ABSTRACT Two hundred seventeen grass-finished Braford steers were assessed by ultrasonic scanning and subsequently harvested with their pistol hindquarters fabricated into boneless wholesale cuts. The Longissimus thoracis muscle area and subcutaneous fat depths were measured. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop prediction equations for weights of the pistol hindquarter and high-value commercial cuts, and 2) to estimate sample size needed for experiments comparing pistol hindquarter retail product weight using either physically or ultrasonically measured carcass traits. Carcass measurements explained 44 % to 94 % of the variation in weights of individual cuts, whereas, measurements that were made using ultrasound explained 42 % to 90 % of the variation in the weights. Models used to predict the weight of pistol hindquarter retail product with carcass measures and ultrasound measures showed high coefficient of determination (R 2 = 0.92 and 0.97, respectively). Whether based on carcass or ultrasound measures, models used to estimate weight percentage of fat trimmed from the pistol hindquarter had lack of fit. In general, models for individual cuts weights that used traits measured with ultrasound as independent variables approached the accuracy of models using carcass traits. Thus, only slightly greater samples sizes were required to have equivalent power to detect differences in retail product weights using ultrasound measures. For experiments of equivalent power, differences in the number of animals required may be offset by avoiding costs for slaughter and fabrication.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate, through a meta-analysis, the effects of feeding systems and tocopherol levels found in the diet of lambs on qualitative characteristics of their meat. A search of the computerised literature in Science Direct databases, PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO virtual library was carried out to select works that evaluated the quality of lamb meat. As a first requirement for inclusion in the meta-analysis, articles were selected with the keywords “tocopherol”, “meat”, and “lamb”. The variables extracted from the articles were classified according to the type of feeding system and tocopherol level in the diet of lambs. Production systems alter the qualitative characteristics of meat. Lambs raised exclusively on pasture present a higher tocopherol concentration in their meat, a lower omega 6:omega 3 ratio, a lower omega 6 concentration, and a higher conjugated linoleic acid concentration. Regardless of the dietary systems, when we classify the tocopherol levels of lamb diet, the tocopherol concentration and fatty acid level are altered by tocopherol levels in the diet. The lower tocopherol level in the diet results in meat with lower tocopherol concentration and with greater propensity to lipid oxidation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the forage apparently consumed by steers in a natural grassland on region of Campanha, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, subjected or not to different inputs: NP - natural pasture without inputs; FNP - fertilized natural pasture and INP - improved natural grassland with fertilization and over-seeded with cultivated winter species. Three Angus steers testers and a variable number of regulator animals per experimental unit were utilized in order to maintain 13 kg of DM/100 kg of live weight (LW) as forage allowance. One time at each season, hand plucking samples were performed along the daily grazing time simulating forage harvested by the animals. The collected samples after drying and grind were submitted to chemical analysis to determine the forage quality. Except in winter and spring, the values of neutral detergent fiber were higher than the critical value of 550 g/kg of DM, which could limit forage intake, demonstrating that the values of forage on offer provided (15.6; 13.7; 13.5; 15.8 kg of DM/100 kg of LW/day in summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively) were not restrictive to intake. The oversowing of winter cultivated species or fertilization positively alter the degradable fiber content. The seasons had marked influence on the chemical composition of forage apparently consumed; positively increasing some fractions of forage chemical composition in the seasons in which native or cultivated winter species increased their participation. The forage chemical composition is the determining factor in animal performance in natural pasture.

The present study was conducted to assess carcass features, physicochemical and sensory parameters of meat from steers finished on three types of pastures: natural pasture; natural pasture improved, fertilized and oversown with winter species; and annual summer grassland. The experiment was conducted from December 14, 2009 to November 30, 2010, with treatments distributed in a completely randomized design with a different number of replicates. Animals were used as experimental units. Experimental animals were Aberdeen Angus steers with twenty months of initial age and 354±27.4 kg of live weight, on average. The highest average daily gains were obtained for the annual summer grassland. There was no effect of treatments on carcass conformation. The highest carcass yield was obtained on the improved natural pasture. Forequarter yield, side cut yield and longissimus muscle area were similar between the pastures. Moisture and total lipids were not affected by the pasture. Thawing and cooking losses were higher in improved natural pasture and lower in sorghum pasture. Regardless of the treatment, the meat had luminosity ranging from intermediate to dark, high in red, high in yellow, and considered within the normal range for beef. Meat of higher shear force was found in natural pasture, and lower shear force was observed in meat from annual summer grassland. Average live weight daily gain explained 18% of the shear force. Sensory evaluation by duo-trio test showed differences between samples from distinct pastures in flavor. All the studied systems allow for desirable characteristics in carcass and meat.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a recria de borregas em pastagem de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum) em sucessão a lavouras de milho ou soja, manejadas em intensidades de pastejo moderada ou baixa, com métodos de pastoreio rotativo ou contínuo. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso em arranjo fatorial 2 intensidades x 2 métodos de pastoreio, com quatro repetições. Não houve interação entre os métodos e as intensidades de pastejo. A intensidade de pastejo baixa determinou maior massa média de forragem e altura do pasto. A altura e a massa de forragem foram maiores no pastoreio rotativo. Não houve diferença para ganho médio diário. Houve diferença significativa para carga animal para o método rotativo e a intensidade de pastejo moderada. O ganho de peso por hectare foi maior para intensidade de pastejo moderada. A intensidade de pastejo e o método de pastoreio empregados não afetaram a produtividade de soja ou milho em sucessão. A forragem disponível é a principal determinante da produtividade do sistema integrado, independentemente do método de pastoreio.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the rearing of lambs grazing on annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) in succession with corn or soybean crops, managed at moderate or low grazing intensities, with rotational or continuous grazing methods. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in a factorial arrangement 2 intensities x 2 grazing methods, with four replicates. There was no interaction between grazing intensities and methods. Low grazing intensity provided higher forage mass and sward height. Height and forage mass were higher in rotational grazing. There was no difference in average daily gain. There was significant difference in stocking rate for the rotational method and moderate grazing intensity. Gain per hectare was higher for moderate grazing intensity. Grazing intensity and grazing methods did not affect soybean or corn yields in succession. The forage available is the main determinant of yield of the integrated system, independently of the grazing method.

Avaliou-se como o padrão de deslocamento e de utilização de estações alimentares podem ser afetados por alturas de manejo de 4, 8, 12 e 16 cm numa pastagem nativa. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e duas repetições no tempo e no espaço. Os animais experimentais foram avaliados por meio de testes de pastejo de 45 minutos, para determinação dos número de bocados, número de estações alimentares e número de passos, utilizando-se contadores, com exceção do número de bocados, que foi registrado pelo aparelho IGER Behaviour Recorder. Observou-se correlação positiva entre altura do pasto e massa de forragem e correlação negativa entre alturas do pasto e densidade de forragem. As variáveis avaliadas diferiram entre bezerras e ovelhas. O número de estações alimentares por minuto diminuiu de forma quadrática com o aumento da altura do pasto. O número de bocados por estação alimentar visitada e o tempo por estação alimentar aumentaram de forma quadrática com o aumento da altura do pasto e foram afetados negativamente pela baixa densidade de forragem nos estratos superiores das maiores alturas do pasto. Na altura de 12 cm, as bezerras executaram mais bocados por estação alimentar e permaneceram mais tempo em cada estação alimentar; o mesmo foi observado na altura de 8 cm para as ovelhas. À medida que menos estações alimentares foram utilizadas, como resposta às variáveis anteriores, os animais andaram mais a passos mais lentos. Em alturas do pasto entre 8 e 12 cm, os animais permanecem mais tempo pastejando nas estações alimentares e percorrem distâncias maiores à procura de novos locais para o pastejo.

This study assessed how the displacement patterns and feeding station used can be affected by sward heights of 4, 8, 12 and 16 cm. A randomized complete design was used with two replication in time and space. The animals were evaluated by 45- minute grazing tests, to determine the number of bites, number of feeding stations and number of steps using counters, except for number of bites, which was registered by the IGER Behaviour Recorder device. A positive correlation was observed between sward height and herbage mass, and negative correlation between sward height and herbage bulk density. Differences between female calves and ewes were observed in all variables evaluated. The number of feeding station per minute decreased quadratically with increasing sward height. The number of bites per feeding station and time per feeding station increased quadratically with increasing sward height and were affected negatively by the lower herbage bulk density in the upper strata of the higher sward heights. Female calves, at 12 cm sward height, carried out more bites per feeding station and remained longer at each feeding station. The same behaviour was observed for ewes at 8 cm sward height. As less feeding stations were used, as a response to the previous variables, the animals walked more with slower steps. Thus, at sward heights between 8 and 12 cm the animals remained more time grazing each feeding station and covered longer distances searching for new grazing sites.

Avaliou-se o desempenho de cordeiras de corte para o acasalamento no outono em pastagem nativa melhorada fertilizada com adubo mineral fórmula 5-20-20 (250 kg/ha). Utilizaram-se duas doses de nitrogênio (100 e 200 kg/ha na forma de uréia), fracionadas em duas aplicações (70% em 3 de fevereiro e 30% em 17 de março de 2005) considerando controle piquetes sem aplicação de nitrogênio. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos completos com duas repetições. O método de pastejo foi contínuo com lotação variável e oferta de forragem de 16% (16 kg MS/100 kg peso vivo [PV]). O período de avaliação foi de 21 de janeiro a 31 de maio. As variáveis estudadas foram taxa de lotação, carga animal, desaparecimento de MS em %PV, ganho de peso médio diário, escore de condição corporal, ganho de peso por área e taxa de prenhez. O desaparecimento de MS em %PV não diferiu entre as doses de nitrogênio e os períodos de avaliação e apresentou valores limitantes em relação ao provável consumo potencial. As doses de nitrogênio tiveram efeito positivo sobre a taxa de lotação e a carga animal, que não diferiram no decorrer das avaliações. O escore de condição corporal, o ganho médio diário e o ganho de peso por área apresentaram variações significativas entre os períodos de avaliação, como resultado da influência do déficit hídrico registrado durante o período experimental. A taxa de prenhez não foi influenciada pelas doses de nitrogênio. Apesar do déficit hídrico, que comprometeu negativamente as variáveis produtivas da pastagem e a resposta animal às doses de nitrogênio aplicadas, a pastagem nativa melhorada por meio de adubação pode suportar elevadas taxas de lotação.

The performance of lambs for the mating in the autumn in improved native pasture fertilized with 250 kg/ha of mineral formula 5-20-20 was evaluated. Two levels of nitrogen (N) (100 and 200 kg/ha of N as urea) divided in two applications, 70% and 30%, in February, 3, and March, 17, 2005, respectively, were tested in a complete block design with two replications. Plots without N application were used as control. Evaluation was done on continuous variable stocking in order to maintain 16% of forage allowance (16 kg DM/100 kg live weight [LW]). Grazing period extended from January, 21 to May, 31. Studied variables were: stocking rate, DM disappearance, in % of LW, average daily gain, body score condition, weight gain per area and, pregnancy rate. The DM disappearance did not differ between treatments and periods of evaluation, presenting limited values in relation to the probable potential intake. The stocking rate showed positive effect of the level of N and did not differ along the evaluations. The other studied variables (body score condition, average daily gain and weight gain per area) presented significant variations between evaluation periods due to influence of the water deficit that occurred during the experimental period. The pregnancy rate did not show significant effect of the level of N. Despite the water deficit which occurred during the experimental period and compromised the performance of the pasture variables and, by consequence, animal response to nitrogen fertilization, the native pasture improvement by fertilization is capable to support high stocking rates.

Um experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de intensidades e métodos de pastejo nas características morfogênicas (taxa de elongação de folhas, taxa de surgimento de folhas, tempo de vida da folha) e estruturais (número de folhas verdes, comprimento de folhas e densidade populacional de perfilhos) de azevém em dois ciclos de avaliação. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram de duas intensidades e dois métodos de pastejo (contínuo e rotacionado), em um delineamento em blocos completamente casualizados, em arranjo fatorial com quatro repetições. Foram marcados 30 perfilhos por unidade experimental. As intensidades de pastejo foram responsáveis pelas diferenças encontradas na taxa de elongação de folhas (intensidade baixa resultou em maior taxa de elongação) e nas características estruturais (intensidade baixa resultou em menor densidade populacional de perfilhos, maior comprimento e maior número de folhas vivas por perfilho). Os métodos de pastejo influenciaram as características morfogênicas (o pastejo contínuo resultou em maior taxa de elongação de folhas, mais alta taxa de surgimento e maior tempo de vida das folhas no primeiro ciclo de observação) e estruturais (o pastejo contínuo resultou em maior densidade populacional de perfilhos). Observou-se interação intensidades de pastejo x ciclos de avaliação. A forma de condução do processo de desfolhação, por meio do controle de intensidades e métodos de pastejo, afeta as características morfogênicas e estruturais da pastagem.

The trial was conducted to determine the influences of grazing intensity and grazing method on morphogenetic (leaf elongation rate, leaf appearance rate, leaf lifespan) and structural (number of green leaves, length of leaves and tiller density) traits in italian ryegrass sward. The experimental treatments stemmed from a 2 x 2 factorial combination of two grazing intensities and two grazing methods (continuous and rotational). The experimental design was completely randomized block with four replications. Thirty tillers were marked per experimental unit. The grazing intensity brought about differences in the morphogenic and structural traits of the sward. Low grazing intensity resulted in higher leaf elongation rate and in lower tiller density, higher length of leaves and higher number of live leaves per tiller. The grazing methods influenced the morphogenetic and structural traits. Continuous grazing resulted in higher leaf elongation rate, higher leaf appearance rate, longer leaf lifespan in the first grazing cycle, and in higher tiller density. There was a grazing intensity by grazing cycle interaction. It is concluded that grazing intensity and grazing method exert marked effect on the morphogenetic and structural traits of the grazed sward.