ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of spineless cactus (Opuntia stricta Haw) in the diet of sheep on the balance of macrominerals, renal function, and blood metabolites. Five sheep cannulated in the rumen (61.5±9.5kg body weight) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square composed of five diets and five experimental periods. The experimental period lasted 105 days, with five periods of 21 days each. Four diets containing levels of spineless cactus (121, 245, 371, and 500g/kg of dry matter (DM)), and a control diet were evaluated. Samples of the ingredients, orts, feces, urine, and blood were collected. Spineless cactus inclusion in sheep diets increased the DM intake, ash, oxalate, and all macrominerals intake (P < 0.05), but did not affect the urinary and fecal excretion of P, as well as the concentration of P in the blood (P > 0.05). It is possible to verify that the inclusion of spineless cactus, up to the level of 500g/kg of DM in the sheep diets, does not appear to cause damage to the animal’s health. Its inclusion does not compromise kidney function or blood metabolites evaluated herein.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de palma forrageira (Opuntia stricta Haw) na dieta de ovinos sobre o balanço dos macrominerais, a função renal e os metabólitos sanguíneos. Cinco ovinos canulados no rúmen (61,5±9,5kg de peso corporal) foram distribuídos em um quadrado de 5 × 5 latinos, composto de cinco dietas e cinco períodos experimentais. O período experimental teve duração de 105 dias, sendo cinco períodos de 21 dias cada. Foram avaliadas quatro dietas contendo níveis de palma forrageira (121, 245, 371 e 500g/kg de matéria seca (MS)), e uma dieta controle. Foram coletadas amostras dos ingredientes, sobras, fezes, urina e sangue. A inclusão de palma forrageira na dieta dos ovinos aumentou o consumo de MS, cinzas, oxalato e todos os macrominerais (P<0,05), mas não afetou a excreção urinária e a fecal de P, bem como a concentração de P no sangue (P>0,05). É possível verificar que a inclusão de palma forrageira, até o nível de 500g/kg de MS na dieta de ovinos, não parece causar danos à saúde do animal. Sua inclusão não compromete a função renal ou os metabólitos sanguíneos avaliados.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of diets with increasing concentrate levels on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Murrah buffaloes in feedlot. Twenty-four animals, with an initial body weight of 240 ± 50.5 kg and mean age of 9 months, were distributed to four treatments: 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% concentrate. After 114 days, the animals were weighed, slaughtered, and meat quality and performance data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The dry matter intake and average daily gain increased linearly. The final body, hot carcass, and cold carcass weights responded linearly to increases in concentrate level. The subcutaneous fat thickness, protein, and ether extract of meat increased linearly with an increase in concentrate level. The colour parameters, cooking losses, and shear force of the meat were not affected by increasing the concentrate. The inclusion of concentrate in feedlot diets increases performance, characteristics of carcass, and meat quality of Murrah buffalo in a feedlot.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial replacement (750g/kg) of Tifton hay by two cactus cladodes (Nopalea or Opuntia) on the metabolic profile of lambs. Thirty-six uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs (22.0 ± 2.9kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and 12 repetitions. The animals were fed a control diet (Tifton hay as exclusive roughage), Miúda cactus cladodes-based diet or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (O.E.M.) cactus cladodes-based diet. Blood samples were collected one day before (baseline) and 45 days after the introduction of the tested diets. The Miúda cactus cladodes caused an increase (P=0.055) in the serum activity of the gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme (53.66U/L) and in the blood content of glucose and fructosamine. The O.E.M. cactus cladodes caused lower (P=0.038) serum cholesterol content (41.33mg/dL). Regardless of the variety, there was a decrease (P=0.001) in the serum content of indirect bilirubin, urea, and sodium, and increase in the serum magnesium concentration. The partial replacement of the Tifton hay by Miúda or O.E.M. cactus cladodes in lamb feeding increases the enzyme activity, indicating liver and/or kidney changes, but does not cause relevant damage to energy, protein, and mineral metabolism.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da substituição parcial (750g/kg) do feno de Tifton por duas variedades de palma forrageira (Nopalea ou Opuntia) no perfil metabólico de cordeiros. Trinta e seis cordeiros Santa Inês, machos, não castrados (22,0 ± 2,9kg de peso corporal inicial), foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e 12 repetições. Os animais foram alimentados com dieta controle (feno de Tifton como volumoso exclusivo), dieta à base de palma forrageira Miúda ou dieta à base de palma forrageira Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas um dia antes (baseline) e 45 dias após a introdução das dietas testadas. A palma Miúda causou aumento (P=0,055) na atividade sérica da enzima gamaglutamiltransferase (53,66U/L) e no teor sanguíneo de glicose e frutosamina. A palma OEM causou menor teor (P=0,038) de colesterol sérico (41,33mg/dL). Independentemente da variedade, houve diminuição (P=0,001) do teor sérico de bilirrubina indireta, ureia e sódio, e aumento na concentração sérica de magnésio. A substituição parcial do feno de Tifton por palma Miúda ou por OEM na alimentação de cordeiros aumenta a atividade enzimática, o que indica alterações hepáticas e/ou renais, mas não causa danos relevantes nos metabolismos energético, proteico e mineral.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with increasing levels (0%, 33%, 67%, and 100%) of sugarcane yeast and urea on the intake, performance, and feeding behaviour of buffalo heifers. Twenty Murrah female buffalos with an initial average weight of 157 ± 1.9 kg at 7 months old were distributed in a completely randomized design. The experimental period was 84 days, and was preceded with 30 days of adaptation. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression, using the GLM and REG procedures of SAS software at 5% probability level. The replacement of SBM with sugarcane yeast did not have a significant effect on the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter and crude protein (CP). Non-fibrous carbohydrate intake increased linearly, whereas the intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and ether extract (EE) decreased linearly. There was no treatment effect on average daily gain or feed conversion (FCR). Rumination efficiency on nondetergent fibre (NDF) decreased linearly. The times spent ruminating, remaining idle, and feeding were not influenced by the treatments, and neither were the parameters of feeding efficiency as a function of DM and NDF intakes and rumination efficiency as a function of DM intake. Dry sugarcane yeast and urea could replace SBM fully in the diet of buffalo heifers with a roughage to concentrate ratio of 50 : 50, because animal performance would not be affected.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo e o desempenho de caprinos alimentados com genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda ou orelha-de-elefante-mexicana (OEM). Trinta cabritos machos, castrados, sem raça definida, com idades entre 12 e 14 meses e peso corporal médio de 19,0±2,8kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em três tratamentos (controle - feno de tifton; miúda e OEM) e 10 repetições; o peso inicial foi considerado a covariável. O consumo de matéria orgânica (MO) e de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) foi maior no tratamento controle; enquanto a ingestão de CNF foi maior na dieta OEM. Tratamentos contendo palma forrageira apresentaram as maiores digestibilidades de MS, MO e CNF. Os animais alimentados com a dieta controle gastaram mais tempo em ruminação e em mastigação total, mas o tempo gasto com alimentação ou a eficiência alimentar e o desempenho não diferiram. A utilização de genótipos de palma forrageira resistentes à cochonilha-carmim (miúda e orelha-de-elefante-mexicana) na dieta de caprinos, na quantidade de 450g/kg de MS, não interfere no desempenho dos animais e melhora a digestibilidade de MO e CNF.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, and performance of goats fed with spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM). Thirty castrated male goats, without defined breed, aged 12 to 14 months, with an average body weight of 19.0±2.8kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design among three treatments (Control - Tifton hay, Miúda, and OEM) and ten replicates; the initial weight was considered as the covariate. The intake of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was highest in the control treatment, while the intake of NFC was higher in the OEM diet. Treatments containing forage cactus showed the highest digestibility of DM, OM, and NFC. The animals fed the control diet spent more time on rumination and total chewing, but the time spent feeding or feeding efficiency, and performance did not differ. The use of spineless cactus genotypes resistant to carmine cochineal (Miúda and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana) in a diet for goats, in the amount of 450g/kg of DM does not interfere with the performance of the animals and improves the digestibility of OM and NFC.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of increasing the dietary inclusion of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of confined lambs. Thirty-two male Santa Inês lambs with an average age of 140 days and an initial body weight of 20.4 ± 2.60 kg were used in this study. The lambs were housed in individual stalls for 70 days and individually fed a ration with spineless cactus included at 0, 241, 519, or 753 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The lambs were slaughtered, and characteristics of the carcass and meat were recorded and analysed. Inclusion of spineless cactus had a quadratic effect on the bodyweight at slaughter and on the empty bodyweight of the lambs. The inclusion of 500 g/kg of spineless cactus provided the highest predicted cold carcass weight (16.03 kg). There was a quadratic effect of the inclusion of spineless cactus on the weight of meat cuts and leg composition of lambs. The inclusion of spineless cactus did not influence pH, tenderness, and water-retention capacity of the meat. However, the intramuscular fat content increased 1 mg for every 10 g/kg inclusion of spineless cactus in the diet. Quadratic effects were observed of the inclusion of spineless cactus on the weights of the liver, heart, rumen, blood, skin and internal fat of the lambs. Up to 500 g/kg of spineless cactus could be included in the diet of confined lambs.

This study evaluated the effects of various nitrogen (N) sources augmenting spineless cactus-based diets on intake, digestibility, rumen kinetics and N balance in sheep. Eight rumen-fistulated sheep with an average initial bodyweight of 62 ± 6.83 kg were allotted to one of two 4 x 4 Latin squares. The diets consisted of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera), Tifton hay, corn grain, vegetable oil and a mineral mixture augmented with either soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CSM), whole cottonseed (WCS) or urea (U) to provide additional nitrogen. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intakes were similar (P >0.05) for sheep fed the diets with SBM, CSM, and WCS. The digestibility coefficients of DM and CP were similar (P >0.05) for SM, CM, and U diets. The rate of DM disappearance from the rumen did not differ (P >0.05) between treatments. However, the rumen ammonia, pH and N balance was higher (P <0.05) for sheep fed the WCS and U diets. The N absorbed and N retained did not differ (P >0.05) between the diets. Soybean meal and CSM are similar in their effects and can be used for sheep in diets based on spineless cactus. Whole cottonseed and U are interesting sources of N but should be used with caution owing to their effects on digestibility and nutrient intake in sheep.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da substituição da silagem de milho por cana-de-açúcar na dieta de cabras Saanen em lactação e determinar a ingestão e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo, a produção e a composição do leite. As dietas experimentais foram compostas de níveis crescentes (0, 33, 66 e 100%) de substituição na matéria seca (MS). Doze cabras Saanen multíparas, com peso corporal médio de 45,2kg, produção média de leite de 3,0kg dia-1, foram distribuídas em delineamento experimental triplo quadrado latino (4 × 4). A ingestão de matéria seca (IMS) e de outros nutrientes foi estimada por meio da diferença entre o total de nutrientes nos alimentos oferecidos e o total nas sobras. A IMS, a proteína bruta, a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e os nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram influenciados, mas a digestibilidade aparente da MS e da FDN diminuiu. A produção de leite não foi influenciada pelos níveis de substituição, mas a produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura diminuiu. A cana-de-açúcar representa uma alternativa alimentar para cabras com produção média de leite em períodos críticos de forragem, pois não altera o consumo de MS e a produção de leite, mesmo diminuindo a digestibilidade aparente de alguns nutrientes e influenciando o comportamento ingestivo dos animais.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of replacing corn silage with sugarcane in the diet of lactating Saanen goats and to determine their intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, milk yield and composition. The experimental diets were composed of increasing levels (0, 33, 66 and 100%) of substitution in dry matter (DM). Twelve multiparous Saanen goats, with an average body weight of 45.2kg, average milk yield of 3.0kg day-1, distributed in a triple latin square experimental design (4 × 4) were used. The dry matter intake (DMI) and other nutrients were estimated through the difference between the total nutrient in the food offered and its total in the leftovers. The DMI, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients were not influenced, but the apparent digestibility of DM and NDF decreased. Feeding time and feeding efficiency were not influenced, the rumination and total chewing times increased, and the leisure time decreased, both linearly. Milk yield was not influenced by substitution levels, but corrected milk yield to 3.5% fat decreased. Sugar cane represents a dietary alternative for goats with medium milk yield in critical periods of forage, since it does not change the consumption of DM and milk yield, even with the apparent declining digestibility of some nutrients, influencing the ingestive behavior of the animals.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) ou feno de maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associados à palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Foram utilizados 16 cordeiros Morada Nova, com peso inicial médio de 19,36±1,48kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e oito repetições. O consumo de matéria seca foi maior nos cordeiros alimentados com feno de maniçoba em comparação ao feno de tifton, enquanto o peso corporal ao abate não foi influenciado pelas dietas. Em relação aos metabólitos sanguíneos, apenas a concentração sérica de ureia foi influenciada, com maior valor observado nos cordeiros que ingeriram a dieta contendo feno de capim-tifton. Quando foi realizada a análise dos biomarcadores sanguíneos nas diferentes coletas quinzenais, foi observado aumento linear nas concentrações sanguíneas de ureia, glicose, frutosamina, fosfatase alcalina e sódio, e efeito quadrático para o potássio sérico. Os demais metabólitos sanguíneos não foram influenciados em função dos dias de coleta. A substituição do feno de tifton 85 por feno de maniçoba influencia positivamente o metabolismo de cordeiros sem causar alterações na dinâmica dos diferentes biomarcadores e se apresenta como um promissor recurso forrageiro.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic response of native lambs fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) or Maniçoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associated with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Sixteen Morada Nova lambs were used, with a mean initial weight of 19.36±1.48kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with two treatments and eight replications. Dry matter intake was higher for lambs fed Maniçoba hay compared to Tifton hay, while the body weight at slaughter was not influenced by diets. Regarding the blood metabolites, only the serum concentration of urea was influenced, with higher value observed in the lambs that fed the diet containing Tifton hay. When analyzing blood biomarkers, in the different biweekly collections, a linear increase in the blood concentration of urea, glucose, fructosamine, alkaline phosphatase and sodium was observed, as well as a quadratic effect for serum potassium. The other blood metabolites were not influenced in function of the collection days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay for Maniçoba hay does not cause negative changes in the dynamics of different biomarkers and presents itself as a promising forage resource.

Avaliou-se o consumo e digestibilidade dos nutrientes em dietas para cabras da raça Saanen arranjadas em um quadrado latino 5x5, alimentadas com cana-de-açúcar em substituição (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%) ao feno de capim-tifton 85. O experimento foi constituído de cinco períodos de 15 dias (10 dias para adaptação dos animais às dietas experimentais e 5 dias para coleta de dados e amostras). O consumo voluntário foi calculado pela diferença entre o ofertado e as sobras. Utilizou-se o óxido crômico para estimativa da produção de matéria seca fecal. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, extrato etéreo e fibra em detergente neutro foi influenciada negativamente com a substituição, enquanto a digestibilidade da proteína e dos carboidratos não fibrosos não sofreu influência. O baixo consumo de matéria seca de rações com cana-de-açúcar torna-se um fator limitante para cabras de média a alta produção de leite.

The intake and digestibility of nutrients in the diets of Saanen goats arranged in a 5x5 Latin square design, fed with sugar cane replacement (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) hay Tifton 85 were evaluated. The experiment consisted of 5 periods of 15 days (10 days for animal adaptation to experimental diets and 5 days for data collection). The voluntary intake was calculated as the difference between the offered and leftovers. Digestibility chromic oxide was used to estimate the fecal dry matter production. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber was negatively influenced, whereas the digestibility of protein and non-fiber carbohydrates were not affected. The low dry matter intake of diets with sugar cane becomes a limiting factor for goats medium for high milk production.

Avaliou-se a cinética de fermentação ruminal da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) do farelo e da torta de babaçu (Orbignya martiniana), por meio da técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases. As leituras de pressão e volume foram realizadas às três, seis, nove, 12, 15, 21, 27, 33, 39, 48, 60, 72 e 96 horas. Para a degradação da MS e da FDN, quantificou-se o resíduo após 96h de incubação. As curvas de produção cumulativa de gases foram ajustadas utilizando-se o modelo logístico bicompartimental. Para a MS, houve efeito (P<0,05) do alimento sobre o volume de gases da fração solúvel de rápida degradação (Vf1). O volume de gases da fração insolúvel de lenta degradação (Vf2) foi maior para o farelo de babaçu. O farelo apresentou o maior tempo de colonização, e a torta a menor degradação. Quanto ao Vf1 da fração de FDN, não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os alimentos, e a fração Vf2 foi maior para a torta. A produção cumulativa de gases produzidos até 96h foi alta tanto para o farelo como para a torta, 120 e 140mL, respectivamente. O farelo e a torta de babaçu podem ser utilizados como alimentos alternativos para ruminantes por apresentarem boa qualidade do ponto de vista fermentativo.

The kinetic ruminal fermentation of the dry substance (MS) and the fraction in neutral detergent (FDN) of the meal and the palm cake of babassu was evaluated through the half-automatic in vitro gas production technique. The pressure readings and measurements of volume were been carried through at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 27, 33, 39, 48, 60, 72 and 96h. For the degradation of the MS and FDN residue was quantified after 96h of incubation. The curves of cumulative production of gases had been adjusted using the bicompartimental logistic model. For the MS it had the effect (P<0,05) of food for the volume of gases of the soluble fraction of fast degradation (Vf1). The volume of gases in the insoluble fraction of slow degradation (Vf2) was superior (P<0,05) for the babassu meal. The "Lag time" of the meal was bigger (P<0,05) that that of the palm babassu cake. The palm babassu cake presented minor degradation. The Vf1 of the FDN fraction did not have difference (P>0,05) between foods. The Vf2 fraction was bigger for the palm babassu cake. The cumulative production of gases produced up to 96h was high for the meal and for the palm babassu cake, 120 and 140mL, respectively. The babassu meal and cake can be used as alternative foods for ruminants to present good quality from the fermentation point of view.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of silk flower (Calotropis procera SW) hay in 32 castrate male lambs of Morada Nova breed, in feedlot, fed with diets containing 0.0, 15.0, 30.0, and 45.0% of silk flower hay (SFH). The animals (12.72±1.99 kg BW) were slaughtered at 19.29±2.25 kgBW. A completely randomized design, with four diets and eigth replicates, was used. Increasing SFH levels reduced carcass conformation (2.31, 2.58, 2.17 and 1.81 points), leg perimeter (33.38, 32.17, 32.17, 30.00 cm), carcass compacity (live weigth/carcass length) (0.18, 0.18, 0.17, 0.15 cm), corrected half carcass weight (4.52, 4.63, 4.43, 3.69 kg), loin weight (0.66, 0.69, 0.64, 0.50 kg), shoulder weight (0.83, 0.86, 0.80, 0.67 kg) and rib weight (1.13, 1.09, 1.05, 0.84 kg), while there was a linear increase in leg weight (30.98, 30.81, 31.60, 34.47 kg) and mesenteric fat percentage (1.02, 0.65, 1.17, 1.42%). Increasing dietary levels of SFH to lambs affected carcass measurements and carcass yield, retail cuts and non-carcass components. It is thought that the inclusion of 30% of SFH in the diet is excellent for the maintenance of carcass characteristics in regions where there is access to this fodder plant.

Avaliou-se a utilização do feno de flor-deseda (Calotropis procera SW) (FFS) em cordeiros Morada Nova em confinamento. Utilizaram-se 32 cordeiros com peso vivo inicial de 12,72±1,99 kg e de abate 19,29±2,25 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 tratamentos (0%, 15%, 30% e 45% de FFS) e oito repetições. O aumento dos níveis de FFS diminuiu a conformação da carcaça (2,31; 2,58; 2,17; 1,81 pontos), perímetro da coxa (33,38; 32,17; 32,17; 30,00 cm), compacidade da carcaça (0,18; 0,18; 0,17; 0,15 cm), meia carcaça reconstituída (4,52; 4,63; 4,43; 3,69 kg), lombo (0,66; 0,69; 0,64; 0,50 kg), paleta (0,83; 0,86; 0,80; 0,67 kg) e costela (1,13; 1,09; 1,05; 0,84 kg), mas aumentou o linearmente os pesos da perna (30,98; 30,81; 31,60; 34,47 kg) e a gordura mesentérica (1,02; 0,65; 1,17; 1,42%). A inclusão de FFS na dieta promoveu efeito sobre as medidas da carcaça e seus rendimentos, assim como o rendimento dos cortes comerciais e componentes não-constituintes da carcaça. Estima-se que a inclusão de até 30% de FFS na dieta é relevante na manutenção das boas características de carcaça em regiões onde se tenha oferta desta forragem.

Utilizaram-se dois modelos matemáticos para avaliar a produção de gases do farelo e da torta de babaçu, pela técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases. Foram utilizados o modelo logístico e o de Gompertz. Os parâmetros de validação usados foram o quadrado médio do erro (QME), o coeficiente de determinação (R²), o desvio médio absoluto dos resíduos (DMA) e a análise gráfica dos resíduos. O modelo logístico bicompartimental apresentou menores valores (P<0,05) para o QME e o DMA em relação ao de Gompertz, e não houve diferença (P>0,05) quanto ao R². Os gráficos de dispersão mostraram semelhanças nos ajustes dos dois modelos. Na análise gráfica dos resíduos, os dois modelos descreveram bem cinética de produção de gases da matéria seca. No entanto, o modelo logístico apresentou melhor valor de QME. Para avaliação da cinética de fermentação ruminal do farelo e da torta de babaçu pela técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases, recomenda-se adotar o modelo logístico

Two mathematical models were used to evaluate gas production from the meal and pie of babassu using the semi-automated gas production technique. The logistic and Gompertz models were used and the validation parameters for both models were the residual mean square (RMS), the coefficient of determination (R 2 ), the absolute average residual (AAR), and the graphical analysis of residues. The logistic model showed lower RMS (P<0.05) and AAR in comparison to Gompertz model. Both Gompertz and logistic models showed similar R 2 . The dispersion graphics showed similarity for both models and graphics analyses demonstrated that both models describe well the kinetic of gas production of dry matter. However, the bicompartimental logistic model showed the best RMS value. Logistic models are recommended to describe the kinetic of gas production from babassu foods using the semi-automated in vitro technique