RESUMO Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o efeito dos níveis de mucilagem de palma forrageira sobre a fermentação ruminal in vitro de celulose, amido e proteína. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, disposto em um esquema fatorial 5 × 3, com 5 níveis de mucilagem de palma forrageira (0, 5, 10, 20 e 40%) e três substratos (carboxymetilcelulose, amido e trypticase). Os tratamentos foram avaliados em ambiente ruminal simulado por incubação in vitro em diferentes tempos de incubação: 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas. O procedimento de incubação foi repetido três vezes, perfazendo-se o total de três avaliações por tempo de incubação para cada tratamento. Houve interação (P<0,05) entre os níveis de mucilagem e substratos para todos os parâmetros ruminais avaliados, com exceção da concentração de proteína microbiana após 48 horas de fermentação e para as proporções de acetato e butirato às 0 hora de fermentação. Houve aumento quadrático (P<0,05) para a concentração de nitrogênio amoniacal após 48 horas de incubação nos meios, contendo carboxymetilcelulose e trypticase. Os valores de pH reduziram de forma quadrática (P<0,05) em função dos níveis de mucilagem nos meios contendo carboxymetilcelulose e trypticase. De maneira geral, não foram observadas alterações expressivas entre as proporções molares individuais de acetato, propionato e butirato com a adição dos níveis de mucilagem de palma forrageira aos diferentes substratos. A inclusão de níveis de mucilagem de palma forrageira afeta o padrão de fermentação do amido, celulose e proteína realizada por microrganismos ruminais.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the levels of spineless-cactus mucilage on the in vitro rumen fermentation of cellulose, starch, and protein. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted with a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement consisting of five levels of spineless-cactus mucilage (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40%) and three substrates (carboxymethylcellulose, starch, and trypticase). Treatments were evaluated in a ruminal environment simulated by in vitro incubation at different times of assessment: 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. The incubation procedure was repeated three times, totaling three evaluations per incubation time for each treatment. There was an interaction (P<0.05) between the mucilage levels and substrate for all evaluated ruminal parameters, except for the concentration of microbial protein after 48 h of fermentation and for the proportions of acetate and butyrate fermentation at time 0 h. There was a quadratic increase (P<0.05) in the concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen after 48 h of incubation in the media containing carboxymethylcellulose and trypticase. pH values decreased quadratically (P<0.05) as a function of the mucilage levels in the media containing carboxymethylcellulose and trypticase. Overall, no expressive alterations were observed between the individual molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate with the addition of spineless-cactus mucilage levels to the different substrates. Spineless- cactus mucilage affects the pattern of fermentation of starch, cellulase, and protein performed by rumen microorganisms.

RESUMO O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar a utilização de silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo através do consumo, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e desempenho de ovinos. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental de Pendência, da Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba S.A. Para o experimento, foram utilizados trinta e cinco carneiros, sem raça definida, com peso vivo médio de 17,7 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e sete repetições para determinar o consumo e desempenho; e 25 carneiros não castrados, sem raça definida, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições, para determinar a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O consumo médio diário de matéria seca foi, em média, 994,66 g. Somente os consumos médios de extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro e carboidratos não-fibrosos, foram afetados pelas dietas. O ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar e eficiência alimentar dos animais que receberam as dietas não foram afetados pelos diferentes cultivares utilizados. Silagens de sorgo BRS 655, 610, 800, 810 e Ponta Negra promoveram consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes semelhantes. A utilização de silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo (BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) em dietas para ovinos em confinamento promove desempenho e consumo similar.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of silages of different sorghum cultivars through digestibility and nutrient intake and performance of sheep. The experiment was conducted at the Pendência Experimental Station, of the State Company for Agricultural Research of Paraíba S.A. For the experiment, thirty-five rams were used, without defined breed, with average live weight of 17.7 kg, distributed in a completely randomized block design, with five diets and seven replicates to determine intake and performance; and 25 non-castrated rams, without defined breed, distributed in a completely randomized design with five diets and five replicates, to determine the digestibility of nutrients. The average daily intake of dry matter was, on average, 994.66 g. Only the average intakes of ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates, were affected by the diets. The weight gain (WG), feed conversion and feed efficiency of the animals receiving the diets suffered no effect. Silages of BRS 655, 610, 800, 810 and Ponta Negra provided similar intake and digestibility of nutrients. The use of silages of different sorghum cultivars (BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 and Ponta Negra) in diets for confined sheep provide similar performance and intakes.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o perfil fermentativo, perdas e a composição bromatológica de silagens de cinco cultivares de sorgo. Foi utilizado um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos experimentais foram representados por cinco cultivares de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench): 'BRS Ponta Negra', 'BRS 610', 'BRS 655', 'BRS 800' e 'BRS 810'. Houve variação (P<0,05) para o pH nos genótipos estudados, com maior resultado para o genótipo 'BRS 610'. Os valores médios de ácido lático, ácido acético e ácido propiônico, diferiram entre as cultivares (P<0,05), variando de 32,9 a 59,5; 19,8 a 39,8; e 0,0 a 1.3g kg-1, respectivamente. A recuperação de matéria seca variou entre as cultivares (P<0,05), em que as silagens dos cultivares 'BRS Ponta Negra' e 'BRS 810', é que tiveram menor recuperação de matéria seca, com valores de 757,1 e 776,1g kg-1, respectivamente. Houve diferença (P<0,05) para teores de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro, carboidratos não-fibrosos e carboidratos totais entre as cultivares. Conclui-se que, apesar das diferenças morfológicas e químicas entre as cultivares, as silagens resultantes tinham adequado padrão de fermentação.

This study aimed to assess the fermentation profile, losses and chemical composition of the silages of five sorghum cultivars. A completely randomized design with five replicates was used. The experimental treatments were represented by five sorghum cultivars (Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench): 'BRS Ponta Negra' , 'BRS 610', 'BRS 655', 'BRS 800' and 'BRS 810'. There was variation (P<0.05) for the pH in the cultivars studied, with highest result of pH by 'BRS 610'. The average percentages of lactic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid, differed (P<0.05) among the cultivars, ranging from 32.9 to 59.5, 19.8 to 39.8, and 0.0 to 1.3g kg-1, respectively. The dry matter recovery varied among cultivars (P<0.05), allowing the identification of BRS Ponta Negra, and 'BRS 810' silages, as those which recovered the lowest dry matter, with values of 757.1 and 776.1g kg-1, respectively. There were differences (P<0.05) for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total carbohydrates contents among the cultivars. It was concluded that, despite the morphological and chemical differences among cultivars, the resulting silages had good fermentation profile.

Objetivou-se quantificar a população de mofos e leveduras, avaliar as perdas de matéria seca e a composição bromatológica de fenos de capim-buffel amonizados com ureia. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos compreenderam aos níveis de ureia (0; 0,5; 1,0; 2,0; 4,0%), que foram adicionados aos fardos de feno com base na matéria seca. A inclusão de 1,0% de ureia elevou a recuperação de matéria seca (93,21%) em relação ao feno não amonizado. Observou-se efeito quadrático para o pH, com o maior valor observado no nível de 0,5% de ureia (8,88), reduzindo nos demais níveis de ureia. A adição de níveis de ureia foi eficiente em reduzir a população de mofos e leveduras, reduzindo de 6,50 log UFC/g no feno sem tratamento com ureia para 3,65 log UFC/g quando adicionados 4% de ureia no feno. A adição de ureia proporcionou aumento nos teores de matéria orgânica e proteína bruta dos fenos de capim-buffel, atingindo os maiores valores com a utilização de 4,0% de ureia, com 90,96% e 14,03% para matéria orgânica e proteína bruta, respectivamente. A aplicação de ureia não proporciona diminuição em relação às perdas de matéria seca, exceto na dose de 1,0%, no entanto, é eficiente em reduzir a população de mofos e leveduras e elevar os teores de proteína bruta de fenos de capim-buffel.

The objective of this study was to quantify the population of molds and yeasts, evaluate losses dry matter and chemical composition of buffelgrass hay ammoniated with urea. We used a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments consisted the urea levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0%) that were added to the hay bales based on dry matter. The inclusion of 1.0% of urea increased dry matter recovery (93.21%) compared to non-ammoniated hay. There was quadratic effect for the pH with highest value observed at the level of 0.5% of urea (8.88), reducing the other levels of urea. The addition of urea levels was efficient to reduce the population of molds and yeasts, reducing from 6.50 log CFU/g in untreated hay with urea to 3.65 log CFU/g when added 4% of urea in the hay. The addition of urea resulted in increased contents of organic matter and crude protein hay buffelgrass, reaching the highest values with the use de 4.0% of urea, with 90.96% and 14.03%, respectively. The application of urea does not provide decreased in respect losses of dry matter, except at a level of 1.0%, however it is efficient in to reduce the population of molds and yeasts and elevate the crude protein of buffel grass hay.

Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil fermentativo, as perdas e a composição bromatológica de silagens de dois genótipos de milheto, submetidos à adubação nitrogenada. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados em um esquema de parcelas subdivididas 2x5 (dois genótipos x cinco doses de nitrogênio), com quatro repetições. As doses de nitrogênio foram 0, 20, 40, 60, 80kg ha-1 e os genótipos de milheto foram a variedade ADR300 e o híbrido ADR7010. O híbrido ADR 7010 apresentou teores médios de ácido lático superiores aos da variedade ADR 300 em todos os níveis de N, registrando valores que variaram de 4,09 a 10,46 dag kg-1. Houve interação entre os níveis de adubo e os genótipos para a fibra em detergente neutro, que variaram de 51,81 a 63,63dag kg-1 de matéria seca. A recuperação de matéria seca diminuiu linearmente com o aumento das doses de nitrogênio somente para o híbrido ADR7010, o mesmo não acontecendo para a ADR300. A adubação nitrogenada não favorece o perfil fermentativo e incrementa as perdas de matéria seca do híbrido ADR7010.

This study aimed to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, losses and the chemical composition of two pearl millet genotypes silages submitted to nitrogen fertilization. The experimental design was a completely randomized blocks in a split plot scheme 2x5 (two nitrogen genotypes doses x five doses of nitrogen), with four replicates. Nitrogen doses were 0, 20, 40, 60, 80kg ha-1 and the pearl millet genotypes were the variety ADR300 and the hybrid ADR7010. The hybrid ADR 7010 showed average lactic acid content higher than the variety ADR 300, at all doses of N, recording values ranging from 4.09 to 10.46dag kg-1. There was an interaction between nitrogren doses and genotypes for the neutral detergent fiber, which ranged from 51.81 to 63.63dag kg-1 of dry matter. Dry matter recovery decreased linearly with increasing nitrogen doses only for hybrid ADR7010, the same did not happen for the ADR300. The nitrogen fertilization does not favor the fermentation characteristics and increases DM losses of the hybrid ADR7010.

The objective of this study was to evaluate agronomic characteristics of 32 sorghum cultivars (Sorghum bicolor(L). Moench) in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The experimental design was set up in randomized blocks with three replications. Treatments were the 32 sorghum cultivars. The evaluated variables were: plant height, stem diameter, tiller density, number of green leaves per tiller, average leaf length, dry matter content, fresh matter production and dry matter production (DMP) in kg/ha, and the percentage of the components panicle, leaf blade and stem. To avoid associative effects due to the presence of positive correlation with DMP, the variables plant height, number of plants per hectare and fresh matter production were excluded for being part of the discriminatory variables of the cluster. Based on the cluster analysis and subjective cutting in 20% dissimilarity, five groups were hierarchically set up. It was not possible to find groups with higher values of panicle and DMP simultaneously; however, group number 5 met significant values for both variables, with mean values of 15,037.63 kg/ha of DMP and 11.36% of panicle, besides 13.65% of leaf. Groups 3, 4 and 5 show high potential for dry matter production, especially group 5. The presence of evident variation among cultivars allows for a selection of more productive and, thus, more suitable cultivars for silage production in semi-arid regions.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of whey fermented by Enterococus faecium in consortium with Veilonella parvula in vitro on ruminal microorganisms in different substrates, with or without monensin. The first experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 6 × 3 factorial arrangement (six substrates × three whey levels) with two replicates. In experiment two, a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial arrangement (with and without monensin, three foods and four levels of fermented whey) was used, in a randomized design with four replicates, totaling 24 treatments. There was no interaction among the wheys and the substrates in the variable for pectin, starch, and carboxymethyl cellulose. There was a greater growth of amylolytic and pectinolytic microorganisms and a lower growth of proteolytic and cellulolytic microorganisms. A significant effect of optical density was found in the media without substrate and that containing trypticase and glucose due to the addition of fermented whey. There was interaction for the pH at 24 hours among whey, food and monensin. For ammonia at 24 hours there was effect for food, whey and monensin, and interaction among factors. For microbial protein at 24 hours, there was effect for food, whey, monensin and no interaction among sources of variation. The use of whey fermented by bacteria Enterococcus faeciumand Veilonella parvula improves microbial protein synthesis by ruminal bacteria in media containing different energy sources. The combination of fermented whey and monensin shows variable results in relation to microbial growth.

Thirty-five feedlot lambs (without defined breed, aged between 5 and 7 months, with average live weight of 17.7±3.7 kg) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effect of diets containing different genotypes of sorghum on morphometric measurements and qualitative characteristics of carcass and yields of primal cuts. The animals stayed in individual indoor pens for 42 days and slaughtered at an average weight of 26.24 kg. No significant differences were observed on morphometric measurements, hot (11.67 kg) and cold (11.39 kg) carcass weight, hot (44.46%) and cold (43.37%) carcass yields, biological yield and on cooling losses. There was also no significant effect of silages of different genotypes of sorghum on the weights and yields of retail cuts (neck, shoulder, rib, loin and leg) and on the subjective evaluation of carcasses. It is possible to finish sheep without defined breed feeding them diets based on silages of sorghum, resulting in carcasses with high yield and good conformation.

The present study evaluated the microbial population, fermentation profile, losses and dry matter recovery, and chemical composition of silages of buffel grass at different cutting heights. To evaluate the microbial fermentation dynamics, the treatments resulted from a 4 × 5 factorial combination consisting of 4 cutting heights and 5 fermentation periods, in a completely randomized design with three replications. The fermentation was evaluated at the end of 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days. The other characteristics of silages with 30 days were evaluated following a completely randomized design with four treatments, consisting of 4 cutting heights (30, 40, 50 and 60 cm), and five replications. Fermentation period and cutting height effects and interaction between both factors were observed on the populations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), enterobacteria and molds and yeasts. The peak of development of LAB populations was observed on the seventh day of fermentation for the heights of 40 and 50 cm, with 8.25 and 8.30 log cfu/g, respectively. The pH values of silages ranged with different cutting heights, in which at the height of 50 cm the decrease was most pronounced. However, the pH values were similar between the cutting heights at the end of 30 days of fermentation. Quadratic relationship was observed between lactic acid concentrations and cutting heights. The crude protein content behaved linearly, initially showing 128.5 g/kg DM at 30 cm, decreasing as the cutting heights increased. The neutral detergent fiber and ether extract contents increased linearly with the cutting heights. Based on microbial populations, fermentation, losses and chemical composition, it is recommended to harvest buffel grass for silage from 50 cm on.

Objetivou-se avaliar o rendimento forrageiro, composição bromatológica e recuperação de matéria seca do feno de capim-buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), colhido em diferentes alturas de corte. O experimento foi realizado na Estação Experimental Pendência, da Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba S.A. (EMEPA), situada no Município de Soledade-PB. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com quatro alturas de corte (30; 40; 50 e 60cm) e cinco repetições. O rendimento forrageiro foi influenciado pela altura de colheita, com aumento linear alcançando produção de matéria seca de 7206,78kg/ha a 60cm de altura. Observou-se efeito de altura de colheita para os conteúdos de lâmina, colmo e relação lâmina:colmo na matéria seca, em que os valores da relação lâmina:colmo diminuíram com o aumento da altura de colheita, obtendo valores de 0,87 e 0,48 quando colhidos aos 30 e 60cm de altura, respectivamente. Obteve-se efeito quadrático de altura de colheita apenas para o teor de fibra em detergente neutro, com teores variando de 71,82 a 77,08% na matéria seca. Os valores médios de matéria seca do feno variaram entre 82,44 e 84,48%. A recuperação de matéria seca durante a desidratação diminuiu em função das alturas de colheita, apresentando comportamento linear com menor média observada no capim colhido a 60cm de altura (76,58%). A ausência de variação nos constituintes bromatológicos e nas perdas de matéria seca final e as maiores produções de biomassa nas maiores alturas de colheita permite concluir que o capim-buffel seja colhido nas alturas de colheita que possibilite maior produção.

This study aimed to evaluate the forage yield, chemical composition and dry matter recovery of buffel grass hay (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), at different cutting heights. The experiment was conducted at the Estação Experimental Pendência of Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba S.A (EMEPA), located in city of Soledade-PB. A randomized complete block design was used, with four cutting heights (30; 40; 50 and 60cm) with five replicates. The forage yield had effect with a linear increase in values achieving dry matter yield 7206.78kg/ha for 60cm height. There was harvesting height effect for leaf, stem and leaf:stem ratio in dry matter, wherein the values of leaf:stem ratio decreased with increasing harvesting height, getting values of 0.87 to 0.48 when harvested at 30 and 60cm height, respectively. Quadratic effect was observed in harvesting height only to the neutral detergent fiber, with contents ranging from 71.82 to 77.08% in dry matter. The average values of dry matter of hay were between 82.44 and 84.48%. The dry matter recovery in dehydration decreased in function of harvesting heights, showing linear behavior, with the smallest average observed for the grass to 60cm (76.58%). The absence of variation in the bromatological constituents and dry matter final losses and higher biomass production in the highest cutting harvest may conclude that buffel grass is to be harvested in the cutting height that enable greater production.

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o rendimento forrageiro, as características agronômicas e morfométricas das plantas e as perdas, perfil fermentativo e composição bromatológica de silagens de genótipos de milheto. Para avaliação das características agronômicas e morfométricas dos genótipos utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições. Na fase de avaliação dos silos experimentais o delineamento passou a ser inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Foram testados os cultivares Sauna B, CMS 01, ADR 500, BRS 1501 e CMS 03. Não houve diferença para a PMV, PMS e MS. Os genótipos de milheto apresentaram uma média de PMV de 9.073 kg/ha no primeiro ciclo e de 10.054kg/ha na rebrota. Quanto à lâmina foliar e a produção de colmo não houve diferença em ambos os cortes. Os teores médios de AL variaram de 1,98 a 5,17%, para os genótipos SAUNA B e CMS 01, respectivamente. Para os teores de PB verificou-se efeito significativo entre os genótipos estudados, com valores variando de 11,56 a 7,90%. Os genótipos estudados se equivaleram tanto na avaliação das plantas como na avaliação das silagens, podendo ser utilizados como uma alternativa forrageira em regiões semiáridas.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the forage yield, agronomic characteristics and morphometric plants and losses, fermentation and chemical composition of silages of pearl millet genotypes. To evaluate the agronomic and morphometric characteristics of genotypes it was used the randomized blocks experimental design with five replicates. In the phase of silos evaluation the design has become completely randomized design with four replications. Cultivars tested were Sauna B, CMS 01, ADR 500, BRS 1501 and CMS 03. There was no difference for PFF, DMP and DM. The pearl millet genotypes had a average PMV of 9073 kg/ha in the first cycle and 10.054kg/ha in the regrowth. As to the leaf and stem production there was not difference in both cuts. The concentration of AL ranged from 1.98 to 5.17% for genotypes B and CMS SAUNA 01, respectively. For the crude protein there was a significant effect among genotypes studied, with values ranging from 11.56 to 7.90%. The genotypes studied were equivalent in both the evaluation of the plants and the evaluation of silage, which can be used as an alternative fodder in semiarid regions.