ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate cassava genotypes to identify the ones with the best nutritional values for ruminant diets. Nine genotypes were used: Amansa Burro (BGM 549), Aramaris (BGM 116), Brasília, Cambadinha (BRS Guaíra), Curvelinha, Engana Ladrão (BGM 1269), Trouxinha (BGM 1468), BRS Gema de Ovo, and BRS Dourada. A completely randomized block experimental design with nine treatments (genotypes) and three blocks (replicates) were employed. The roots were analyzed for dry matter production (DMP) in tonnes per hectare, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), starch, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The multivariate analysis was carried out using Ward’s hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on Mahalanobis distance. The groups formed were evaluated by Scott-Knott test. The group formed by genotype Engana Ladrão was chosen as the best one for having the highest DMP t ha-1 and IVDMD values and the lowest NDF and ADF contents.

ABSTRACT. This study examines the effect of adding coffee husks (CH), cacao by-product (CBP) and passion fruit by-product (PBP) (fresh-matter basis) in the silage of elephant grass cv. Napier on nutritional characteristics. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement represented by three additives (CH, CBP or PBP) and four inclusion levels (0, 12, 24 or 36%). Four replicates were used per treatment. The material was ensiled in experimental mini-silos that were opened 60 days later for chemical analysis of the produced silages. The dry matter content of the silages with CH and PBP included at levels greater than 25% was adequate. The silage with PBP inclusion showed the highest crude protein levels and the best results for in vitro dry matter digestibility. In the silage containing CH, the neutral detergent fiber content decreased linearly with increasing inclusion of the husks. The silage with CBP showed the lowest dry matter and crude protein levels and the highest pH. In conclusion, the inclusion of up to 36% PBP in the ensiling of elephant grass is recommended, as the resulting material has potential for use in ruminant feeding at times of forage scarcity.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine serum retinol and some mineral (zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper) levels in seven Mangalarga Marchador colts aged 329.48 days, reared on pasture in the city of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil, during the dry season. Equines were evaluated for four periods of 45 days during the total study period of five months. The foals had access to Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania pasture, while water and mineral salt lick were provided ad libitum. Blood samples were taken to determine serum retinol and levels of minerals, along with pasture samples to quantify beta-carotene in the grass. The results indicated that retinol levels varied (2.87 to 1.97 µg/dL) and remained below the standard levels. The levels of zinc, iron, calcium, and phosphorus did not vary significantly with average values of 36.79 µg/dL, 77.32 µg/dL, 10.33 mg/dL, and 9.99 mg/dL, respectively. However, zinc and calcium remained below standard concentrations of 60-120 µg/dL and 10.8-13.5 mg/dL, respectively, since the beginning of the study. On the other hand, copper and magnesium levels decreased over time (97.76 to 77.56 mg/dL and 2.86 to 2.21 µg/dL, respectively), but showed normal levels for horses during the research. Beta-carotene in grass showed a downward trend over time from 38.53 to 0.09 mg/kg of dry matter. The results also indicated a significant relationship between serum retinol and serum copper levels. Vitamin A supplementation is necessary whenever foals are fed pastures during the dry season.

This study was carried out to evaluate intake, nutrient digestibility and body weight gain of foals on diets of concentrate and legume hay. Treatments were: lucerne hay (Medicago sativa), Campo Grande stylo hay (20% Stylosanthes macrocephala and 80% Stylosanthes capitata) and Mineirão stylo hay (Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Mineirão). Fifteen weaned foals at 160 Kg body weight (BW) were used. The experiment was entirely randomized with three treatments and five replicates. Dry matter intake was estimated at 30 g of dry matter (DM)/kg BW and was comprised of 40% concentrate meal and 60% hay. Fecal production and nutrient digestibility were calculated by the LIPE® marker methodology. There was no difference between Lucerne hay and Campo Grande stylo hay intake, but intake of Mineirão stylo hay was lower than that of Lucerne hay. Body weight gain and nutrient digestibility coefficients were similar for foals fed different diets. Intake was similar for Campo Grande and Lucerne hay, and led to similar body weight gain in diets with concentrate. Mineirão stylo hay, at 137 days of growth, was not palatable for the foals.