Abstract The growth, sexual maturity and fertility-related parameters related of young Nellore bulls with divergent residual feed intake (RFI) raised on pasture were evaluated. After classification of 48 young males as low and high RFI (more and less efficient, respectively), the animals were evaluated for growth and reproductive parameters at 28-day intervals from 14.3 to 24.6 months of age. The semen was cryopreserved in the last sampling and fresh and post-thaw semen samples were evaluated. Low RFI bulls exhibited higher initial and final body weight (P < 0.05), but feed intake, body condition score and growth measures evaluated by carcass ultrasound were unaffected by RFI (P > 0.05). The scrotal circumference, sperm concentration, defects, and quality of fresh semen, and ultrasonographic testicular characteristics were unaffected by RFI (P > 0.05). However, velocity parameters such as average path and curvilinear velocities determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis of thawed semen submitted to the rapid thermoresistance test were improved (P < 0.05) in low RFI bulls, but this improvement in quality did not enhance in vitro sperm fertilizing ability. Our results demonstrated significant differences in metabolism and growth performance between bulls of divergent RFI. In addition, there was slight improvement in the semen quality of bulls with low RFI bulls, but this did not enhance in vitro fertilizing ability. Selection of beef bulls for RFI can be performed, which will result in economic benefits by improving the growth performance of the animals without affecting reproductive parameters.

ABSTRACT. Dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake and enteric CH4 emission were evaluated in 48 Nellore cattle (392 ± 27 days of age). Equations were generated from intake data and evaluated using root mean square prediction error (RMSPE), and validated by cross-validation. Equations that included DMI and hemicellulose intake (HEMI) [ C H 4 M J d - 1 = 4.08 ± 1.65 + 11.6 ± 2.34 D M I k g d - 1 - 33.4 ± 7.21 H E M I ( k g d - 1 ) ]; DMI and total carbohydrate intake (TCHI) [ C H 4 M J d - 1 = 5.26 ± 1.69 - 6.3 ± 1.47 D M I k g d - 1 + 8.8 ± 1.81 T C I k g d - 1 ]; metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and cellulose intake (CELI) [ C H 4 M J d - 1 = 5.16 ± 1.72 - 0.13 ± 0.048 M E I M J d - 1 + 7.37 ± 1.53 C E L I k g d - 1 ], and non-fiber carbohydrate intake (NFCI) [ C H 4 M J d - 1 = 3.14 ± 1.48 + 3.65 ± 1.05 N F C I k g d - 1 ] resulted in the lowest RMSPE (14.3, 14.1, 14.3 and 14.7%, respectively). When literature equations were evaluated using our database, the most accurate predictions were obtained with equations that included DMI and lignin intake (RMSPE = 15.27%) and MEI, acid detergent fiber intake and lignin intake (RMSPE = 15.7%). The mean error of predicting enteric CH4 emission with the equations developed in this study based on DMI and nutrient intake is 17% and the most accurate predictions are obtained with equations including DMI, carbohydrate intake and MEI.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between feed efficiency and feeding behavior, growth and carcass traits in Senepol cattle. A total of 137 animals were evaluated. Of these animals, 36 males were evaluated in a second test, totaling 173 records (initial age of 466±96 days and initial weight of 426±104 kg). Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated as the difference between observed and expected dry matter intake, estimated by regression of dry matter intake on average daily gain and metabolic body weight (BW0.75), and the animals were classified as negative (high efficiency) and positive RFI (low efficiency). The mean RFI was -0.838±0.078 and 0.797±0.075 kg DM day-1 for negative and positive RFI animals, respectively, with a difference of 1.63 kg dry matter day-1. The dry matter intake of negative RFI animals, expressed as kg day-1 and percentage of mean body weight, was 11.3% and 13.1% lower than that of positive RFI animals. Negative RFI animals spent less time at the feed bunk and ingested less dry matter per visit than positive RFI animals, but did not differ in terms of chest girth, scrotal circumference, or hip height. However, negative RFI animals had lower rump fat deposition (7.13±0.477 mm) than positive RFI animals (7.83±0.473 mm). The Spearman correlation between RFI estimated in the first and second tests was 0.69, indicating that RFI is consistent when evaluated during two different periods of the life of the animal. Senepol animals with low residual feed intake (high efficiency) deposit less subcutaneous rump fat, but this reduction is not accompanied by a reduction in backfat thickness and longissimus muscle area.

Feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) in Nellore cattle were determined to calculate residual feed intake in two performance tests: first during the growth phase (RFIgrowth) and then during a measurement of the methane emission phase (RFImet). During the RFIgrowth test, 62 males and 56 females were classified as low-, medium-, and high-RFI. Enteric methane emission was measured in 46 animals; 23 males used for RFImet measurement plus 23 females (22 low-RFIgrowth and 24 high-RFIgrowth). Diet consisted of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu hay (445 g/kg DM) and concentrate (555 g/kg DM). During the RFIgrowth and RFImet phases, DMI was lower in the animals with low RFI, with no difference in ADG. Residual feed intake was -0.359 and 0.367 kg DM/d for low- and high-RFI animals. Enteric methane emission (g/d, g/kg BW0.75 and g/kg ADG) did not differ between RFIgrowth classes. Enteric methane emission (g/d) was higher in high RFImet and lower in low RFImet males. Spearman correlations among traits obtained during both tests, which were high between metabolic BW (r = 0.959) and between DMI (r = 0.718), and zero between ADG (r = -0.062), resulted in moderate correlation between RFIgrowth and RFImet (r = 0.412). However, it is not possible to confirm that high-efficiency animals release less enteric methane, since different results were obtained when enteric methane was compared between the RFIgrowth and RFImet classes.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of alternative true-protein sources to soybean meal, with different ruminal degradability, using a sugarcane-based diet, on nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, efficiency of microbial protein synthesis and passage rate in prepubertal dairy heifers. Eight crossbred rumen- and duodenum-cannulated Holstein × Gyr dairy heifers (202.0±11.5 kg BW) were evaluated in a 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design with four treatments and four periods in two simultaneous replicates. Dietary treatments were: soybean meal; cottonseed meal; peanut meal; and sunflower meal. When associated with diets containing sugarcane, the different protein sources did not affect intake or digestibility of dry mater, crude protein, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber. The average ruminal pH, NH3-N and concentration of total volatile fatty acids were not different among the diets supplied. The concentration of butyric acid was different among the protein sources, wherein the animals fed the diet with sunflower meal presented lower values than those fed the other sources. Diets did not affect nitrogen balance, microbial nitrogen, microbial synthesisefficiency, estimated dry matter flow, or passage rate. Alternative protein sources can be used to reduce the costs without changing the animal metabolism.

The objective of this study was to evaluate nutrient intake, performance, estimated methane production and carcass characteristics of steers fed diets containing three different levels of soybean grain: 0, 120 and 230 g/kg on the dry matter (DM). The study was conducted on eighteen castrated Nellore males with an average initial body weight (BW) of 370±12 kg in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and six repetitions. Intake of dry matter (DMI, kg/day) and crude protein tended to decrease linearly, and the intake of ether extract increased linearly in response to the soybean grain levels in the diet. Levels of soybean grain in the diet did not affect DMI (g/kg of BW), final average weight, average daily weight gain, feed efficiency and estimated methane production. Animals fed diets with different levels of soybean grain were not different with respect to carcass yield, loin eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, or bone, muscle and fat ratios. Carcass characteristics and meat quality were also not significantly different. Replacement of soybean meal by soybean grain in the diet alters the intake of crude protein and ether extract but does not affect performance, estimates of methane production, or carcass characteristics of feedlot Nellore.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of ruminal fermentation and enteric methane production in beef cattle subjected to different supplementation frequencies while grazing on Brachiaria brizanthacv. Marandu pastures. Nine cattle (325±65.7 kg BW) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in the ruminal fermentation study, and 12 cattle (399±32.6 kg BW) were used in the enteric methane production study. The treatments included supplementation once daily, supplementation once daily except Saturdays and Sundays, or supplementation on alternate days. The supplementation was equivalent to 10 g kg−1 BW day−1 for all treatments. The design employed was completely randomized with three treatments and three replications. When all supplements were provided (day 1), no effects of supplementation frequency were observed on ruminal pH; concentration of NH3-N; concentration of acetic, propionic, or butyric acids; or total volatile fatty acids (VFA), but there were month effects. During the day on which only daily supplements were provided (day 2), significant differences were observed only on the molar concentration of acetic acid and total VFA; and month effects were noted on all variables. No significant differences were observed in ruminal fluid volume, dilution rate, N intake, bacterial N synthesis and enteric methane production among the studied supplementation frequencies. Differences were observed in the enteric methane production in the different months, with 85 g kg−1 of gross energy intake observed in September and 123 g kg−1 of gross energy intake observed in November. Lower supplementation frequency is a good option to lower labor costs with little or no consequences on ruminal fermentation characteristics and enteric methane production.

Reduced supplementation frequency is a broadly applied management practice. Ruminants consuming low quality forages/pastures, supplemented less than once daily are able to maintain body weight gain (BWG), efficiency of use of dry matter, nitrogen and other nutrients, as compared with animals supplemented once daily. We evaluated the feeding behavior, dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter and organic matter digestibility (DMD and OMD), BWG, Longissimus muscle area and backfat depth of Nellore steers raised on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pastures during the dry season, with different supplementation patterns. Thirty six animals (338 ± 40.7 kg) were distributed over nine paddocks according to a completely randomized design. Treatments were based on supplementation frequency: once daily (OD), once daily except Saturdays and Sundays (SS), or on alternate days (AD), at 1.0 %, 1.4 % and 2.0 % BW, respectively. Average total DMI accounted for 1.6 % BW day-1, with no effect of supplementation frequency. Supplementation frequency had no effect on BWG or grazing time during the day. There was no difference in Longissimus muscle area animals supplemented daily, SS and AD. The backfat depth was thinner in animals supplemented AD, but even in this case, it was within the standards considered satisfactory for a finishing steer. Reducing supplementation frequency seems a good option to lower labor costs without affecting feed efficiency or carcass quality in beef cattle grazing tropical pastures.

Foram avaliados descarte de resíduos químicos em análises dos teores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), utilizando métodos convencional (Van Soest) e alternativos de análises. A recuperação da acetona promoveu ganhos tanto econômico como ambiental, observando-se taxa de recuperação de 84,12%. A precisão das análises não foi observada na maioria das determinações com reutilização de resíduos químicos, em todos os métodos analíticos testados, apesar de promover redução no custo, no tempo investido no preparo das soluções e no descarte de resíduos químicos.

The disposal of chemical waste and the precision of analyses of the neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fiber contents were evaluated utilizing conventional (Van Soest) and alternative methods of analyses. The recovery of acetone promoted both economic and environmental gains, with a recovery rate of 84.12%. The precision of the analyses was not observed in most of the determinations with reutilization of chemical waste in all the analytical methods tested, in spite of promoting decrease in cost, time invested in the preparation of solutions and the disposal of chemical waste.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes fontes proteicas (farelo de soja, farelo de algodão, farelo de amendoim e farelo de girassol) sobre o consumo de matéria seca e nutrientes, desempenho produtivo e medidas corporais de novilhas leiteiras, mestiças Holandês x Zebu, recriadas em confinamento. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos completos casualizados, constituído por seis repetições e quatro tratamentos. Os valores médios de ingestão de extrato etéreo (IEE, kg dia-1) apresentaram diferença estatística (p < 0,05). A ingestão de fibra em detergente neutro em % do peso corporal foi superior (p < 0,05) na dieta com farelo de girassol (1,01 %PC) em relação à dieta com farelo de soja (0,84 %PC). O ganho médio de peso corporal promovido pela dieta com o farelo de soja foi superior (0,95 kg dia-1) à dieta com farelo de girassol (0,82 kg dia-1), e no peso corporal final a dieta com o farelo de soja foi superior aos demais (p < 0,05). A medida biométrica perímetro torácico apresentou maior grau de associação com o peso corporal (0,93). O farelo de soja proporciona melhor desempenho produtivo a novilhas mestiças Holandesa x Zebu, alimentadas com dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar. Contudo, o farelo de algodão, farelo de amendoim e farelo de girassol pode ser possíveis substitutos do farelo de soja.

This study evaluated the effect of different protein sources (soybean meal, cottonseed meal, peanut meal and sunflower meal) on dry matter and nutrient intake, productive performance and body measurements of dairy heifers, Holstein x Zebu, recreated in confinement. The experiment consisted in a randomized complete block design made up by 6 replications and 4 treatments. The mean values of ingestion of ether extract (EEI, kg day-1) were statistically different (p < 0.05). The neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI, %BW) also presented differences (p < 0.05), with higher values in the diet containing sunflower meal (1.01% BW) in relation to the diet with soybean meal (0.84% BW). The average daily weight gain using the diet with soybean meal was superior (0.95 kg day-1) to the diet with sunflower meal (0.82 kg day-1), and considering the final body weight, the diet with soybean meal was superior to the other treatments (p < 0.05). The heart girth presented greater association with body weight (0.93). The soybean meal promoted the best productive performance of crossbred Holstein x Zebu heifers fed diets based on sugarcane. However, cottonseed meal, peanut meal and sunflower meal can be possible alternatives to soybean meal.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a produção fecal por meio do indicador interno, fibra em detergente neutro indigestível (FDNi), e externos, cromo complexado com ácido etilenodiaminotetracético (Cr-EDTA ) e o cloreto de itérbio (YbCl3), além de estimar o fluxo duodenal da matéria seca e os coeficientes de digestibilidades aparentes total, ruminal e pós-ruminal, de diferentes nutrientes. Foram utilizadas oito novilhas mestiças Holandês/Zebu, distribuídas em duplo quadrado latino 4 x 4. Os indicadores Cr-EDTA, YbCl3 e o FDNi não estimaram produção fecal de forma eficiente (p < 0,05), obtendo resultado de 1,64; 1,71 e 2,71 kg dia-1, respectivamente, quando comparado à coleta total de fezes, que obteve resultado de 1,39 kg dia-1. Os valores estimados de fluxo de matéria seca, tanto para a metodologia de único, quanto para de duplo indicador, podem ser considerados biologicamente aceitáveis. Contudo, o valor obtido pela associação Cr-EDTA/YbCl3, utilizada na forma de duplo indicador, foi o mais confiável, pela melhor recuperação dos indicadores externos (Cr-EDTA e YbCl3), que obtiveram médias de 89 e 85%, respectivamente, em comparação ao interno (FDNi), que obteve média 67%. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade ruminal e pós ruminal, estimados pela associação Cr-EDTA/YbCl3, foram considerados melhores, em consequência do valor de fluxo de matéria seca estimado por esta associação.

This study evaluated fecal excretion by means of the internal indicator indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and external indicators such as chromium complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Cr-EDTA) and ytterbium chloride (YbCl3), in addition to estimating the duodenal flow of dry matter and the total, ruminal and post-ruminal apparent digestibility coefficients. Eight crossbred Holstein x Zebu heifers were distributed into a 4 x 4 Latin square. Indicators Cr-EDTA, YbCl3and iNDF did not efficiently estimate the fecal production (p < 0.05), with results of 1.64, 1.71 and 2.71 kg day-1, respectively, compared with the total feces collection, which resulted in 1.39 kg day-1. The estimated values of dry matter flow, both for the methodologies of single and double indicator, can be considered biologically acceptable. However, the value obtained by the Cr-EDTA/YbCl3 association, used as a double indicator, was the most reliable, due to better recovery of the external indicators (Cr-EDTA and YbCl3), which have had averages of 89 and 85%, respectively, in comparison with the internal one (iNDF), which averaged 67%. The ruminal and post-ruminal digestibility coefficients, estimated by the Cr-EDTA/YbCl3 association, were considered the best indicators owing the dry matter flow estimated by this association.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid content (20, 40 and 60 g/kg dry matter) on intake, total and ruminal apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters, microbial synthesis efficiency and rumen microbial content of beef cattle. Nine cannulated steers at 6 months of age with initial body weight of 232±35 kg were used in a triplicate 3 × 3 Latin square design. The results indicated that the total intake and digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), gross energy (GE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were not affected by the lipid content of the diet. However, the lowest lipid content diet reduced the total digestibility of crude protein (CP) and total carbohydrate linearly compared with the highest lipid diet. In contrast, when steers were fed a diet containing 20 g lipids/kg of DM, the concentration of ammonia in the rumen decreased quadratically relative to the other diets. Ruminal pH was not affected by the interaction of treatment and sampling time; however, the rumen pH decreased quadratically in animals that received the highest dietary lipid content (60 g/kg) compared with animals that received 20 and 40 g lipids/kg of DM. The rumen concentrations of volatile fatty acids, propionate, and butyrate and the acetate/propionate ratio were affected by the dietary lipid content. However, the microbial population, microbial N flow, and efficiency of synthesis were not affected by dietary lipid content. Overall, an increase in the lipid content of the diet of Nellore steers resulted in similar digestive profiles and fermentation conditions.

Na presente revisão, buscou-se apresentar os principais impactos ambientais causados pela pecuária, sobretudo, em relação às emissões de gases efeito estufa (GEE). Além disso, buscou-se apresentar possíveis formas de mitigar essas externalidades. A criação de bovinos, no Brasil, acontece de forma extensiva, muitas vezes em áreas com pastagem degradada e, portanto, de baixa produtividade. Isso possibilita à atividade uma oportunidade de redução do impacto causado ao meio ambiente, uma vez que ações tomadas, no sentido de melhorar o rendimento animal, devem resultar em um menor consumo de recursos naturais (terra e água) e maior eficiência do sistema digestivo animal. Os principais problemas apontados pelos pesquisadores, no que tange à pecuária extensiva, são o metano emitido pela fermentação entérica dos ruminantes, o óxido nitroso emitido pelos dejetos dos animais em pastejo e o dióxido de carbono trocado pelo solo e vegetação. Muitos fatores influenciam a produção de CH4 entérico dos ruminantes, inclusive o tipo de carboidrato fermentado, o sistema digestivo do animal, a quantidade e o tipo de alimentos consumidos. Diante do exposto, pesquisadores têm desenvolvido tecnologias para reduzir a emissão de metano, através da melhoria das práticas de manejo alimentar, manipulação ruminal, por meio de suplementação com monensina, lipídios, ácidos orgânicos e compostos de plantas. Outras estratégias de redução de metano que foram investigadas são: defaunação e vacinas, que buscam inibir micro-organismos metanogênicos e a metanogênese. Assim, a busca por sistemas de produção eficientes tem sido uma das perspectivas da pecuária mundial para reduzir a emissão de poluentes e intensificar a produção animal.

This review aimed to present the main environmental impacts related to livestock, especially as regards the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and the possible ways to mitigate these externalities. The creation of ruminants in Brazil comes mainly extensively, often in areas of degraded pasture and hence low productivity. This fact enables the activity a great opportunity to reduce the impact to the environment, since actions taken to improve animal performance should result in a lower consumption of natural resources (land and water) and greater efficiency of the digestive system animal. The main problems identified by researchers in relation to cattle production are the methane emitted from enteric fermentation of ruminants, nitrous oxide emitted by feces of grazing animals and carbon dioxide exchanged by soil and vegetation. Many factors influence the production of CH4 from enteric ruminants, including the type of carbohydrate fermentation, the animal's digestive system, and the amount and type of food consumed. In this light, researchers have been working technologies to reduce methane emissions through improved food handling practices, manipulation of rumen by supplementation with monensin, lipids, organic acids and plant compounds. Other strategies to reduce methane that were investigated are defaunation and vaccines, which seek to inhibit methanogens and methanogenesis. Thus, the search for more efficient production systems has been one of the prospects of livestock worldwide, aiming to reduce emissions and increase animal production.

A avaliação de alimentos é um dos principais pontos a serem observados no setor de nutrição animal, a qual diz respeito à utilização de métodos para descrever alimentos ao seu público e à sua capacidade de sustentar diferentes tipos e níveis de desempenho animal. Atualmente, as pesquisas têm buscado relacionar o conteúdo de nutrientes dos alimentos com seu aproveitamento digestivo e metabólico. A nutrição animal é uma ciência bastante dinâmica, sempre lança mão de novas tecnologias e estratégias para melhorar o aproveitamento dos alimentos e busca novas metodologias para respondem às demandas emergenciais.. Dessa forma, o estabelecimento de estratégias apropriadas para obtenção de respostas é essencial para que o sucesso na pesquisa seja atingido. Assim, esta revisão irá abordar e discutir as principais técnicas utilizadas na avaliação de alimentos aplicadas à nutrição de ruminantes.

The food evaluation is one of the main points to be observed in the animal nutrition sector, which concerns the use of methods to describe animal feed as well its ability to support different types and levels of animal performance. Currently, researches have tried finding relationship between the nutrient content of foods and their digestive and metabolic exploitation. The animal nutrition is a science rather dynamic, always making use of new technologies and strategies to improve the utilization of food, always searching new methods as new answers to questions are necessary. Thus, the establishment of appropriate methodologies to obtaining the answers is essential to achieve success in search. This way this review will address and discuss some of the main techniques used in feed evaluation applied to ruminant nutrition.

Avaliaram-se a população de protozoários, a eficiência de síntese microbiana e a degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca e da fibra em detergente neutro, em bovinos que consumiram dietas contendo diferentes teores de lipídeos. Foram utilizados nove novilhos da raça Nelore, canulados no rúmen e duodeno, com idade inicial 16 meses e 232 ± 35 kg de peso corporal. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi quadrado latino 3 x 3 triplicado, sendo os tratamentos: 2; 4 e 6% de lipídeos na dieta. A degradabilidade "in situ" foi avaliada por meio da incubação ruminal da silagem de milho, soja grão, farelo de soja e polpa cítrica por 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 e 96h. O fluxo de nitrogênio microbiano e a eficiência de síntese microbiana não foram (p > 0,05) influenciados pela inclusão de teores de lipídeos nas dietas. Quando os animais receberam 4% de lipídeo na dieta ocorreu redução (p < 0,05) da degradação potencial e efetiva da matéria seca da silagem de milho (64,10 e 55,04%, respectivamente), farelo de soja (94,55 e 60,83%, respectivamente) e soja grão (98,45 e 76,44%, respectivamente). Teores 4 e 6% de lipídeos na dieta podem ser utilizados sem alterar os parâmetros de degradação ruminal da fibra.

Protozoa population, microbial synthesis efficiency and rumen degradability of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber in cattle fed on diets with different lipid rates were evaluated. Nine 16-month-old Nelore young bulls, cannulated in the rumen and duodenum, weighing 232 ± 35 kg, were used in the trial. Experimental design consisted of a 3 x 3 square in triplicate, comprising the following treatments: 2, 4 and 6% lipid in diet. In situ degradability was assessed by rumen incubation of corn silage, soybean, soybean meal and citrus pulp during 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96h. The flow of microbial nitrogen and microbial efficiency were not influenced (p > 0.05) by the inclusion of lipid levels in the diet. When the animals received diet with 4% lipid, there was a reduction (p < 0.05) in the potential and effective degradation of dry matter of corn silage (64.10 and 55.04%, respectively), soybean meal (94.55 and 60.83%, respectively) and soybeans (98.45 and 76.44%, respectively). Since the degradability of neutral detergent fiber was not affected, 4 and 6% lipid levels in the diet may be used without altering the parameters of rumen degradation of fiber.