ABSTRACT The objective with this study was to evaluate the effect of including dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) as a replacement for soybean meal on feed intake, digestibility, and total digestible nutrients (TDN), as well as plasmatic glucose and serum urea concentrations. Fifteen Saanen goats were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and five replicates. Treatments were soybean meal (SBM), SBM+DDGS (12.28% of dry matter [DM]), and DDGS (23.16% of DM), as protein source in diets, common to all corn ground and mineral-vitamin supplement, and corn silage (60% of DM). Response variables were evaluated every 30 d, from 1 to 120 d after parturition. Measurements included body weight, DM intake, DM and nutrient digestibility, and blood samples. Indigestible neutral detergent fiber was used to estimate fecal excretion. There was a difference in neutral detergent fiber intake from 1 to 30 d after parturition. In the four phases of lactation evaluated, there were treatment effects on DM, organic matter, ether extract, and total carbohydrate digestibility, as well as on TDN concentration. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was affected by treatments, except from d 61 to 90. There was no treatment effect on non-fibrous carbohydrate digestibility, regardless of period. Therefore, SBM+DDGS (12.28% of DM), as protein source on diets may be used in Saanen goat diets from 1 to 120 d of lactation without negative effects on feed intake, digestibility, and plasma glucose and urea concentrations.

Resumen Antecedentes: La demanda por alimentos naturalmente enriquecidos se ha venido incrementado en todo el mundo. A través de la nutrición animal es posible incorporar moléculas nutracéuticas en la leche. El uso de estas moléculas pretende mejorar la salud humana. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la peletización y la monensina sobre la ingesta, digestibilidad de la materia seca (DM) y nutrientes, producción de leche, composición y perfil de ácidos grasos (FA) en leche de vacas en pastoreo que consumen alimento concentrado formulado con linaza molida (GF). Métodos: Cuatro vacas Holstein fueron distribuidas en los siguientes tratamientos: 1) ración conteniendo GF; 2) GF + 32,93 mg/Kg de monensina (GFM); 3) GF en pellets (GFP); 4) GF en pellets + 32,93 mg/Kg de monensina (FMP). Resultados: Los tratamientos no mostraron efectos en el consumo y digestibilidad de la DM y nutrientes, excepto por el consumo de extracto etéreo, con una reducción del 28% en las raciones peletizadas. La monensina incrementó la concentración de ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) en 47%. La peletización aumentó el contenido de CLA (70%), FA poliinsaturados (PUFA; 25%) y FA monoinsaturados (16%); y redujo las concentraciones de C18 en 19%, y FA saturados total en 14%. Conclusión: El peletizado y la monensina no alteran la ingesta de alimento ni la digestibilidad de la DM y nutrientes. El proceso de peletizado aplicado a concentrados que contienen linaza mejora la calidad de los ácidos grasos de la leche.

Abstract Background: Demand for naturally enriched foods is increasing worldwide. Animal nutrition allows incorporating nutraceutical molecules into milk. These molecules are intended for improving human health. Objective: To evaluate the effects of pelleting and monensin addition to the diet on intake, digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients, milk yield and composition, and fatty acids (FA) profile in cows kept on pasture and supplemented with concentrate containing ground flaxseed (GF). Methods: Four Holstein cows were assigned to the following treatments: 1) concentrate with GF; 2) GF + 32.93 mg/Kg monensin (GFM); 3) GF pelleted (GFP); 4) GF pelleted + 32.93 mg/Kg monensin (FMP). Results: Treatments did not show effects on digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients or feed intake, with the exception of ether extract intake, which was reduced by 28% with pelleting. Addition of monensin increased the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration by 47%. Pelleting increased the concentrations of CLA (70%), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA; 25%), and monounsaturated FA (MUFA; 16%), and reduced the concentrations of steric acid (C18) in 19% and total saturated FA (SFA; 14%). Conclusion: Pelleting and monensin does not alter feed intake and digestibility of DM and nutrients. Pelleting of concentrate feed containing flaxseed improves milk FA quality.

Resumo Antecedentes: A procura por alimentos naturalmente enriquecidos tem aumentado por parte dos consumidores. Através da nutrição animal é possível incorporar ao leite moléculas nutracêuticas, essas moléculas são conhecidas por melhorarem a saúde humana. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da peletização e monensina sobre o consumo, digestibilidade da matéria seca (DM) e nutrientes, produção de leite, composição e perfil de ácidos graxos (FA) no leite de vacas em pastejo e suplementadas com concentrado contendo linhaça moída (GF). Métodos: Quatro vacas Holandesas foram distribuídas nos tratamentos: 1) concentrado contendo GF; 2) GF + 32,93 mg/Kg de monensina (GFM); 3) GF peletizado (GFP); 4) GF peletizado + 32,93 mg/Kg de monensina (FMP). Resultados: Os tratamentos não apresentaram efeitos sobre consumo e digestibilidade da DM e dos nutrientes, exceto para o consumo de extrato etéreo, com redução de 28% com a peletização do concentrado. A adição de monensina aumentou a concentração de ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) em 47%. A peletização aumentou os teores de CLA (70%), FA poli-insaturados (25%) e FA monoinsaturados (16%); e reduziu as concentrações de C18 em 19% e AG saturados totais em 14%. Conclusão: Peletização e monensina não alteram o consumo e digestibilidade da DM e dos nutrientes. O processo de peletização aplicado em concentrados contendo linhaça melhora a qualidade dos FA do leite.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soybean hulls (SBH) as a ground corn replacement (0, 50, and 100% SBH) on the parameters of the lactation curve and on lactation curves and milk composition. Fourteen multiparous Saanen goats were used during their lactation period, from kidding until the drying of their milk on the 228th day of lactation, and were distributed in a completely randomised design. The data was analysed using Bayesian methodology to minimise the effect of the low number of animals and to allow for comparison of the curve parameters estimated by Wood's nonlinear model. The SBH had no effect on the initial milk yield; nevertheless, the SBH reduced the rate of yield until lactation peak and accelerated the declining rate of yield after lactation. The treatments did not affect dry matter intake. The inclusion of SBH increased the fat content in the milk, which was also influenced by the lactation stage of the goats. Effects were observed on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA/total AG ratio, and the n-6:n-3 ratio of goat milk fat. The lactation stage changed the content of saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and C18:2 (conjugated linoleic acid). The SBH can therefore be used as a ground corn replacement in the diets of lactating goats, as changes in the lactation curve parameters did not result in changes in total yields. Nevertheless, if the milk fat increases, then as quality rises, so could payment by quality, and thus an increase in profit margins per liter of milk sold.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine effects of the addition of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) to the concentrate on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients and the grazing behavior of lactating Saanen goats. Five multiparous goats in their third lactation and four primiparous goats were used. The animals were distributed into two Latin square designs, which, for the multiparous goats was 5 × 5, with five treatments (0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%, and 6.0% CSFA); and for the primiparous goats was 4 × 4, with four treatments (0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% CSFA). The addition of CSFA to the concentrate of lactating Saanen goats did not influence the time spent grazing, ruminating, or lying for multiparous goats. However, for primiparous goats, for the time spent grazing, there was a negative quadratic effect with the addition of CSFA to the concentrate. The treatments did not affect the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, or total digestible nutrients for multiparous goats. No effects were observed on nutrient digestibility, except for crude protein and the ether extract, which increased the energy values of the diets with 3.5% CSFA. For primiparous goats, no effects were observed on intake or digestibility. Addition of CSFA can be used as an alternative to feed primiparous goats in grassland when the grazing time is a factor limiting intake. Addition of up to 3.5% of CSFA increases the energy value of diets for multiparous goats. These results suggest that calcium salts of fatty acids is an alternative energy supplement to feed lactating goats.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos de cadeia longa (SCAG) na ingestão e na digestibilidade de rações foram utilizadas 25 cabritas, alojadas em gaiolas individuais e em câmara climática a uma temperatura constante de 32ºC. As cabritas foram distribuídas em delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos: controle (sem inclusão de SCAG) e com 6,25; 12,50; 18,75 e 25,00 g de SCAG kg-1 de MS. A inclusão de SCAG nas rações não influenciou as ingestões de água (3,08 L dia-1), matéria seca (0,66 kg dia-1), matéria orgânica (0,62 kg dia-1), proteína bruta (0,12 kg dia-1), fibra em detergente neutro (0,27 kg dia-1) e carboidratos totais (0,47 kg dia-1). Os resultados das digestibilidade da matéria seca (0,66 kg kg-1), matéria orgânica (0,67 kg kg-1), proteína bruta (0,78 kg kg-1), fibra em detergente neutro (0,47 kg kg-1) e carboidratos totais (0,63 kg kg-1) não foram alterados. Houve efeito linear positivo na ingestão e digestibilidade de extrato etéreo. Portanto, a adição de sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos de cadeia longa em rações de cabritas sob estresse térmico de 32ºC não influencia a ingestão e digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, com exceção do extrato etéreo que é intrínseco ao produto adicionado nas rações.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids (CSFA) on the intake and digestibility of diets. Twenty-five female goat kids housed in digestibility cages and subjected to heat stress of 32°C in a climatic chamber, were used. The female kids were distributed in a randomized block design with five treatments: control (without inclusion of CSFA) and 6.25; 12.50; 18.75 and 25.00 g CSFA kg-1 of DM. The inclusion of CSFA in rations did not influence water intake (3.08 L day-1), dry matter (0.66 kg day-1), organic matter (0.62 kg day-1), crude protein (0.12 kg day-1), neutral detergent fiber (0.27 kg day-1) and total carbohydrate (0.47 kg day-1). The results of the digestibility of dry matter (0.66 kg kg-1), organic matter (0.67 kg kg-1), crude protein (0.78 kg kg-1), neutral detergent fiber (0.47 kg kg-1) and total carbohydrate (0.63 kg kg-1) were not affected by the treatments. However, there was a positive linear effect on the intake and digestibility of ether extract. Therefore, the addition of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids in the diets for female kids under heat stress of 32°C does not influence the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, except for ether extract, which is intrinsic to the product added to the rations.

RESUMO: O objetivo foi avaliar a substituição do farelo de soja por levedura seca inativa (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) de cana-de-açúcar sobre o valor nutritivo de dietas para cabras Saanen no periparto. Vinte e quatro cabras Saanen (nove primíparas, 55,35 ± 4,55 kg e quinze multíparas, 73,12 ± 8,51 kg) durante os períodos pré-parto e pós-parto, foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 3 × 2 (dieta × ordem de parto). As dietas foram compostas por farelo de soja, farelo de soja e levedura seca ou levedura seca como fonte de proteína e os demais ingredientes: milho moído, suplemento mineral e calcário. A fonte de volumoso utilizada foi a silagem de milho de planta inteira (40% da ração total). As dietas foram avaliadas quanto a ingestão de matéria seca e digestibilidade dos nutrientes. A dieta com inclusão total de levedura seca promoveu redução na ingestão de extrato etéreo (pós-parto) e na digestibilidade de extrato etéreo (pós-parto e pré-parto), devido ao seu menor teor de extrato etéreo quando comparada as demais dietas. As cabras multíparas apresentaram maiores ingestões de matéria seca, nutrientes e nutrientes digestíveis totais, em ambos os períodos avaliados, devido a sua maior capacidade de ingestão. As cabras primíparas em pós-parto apresentaram melhores coeficientes de digestibilidade para matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e carboidratos totais, e, portanto, maior valor energético, atribuído aos nutrientes digestíveis totais, comparado as multíparas. A levedura seca pode substituir o farelo de soja sem alterar o valor nutritivo das dietas para cabras Saanen.

ABSTRACT: The aim was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by inactive dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) from sugar cane on nutritive value of diets for Saanen goats in the peripartum. Twenty-four Saanen goats (nine primiparous, 55.35 ± 4.55 kg and fifteen multiparous, 73.12 ± 8.51 kg) in prepartum and postpartum periods were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 (diet × parturition order) factorial arrangement. Diets were composed of soybean meal, soybean meal plus dry yeast or dry yeast as protein source, and other ingredients: ground corn, mineral supplement and limestone. The roughage source used was the whole plant corn silage (40% of the total diet). Diets were evaluated as dry matter intake and digestibility of nutrients. The diet with total dry yeast inclusion promoted a reduction on the ether extract intake (postpartum) and ether extract digestibility (prepartum and postpartum), due its lower ether extract content when compared to the other diets. Multiparous goats presented higher intakes for dry matter, nutrients and total digestible nutrients in both evaluated periods due their higher intake capacity. Primiparous goats in postpartum had better coefficients of digestibility for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and total carbohydrates, and so a higher energetic value, attributed to total digestible nutrients compared to multiparous ones. Dry yeast can replace soybean meal with no changes on nutritive value of diets for Saanen goats.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se no presente trabalho caracterizar alimentos utilizados nas rações de cabras Saanen. Os alimentos avaliados foram: feno de Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.), farelo de soja, milho moído, casca do grão de soja, milho desintegrado com palha e sabugo e resíduo seco de fecularia de mandioca. Foram determinados os teores de matéria seca, cinzas, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, fibra fisicamente efetiva e lignina, e estimados a matéria orgânica, os carboidratos totais e os carboidratos não fibrosos. Os carboidratos foram divididos nas frações A + B1 (rapidamente degradáveis), B2 (potencialmente degradáveis) e C (não degradáveis); e a proteína, nas frações: A (solúvel), B1 (rápida degradação ruminal), B2 (degradação intermediária), B3 (lenta degradação) e C (indigestível). Para determinar a produção de gás foi utilizada a técnica automática in vitro, modificada pela Ankom(r). Foram observadas diferenças entre os alimentos para os parâmetros A, B, C, E e A + D da cinética de degradação ruminal, sendo que os alimentos com alto teor de carboidratos não fibrosos apresentaram maior fração A (rápida degradação), e o feno apresentou maior tempo de colonização (fração C). A produção total de gás foi maior para o milho moído, milho desintegrado com palha e sabugo e resíduo seco de fecularia de mandioca.

ABSTRACT. This study was performed to characterize feed used in diets for Saanen goats. The feedstuffs were: Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.), soybean meal, ground corn, soybean hulls, ground ear corn and dried cassava residue. Contents were determined for dry matter, ash, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, physically effective fiber and lignin, and organic matter, total carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates were estimated. Carbohydrates were divided into fractions A + B1 (rapidly degradable), B2 (potentially degradable) and C (non-degradable); and the protein in fractions A (soluble), B1 (rapid ruminal degradation), B2 (intermediate degradation), B3 (slow degradation) and C (indigestible). To determine the gas production an automatic technique in vitro was used, modified by Ankom(r). Significant differences were observed among feed for the parameters A, B, C, E and A + D of ruminal degradation kinetics, and feed with high non-fibrous carbohydrates content presented higher fraction A (rapid degradation), and the hay showed longer lag time (fraction C). The total gas production was higher for ground corn, ground ear corn and dried cassava residue.

De acordo com a fonte de gordura incluída na dieta de cabras, a produção de leite pode ser aumentada e a composição de ácidos graxos do leite pode ser melhorada. Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a inclusão de gordura protegida (SCAG - sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos) nas dietas de cabras Saanen lactantes, sobre a produção e composição do leite. Cinco cabras Saanen (63,23 ± 9,08 kg de peso corporal e 105 ± 3 dias de lactação) foram distribuídas em delineamento quadrado Latino (5 × 5) em cinco dietas: controle (sem adição de SCAG) e os demais, dietas com: 6,25; 12,50; 18,75 e 25 g de SCAG por kg de matéria seca (g/kg MS), respectivamente. A ingestão de matéria seca (IMS) e a produção de leite (PL) foram avaliadas. Amostras de leite foram coletadas para determinar a composição e o perfil de ácidos graxos. A eficiência alimentar (EA) foi estimada. A suplementação de SCAG em até 25 g/kg MS não influencia a IMS, PL e a EA. A produção de componentes do leite (g/d) não foi influenciada pela inclusão de SCAG na dieta, no entanto,houve redução linear de 0,87 g de proteína por kg de leite para cada 1% de inclusão de SCAG na dieta. A concentração de ácido linolênico (18:3n-3) no leite aumentou com o ponto de máxima de 24 g de SCAG por kg de MS. A gordura protegida pode ser incluída na dieta de cabras Saanen em lactação, em até 25 g/kg MS sem interferir na IMS e PL.

According on the fat source included in the diets for goats, the milk production can be increased and milk fatty acid composition can be improved. This study was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of protected fat (CSFA - calcium salts of fatty acids) in the diets of lactating Saanen goats on milk production and composition. Five Saanen goats (63.23 ± 9.08 kg body weight and 105 ± 3 days of lactation) were distributed in a Latin square design (5 × 5) with five diets: control (without the addition of CSFA) and the other diets with: 6.25, 12.50, 18.75 and 25.0 g CSFA per kg dry matter (g/kg DM), respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production (MP) were evaluated. Milk samples were collected to determine milk composition and fatty acid profile. Feed efficiency (FE) was estimated. The supplementation of CSFA up to 25 g/kg DM did not influence the DMI, MP and FE. Milk components production (g/d) was not influenced by the inclusion CSFA in the diet; however, there was a linear reduction of 0.87 g protein per kg of milk for each 1% CSFA included in the diet. The concentration of linolenic acid (18:3n-3) in milk was improved with a maximum point of 24 g of CSFA per kg DM. CSFA can be included in the diets of lactating Saanen goats up to 25 g/kg DM with no interference on DMI and MP.

Foram utilizadas 24 cabras Saanen em lactação (15 multíparas e nove primíparas) do parto até 200 dias de lactação, distribuídas no delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial (3 rações x 2 ordens de parto). As rações foram constituídas por farelo de soja (FS), farelo de soja + levedura seca (FSLV) ou levedura seca (LV) como fonte de proteína. Para análise da produção de leite, do peso corporal e da ingestão de matéria seca foi utilizada a metodologia Bayesiana. E, para construir as curvas de lactação foi utilizada o modelo não-linear de Wood. A inclusão de levedura seca nas rações diminuiu a taxa de acréscimo da produção de leite até o pico de lactação para as primíparas, porém para as multíparas foi observado efeito inverso. Para as cabras primíparas, a ração FSLV diminuiu a taxa de decréscimo da produção após o pico, embora para as multíparas a inclusão de levedura seca nas rações aumentou a taxa de decréscimo da produção após o pico. A levedura seca pode ser utilizada em substituição ao farelo de soja em rações para cabras Saanen multíparas em lactação.

Twenty-four Saanen goats (fifteen multiparous and nine primiparous) during their lactation period were used, from the kidding until the 200th day of lactation; and were distributed in a completely randomized design and in a factorial arrangement (3 diets x 2 parity orders). The diets were composed of either soybean meal (SBM), soybean meal plus inactive dry yeast (SMDY) or inactive dry yeast (DY) used as the protein source. The analyses of milk yield, body weight and dry matter intake (DMI) were made through the Bayesian methodology. For construct the lactation curves were used the Wood's nonlinear model. The inclusion of inactive dry yeast in the diets reduced the rate of yield increase until the lactation peak for primiparous goats, but for multiparous goats the reverse was noted. The SMDY diet reduced the rate of yield decline after peak for primiparous goats, whereas for multiparous goats the inclusion of inactive dry yeast in the diet increased the decline of the rate of yield during this period. It was observed that inactive dry yeast can be used to replace soybean meal in diets used for multiparous Saanen goats.

O periparto é um período crítico para cabras leiteiras, onde a ingestão de matéria seca (IMS) não é suficiente para suprir os requerimentos energéticos para o crescimento fetal e lactação subsequente. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar o uso de sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos (SCAG), para aumentar o nível de energia na dieta de cabras leiteiras no periparto e seus efeitos sobre o valor nutritivo das dietas e qualidade do leite. Vinte cabras multíparas (63,5±10,3 kg) foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em quatro tratamentos com os seguintes níveis de energia na dieta: 2,6 Mcal de energia metabolizável por kg de matéria seca (EM/kg de MS) - dieta controle; 2,7; 2,8; e 2,9 Mcal de EM/kg de MS - com adição de gordura protegida. As cabras foram confinadas em baias individuais e avaliadas durante o período do periparto, acompanhando o peso corporal (PC), IMS, digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes da dieta, concentração bioquímica sanguínea, produção e qualidade do leite. O aumento no nível de energia da dieta até 2,9 Mcal de EM/kg de MS não teve efeito sobre PC e não limitou a IMS. A suplementação com SCAG aumentou a ingestão de nutrientes digestíveis totais, sem afetar a digestão da fibra. As concentrações sanguíneas de colesterol e triglicerídeos aumentaram com a adição de SCAG. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre a produção e composição do leite, entretanto, a suplementação lipídica alterou o perfil dos ácidos graxos da gordura do leite, sendo observados maiores teores de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados e essenciais. Concluindo, cabras leiteiras no periparto, alimentadas com a elevação do nível de energia na dieta para 2,9 Mcal de EM/kg de MS, utilizando a suplementação com SCAG, têm maior suprimento de nutrientes digestíveis totais e alteração na concentração dos ácidos graxos da gordura do leite.

Peripartum is a critical period for dairy goats, as dry matter intake (DMI) is not enough to supply the energy requirement for foetal growth and subsequent lactation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) to increase dietary energy level of peripartum dairy goats and its effects on nutritive value of diets and milk quality. Twenty multiparous Saanen goats (body weight 63.5±10.3 kg) were distributed in a completely randomised design in four treatments at the following dietary energy levels: 2.6 Mcal of metabolisable energy per kg of dry matter (Mcal ME/kg DM) - control diet; and 2.7, 2.8, and 2.9 Mcal/kg DM - with added CSFA. Goats were housed in individual stalls and evaluated in the peripartum period, by measuring body weight (BW), DMI, dry matter and nutrient digestibility of diets, blood composition, and milk quality and yield. Increasing dietary energy level to 2.9 Mcal ME/kg DM had no effect on BW and did not limit DMI. CSFA supplementation increased intake of total digestible nutrients and did not affect fibre digestion. Blood triglycerides and cholesterol concentration increased with CSFA addition. The treatments had no effect on milk yield and composition; however, CSFA supplementation changed the fatty acid concentration of milk fat, increasing levels of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. In conclusion, peripartum dairy goats supplemented with CSFA to increase dietary energy level up to 2.9 Mcal ME/kg DM had a greater supply of total digestible nutrients and showed altered fatty acid concentration of milk fat.

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do uso de grão de oleaginosas sobre o desempenho e o valor nutricional das rações, foram utilizados 28 cabritos Saanen (16 machos e 12 fêmeas; 14,38±1,60 kg) distribuídos aleatoriamente em arranjo fatorial 4x2 (rações e sexos). Os tratamentos consistiram em rações compostas por feno de aveia, milho moído, farelo de soja e suplemento mineral e/ou grãos de oleaginosas em substituição ao milho, conforme os seguintes tratamentos: 1) controle; 2) 7,9% linhaça; 3) 7,3% de girassol; e 4) 8,0% de canola. A ingestão de matéria seca foi maior para ração controle. Não houve diferença entre os sexos para ingestão. O ganho médio diário (GMD) e a conversão alimentar (CA) não foram alterados. O número de dias em confinamento (DC) foi maior dentro da ração linhaça. Os cabritos machos apresentaram melhor GMD, CA e DC. A inclusão das oleaginosas aumentou a digestibilidade do extrato etéreo e reduziu a digestibilidade dos carboidratos totais. Não foram observadas diferenças para a concentração energética das rações. A inclusão dos grãos de linhaça, girassol ou canola nas rações de cabritos Saanen, em substituição (8% MS) ao milho, não traz benefícios ao desempenho, no entanto, esses alimentos podem ser utilizados sem que haja alteração do valor nutricional das rações.

Twenty-eight Saanen goat kids (16 non-castrated males and 12 females; 14.38±1.60 kg) were used to evaluate the performance and nutritional value of diets. Animals were randomly allotted into a 4x2 (diets x gender) factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of four different total mixed diets composed of oat hay, soybean meal, mineral supplement, and/or oilseeds replacing ground corn (on dry matter basis), as follows: 1) control (without oilseeds), 2) diet containing 7.9% flaxseed, 3) diet with 7.3% sunflower, and 4) diet containing 8.0% canola. Dry matter intake was higher for animals receiving control diet. Gender did not influence dry matter and nutrient intake. Oilseeds did not affect the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC). Flaxseed diet showed more days in feedlot. Males showed better means of ADG, FC and days in feedlot. Diets containing oilseeds had higher values for ether extract digestibility and lower total carbohydrates than the control diet. The energetic value of diets did not alter. The inclusion of flaxseed, sunflower or canola in diets of Saanen goat kids in place (8% on a DM basis) corn, does not improve the performance, however these oilseeds may be used without changing the nutritional value of diets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) to increase the dietary energy levels for Saanen goats and their effects on the lactation curve, dry matter intake, body weight, and economic results of the goats. Twenty multiparous goats, weighing an average of 63.5±10.3 kg, were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each receiving one of the following dietary energy levels: a control diet consisting of 2.6 Mcal of metabolizable energy per kg of dry matter (Mcal ME/kg DM) or a test diet supplemented with CSFA (Lactoplus®) to obtain 2.7, 2.8, or 2.9 Mcal ME/kg DM. Goats were housed in individual stalls and were fed and milked twice daily. The animals were evaluated until 180 days in milk by measuring dry matter intake and milk yield. These measurements were used to calculate feed efficiencies and the cost-benefit ratio of diet and lactation curves using Wood's nonlinear model. Increasing dietary energy levels showed no effect on body weight. Supplementation with CSFA did not limit dry matter intake; however, it changed the shape of the lactation curve by promoting a late peak lactation with a longer duration. Milk yields at 180 days in milk had a quadratic increase with a maximum energy level at 2.85 Mcal ME/kg DM. Increasing the dietary energy level for Saanen goats using CSFA changes their lactation curves, with the best milk production achieved with a 2.85 Mcal ME/kg DM diet; however, the greatest economic results were obtained with a 2.7 Mcal ME/kg DM diet.

Twenty-four Saanen goats, 15 multiparous and nine primiparous, were distributed in a completely randomised design in a factorial arrangement (3 diets × 2 parities). The treatments were soybean meal (SB), soybean + dry yeast (SBDY), or dry yeast (DY) as a protein source in the diet, and ground corn, mineral supplement, and corn silage (400 g/kg). The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of diets containing inactive dry yeast as a protein source postpartum, postpeak, and during late lactation in dairy goats. To estimate the faecal excretion of indigestible material, neutral detergent fibre was used as an internal marker. The diets did not affect dry matter intake (DMI). However, DMI and nutrient intake were higher for multiparous goats compared with primiparous goats. The digestibility of dry matter and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were higher for primiparous goats in the postpartum period. In the postpeak and late lactation periods, there were no differences in digestibility of DM and nutrient between parities. The TDN was similar in the diets in the postpeak period and at lactation end. The goats fed the DY diet had lower urea nitrogen in blood. The use of inactive dry yeast to substitute soybean meal in diets for primiparous and multiparous lactating Saanen goats is a good alternative for maintaining the nutritional value of diets.

Twenty-four Saanen goats (15 multiparous and 9 primiparous) from 21 days prepartum to 200 days in lactation were used to evaluate milk yield and composition. Animals were randomly distributed in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (3 diets × 2 parity orders) and fed a 40:60 forage:concentrate diet composed of soybean meal, soybean meal + dry yeast or dry yeast as protein source, plus ground corn, mineral supplement and corn silage. The protein source did not influence the body weight of pre and postpartum goats. Prepartum, postpartum and postpeak dry matter intake (DMI) were not altered by diets. However, goats fed the diet containing dry yeast as protein source had lower DMI in late lactation. Milk yield and feed efficiency were not affected by diets. Milk components, acidity and somatic cell count were not influenced by diets during all lactation phases. However, fat and total solid contents postpartum were higher for primiparous goats and somatic cell count postpeak was lower for multiparous goats. Dry yeast can be used to replace soybean meal in diets for lactating Saanen goats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate productive performance and milk quality of Saanen goats fed diets with soybean hulls replacing ground corn (0, 50 and 100% replacement) in early lactation (from birth to 50 days of lactation). Fourteen goats (72.30±9.14 kg of BW) were used in a completely randomized design. Animals were confined in individual stalls, with daily control of feed intake and milk production. On the 30th day of lactation, fecal sampling started in order to determine nutrients digestibility. Every month, milk samples were collected for analyses of fat, protein, lactose and total solid percentage, somatic cell count, N-urea, acidity, density and also milk fatty acid profile. No differences were observed between diets for body weight, daily weight gain and intake (kg/day) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein or indigestible neutral detergent fiber. However, for neutral detergent fiber intake, the diet with complete substitution presented the best results. Cocerning digestibility coefficients of dry matter and nutrients (organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber) the diet with 100% replacement also presented the best results. For milk production, milk production efficiency and milk composition, no difference was observed between diets. For milk fatty acid profile, there were differences between diets for some fatty acids. Soybean hulls can be used replacing ground corn in diets for Saanen goats in the early lactation, because it improves the digestibility of the diet and nutrients, does not change productive performance or the milk physical-chemical quality and increases the content of n-3 fatty acids in milk.