Abstract This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using ground soybean hulls and white oat grains to finish steers reared exclusively on concentrated feed. We used 33 steers, predominantly of Charolais or Nellore breeds, and randomly assigned the animals to the treatments, blocking them according to genetic predominance. The diets were isonitrogenous, and the treatments consisted of soybean hulls, white oats, and mix these in equal parts, supplemented with calcitic limestone and a protein nucleus. The study measured variables related to the dry matter intake (DMI) and bromatological fractions of diets, as well as performance of steers. No significant differences were observed between treatments in terms of DMI during the experimental period. Although DMI intake was similar across treatments, steers receiving the mixed diet exhibited significantly higher weight gain than those on the soybean hull diet (1.300 vs. 0.972 kg day-1). However, both these treatments showed comparable results to the white oat grain diet (1.203 kg day-1), achieving a similar final weight (387.22 kg). Implementing 100% concentrate diets is technically feasible for steers fed with white oat grain and the mixture of soybean hull and white oat grain, which also demonstrated superior performance compared to the soybean hull treatment. feed 3 breeds predominance isonitrogenous oats parts nucleus (DMI period 1.300 1300 1 300 (1.30 vs 0972 0 972 0.97 day1. day1 day . day-1) However 1.203 1203 203 (1.20 day1, , 387.22 38722 387 22 (387.2 kg. kg) 100 treatment 1.30 130 30 (1.3 097 97 0.9 day-1 1.20 120 20 (1.2 387.2 3872 38 2 (387. 10 1.3 13 (1. 09 9 0. day- 1.2 12 387. (387 1. (1 (38 ( (3

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on carcass characteristics of heifers finished on Tifton 85 pasture. Thirty-two cross-breed heifers (Charolais and Nellore) on average aged 25.51 months and weighing 298 kg were used in a completely randomized experiment. The animals were distributed uniformly to receive four different levels of concentrates based on the body weight: 0.0; 0.4; 0.8 and 1.2%. Animals were slaughtered at 29 months of age. There was increasing linear effect of levels energy supplementation on: slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights,hot and cold dressing percentage, thigh thickness, carcass compactness, and L* and b* color values. It was observed quadratic effect of levels of energy supplementation on the percentage of fat in the carcass. Different levels of energy supplementation did not modify the accumulation of vital organs and visceral fat or the sensory attributes of the meat. Higher levels of energy supplementation promote increases in carcass traits of heifers when finished on Tifton 85 pasture. 8 pasture Thirtytwo Thirty two crossbreed cross breed Charolais Nellore 2551 25 51 25.5 experiment weight 0.0 00 0 0.4 04 4 08 0. 12 1 2 1.2% age weightshot weights thickness compactness L b values meat 255 5 25. 1.2 1.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da nutrição materna no terço final da gestação sobre o desempenho ponderal e a composição corporal da progênie. Foram utilizados 41 novilhos de vacas submetidas a diferentes níveis nutricionais durante o terço final de gestação: 13 vacas sem suplementação sob restrição nutricional (RES); 16 vacas suplementadas para atender 100% das exigências (REQ); 12 vacas suplementadas para atender 150% das exigências (HIGH). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado. O desempenho da progênie não foi influenciado pela nutrição materna na gestação (P > 0,05), porém, animais RES se sobresaem em períodos desafiadores, enquanto que os REQ e HIGH desempenharam melhor em ambientes nutricionalmente favoráveis. A nutrição materna no terço final da gestação não influenciou a participação dos componentes não carcaça (16,42%) e órgãos internos (3,17%). O peso relativo do rúmen foi maior nos novilhos RES e HIGH (2,48%) em relação aos novilhos REQ (2,24%), resultando em maior participação do trato gastrointestinal (8,25 vs 7,63%, respectivamente). As características quantitativas da carcaça foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos (P > 0,05), com peso médio de carcaça quente e rendimento equivalente a 304,28 kg e 57,80%. A participação dos cortes primários dianteiro, lateral e traseiro foi de 39,22, 10,64 e 50,67%, respectivamente. Diante do exposto, concluímos que a nutrição materna na gestação afeta a formação fetal de modo a modificar a composição corporal e consequentemente o potencial produtivo dos descendentes. 4 1 (RES) 100 (REQ) 150 HIGH. . (HIGH) casualizado P 0,05, 005 0,05 , 0 05 0,05) porém desafiadores favoráveis 16,42% 1642 42 (16,42% 3,17%. 317 3,17% 3 17 (3,17%) 2,48% 248 2 48 (2,48% 2,24%, 224 2,24% 24 (2,24%) 8,25 825 8 25 (8,2 763 7 63 7,63% respectivamente respectivamente) 30428 304 28 304,2 5780 57 80 57,80% dianteiro 3922 39 22 39,22 1064 10 64 10,6 5067 50 67 50,67% exposto descendentes (RES (REQ 15 (HIGH 00 0,0 16,42 164 (16,42 31 3,17 (3,17% 2,48 (2,48 2,24 (2,24% 8,2 82 (8, 76 6 7,63 3042 30 304, 578 5 57,80 392 39,2 106 10, 506 50,67 0, 16,4 (16,4 3,1 (3,17 2,4 (2,4 2,2 (2,24 8, (8 7,6 57,8 39, 50,6 16, (16, 3, (3,1 2, (2, (2,2 ( 7, 57, 50, (16 (3, (2 (1 (3

Abstract This study aimed to assess how maternal nutrition in the final third of gestation affects progeny weight performance and body composition. Forty-one steers were included, born to cows subjected to different nutritional levels during this period: 13 cows without supplementation and under nutritional restriction (RES), 16 cows supplemented to meet 100% of requirements (REQ), and 12 cows supplemented to meet 150% of requirements (HIGH). The study design was completely randomized. Progeny performance was not influenced by maternal nutrition during gestation (P > 0.05). However, RES animals excelled during challenging periods, while REQ and HIGH animals performed better in nutritionally favorable environments. Maternal nutrition in the final third of gestation did not impact the contribution of non-carcass components (16.42%) and internal organs (3.17%). RES and HIGH steers had a higher relative weight of the rumen (2.48%) compared to REQ steers (2.24%), resulting in a greater proportion of the gastrointestinal tract (8.25% vs. 7.63%). Carcass characteristics did not differ significantly between treatments (P > 0.05), with an average hot carcass weight and yield of 304.28 kg and 57.80%, respectively. The primary fore, side, and hind cuts represented 39.22%, 10.64%, and 50.67% of the carcass, respectively. Overall, maternal nutrition during gestation affects fetal development, leading to modifications in body composition and, consequently, the productive potential of the offspring. Fortyone Forty one included period 1 RES, , (RES) 100 REQ, (REQ) 150 HIGH. . (HIGH) randomized P 0.05. 005 0.05 0 05 0.05) However periods environments noncarcass non 16.42% 1642 42 (16.42% 3.17%. 317 3.17% 3 17 (3.17%) 2.48% 248 2 48 (2.48% 2.24%, 224 2.24% 24 (2.24%) 8.25% 825 8 25 (8.25 vs 7.63%. 763 7.63% 7 63 7.63%) 0.05, 30428 304 28 304.2 5780 57 80 57.80% respectively fore side 3922 39 22 39.22% 1064 10 64 10.64% 5067 50 67 50.67 Overall development consequently offspring (RES (REQ 15 (HIGH 00 0.0 16.42 164 4 (16.42 31 3.17 (3.17% 2.48 (2.48 2.24 (2.24% 8.25 82 (8.2 76 7.63 6 3042 30 304. 578 5 57.80 392 39.22 106 10.64 506 50.6 0. 16.4 (16.4 3.1 (3.17 2.4 (2.4 2.2 (2.24 8.2 (8. 7.6 57.8 39.2 10.6 50. 16. (16. 3. (3.1 2. (2. (2.2 8. (8 7. 57. 39. 10. (16 (3. (2 ( (1 (3

Abstract The objective of the meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of beef cows weight variation during the 2nd and / or 3rd trimester pregnancy on some parameters of the progeny carcass. The cow weight gain during this gestational period was calculated to standardize the treatments: moderate loss (ML= cows that lost 0 to 5 % of weight) and moderate gain (MG= cows that gained 0 to 5 % of weight). The effect size for all parameters was calculated as medium difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval and heterogeneity determined using the Q test and the I2 statistic. A random effects meta-analysis was performed for each indicator separately as the medium control and experimental groups. The cow’s weight variation during the studied time variation did not influence the progeny carcass characteristics (P>0.05). Although, a trend towards greater hot carcass weight (P=0.15) and thickness of subcutaneous fat (P=0.10) was observed in calves from MG cows in relation to calves from ML cows. However, the meta-analysis demonstrated that small variations in cow weight during the final half of pregnancy do not affect progeny carcass characteristics.

Resumen El objetivo del meta análisis fue evaluar los efectos de la variación del peso de vacas de carne durante el 2º y/o 3º trimestre de gestación en algunos parámetros de la canal de la progenie. La ganancia de peso de la vaca durante este período gestacional se calculó para estandarizar los tratamientos: pérdida moderada (PM= vacas que perdieron de 0 a 5 % de peso) y ganancia moderada (GM= vacas que ganaron de 0 a 5 % de peso). El tamaño del efecto para todos los parámetros se calculó como la diferencia de medias (DM) con un intervalo de confianza del 95 % y la heterogeneidad se determinó utilizando la prueba Q y el estadístico I2. Se realizó un meta análisis de efectos aleatorios para cada indicador por separado como grupo de control medio y experimental. La variación del peso de la vaca durante la variación de tiempo estudiada no influyó en las características de la canal de la progenie (P>0.05). Aunque se observó una tendencia hacia un mayor peso de la canal caliente (P=0.15) y del grosor de la grasa subcutánea (P=0.10) en terneros de vacas GM en relación con terneros de vacas PM. Sin embargo, el meta análisis demostró que las pequeñas variaciones en el peso de la vaca durante la mitad final de la gestación no afectan las características de la canal de la progenie.

Abstract The restriction of nutrient intake by beef cows during pregnancy may influence the progeny postpartum growth potential, therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nutritional restriction and adequate nutrition or overfeeding during the final third of gestation of the crossbred cows (Charolais x Nellore) kept in the Pampa biome, on the productive performance of the progeny up to 15 mo of age. Eighty-three (83) cows were divided into: control cows on natural pasture under nutritional restriction (RES); Supplementation to meet 100 % of requirements (REQ); Supplementation above requirements (HIGH). REQ and HIGH calves had higher body weight at birth compared to calves from RES cows (39.28, 39.13 vs 34.58 kg), without influences on postnatal performance. Females from REQ and HIGH cows presented better postnatal performance and consequently higher weight at 12 mo of age in compared to offspring RES cows (300.71 and 311.79 vs 259.47 kg). These female calves reached 60 % of early adult weight (358 and 345 vs 405 d) and had a higher percentage of breeding at twelve months of age (73.98 and 84.08 vs 34.08 %) than females from RES cows. Supplementing cows to meet 100% requirements, as well as overfeeding during the final third of gestation, improves offspring performance at twelve months of age, with males and females responding differently to maternal nutritional insults during this period.

Resumen La restricción de la ingesta de nutrientes por parte de las vacas de carne durante la gestación puede influir en el potencial de crecimiento posparto de la progenie, por lo que el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la restricción nutricional y de la nutrición adecuada o la sobrealimentación durante el último tercio de la gestación de las vacas cruzadas (Charolais x Nellore) criadas en el bioma pampeano, sobre el rendimiento productivo de la progenie hasta los 15 meses de edad. Ochenta y tres (83) vacas se dividieron en tres tipos de tratamiento: vacas de control en pastos naturales bajo restricción nutricional (RES); suplementación para satisfacer el 100 % de las necesidades (REQ); suplementación por encima de las necesidades (ALTO). Los terneros nacidos de vacas con tratamiento REQ y ALTO tuvieron un mayor peso corporal al nacimiento que los terneros de las vacas con tratamiento RES (39.28, 39.13 vs 34.58 kg), sin que esto haya influido en el rendimiento postnatal. Las hembras de las vacas con tratamiento REQ y ALTO presentaron un mejor rendimiento postnatal y, en consecuencia, un mayor peso a los 12 meses de edad en comparación con las crías de las vacas con tratamiento RES (300.71 y 311.79 frente a 259.47 kg). Estos terneros alcanzaron el 60 % del peso adulto temprano (358 y 345 vs 405 d) y tuvieron un mayor porcentaje de reproducción a los doce meses de edad (73.98 y 84.08 vs 34.08 %) que las hembras nacidas de las vacas con tratamiento RES. La suplementación de las vacas para satisfacer el 100 % de las necesidades, así como la sobrealimentación durante el último tercio de la gestación, mejora el rendimiento de las crías a los doce meses de edad, y los machos y las hembras responden de forma diferente a los insultos nutricionales de la madre durante este periodo.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi mensurar o comportamento ingestivo de novilhos terminados exclusivamente com concentrado contendo casca do grão de soja (moída) e/ou grão de aveia branca. Foram utilizados 32 novilhos, com predominâncias raciais Charolês ou Nelore. Os animais foram distribuídos ao acaso nos tratamentos, bloqueados conforme predominância genética e alocados em baias individuais. As dietas foram isonitrogenadas, sendo os tratamentos: Casca do grão de soja; Grão de aveia branca e a Mistura (partes iguais), acrescidos de calcário calcítico e núcleo proteico. Os animais que receberam dieta à base de casca de soja permaneceram mais tempo em ócio, comparados aos que receberam a mistura; estes, por sua vez, permaneceram mais tempo em ócio em relação aos que tiveram acesso à dieta à base de aveia branca. Os novilhos que consumiram dieta à base de casca de soja ruminaram menos tempo que os da mistura e estes, por sua vez, menos tempo que os novilhos alimentados à base de aveia branca. Dietas exclusivamente com concentrado à base de casca de soja, embora apresentem elevado teor de fibra solúvel em detergente neutro, não são suficientes para promover adequado comportamento ingestivo de novilhos de predominância racial Charolês ou Nelore.

Abstract The objective of this research was to measure the ingestive behavior of steers finished exclusively with concentrate containing soybean hulls (ground) and/or white oat grain.We used 32 steers with Charolais or Nellore predominance.The animals were randomly distributed in the treatments, blocked according to genetic predominance, and allocated in individual pens. Diets were isonitrogenous, being the treatments: Soybean hulls; White oat grain or the Mixture (equal parts), plus limestone and protein nucleus. Steers that received the diet based on soybean hulls remained more time in idle compared to the ones that received the mixture, and these remained more time in idle than the steers that received the diet based on white oat grain. Steers that received the diet based on soybean hulls ruminated less time than the steers fed the mixture, and these less time than those fed white oat grain. Exclusively concentrate diets based on soybean hulls although presenting high soluble fiber content in neutral detergent, are not sufficient to promote an appropriate ingestive behavior of steers of Charolais or Nelore racial predominance.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate factors that influence calving probability in the first and second reproductive years of beef heifers that reached the minimum recommended body weight (BW) in the first breeding season. Two hundred twenty-seven 24-month-old Charolais × Nellore heifers that mated between 2003 and 2012 were analyzed. The parameters evaluated were: year effect; individual and maternal heterozygosis; percentage of Charolais genotype; average daily gain (ADG) from weaning to the end of the first breeding season; BW at 18 and 24 months of age, end of breeding season, parturition, and weaning; Julian date of calving; and adjusted calf weight at weaning. These variables were subjected to logistic regression. Calving rates in the first and second reproductive years were 58.1 and 49.5%, respectively. Performance until the end of the first breeding season, BW before the first breeding season, and individual heterozygosis affected the calving probability in the first breeding season. In the second breeding season, BW variation from the first breeding season and calving, Julian date of calving, and BW at the end of the second breeding season influenced calving probability. Until the end of the first breeding season, ADG of beef heifers responded positively to the calving probability, even after reaching the usually recommended BW for the first breeding season. Primiparous cows calving at the beginning of the breeding season and gaining more BW between the first and second breeding season are more likely to give birth in the second breeding season.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho, as características quantitativas da carcaça e qualitativas da carne de novilhas de sexta geração oriundas do cruzamento entre as raças Charolês e Nelore abatidas aos 18 meses de idade. Os tratamentos testados foram os grupos genéticos 43/64 Nelore 21/64 Charolês (4364NE) e 43/64 Charolês 21/64 Nelore (4364CH). Foram utilizadas 36 novilhas, com idade média de 15 meses e peso médio inicial de 262 kg de peso corporal. Os animais foram terminados em pastagem de sorgo forrageiro, recebendo suplementação em nível de 1% do peso corporal. O grupo genético dos animais não influenciou os seus desempenhos, com ganhos de pesos diários de 0,827 e 0,860 kg para animais 4364NE e 4364CH, respectivamente. As características de carcaça não foram influenciadas pelo grupo genético dos animais, com pesos médios de carcaça quente de 197,46 e 193,19 kg e 56,68% e 55,63%, para animais 4364NE e 4364CH, respectivamente. Foram observados para cor, textura, suculência e maciez valores médios entre os tratamentos de 4,41; 4,27; 6,04 e 6,24 pontos, respectivamente. As predominâncias genéticas da sexta geração do cruzamento Charolês x Nelore não afetam as características de desempenho, carcaça e carne de novilhas.

Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance, quantitative characteristics of the carcass and qualitative of the meat of sixth generation heifers from the crossing between the Charolais and Nelore races slaughtered at 18 months of age. The treatments tested were the genetic groups 43/64 Nellore 21/64 Charolais (4364NE) and 43/64 Charolais 21/64 Nellore (4364CH). Thirty-six heifers with a mean age of 15 months and initial mean weight of 262 kg of body weight were used. The animals were finished in forage sorghum pasture, receiving supplementation at the level of 1% of body weight. The genetic group of the animals did not influence their performance, with daily weight gains of 0.827 and 0.860 kg for animals 4364NE and 4364CH, respectively. The carcass characteristics were not influenced by the genetic group of the animals, with average carcass weights of 197.46 and 193.19 kg and 56.68 and 55.63% for 4364NE and 4364CH, respectively. It was observed for color, texture, juiciness, softness average values between treatments of 4.41; 4.27; 6.04 and 6.24 points, respectively. Genetic predominance of the sixth generation of the Charolais x Nellore cross did not affect the performance, carcass and beef characteristics of heifers.

Resumo A morfogênese é uma valiosa ferramenta para a compreensão da dinâmica do pasto, porém os estudos morfogênicos referentes à cultura do sorgo ainda são escassos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de suplementação sobre as características morfogênicas do sorgo forrageiro. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria entre janeiro e abril de 2013. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com medidas repetidas no tempo, com três tratamentos e duas repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em S 0,8 = pastagem de sorgo + 0,8 % PV de suplementação, S 1,0 = pastagem de sorgo + 1,0 % PV de suplementação e S 1,2 = pastagem de sorgo + 1,2 % PV de suplementação. Ao aumentar o nível de suplementação ofertado, observou-se menor valor para Folhas Vivas (2,77, 3,34 e 3,55) e Taxa de Elongação Foliar (0,06, 0,09 e 0,08). Não foram influenciadas (P<0,05) pelos diferentes níveis de suplementação as variáveis Taxa de Aparecimento Foliar (0,0041, 0,0043 e 0,039), Taxa de Senescência Foliar (0,05, 0,06 e 0,11), Filocrono (283,96, 265,21 e 278,62), Duração de Vida da Folha (1081,1, 986,25 e 788,79) e Duração de Elongação Foliar (350,58, 312,83 e 326,36).

Abstract Morphogenesis is a valuable tool for the dynamics understanding of the pasture, however the morphogenetic studies related to sorghum culture are still scarce as well. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the different levels of supplementation on the morphogenetic characteristics of sorghum forage. The experiment was performed of UFSM from January to April 2013. The completely randomized experimental design was used, with measures repeated in time, with three treatments and two repetitions. The treatments consisted in S 0.8 = sorghum pasture + 0.8 % LW of supplementation, S 1.0 = sorghum pasture + 1.0 % LW of supplementation and S 1.2 = sorghum pasture + 1.2 % LW of supplementation. By increasing the supplementation level offered it was observed a lower value for the Number of Live Leafs (2.77, 3.34 and 3.55) and Leaf Elongation Rate (0.06, 0.09 and 0.08) characteristics. The variables Leaf Appearance Rate (0.0041, 0.0043 and 0.039), Leaf Senescence Rate (0.05, 0.06 and 0.11) and Phyllochron (283.96, 265.21 and 278.62) were not influenced (P˃0.05) by the different supplementation levels. There was a difference (P<0.05) among the evaluation periods for Leaf Life Span (1081.1, 986.25 and 788.79) and Leaf Elongation Length (350.58, 312.83 and 326.36).

Resumo O estudo avaliou o comportamento ingestivo de bovinos terminados em confinamento com dieta de alto grão. Foram utilizados 45 animais do cruzamento das raças Charolês e Nelore, com peso e idade média inicial de 310 kg e 20 meses para os novilhos e 350 kg e 32 meses para as novilhas. Os animais foram distribuídos ao acaso nos tratamentos e bloqueados conforme a categoria. Foram utilizados 15 animais (8 novilhos e 7 novilhas) por tratamento, compostos por: Arroz (85% de arroz); Aveia (85% aveia) e Milho (85% milho), cada ingrediente acrescido de 15% de núcleo proteico, além de calcário calcítico e ureia. Os animais que receberam dieta à base de milho permaneceram mais tempo em ócio, menos tempo se alimentando e obtiveram maior número de refeições diárias, quando comparada aos outros tratamentos. Em relação ao tempo de ruminação, observa-se que os animais que consumiram dieta à base de aveia ruminaram mais tempo do que os demais que receberam os outros alimentos. O nível de FDN na dieta de bovinos confinados com dieta sem volumoso exerce influência sobre os tempos despendidos pelos animais em ruminação e ócio. No entanto, as dietas não alteram o tempo de alimentação.

Abstract The study evaluated the ingestive behavior of bovines finished in feedlot with high grain diet. Forty-five Charolais and Nelore crossbreds were used, with initial average weight and age of 310 kg and 20 months for the steers and 350 kg and 32 months for the heifers. The animals were randomly distributed in the treatments and blocked according the category. Fifteen animals (8 steers and 7 heifers) were used per treatment, composed by: Rice (85% of rice); Oat (85% oat) and Corn (85% corn), each ingredient plus 15% protein nucleus in addition to calcitic limestone and urea. The animals that received the diet based on corn remained more time in idle, less time on feeding and obtained a higher number of daily meals, when compared to the other treatments. Regarding the rumination time, it was observed that the animals that consumed the diet based on oat spent more time ruminating than the other treatments. The level of NDF in the diet of cattle confined with a non-roughage diet exerts an influence on the time spent by the animals in rumination and leisure, however, the diets do not alter feeding time.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os efeitos da imunocastração sobre o desempenho e a qualidade de carcaça de novilhos em terminação, em comparação à não castração e à castração cirúrgica. Analisaram-se dados de dez estudos, com registros de 1.261 bovinos machos. Os estudos incluídos na meta-análise continham, necessariamente, tratamentos com imunização ativa contra o hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas. Cada estudo foi considerado como efeito aleatório no modelo estatístico utilizado. Os dados foram testados quanto à homogeneidade de variâncias e à normalidade dos resíduos, e, posteriormente, submetidos à análise de variância. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste t de Student. Os novilhos não castrados apresentaram maiores ganho de peso diário, eficiência alimentar, pesos ao abate e de carcaça quente, e área de olho de lombo, além de menor espessura de gordura que os castrados cirurgicamente e menores valores de a* e b*, para coloração da carne. No geral, os novilhos imunocastrados foram inferiores aos não castrados, mas superiores aos castrados cirurgicamente. Novilhos submetidos à imunocastração apresentam características de desempenho e de carcaça superiores aos castrados cirurgicamente, mas qualidade de carne similar.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to analyze the effects of immunocastration on the performance and carcass quality of steers in the finishing phase, compared with non-castration and surgical castration. Data from ten studies with records of 1,261 male bovines were analyzed. The studies included in the meta-analysis necessarily contained treatments with immunocastration specifically against the gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Each study was considered as a random effect in the statistical model used. The data were tested for homogeneity of variances and residue normality, and then subjected to the analysis of variance. Means were compared by Student’s t-test. Non-castrated steers showed greater daily weight gain, feed efficiency, slaughter and hot carcass weights, and loin eye area, besides lower fat thickness than surgically-castrated animals and the lowest a* and b* meat coloration values. Overall, immunocastrated steers were inferior to the non-castrated ones, but superior to those surgically-castrated. Immunocastrated steers present performance and carcass traits superior to those of surgically-castrated animals, but similar meat quality.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar as características dos componentes do corpo vazio que não integram a carcaça de novilhos castrados cirurgicamente ou imunologicamente. Foram utilizados 48 bezerros Aberdeen Angus, monitorados a partir de idade média inicial de seis meses e peso médio inicial de 160 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos nos seguintes tratamentos: castrados cirurgicamente ao nascimento; castrados cirurgicamente à desmama; imunocastrados com três doses de vacina (6º, 9º e 14º meses de idade dos animais) e imunocastrados com quatro doses (6º, 7º, 10º e 15º meses de idade dos animais). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado. Durante o abate, todos os componentes internos e externos do corpo do animal foram separados e pesados individualmente. O total de órgãos internos expressos em percentual do peso de corpo vazio diferiu entre os dois protocolos de imunocastração, com superioridade quando aplicou-se quatro doses (3,61 vs. 3,39 kg). Novilhos castrados ao nascer depositaram mais gordura cardíaca, renal e pélvica, e gordura do trato gastrintestinal que imunocastrados com três doses, independentemente da forma como foi expressa. A castração cirúrgica ao nascimento promove maior deposição de gordura visceral, em novilhos abatidos em idade jovem, em relação à imunocastração com dosagem definitiva com nove meses de idade.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the characteristics of empty body components that are not part of the carcass of steers surgically or immunologically castrated. Forty-eight Aberdeen Angus calves were used and monitored since six months of age and 160 kg of average weight. The animals were divided into the following treatments: surgically castrated at birth; Surgically castrated at weaning; Immunocastrated with three doses immunocastrated of vaccine (6th, 9th and 14th months of age of the animals) and immunocastrated with four doses (6th, 7th, 10th and 15th months of age of the animals). The experimental design used was the completely randomized. During the slaughter, all internal and external components of animal body were separated and weighed individually. The total internal organs, expressed in percentage of empty body weight, differed between the two protocols of immunocastration, with superiority when it was applied four doses (3.61 vs. 3.39 kg). Steers castrated at birth deposited more cardiac, kidney and pelvic fat, and fat of the gastrointestinal tract that immunocastrated with three doses, regardless of how it was expressed. Surgical castration at birth promotes greater deposition of visceral fat at the slaughtered in young steers in relation to immunocastration with definitive dosage at nine months of age.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar os efeitos da sobressemeadura de Aveia ou Azevém sobre as características produtivas e composição morfológica do capim Tifton85 mantido sobre pastoreio contínuo. Os três tratamentos estudados foram Aveia + Tifton85, Azevém + Tifton85 e Tifton85, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, constituindo quatro repetições de área por tratamento. O tratamento Azevém + Tifton85 apresentou massa de forragem 27% superior ao tratamento Aveia + Tifton85. O percentual de folha de Tifto85 foi superior para o tratamento Aveia + Tifton85 (41%), enquanto o percentual de colmo + bainha foi superior no tratamento Azevém + Tifton85 (64%). Observou-se maior percentual de folhas de Tifton85 no tratamento Aveia + Tifton85, enquanto o tratamento Azevém + Tifton85 apresentou maior proporção do constituinte colmo + bainha. A sobressemeadura de espécies de clima temperada mostrou-se alternativa viável, visto que potencializa o ganho de peso dos animais sem prejudicar o reestabelecimento produtivo do Tifton85.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oat or ryegrass over seeding on the productive characteristics and morphological composition of Tifton85 grass under continuous grazing. The three studied treatments were: Oat + Tifton85, Ryegrass + Tifton85 and Tifton85, distributed in a completely randomized design, constituting four replications of area per treatment. The Ryegrass + Tifton85 treatment presented a forage mass 27% superior to the Oat + Tifton85 treatment. The leaf percentage of Tifton85 was superior for the treatment Oat + Tifton85 (41%), while the percentage of stem + sheath was superior in the treatment Ryegrass + Tifton85 (64%). There was a higher percentage of Tifton85 leaves in the treatment Oat + Tifton85, while the Ryegrass + Tifton85 treatment presented a higher proportion of the stem + sheath constituent. Overfeeding species of temperate climate has proven to be a viable alternative, since it potentiates the weight gain of animals without damaging the productive re-establishment of Tifton85.

Resumo Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da inclusão da borra de soja no comportamento ingestivo de 30 novilhos mestiços Charolês/Nelore, confinados, com 20 meses de idade e peso médio inicial de 328,3 kg. Cada grupo experimental foi composto por seis animais, distribuídos nos tratamentos: 00; 30; 60; 90 e 120 g de borra de soja por 1000 g de matéria seca na dieta, os quais continham 29,0; 47,3; 66,7; 86,8 e 106,8 g de extrato etéreo, respectivamente. O aumento no nível de inclusão de borra de soja na dieta não interferiu no tempo de alimentação, ruminação e ócio (3,11; 13,33 e 7,55 h, respectivamente). As variáveis número de mastigações por bolo, tempo de mastigação por bolo, número de bolos, número de mastigações diárias e tempo de mastigação total (h/dia) (62; 58; 470; 28978 e 10,65, respectivamente) também não sofreram efeito dos tratamentos. O consumo de matéria seca foi similar, em contrapartida, o consumo de fibra detergente neutro (kg/dia) e a eficiência (g FDN/h) da referida fração apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente com aumento da inclusão de borra. A borra de soja pode ser incluída na dieta de novilhos mestiços confinados até o nível de 120 g por 1000 g de matéria seca sem que haja efeitos negativos sobre as principais variáveis relativas ao comportamento ingestivo.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soybean sopastock inclusion on the ingestive behavior of 30 crossbred Charolais / Nellore steers on feedlot, at 20 moths of age and with initial average weight of 328.3 kg. Each experimental group was composed by six animals, distributed into treatments: 00; 30; 60; 90 and 120 g of soybean soapstock per 1,000 g of dry mater in the diet. Each treatment contained 29.0; 47.35; 66.6; 86.8 and 106.8 g of ether extract, respectively. The increase of soybean soapstock in diet did not interfere with feeding, rumination, and idle times (3.11; 13.33 and 7.55 hours, respectively). The variables number of chews per bolus, time of chew per bolus, number of daily chews and total chew time (h/day) (62; 58; 470; 28,978 and 10.65, respectively) also were not affected by the treatments. Dry matter intake was similar among treatments; however, neutral detergent fiber intake (kg/day) and the efficiency of this fraction (g FDN/h) decreased linearly with the inclusion of soybean soapstock to diet. Therefore, the inclusion of soybean soapstock did not change the ingestive behavior of steers, and it can be used in diets of crossbred steers in feedlot up to the level of 120 g per 1000 g of dry matter.

RESUMO. Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar a substituição do farelo de soja por fontes de nitrogênio não proteico, em combinação com milho moído ou inteiro para bovinos confinados. Foram utilizados 54 novilhos, mestiço Charolês x Nelore com 22 ± 0,23 meses e 250 ± 15,80 kg. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 3 x 2. Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes combinações de formulação do concentrado: farelo de soja com milho grão ou moído; ureia convencional com milho grão ou moído, e ureia protegida com milho grão ou moído. Houve interação entre fonte nitrogenada e data de coleta para albumina sérica, com elevação crescente para o farelo de soja, enquanto houve elevação do dia 0 para o dia 84, estabilizando até o abate, para as ureias. Maiores consumos de matéria seca e proteína bruta, ganho de peso diário e eficiência de ruminação foram observadas para farelo de soja. Novilhos que receberam ureia protegida destinaram mais tempo à alimentação, em relação ao farelo de soja. Maior tempo de ócio foi verificado para o farelo de soja, enquanto a ureia convencional foi superior à ureia protegida. Substituir o farelo de soja por fontes de nitrogênio não proteico limita os resultados de metabólitos sanguíneos, desempenho e comportamento ingestivo.

ABSTRACT. This study evaluated the substitution of soybean meal with non-protein nitrogen sources, in combination with ground or whole corn for feedlot cattle. Fifty-four Charolais x Nellore steers with 22 ± 0.23 months and 250 ± 15.80 kg were assigned to a 3 x 2 factorial completely randomized experimental design. The treatments consisted of different combinations of concentrate formulation: soybean meal with whole or ground corn, conventional urea with whole or ground corn, and protected urea with whole or ground corn. There was interaction between nitrogen source and collection date for serum albumin, with increasing elevation for soybean meal; while there was elevation from day 0 to day 84, stabilizing until the slaughter, for urea. Higher intakes of dry matter and crude protein, daily weight gain and rumination efficiency were observed for soybean meal. Steers that received protect urea spent more time to feed, in comparison to soybean meal. Longer idle time was verified for soybean meal; while conventional urea was superior to protected urea. Replacing soybean meal by sources of non-protein nitrogen limits the results of blood metabolites, performance and ingestive behavior.