ABSTRACT The combined use of a microbial additive and a chemical additive in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) silages would reduce fermentation losses, favoring aerobic stability by modulating a favorable microbiome to control those losses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the action of Lactobacillus buchneri and sodium benzoate on the fermentative profile, bacterial taxonomic diversity and aerobic stability of sorghum silages at different fermentation times. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, in order to evaluate four additives in sorghum silage (Control treatment, L. buchneri, sodium benzoate and L. buchneri combined with sodium benzoate) and four opening times (30, 60, 90 and 120 d fermentation), in five replicates. Silages inoculated with sodium benzoate showed higher pH values (3.70) at 90 d of fermentation, not differing (P > 0.05) from control (CTR) silage and the other silages. The largest lactic acid bacteria populations were observed at 120 d of fermentation in the silages inoculated with L. buchneri (9.06) followed by the silages inoculated with sodium benzoate and with the combination L. buchneri + sodium benzoate (8.37 and 8.85 log CFU, respectively) at 90 d of fermentation. For gas losses, in which silage treated with sodium benzoate showed lower values, with an average of 0.72% DM. The silages presenting a high DMR standard, ranging from 94.6% to 98.0%, with the exception of the CTR silages. Silages treated with L. buchneri showed higher values (98%) for the occurrence of the genus Lactobacillus in both fermentation times. The combined action of L. buchneri and sodium benzoate kept the Lactobacillus population stable at 30 and 120 d of fermentation. The combination of L. buchneri and sodium benzoate improved the fermentative profile and chemical composition of sorghum silages, reducing losses and increasing aerobic stability after 120 d of fermentation.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la inoculación con L. buchneri liofilizado y/o activado sobre las poblaciones de bacterias de ácido láctico en ensilajes de maíz. Los tratamientos experimentales consistieron en ensilaje de maíz sin aditivo y ensilaje con los inoculantes L. buchneri 1 × 10 5 ufc/g, aplicados según las recomendaciones del fabricante (1 g/tonelada de forraje) en las formas de inoculante liofilizado e inoculante preactivado. Se identificaron aislados purificados de ensilajes de maíz con y sin inocu lación, y el 93% de los aislados correspondieron a bacterias de ácido láctico de la especie L. plantarum. Entre los aislados no se detectaron bacterias de la especie L. buchneri. La aplicación de L. buchneri liofilizado o activado en la masa ensilada promueve un aumento considerable de la población de bacterias de ácido lácticas en los ensilajes de maíz durante todo el período de fermentación.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inoculation with lyophilised and/or activated Lactobacillus buchneri on lactic acid bacteria populations in corn silage. Experimental treatments consisted of corn silage without additives or silage with the inoculants of L. buchneri (1 x 10 5 cfu/g) applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (1 g/tonne fodder) in the forms of the lyophilised inoculant and pre-activated inoculant. Purified isolates from corn silage with and without the inoculant were identified, and 93% of the isolates corresponded to the lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactobacillus plantarum. Among the isolates, no bacteria of the species L. buchneri were detected. The application of lyophilised or activated L. buchneri improved the microbiological profile and reduced ethanol production in corn silage, even without being identified among the isolates captured 70 days after ensilage.

Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar la calidad del henolaje del pasto Tanzania (Panicum maximum) con diferentes contenidos de materia seca y un almacenamiento de 90 días, a través de la composición química, cuantificación de gases, ácidos grasos volátiles, perfil microbiológico, estabilidad aeróbica, pH y nitrógeno amoniacal. El diseño experimental utilizado fue completamente al azar con cuatro tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. Los tratamientos consistían de cuatro contenidos de materia seca (MS) de la planta en el momento de la producción del henolaje del pasto Tanzania siendo: en materia fresca (sin deshidratación), 400, 500 y 600 g kg-1 de MS (deshidratados en pleno sol). El tratamiento con 600 g kg-1 de MS de la planta proporcionó la mayor estimación (p < 0,01) de MS en el henolaje con 581,6 ± 15,4 g/kg, y el mayor (p < 0,01) contenido de carbohidratos solubles con 45,4 ± 1,24 g/kg MS. Después de 90 días de almace namiento, el tratamiento en materia fresca presentó mayores (p < 0,01) cantidades de O2 en el interior de los fardos. En relación al CO2 los mayores índices fueron observados para los tratamientos con 500 y 600 g kg-1 de MS. También se observó el mayor (p < 0,01) contenido de ácido acético en los tratamientos materia fresca y con 500 y 600 g kg-1 de MS de la planta, con 36,4 ± 1,6, 38,2 ± 1,6 y 48,9 ± 1,6 g kg-1 de MS, respectivamente. Para el ácido butírico se obtuvo la mejor (p < 0,01) valoración de 27,0 ± 0,5 g kg-1 de MS en el tratamiento en materia fresca. El tratamiento con 600 g kg-1 de MS mostró mayor (p < 0,01) valor de pH en la hora cero con 6,36 ± 0,03. El tratamiento en materia fresca presentó mayor valor de N-NH3 en la hora cero de exposición al aire con 4,65 ± 0,12. El pasto Tanzania con 500 y 600 g kg-1 de MS, presenta el henolaje de mejor calidad.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2 concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of milk and cheese and sensory analysis of cheese from goats that received a diet with different levels of sorghum silage in the diet. Twenty Anglonubian dairy goats were used, with an average age of 2 years, average live weight of 43.7 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design, with five replications. Moisture (P=0.001), total solids (P=0.001), fat (p=0.001), TDE (P=0.006) and protein (P=0.003) of goat cheese showed a significant difference due to the inclusion of silage from goat cheese. sorghum in the diet. The sensory attributes soft appearance (P<.0001), look (P<.0001), salty taste (P<.0001) and smooth texture (P=0.0430) showed a significant difference depending on the level of sorghum silage added to the diet. of goats. In the PC analysis, it is observed that three main components were needed to represent the variation of 64.84% of the data. PC 1 determined 29% of the data variation and was represented by the attributes with the highest averages: attractive aroma (5.87) and global acceptability (7.74). The inclusion of up to 45% of sorghum silage in the diet of goats increased milk and cheese fat, which favored high scores for the attributes of softness and global acceptance. Abstract used years 437 43 7 43. kg design replications P=0.001, P0001 P P=0.001 , 0 001 (P=0.001) p=0.001, p0001 p p=0.001 (p=0.001) P=0.006 P0006 006 (P=0.006 P=0.003 P0003 003 (P=0.003 P<.0001, P<.0001 0001 (P<.0001 P=0.0430 P00430 0430 (P=0.0430 6484 64 84 64.84 29 averages 5.87 587 5 87 (5.87 7.74. 774 7.74 . 74 (7.74) 45 acceptance 4 P000 P=0.00 00 (P=0.001 p000 p=0.00 (p=0.001 (P=0.00 P<.000 000 (P<.000 P=0.043 P0043 043 (P=0.043 648 6 8 64.8 5.8 58 (5.8 77 7.7 (7.74 P00 P=0.0 p00 p=0.0 (p=0.00 (P=0.0 P<.00 (P<.00 P=0.04 P004 04 (P=0.04 64. 5. (5. 7. (7.7 P0 P=0. p0 p=0. (p=0.0 (P=0. P<.0 (P<.0 (5 (7. P=0 p=0 (p=0. (P=0 P<. (P<. ( (7 P= p= (p=0 (P= P< (P< (p= (P (p

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la ingesta, digestibilidad aparente, balance hídrico, balance de nitrógeno y rendimiento productivo en corderos alimentados con ensilaje de nopal asociado con forrajes tropicales. En el experimento se utilizaron 40 corderos machos cruzados intactos, con un peso corporal inicial de 18.85 ± 1.2 kg. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar, con 5 tratamientos y 8 repeticiones. Los tratamientos consistieron en dietas con diferentes proporciones de pasto buffel y salvado de trigo como fuentes de fibra detergente neutro (FDN), en ensilaje de alimento total (EAT) a base de nopal: EAT1 - 279 g/kg de pasto buffel; EAT2 - 240 g/kg de pasto buffel y 17 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT3 - 198 g/kg de pasto buffel y 34 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT4 - 108 g/kg de pasto buffel y 74 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT5 - 118 g/kg de salvado de trigo. La ingesta más baja de FDN se encontró en corderos que consumieron EAT5 (402 g/día). La digestibilidad aparente de los carbohidratos no fibrosos fue mayor para EAT5, mientras que la digestibilidad aparente de FDN de EAT5 y EAT4 fue mayor que la de EAT1. Las dietas promovieron una ganancia diaria de peso promedio de 180.8 g/día. En condiciones experimentales, el uso de nopal forrajero y concentrado en forma de raciones mixtas totales de ensilaje conduce a una mayor ingesta de proteína cruda, carbohidratos no fibrosos, extracto etéreo y mayor digestibilidad de carbohidratos no fibrosos y fibra detergente neutro, sin embargo, todas las dietas fueron viables en la alimentación de ovinos confinados, proporcionando ganancias de hasta 198 g/d según la formulación de la dieta.

Abstract This study aimed was to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, water balance, nitrogen balance, and productive performance in lamb fed cactus pear silage associated with tropical forages. Forty male intact crossbred lambs, with an initial body weight of 18.85 ± 1.2 kg, were used in the experiment. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 5 treatments and 8 replications. The treatments consisted of diets with different proportions of buffelgrass and wheat bran as sources of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in total feed silage (TFS) based on cactus pear: TFS1 - 279 g/kg of buffelgrass; TFS2 - 240 g/kg of buffelgrass and 17 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS3 - 198 g/kg of buffelgrass and 34 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS4 - 108 g/kg of buffelgrass and 74 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS5 - 118 g/kg of wheat bran. The lowest NDF intake was found in lambs that consumed TFS5 (402 g/d). The non-fibrous carbohydrates apparent digestibility was higher for TFS5, while the NDF apparent digestibility of TFS5 and TFS4 was higher than TFS1. Diets promoted an average daily weight gain of 180.8 g/d. Under experimental conditions, the use of forage cactus pear and concentrate in the form of total mixed rations silage leads to greater intake of crude protein, non-fibrous carbohydrates, ether extract and greater digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates and neutral detergent fiber, however, all diets were viable in the feed of confined sheep, providing gains of up to 198 g/d according with the formulation of the diet.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage yield and morphological responses of 34 cactus pear (Nopalea cochenillifera and Opuntia ficus indica) genotypes. The genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design, with 34 treatments and three replicates. After 330 days of cultivation, morphological characteristics, plant mortality and pest and disease occurrence on the plants were assessed, and plant cutting was performed. Multivariate analyses were performed to assign the 34 cactus genotypes to homogenous groups. The average Euclidian distance was adopted as a dissimilarity measurement for use with the standardized data Variables with relatively high levels of independence among the agronomic categories and with biological importance to animal nutrition and forage yield were assessed. To identify associative effects, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed among all the studied variables. The formation of five distinct groups was observed, and some morphological responses correlated with the productivity characteristics. Green mass production was positively correlated with dry mass production, water accumulation, water-use efficiency, water accumulation and cladode number per plant. The following genotypes had remarkably high yields of dry and green mass, a greater ability to accumulate water and relatively high water-use efficiency and support capacity: Negro Michoacan (V07), Tamazunchale (V12), California (V14), Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (V17), and Amarillo 2289 (T32).

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of sorghum silage, Buffel grass hay and forage palm fodder in the diet of dairy goats by means of performance tests and economic viability of different roughage sources. Eight Anglo-Nubian goats, multiparous, weighing around 40.13 ± 2.76 kg of live weight were used. The experiment lasted 84 days, consisting of four periods of 21 days, distributed in two Latin squares (4x4). The treatments represented by diets with different volumetric sources: SSCF: (sorghum silage+ forage palm+ concentrate); BHCF: (Buffel grass hay + cactus forage+ concentrate); SS: (sorghum silage+ concentrate) and BH: (Buffel grass hay + concentrate). Nutritional intake, digestibility, feed behavior, milk production and chemical composition and economic analysis were evaluated. Animals fed the BHCF diet had higher nutrient intakes and consequently were more productive in fat, protein, lactose, fat free solids and total solids. The BHCF diet led to a higher gross income in Brazilian currency. The safety margin of the SSCF diet presented the highest percentage, with 43.06%, and the BHCF diet, the lowest percentage, of 14.89. The association of forage palm with sorghum silage and Buffel grass hay can be used as a bulky source in lactating goat diets.

RESUMO Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o desempenho de novilhas leiteiras em recria sob duas estratégias de suplementação mineral. Foram utilizadas 16 novilhas Holandês x Zebu com peso vivo médio inicial de 135,25 kg, divididas em 2 tratamentos (sal proteinado e sal mineralizado) e manejadas em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, em sistema rotacionado. Ao final de cada ciclo de 28 dias, os animais foram pesados e o peso utilizado para cálculos de GMD e taxa de lotação. A altura do pasto e a massa de forragem foram mensuradas antes da entrada e após a saída dos animais, onde foram retiradas amostras para análises bromatológicas e estimativas de consumo. Os suplementos foram fornecidos ad libidum. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos, estações e interação tratamento vs estação para o GMD que foram 301,12 e 357,13 g dia-1. Observou-se efeito significativo (P<0,05) entre as estações (Primavera/Verão). O consumo médio de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro foram respectivamente, 3,94 e 2,87 kg; 2,53 e 1,69%; 89,26 e 59,56 g kg0,75; 429,89 e 238,42 g dia-1; 9,74 e 6,17g kg0,75; 118,79 e 84,07 g dia-1; 2,98 e 2,05 kg dia-1; 1,86 e 1,17%, para as estações avaliadas. O consumo de proteinado foi superior (P<0,05), observando-se 36,50 e 65,50 g 100 kg-1PV. A digestibilidade da MS foi significativa (P<0,05) para interação, tratamento vs estação, cujo valores foram respectivamente 49,76 e 46,80 para os tratamentos. Os efeitos dos suplementos utilizados foram equivalentes.

ABSTRACT Here in this study we assessed dairy heifers kept in tropical grasslands during spring and summer seasons to observe the effects of two supplementation strategies upon their performance. Sixteen dairy heifers (Holstein 5/8 x Gyr 3/4) with 135.25 kg of body mass were randomly assigned in two supplementation treatments (e.g., mineral salt and protein salt supplement) during spring and summer seasons, divided into two groups of eight animals that represented 4.29 animal unit ha. Initial and final fasted weights (i.e., feed and water withheld for 16h) were obtained before to start and at the end of each grazing cycle (28 days), and then the weight gain (kg animal-1) per grazing cycle was calculated by the difference between final and initial weights. There was no significant effect (P <0.05) on the intake of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and dry matter digestibility, between treatments (P <0.05). However, there was a significant effect (P <0.05) between seasons; e.g., respective means of dry matter intake (kg day-1,% BW g / kg 0.75), intake of crude protein (g day-1 g / kg 0.75), ether extract (g day-1), neutral detergent fiber (g day-1 and% BW) were 3.95 and 2.88 kg, 2.54 and 1.65%, 89.27 and 59.56 g kg0.75, 429.89 and 298.43 g day-1, 9.72 and 6.18 g kg0.75, 118.79 and 84.07 g day-1, 2.90 and 2.05 kg day-1, 1.86 and 1.18%, for Spring and Summer seasons. Moreover, the dry matter intake (% BW and g kg 0.75 of DM) were higher (P < 0.05) during the spring season (e.g., 2.53 vs 1.64 % BW; and 89.26 vs 59.56 g kg0.75 DM).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking and nitrogen fertilization during the seasons. A randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with three replications was used. The main plots were the applications of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg per ha of N in the form of urea, and the subplots were seasons of the year: late summer/fall, winter, spring and summer. No interaction was detected between nitrogen fertilization and season for leaf appearance rate, leaf lifespan, number of live leaves and final length leaves. However, an interaction (P<0.05) of nitrogen fertilization and season influenced leaf elongation rate, phyllochron, leaf senescence rate and stem elongation rate. The leaf elongation rate and leaf appearance rate were linearly affected (P<0.05) by nitrogen fertilization. The seasons affected (P<0.05) the leaf lifespan and number of life leaves. The leaf lifespan decreased by 0.06 days for each kg of N applied. On the other hand, the number of live leaves increased by 0.0026 leaves/tiller for each kg of N. Fertilization with nitrogen positively affects morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Piatã grass under rotational stocking. This effect can be optimized during rainy periods in spring and late summer/autumn.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las características morfogenéticas y estructurales del pasto Piatã bajo pastoreo rotacional y fertilización nitrogenada durante las diferentes estaciones del año. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques completos al azar con un arreglo de parcelas divididas con tres repeticiones. Las parcelas principales fueron las aplicaciones de 0, 150, 300 y 450 kg/ha de N en forma de urea, y las subparcelas fueron las estaciones del año: finales de verano/otoño, invierno, primavera y verano. No se detectó interacción entre la fertilización nitrogenada y la estación para la tasa de aparición de hojas, la esperanza de vida de la hoja, el número de hojas vivas y longitud final de las hojas. Sin embargo, una interacción (P<0,05) de la fertilización nitrogenada y la temporada influyeron en la tasa de elongación de la hoja, filocrono, tasa de senescencia foliar y tasa de elongación del tallo. La tasa de elongación de la hoja y la tasa de aparición de la hoja se vieron afectadas linealmente (P<0,05) por la fertilización nitrogenada. Se observó un efecto (P<0,05) de las estaciones sobre la vida media foliar y el número de hojas vivas. La vida útil de la hoja disminuyó en 0,06 días por cada kg de N aplicado. Por otro lado, el número de hojas vivas aumentó en 0,0026 hoja/macollo por cada kg de N. La fertilización con nitrógeno influye positivamente en las características morfogenéticas y estructurales del pasto Piatã bajo pastoreo rotativo. Este efecto se puede optimizar durante los períodos de lluvia, en la primavera y al final del verano/otoño.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of multinutritional blocks (BMs) associated with the concentrate content in the diet of lactating goats and their effects on milk production and economic viability. Eight goats Parda Alpina, multiparas were distributed in two Latin squares (4x4). The experiment consisted of four treatments (0.971, 0.746, 0.521 and 0.296 kg concentrate day-1 per goat) and BMs ad libitum. It was evaluated the consumption, milk monitoring and the system was analyzed economically. If there was a significant effect of the concentrate, the control treatment was compared to the others using the Dunnett test and 5% regression analysis. When the concentrate contents were high in the diets, the total dry matter intake decreased linearly. However, there was an inverse behavior for the consumption of BMs. Milk production (PL kg day-1) was linear and positively related to the increase of concentrate levels in the diets. The PL was lower for the decreasing levels of concentrate when compared to the control diet. The economic parameters indicate that the use of low concentrate levels associated with BMs is the best feeding strategy for lactating goats. The multinutritional blocks can be used to feed lactating goats to partially replace the concentrate.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar agronomicamente 14 genótipos de sorgo no semiárido brasileiro. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com os tratamentos representados pelos genótipos de sorgo e três repetições. Foram avaliadas matéria seca (MS), altura da planta (AP), número de folhas vivas, produção de matéria verde (PMV), produção de matéria seca (PMS), lamina foliar (LF), colmo, panícula (PAN), material morto (MM), acúmulo de água (ACA), eficiência do uso da chuva (EUC) e capacidade de suporte (CS). Houve efeito entre todas as variáveis. O genótipo com maior percentual de MS foi BRS 655 (26,42%). Houve efeito para PMV, os genótipos com maior produção foram BRS 655, BRS 506, B1141340, 13F04(1141572) e PONTA NEGRA, com valores de 48.517, 48.500, 44.879, 44.788, 43.549 kg/ha. Os genótipos que apresentaram maior PMS foram BRS 655, B1141340, 13F04(1141572), BRS 506 e PONTA NEGRA, com valores de 12.426, 10.344, 9.778, 9.756 e 9.176 kg/ha, respectivamente e também apresentaram maiores valores para EUC, ACA e CS. Houve correlação positiva significativa entre variáveis produtivas (PMV com PMS, AP, EUC e ACA) e correlação negativa não significativa (PMV com LF e PAN) com variáveis morfométricas. Houve formação hierárquica de quatro grupos, sendo os grupos I e III compostos pelos genótipos mais produtivos. O genótipo BRS 655 pode ser recomendado para o cultivo, pois possui características agronômicas desejáveis.

SUMMARY This study agronomically evaluated 14 sorghum genotypes in the Brazilian semi-arid region. A randomized complete block design, with the treatments represented by sorghum genotypes and three replicates, was used. The dry matter (DM), plant height (PH), number of live leaves, fresh matter production (FMP), dry matter production (DMP), leaf blade (LB), stem, panicle (PAN), dead material, water accumulation (WA), efficiency of rainwater use (ERU) and carrying capacity (SC) were measured. There was an effect of genotype among all the variables. The genotype with the highest percentage of DM was BRS 655 (26.42%). The genotypes BRS 655, BRS 506, B1141340, 13F04 (1141572) and PONTA NEGRA produced the most FMP, with values of 48,517, 48,500, 44,879, 44,788 and 43,549 kg/ha, respectively. Not only did the genotypes BRS 655, B1141340, 13F04 (1141572), BRS 506 and PONTA NEGRA present the highest DMP, with values of 12,426, 10,344, 9,778, 9,756 and 9,176 kg/ha, respectively, but also the highest values for ERU, WA and SC. There was a significant positive correlation between productive variables (FMP with DMP, PH, ERU and WA) and a nonsignificant negative correlation between morphometric variables (FMP with LB and PAN). A hierarchical formation of four groups was observed, with groups I and III composed of the most productive genotypes. BRS 655 can be recommended for cultivation since this genotype has desirable agronomic characteristics.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting soybean meal for urea in diets based on deferred buffelgrass on the performance of feedlot sheep. Thirty mixed-breed sheep with an average initial body weight of 17±1.5 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design in which the experimental treatments consisted of five diets with six replicates. Diets were composed of deferred buffelgrass plus concentrates and calculated to be isoproteic. Treatments were represented by the substitution of soybean meal for the urea levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). Nutrient intake did not differ among animals fed diets with urea levels. Hot and cold carcass weights, hot and cold carcass dressing percentages, initial and final pH, and weight of commercial cuts did not differ among animal fed diets with urea levels. There was no difference for non-carcass components among animals, except for the empty carcass, gall bladder, and perirenal fat weights, which were influenced by dietary urea levels. Substituting the crude protein from soybean meal for the protein from urea provides a similar performance in sheep consuming deferred buffelgrass.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o efeito dos níveis de mucilagem de palma forrageira sobre a fermentação ruminal in vitro de celulose, amido e proteína. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, disposto em um esquema fatorial 5 × 3, com 5 níveis de mucilagem de palma forrageira (0, 5, 10, 20 e 40%) e três substratos (carboxymetilcelulose, amido e trypticase). Os tratamentos foram avaliados em ambiente ruminal simulado por incubação in vitro em diferentes tempos de incubação: 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas. O procedimento de incubação foi repetido três vezes, perfazendo-se o total de três avaliações por tempo de incubação para cada tratamento. Houve interação (P<0,05) entre os níveis de mucilagem e substratos para todos os parâmetros ruminais avaliados, com exceção da concentração de proteína microbiana após 48 horas de fermentação e para as proporções de acetato e butirato às 0 hora de fermentação. Houve aumento quadrático (P<0,05) para a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal após 48 horas de incubação nos meios, contendo carboxymetilcelulose e trypticase. Os valores de pH reduziram de forma quadrática (P<0,05) em função dos níveis de mucilagem nos meios contendo carboxymetilcelulose e trypticase. De maneira geral, não foram observadas alterações expressivas entre as proporções molares individuais de acetato, propionato e butirato com a adição dos níveis de mucilagem de palma forrageira aos diferentes substratos. A inclusão de níveis de mucilagem de palma forrageira afeta o padrão de fermentação do amido, celulose e proteína realizada por microrganismos ruminais.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the levels of spineless-cactus mucilage on the in vitro rumen fermentation of cellulose, starch, and protein. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted with a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement consisting of five levels of spineless-cactus mucilage (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40%) and three substrates (carboxymethylcellulose, starch, and trypticase). Treatments were evaluated in a ruminal environment simulated by in vitro incubation at different times of assessment: 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. The incubation procedure was repeated three times, totaling three evaluations per incubation time for each treatment. There was an interaction (P<0.05) between the mucilage levels and substrate for all evaluated ruminal parameters, except for the concentration of microbial protein after 48 h of fermentation and for the proportions of acetate and butyrate fermentation at time 0 h. There was a quadratic increase (P<0.05) in the concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen after 48 h of incubation in the media containing carboxymethylcellulose and trypticase. pH values decreased quadratically (P<0.05) as a function of the mucilage levels in the media containing carboxymethylcellulose and trypticase. Overall, no expressive alterations were observed between the individual molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate with the addition of spineless-cactus mucilage levels to the different substrates. Spineless- cactus mucilage affects the pattern of fermentation of starch, cellulase, and protein performed by rumen microorganisms.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a amonização com ureia em silagens de milheto com diferentes densidades de compactação, quanto aos seus efeitos sobre a composição químico-bromatológica, as perdas no processo de ensilagem, o perfil fermentativo, a contagem de populações microbianas e a estabilidade aeróbia. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2×4, com duas densidades de compactação (600 e 800 kg m-3) e quatro níveis de ureia (0, 2, 4 e 6% com base na matéria seca), com cinco repetições. Na avaliação da estabilidade aeróbia, utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2×4, com dois tempos (0 e 72 horas) e quatro níveis de ureia (0, 2, 4 e 6%, com base na matéria seca), com cinco repetições. Os níveis de ureia interagiram significativamente com a densidade, quanto aos teores de matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro e q uanto à recuperação de matéria seca; e com o tempo de exposição, quanto aos teores de fibra em detergente ácido e de lignina. Não se observaram mofos e leveduras nas silagens amonizadas. A densidade de compactação de 800 kg m-3 reduziu as perdas no processo de ensilagem do milheto e proporcionou silagem de maior valor nutritivo do que a compactação a 600 kg m-3. O uso de ureia não reduz as perdas e não melhora a estabilidade aeróbia das silagens; no entanto, controla o crescimento de mofos após a exposição da silagem ao ar.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of urea ammoniation of pearl millet silage, at different compaction densities, on chemical composition, losses in the ensilage process, fermentation profile, microbial population count, and aerobic stability. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement, with two compaction densities (600 and 800 kg m-3) and four urea levels (0, 2, 4, and 6% on a dry matter basis), with five replicates. For the aerobic stability assay, the experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement, with two times (0 and 72 hours) and four urea levels (0, 2, 4, and 6%, on dry matter basis), with five replicates. The urea levels interacted significantly with density as to the contents of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent insoluble protein, and as to dry matter recovery; and with exposure hours as to the contents of acid detergent fiber and lignin. Molds and yeasts were not observed in the ammoniated silages. The 800 kg m-3 density reduced losses in the fermentation process of pearl millet silage, and promoted better nutritive value than the compaction at 600 kg m-3. The use of urea does not reduce losses and does not improve the aerobic stability of silages; however, it controls mold growth after silage exposure to air.

RESUMO O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar a utilização de silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo através do consumo, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e desempenho de ovinos. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental de Pendência, da Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba S.A. Para o experimento, foram utilizados trinta e cinco carneiros, sem raça definida, com peso vivo médio de 17,7 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e sete repetições para determinar o consumo e desempenho; e 25 carneiros não castrados, sem raça definida, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições, para determinar a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O consumo médio diário de matéria seca foi, em média, 994,66 g. Somente os consumos médios de extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro e carboidratos não-fibrosos, foram afetados pelas dietas. O ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar e eficiência alimentar dos animais que receberam as dietas não foram afetados pelos diferentes cultivares utilizados. Silagens de sorgo BRS 655, 610, 800, 810 e Ponta Negra promoveram consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes semelhantes. A utilização de silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo (BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) em dietas para ovinos em confinamento promove desempenho e consumo similar.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of silages of different sorghum cultivars through digestibility and nutrient intake and performance of sheep. The experiment was conducted at the Pendência Experimental Station, of the State Company for Agricultural Research of Paraíba S.A. For the experiment, thirty-five rams were used, without defined breed, with average live weight of 17.7 kg, distributed in a completely randomized block design, with five diets and seven replicates to determine intake and performance; and 25 non-castrated rams, without defined breed, distributed in a completely randomized design with five diets and five replicates, to determine the digestibility of nutrients. The average daily intake of dry matter was, on average, 994.66 g. Only the average intakes of ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates, were affected by the diets. The weight gain (WG), feed conversion and feed efficiency of the animals receiving the diets suffered no effect. Silages of BRS 655, 610, 800, 810 and Ponta Negra provided similar intake and digestibility of nutrients. The use of silages of different sorghum cultivars (BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 and Ponta Negra) in diets for confined sheep provide similar performance and intakes.