Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of replacing ground corn with spineless cactus from two species Orelha de Elefante Mexicana-OEM (Opuntia stricta Haw.) and Gigante (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) in a total mixed ration for finishing lambs evaluating its effects on intake, ingestive behavior, performance, carcass traits, commercial cuts and physiochemical composition of the meat. Eighteen crossbred lambs with average body weight of 15.0 ± 2.32 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments (OEM and Gigante spineless cactus and ground corn as control treatment) and six replications. Spineless cactus species replacing ground corn in lambs diets does not change the intake of dry matter (DMI), crude protein and neutral detergent fiber or time (min/d) of ingestion, rumination and idleness, or final body weight gain. Lambs fed with ground corn and "Gigante" cactus presented a higher total weigh gain (TWG) and average daily weight gain (ADG) when compared to OEM spineless specie. Ground corn diet promoted better hot and cold carcass yield in lambs receiving spineless cactus, regardless of species. Feed and total costs (kg/lamb) were higher for the ground corn diet. The replacement of ground corn with spineless cactus did not change moisture, protein, and ash meat contents, as well as water holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, and a* color intensity. However, there was an effect for the meat lipid content, b* and L* color intensity and color index, where the species of cactus Gigante on ground corn presented the highest lipid content and yellowness (b*) intensity and lower L* color compared to OEM. Spineless cactus species Gigante can replace ground corn as a source of energy in diets for finishing lambs because it significantly improves the financial income for the producer without changing the ADG, DMI, ingestive behavior and yield of commercial cuts.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho moído por duas espécies de palma forrageira, Orelha de Elefante Mexicana-OEM (Opuntia stricta Haw.) e espécie Gigante (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) em uma ração completa para terminação de cordeiros avaliando seus efeitos sobre consumo, comportamento ingestivo, desempenho, características de carcaça, cortes comerciais e composição físico-química da carne. Foram utilizados dezoito cordeiros sem padrão racial definido com peso corporal médio de 15,0 ± 2,32 kg e foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (OEM e palma Gigante e grão de milho como controle) e seis repetições. As duas espécies de palma forrageira em substituição ao milho moído na dieta de cordeiros não modificaram o consumo de matéria seca (CMS) proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro nem o tempo (min/dia) de ingestão, ruminação e ócio ou ganho corporal final. Cordeiros alimentados com milho moído e palma Gigante apresentaram maior ganho de peso total (GPT) e médio diário (GMD) em relação à espécie OEM. A dieta com milho moído promoveu melhor rendimento de carcaça quente e fria comparando cordeiros recebendo palma forrageira, independente da espécie. Os custos com ração e total (kg/cordeiro) foram maiores para a dieta com milho moído. A substituição do milho moído pela palma forrageira não alterou os teores de umidade, proteína e cinzas da carne, bem como a capacidade de retenção de água, perda por cozimento, força de cisalhamento e intensidade de cor a*. No entanto, houve efeito para o teor de lipídios da carne, índice de intensidade de cor b* e L*, sendo que a espécie de palma Gigante e o milho grão moído apresentou o maior teor de lipídios e intensidade de amarelo (b*) e menor cor L* em relação ao OEM. A espécie palma forrageira Gigante pode substituir o milho moído como fonte de energia em dietas para cordeiros em terminação, pois melhora significativamente o rendimento financeiro do produtor sem alterar o GMD, CMS, comportamento ingestivo e rendimento dos cortes comerciais.

RESUMEN Los rumiantes son animales de pastoreo con la capacidad de utilizar fuentes de forraje para mantenimiento, crecimiento, reproducción y producción. Poseen el rumen, una cámara de fermentación compuesta por alta diversidad de microorganismos con capacidad para degradar alimentos ricos en fibra o almidón y otro tipo de carbohidratos no fibrosos, ya que contienen enzimas que actúan rompiendo enlaces entre moléculas, haciendo presente el sustrato. en la comida disponible. Este estudio se desarrolló con el objetivo de revisar la literatura sobre cómo las diferentes dietas afectan los parámetros ruminales, así como la ecología del rumen. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de la comprensión de cómo las diferentes dietas pueden afectar las características ruminales se considera importante, ya que permite manipular la dieta hasta un umbral, sin causar ninguna alteración metabólica a los animales y luego maximizar el rendimiento. Esta práctica puede contribuir a minimizar las pérdidas, maximizar el proceso de fermentación de los alimentos y la absorción de los productos de fermentación, que pueden convertirse en carne y leche. Los resultados de este estudio muestran que la población microbiana y los productos finales de la fermentación ruminal se ven directamente afectados por la dieta animal. La manipulación de las dietas puede permitir maximizar la eficiencia productiva, así como la optimización del uso de nutrientes, maximizar la producción animal.

ABSTRACT Ruminants are grazing animals with the ability to utilize forage sources for maintenance, growth, reproduction and production. They possess the rumen, a fermentation chamber composed of high diversity of microorganisms with the ability for degrading fiber or starch rich food and other types of non-fibrous carbohydrates, since they contain enzymes that act by breaking up bonds between molecules, making the substrate present in the food available. This study was developed aiming at reviewing the literature on how different diets affect ruminal parameters as well as the rumen ecology. Thus, the seeking for the understanding on how different diets can affect ruminal characteristics is found to be important, since it makes possible manipulating the diet up to a threshold, without causing any metabolic disturbance to animals and then maximizing the performance. This practice may contribute to minimize losses, maximize the food fermentation process and the absorption of fermentation products, which can be converted into flesh and milk. Findings from this study show that the microbial population and the final rumen fermentation products are directly affected by the animal diet. Therefore, manipulating diets may make possible maximizing the animal productive efficiency, as well as the optimization of the use of nutrients, to maximize the animal production.

Abstract Evaluate of cashew nut shell liquid (alginate-CNSL) on TBARS, physicochemical attributes and microbial growing of beef steak was investigated. Three edible coating treatments were prepared: (1) control (uncoating); (2) sodium alginate coating (no additive); and (3) active coatings of sodium alginate added cashew nut shell liquid (alginate-CNSL) at 1% into. Color indexes and water holding capacity were not affected by coating treatments. The pH of the beef samples from the control treatment increased at storage time, and the beef involved with alginate-CNSL coating maintained a pH stable. Alginate-CNSL coating promoted cooking loss lower after 3rd day of storage. Alginate-CNSL coating promoted a lower shear force decrease compared at control and sodium alginate coating. Alginate-CNSL coating reduced lipid oxidation (TBARS) and microbial growing (mesophiles and psychrophiles counts) in beef compared others treatments. Active coating from CNSL (1%) improved the beef preservation, reducing lipid oxidation and microbial growing, until the 6th day of storage stability.

RESUMO: Este estudo mostrou o efeito da restrição alimentar no desempenho, balanço de nitrogênio, síntese microbiana de proteínas, característica da carcaça e corte de carne de 32 machos Sindi não castrados (296 ± 21,3 kg de peso corporal inicial e 21 ± 1,5 meses de idade). Todos os touros foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (níveis de restrição alimentar) (0, 15, 30 e 45% no total de matéria seca - MS) e os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão. Consumo de nutrientes, balanço de nitrogênio, peso corporal final, ganho total, eficiência alimentar, ganho de carcaça, peso de carcaça quente e fria, espessura subcutânea de gordura, cortes comerciais e tecido adiposo diminuíram linearmente (P<0,05) com o nível de restrição alimentar. Houve aumento linear na digestibilidade do DM, FDNap, carboidratos totais e quantidade de tecido muscular, além de aumento quadrático de carboidratos não fibrosos e porcentagem de tecido ósseo com o nível de restrição imposto aos touros (P<0,05). A restrição alimentar não afetou (P>0,05) a digestibilidade da proteína bruta, balanço de N, síntese e eficiência microbiana, eficiência de deposição, área do longissimus dorsi e relação músculo + gordura / osso. A restrição alimentar reduziu a ingestão e, consequentemente, o desempenho, as características da carcaça e os cortes de carne de touros Sindi, porém promoveu redução na excreção de N, o que pode ser importante se for realizado um subsequente ganho compensatório.

ABSTRACT: This study showed the effect of feed restriction on performance, nitrogen balance (NB), microbial protein synthesis, carcass traits and meat cut of the thirty-two Sindhi non-castrated males (296 ± 21.3 kg initial BW and 21 ± 1.5 months old). All bulls were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (feed restriction levels) (0, 15, 30, and 45% in total dry matter -DM) and the data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression. Nutrient intake, NB, final BW, total gain, feeding efficiency, carcass gain, hot and cold carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, commercial cuts and fat tissue decreased linearly (P<0.05) by feed restriction level. A linear increased on digestibility of DM, NDFap, total carbohydrates and on the proportion of muscle tissue, as well as quadratic increase on non-fibrous carbohydrates and bone tissue percentage with the restriction level imposed on bulls (P<0.05). The feed restriction did not affect (P>0.05) the digestibility of crude protein, synthesis and microbial efficiency, deposition efficiency, longissimus dorsi area and muscle + fat/bone ratio. The feed restriction reduced intake and consequently performance, carcass traits and meat cuts of Sindhi bulls; however, it promoted a reduction in the N excretion, which can be important if conducted a subsequent compensatory weight gain.

ABSTRACT The objective was to determine the optimal dehydrated passion fruit pulp replacing ground corn in diets for goat kids. We used 24 crossbred castrated goat kids with initial body weight of 26.6±0.3 kg. The experimental period was 23 days, with 15 days of adjustment and acclimatization (mostly to the installation and diet). Kids were distributed in a randomized experimental design with four treatments of 0, 80, 160, or 240 g/kg of dehydrated passion fruit residue as a supplementary inclusion in the dry matter (DM) content of the diet. The statistical model considered the fixed effect of the included amount of residue from dehydrated passion fruit. Analysis of variance was conducted using the PROC GLM of SAS. Intakes of DM and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were not affected by residue inclusion. However, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake increased linearly. The inclusion linearly decreased intake of ether extract (EE) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC). Crude protein (CP) intake was quadratically affected, with a greater value under treatment of 160 g/kg passion fruit. Dry matter and NFC digestibility decreased linearly with the amount of passion fruit included in diet. Fecal N and total N excretion values (in g/d and %N intake) increased linearly. Nitrogen balance and N retained values showed a quadratic increase, with greater values under the 160 g/kg inclusion. Time spent ruminating, DM and NDF eating efficiency, and g DM/bolus chewed were affected quadratically by inclusion of passion fruit residue. The replacement of ground corn with dehydrated passion fruit residue at a level of 160 g/kg is recommended for diets of goat kids to improve their NDF and CP intake and their N balance without affecting DM and TDN intakes.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass production and the potential use of the elephant grass hybrid Carajas for animal feeding and bioenergy production under different cutting frequencies. A randomized block design with a 3×3 factorial arrangement was used to evaluate the potential of the grass as animal feed (in natura, silage and hay form; cutting at 60, 75 and 90 days). A randomized block design with three treatments (three cutting intervals, 60, 75 and 90 days) was also used to evaluate the grass for biomass production and its potential use as an energy source in briquette form. The total forage biomass, leaf blade and stem biomass, dry matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber contents, mass and higher heating value increased with cutting interval, whereas the crude protein, ash and moisture contents decreased with cutting interval. Regardless of the cutting interval, the in natura material presented higher values of all content parameters than silage and hay. The Carajas hybrid can be used as animal feed in in natura, silage and hay form, and the recommended cutting interval for use as animal feed is 60 days. The Carajas hybrid also shows potential for use in bioenergy production in briquette form, with a suggested cutting interval of 90 days.

Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar la producción de biomasa y el potencial de uso del híbrido de pasto elefante 'Carajas' para la alimentación animal y la producción de bioenergía, en diferentes edades de corte. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar con arreglo factorial 3 × 3 para evaluar el potencial del pasto como alimento para animales (in natura, silo y heno a 60, 75 y 90 días) y un diseño de bloques al azar con tres tratamientos (tres edades de corte) 60, 75 y 90 días) para la evaluación de la hierba para la producción de biomasa y el potencial energético de las briquetas. Biomasa forrajera total, biomasa de la lámina foliar y biomasa del tallo, materia seca, contenido de fibra detergente neutro y ácido, masa y aumenta el poder calorífico con el avance de la edad de la planta, mientras que los contenidos de proteína cruda, ceniza y humedad disminuyeron. Independientemente de la edad de corte, el material in natura presentó mayores contenidos que el ensilado y el heno. El híbrido Carajas puede utilizarse como alimento para animales en forma de in natura, silo y heno, con recomendación de corte a los 60 días, y muestra potencial para la producción de bioenergía a través de briquetas, con sugerencia de corte a los 90 días.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) on feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers, and physiological responses in lactating goats. Eight apparently healthy, adult, multiparous Anglo-Nubian goats, with an average body weight of 42.06±3.5 kg and approximately 52±4 days in lactation, were randomly assigned into two Latin squares (4×4) composed of four levels of PP (0, 33.3, 66.7, and 100% of dry matter) for four periods. Daily feed intake, feeding behavior, rumen health, blood markers (hemogram and biochemical parameters), and physiological responses (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate) were assessed. Intake, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency were not affected by the replacement of ground corn with PP. At these replacement levels, the goats significantly spent more time feeding and ruminating. There was a significant decrease in the number of chews (number/day and number/min) with an increase in PP inclusion. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and sweating rate were higher in the afternoon for the three periods measured. There were no negative changes in blood markers or rumen health with the use of PP. The current findings indicate that PP can be used to replace up to 100% of the corn in the diet of lactating goats without causing significant changes in animal health, feeding behavior, or physiological parameters.

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein energetic, enzymatic and mineral profile of Nellore cows during the pregnancy, parturition and postpartum. Fifteen multiparous cows with 4 ± 1 years of age and live weight of 400 ± 50 kg were used at different stages (non-pregnant, in the initial, middle and late pregnancy, at birth, one day postpartum, 30 and 60 days postpartum). Blood collections were performed every 30 days and assayed for the following blood biomarkers: Protein (total proteins, albumin, urea and creatinine), energetic (cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and beta hydroxybutyrate), mineral (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) and enzymatic (alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase). Calcium had the lowest concentrations (p < 0.05) in the initial pregnancy, while phosphorus had the highest concentration at parturition (p < 0.05). Triglycerides, glucose and beta hydroxybutyrate were influenced by the stages of pregnancy, reducing in the late pregnancy and at parturition. Glucose had a reduction in the late pregnancy and elevation in the postpartum. Beta hydroxybutyrate showed increase at the late pregnancy. Although lipomobilization occurred in the phases of higher metabolic demands in the attempt to maintain homeostatic conditions. Nellore cows did not present negative energy balance in the late pregnancy period, maintaining normal variation in blood markers throughout the experimental period.

ABSTRACT Sesamum indicum L. has the potential to be cultivated as a forage plant in hot and dry climate regions, and it can be used to increase the food security of a herd. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth, production, and chemical composition of S. indicum compared with conventional forages used for silage production. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with split-plots related to time and four replicates per treatment. The plots consisted of four treatments (Zea mays L., Helianthus annuus L., Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br., and S. indicum), and the subplots were two evaluation periods (2014 and 2016 harvests). Dry forage biomass production differed among the species in the 2014 harvest with values of 25 530, 12 190, 9408, and 9250 kg ha-1 for Z. mays, S. indicum, H. annuus, and P. glaucum, respectively. Maize had a greater variation in forage production between the 2 yr, followed by S. indicum. There were higher dry matter (DM) contents (P < 0.0001) for Z. mays and S. indicum (404.5 and 251.7 g kg-1, respectively). Regarding crude protein, H. annuus and S. indicum had levels of 167.2 and 117.7 g kg-1, respectively. According to the results, it can be inferred that sesame, like millet, provides greater feeding security for ruminant herds in regions with irregular rainfall.

ABSTRACT. This study was conducted to evaluate changes in hematological biomarkers of Nellore cows at different reproductive stages. Fifteen multiparous cows with 4 ± 1 years of age and live weight of 400 ± 50 kg were used at different stages (non-pregnant, in the initial, middle and late pregnancy, at birth, one day postpartum, 30 and 60 days postpartum). Blood collections were performed every 30 days and assayed for the following hematological biomarkers: hemogram (red blood cells, globular volume, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)) and leukogram (total and differential counts). The erythrogram was influenced (p < 0.001) by the reproductive stages, with variation in the results obtained for the total red cell count, hemoglobin content, globular volume, MCV, MCHC and total plasma proteins. The reproductive stages influenced the leukocyte profile with variation in the total leukocyte count and in the absolute values of neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Hematological biomarkers of Nellore cows showed significant changes due to the physiological adjustments required in response to the metabolic requirements imposed in the final stage of pregnancy and in the beginning of lactation, ensuring the nutritional contribution in energy and oxygen transported through the blood.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) inclusion levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 g kg−1 in dry matter) replacing ground corn on the feeding behavior, as well as physiological and hematological variables of crossbred lactating Anglo Nubian goats. Eight Anglo Nubian goats were used, which were distributed in a double 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design (four periods and four levels of buriti oil) replacing corn in the total dry matter. For the evaluation of feeding behavior, single animals were observed every ten minutes for 24 h on three days. Respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT), and sweating rate (SR) of the animals were evaluated in the morning (09:00 h) and in the afternoon (15:00 h). Blood samples were always taken in the morning, before feeding, by puncturing the jugular vein for the complete blood count and white blood cell count. The levels of buriti oil had no effect on feeding, rumination, idling time, water intake, defecation and urination, DM intake, feed efficiency, and rumination efficiency of DM and NDF, but had effects on NDF intake. Physiological variables (RT, SR, RR, and HR) in both periods of the day were not influenced by the inclusion of buriti oil. However, SR and RR were higher in the afternoon than in the morning. In erythrocyte, results showed that the hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume increased with the inclusion of buriti oil. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and total plasma protein were not affected by the inclusion of buriti in the goat diet. The inclusion of buriti oil is recommended in up to 45 g kg−1 (DM basis) as a replacement for ground corn in diet of lactating goats without affecting the feeding behavior and physiological and hematological variables.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se avaliar correlações entre variáveis produtivas e econômicas em vacas lactantes em pastagem tropical. Foram utilizadas 10 vacas lactantes (– Holandesa x ¼ Gir Leiteiro), no terço médio de lactação, com idade média de 70 ± 4,6 meses e peso corporal médio de 400 ± 55,2 kg. Estes animais foram suplementados com ração concentrada com diferentes composições do suplemento, visando promover alterações na resposta animal e econômica. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente por meio de correlações lineares de Pearson a 0,95 de probabilidade. Não foram observadas correlações entre gordura e extrato seco total com as variáveis econômicas (p > 0,05). A produção de leite correlacionou-se positivamente com RBVL e RMCS (p < 0,05). A produção de leite não se correlacionou com o CALI e TRM (p > 0,05). Houve ausência de correlações entre produção de leite corrigida e CVOL, CALI e TRM (p > 0,05). Foram observadas correlações positivas entre produção de leite corrigida com RBVL e RMCS (p < 0,05). Houve correlações positivas entre produção de gordura (kg dia-1) com RBVL e RMCS (p < 0,05). A receita bruta com a venda do leite e a receita menos custo com alimentação demonstraram estar altamente associadas com as variáveis produtivas.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate correlations between production and economic variables of lactating cows on a tropical pasture. The experiment involved ten – Holstein × ¼ Dairy Gyr cows in the middle third of lactation at an average age of 70 ± 4.6 months and an average body weight of 400 ± 55.2 kg. Cows were supplemented with a concentrate feed with different supplement compositions aiming to promote alterations in the animal performance and economic responses. Data were analyzed statistically by Pearson correlations at the 0.95 probability level. No correlations were observed for fat and total solids with economic variables (p > 0.05). Milk yield was positively correlated with (p < 0.05), but had no correlation with FC or MRR (p > 0.05). There were no correlations for milk yield with RC, FC, or MRR (p > 0.05). Positive correlations were observed for fat corrected milk yield with GRSM and RMSC (p < 0.05). Fat production (kg day‒1) was positively correlated with GRSM and RMSC (p < 0.05). The gross revenue from the sale of milk and the revenue minus feed costs showed to be highly associated with production variables.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a produção de metano, dióxido de carbono, ácidos graxos voláteis e mudanças no pH ruminal in vitro com tortas de oleaginosas: algodão, girassol, mamona, moringa e pinhão manso incluídas em quatro níveis diferentes (0, 30, 50 e 70%) em substituição à cana-de-açúcar na dieta de ruminantes, utilizando-se a técnica semiautomática in vitro. O subproduto que produziu menos CO2 foi o algodão (p = 0,0059). As tortas de oleaginosas que produziram menos CH4 foram moringa (p < 0,05) e algodão (p < 0,0001) a 70% de inclusão. As tortas que aumentaram a produção de AGVs foram algodão e mamona (p < 0,0001). Além disso, o pH aumentou nos níveis de inclusão a 70% de moringa e 50% de algodão (p < 0,0001). A maior concentração de acetato ocorreu na torta de algodão a 70%, já o propionato na torta de algodão à 30% e a maior concentração de butirato na torta de moringa à 50% em substituição à cana-de-açúcar. Em nível de 70%, a torta de moringa apresentou maior redução no metano e na energia alimentar. Em nível de substituição de 50%, a torta de algodão foi a substituição mais adequada para a cana-de-açúcar, a fim de reduzir a produção de gases com efeito de estufa.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the production of methane, carbon dioxide, and volatile fatty acids and changes in ruminal pH in vitro with oilseed press cakes inclusion, such as, cottonseed, sunflower, castor bean, moringa and jatropha at four different levels (0, 30, 50 and 70%) in replacement to the sugarcane in ruminant feeding using semi-automated in vitro technique. The byproduct that produced less CO2 was cottonseed cake (p = 0.0059). The cakes that produced the least amount of CH4 were moringa at 70% (p < 0.05) and cottonseed at 70% levels (p < 0.0001). The cakes that had the highest increases in VFAs were cottonseed and castor (p < 0.0001). Additionally, greater pH was moringa at 70% and cottonseed at 50% levels (p < 0.0001). The greater acetate concentration was 70% cottonseed cake, propionate concentration with 30% cottonseed and butyrate concentration with 50% moringa in sugarcane replace. At the 70% level, the moringa cake displayed the highest decreases in methane production and reduction in energy loss. At the 50% substitution level, the cottonseed cake is the most suitable replacement for sugarcane in order to reduce the production of greenhouse gases.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a composição química e tempo para atingir o ponto de fenação da Leucena (Leucena leucocephala) e Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium). Foram coletadas amostras nos tempos 0, 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, 14, e 16 horas de secagem para obtenção da curva de desidratação para cada espécie de forragem. O delineamento adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado com nove tratamentos (9 tempos de desidratação x três repetições). Os dados referentes às características morfológicas da espécie foram submetidos à análise estatística de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 1% de probabilidade. Para a curva de desidratação em função do tempo, os dados foram submetidos à análise de regressão. A relação folha:caule foi maior para a Gliricidia no tempo 16 horas de desidratação (P<0,05). As taxas de desidratação da amostra composta, vagem, colmo e folha composta da Gliricidia e Leucena apresentaram efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) com a Leucena mais eficiente na desidratação. Os teores de matéria seca da Gliricidia e Leucena foram, respectivamente, de 91,24% e 91,32%, enquanto os teores de proteína bruta foram de 18,64% e 17,7%. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína foram de 49,86% e 49,07%, e os teores de proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro foram de 1,01% e 1,77%. O tempo para atingir o ponto de feno da Leucena e da Gliricidia foi de 16 horas. A composição nutricional dos fenos de Leucena e Gliricidia apresentaram-se satisfatórios para serem fornecidos na alimentação de animais ruminantes.

SUMMARY The objective was to evaluate the chemical composition and time to reach the point of hay of Leucena (Leucena leucocephala) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium). Samples were collected in time 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 hours of drying to obtain dehydration curve for each species of forage. The design was completely randomized with nine treatments (9 times of dehydration x three replicates). Data for morphological characteristics of the species were subjected to statistical analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey test at 1% probability. For dehydration curve as a function of time, the data were subjected to regression analysis. The leaf:stem ratio was higher for Gliricidia in time and 16 hours of dehydration (P <0.05). The rates dehydration of Composed samples of pod, stem and leaf of Gliricidia and Leucena showed a linear increase (P <0.05) and the Leucena dehydration was most efficient. The dry matter content of Gliricidia and Leucena showed, respectively, 91.24% and 91.32% content, while the crude protein content was 18.64% and 17.7%. The fiber content neutral detergent corrected for ash and protein content was the 49.86% and 49.07, the neutral detergent insoluble protein content was 1.01% and 1.77%. The time to reach the point of Leucena and Gliricidia hay was 16 hours. The nutritional composition of hay Leucena and Gliricidia were satisfactory to be provided in the feeding of ruminant animals.

RESUMO. Esse estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da suplementação concentrada e das escalas de tempo de avaliação nas respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais de ovelhas prenhes em sistema de pastejo. Foi usando um arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 x 3 (duas raças: Morada e Santa Inês; dois níveis de suplementação concentrada: 0,5 e 1,5% do peso vivo; e três escalas de tempo de time avaliação: 10, 20 e 30 minutos) com seis repetições por tratamento. Os parâmetros fisiológicos foram influenciados tanto pelo período do dia como pela raça, com médias mais elevadas no período da tarde em ovelhas Santa Inês. Além disso, foi encontrada influência da suplementação concentrada entre as raças com superioridade em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês. A atividade de pastejo foi influenciada (p < 0,05) pelas escalas de tempo de avaliação. Intervalo de 10 minutos foi a metodologia mais eficaz para avaliar com maior precisão o comportamento desses animais. Ovelhas Morada Nova apresentaram menos tempo de pastejo (p < 0,05) na escala de 10 minutos em comparação com 20 e 30 minutos, que foram semelhantes (p > 0,05) para essa atividade. Assim, as ovelhas prenhes apresentaram alta capacidade adaptativa com observações de 10 minutos para uma melhor descrição da atividade de pastejo em Morada Nova.

ABSTRACT. This study was realized to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation and time scales of evaluation on behavioral and physiological responses of pregnant ewes on grazing system. The experimental design was a randomized 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement (two breeds: Morada and Santa Inês; two concentrate supplementation levels: 0.5 and 1.5% of body weight; and three time scales of evaluation: 10, 20 and 30 minutes) with six replicates per treatment. The physiological parameters were influenced by period of the day and breeds, with higher values in the afternoon to Santa Inês ewes. Also, influence of concentrate supplementation was found between the breeds with greater values in Santa Inês ewes. But, it did not alter the physiological parameters among animals of the same genetic group. The grazing activity was influenced (p < 0.05) by the scales of observation intervals. Interval of 10 minutes was the most effective methodology to assess accurately the behavior of these animals due to higher number of the registries, offering higher data reliability. Morada Nova breed exhibited less time grazing (p < 0.05) on the 10-minute scale compared to 20 and 30 minutes, which were similar (p > 0.05) for such a feature. Thus, the pregnant ewes exhibited high adaptive capability with observations of 10 minutes for better description of grazing activity in Morada Nova.