ABSTRACT: Grape pomace is a by-product that can be ensiled and added to animal feed for a sustainable animal production. This study evaluated the effects of grape pomace silage (GPS) on the intake, performance, and carcass and meat quality of feedlot lambs. Twenty-four male lambs (21.5 ± 3.0 kg initial body weight) were distributed into pairs to four diets levels 0, 10, 20, and 30 % of GPS. The addition of grape pomace silage influenced only ether extract (EE) intake linearly without hindering consumption. The diet did not affect performance and meat quality attributes and carcass parameters, with average daily gain (ADG) of 0.235 kg d−1, feed conversion 4.299, carcass conformation 2.7, compactness index 0.25 kg cm−1, fat thickness 1.51 mm, loin eye area 13.9 cm2, pH 5.79, natural matter moisture 74.05 g 100 g−1, and crude protein (CP) 19.94 g per 100 g−1 of dry matter (DM). Grape pomace as could be used as silage in lamb diets with up to 30 % GPS, as the chemical composition of this by-product and the results indicate that GPS did not compromise performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

Resumen Este estudio investigó la inclusión del ensilado de orujo de uva (EOU; 0, 10, 20 y 30 %), se evaluó en dietas de corderos, en la ingesta y digestibilidad de nutrientes, balance de nitrógeno y comportamiento ingestivo. Cuatro corderos de la raza Santa Inés con un peso de 21.93 ± 87 kg y aproximadamente siete meses de edad fueron alojados en jaulas metabólicas y distribuidos en un diseño cuadrado latino de 4x4. Los tratamientos consistieron en cuatro dietas con la inclusión de 0, 10, 20 y 30 % de EOU en las dietas. La ingesta de nutrientes se observó con un comportamiento lineal creciente para la ingesta de extracto etéreo (EE) (P<0.05) de acuerdo con el aumento de EE en las dietas, causado por el contenido de EE de las semillas en el EOU. Las dietas no difirieron en los coeficientes de digestibilidad de nutrientes y balance de nitrógeno (P>0.05), con una digestibilidad de materia seca (DMS) media de 678.6 ± 0.62 g kg-1 de MS y retención media de N de 239.78 g kg-1 de N ingerido. El comportamiento ingestivo de las dietas solo influyó (P<0.05) en el tiempo que los animales permanecieron inactivos de pie. Este parámetro mostró un comportamiento cuadrático con un punto máximo estimado en 17.73 % de EOU (P=0.041). En conclusión, se puede hacer uso de EOU hasta un nivel de inclusión del 30 % sin afectar negativamente a los parámetros evaluados.

Abstract This study investigated the inclusion of grape pomace silage (GPS; 0, 10, 20 and 30%) were evaluated in diets of lambs on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and ingestive behavior. Four lambs of the Santa Inês breed with weight of 21.93 ± 0.87 kg and approximately seven months old, were housed in metabolic cages and distributed in a 4x4 latin square design. The treatments consisted of four diets with the inclusion of 0, 10, 20 and 30% GPS in diets. The nutrient intake was observed an increasing linear behavior for ether extract (EE) intake (P<0.05) according to the increase of EE in the diets, caused by content of EE of seeds in GPS. The diets did not differ in the digestibility coefficients of nutrients and nitrogen balance (P>0.05), with average digestibility of dry matter digestibility (DDM) of 678.6 ± 0.62 g kg-1 DM and average retention of 239.78 g kg-1 N ingested of N. The ingestive behavior the diets were influenced (P<0.05) by only the length of time that the animals remained idle in standing. This parameter showed a quadratic behavior with a maximum point estimated at 17.73 % of GPS (P=0.041). In conclusion, the use of GPS can be used until inclusion level of 30 % without negatively affecting the parameters evaluated.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja sobre as características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cordeiros Santa Inês. Foram utilizados 29 machos inteiros, com 23,63 ± 2,44 kg de peso vivo, 80 dias de idade, distribuídos de maneira inteiramente casualizada, submetidos a cinco dietas, sendo que as dietas variaram nos teores de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja de 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%. Para cada teor de substituição foram utilizados seis animais, mas no teor de 25%, cinco animais. Foram realizadas avaliações das carcaças e retirou-se o Longissimus dorsi para análises da qualidade da carne. As características da carcaça não foram afetadas pelos diferentes teores de torta de soja. Observou-se efeito quadrático para a força de cisalhamento e efeito linear decrescente para a intensidade de odor, mas não foram observadas diferenças nos demais parâmetros. A substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja pode ser realizada sem prejuízo à maioria das características da carcaça e de carne e altos teores de torta de soja na dieta podem resultar em benefícios às qualidades sensoriais da carne de cordeiros recebendo dietas concentradas.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by soybean cake on carcass characteristics and meat quality of Santa Ines lambs. Twenty-nine intact males were used, weighing 23.63 ± 2.44 kg, at 80 days of age, distributed randomly, submitted to five diets, with the diets differing in the levels of substitution of soybean meal by soybean cake (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). Each diet was provided to six animals, except the 25% diet, in which five animals were used. Carcass characteristics were evaluated, and the Longissimus dorsi was removed for meat quality analysis. The different levels of soybean cake did not affect carcass characteristics. Regarding the characteristics of meat, there was a quadratic effect for the shear force and negative linear effect on flavor intensity, but no significant differences on the other parameters were observed. Replacement of soybean meal for soybean cake can be made without affecting most of the carcass and meat characteristics, and high levels of soybean cake in the diet can improve the meat sensorial quality of lambs receiving concentrated diets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of wool produced by ewes of different genetic groups, ages, and reproductive statuses. A total of 115 ewes, of the following genetic groups, were used: 10 Corriedale, 37 Hampshire Down, 26 1/2 Hampshire Down + 1/2 Corriedale, 24 1/2 Ile de France + 1/2 Corriedale, and 18 1/2 Suffolk + 1/2 Corriedale. Age was determined by the number of permanent incisors, ranging from four teeth to eight teeth. Ewes were further classified by their reproductive status into: lambed, having reared one lamb; and not-lambed. Hampshire and half-blood Suffolk ewes were heavier (53.2 and 52.7 kg, respectively), while Corriedale animals were lighter (40.1 kg). Older ewes and not-lambed ewes were heavier as well. Fleece weight was higher for the Corriedale and its crossbred ewes (average of 2.9 kg). Genetic group did not affect yield after scouring (61.6%). Ewe age, reproductive status, and year of evaluation did not affect greasy fleece weight or yield. Fiber diameter and number of crimps were not affected by any tested variables, with mean values of 29.8 μm and 5.8 crimps per centimeter, respectively. Staple length was influenced only by genetic group, in which the Hampshire ewes showed the shortest staple (6.2 cm). In general, the character was classified as good to regular, and the worst was found in the Hampshire. That genetic group grew rough wool, while the others were rated as slightly soft to rough. All genetic groups presented wools with some medullation. The majority of the samples were classified from "Cruza 1" to "Cruza 3" in all five groups and, for quality, the majority of the samples were rated as Good. Wool produced by meat breeds presents variations of quantity and quality that should be considered by producers and industry.

ResumoO objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja em dietas para cordeiros Santa Inês confinados, avaliando o desempenho, consumo de nutrientes, comportamento ingestivo e medidas biométricas. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros machos não castrados, com 23,63 ± 2,44kg de peso corporal, distribuídos de maneira inteiramente casualizada em cinco tratamentos, sendo assim 6 repetições por tratamento, os quais foram os teores de substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja de 0; 25; 50; 75 e 100%. O comportamento ingestivo foi avaliado através de observações pontuais a cada 10 minutos durante 24 horas. Não foi observado efeito significativo sobre os parâmetros de desempenho, consumo de matéria seca e de comportamento ingestivo. O ganho de peso médio diário foi de 312,73g, o consumo médio de matéria seca foi de 1,44kg/dia. A inclusão da torta de soja levou a um aumento linear no consumo de extrato etéreo em gramas/dia, em porcentagem do peso corporal e em porcentagem do peso metabólico. Foi observado efeito cúbico sobre parâmetros de consumo de fibra em detergente ácido. Os tempos de ruminação, alimentação e ócio foram de 425,85; 194,50 e 789,29min/dia, respectivamente. Em relação às medidas biométricas, não foi encontrado efeito da substituição do farelo de soja pela torta de soja. A torta de soja pode ser utilizada na substituição do farelo de soja, devendo-se atentar ao teor de extrato etéreo residual presente neste coproduto da indústria do biodiesel.

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal by soybean cake in diets for feedlot Santa Ines lambs, evaluating performance, nutrient intake, ingestive behavior and biometric measures. Thirty intact males were used, weighing 23.63 ± 2.44kg, distributed randomly in five treatments, with 6 animals each, with the treatments being the levels of substitution of soybean meal for soybean cake, by 0; 25; 50; 75 and 100%. The ingestive behavior was assessed by visual observations every 10 minutes, during 24 hours. No significant effects were found on the parameters of performance, DM intake, and ingestive behavior. The average daily weight gain was 312,73g, and the average dry matter intake was 1,44kg/day. The inclusion of soybean cake led to a significant linear increase in ether extract intake in grams/day, in percentage of body weight and in percentage of metabolic weight. Cubic effects were observed in the parameters of acid detergent fiber intake. The rumination, feed intake and idleness time observed were 425,85; 194,50 e 789,29 min/day, respectively. Regarding biometric measurements, there was no significant effect of replacing soybean meal with soybean cake. The soybean cake can be used in replacement of soybean meal, but is important to pay attention on the content of residual lipids present in this byproduct of the biodiesel industry.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, the carcass and meat characteristics of ewes supplemented with magnesium oxide. Eighteen 6-year-old Santa Ines ewes were used in a completely randomized experimental design, where three levels of supplementation (0.0, 0.1 and 0.2% magnesium oxide in the concentrate) were tested, with six replicates. Final weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were not affected by levels of magnesium supplementation. Hot and cold carcass weights showed linear increasing and quadratic responses, respectively, according to supplementation with magnesium. Carcass measurements such as length, depth, and measures of arm and leg were not affected by supplementation. Depth and width of the longissimus muscle and rib-eye area were not affected; however, marbling and ether extract increased linearly with supplementation. Water loss and color were not affected. Lipid oxidation and shear force were not affected by supplementation, while the myofibrillar fragmentation index showed a quadratic regression. There was a linear decrease in pH with magnesium supplementation. Supplementation with magnesium can improve carcass and meat pH, but can act negatively by increasing the amount of marbling and ether extract of meat.

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the environmental effects (age of dam, type of birth and sex of lamb) and genetic groups (Hampshire Down and Ile de France, ½ and ¾ Hampshire Down, Ile de France and Suffolk, and ½ Texel) on performance and morphometric characteristics (height, length and heart girth) of lambs; to test regressions to predict live weight of lambs from body measurements; and to describe the growth type of the measurements as function of the weight. Weights and measurements were collected from birth to weaning, every 14 days. For evaluations of performance in relation to environmental effects and genetic groups, only data from birth and from weaning were used; for type of growth all collected data were used. Lambs from younger ewes (2 teeth) presented smaller average for weight at birth, heart girth and height at weaning. Single-birth lambs presented greater averages than twins. Genetic group influenced all traits evaluated, except heart girth at birth and average heart girth gain. Means for birth weight were higher in ¾ Ile de France (3.93±0.16 kg) and lower in ½ Texel lambs (3.04±0.24 kg), and for weaning, they were higher in ½ Texel (14.86±0.87 kg) and lower in Ile de France lambs (11.66±0.83 kg). Year of birth influenced all traits. Heart girth and length showed a negative allometric growth in relation to weight, while between weight and height the relation was positive allometric. The factors that most influenced the performance of lambs from birth to weaning are the type of birth, genetic group and year of birth. Correlations between body weight and morphometric measurements are significant, so it is possible to predict one from the other.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the environmental effects (age of dam at lambing, type of birth and sex of lamb) and genetic groups (Santa Inês and ½ Santa Inês) on weight and morphometric measurements (heart girth, body length and height) of lambs; to test linear and allometric regressions to predict the weight through the measurements; and to describe the type of growth of the measurements from weight. Weight and morphometric measurements were sampled from birth to 154 days of age, at every 14 days. For the evaluation of the environmental factors and to predict the regressions the data of birth, weaning and 154 days of age were used; and to determine the type of growth all the data collected were used. The lambs derived from younger (two-tooth) ewes recorded lower averages than the ones from eight-tooth ewes for weight, heart girth and body length at birth and length at weaning. The animals born from single births presented higher average weight from birth to weaning, as well as of all the measurements from birth to 154 days of age than those from twin births. There was no difference between the genetic groups Santa Inês and ½ Santa Inês. The correlations between the weight and measurements were significant, and it was possible to predict the weight from the morphometric measurements through regressions. The type of weight gain with heart girth was isometric, while with length it was positive allometric, and with height it was negative allometric. Thereby, in the absence of a scale it is possible to predict the weight from the morphometric measurements, and the type of birth is the most important factor that affects the development of lambs from birth to weaning.

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram a caracterização e a determinação das estimativas dos parâmetros relativos à cinética de degradação ruminal da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) dos fenos de mata pasto, juazeiro, mororó, aveia e Tifton 85 e silagens de milho, sorgo e palma forrageira. Foram determinados a composição químico-bromatólogica, os coeficientes de degradação e o efeito de repleção ruminal da FDN. As características químico-bromatológicas dos alimentos avaliados apresentaram variações em seus componentes nutricionais. A fração insolúvel potencialmente degradável da FDN, correspondente à fração B2 dos alimentos estudados, apresentou degradação variável. Os fenos de mata pasto, juazeiro e mororó apresentaram menores valores para a fração potencialmente degradável. As silagens de milho e sorgo apresentaram uma pequena variação para a fração potencialmente degradável e para a fração indigestível, assim como, para a taxa de degradação da FDN potencialmente digestível. O maior tempo de retenção total foi observado para mata pasto, juazeiro e mororó, seguidos pelas silagens, sendo constatados para os fenos de aveia e Tifton 85 os menores valores para esta variável. As forrageiras de regiões semiáridas avaliadas (mata pasto, juazeiro e mororó) podem limitar o consumo de matéria seca devido aos menores valores da fração potencialmente degradável e maiores valores da fração indigestível. O efeito de repleção ruminal da FDN é determinado pela integração de várias características da fibra. Dessa maneira, não se pode atribuir a toda e qualquer fonte de fibra as mesmas inferências restritivas à limitação física de consumo.

The objectives of the present work were to characterize and determine the estimates of the parameters relating to the kinetics of ruminal degradation of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in hays from forest pasture, the jujube plant, mororo, oats and Tifton 85, and silages from corn, sorghum and forage cactus. The bromatologic-chemical composition, the degradation coefficients and the effect of ruminal fill of the NDF, were all determined. The bromatologic-chemical characteristics of the feeds under evaluation displayed variations in their nutritional components. The potentially degradable insoluble fraction of the NDF, corresponding to the B2 fraction of the studied feeds, showed variable deterioration. Hays from forest pasture, the jujube plant and mororo showed lower values for the potentially degradable fraction. The silages from corn and sorghum showed a small variation in the potentially degradable fraction and in the indigestible fraction, as well as in the degradation rate of the potentially digestible NDF. The highest total retention time was observed for forest pasture, the jujube plant and mororo followed by the silages, with the lowest values for this variable found in the hays from oats and Tifton 85. Forages, evaluated from semiarid regions (forest pasture, jujube and mororo), may limit dry-matter intake due to lower values of the potentially degradable fraction and higher values of the indigestible fraction. The effect of NDF ruminal fill is determined by the integration of various fiber characteristics. Thus the same restrictive inferences on physical intake cannot be made for any and all sources of fiber.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of feeding energy levels during the last third of gestation and lactation on performance of ewes and lambs up to weaning. The experiment was carried out in the sheep raising sector of Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), from August to December of 2007. Thirty-two adult lambs with 105 days of gestation, average live weight of 57.55 kg and average body condition scores of 3.42 were used in the beginning of the experiment. The animals were confined in collective pens, distributed randomly in three treatments: 2.4; 2.2 and 2.0 Mcal of metabolizable energy (ME)/kg of dry matter (DM). Feed supply was ad libitum during the last third of gestation and lactation. Weaning occurred at 70 days. Body weight, body condition score and milk production of ewes and body weight of the lambs were analyzed. There were no significant differences for body weight and body condition of ewes at lambing; however, the level of 2.4 Mcal enabled better results for those characteristics at weaning and higher gain in weight and body condition scoring during the experiment. Severe energetic restriction (2.0 Mcal ME/kg DM) determined lower average daily milk production. Lambs from levels 2.4 and 2.2 presented similar weights in all measurements and were superior to those in level 2.0. Lambs from level 2.4 presented higher average weight gain from birth to weaning. The energetic restriction upon lambs at the end of gestation and during lactation limits the performance of ewes and lambs up to weaning.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos ambientais (idade da mãe ao parto, tipo de nascimento, sexo do cordeiro e ano de nascimento) e os grupos genéticos sobre o peso e medidas morfométricas de cordeiros, ao nascimento e ao desmame; testar regressões para predizer peso por meio das medidas e descrever o tipo de crescimento das medidas. Os filhos de ovelhas mais jovens (dois dentes) apresentaram médias menores para todas as características, exceto altura ao desmame. As médias de peso ao nascimento variaram de 3,34 ± 0,14kg nos filhos de ovelhas de dois dentes a 3,94 ± 0,09kg nos filhos de ovelhas de oito dentes, e as de peso ao desmame variaram de 12,19 ± 0,72kg nos filhos de ovelhas de dois dentes a 14,79 ± 0,62 nos filhos de ovelhas de seis dentes. Os cordeiros nascidos de partos simples apresentaram maiores médias que os gêmeos. As médias de peso ao nascer foram de 3,24 ± 0,11kg a 4,08 ± 0,06kg e para peso ao desmame foram de 11,18 ± 0,59kg a 15,81 ± 0,35kg, as médias menores foram dos cordeiros gêmeos e as maiores dos cordeiros simples. O grupo genético influenciou o peso, o comprimento e a altura ao nascimento, os Santa Inês puros apresentaram médias maiores que os ½ Santa Inês. O ano de nascimento influenciou todas as características. Todas as correlações entre pesos e medidas foram significativas, e assim foi possível prever o peso em função das medidas.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental effects (age of dam, type of birth, sex of the lamb and year of birth) and genetic groups on the weight and morphometric measurements of lamb at birth and at weaning; test regressions for predicting weight of lambs by the measurements and describe the type of growth of the measures. Lambs of young ewes (2 teeth) had lower average for all characteristics except height at weaning. The average birth weight ranged from 3.34 ± 0.14kg in the offspring of two teeth ewes to 3.94 ± 0.09kg in the lambs of eight teeth ewes, and for weaning weight ranged from 12.19 ± 0.72kg in the offspring of two teeth ewes, and 14.79 ± 0.62 in the lambs of six teeth ewes. The single birth lambs had highter averages than the twins. Means for birth weight ranged from 3.24 ± 0.11kg to 4.08 ± 0.06kg and for weaning weight from 11.18 ± 0.59kg to 15.81 ± 0.35kg, the averages were lower for twins and greater for single lambs. The genetic group affected the weight and the length and height at birth, where purebred Santa Inês lambs presented greater averages than ½ Santa Inês lambs. The year of birth influenced all traits. All correlations between weights and measures were significant. It is possible to predict the weight on the basis of measures.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar as características de carcaça e a qualidade da carne de animais puros das raças Tabapuã, Bonsmara e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore. Foram utilizados cinco bovinos castrados de cada grupo genético, com idade média de 22 meses e peso vivo de 394±21 kg ao início do experimento. A dieta, para todos os animais, continha silagem de cana-de-açúcar e ração comercial na proporção de 55% e 45% (base seca), respectivamente, com 14,99% de proteína bruta (PB) e 59,84% de nutrientes totais digestíveis (NDT). Ao abate, não foram observadas diferenças no peso de carcaça fria nem nos pesos e percentuais dos cortes comerciais (traseiro, costilhar e dianteiro) entre os grupos genéticos. Os animais puros Bonsmara apresentaram maior área de olho-de-lombo, maior percentual de músculo e menor percentual de gordura na carcaça. Nos animais mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore, a espessura de gordura de cobertura (EGC) foi maior que os Bonsmara e Tabapuã, porém todos os grupos genéticos apresentaram EGC acima do mínimo (3 mm) exigido pelos frigoríficos. Não foi observada diferença na composição centesimal da carne entre os grupos genéticos. A carne dos animais Bonsmara e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore e ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore foi mais macia que a dos animais Tabapuã. O perfil de ácidos graxos no músculo longissimus dorsi não diferiu entre os grupos genéticos estudados. A carne dos animais Bonsmara e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore e ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore apresentou melhor qualidade se comparada à dos Tabapuã.

The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass traits and meat quality of Tabapuã and Bonsmara purebred steers, and crossbred ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nellore and ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nellore steers. Five animals were used in each genetic group. The average age and weight at the beginning of the experiment were 22 months and 394±21 kg. All animals received the same diet, which was composed of sugar cane silage and a commercial ration, in a ratio of 55 and 45% (dry matter basis), respectively, with 14.99 crude protein and 59.84% total digestible nutrients. There were no differences between the genetic groups for cold carcass weight or percentages of commercial cuts (forequarter, hindquarter and sidequarter) at slaughter. Bonsmara steers presented the greatest ribeye area and percentage of muscle, and the lowest percentage of fat in the carcass. Crossbred ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nellore animals presented greater back fat thickness (BFT) than Bonsmara and Tabapuã animals; however, all genetic groups presented BFT greater than the minimum (3 mm) required by the meat industry. There was no difference in the meat centesimal composition between genetic groups. Meat from Bonsmara, ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nellore and ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nellore presented greater tenderness than that from Tabapuã steers. The longissimus fat acid profile did not differ between the genetic groups studied. Meat from Bonsmara and crossbred ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nellore and ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nellore animals presented greater quality than that from Tabapuã steers.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho em confinamento de animais puros das raças Tabapuã (T), Bonsmara (B), mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore (B1) e mestiços ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore (B2). Foram utilizados cinco bovinos castrados de cada grupo genético, com idade média de 22 meses e peso vivo de 394 ± 21 kg, ao início do experimento. A dieta para todos os animais continha silagem de cana-de-açúcar e ração comercial na proporção de 55 e 45% (base seca), respectivamente, com 14,99% de PB e 59,84% de NDT. Os animais foram abatidos quando atingiram escore visual de acabamento de 3, numa escala de 1 = magros a 5 = obesos. Houve efeito significativo dos grupos genéticos sobre o consumo de matéria seca, cujas médias foram de 1,9; 2,1; 2,2 e 2,2% do PV, respectivamente, para os animais Tabapuã, Bonsmara, B1 e B2. O ganho médio diário em peso vivo dos animais cruzados B1 (0,925 kg) e B2 (1,122 kg) e puros Bonsmara (1,035 kg) foi superior ao dos animais da raça Tabapuã (0,630 kg), que foram mais tardios para atingir escore corporal de abate. O consumo de nutrientes, como porcentagem do peso vivo ou por unidade de peso metabólico, não diferiu entre grupos genéticos. Carcaças de animais Bonsmara apresentaram melhor escore de conformação, porém as carcaças dos animais da raça Tabapuã tiveram melhores médias para rendimento de carcaça quente (56,2%) e fria (55,2%). Não houve diferença no peso de carcaça fria entre os grupos genéticos. Animais Bonsmara puros, B1 e B2, apresentam melhor desempenho em confinamento em comparação aos Tabapuã.

The objective of this work was to evaluate feedlot performance of Tabapuã (T) and Bonsmara (B) purebreed animals, and ½ Bonsmara + ½ Nelore (B1) and ½ Bonsmara + ¼ Red Angus + ¼ Nelore (B2) crossbred animals. It was used five castrated bovines from each genetic group at average age of 22 months and live weight of 394 ± 21 kg at the beginning of the experiment. The diet for all the animals contained sugar cane silage and commercial ration at the proportion of 55 and 45% (dry matter basis), respectively, with 14.99% CP and 59.84% TDN. Animals were slaughtered when they reached a visual finishing body score of 3, in a scale from 1 = thin to 5 = obese. There was a significant effect of genetic groups on dry matter intake, whose averages were 1.9, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.2% BW for Tabapuã, Bonsmara, B1 and B2 animals, respectively. Average daily gain in live weight of crossbred animals B1 (0.925 kg) and B2 (1.122 kg) and purebred Bonsmara (1.035 kg) were greater than the ones of Tabapuã (0.630 kg), which were the latest to reach body condition score for slaughtering. Nutrient intake, as percentage of the body weight or per unit of metabolic weight, did not differ among genetic groups. Carcasses of Bonsmara animals presented the best conformation score, but carcasses of Tabapuã animals obtained the best means for hot (56.2%) and for cold (55.2%) dressing percentages. There was no difference for cold carcass weight among the genetic groups. Purebred Bonsmara steers, B1 and B2, presented better fedlot performances in comparison to Tabapuã steers.

Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos alimentados com rações contendo farelo de castanha de caju (FCC) nos níveis de 0; 10; 20 e 30% na ração concentrada. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi quadrado latino 4 × 4 duplo. Os consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, matéria mineral, carboidratos não-fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram influenciados pela adição de FCC, contudo o consumo de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido e carboidratos totais apresentaram comportamento quadrático com o aumento no teor de lipídeos da ração. A digestibilidade aparente da MS, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, FDN, fibra em detergente ácido e carboidratos não fibrosos não foi influenciada pela adição de FCC nas rações, contudo as digestibilidades do extrato etéreo e dos carboidratos totais apresentaram comportamentos quadrático e linear, respectivamente. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no tempo despendido com alimentação e ruminação, no entanto, o tempo de mastigação total foi influenciado, apresentando comportamento linear crescente com os níveis de FCC. As eficiências de alimentação e ruminação não foram influenciadas pelo aumento no teor de lipídeos das rações, no que se refere aos consumos de MS e FDN por hora. O tempo de mastigação merícica por bolo ruminal, o número de bolos ruminados e o número de mastigações merícicas por dia não foram influenciados pelas rações experimentais. No manejo alimentar de ovinos, caso haja disponibilidade, recomenda-se como alternativa alimentar a utilização de no máximo 30% de FCC na ração concentrada.

The objective of this work was to evaluate intake, nutrient apparent digestibility and ingestive behavior of sheep fed rations with cashew nut meal (CNM) at the levels of 0; 10; 20 and 30% in the concentrate ration. It was used a double 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design. Intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein, mineral matter, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients were not influenced by the addition of CNM, however, intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber and total carbohydrates presented a quadratic behavior with the increase of content of lipids in the ration. Apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein, NDF, acid detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates was not influenced by the addition of CNM in the rations; however digestibility of ether extract and total carbohydrates presented quadratic and linear behavior, respectively. It was not observed any significant differences in time spent with feeding and rumination, however, total chewing time was influenced, presenting increasing linear behavior with the levels of CNM. Concerning to intakes of dry matter and NDF per hour, feed efficiency and rumination were not affected by increase on lipid content in the rations. Ruminating chews time per rumen bolus, number of ruminated boli and the number of ruminating chews per day were not influenced by experimental rations. In sheep feeding management, it is suggested as a feeding alternative the use of up to 30% of CNM in the concentrate ration if it is available.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho em confinamento e a produção de carcaça e de componentes não carcaça de cordeiros dos grupos genéticos Texel x Hampshire Down (THD), Texel x Ile de France (TIF) e Texel x Suffolk (TS). Foram utilizados 17 cordeiros castrados, sendo seis THD, seis TIF e cinco TS, com idade de 120 dias e peso vivo médio inicial de 31,0±3,2kg. Os cordeiros foram confinados por um período de 51 dias, quando receberam diariamente ração concentrada comercial com 18% PB e 74% NDT, na proporção de 1,5% do peso vivo, mais cana-de-açúcar picada in natura à vontade. Não houve diferenças significativas (P>0,05) para ganho de peso, peso final e escores de condição corporal entre os grupos genéticos; porém, cordeiros TS tiveram maiores (P<0,05) consumos de MS do que cordeiros THD e TIF. As médias para consumo de MS, como percentagem do peso vivo, foram: 3,9; 3,6 e 3,2%, respectivamente, para TS, THD e TIF. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os grupos genéticos para conversão alimentar. Pesos e rendimentos de carcaça quente também foram similares entre os grupos genéticos. Para os componentes não carcaça, houve diferenças (P<0,05) para percentagem de intestino vazio e peso de coração, em que o grupo TS apresentou valores maiores. Conclui-se que, na produção de carne ovina, qualquer um dos grupos genéticos estudados pode ser utilizado, pois todos apresentaram desempenho e produção de componentes do peso vivo semelhantes.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance in feedlot and the production of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs from the genetic groups Texel x Hampshire Down (THD), Texel x Ile de France (TIF) and Texel x Suffolk (TS). Seventeen castrated lambs were used, being six THD, six TIF and five TS. The average age and weight at the beginning of the experiment were, respectively, 120 days and 31.0±3.2kg. Lambs were fed lot for 51 days, where they received a daily commercial concentrate ration (18% CP and 74% TDN), in the proportion of 1.5% of body weight, and had free access to chopped in natura sugar cane. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) for weight gain, final weight and body condition score among the genetic groups. However, TS lambs presented greater (P<0.05) dry matter intake than THD and TIF lambs. Averages for DM intake as percentage of body weight were 3.9, 3.6 and 3.2%, respectively, for TS, THD and TIF. There was no difference (P>0.05) among genetic groups for feed conversion. Weights and dressing percentages of hot carcass were also similar among genetic groups. There were few differences among genetic groups for non-carcass components. TS lambs presented greater (P<0.05) percentages of intestines and weights of heart than the other lambs. It can be concluded that in the lamb production any of the genetic groups studied can be used, for their performance and the production of live weight components were quite similar.