Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento alométrico, a correlação dos cortes com as meia-carcaças e o índice de musculosidade da perna de cordeiros ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês abatidos com 2,0, 3,0 e 4,0 mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS). Utilizaram-se 24 cordeiros machos, não castrados, distribuídos de acordo com seu peso, em três baias coletivas. Os abates ocorreram à medida que os cordeiros atingiram a EGS pré-determinada por ultrassonografia. As meia-carcaças foram pesadas, dissecadas e separadas em cinco cortes: pescoço, paleta, costilhar, lombo e perna. Estes cortes foram dissecados e pesados em músculo, gordura subcutânea, gordura intermuscular e osso. Na paleta, cordeiros com 2,0 e 4,0 mm de EGS mostraram crescimento precoce. No costilhar, observou-se essa precocidade em cordeiros com 4,0 mm de EGS. A perna mostrou crescimento isogônico em cordeiros com 3,0 e 4,0 mm de EGS e foi o corte que melhor correlacionou-se com a meia-carcaça, independentemente da EGS. O abate de cordeiros ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês com 4,0 mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea permite obter melhor crescimento alométrico dos cortes paleta, costilhar e perna, bem como melhor índice de musculosidade da perna.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the allometric growth, the correlation of the cuts with the half carcasses, and the muscularity index of the leg of ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês lambs slaughtered with 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT). Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs were used, being distributed according to their weight into three collective pens. Slaughtering occurred as the lambs reached the SFT predetermined by ultrasound. The half carcasses were weighed, dissected, and separated into five cuts: neck, shoulders, rib, loin, and leg. These cuts were dissected and weighed into muscle, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, and bone. In the shoulders, lambs with 2.0 and 4.0 mm SFT showed early growth. In the rib, this early precocity was observed in lambs with 4.0 mm SFT. The leg showed isogonic growth in lambs with 3.0 and 4.0 mm SFT and was the cut that best correlated with the half carcass, regardless of the SFT. The slaughter of ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês lambs with 4.0 mm of subcutaneous fat allows obtaining a better allometric growth of the shoulder, rib, and leg cuts, as well as a better leg muscularity index.

Abstract The goal of this paper was to perform the sensory evaluation of strip loin from adult Nelore cattle on the acceptance perspective of the consumer from Aracaju and purchase intention faged beef in different cutting thicknesses. Musculus longissimus thoracis and lumborum were used in three treatments with zero aging time with cutting thickness of 2.5 cm; 21 days aging with cutting thickness of 2.5 cm; and 21 days aging withcutting thickness of 7.5 cm. Eighty random consumers were invited to the sensory evaluationina local supermarket chain. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and eight repetitions. The odour parameter did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. There was a difference (P < 0.004) between treatments regarding to flavour. The tenderness and the overall acceptance of the aged samples were higher (P < 0.001) to non-aged samples with no difference (P > 0.05) relative to the thickness. 85% of consumers from the city of Aracaju, based on the assigned scores, elected Musculus longissimus thoracis and lumborum from adult Nelore aged for 21 days a very attractive meat and demonstrated a positive purchase intention, regardless of the cutting thickness.

RESUMO. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a inclusão de manipueira (0,0; 0,5; 1,0 ou 1,5 L animal-1 dia-1) na dieta de cordeiros terminados em confinamento sobre as características físico-químicas e composição de ácidos graxos da carne. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros não castrados, com idade média de 167 dias e peso médio de 24,76 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, divididos em quatro grupos com oito animais por grupo para cada tratamento. Os valores de cor foram medidos no músculo longissimus dorsi usando um colorímetro portátil. Para determinar as perdas de cozimento, amostras de carne foram cortadas e pesadas. Os pedaços individuais foram cozidos em um forno elétrico até uma temperatura interna definida (72°C). A composição de ésteres metílicos de ácidos graxos foi medida por cromatografia gasosa. A inclusão de manipueira diminui as perdas por cocção, força de cisalhamento e intensidade de amarelo linearmente, enquanto o teor de gordura da carne aumenta linearmente. A quantidade dos ácidos graxos mirístico, esteárico, linoleico e os ácidos graxos totais foram alteradas. Também foram observados os efeitos da manipueira nas quantidades de ácidos graxos saturados, ácidos gordos poli-insaturados, ácidos graxos desejáveis e proporção de n-6: n-3. Observou-se efeito quadrático positivo para os índices de qualidade nutricional: Δ9 dessaturase 16, elongase, aterogenicidade e trombogenicidade. Em conclusão, a manipueira alterou as características físico-químicas e composição de ácidos graxos da carne de cordeiro. No entanto, outros estudos devem ser realizados para determinar a composição da manipueira de ácidos graxos para elucidar o uso que na alimentação animal.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of includingcassava wastewater (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 L animal-1 day-1) in diets of feedlot-finished lambs on the physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of their meat. Thirty-two uncastrated lambs atan average age of 167 days and an average body weight of 24.76 ± 3.00 kg were distributed into four groups in a completely randomized design with eight animals per group for each treatment. Color values were measured on the longissimus dorsi muscle using a portable colorimeter. To determine the cooking losses, samples of meat were cut and weighed. Individual pieces were cooked in an electric oven to a defined internal temperature (72°C). The composition of fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography.Inclusion of cassava wastewater linearly reduced cooking losses, shear force, and yellow intensity and linearly increased the fat content of the meat. The amounts of myristic, stearic, linoleic, and total fatty acids were changed. Additionally, an effect of cassava wastewater was observed on the amounts of saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, desirable fatty acids, and n-6:n-3ratio. A positive quadratic effect was observed for the following nutritional quality indices: Δ9 desaturase 16, elongase, at herogenicity, and thrombogenicity. Cassava wastewater changesthe physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of lamb meat. Furtherstudies should be carried outto more accurately determine the fatty acid composition of cassava wastewater to better understand its effectson animal nutrition.

Physical (pH, color, tenderness, and cooking weight loss), chemical (moisture, crude protein, ash, and lipids) and sensory (odor, flavor, juiciness, and overall acceptance) characteristics of meat from Santa Inês lambs slaughtered with 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) were evaluated. Samples of the longissimus dorsi muscles were removed from 24 male uncastrated lambs distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and eight replicates. Weightings and ultrasound evaluations were performed every 14 days. No significant differences were observed for pH0h, which averaged 6.24. Lambs slaughtered with 4.0 mm SFT differed from the treatments with 2.0 and 3.0 mm as to the pH24h values. The meat from lambs slaughtered with 3.0 and 4.0 mm SFT showed a greater lightness (L*) value. Meat tenderness (2.21 kgf/cm2), cooking weight loss (13.90%), moisture (74.39%), and crude protein (22.10%) contents were not affected by the SFT. For the total lipid contents of the meat, significant differences were observed between the lambs slaughtered with 2.0 mm and those with 3.0 and 4.0 mm SFT. The sensory traits were not affected by the SFT with which the lambs were slaughtered. Lambs slaughtered with 4.0 mm SFT remained 33 days longer in feedlot and showed similar live weights at slaughter to those with 3.00 mm. It is recommended to slaughter Santa Inês lambs with a subcutaneous fat thickness of 3.00 mm.

<p>Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros fisiológicos e o desempenho de ovelhas da raça Santa Inês e cordeiros ½ Dorper - Santa Inês nas estações verão e inverno. Foram utilizadas 160 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês e 189 cordeiros ½ Dorper - Santa Inês em delineamento inteiramente casualizado distribuídas em dois tratamentos, verão: 80 ovelhas e 92 cordeiros e no inverno: 80 ovelhas e 97 cordeiros. Registrou-se os parâmetros ambientais, temperatura do ar (Ta^oC), umidade relativa (UR%), velocidade do vento (Vv m.s^-1) e temperatura do globo negro (Tg^oC) e parâmetros fisiológicos, temperatura retal (TR^oC), frequência respiratória (FR mov.min^-1) e frequência cardíaca (FC bat.min^-1). A condição corporal das ovelhas foi aferida ao parto. No terço final de gestação verificou-se efeito significativo (P<0,05) para TR, FR e FC nas ovelhas, em que no verão os valores foram, respectivamente, 40,63^oC, 102,58 (mov.min^-1) e 128,34 (bat.min^-1) com ICT 46, e no inverno foi de 38,34^oC, 35,71 (mov.min^-1), 77,96( bat.min^-1) com ICT de 14. Os valores de TR, FR e FC ao parto e ao desmame também foram significativas entre as estações verão e inverno. Foram verificadas diferenças (P<0,05) para a TR, FR e FC dos cordeiros ao nascimento e ao desmame entre o verão e inverno. O peso ao nascer (4,51±2,86) e ao desmame (16,91±3,91) foram superiores para os cordeiros nascidos no verão. Durante o verão, ovelhas da raça Santa Inês foram superiores em escore de condição corporal, favorecendo nascimentos de cordeiros mais pesados e consequentemente peso ao desmame superior, com taxa de sobrevivência acima da encontrada no inverno.</p>

<p>This study aimed to evaluate the physiological parameters and performance of sheep Santa Inês and Dorperlambs ½-SantaInes in summer and winter seasons. 160 Santa Inês sheep and 189 ½ Dorper lambs were used - Santa Inês completely randomized in two treatments, summer: 80 sheep and 92 lambs and winter: 80 sheep and 97 lambs.Was recorded environmental the environmental parameters of air temperature (Ta°C), relative humidity (% RH), wind speed (Vvms- 1) and black globe temperature (Tg°C) and physiological parameters of rectal temperature (Tr°C), respiratory rate (RR mov.min-1) and heart rate (HR beat.min - 1). The body condition of the ewes was measured at birth. In the final third of gestation there was a significant effect P < 0.05) for TR, FR and HR on sheep, where in summer the values were 40.63°C, 102.58 (mov.min-1) and 128,34 (beat.min-1) with 46 ICT, and winter was 38.34°C , 35.71 (mov.min-1), 77.96 (beat.min-1) with ICT of 14. The values of TR, RR and HR at birth and weaning were also significant between the summer and winter seasons. Differences were observed (P < 0.05) for TR, RR and HR of lambs at birth and weaning between summer and winter. The weight at birth (4.51 ± 2.86) and weaning (16.91 ± 3.91) were higher for those born in the summer. During the summer Santa Inês ewes were superior in body condition score, favoring births of heavier lambs and consequently higher weaning weight with higher rate of survival than those found in winter.</p>

Foram utilizadas 24 cordeiras do grupo genético Pantaneiro, com aproximadamente 100 dias de idade e peso corporal médio de 16,24 ± 1,78 kg, abatidas com 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0 mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea, avaliadas por ultrassonografia sobre o Longissimus, para avaliar o crescimento alométrico. As cordeiras receberam ração completa peletizada para ganho de peso diário de 0,30 kg. Os abates ocorreram à medida que as cordeiras atingiam a espessura de gordura pré-determinada. Após 24 horas refrigeradas a 4ºC, as carcaças frias foram seccionadas ao meio e pesadas. O lado direito foi separado em cinco cortes para determinação da alometria da carcaça e dos cortes. Nos cortes pescoço e costilhar, os tratamentos apresentaram crescimento isogônico. O lombo manteve-se tardio para 2,0 e 3,0 mm. A paleta e perna apresentaram crescimento isogônico nos tratamentos 3,0 e 4,0 mm. A perna em relação à meia carcaça apresentou a maior correlação. Os cortes obtiveram desenvolvimento diferenciado nas taxas de crescimento dos tecidos. Recomenda-se o abate de cordeiras Pantaneiras com 3,0 mm de espessura de gordura pela carcaça já ter atingido a sua maturidade fisiológica. Os cortes paleta e perna são os mais indicados para dissecação por apresentarem a maior correlação com a carcaça, em fêmeas do grupo Pantaneiro.

Twenty-four female lambs of the Pantaneiro genetic group, with approximately 100 days of age, average body of 16.24 ± 1.78 kg, were slaughtered with 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness, measured by ultrasound in the Longissimus, to evaluate the allometric growth. Lambs fed a complete pelleted diet calculated to ensure a daily weight gain of 0.30 kg. Slaughtering was performed as the female lambs reached the pre-established fat thickness. After 24 hours in a cold chamber at 4ºC, chilled carcasses were cut in half and weighed. The right side was separated into five sections to determine the allometry of carcasses and cuts. Neck and rib showed isogonic growth in all treatments. Loin has remained late growth to 2.0 and 3.0 mm. Shoulder and leg were isogonic growth in the treatments 3.0 and 4.0 mm. The leg in relation to half carcass showed the greatest correlation. The cuts exhibited differentiated development in the growth rates of tissues. It is recommended to slaughter female lambs when they reach 3.0 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness, since the carcass has already reached physiological maturity. Shoulder and leg cuts are best suited for dissection for presenting the highest correlation with the carcass in females of the Pantaneiro group.

Foram utilizados trinta e quatro cordeiros machos não castrados, sendo 16 Santa Inês (SI) e 18 ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês (½ D+ ½ SI). Os animais foram abatidos com 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0mm de espessuras de gordura subcutânea, para verificar o efeito do grupo genético e espessura de gordura ao abate na composição química da carne de cordeiros. Os cordeiros foram confinados, recebendo ração completa peletizada, calculada para ganho médio diário de 0,30kg. Foram realizadas avaliações por ultrassonografia na região do lombo entre a 12ª e 13ª costelas. Para os teores de lipídeos totais da carne foram observadas diferenças entre o grupo genético (SI: 4,78g/100g; ½ D+ ½ SI: 6,45g/100g) e as espessuras de gordura ao abate (2,0mm: 4,77g/100g; 3,0mm: 5,20g/100g e 4,0mm: 6,86g/100g). Foram observadas diferenças para o teor de ácidos graxos saturados nas diferentes espessuras ao abate (2,0mm: 26,52g/100g; 3,0mm: 27,07g/100g e 4,0mm: 24,63g/100g). Constatou-se a presença de um isômero de ácido linoleico conjugado, C18:1n 9cis ,11trans. Analisando-se a concentração total dos ácidos graxos insaturados, observou-se que diferentes espessuras de gordura influenciaram significativamente as concentrações dos ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (2,0mm: 8,36g/100g; 3,0mm: 8,54g/100g e 4,0mm:11,18g/100g). A carne de cordeiros demonstrou ser altamente benéfica no teor lipídico e de um isômero de Ácido Linoleico Conjugado. Nas condições de realização do experimento a carne de cordeiros com 4,0mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea demonstraram melhor incremento de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados em relação aos demais, melhorando assim a qualidade nutricional da carne tornando-a mais adequada para a alimentação humana.

Thirty-four not castrated lambs, 16 Santa Ines (SI) and 18 ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Ines (½ D + ½ SI), were slaughtered with different subcutaneous fat thicknesses to verify the effect of genotype and fat thickness on chemical composition of the meat. The lambs remained confined, from weaning to slaughter, and they were fed with complete pelleted ration calculated for daily weight gain of 0.3 kg. Ultrasound evaluations were performed between the 12th and 13th ribs in the loin area. The slaughter was carried out when the lambs reached the thickness of fat pre-determined: 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mm. There were differences in the total lipids of the meat between the genetic groups (SI: 4.78g / 100g; ½ D ½ + SI: 6.45g / 100g) and fat thickness at slaughter (2.0mm: 4.77g / 100g; 3.0mm: 5.20g / 100g and 4.0mm: 6.86g / 100g). The contents of fatty acids differed in the different fat thicknesses at slaughter (2.0mm: 26.52g/100g; 3.0mm: 27.07g/100g e 4.0mm: 24.63g/100g). It was observed the presence of an isomer of Conjugated Linoleic Acid, C18: 1n 9cis, 11trans. Analyzing the total concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, it was observed that the different thicknesses of fat signifycantly affected the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (2.0mm: 8.36g/100g; 3.0mm: 8.54g/100g e 4.0mm: 11.18g/100g). Meat from lambs proved highly beneficial in lipid content and an isomer of CLA. Under the conditions of the experiment the lamb meat slaughtered with 4.0mm thickness of subcutaneous fat showed better increase of polyunsaturated fatty acids in relation to the other, thus improving the nutritional quality of the meat making it more suitable for human consumption.

Avaliou-se a precisão do método FAMACHA© na identificação de fêmeas ovinas alimentadas com dois níveis de proteína bruta, infectadas naturalmente por Haemonchus contortus por meio do valor de hematócrito correspondente. Foram utilizadas 47 fêmeas ovinas das raças Santa Inês (n = 16), Texel (n = 16) e Ile de France (n = 15), com idades entre oito e 12 meses. Dentro de cada raça, os animais foram distribuídos em dois tratamentos, 12 ou 16% de proteína bruta total na dieta. Todos os animais foram vermifugados 30 dias antes das primeiras coletas de dados que foram feitas quinzenalmente, no período entre julho de 2005 e março de 2006. Avaliou-se individualmente a mucosa ocular de todos os animais em concordância com o preceituado pelo método FAMACHA©, bem como se obteve o valor do hematócrito de cada animal avaliado em laboratório. Obteve-se uma correlação de 1:0,7991 dos valores de hematócrito e a classificação pelo método FAMACHA© visando a identificação de animais acometidos por diferentes graus de anemia. O método mostrou-se eficiente na identificação dos animais que necessitam de tratamento antiparasitário constituindo-se como suporte na identificação de animais susceptíveis ao Haemonchus contortus.

The accuracy of the FAMACHA© method was evaluated on the identification of female sheep fed two levels of crude protein, naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus, by means of the correspondent hematocrit value. Forty-seven female sheep of the breeds Santa Inês (n = 16), Texel (n = 16) and Ile de France (n = 15) aged between eight and twelve months were assigned to two treatments, 12 or 16 % crude protein in the diet. All the animals were wormed thirty days before the first data collections, which were done fortnightly between July 2005 and March 2006. The color of the ocular conjunctiva was individually evaluated according to the precepts of the FAMACHA© method and the hematocrit value of each animal was obtained in laboratory. A correlation of 1:0.7991 was found between the hematocrit values and the classification given by the FAMACHA© method aiming to identify animals with different degrees of anemia. The method was efficient to identify animals to worm, thus representing a support in the identification of animals susceptible to Haemonchus contortus.

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.

The incidence of estrus in nulliparous Santa Inês (n = 16), Texel (n = 16) and Ile de France (n = 15) ewes fed two levels of crude protein (CP, 12 or 16%) was monitored from July 2005 to December 2006, and seasonality in the Santa Inês breed in the south of Brazil was characterized. The solar radiation data were recorded daily, and samples of blood were collected biweekly for determination of the plasma concentration of progesterone in Santa Inês lambs at, on average, 11±1 months of age. The female Santa Inês lambs, in the experimental period, stayed among teaser rams with a powdered-dye-ink mixture placed on their chest to mark the females that accepted to be mounted. Santa Inês ewes did not manifest estrus in the first fortnight of November and in December 2005, nor in the last fortnight of December 2006. Estrus activity was not observed on any of the three breeds in October 2006. Breeds differed at the level of 12% CP. Santa Inês and Ile de France females did not differ as for the probability estrus manifestation and both presented higher probabilities then Texel. When the effect of 12 or 16% CP on each breed was evaluated separately, it was verified that levels of 12 or 16% of crude protein did not change the probability of estrus manifestation in any of the studied breeds. The concentration of plasma progesterone in Santa Inês ewes during the spring of 2005 and 2006 indicated that there is difference between 12% CP (0.68±1.32 ng/mL) and 16% CP (1.28±1.99 ng/mL) and between the years 2005 (0.39±0.78 ng/mL) and 2006 (1.47±2.08 ng/mL), demonstrating the anestrous seasonality of Santa Inês in South Brazil.

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 effects of inactive dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) from sugar cane were studied in 18 primiparus Saanen dairy goats (51.07±1.43) on dry matter intake and digestibility, milk production and quality. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized design during 90 days (from day 60 of milking). Diets were composed of soybean meal; soybean meal + dry yeast; or dry yeast, as protein sources, and ground corn, mineral supplement and corn silage (40%). Animals fed the dry yeast diet showed lower intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber. Diets did not influence milk yield; however the milk production efficiency (kg of milk produced/kg of crude protein ingested) was better in goats fed the dry yeast diet. Acidity, somatic cell counts and milk urea nitrogen values were not affected by treatments. Animals fed the soybean + dry yeast diet had higher fat and total solids than those fed the dry yeast diet. The digestibility of DM, OM and total carbohydrate was lower for soybean only and soybean + dry yeast diets. Total digestible nutrients were higher for dry yeast and soy bean diets than soybean + dry yeast diet. Dry yeast from sugar cane is a good alternative protein source for feeding lactating dairy goats and can be recommended because it maintains the production performance.

This study was carried out to evaluate the influence of diets supplemented with glycerin as an alternative ingredient to corn on the performance and carcass characteristics of Santa Inês confined lambs. The study involved 27 lambs aged 90 days, having an average initial weight of 26.33 ± 0.15 kg. Lambs were randomly distributed into a control group and groups with diets containing 15 and 30% glycerin in the total feed. Diet was formulated with 40% roughage and 60% concentrate. The experimental design was completely randomized, and the production performance and carcass characteristics were analyzed by analysis of variance, and the subjective carcass characteristics, by general linear models. The daily average gain was 0.21, 0.24 and 0.23 kg/day; feeding conversion was 6.39, 5.73 and 5.92 kg of diet/kg BW for control animals, and those fed with 15 or 30% glycerin, respectively, without treatment differences. Lambs were slaughtered, weighing 34 to 36 kg, and average weight of the cold carcass and commercial carcass yield were evaluated. The results were, respectively, 15.97 kg and 49.18%, for control, 15.96 kg and 48.31% for animals fed with 15% glycerin, and 15.79 kg and 47.87% for those treated with 30% glycerin, with no treatment effects. Meat tenderness and cooking loss averages were not affected by diets, with 5.07 kg and 40.45%, 5.10 kg and 40.81%, and 5.27 kg and 39.04%, respectively, for control, and those fed with 15 or 30% glycerin. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that up to 30% of medium purity glycerin in the dry matter of the diet can be used to replace corn, without any negative effect on lamb performance or carcass characteristics.

In order to evaluate the use of oilseeds in the diet of goat kids, two experiments were performed. Experimental treatments consisted of four different total mixed diets, all containing oat hay, ground corn, soybean meal and mineral supplement, and differing in oilseeds inclusion (dry matter basis), according to the treatments: 1) control (without oilseeds), 2) diet containing 7.87% flaxseed, 3) diet with 7.30% sunflower seed, and 4) diet containing 8.00% canola. In the first experiment (to evaluate the performance), 28 ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen castrated goat kids (22.66 kg to 30.88 kg BW) were allotted in a randomized design in feedlot. There was no difference between treatments for intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and ether extract, total weight gain, average daily gain, feed conversion or days in feedlot (61 days). In the second experiment (to evaluate the digestibility), four goats (47.42 ± 1.83 kg BW) were allotted in a 4 × 4 Latin square. The inclusion of sunflower seeds in the diet increased the intake of neutral detergent fiber. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrate and total digestible nutrients were not influenced by the addition of oilseeds in the diets. There was higher ether extract digestibility for goats receiving dietary canola. The inclusion of flaxseed (7.30%), sunflower (7.87%) and canola (8.00%) seeds in the diets of ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen goats does not improve performance, but can be used without changing intake, digestibility and energy value of diets.