ABSTRACT We evaluated the association of monthly milk urea N (MUN) concentrations before conception and days open in high-producing dairy cows from commercial herds in Southern Brazil. Other herd traits were also investigated regarding their relationship with days open. A database containing 16,569 monthly test-day records (obtained from 3,926 lactations of 2,145 cows) for productive, reproductive, and milk quality data was assembled from three different herds. Maximum MUN before conception was divided into quartiles as follows: ≤15.5 mg/dL (1), from 15.6 mg/dL to 18.0 mg/dL (2), from 18.1 to 20.5 mg/dL (3), and >20.5 mg/dL (4). When cows calved in spring and winter, days open averaged (mean±SE) 171.2±2.71 and 155.4±2.31, corresponding to an increase in 12 and 2%, respectively, related to cows that calved in summer (152.7±2.44). When cows calved in fall, a 12% reduction in days open (135.5±1.79) compared with cows that calved in summer was observed. The estimated regression coefficients showed that multiparous cows are expected to have an increase of 12 and 6% in days open when compared with primiparous and secondiparous cows, respectively. Days open were positively associated with the highest MUN value obtained until conception. Cows in the highest quartile of maximum MUN (>20.5 mg/dL) had more days open (184.6±2.93) than cows in quartiles 1, 2, and 3 (123.7±2.12, 150.2±2.16, and 160.5±2.29, respectively), which represents reductions of 40, 21, and 14%, respectively. These results suggest that a maximum MUN concentration before conception higher than 15.5 mg/dL may negatively impact the fertility of high-producing dairy cows.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of long-chain fatty acid soaps (LCFAS) of soybean oil on the production and quality of aspirated cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) of lactating Nellore (Bos taurus indicus) cows. The effects of LCFAS on the plasma concentration of lipoproteins, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, urea N, and insulin were also addressed. Thirty lactating Nellore cows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups. Cows were grazed on a Tifton 85 pasture throughout the experiment (100 days). Treatments consisted of a supplement with no fat included (CONT); and a supplement containing 47.2 g/kg of LCFAS on a dry matter basis. After 14 days of treatment, animals were subjected to 4.93±1.55 rounds of consecutive ovum pickup (OPU) at intervals of 21.71±11.76 days. Blood samples were collected from all cows throughout the experiment at 25-day intervals (four samples per cow). Cows that were fed LCFAS supplements and cows that were fed CONT supplements had similar numbers of total aspirated oocytes (viable and not viable) by OPU and grades of viable oocytes. Plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were increased in cows supplemented with LCFAS. Plasma concentrations of LDL and total cholesterol were increased by LCFAS supplementation after 50 days on dietary treatment and insulin concentration was increased from 75 days on treatment. Long-chain fatty acid soaps from soybean oil added at 47.2 g/kg have no effect on the number of aspirated COC or their quality in Nellore lactating cows even with changes in plasma concentration of HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and insulin. Thus, this supplementation has no benefits when the main objective is to improve oocyte production and quality.

RESUMO: O objetivo foi avaliar a substituição do farelo de soja por levedura seca inativa (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) de cana-de-açúcar sobre o valor nutritivo de dietas para cabras Saanen no periparto. Vinte e quatro cabras Saanen (nove primíparas, 55,35 ± 4,55 kg e quinze multíparas, 73,12 ± 8,51 kg) durante os períodos pré-parto e pós-parto, foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 3 × 2 (dieta × ordem de parto). As dietas foram compostas por farelo de soja, farelo de soja e levedura seca ou levedura seca como fonte de proteína e os demais ingredientes: milho moído, suplemento mineral e calcário. A fonte de volumoso utilizada foi a silagem de milho de planta inteira (40% da ração total). As dietas foram avaliadas quanto a ingestão de matéria seca e digestibilidade dos nutrientes. A dieta com inclusão total de levedura seca promoveu redução na ingestão de extrato etéreo (pós-parto) e na digestibilidade de extrato etéreo (pós-parto e pré-parto), devido ao seu menor teor de extrato etéreo quando comparada as demais dietas. As cabras multíparas apresentaram maiores ingestões de matéria seca, nutrientes e nutrientes digestíveis totais, em ambos os períodos avaliados, devido a sua maior capacidade de ingestão. As cabras primíparas em pós-parto apresentaram melhores coeficientes de digestibilidade para matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e carboidratos totais, e, portanto, maior valor energético, atribuído aos nutrientes digestíveis totais, comparado as multíparas. A levedura seca pode substituir o farelo de soja sem alterar o valor nutritivo das dietas para cabras Saanen.

ABSTRACT: The aim was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by inactive dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) from sugar cane on nutritive value of diets for Saanen goats in the peripartum. Twenty-four Saanen goats (nine primiparous, 55.35 ± 4.55 kg and fifteen multiparous, 73.12 ± 8.51 kg) in prepartum and postpartum periods were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 (diet × parturition order) factorial arrangement. Diets were composed of soybean meal, soybean meal plus dry yeast or dry yeast as protein source, and other ingredients: ground corn, mineral supplement and limestone. The roughage source used was the whole plant corn silage (40% of the total diet). Diets were evaluated as dry matter intake and digestibility of nutrients. The diet with total dry yeast inclusion promoted a reduction on the ether extract intake (postpartum) and ether extract digestibility (prepartum and postpartum), due its lower ether extract content when compared to the other diets. Multiparous goats presented higher intakes for dry matter, nutrients and total digestible nutrients in both evaluated periods due their higher intake capacity. Primiparous goats in postpartum had better coefficients of digestibility for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and total carbohydrates, and so a higher energetic value, attributed to total digestible nutrients compared to multiparous ones. Dry yeast can replace soybean meal with no changes on nutritive value of diets for Saanen goats.

Four lactating Holstein cows were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effects of feeding sticky coffee hull (SCH) as a source of antioxidants on dairy cows fed with high PUFA diets. The treatments (on DM basis) were control diet, diet with 30 g/kg of soybean oil, diet with 30 g/kg of soybean oil and 100 g/kg of SCH, and diet with 30 g/kg of soybean oil and 150 g/kg of SCH. Inclusion of 150 g/kg of SCH decreased the crude protein digestibility. Lower values of NDF digestibility were also observed when cows were fed with 100 g/kg and 150g/kg of SCH. The digestibility of NDT was lower in the control and 150 g/kg of SCH diets. Milk production and composition did not differ among the treatments. Inclusion of SCH increased the total polyphenols and flavonoids in the milk and reducing power as well. Soybean oil and SCH supplementation increased the LDL and total cholesterol concentration in the plasma. Milk fatty acid profile was barely altered by the treatments. In conclusion, the results confirmed that SCH added up to 15% in the diet did not alter milk production, improved its stability, and incorporated antioxidants substances in the milk, improving its quality for human health.

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do uso de grão de oleaginosas sobre o desempenho e o valor nutricional das rações, foram utilizados 28 cabritos Saanen (16 machos e 12 fêmeas; 14,38±1,60 kg) distribuídos aleatoriamente em arranjo fatorial 4x2 (rações e sexos). Os tratamentos consistiram em rações compostas por feno de aveia, milho moído, farelo de soja e suplemento mineral e/ou grãos de oleaginosas em substituição ao milho, conforme os seguintes tratamentos: 1) controle; 2) 7,9% linhaça; 3) 7,3% de girassol; e 4) 8,0% de canola. A ingestão de matéria seca foi maior para ração controle. Não houve diferença entre os sexos para ingestão. O ganho médio diário (GMD) e a conversão alimentar (CA) não foram alterados. O número de dias em confinamento (DC) foi maior dentro da ração linhaça. Os cabritos machos apresentaram melhor GMD, CA e DC. A inclusão das oleaginosas aumentou a digestibilidade do extrato etéreo e reduziu a digestibilidade dos carboidratos totais. Não foram observadas diferenças para a concentração energética das rações. A inclusão dos grãos de linhaça, girassol ou canola nas rações de cabritos Saanen, em substituição (8% MS) ao milho, não traz benefícios ao desempenho, no entanto, esses alimentos podem ser utilizados sem que haja alteração do valor nutricional das rações.

Twenty-eight Saanen goat kids (16 non-castrated males and 12 females; 14.38±1.60 kg) were used to evaluate the performance and nutritional value of diets. Animals were randomly allotted into a 4x2 (diets x gender) factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of four different total mixed diets composed of oat hay, soybean meal, mineral supplement, and/or oilseeds replacing ground corn (on dry matter basis), as follows: 1) control (without oilseeds), 2) diet containing 7.9% flaxseed, 3) diet with 7.3% sunflower, and 4) diet containing 8.0% canola. Dry matter intake was higher for animals receiving control diet. Gender did not influence dry matter and nutrient intake. Oilseeds did not affect the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC). Flaxseed diet showed more days in feedlot. Males showed better means of ADG, FC and days in feedlot. Diets containing oilseeds had higher values for ether extract digestibility and lower total carbohydrates than the control diet. The energetic value of diets did not alter. The inclusion of flaxseed, sunflower or canola in diets of Saanen goat kids in place (8% on a DM basis) corn, does not improve the performance, however these oilseeds may be used without changing the nutritional value of diets.

Twenty-four Saanen goats, 15 multiparous and nine primiparous, were distributed in a completely randomised design in a factorial arrangement (3 diets × 2 parities). The treatments were soybean meal (SB), soybean + dry yeast (SBDY), or dry yeast (DY) as a protein source in the diet, and ground corn, mineral supplement, and corn silage (400 g/kg). The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of diets containing inactive dry yeast as a protein source postpartum, postpeak, and during late lactation in dairy goats. To estimate the faecal excretion of indigestible material, neutral detergent fibre was used as an internal marker. The diets did not affect dry matter intake (DMI). However, DMI and nutrient intake were higher for multiparous goats compared with primiparous goats. The digestibility of dry matter and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were higher for primiparous goats in the postpartum period. In the postpeak and late lactation periods, there were no differences in digestibility of DM and nutrient between parities. The TDN was similar in the diets in the postpeak period and at lactation end. The goats fed the DY diet had lower urea nitrogen in blood. The use of inactive dry yeast to substitute soybean meal in diets for primiparous and multiparous lactating Saanen goats is a good alternative for maintaining the nutritional value of diets.

Twenty-four Saanen goats (15 multiparous and 9 primiparous) from 21 days prepartum to 200 days in lactation were used to evaluate milk yield and composition. Animals were randomly distributed in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (3 diets × 2 parity orders) and fed a 40:60 forage:concentrate diet composed of soybean meal, soybean meal + dry yeast or dry yeast as protein source, plus ground corn, mineral supplement and corn silage. The protein source did not influence the body weight of pre and postpartum goats. Prepartum, postpartum and postpeak dry matter intake (DMI) were not altered by diets. However, goats fed the diet containing dry yeast as protein source had lower DMI in late lactation. Milk yield and feed efficiency were not affected by diets. Milk components, acidity and somatic cell count were not influenced by diets during all lactation phases. However, fat and total solid contents postpartum were higher for primiparous goats and somatic cell count postpeak was lower for multiparous goats. Dry yeast can be used to replace soybean meal in diets for lactating Saanen goats.

The effects of inactive dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) from sugar cane were studied in 18 primiparus Saanen dairy goats (51.07±1.43) on dry matter intake and digestibility, milk production and quality. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized design during 90 days (from day 60 of milking). Diets were composed of soybean meal; soybean meal + dry yeast; or dry yeast, as protein sources, and ground corn, mineral supplement and corn silage (40%). Animals fed the dry yeast diet showed lower intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber. Diets did not influence milk yield; however the milk production efficiency (kg of milk produced/kg of crude protein ingested) was better in goats fed the dry yeast diet. Acidity, somatic cell counts and milk urea nitrogen values were not affected by treatments. Animals fed the soybean + dry yeast diet had higher fat and total solids than those fed the dry yeast diet. The digestibility of DM, OM and total carbohydrate was lower for soybean only and soybean + dry yeast diets. Total digestible nutrients were higher for dry yeast and soy bean diets than soybean + dry yeast diet. Dry yeast from sugar cane is a good alternative protein source for feeding lactating dairy goats and can be recommended because it maintains the production performance.

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a ingestão, digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, o balanço de nitrogênio e estimar os nutrientes digestíveis totais de rações com a inclusão da levedura seca (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% da MS) em substituição ao farelo de soja nas rações para cabritos. Foram utilizados cinco cabritos SRD alojados em gaiolas metabólicas distribuídos em delineamento quadrado latino 5 x 5. As ingestões de matéria seca e de carboidratos totais não foram alteradas com a inclusão de levedura, no entanto, para a ingestão de matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e fibra em detergente neutro foi observado efeito quadrático. A digestibilidade do extrato etéreo apresentou efeito linear decrescente, porém, para digestibilidade da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, carboidratos totais, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais houve efeito quadrático. O balanço de nitrogênio não foi alterado em função da substituição do farelo de soja. A levedura seca pode ser incluída nas rações de cabritos como fonte proteica sem alterar a ingestão de matéria seca e o balanço de nitrogênio, porém, a inclusão acima de 5,9% de levedura seca nas rações reduz a digestibilidade da matéria seca.

The assay was carried out to evaluate feed intake, dry matter and nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and to estimate total digestible nutrients of diets with inclusion of dry yeast (0, 25, 50, 75, 100% of DM) replacing soybean meal in diets for kid goats. Five goats were allotted in a 5 x 5 Latin square design and housed in digestibility cages. Dry matter intake and total carbohydrates were unchanged with inclusion of dry yeast; however, for organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber, intake showed a quadratic effect. The digestibility of ether extract showed decreasing linear effect; however, for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, total carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients digestibility showed quadratic effects. Dry yeast can be included in feed for kid goats as a protein source without changing dry matter intake and nitrogen balance; however, including over 5.9% dry yeast in the diets reduces dry matter digestibility.

In order to evaluate the use of oilseeds in the diet of goat kids, two experiments were performed. Experimental treatments consisted of four different total mixed diets, all containing oat hay, ground corn, soybean meal and mineral supplement, and differing in oilseeds inclusion (dry matter basis), according to the treatments: 1) control (without oilseeds), 2) diet containing 7.87% flaxseed, 3) diet with 7.30% sunflower seed, and 4) diet containing 8.00% canola. In the first experiment (to evaluate the performance), 28 ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen castrated goat kids (22.66 kg to 30.88 kg BW) were allotted in a randomized design in feedlot. There was no difference between treatments for intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and ether extract, total weight gain, average daily gain, feed conversion or days in feedlot (61 days). In the second experiment (to evaluate the digestibility), four goats (47.42 ± 1.83 kg BW) were allotted in a 4 × 4 Latin square. The inclusion of sunflower seeds in the diet increased the intake of neutral detergent fiber. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrate and total digestible nutrients were not influenced by the addition of oilseeds in the diets. There was higher ether extract digestibility for goats receiving dietary canola. The inclusion of flaxseed (7.30%), sunflower (7.87%) and canola (8.00%) seeds in the diets of ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen goats does not improve performance, but can be used without changing intake, digestibility and energy value of diets.

Foram utilizados 27 cabritos (18 ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen e 9 Saanen; 18,0 ± 1,60 kg) distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial para avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a digestibilidade total da matéria seca e dos nutrientes das rações. As dietas foram compostas de farelo de soja, farelo de soja + levedura seca ou levedura seca como fonte de proteína, feno de aveia, milho moído e mistura vitamínico-mineral, com composição média de 2,50 Mcal de EM/kg de matéria seca e 17,0% de proteína bruta. A digestibilidade foi determinada utilizando-se fibra em detergente neutro indigestível como indicador. As ingestões de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e carboidratos totais não foram influenciadas pelas rações. No entanto, a inclusão de levedura seca nas rações reduziu as ingestões de extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido. Dentro dos grupos raciais, os cabritos ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen foram os que apresentaram maior ingestão de matéria seca e nutrientes, assim como melhores médias de ganho diário, conversão alimentar e dias em confinamento. A digestibilidade de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e carboidratos totais foi maior - e a de extrato etéreo menor - nos animais alimentados com as rações contendo levedura seca. Não houve diferenças na digestibilidade de fibra em detergente neutro. As rações com levedura seca apresentaram maiores valores de nutrientes digestíveis totais. A levedura seca pode ser usada como fonte proteica alternativa em rações para cabritos, pois não altera o desempenho dos animais e tem valor nutritivo superior ao do farelo de soja. Cabritos ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen apresentam, em confinamento, melhor desempenho produtivo nas fases de crescimento e terminação em comparação aos cabritos Saanen.

It was used 27 goat kids (18 ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen and nine Saanen; 18.0 ± 1.60 kg) distributed in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement to evaluate productive performance and the total digestibility of dry matter and nutrients in the rations. Diets were composed of soybean meal, soybean meal + dry yeast or dry yeast as protein source, oat hay, ground corn and vitamin-mineral mixture with mean composition of 2.50 Mcal of ME/kg DM and 17.0% of crude protein on average. Digestibility was determined using indigestible neutral detergent fiber as marker. Intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and total carbohydrates were not altered by rations. However, inclusion of dry yeast in the rations reduced ingestions of ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. Within breed groups, the ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen goat kids showed the highest intakes of dry matter and nutrients, as well as the best means of daily gain, feed conversion and days in feedlot. Digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and total carbohydrates were higer - and the digesbility of ether extract was lower - for animals fed rations with dry yeast. There were no differences in digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. Rations with dry yeast showed the highest values of total digestible nutrients. Dry yeast can be used as alternative protein source in rations for goat kids because it does not change animal performance and it does have higher nutritional value than soybean meal. ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen kids show, in feedlots, better performance in growth and finishing phases when compared to Saanen kids.

Este trabalho foi conduzido com os objetivos de avaliar a ingestão e a digestibilidade da matéria seca e dos nutrientes e estimar o valor energético de rações com 0; 25; 50; 75 ou 100% de casca do grão de soja em substituição ao milho moído na dieta de cabritos. As rações foram compostas de feno de aveia, milho moído e/ou casca do grão de soja, farelo de soja e suplemento mineral. Foram utilizados cinco cabritos da raça Saanen (32,44 ± 4,00 kg) alojados em gaiolas de digestibilidade em delineamento quadrado latino 5 × 5. Foram realizadas coletas totais de fezes utilizando-se sacolas de lona. Cada período foi composto de 12 dias (sete dias para adaptação à ração e cinco dias para coletas). As ingestões de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), carboidratos totais (CT) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) não foram alteradas pela inclusão de casca do grão de soja nas rações. No entanto, para a ingestão de extrato etéreo, FDN e amido, houve efeito linear dos níveis de casca do grão de soja. Para as digestibilidades da MS, MO, PB, CT, FDN, amido e para os NDT, foram observados efeitos quadráticos e a digestibilidade do extrato etéreo não foi alterada. A inclusão de casca do grão de soja em níveis de até 75% nas rações de cabritos melhora a digestibilidade e o valor energético das dietas, mantendo-se a viabilidade econômica.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dry matter and nutrient intake and digestibility and to estimate the energy value of diets with the inclusion of soybean hulls (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) replacement of ground corn in the diet of kids goats. The rations consisted of oat hay, ground corn and/or soybean hulls, soybean meal and mineral supplement. Five Saanen kid goats (32.44 ± 4.00 kg), housed in digestibility cages, in a 5 × 5 Latin square design were used. Total feces were collected with canvas bags. Each period consisted of 12 days, seven days to adapt to the rations and five days for collections. The intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), total carbohydrates (TC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were altered by the inclusion of soybean hulls in the rations. However, for the intakes of ether extract, NDF and starch there was a linear effect. Quadratic effects were observed for the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, TC, NDF, starch and the TDN but the ether extract digestibility was not altered. The inclusion of the soybean hulls up to 75% in the rations of kid goats improved digestibility, resulting in higher energy value with economic viability.

Foram avaliadas as características quantitativas da carcaça, os rendimentos dos cortes, a proporção dos tecidos, a composição química, o colesterol e o perfil de ácidos graxos do músculo Longissimus dorsi de cabritos ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen, alimentados com rações contendo grãos de linhaça, girassol ou canola. Foram utilizados 24 cabritos machos não-castrados com peso inicial de 22,7 kg e 90 dias de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e abatidos com 30,9 kg de peso vivo médio e 61 dias de confinamento. As rações foram constituídas de: feno de aveia, farelo de soja, milho moído e suplemento mineral (tratamento controle, n=6) e adicionadas de grãos de linhaça (n=7), girassol (n=5) ou canola (n=6). O consumo de grãos de oleaginosas não influenciou o peso de carcaça quente, no entanto, o peso de carcaça fria foi maior nos animais alimentados com a ração controle, que apresentaram também menor perda por resfriamento. O rendimento verdadeiro e o rendimento comercial de carcaça não foram influenciados pelas rações. O rendimento dos cortes comerciais lombo e costela descoberta diferiram entre os animais alimentados com as rações contendo oleaginosas. Não houve diferença para as porcentagens de músculo, gordura e osso nem para a razão músculo:osso. A adição de grãos de canola resultou em maior teor de lipídeos no músculo Longissimus dorsi, mas não alterou o teor de colesterol. Os animais alimentados com as rações contendo grãos de canola e linhaça apresentaram menor razão ômega-6:ômega-3. Os benefícios dos grãos de oleaginosas sobre as características quantitativas da carcaça ou qualitativas do músculo em cabritos não justificam sua utilização nas rações.

The quantitative characteristics of the carcass, yield of cuts, tissue proportion, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the Longissimus dorsi muscle of ¾ Boer + ¼ Saanen goats fed rations with linseed, sunflower and canola seeds were evaluated. Twenty-four not castrated male goats initially averaging 22.7 kg and 90 days were allotted to a completely randomized design and slaughtered at 30.9 kg of body weight and 61 days of feedlot. The rations were composed of oats hay, soybean meal, ground corn and mineral supplement with the following treatments: control treatment (n=6) and in the others treatments, linseed (n=7), sunflower (n=5) and canola (n=6) seeds were added. The intake of oilseeds grains did not affect hot carcass weight; however, the cold carcass weight was greater in animals fed control diet, which also had lower weight loss by cooling. The carcass yield was not influenced by diet. The yield of loin and discovered rib commercial cuts differs among animals fed diets with oilseeds. No treatment effect on the muscle, fat and bone percentages, as well as on the muscle:bone ratio in loin, was observed. The addition of canola grains resulted in higher levels of lipids in Longissimus dorsi muscle, but did not alter the cholesterol content. Animals fed diets with grains of canola and linseed showed a lower omega-6:omega-3 ratio. The use of oilseeds do not improve the quantitative characteristics of the carcass or the quality of the muscle on goats enough to be included in the rations.