Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of spineless cactus (SC) [Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm Dyck] on nutrient intake, ingestive behaviour, and performance of lambs in a feedlot. Thirty-two male (non-castrated) Santa Inês lambs with a mean initial body weight (BW) of 20.4 ± 2.60 kg were distributed across four levels of spineless cactus: zero, 24, 52, and 75% of total diet dry matter (DM). Over 56 days, the animals had their intake and performance monitored. The inclusion of SC influenced (p<0.05) in a quadratic way the dry matter intake and total digestible nutrients, but linearly decreased (p<0.05) the neutral detergent fiber intake. Drinking water intake decreased linearly (p<0.05) with the inclusion of SC in the diet. The inclusion of SC influenced (p<0.05) in a quadratic way the digestibility of organic matter in the diet. The increase in the level of SC in the diet increased linearly (p<0.05) the feeding and rumination efficiencies of the lambs. The maximum daily gain of 0.237 kg/day was achieved with 44% SC in the diet. It is recommended to include up to 40% of spineless cactus in the diet of lambs.

RESUMO A obtenção de vegetais biofortificados, com destaque para a alface, é uma ferramenta para melhorar o estado nutricional da população. Os índices de seleção podem maximizar a seleção simultânea de boas características agronômicas e altos níveis de carotenoides. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos e a eficiência de diferentes índices para a seleção de genótipos de alface biofortificados combinados com características agronômicas adequadas. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com 91 genótipos pertencentes ao banco de germoplasma de alface biofortificada da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. As variáveis analisadas foram: índice de clorofila das folhas, diâmetro da planta, diâmetro do caule e número de folhas por planta. Os valores encontrados para herdabilidade no sentido restrito (h²) variaram de 89,63% (diâmetro do caule) a 96,05% (clorofila), apresentando alta magnitude. O índice de Smith-Hazel, a soma de “ranks” de Mulamba & Mock, a seleção direta e indireta e o índice base de Williams foram usados para prever os ganhos de seleção. No total, 17 indivíduos foram selecionados usando as metodologias de seleção. Os índices de Smith-Hazel, Williams e Mulamba & Mock são eficientes em mostrar bons ganhos diretos para as características avaliadas. Treze genótipos foram selecionados por todos os índices apresentando características agronômicas favoráveis, sendo promissores para o avanço de geração no programa de melhoramento para obter linhagens de alface biofortificadas.

ABSTRACT Obtaining biofortified vegetables with an emphasis on lettuce is a tool to improve the nutritional status of the population. Selection indices can maximize the simultaneous selection of good agronomic traits and high carotenoid levels. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters and efficiency of different indices in selecting genotypes of biofortified lettuce with high concentrations of carotenoids and favorable agronomic traits. Statistical analyses were performed on 91 genotypes belonging to the vegetable germplasm bank of the Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil. The variables analyzed were the chlorophyll index of the leaves, plant diameter, stem diameter, and number of leaves per plant. The values found for narrow sense heritability (h²) ranged from 89.63% (stem diameter) to 96.05% (chlorophyll), showing a high magnitude. The Smith-Hazel index, sum of ranks by the Mulamba & Mock index, direct and indirect selection, and Williams base index were used to predict the selection gains. A total of 17 individuals were selected using the selection methodologies. The Smith-Hazel, Williams, and Mulamba & Mock indices were efficient in showing good direct gains for the evaluated traits. Thirteen genotypes were selected for all indices presenting suitable agronomic traits, which show promise for advancing generations within the breeding program to obtain biofortified lettuce strains.