-1. Observaram-se valores em álcool estimados máximo de 115,09 L t-1 da variedade RB85-5453 e mínimo de 90,21 L t-1 na SP80-1816. Com aplicação de 71 kg ha-1 de N e 166 kg ha-1 de K2O de adubação obteve-se melhor desempenho nas condições de realização deste trabalho. Entre as duas variedades estudadas a RB85-5453 é a mais indicada para a região, pois atingiu altos níveis em produção industrial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the technological characteristics of two varieties of cane sugar under different levels of fertilization and irrigation suppression. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the State University of Montes Claros, in Janaúba-MG. The experimental design was randomized blocks, three replications in a split plot (2 x 3 x 6), and in part two varieties of cane sugar, RB85-5453 and SP80-1816, with three irrigation season suppression and precipitation after emergency of tiller (DIAC), characterized at 165, 195 and 225 days, and the subplot with six levels of mineral fertilizer, 1 (0 kg ha-1 of N and K2O), 2 (14 kg ha -1 N and 33 kg ha-1 K2O), 3 (29 kg ha-1 N and 66 kg ha-1 K2O), 4 (43 kg ha-1 and 100 kg N ha-1 of K2O ), 5 (57 kg ha-1 and 133 kg N ha-1 K2O) and 6 (71 kg N ha-1 and 166 kg ha-1 of K2O. The variables evaluated were: Brix, Pol of juice, Total Recoverable Sugars (ATR), Purity and liters of alcohol estimated. Nutrient levels influenced the quality of the juice, achieving overall average of 24.30 ° brix, pol 20.976% of the juice. Variety RB85-5453 achieved the highest values for all variables; variety RB85-5453 showed the highest levels of ATR, reaching values higher than 189.25 kg t-1. Estimated values of ethanol were maximum at 115.09 L t-1 for the variety RB85-5453 and minimum at 90.21 L t-1 for variety SP80-1816. The application of 71 kg ha-1 N and 166 kg ha-1 of K2O gave the best performance in the conditions of this study. Variety RB85-5453 was shown the most appropriate for the region because it reached high levels in industrial production.

Objetivo-se avaliar o efeito diferente de tamanhos de partículas do volumoso e a frequência de alimentação sobre o metabolismo dos animais. Oito carneiros com peso vivo médio de 52,5kg foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial 2x4, de modo a corresponder a duas frequências de alimentação e quatro tamanhos (2mm; 5mm; 10mm e 25mm), em delineamento em blocos ao acaso. Foi utilizado o feno de Tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.) como volumoso e concentrado comercial, o que impôs um ajuste na relação volumoso:concentrado, que assim ficou quantificada: 25:75%. O trabalho de respirometria foi conduzido em câmara respirométrica, tipo circuito aberto, para pequenos ruminantes. Foram determinados os teores de oxigênio, gás carbônico e metano. Na urina, foi determinado o teor de nitrogênio. A partir desses parâmetros, foi determinada a produção de calor (PC). O nitrogênio retido representou 36,0% do Nitrogênio (N) ingerido (g/dia) e 46,8% do N absorvido (g/dia). A produção média de CH4 foi de 1,45L/UTM/dia. A PC foi cerca de 40,0% da energia bruta ingerida. A energia metabolizável foi 73,2% da Energia bruta ingerida e a energia líquida apresentou valor médio de 1.807,35kcal/dia. Não houve efeito dos tamanhos de partícula e da frequência sobre o balanço de nitrogênio e o metabolismo energético.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different forage particle sizes and the feeding frequency on the animals metabolism. Eight lambs with 52.5kg live weight were distributed in a randomized block design according the 2x4 factorial, corresponding to two feeding frequencies and four particle sizes (2mm; 5mm; 10mm and 25mm). The forage used was the Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp.) and commercial concentrate, adjusting the forage: concentrate ratio to 25:75%. The respirometry experiment was conducted in an open circuit respiration chamber for small ruminants. The concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and methane were determined. Nitrogen content was determined in urine. With these parameters was determined heat production (PC). The nitrogen retained represented 36.0% of Nitrogen (N) intake (g/day) and 46.8% of N absorbed (g/day). The CH4 average production was 1.45L/UTM/day. The PC was approximately 40.0% of crude energy intake. The metabolizable energy was 73.2% of crude energy intake and the average value of net energy was 1807.35kcal/day. There was no effect of particle size and feeding frequency on the nitrogen balance and energy metabolism.

The objective of this experiment was to characterize the dry matter production of vegetative components (stalk, leaf, husk, and cob) and reproductive components (grain) of the corn plant according to planting time and the grain maturity stage. Eight corn hybrids with different agronomic characteristics were used to carry out the experiments. Two experiments were performed with planting undertaken on 11/11/2007 and 12/12/2007 under a conventional tillage system. The eight corn cultivars were harvested at three grain maturity stages, half milk line, three quarters milk line and black layer. An 8 × 3 factorial (eight hybrids and the three cutting times) randomized blocks design was used, with three replications. Individual analysis of variance was performed for each experiment. Then joint analysis of variance was performed involving the two planting times. The means were grouped and the hybrids used as replications to characterize the components. Delay in planting significantly reduced the dry matter productivity of the whole plant; however, it did not reduce its degradability. The greatest dry matter productivity obtained was that of grain, followed by stalk, leaf, husk and cob. The vegetative components, leaves and husk, lose quality with delay in planting. The leaf is the vegetative component of highest quality, while the cob is the worst. Delay in planting increases the neutral detergent fiber content of the stalk, husk and cob.