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

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

ABSTRACT. Feeding behavior analysis provides information about the relationships between animals and pastures. Therefore, this review aims to describe some aspects of the feeding behavior profiles of both sheep and goats in grazing systems. The structure of the pasture is a key factor in the feeding behavior of grazing animals. The amount of feed consumed in a given period of time is affected by the number of meals, duration and velocity of swallowing, changes in grazing time, bite rate, bite weight, and quality of ingested forage. The different phenological stages of forage also influence the animals’ strategies to optimize their intake, which consequently changes their behavioral activities. Sheep and goats tend to be more selective than cattle, and young animals are more selective than older animals; this selectivity characteristic is one of the most important aspects to be observed in pasture management. According to the degree of selectivity, the animals will intake forages of higher or lower nutritive quality. In addition, the intensity and distribution of their daily activities (grazing, ruminating, and resting) are influenced by several factors, such as the availability and nutritive value of the pasture, its management, the animal activity in the group, and the predominant climatic conditions of the region.

Resumo Essa revisão detalha os efeitos negativos da infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis no metabolismo do fósforo de ovinos e os impactos diretos e indiretos da alta excreção em animais susceptíveis, bem como as vantagens oferecidas pela alimentação de precisão como estratégia potencial para mitigar perdas. Em ovinos infectados com T. colubriformis há uma alta redução na biodisponibilidade de P, devido à depressão na capacidade de absorção desse mineral, afetando a absorção e a reciclagem de P no trato digestivo, causando deficiência mineral. Portanto, a alimentação de precisão compila informações de genética animal, tipo de alimentação e manejo da pastagem para controlar o consumo de alimento e a quantidade e qualidade dos dejetos produzidos. Nesse sentido, a adoção da alimentação de precisão pode proporcionar um melhor arranjo das informações, tornando a produção de ovinos mais econômica, social e ambientalmente sustentável.

Abstract This review details the negative effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in sheep phosphorus metabolism and direct and indirect impacts from high excretion from susceptible animals, as well as the advantages offered by precision feeding as potential strategies to mitigate loss. In sheep infected with T. colubriformis there is a high reduction in P bioavailability, because of depression in the absorptive capacity of this mineral, affecting the absorption and recycling of P to the digestive tract, causing mineral deficiency. Therefore, precision feeding compiles animal genetics information, feeding type and grazing management to control animal feed intake and quantity and quality of manure produced. In this sense, the adoption of precision feeding can provide a better arrangement of the information, making sheep production more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

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 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.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis nos parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos, digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros Santa Inês. Dezoito cordeiros Santa Inês, de três meses de idade e castrados (16,9 ± 1,43 kg de peso corporal), foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos experimentais: infectados com T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) e não infectados (U, n = 9). O grupo I recebeu um total de 45.000 larvas L3 de T. colubriformis (5.000 larvas infectantes, três vezes por semana, durante três semanas). Durante o período experimental, foram avaliadas as variáveis sanguíneas, digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio. Os cordeiros I apresentaram redução de eritrócitos, hemoglobina, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio e proteínas totais, além de aumento de plaquetas e eosinófilos, quando comparados ao grupo U (p< 0,05). Contudo, exceto para proteínas totais, os valores estavam dentro do intervalo normal para a espécie. Além disso, a digestibilidade da matéria seca e da matéria orgânica foi menor no grupo I de cordeiros (p = 0,08). Os presentes achados destacam que a infecção por T. colubriformis teve potencial para prejudicar alguns parâmetros hemato-bioquímicos, bem como a digestibilidade aparente da dieta, o que poderia afetar a produtividade dos cordeiros.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection on the hemato-biochemical parameters, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance in Santa Inês lambs. Eighteen three-month-old Santa Ines castrated male lambs (16.9 ± 1.43 kg of body weight) were randomly distributed in two experimental treatments: infected with T. colubriformis (I, n = 9) and uninfected (U, n = 9). The I group received a total of 45,000 L3 larvae of T. colubriformis (5,000 infective larvae, three times per week, for three weeks). During the experimental period, blood, feed digestibility, and nitrogen balance were evaluated. The I lambs showed a reduction in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and total proteins, as well as an increase in platelets and eosinophils compared to those in the U group (p < 0.05). With the exception of total protein content, these values were within the normal range for the species. Furthermore, lower dry matter and organic matter digestibility were observed in the I lambs (p = 0.08). The present findings highlight that T. colubriformis infection has the potential to impair some hemato-biochemical parameters as well as feed digestibility in lambs, which could affect their productivity.

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. 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.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar três espécies de gramíneas tropicais quanto à produção de metano (CH4) in vitro e à degradabilidade da matéria orgânica, para determinar as relações entre a qualidade nutritiva das gramíneas e a produção de CH4. O capim-colonião (Megathyrsus maximus), o capim-braquiarão (Urochloa brizantha) e o capim-decumbens (Urochloa decumbens) foram avaliados. O capim-braquiarão apresentou os maiores teores de matéria orgânica, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e lignina, e o menor teor de proteína bruta. O capim-decumbens apresentou os maiores teores de hemicelulose e de nitrogênio em fibra de detergente neutro, além do menor teor de celulose. O capim-colonião e o capim-decumbens apresentaram maior produção total de gases do que o braquiarão. Além disso, o capim-colonião apresentou maior produção de CH4, e o capim-braquiarão, menor degradabilidade verdadeira da matéria orgânica e reduzido fator de partição, em comparação ao capim-decumbens. Maior produção de CH4 foi verificada em casos em que os valores de hemicelulose e fator de partição foram menores. A qualidade nutricional e a produção de CH4 das forragens avaliadas podem ser utilizadas como parâmetros a serem empregados, que visem a sustentabilidade da produção de ruminantes.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate three tropical forage species for their in vitro methane (CH4) production and organic matter degradability, in order to determine the relationships between forage grass nutritive quality and CH4 production. Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha), and signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) were evaluated. Palisade grass showed the highest organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, and lower-crude protein content. Signal grass had the highest values for hemicellulose and neutral detergent fiber-nitrogen, and the lowest-cellulose content. Guinea grass and signal grass showed a higher-total gas production than palisade grass. Besides, Guinea grass showed an increased CH4 production, and palisade grass showed lower value for truly degraded organic matter, and reduced partitioning factor, in comparison to signal grass. An increased CH4 production was observed in cases of lower hemicellulose and paratitioning factor. The nutritive value and CH4 production of forages may be employed as parameters, aiming at the sustainability of ruminant production.

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. 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.

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros adaptativos e o conforto térmico de ovelhas deslanadas no pósparto submetidas à suplementação concentrada em sistema de pastejo. Foram utilizadas 30 ovelhas pluríparas em lactação, sendo 16 da raça Santa Inês e 14 da raça Morada Nova. Os parâmetros fisiológicos, frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR) e temperatura retal (TR) foram aferidos nessa ordem com os animais em repouso nos períodos da manhã e da tarde, de 6:00-7:00 e 13:00-14:00, respectivamente, a cada sete dias, totalizando dez coletas. Houve efeito de turno (p < 0,05) para FR e FC dentro de raça. Comportamento semelhante foi observado para FR entre raças, em que as ovelhas Morada Nova apresentaram maior adaptabilidade. Os níveis de suplementação de 0,5 e 1,5% exerceram influência (p < 0,05) sobre a FR com superioridade para as ovelhas que receberam maior nível de suplementação, possivelmente pelo incremento calórico na dieta. No entanto, os parâmetros FC e TR não diferiram dentro de raça em função da suplementação, sendo que entre raças a FC foi superior para ovelhas SI a 0,5%. Conclui-se que a suplementação concentrada exerceu influência sobre frequência respiratória das ovelhas deslanadas no pós-parto, com maior incremento calórico para o nível de 1,5% e superioridade para as ovelhas Santa Inês, indicando maior adaptabilidade das ovelhas Morada Nova quando submetidas à dieta concentrada em sistema de pastejo.

Current analysis evaluated adaptive parameters and thermal comfort of postpartum ewes fed on concentrate supplementation in grazing system. Thirty lactating pluriparous sheep, 16 Santa Inês (SI) and 14 Morada Nova (MN) were used. Physiological parameters such as respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature (RT) were measured, in that order, with the animals at rest in the morning (6:00-7:00 am) and in the afternoon (1:00-2:00 pm), respectively, every seven days, with 10 samples. A significant effect (p < 0.05) for RR and HR was reported in the strain. Similar behavior was reported for RR between the breeds where MN sheep had high adaptability. Supplementation levels of 0.5 and 1.5% influenced (p < 0.05) RR which was stronger in the sheep that received the highest supplementation level, possibly due to calorie increase in the diet. However, HR and RT parameters did not differ within the breed due to supplementation. HR was higher between the breeds for SI sheep at 0.5%. Results show that concentrated supplementation affected the respiratory rate of ewes in the postpartum period, with higher calorie increment at 1.5% level and superiority for Santa Inês ewes. Greater adaptability of Morada Nova sheep has been indicated when fed on concentrated diet in grazing system.