Abstract This study aimed to measure the carbohydrate and protein fractioning of silage of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu (BBS). The experiment was a completely randomized design with five treatments and five repetitions to evaluate the inclusion of dehydrated brewery residue (DBR) to Marandu grass silage at levels of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% fresh matter basis. The DBR inclusion resulted in a linear reduction (P<0.05) of total carbohydrate content, which decreased 0.35% per unit of residue added. The content of fraction B2 decreased linearly as DBR was added (P<0.05). Nitrogen content increased linearly when residue was added to silage of Marandu grass (P<005). Fraction A, obtained from Marandu grass, presented a linear increasing behavior according to the inclusion of DBR. This inclusion promoted a linear decrease (P<0.05) of fraction B1+B2, which resulted in a 0.37% reduction for each 1% of byproduct added. Dehydrated brewery residue is a good source of additives for ensiling Marandu grass, by considerably improving fractions of proteins and carbohydrates. The level of addition of 40% is recommended for providing better nutritional value to silage.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo medir el fraccionamiento de carbohidratos y proteínas del ensilaje de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu (BBS). El experimento fue un diseño completamente al azar con cinco tratamientos y cinco repeticiones para evaluar la inclusión de residuos de cervezas deshidratadas (DBR) en ensilaje de hierba Marandu en niveles de 0, 10, 20, 30 y 40% de materia fresca. La inclusión de DBR resultó en una reducción lineal (P <0.05) del contenido total de carbohidratos, que disminuyó 0.35% por unidad de residuo agregado. El contenido de la fracción B2 disminuyó linealmente a medida que se agregaba DBR (P<0.05). El contenido de nitrógeno aumentó linealmente cuando se añadió residuo al ensilaje del pasto Marandu (P <005). La fracción A, obtenida del pasto Marandu, presentó un comportamiento de aumento lineal de acuerdo con la inclusión de DBR. Esta inclusión promovió una disminución lineal (P<0.05) de la fracción B1 + B2, que resultó en una reducción de 0.37% por cada 1% de subproducto agregado. Los residuos de cervecería deshidratada son una buena fuente de aditivos para ensilar el pasto Marandu, mejorando considerablemente las fracciones de proteínas y carbohidratos. Se recomienda un nivel de adición del 40% para proporcionar un mejor valor nutritivo al ensilaje.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do farelo de arroz sobre as perdas por gases e efluente, o perfil fermentativo e a composição química das silagens de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk ensilado em silos de laboratório. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos: 0; 10; 20, 30 e 40g/kg de farelo de arroz, com base na matéria natural da gramínea. Os valores das perdas por gases e efluentes foram reduzidos linearmente em 0,11 e 0,39g/kg MS, enquanto a recuperação da matéria seca aumentou linearmente em 0,32g/kg MS. Houve comportamento quadrático nos valores de pH e, redução linear para os valores de N-amoniacal e poder tampão, estimados em 1,1 e 0,5g/kg MS. As concentrações de ácido acético, butírico e propiônico foram reduzidas linearmente em 0,1; 0,008 e 0,006g/kg MS, enquanto a de ácido láctico aumentou linearmente em 0,5g/kg MS. Cada unidade porcentual de farelo de arroz promoveu aumento linear de 4,3; 1,8; 7,1 e 7,0g/kg nos teores de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e nutrientes digestíveis totais, e redução linear de 6,9; 4,3 e 2,6g/kg MS nos teores de fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e hemicelulose. A inclusão de 10g/kg de farelo de arroz já assegura diminuição das perdas por gases e efluentes, aumento na recuperação de matéria seca, proporcionando melhorias no perfil fermentativo e na composição química das silagens.

SUMMARY The objective was to assess the effects of rice meal over losses by gas and effluent, the fermentative profile and the chemical composition of Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk silage in laboratory bags. Entirely random lining was used, with five treatments: 0; 10; 20; 30 and 40g/kg rice meal, based on natural grass matter. The values of losses by gas and effluents were reduced linearly in 0.11 and 0.39g/kg DM, while recovery of dry matter increased linearly in 0.32g/kg DM. There was quadratic behavior for pH values and linear decrease for the values of N-ammoniacal and buffering power estimated in 1.1 and 5g/kg DM. Concentrations of acetic, butyric and propionic acids were reduced linearly in 0.1; 0.008 and 0.006g/kg DM, while lactic acid increased linearly in 0.5g/kg DM. Each 1g/kg rice meal promoted linear increase of 4.3; 1.8; 7.1 and 7.0g/kg dry matter levels, crude protein, ethereal extract and total digestible nutrients and linear decrease of 6.9; 4.3 and 2.6g/kg DM of fiber in neutral detergent, fiber in acidic detergent and hemicellulose levels. Inclusion of 10g/kg rice meal already ensures lowering losses by gas and effluents, increase in dry matter recovery, allowing improvements on the fermentative profile and the chemical composition of silage.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da alimentação suplementar de resíduos de feijão no desempenho produtivo e nos parâmetros sanguíneos de vacas leiteiras em pastejo. Foram utilizadas oito vacas mestiças, com peso médio de 500 kg, distribuídas em duplo quadrado latino 4×4, alimentadas com alimentação suplementar de 134, 240, 348 e 449 g kg-1 de resíduos de feijão na ração concentrada. Os animais receberam a suplementação após a ordenha no período da manhã e da tarde. A inclusão de resíduos de feijão não alterou os pesos corporais médios e os escores corporais; no entanto, reduziu a produção de leite. Os teores de gordura, proteína bruta, lactose e extrato seco total não foram alterados pela inclusão dos resíduos de feijão. A concentração sanguínea de glicose e colesterol não foi alterada pela adição do resíduo antes do fornecimento de ração concentrada e nem quatro e seis horas após essa alimentação. A inclusão dos resíduos de feijão na ração concentrada de vacas leiteiras em pastejo, com produção média diária de 13 kg, reduz a produção de leite. Todavia, a utilização desses resíduos pouco influencia a composição do leite e os parâmetros sanguíneos.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplement bean residue on growth performance and blood parameters of dairy cows grazing. Eight crossbred cows weighing 500 kg were analyzed, distributed in 4×4 double Latin square, and fed with 134, 240, 348, and 449 g kg-1 of a supplementary diet of bean waste in the concentrated feed. The animals received the supplementation after milking in the morning and in the afternoon. The inclusion of bean residues did not change average body weights and body scores; however, it reduced the milk production. Fat, protein, lactose, and total solid contents (g kg-1) were not changed by bean waste inclusion. Blood glycose and cholesterol did not change before the offering of the concentrated feed diet, nor after four to six hours of feeding this diet. The inclusion of bean residues in the concentrated feed of dairy cows subjected to grazing, with a daily average production of 13 kg, reduces milk production. However, the use of these residues has little effect on milk composition and blood parameters.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the losses of nutrient through gases and effluents, the nutrient recovery, fermentation parameters and the chemical parameters of silages of Brachiaria decumbens with the addition of soybean hulls, testing five levels of inclusion: 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% (as is), with five replications per treatment. After the standardization cut of the forage, performed at 5 cm from the soil level, the soil was fertilized with nitrogen and potassium in the form of ammonium sulfate and potassium chloride, respectively, at 60 kg/ha. After 60 days, the grass was cut at 10 cm from the soil and ensiled. Experimental silos with capacity of 10 liters with Bunsen valve were used. Silos had 3 kg of sand conditioned at the bottom for retention of the effluents. The results show that the contents of dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent insoluble fiber and total digestible nutrients presented positive linear behavior with the inclusion of soybean hulls. In the grass silages with addition of soybean hulls, there was greater recovery of dry matter in relation to the control silage, which is a reflection of the negative linear behavior for the values of losses of gases and effluent. There was quadratic behavior in the pH values and negative linear behavior for the ammonia N values and buffering capacity with the inclusion of the additive in the grass silage. Inclusion of soybean hulls is sufficient to improve the fermentation pattern and minimize the losses through gases and effluents, contributing to the nutrient recovery, in addition to promoting overall improvement of the nutritional value of Brachiaria grass silages.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the protein and carbohydrate fractions, and to estimate the in situ rumen degradation kinetic parameters of Brachiaria decumbens grass silage with inclusion of rice bran. Five rice bran inclusion levels were tested: 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of the natural matter, distributed into a completely randomized design with five replications. The brachiaria grass was obtained at 60 days of regrowth by cutting the forage at 10 cm from the soil and ensiling it in 10-L experimental silo bags, which were opened after 40 days. The degradability profiles for DM, CP, NDF and of the feeds for each animal utilized made it possible to obtain the estimates of the parameters analyzed. The contents of total carbohydrates (TCH), fibrous carbohydrates and fraction A+B1 of the TCH decreased linearly as the rice bran levels were elevated. Fraction A of the protein was increased linearly by 0.64% for every 1% of rice bran added to the silage. For nitrogenous fractions B3 and C, there was a decrease of 0.11 and 0.40% for each 1% of rice bran added to the silage, respectively. For the rumen degradability parameters of the dry matter, fractions A and I had estimated increases of 0.54 and 0.04% for every 1% inclusion of rice bran. For the degradation rate of fraction B (c), treatments had no effect. Fractions A and I of the crude protein degradability parameters increased by 0.22 and 0.72%, respectively, with inclusion of 1% rice bran. Inclusion levels of rice bran had no effect on fraction D, on the degradation rate of fraction B (c) or lag time (L) estimated for neutral detergent fiber. Inclusion of 10 and 20% rice bran in the brachiaria grass silage improves protein and carbohydrate fractions and rumen degradation kinetic parameters of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the morphogenetic traits and biomass accumulation of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés subjected to doses of N (0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 kg.ha-1 N). The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. Morphogenetic traits and biomass accumulation of dry matter (DM).ha-1 were evaluated. The results were subjected to statistical analysis by grouping the data in two periods, rainy season and throughout the year. Nitrogen doses influenced leaf appearance in the rainy season and throughout the year, with significant increase in leaf elongation during the rainy season, an increase of 56% compared with control. During this period, maximum dose of N (248.1 kg.ha-1) produced 214.49 kg.ha-1.day-1 DM of leaf blade, which was 133% higher than the control. However, the higher N dose in the rainy season resulted in an increase of 137% in the stalk accumulation compared with non-fertilized grass; estimating maximum accumulation of salk of 84.97 kg.ha-1.day-1 of DM for the application of 326.2 kg.ha-1 N. Doses of N also intensified leaf senescence during the rainy season and throughout the year. The control treatment presented 32% less senescence compared with maximum N dose (270.1 kg.ha-1 N) in the rainy season. Forage loss was estimated at 26.08 kg ha-1.day-1 DM at the maximum dose of 295.0 kg.ha-1 N for this period. All variables studied responded positively to N supply in the rainy season. The accumulation of biomass of the plant reached the maximum point with fertilization close to 250 kg.ha-1 N in the rainy season and 375 kg.ha-1 N throughout the year.

Objetivou-se neste experimento avaliar as características estruturais e agronômicas da Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés sob diferentes doses de nitrogênio (0; 125; 250; 375 e 500 kg.ha-1 de N) cultivadas no Campus Universitário de Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, no período de 12/10/2006 a 23/8/2007. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos às análises estatísticas agrupando-se os dados em dois períodos, águas e ao longo do ano. As doses de N influenciaram o número de folhas aparecidas para a época chuvosa, assim como o número de folhas verdes. O número de folhas totais foi influenciado pelas doses de N nas águas e ao longo do ano. Houve incremento de 27% no comprimento médio da lâmina foliar para a dose de 343,9 kg.ha-1 de N para o período das águas. A densidade de perfilhos foi influenciada pelas doses de N para ambos os períodos de avaliação, sendo que a altura das plantas foi influenciada pelas doses de N para as duas épocas avaliadas. O aumento na disponibilidade de matéria seca por hectare foi de 87,5% para a maior dose de N nas águas (333,3 kg.ha-1 de N) em comparação ao tratamento testemunha. A adubação nitrogenada influencia positivamente todas as características relacionadas ao crescimento e à produção de massa, principalmente no período chuvoso, quando a adubação deve ser parcelada em quatro ou cinco doses, não justificando adubações no período seco do ano.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the structural characteristics and agronomic traits of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés under different nitrogen levels (0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 kg.ha-1 of N) grown in Campus Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, in the period 10/12/2006 to 08/23/2007. The treatments were arranged in a randomized design with four repetitions. The results were submitted to statistical analysis by grouping the data into two periods: rain and throughout the year. The N influenced the number of leaves appeared at the time rainy, and the number of green leaves. The number of leaves was influenced by N rates during the rain and throughout the year. There was an increase of 27% in the average length of the leaf blade to the dose of 343.9 kg ha-1 N for the rainy season. The density of tillers was influenced by N rates for both evaluation periods. Since the height of the plants was influenced by N rates for the two seasons evaluated. The increased availability of dry per hectare was 87.5% for the highest N in the water (333.3 kg ha-1 N) compared with the control treatment. Nitrogen fertilization positively influences all characteristics related to growth and production mass, especially during the rainy season, when the fertilization must be divided into four or five doses, with no need for fertilization in the dry season.

The ingestive behavior and performance of female lambs grazing on Marandu pasture submitted to different stocking rates during the rainy and transition season were evaluated. The experimental area with 4,500 m² was divided into 45 paddocks of 100 m². Twenty-seven Santa Ines female lambs (purebred) with 4 months age and 22 kg of initial body weight were distributed in a completely randomized design, with nine replicates. Lambs were divided into 9 groups with the same initial weight and submitted to three stocking rates: 2, 3 and 4 lambs/paddock, which corresponded to 40, 60 and 80 lambs/ha, respectively. Each group of animals had a module of five paddocks, managed on intermittent grazing system, with 7 days of occupation and 28 d of rest. Increase on time grazing and reduction on time ruminating and resting were observed as stocking rates increased. There was 14% raise in time grazing and 41% decline on time resting by lambs subjected to the highest stocking rate compared with those in the lower stocking rate. The number of animals/ha promoted linear effect on average daily gain, which was higher for animals in the lowest stocking rate of 90 g/d. For gain per area, the best result was obtained with 60 animals/ha featuring an average value of 426 kg/ha.

This study aimed to validate the estimates of the ruminal degradation of total carbohydrates (TC), ruminal and total digestion of fibrous carbohydrates (FC) and microbial nitrogen flow in the abomasum evaluated by in vitro gas production technique (IVGP). Six ruminally and abomasally cannulated steers arranged in a double 3 × 3 latin square were used to measure described parameters with indigestible neutral detergent fiber (INDF) utilization as marker. Total and fibrous carbohydrates degraded in the rumen were estimated through digestion rates obtained for fibrous (FC) and non fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) using in vitro gas production technique, corrected for its respective ruminal and postruminal passage rates. The estimation of the total digestion of FC was done by the sum of ruminal and post-ruminal digestion of these compounds. The microbial nitrogen flow in the abomasum was estimated by the calculating the microbial efficiency of bacteria that ferment FC and NFC, utilizing the microbial growth rate obtained by the ruminal digestion rate for carbohydrate fractions in IVGP. The utilization of the in vitro gas production technique allows obtaining accurate estimates of the ruminal digestion of total carbohydrates, total and ruminal digestion of fiber carbohydrates and microbial protein flow in the abomasum.

Avaliaram-se o balanço de compostos nitrogenados e a síntese de proteína microbiana (PBmic) em novilhas leiteiras submetidas a dietas contendo casca de café (0,0; 8,75; 17,5 e 26,25% da matéria seca) em substituição ao milho no concentrado, correspondendo aos níveis de 0,0; 3,5; 7,0 e 10,5% da matéria seca da dieta total. Foram utilizadas 24 novilhas mestiças com grau de sangue Holandês variando de 7/8 a 31/32, distribuídas em delineamento em blocos casualizados, formados de acordo com o peso dos animais. Amostras spot de urina foram coletadas aproximadamente 4 horas após a alimentação da manhã e utilizadas para estimar a síntese de PBmic utilizando-se os derivados de purina na urina. Não foi observado efeito dos níveis de casca de café na dieta sobre o consumo de nitrogênio total (160 g/dia) e a excreção de nitrogênio na urina (87,4 g/dia). A inclusão de casca de café na dieta promoveu aumento linear na excreção de nitrogênio nas fezes, bem como alteração do balanço de nitrogênio. Houve redução linear nas excreções urinárias de alantoína, nos derivados de purinas totais e purinas absorvidas, que reduziram 0,715; 0,873; 0,954 mmol/dia a cada unidade de casca de café adicionada no concentrado, respectivamente. A casca de café alterou a síntese de PBmic, que teve redução de 0,687 g/dia a cada unidade de casca de café adicionada ao concentrado. A redução na síntese de proteína microbiana pode diminuir o ganho de peso em novilhas alimentadas com casca de café.

It was evaluated nitrogen compounds and microbial protein synthesis in heifers fed diets containing coffee hulls (0.0; 8.75; 17.25; and 26.25% of dry matter) replacing ground corn concentrate at the following levels of coffee hulls in the total diet dry matter: 0.0, 3.5, 7.0 or 10.5%. It was used 24 crossbreed heifers (7/8, 15/16 and 31/32 Holstein-Zebu), which were distributed in a random block design made up accordingly to the weight of the animals. Spot samples of urine were colleted aproximatelly four hours after morning feeding and were used to estimate microbial protein synthesis by using urine purine derivatives. It was not observed effect of coffee hull levels in the diet on total nitrogen intake (160 g/day) and nitrogen excretion in the urine (87.4 g/day). The inclusion of coffee hull in the diet linearly increased nitrogen excretion in feces, as well as nitrogen balance. There was linear reduction in urinary excretion of allantoin, in total purine derivative and absorbed purine, which reduced 0.715, 0.873, and 0.954 mmol/day to each coffee hull unity added to the concentrate, respectively. Coffee hull altered microbial protein synthesis, which reduced in 0.687 g/day to each coffee hull unity added to the concentrate. Reduction in microbial protein synthesis can reduce weight gain in heifers fed coffee hulls.

Objetivou-se avaliar a utilização de quatro níveis de casca de soja (0; 8,0; 16,0 ou 24,0%) em substituição ao fubá de milho (0, 25, 50 e 75%) em dietas para ovinos em confinamento. Avaliaram-se o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, o desempenho animal, a conversão alimentar e os custos com a dieta. Vinte cordeiros da raça Santa Inês com peso vivo médio inicial de 32,96 kg foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. A dieta foi composta de 50% de volumoso (50% de silagem de milho e 50% de cana-de-açúcar picada) e 50% de concentrado. Os concentrados foram compostos de fubá de milho, farelo de soja, mistura mineral e uréia, de modo que o fubá de milho foi gradativamente substituído pela casca de soja. Os animais foram mantidos em baias individuais com comedouro e bebedouro. Não foram observados efeitos dos níveis de casca de soja da dieta sobre o consumo de nutrientes, exceto o de FDN, que aumentou linearmente de acordo com o nível de casca de soja na dieta. Os níveis de casca de soja não influenciaram a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, o ganho de peso (0,215 kg/animal/dia) e a conversão alimentar dos animais (6,20 kg MS/kg peso ganho). O aumento do nível de casca de soja de 0 e 75% na dieta reduziu os gastos com alimentação e aumentou a margem bruta de R$ 10,89 para R$ 18,63 por animal. A substituição de até 75% do fubá de milho por casca de soja na dieta não afeta o desempenho de ovinos em terminação em confinamento.

The objective was to evaluate the use of four levels of soybean hulls (0.0, 8.0, 16.0 and 24.0%) to replace the corn meal (0.0, 25, 50 and 75%) in the diet of sheep in feedlot. Performance, nutrient digestibilities and feeding costs were evaluated. Twenty Santa Inez breed lambs with 32.96 kg BW were distributed to a completely randomized design with four diets and five replications. The diet was composed of 50% forage (50% of corn silage and 50% of sugar cane) and 50% concentrate. The concentrates were composed of corn meal, soybean meal, mineral mix and urea, so corn meal was gradually replaced by soybean hulls. No effect was observed in the levels of soybean hulls of diet on feed intake of nutrients, except for NDF, which linearly increased according to soybean hulls level in the diet. Soybean hulls levels did not affect digestibility of nutrients, weight gain (0.215 kg/anim.day) and feed conversion ratio of the animals (6.20 kg DM/kg weight gain). Increasing of soybean hulls levels in the diet reduced feeding cost and increased the gross margin from R$ 10.89 to R$ 18.63 per animal in the 0 and 75% of replacement levels, respectively. The replacement of up to 75% of corn meal by soybean hulls in the diet does not affect performance of sheep finished in feedlot.

Objetivou-se avaliar em ovinos o consumo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes de dietas contendo grão de capim-pé-de-galinha (Eleusine coracana). Foram utilizados 20 ovinos com peso vivo inicial de 18,90 kg, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os animais foram alimentados com dietas isoprotéicas formuladas com 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado contendo 0; 16,0; 32,5; 48,0 ou 67,0% de grão de capim-pé-de-galinha em substituição ao fubá de milho. Utilizou-se a fibra indigestível em detergente neutro (FDNi) como indicador para estimativa da excreção fecal. Os níveis de grão de pé-de-galinha não influenciaram os consumos de MS, NDT e FDN. Os valores médios de consumo de matéria seca foram de 1,2 kg/animal/dia e 3,2% do peso vivo. O coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca (CDMS) e o NDT reduziram linearmente em 0,1425 e 0,1612%, respectivamente, a cada 1% de grão de capim-pé-de-galinha no concentrado, o que está relacionado aos maiores teores de FDN e FDNi desse alimento. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade de MO e FDN apresentaram valores máximos de 57,64 e 53,60% nos níveis de 42,36 e 39,56% de grão de capim-pé-de-galinha no concentrado. Os valores médios de digestibilidade aparente de PB e EE foram 56,90 e 66,86%, respectivamente. A substituição do fubá de milho por grão do capim pé-de-galinha na dieta de ovinos não influenciou o consumo de matéria seca dos nutrientes, mas reduziu o coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca, da matéria orgânica, dos carboidratos totais e os nutrientes digestíveis totais, logo, esse ingrediente pode substituir até 50% do fubá de milho no concentrado para ovinos.

The objective was to evaluate in sheep the intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients diets containing finger millet grain (Eleusine coracana). Twenty lambs were used with average initial 18.90 kg BW, in a completely randomized design, with five diets and four replications. The animals were fed isoprotein diets formulated with 0.0, 16.0, 32.5, 48.0 e 67.0% of finger millet grain in substitution of corn meal, with 50:50 forage to concentrate ratio (%DM). The levels of finger millet grain did not affect the intake of DM, TDN and NDF. Dry matter intake was 1.2 kg/anim/d and 3.2% of BW. The coefficient of apparent digestibility of DM and NDT linearly decreased in 0.1425 and 0.1612%, respectively, for each 1% of finger millet grain in the concentrate, which is related to higher levels of NDF and NDFi in this feed. The digestibility coefficients OM and NDF showed maximum values of 57.64 and 53.60% in the levels of 42.36 and 39.56% of finger millet grain in the concentrate. Apparent digestibility of CP and EE were 56.90 and 66.86% respectively. The replacement of corn meal per finger millet grain in the diet of sheep does not affected dry matter intake of nutrients, but reduced the digestibility of DM, OM, total carbohydrates and TDN. Then, this ingredient could replace up to 50% of corn meal in the concentrate for sheep.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar o fluxo de compostos nitrogenados no abomaso, a degradação ruminal dos carboidratos totais e da matéria orgânica, a eficiência microbiana, a concentração de N-NH3 e o pH ruminal em bovinos alimentados com dietas à base de silagem de milho, silagem de capim-elefante ou feno de capim-tifton 85. Foram utilizados seis bovinos fistulados no rúmen e abomaso em um delineamento quadrado latino 3 × 3 duplo. Os fluxos de matéria seca da digesta e da matéria seca microbiana no abomaso foram determinados a partir da utilização de fibra em detergente neutro indigestível e das bases purinas como indicador microbiano, respectivamente. As concentrações de NH3 e o pH ruminal foram determinados antes e 2, 4 e 8 horas após a alimentação. As dietas à base de silagem de milho e de feno de capim-tifton 85 proporcionaram os maiores fluxos de compostos nitrogenados no abomaso. As bactérias isoladas do rúmen apresentaram em média 8,89% de N total e 18,40 para a relação N-RNA:N-total. A dieta à base de silagem de milho promoveu maior degradação ruminal da matéria orgânica (2,96 kg/dia) e dos carboidratos totais (3,07 kg/dia) e maior fluxo de massa microbiana para o abomaso (788,28 g/dia). As dietas à base de feno de capim-tifton 85 e de silagem de capim-elefante resultaram em maior eficiência microbiana, cujos valores foram 28,10 e 30,39 g de N microbiano/kg de carboidratos degradados no rúmen. As menores concentrações de NH3 e pH ruminal, considerando o tempo após a alimentação, ocorreram quando fornecida a dieta à base de silagem de milho, o que possivelmente afetou negativamente a eficiência microbiana.

The objectives of the present work were to determine nitrogen compounds flow into the abomasum, total carbohydrate and organic matter ruminal degradation, microbial efficiency, N-NH3 concentration and ruminal pH in cattle fed with diets based on corn silage, elephant grass silage and Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay. Six ruminal and abomasal fistulated cattle were utilized in a double 3 × 3 latin square. Abomasal digesta dry matter of and microbial dry matter flows were determined by use of indigestible neutral detergent fiber and base purines as microbial marker, respectively. The N-NH3 concentration and ruminal pH were determined before and 2, 4 and 8 hours after feeding. The diets based on corn silage and Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay provided higher nitrogen compounds flow into abomasum. Isolated bacteria from rumen averaged 8.89% of total N and had an N-RNA:N-total ration of 18.40. The corn silage diet provided higher ruminal degradation of organic matter (2.96 kg/day) and of total carbohydrates (3.07 kg/day) and higher microbial matter flow to the abomasum (788.28 g/day). The Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay and elephant grass silage diets had the greatest microbial efficiencies, which values were 28.10 and 30.39 g of microbial N/kg of rumen degradable carbohydrates. The corn silage diet showed lower N-NH3 concentration and ruminal pH after feeding, possibly indicating reduction of microbial efficiency.

Avaliaram-se o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente da dieta, a produção e a composição do leite de vacas recebendo quatro níveis de casca de café na dieta (0,0; 6,0; 12,0 e 18,0% da MS total) em substituição à silagem de milho na dieta. Foram utilizadas 12 vacas da raça Holandesa, em três quadrados latinos 4 x 4, distribuídas de acordo com o período de lactação. As dietas foram isoprotéicas, com 15,0% de PB, constituídas de 60% de volumoso (silagem de milho e casca de café) e 40% de concentrado, com base na MS. Os consumos de MS, MO, PB, CT, CNF, EE e NDT decresceram linearmente com a adição da casca de café, ao passo que o consumo de FDN aumentou linearmente. As digestibilidades aparentes de MS, MO, PB, CT, FDN e a concentração de NDT das dietas diminuíram linearmente com a adição de casca de café, mas a digestibilidade do EE não foi influenciada pelos níveis desse subproduto na dieta. A produção de leite apresentou comportamento quadrático, com produção máxima estimada de 26,83 kg leite/dia para o nível de 8,44% de casca de café, que não influenciou os componentes do leite. A casca de café apresentou potencial para ser utilizada em dietas para vacas em lactação, podendo substituir até 12% da silagem de milho, dependendo da disponibilidade e conveniência econômica.

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of replacing corn silage with coffee hulls (0, 6.0, 12.0, and 18.0% of DM) on intake, apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, and milk production and composition. Twelve Holstein cows were blocked by days in milk and randomly assigned to three replicated 4 x 4 Latin squares. Diets were isonitrogenous averaging 15.0% of CP and composed by 60% of forage (corn silage and coffee hulls) and 40% of concentrate, on DM basis. Intakes of DM, OM, CP, TC, NFC, EE and TDN all decreased linearly while the opposite was observed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) with the inclusion of coffee hulls in the diet. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, TC, and NDF and the dietary TDN content decreased linearly by increasing the proportion of coffee hulls in the diet but no significant effect was observed for EE digestibility. A significant quadratic effect was found for milk yield, with maximum of 26.83 kg/day at the coffee hulls level of 8.44%. No quadratic effect was observed for milk components. It can be concluded that coffee hulls can replace up to 12% of the corn silage DM in the diet depending on the availability and economic costs.

Avaliaram-se o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente da dieta, a produção e composição do leite e a economicidade de dietas formuladas com quatro níveis de casca de café na MS total (0, 5, 10, 15% da MS) em substituição ao milho no concentrado. Foram utilizadas 12 vacas da raça Holandesa, distribuídas em três quadrados latinos 4 x 4, de acordo com o período de lactação. As dietas (isoprotéicas, 15,5% de PB) foram constituídas de 60% de silagem de milho e 40% de concentrado, com base na MS. O consumo de EE não foi alterado, mas os de MS, MO, PB, carboidratos totais (CT) e carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF) e a concentração de NDT das dietas decresceram linearmente com adição de casca de café, elevando, também de forma linear, o consumo de FDN. As digestibilidades de MS, MO, PB, CT, FDN, CNF e a concentração de NDT das dietas reduziram linearmente com a adição de casca de café no concentrado. A produção de leite e as quantidades de gordura, proteína, sólidos totais, extrato seco desengordurado e suas concentrações no leite não foram alteradas pelos níveis de casca de café nas dietas. O saldo com alimentação por vaca e por litro de leite aumentou linearmente com o incremento de casca de café nas dietas. A substituição do milho do concentrado por casca de café pode ser feita em até 15% da MS total da dieta.

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effects of replacing corn by coffee hulls on intake, apparent digestibility, and milk production and composition of lactating dairy cows. Treatments contained one of the following four levels of coffee hulls: 0, 5, 10 or 15% of the total dietary DM. Twelve Holstein dairy cows were blocked by days in milk and randomly assigned to three replicated 4 x 4 Latin squares. Diets were isonitrogenous averaging 15.5% of CP and composed by 60% of corn silage and 40% of concentrate on DM basis. Replacing corn with coffee hulls did not affect the intake of EE. However, intakes of DM, OM, CP, TC, and NFC as well as dietary TDN all decreased linearly with the inclusion of coffee hulls in the diet. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, TC, NDF, and NFC also reduced linearly by increasing the proportion of dietary coffee hulls. Conversely, NDF intake increased linearly when coffee hulls replaced corn in the diet. No significant differences on milk yield as well as yields and contents of fat, protein, total solids, and solids nonfat were observed by including coffee hulls in the diet. Feeding balances (milk yield gross income - feeding costs) per cow and per liter of milk both increased linearly by partially replacing corn with coffee hulls. It can be concluded that coffee hulls can replace up to 15% of the corn in the diet with no detrimental effects on production.