RESUMO: O trigo mourisco é conhecido por sua aptidão como adubo verde, melhorando as propriedades físicas e químicas do solo ao mesmo tempo que possui nenhuma ou baixíssimas requisições de fertilização, além de rápido fechamento de dossel e de não possuir pragas nem outros inimigos naturais documentados no Brasil. Essa cultura tem o potencial de cultivo para preencher o período de tempo conhecido como “vazio outonal” no Sul do Brasil, período caracterizado pela baixa ou nenhuma oferta de forragem. O valor nutritivo é bom, além de seus grãos, altamente nutritivos, também poderem ser consumidos por humanos, ruminantes e não-ruminantes. Essa revisão visa fornecer informações relevantes da pesquisa sobre o trigo mourisco nos últimos anos objetivando o incentivo a viabilização dessa cultura como alternativa no vazio outonal no sul do Brasil. RESUMO verde fertilização Brasil forragem bom grãos nutritivos humanos nãoruminantes. nãoruminantes ruminantes. não-ruminantes

ABSTRACT: Buckwheat is known for its aptitude as green manure, as it increases soil’s physical and chemical properties at the same time it has none or very few fertilization requirements besides a fast canopy closure and has no ravagers or natural enemies documented in Brazil. This crop has the potential to fill an empty period known as the “Autumn gap” in Southern Brazil, which is characterized by the low or no forage offer at all, justified by the fact its forage has the same quality as that of a grass forage, besides, its grains, highly nutritious, can also be consumed by humans, ruminants, or non-ruminants. This review aims to provide relevant information about recent buckwheat research to make it a viable alternative for the Autumn gap. ABSTRACT manure soils soil s Brazil gap all grains nutritious humans ruminants nonruminants. nonruminants non ruminants. non-ruminants

ABSTRACT: In integrated crop-livestock systems, overseeding annual summer pastures over grain crops can reduce forage shortages in autumn without altering grain production. This study evaluated the influence of pearl millet (Pennisetumglaucum L.) and sudangrass (Sorghum Sudanese) overseeded on a soybean (Glycine Max) crop or no-tillage seeding after soybean harvest on productive aspects of pasture. The experimental design was a randomized block with treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (pearl millet or sudangrass, overseeding in the full seed stage (R6) of soybean crops or seeding them in a no-tillage system after soybean harvest) in two agricultural years. Pasture height, plant stand, tiller density, and forage production were higher in the first crop year. The overseeding strategy resulted in higher pasture height and foraged production in the first crop year and higher pasture utilization for the next two crop years. Under the no-tillage strategy, the plants stand more elevated in the first crop year, resulting in a higher tiller density in the second crop year. Pasture height, utilization period, and forage production did not differ among the forage species. Pearl millet had a more elevated plant stand, while sudangrass had a higher tiller density. Annual summer pasture overseeding of soybean crops increases the pasture utilization period and forage production in autumn.

RESUMO: Em sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária, a sobressemeadura de pastagens anuais de verão sobre as lavouras de grãos, pode reduzir a escassez de forragem no outono sem alterar a produção de grãos. Este trabalho avaliou a influência do milheto (Pennisetum glaucum L.) e do capim-sudão (Sorghum Sudanese) sobressemeados na lavoura de soja (Glycine Max) ou semeadura em plantio direto após a colheita da soja sobre os aspectos produtivos da pastagem. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com tratamentos em arranjo fatorial 2 × 2 (milheto ou capim-sudão, semeadura no estádio (R6) da lavoura de soja ou semeadura em sistema de plantio direto após a colheita da soja) em dois anos. A altura do pasto, estande de plantas, densidade de perfilhos e produção de forragem foram maiores no primeiro ano agrícola. A estratégia de sobressemeadura resultou em maior altura de pastagem e produção de forragem na primeira safra e maior utilização da pastagem nas duas safras. Na estratégia de plantio direto, as plantas ficaram mais elevadas no primeiro ano e com maior densidade de perfilhos no segundo ano agrícola. A altura do pasto, o período de utilização e a produção de forragem não diferiram entre as espécies forrageiras. O milheto apresentou estande de plantas mais elevado, enquanto o capim-sudão apresentou maior densidade de perfilhos. A sobressemeadura anual das pastagens de verão na cultura da soja aumenta o período de utilização das pastagens e a produção de forragem no outono.

ABSTRACT: The objective was to evaluate the animal production and ingestive behavior of the steers fed different supplements during the growth phase in Aruana grass, and the influence of this supplementation on production performance in feedlot phase. The treatments consisted of three supplements during the growing phase: mineral salt (0.12 g/kg of body weight - BW), low intake energy-protein supplement (1.26 g/kg of BW), and medium intake (3.76 g/kg of BW). Forage canopy characteristics, animal production, and animal behavior on pasture were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three replicates (paddocks). The titanium dioxide marker was used to determine the intake and apparent digestibility during the pasture phase. The production performance in feedlot was evaluated in a completely randomized design with eight replicates (animals). Twenty-four Aberdeen Angus steers (15 ± 1.5 months old; 364.8 ± 21.7 kg BW) were used. At the end of the growth phase the animals were confined and fed a single diet. Dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents of forage and intake were not influenced by the treatments. The average daily gain was higher for the medium intake supplement in pasture phase. The apparent digestibility of NDF (P = and chewing rate were higher for the medium intake supplement. The average daily gain and fat thickness of carcasses were higher for the medium intake supplement in the feedlot phase. The supplements of medium intake increase animal productivity during the growing phase on pastures and cattle’s finishing performance in intensive production systems.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção animal e o comportamento ingestivo de novilhos alimentados com diferentes suplementos durante a fase de crescimento em capim Aruana, e a influência desta suplementação sobre o desempenho produtivo durante a fase de terminação em confinamento. Os tratamentos consistiram de três suplementos durante a fase de crescimento: sal mineral (0,12 g/kg do peso corporal - PC), suplemento energético-proteico de baixo consumo (1,26 g/kg do PC) e suplemento energético-proteico de médio consumo (3,76 g/kg do PC). As características do dossel forrageiro, a produção animal e o comportamento ingestivo em pastos de capim Aruana foram avaliados utilizando um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com três repetições (piquetes). O marcador externo dióxido de titânio foi utilizado para determinar o consumo e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes na fase de pastagem. O desempenho em confinamento foi avaliado utilizando-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com oito repetições (animais). Vinte e quatro novilhos Aberdeen Angus (15 ± 1,5 meses de idade; 364,8 ± 21,7 kg de peso corporal médio inicial) foram utilizados. Ao final da fase de recria, os animais experimentais foram confinados e alimentados com uma dieta única. Os teores de matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra de detergente neutro (FDN) da forragem, bem como o consumo destas frações não foram alterados pelos tratamentos. O ganho médio diário foi superior para o suplemento de ingestão média na fase de pastagem. A digestibilidade da FDN e a taxa de ruminação na fase pastagem foram mais elevadas para o suplemento de média ingestão. O ganho médio diário e a espessura de gordura das carcaças foram mais elevados para o suplemento de ingestão média na fase de acabamento em confinamento. Suplementos de ingestão média aumentam a produtividade animal durante a fase de crescimento em pastagens e o desempenho em confinamento de bovinos provenientes de sistemas intensivos de produção.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and meat quality of feedlot Aberdeen Angus steers fed high-concentrate diets with or without a natural feed additive composed of a mixture of yeasts and essential oils (EO). A completely randomized design with two diets (with or without natural feed additive) and 12 replicates was used. Twenty-four steers with initial shrunk body weight of 402.62±48.2 kg and average age of 18±2.0 months were used. Steers were fed ad libitum a diet containing 777.3 g of concentrate/kg dry matter (DM) and 222.7 g of corn silage/kg DM for 74 days. The mixture of yeast and EO was supplied at the rate of 10.0 and 0.117 g/animal/day, respectively. Average daily weight gain and feed efficiency in the adaptation period was greater in animals fed natural feed additive; however, there was no difference for the total experimental period. Dry matter intake, carcass weight, carcass yield, proportion of carcass bone, carcass muscle + fat:bone ratio, round thickness, and arm length were not altered by treatments. The inclusion of a natural feed additive in the diet increased the cooling loss (0.98 vs. 1.25%), proportion of carcass muscle (51.32 vs. 54.56%), carcass muscle:fat ratio (1.70 vs. 2.11%), leg length (68.79 vs. 70.71 cm), and arm perimeter (36.70 vs. 37.88 cm) and reduced the proportion of carcass fat (30.17 vs. 25.92%). Carcass length was greater in animals fed the diet with a natural feed additive. Meat color, texture, and marbling were not altered by treatments. The addition of natural feed additive to high concentrate diets does not alter the productive performance of feedlot Aberdeen Angus steers, although it can increase the proportion of lean meat of carcasses.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate performance, apparent digestibility, blood parameters, and quantitative characteristics of carcass and internal organs of crossbred dairy calves fed different levels of crude glycerin in corn grain-based diets. Twenty-four calves of three months of age and average initial weight of 95.5±11.8 kg were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments (0, 80, 160, and 240 g kg−1 of crude glycerin of DM of diets). The calves were fed in feedlot until six months of age (195.68±2.38 kg of BW). Dry matter (4.14, 4.11, 3.80, and 3.49 kg day−1) and apparent digestible energy intake (0.43, 0.41, 0.37, and 0.35 MJ kg−1 BW) decreased with increasing levels of glycerin in the diets. There was no effect on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, average daily gain, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters. The diets did not influence the weights [g kg−1 of empty body weight (EBW)] of lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, omasum, abomasum, and large intestine. The reticulorumen weight (g kg−1 EBW) increased, whereas the small intestine weight decreased with increased levels of glycerin in the diets. The area, height, and width of the rumen papillae were not changed with increasing levels of glycerin. The rumen wall thickness increased with increasing levels of glycerin in the diets. The inclusion up to 240 g kg−1 DM of crude glycerin of in corn grain-based diets for the production of dairy calves does not alter animal performance, carcass characteristics, and weights of internal organs.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of slaughter body weight (SW) on the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Jersey bulls in feedlots from weaning to slaughter. Eighteen Jersey bulls (125.7±15.9 kg; 5±0.6 months old) were used in the study. The treatments corresponded to three slaughter-weights: L360 – light weight, SW of 360 kg, M390 – medium weight, SW of 390 kg, and H420 – heavy weight, SW of 420 kg (n = 6/treatment); the animals were slaughtered at 368, 392, and 422 kg, respectively. The average daily gain was not influenced by SW. The M390 and H420 groups remained in feedlot, on average, 6 and 51 d longer, respectively, to reach a similar SW in relation to the L360 group. The increase in SW did not influence dry matter intake. However, the L360 group exhibited greater dry matter intake relative to body weight compared with the other two groups (29 vs. 26 g/kg). The increase in SW resulted in heavier and longer carcasses, with higher hot carcass yields. However, animals with greater SW had lower fat thickness. In addition, the increase in SW led to greater pistol cut, bone, and muscle weight for the carcasses. Although the meat color of Jersey bulls was darker in the H420 group, the meat was considered softer and more palatable by the consumer panel compared with the meat from the L360 group. The L360 group exhibited less fluid loss during thawing and cooking. Shear force measured by Warner Blatzer Shear was lower for H420. Animals slaughtered in the L390 group had an intermediate carcass weight, similar carcass yield, better cover fat and meat quality (color and shear) than animals slaughtered in the H420. Combining these factors with a shorter feedlot time compared with that of heavier animals, the SW of feedlot Jersey bulls is recommended at 390 kg.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar alguns padrões físico-quimicos do leite cru refrigerado em relação ao atendimento aos padrões de qualidade brasileiros em pequenas propriedades da Região Sul do Brasil. O teor de gordura, proteína bruta (PB), sólidos totais (ST), contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem total em placas (CTP) do leite cru refrigerado de 78 pequenas propriedades foram analisadas mensalmente entre outubro de 2014 e fevereiro de 2017. Verificou-se que 96% das amostras atenderam às regulamentações brasileiras para teor de gordura, 87% para PB e 91% para ST. Os valores médios de CTP e CCS foram superiores aos limites máximos estabelecidos pela regulamentação brasileira. Pequenas propriedades da Região Sul do Brasil produzem leite com adequado padrão para os principais indicadores químicos. No entanto, existe uma lacuna importante no cumprimento das práticas higiênico-sanitárias, levando a altos níveis de leite cru refrigerado que não atendem os limites da regulamentação brasileira.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluates some physical chemical aspects of chilled raw milk that meet Brazilian quality standards in smallholder farms from southern Region of Brazil. The fat content, crude protein (CP), total solids (TS), somatic cell count (SCC), and total plate count (TPC) of the chilled raw milk from 78 smallholder farms was analyzed between Oct 2014 and Feb 2017. It was found that 96% of the samples met the Brazilian regulations for fat content, 87% for CP, and 91% for TS. The mean values of TPC and SCC were higher than the maximum limits established by Brazilian regulations. Smallholder farms from Southern Region of Brazil produce milk with an adequate standard for the main chemical indicators. However, there is an important gap in compliance with hygienic-sanitary practices, leading to high levels of chilled raw milk that does not meet the limits of Brazilian regulations.

ABSTRACT. Carcass and meat characteristics of 48 Nellore heifers at 24 to 30 months of age, with an initial weight of 263.4 ± 13.9 kg, were evaluated. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design with four treatments, which consisted of four slaughter-weight classes, namely <340, 340-370, 370-400, or >400 kg. Back fat thickness was not influenced (p > 0.05) by slaughter weight in any of the forms it was expressed (mm or %), averaging 5.3 mm. Loin eye area in cm2 increased (p < 0.05) with the increase in slaughter weight. Animals slaughtered at a live weight (LW) of more than 400 kg showed better (p < 0.05) carcass conformation than the other experimental groups (9.8 points). Heifers slaughtered at over 400 kg LW had a more compact (p < 0.05) carcass (1.65 cm kg-1 cold carcass). The marbling degree of meat was lower (p < 0.05) in the animals slaughtered at less than 340 kg LW. In conclusion, cull heifers must not be slaughtered at a LW of less than 340 kg and slaughter weights greater than 400 kg have positive implications on important carcass characteristics, notably conformation and marbling.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the production performance of feedlot cattle fed diets containing chopped sugarcane ratios (580 or 380 g/kg of diet dry matter) as roughage and levels of inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB; 420 to 620 g/kg of concentrate dry matter). Twenty-four young Nellore bulls with 321±23 kg initial body weight, at 22 months of age, were used in a completely randomized experimental design with treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and six replicates. Dry matter intake (21.71 g/kg of body weight), average daily gain (1.46 kg/day), and cold carcass weight (232.59 kg) were not changed by proportion of sugarcane or BMB level. The proportions of sugarcane and BMB levels did not change the apparent digestibility of the diets, except the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, which was lower in the diet associating the lowest levels of sugarcane and BMB. Increasing proportions of sugarcane reduced subcutaneous fat thickness from 2.89 to 1.91 mm. Carcass commercial primal cuts were not affected by variation factors. Inclusion of babassu mesocarp bran enables the use of larger proportions of sugarcane as a result of the increased digestibility of the fiber fraction of feedlot cattle diets without changing the performance and main carcass traits of these animals.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo de tourinhos Nelore e de mestiços de origem leiteira de dupla aptidão, alimentados com proporções de silagem de capim 'Mulato II' (100 e 400 g kg-1), em dietas com altas proporções de concentrado, bem como avaliar o custo dessa alimentação. Utilizaram-se 16 tourinhos Nelore e 16 “mestiços leiteiros”, com peso médio inicial de 380,69±10,45 e 376,94±17,16 kg, respectivamente, e idade média inicial de 24 meses. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2x2. A maior proporção de silagem ocasionou aumento de 13% do consumo de matéria seca (percentagem do peso corporal) e redução de 19,7% da digestibilidade da matéria seca da dieta, mas não alterou o consumo de nutrientes digestíveis totais, nem o ganho médio diário e as características de carcaça. O consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, o ganho médio diário e as características de carcaça (exceto conformação) não se alteraram com o grupo genético dos animais. A conversão alimentar foi 18,3% melhor nos tourinhos mestiços leiteiros. Em dietas com alta proporção de concentrado, a proporção de 400 g kg-1 de silagem de capim 'Mulato II', em relação à de 100 g kg-1, não altera o desempenho produtivo nem as principais características de carcaça de interesse econômico de tourinhos confinados, mas reduz o custo com alimentação.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of young Nellore bulls and of young dual-purpose dairy bulls fed proportions of 'Mulato II' grass silage (400 and 100 g kg-1), in diets with high levels of concentrate, as well as to evaluate the cost of this feed. Sixteen young Nellore bulls and 16 young dairy crossbred bulls were used, with initial average weight of 380.69±10.45 and 376.94±17.16 kg, respectively, and average initial age of 24 months. A completely randomized experimental design was carried out in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. The highest silage proportion caused a 13% increase in dry matter intake (percentage of body weight) and a 19.7% decrease in dry matter digestibility of the diet, but it did not alter the intake of total digestible nutrients, nor the average daily gain or carcass characteristics. Nutrient intake and digestibility, average daily gain, and carcass characteristics (except conformation) did not change due to the genetic group of animals. Feed conversion was 18.3% better in young dairy bulls. In diets with high levels of concentrate, the proportion of 400 g kg-1 of 'Mulato II' grass silage, in comparison with that of 100 g kg-1, does not affect the productive performance, nor the main carcass characteristics of economic interest of confined young bulls, but reduces feeding costs.

ABSTRACT - The objective of this study was to find the best level of inclusion of crude glycerin (0, 60, 120, and 240 g kg−1 of dry matter of diet) in substitution of pearl millet in a feedlot diet. Twenty-eight Nellore young bulls with mean age of 18 months and average weight of 357±23.56 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and seven replications. The intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients were similar among the dietary levels of crude glycerin. The ether extract intake decreased with increase in the levels of crude glycerol in the diets. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and extract ether was similar among the dietary crude glycerin levels. Apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was lower in the diets with inclusion of crude glycerin in relation the other diets. The increase in the levels of crude glycerin did not affect the total digestible nutrients content of the diets. Average daily gain increased linearly with the increase in crude glycerin. Feed conversion was not altered by the increase in the levels of crude glycerin in the diets. The dietary increase in crude glycerin level did not affect the carcass characteristics. The inclusion of up to 240 g kg−1 of crude glycerin in pearl millet grain-based diets for feedlot-finished Nellore young bulls increases average daily gain, but does not change the main carcass characteristics of economic importance.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior and feedlot productive performance of dairy-origin steers fed for 84 days ground pearl millet grain-based diets with 0, 120, 240, 360, and 480 g kg-1 of babassu mesocarp bran (BMB) and a standard diet based on ground corn. Thirty Holstein-Zebu steers with average initial body weight of 371.02±27 kg were used. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five replications. Dry matter intake showed better fit with the quadratic regression equation with the inclusion of BMB, reaching a maximum value in diets with 360 g of this by-product. There was no difference for dry matter intake between pearl millet- and corn-based diets. There was no difference in total digestible nutrients intake between diets. The digestibility coefficient of organic matter decreased linearly with the increase in the dietary level of BMB. The digestibility coefficient of organic matter was not different between corn and millet diets. There was no difference in feeding time between diets. Total requirement of metabolizable energy increased linearly with inclusion of BMB. However, total requirements of metabolizable energy did not differ between the corn- and pearl millet-based diets. Average daily gain decreased linearly with the increase in BMB, with adjustment forced by the sharp decline of this variable in diets with 480 g of BMB. There was no difference in average daily gain between corn- and pearl millet-based diets. The inclusion of levels above 360 g of babassu mesocarp bran in pearl millet-based diets reduces the supply of metabolizable energy and the productive performance of feedlot dairy steers.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo de vacas leiteiras alimentadas com cana-de-açúcar tratada com 5g kg-1 de óxido (CaO) ou hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2]. Foram utilizadas oito vacas da raça Holandesas com 638,01±12,52kg de peso corporal e produção média de leite de 20,32±1,5kg dia-1, distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois quadrados latinos balanceados 4x4, alimentadas com dietas contendo silagem de milho (SM), cana-de açúcar in natura (CIN), cana-de-açúcar tratada com óxido de cálcio (CTOC) ou hidróxido de cálcio (CTHC) como único volumoso. O período de coleta de dados foi de cinco dias, após 15 dias de adaptação às instalações e dietas. O consumo de matéria seca (% do peso corporal) foi superior nas dietas com SM (3,08) em relação àquelas com CIN (2,67), CTOC (2,73) ou CTHC (2,73), as quais não diferiram entre si. Dietas com SM determinaram produção de leite ajustada para 4% de gordura (20,05kg dia-1), similar às dietas contendo CTOC e CTHC (18,01 e 17,89kg dia-1, respectivamente) e superior àquelas com CIN (17,33kg dia-1). As dietas experimentais não alteraram a composição do leite. A utilização da cana-de-açúcar tratada com Ca(OH)2 é uma alternativa alimentar viável para vacas Holandesas com potencial genético médio para produção leiteira, já que possibilita produção e composição do leite similar à vacas alimentadas com silagem de milho, além de beneficiar a logística de alimentação nas propriedades rurais.

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of dairy cows fed with sugarcane treated with 5g kg-1 of calcium oxide (CaO) or hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. Eight Holstein cows with 638.01±12.52kg of body weight and milk yield of 20.32±1.5kg d-1 were randomly assigned into two 4x4 Latin squares, fed with the following diets composed of corn silage (CS), fresh sugarcane (FS), sugarcane treated with calcium oxide (STCO) or calcium hydroxide (STCH) as only forage. Data collection lasted five days, after 15 days of adaptation to diets and facilities. The dry matter intake (% of body weight) was higher in diets with CS (3.08) compared to those with FS (2.67), STCO (2.73) or STCH (2.73), which did not differ. Diets with CS determined milk production adjusted for 4% fat (20.05kg d-1) similar to diets containing STCO and STCH (18.01 and 17.89kg d-1, respectively) and higher than those with FS (17.33kg d-1). The experimental diets did not alter the composition of milk. The use of sugarcane treated with Ca(OH)2 is a viable option for feeding Holstein cows with average genetic potential for milk production because it allows production and composition similar to milk dairy cows fed with corn silage, besides benefiting the logistics of feeding in the rural properties.

Avaliaram-se as características químico-físicas da carne de tourinhos mestiços com predominância genotípica europeia ou zebuína alimentados em confinamento com dietas com alta proporção de concentrado e níveis de grão de milheto em substituição ao de milho (0, 33, 66 e 100%). Foram abatidos 24 tourinhos de cada predominância genética após 96 dias de confinamento. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com os tratamentos em arranjo fatorial 4x2, utilizando-se seis repetições. As variáveis pH inicial (6,7) e final (5,9), a temperatura final (9,72), a perda de líquidos ao descongelamento (9,7%) e cocção (26,6%), a cor (3,7 pontos), a textura (3,1 pontos), o marmoreio (4,5 pontos), a força ao cisalhamento das fibras musculares (kgf/cm³) e os teores de umidade (72,9%), proteína bruta (23,0%) e extrato etéreo (1,5%) da carne não foram alterados pela substituição do grão de milho pelo de milheto. As características da carne não foram influenciadas pelas predominâncias genéticas, exceto o marmoreio, superior (4,99 vs 3,95 pontos) nos animais europeus. O pH final da carcaça foi correlacionado com a perda de líquidos ao descongelamento (r = -0,36) e a cor da carne (r = -0,62). A substituição do grão de milho pelo de milheto na dieta de tourinhos não altera a qualidade da carne.

We evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of crossbred bulls with European or zebu genetic predominance fed in feedlot with diets with high concentrate (80%) and grain millet levels to replace corn grain (0, 33, 66 and 100%). Twenty-four bulls of each genetic predominance were slaughtered after 96 days of confinement. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments in a 4x2 factorial arrangement using six replicates. The variables initial (6.68) and final pH (5.9), final temperature of carcass (9,7), fluid loss during thawing (9.7%) and cooking (26.6%), color (3.7 points), texture (3.1 points), marbling (4.5 points), shear strength of the muscle fibers (kgf/cm³), and moisture (72.9%), crude protein (23.0%) and ether extract content (1.5%) of the meat were not affected by the replacement of corn grain by millet grain. Meat characteristics were not influenced by genetic predominance, except marbling, which was higher in European animals (4.99 vs. 3.95 points). Final pH was correlated with thawing loss (r = -0.36) and meat color (r = -0, 62). The replacement of corn grain by grain of millet in the diet did not affect meat quality of young bulls.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil de ácidos graxos da carne de novilhos mestiços alimentados, em confinamento, com dietas contendo níveis crescentes de grão de milheto moído em substituição ao grão de milho moído. Foram utilizados 24 tourinhos mestiços europeus e 24 mestiços zebuínos, abatidos aos 24 meses de idade, após 96 dias de confinamento. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com os tratamentos em arranjo fatorial 4x2 (quatro dietas com 0, 33, 66 e 100% de milheto no concetrado e dois grupos genéticos) com seis repetições. O aumento dos níveis de grão de milheto na dieta elevou linearmente a participação dos ácidos graxos, araquídico (C20:0), heneicosanoico (C21:0), α-linolênico (C18:3 n-3) e dihomo-γ-linolênico (C20:3 n-6). Tourinhos europeus apresentaram carne com menor teor dos ácidos graxos, mirístico (C14:0), heneicosanoico (C21:0) e γ-linolênico (C18:3 n-6) do que tourinhos zebuínos. A concentração total de ácidos graxos saturados (45,2%), monoinsaturados (41,2%) e poli-insaturados (8,7%), e a relação monoinsaturados/saturados (1,09) e poli-insaturados/saturados (0,18) não foi alterada pelos grupos genéticos e pelas dietas. O aumento da percentagem de grão de milheto na dieta de tourinhos europeus ou zebuínos melhora a relação entre os ácidos graxos ω-6/ω-3.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the fatty acid profile of crossbreed steers, in confinement, fed with diets containing increasing levels of ground millet grain in replacement to ground corn grain. Twenty-four European crossbred bulls and 24 Zebu crossbred bulls, slaughtered at 24 months of age, after 96 days in confinement, were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments in a 4x2 factorial arrangement (four diets with 0, 33, 66, and 100% of pearl millet in the concentrate and two genetic groups) with six replicates. The increase in the levels of pearl millet grain in the diet increased linearly the participation of the arachidic (C20:0), heneicosanoic (C21:0), α-linolenic (C18:3 n-3), and dihomo-γ-linolenic (C20:3 n-6) fatty acids. European bulls showed meat with lower content of myristic (C14:0), heneicosanoic (C21:0), and γ-linolenic (C18:3 n-6) fatty acids than the Zebu bulls. The total concentration of saturated (45.2%), monounsaturated (41.2%), and polyunsaturated (8.7%) fatty acids, and the monounsaturated/saturated (1.09) and polyunsaturated/saturated (0.18) ratio were not affected by the genetic groups and diets. The increase in the percentage of millet grain in the diet of European and Zebu bulls improves the ratio between ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids.