The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of Azolla on the diet of Japanese quails on voluntary intake, apparent nutrient digestibility and egg production. A total of 240 16-week old quail on the first third of egg laying were used. The birds were housed in 24 raised cages (10 per cage). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments: T1: 0%, T2: 5%, T3: 10% and T4: 15% inclusion of Azolla in the diet. Voluntary nutrient intake was higher in Azolla treatments (p<0.05). The lowest egg yield g/bird/day¹ was in T4 (p<0.0001) and the best feed conversion was in T1 and T2 (p<0.0001). The apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter showed no significant difference between treatments. The highest crude protein digestibility was in T1 (46.1%) and T2 (44.5%) (p<0.0001) and the highest for digestibility of neutral detergent fibre was in T2 (63.6%) (p=0.034). The incorporation of Azolla by 5% in the quail diet produces a similar effect in egg production and feed conversion than the control diet, which could be used as a non-conventional low-cost product.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de Azolla en la dieta de codornices japonesas sobre el consumo voluntario, digestibilidad aparente de los nutrientes y producción de huevos. Se utilizaron 240 codornices de 16 semanas de edad iniciando el primer tercio de postura. Las aves se alojaron en 24 jaulas elevadas (10 aves por jaula). Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con cuatro tratamientos: T1: 0%, T2: 5%, T3: 10% y T4: 15% de inclusión de Azolla en la dieta por 60 días. El consumo voluntario de nutrientes fue mayor en los tratamientos con Azolla (p<0.05). El menor rendimiento de huevos g/ave/día¹ fue en T4 (p<0.0001) y la mejor conversión alimenticia fue en T1 y T2 (p<0.0001). La digestibilidad aparente de la materia seca y materia orgánica no mostró diferencia significativa entre tratamientos. La mayor digestibilidad de proteína cruda fue en T1 (46.1%) y T2 (44.5 %) (p<0.0001), y para fibra detergente neutra fue en T2 (63.6%) (p=0.034). La incorporación de Azolla en un 5% en la dieta de codornices produce un efecto similar en la producción de huevos y conversión alimenticia que la dieta control, pudiendo utilizarse como un producto no convencional de bajo costo.

ABSTRACT The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, is an economic important pest in stored grains, thus alternative and safe methods of control are required. In this study, the effect of plant powders on mortality of the maize weevil, final weight of corn kernels, number of perforated corn kernel, and weight of waste material were evaluated in laboratory conditions. Powder obtained from four plant species [Ruta graveolens (ruda), Urtica dioica (ortiga), Ambrosia arborescens (marco) y Buddleja globosa (matico)] was evaluated used at 5% w/w and then compared to a conventional insecticide (Malathion used as positive control) and to a negative control, to which no application was made. For this purpose, 150 g of kernels were used and infested with 20 adult weevils, which were treated with 7.5 g of the respective plant powder. Experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design. The ruda and marco caused percentage of mortality on the maize weevil of 53.35 and 41.65%, respectively, suggesting that these plant species could be used in combination with other management strategies in stored grains. However, studies dealing with effect of different concentrations are required in order to optimize their use.

RESUMEN El gorgojo del maíz, Sitophilus zeamais, es una plaga de importancia económica en granos almacenados por lo que se requieren métodos de control alternativos y seguros. En el presente estudio se evaluó el efecto de polvos vegetales sobre la mortalidad del gorgojo del maíz, el peso final de los granos de maíz, número de granos perforados, peso del material de desecho bajo condiciones de laboratorio. Se evaluaron los polvos obtenidos de cuatro especies de plantas [Ruta graveolens (ruda), Urtica dioica (ortiga), Ambrosia arborescens (marco) y Buddleja globosa (matico)] al 5% p/p y fueron comparadas con el uso de un insecticida convencional (Malathion usado como control positivo) y con un control negativo, al cual no se le hizo ningún tipo de aplicación. Para ello fueron usados 150 g de granos de maíz e infestados con 20 gorgojos adultos, los cuales fueron tratados con 7,5 g del polvo vegetal respectivo. El ensayo fue conducido en un diseño completamente aleatorizado. La ruda y el marco provocaron porcentajes de mortalidad sobre el gorgojo del maíz de 53,35 y 41,65%, respectivamente, lo cual sugiere que estas especies de planta podrían ser usadas en combinación con otras estrategias de manejo en granos almacenados. Sin embargo, se requieren hacer estudios que evalúen el efecto de diferentes concentraciones de modo a optimizar su uso.

Children with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can present early or late clinical disease. HIV-associated lymphoma is a later manifestation that is associated with advanced immunosuppression (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome -AIDS). This is a case of a 9-year-old boy with recent diagnosis of HIV with Burkitt's lymphoma as first clinical manifestation. In children, the frequency of this association is very low and there are few cases reported.

Resumen Las manifestaciones clínicas en los niños con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) de transmisión perinatal, pueden ser de inicio precoz o tardío. El linfoma asociado a VIH es una manifestación tardía que se asocia a estadios avanzados de inmunosupresión. Se presenta el caso de un escolar de 9 años con diagnóstico de novo de infección por VIH que debutó con un linfoma de Burkitt. En niños, la frecuencia de esta asociación es de 1-2% con pocos casos reportados en la literatura médica.

We analyzed 107 owl pellets and determined 300 prey items grouped into 21 species. The pellets were collected at two locations with different environments: Los Santiagos and La Ciénaga in the province of Chimborazo and Manabí in western Ecuador. Our analysis revealed a diet mostly comprised on small mammals, especially rodents which constituted 80%. Among the most abundant prey were Oligoryzomys sp. which accounted for 38.7% of the diet in Los Santiagos' samples and Sigmodon peruanus 33.6% in La Ciénaga, being 22.5% and 41% respectively of the total biomass consumed at each site. The crab-eating rat Ichthyomys hydrobates is first reported in this owl's diet and in the locality of Los Santiagos. This record extends the distributional range of I. hydrobates to southwest Ecuador by about 200 km.

En el presente estudio a partir de 107 egagrópilas de la lechuza, determinamos el consumo de 300 presas agrupadas en 21 especies, las egagrópilas fueron colectadas en dos localidades de diferente ambiente Los Santiagos y La Ciénaga, en las provincias de Chimborazo y Manabí, al occidente de Ecuador. Nuestros análisis revelaron una dieta compuesta mayoritariamente de mamíferos pequeños, sobre todo roedores, quienes constituyeron el 80%. Entre las presas más abundantes se encontró a Oligoryzomys sp. que representó el 38.7% de la dieta en las muestras de Los Santiagos y Sigmodon peruanus 33.6% en La Ciénaga, siendo el 22,5% y 41% respectivamente de la biomasa total consumida para cada sitio. La rata cangrejera Ichthyomys hydrobates es reportada por primera vez en la dieta de la lechuza y también en la localidad de Los Santiagos, ampliando el rango distribucional de este roedor para el centro-sur al occidente de Ecuador en aproximadamente 200 km.

El Complejo de Esclerosis Tuberosa (CET) es un desorden genético autosómico dominante, con manifestaciones multisistémicas. Una de ellas es la aparición de astrocitoma subependimario de células gigantes, lesión mínimamente infiltrativa, comúnmente localizada en el ventrículo lateral y frecuentemente evidenciada clínicamente por síntomas relacionados con aumento de la presión intracraneana. La resección quirúrgica es el estándar de tratamiento, sin embargo, una nueva molécula llamada Everolimus, que bloquea mTOR, proteína intracelular responsable del crecimiento y proliferación celular, es una nueva opción terapéutica para estos pacientes, ya que conlleva menos morbilidad y mortalidad. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 4 años, 10 meses quien presento un cuadro inicial de limitación en movimientos del hemicuerpo izquierdo y en quien posteriormente se llegó al diagnóstico de astrocitoma subependimario de células gigantes. Se administró tratamiento con Everolimus mostrando disminución significativa del tamaño del tumor y resolución de los síntomas.

The Tuberous Sclerosis Complex is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with multisystemic manifestations. One of those is the subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, a minimally infiltrative lesion, commonly located in the lateral ventricle and frequently manifestated by symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure. Surgical resection is the gold standard of treatment, however, a new molecule, called Everolimus, which blocks mTOR, a protein responsible for intracellular growth and cell proliferation, is a new option for these patients because it carries less morbidity and mortality. We present a case report of a patient of 4 years, 10 months who presented with limitation of movements of the left side of the body and who later was diagnosed with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma. He was treated with Everolimus showing significant decrease in tumor size and resolution of symptoms.

The Cornel Net Carbohydrate and Protein System model version 5.0 was assessed as for its prediction of dry matter intake and milk production of grazing lactating Holstein × Zebu cows. Eight lactating cows grazing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum., cv. Napier) were used in two experiments of 30 days each. The experimental design was of randomized blocks (subplots). Dry matter intake was estimated using the chromium oxide and in vitro dry matter digestibility techniques. The estimated dry matter intake was compared with the values predicted by the model. Extrusa samples of the elephant grass pasture were obtained from a cow with esophageal fistula during nine days in each experimental period. Carbohydrate and nitrogenous fractions were analyzed and the degradation rate of carbohydrate was estimated by the gas production technique. The inputs referring to the animals (body weight, age, milk production, milk composition and breed type), to the environment (temperature, relative humidity of air and management condition) and to feeds chemical composition in each experimental period were inserted in the model. The model was accurate on the prediction of dry matter intake, considering that the mean values obtained by the chromium oxide technique and predicted by model (2.45 and 2.46% of body weight, respectively) did not differ significantly from each other. However, the model underestimated the observed milk production in 62.4%, where the metabolizable energy was the first limiting. These results demonstrate the need for studies that provide the development of a database for tropical foods (chemical composition and dynamics of rumen fermentation) and fitting of the model to the tropical conditions, for its appropriate application in formulation of diets and supplements in these regions.

Avaliaram-se pelo Sistema Cornell as frações de carboidratos e os compostos nitrogenados dos capins acroceres (Acroceras macrum), angola, (Brachiaria purpurascens), canarana (Echinochloa polystachya), hemarthria (Hemarthria altíssima), setária (Setaria anceps), tanner grass (Brachiaria arrecta) e tifton 85 (Cynodon spp) nas idades de corte de 14, 28, 42 e 56 dias. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos ao acaso em esquema de parcelas subdivididas de modo que as gramíneas foram avaliadas nas parcelas e as idades de corte, nas subparcelas. Houve efeito da idade de corte na composição dos carboidratos das gramíneas estudadas. Na maioria das gramíneas, os teores de carboidratos totais, carboidratos não-fibrosos e da fração A+B1 aumentaram linearmente conforme a idade de corte. A fração potencialmente degradável dos carboidratos (fração B2) apresentou um comportamento quadrático em função da idade, para todas gramíneas. A fração C dos carboidratos do capim-tifton 85 apresentou aumento de forma linear com a idade, mas não aumentou de forma significativa para as demais gramíneas. No capim-setária, os teores médios das frações nitrogenadas B2 e B3 foram elevados, o que pode representar um bom aporte protéico para degradação ruminal e para o intestino delgado. Todas as gramíneas avaliadas, à exceção do capim-setária, apresentam valores similares das frações nitrogenadas A, B1, B2 e B3.

It was evaluated by the Cornell System carbohidrates fractions and nitrogenous compounds of the following grasses at the cutting ages of 14, 28, 42, and 56 days: nilo grass (Acroceras macrum), angola grass (Brachiaria purpurascens), aleman grass (Echinochloa polystachya), limpo grass (Hemarthria altíssima), setaria grass (Setaria anceps), tanner grass (Brachiaria arrecta), and tifton-85 grass (Cynodon spp). The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design, in a split plot arrangement in a way that the grasses were evaluated in the plots and the ages of cut in the split-plots. The age of cutting had an effect on the composition of the studied grasses. In most of the grasses, total carbohydrate levels, non-fibrous carbohydrates and A+B1 fraction carbohydrates increased linearly according to the age of cutting. The potentially degradable fraction of carbohydrates (fraction B2) showed a quadratic behavior according to the cutting ages for all grasses. The C fraction of the carbohydrates in tifton-85 grass linearly increased with the age but it did not increase significantly for the other grasses. In setaria grass, the intermediate levels of B2 and B3 nitrogenous fractions were high, which might represent a potential source of protein for ruminal degradation and for the small intestine. Except for setaria grass, all studied grasses show similar values of the A, B1, B2 and B3 nitrogenous fractions.

Os objetivos neste estudo foram avaliar a degradação ruminal in situ da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e estimar o consumo de matéria seca de genótipos de capim-elefante anão em diferentes intervalos de corte. Os tempos de incubação no ambiente ruminal foram 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 e 144 horas. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com três repetições (animais), dois genótipos de capim-elefante anão (CNPGL 94-34-3, CNPGL 92-198-7) e a cultivar Mott, avaliados em intervalos de corte de 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 e 84 dias, em esquema em parcelas subdivididas. Os parâmetros de degradação da MS e FDN e suas degradabilidades potencial e efetiva não apresentaram grande variação entre a cultivar Mott e os genótipos CNPGL 94-34-3 e CNPGL 92-198-7, mas reduziram substancialmente com o aumento da maturidade da planta em todos os genótipos. As estimativas de consumo geradas por duas equações são adequadas a esses alimentos.

The objectives of this study were to assess the in situ rumen degradation of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and the estimated DM intake of dwarf elephant grass genotypes in different cutting intervals. The incubation periods in the rumen environment were 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 and 144 hours. A randomized block design was used with three replications (animals), two dwarf elephant grass genotypes (CNPGL 94-34-3 and CNPGL 92-198-7) and the cv. Mott, with cutting intervals of 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days, in a split plot design. The parameters of DM and NDF degradation, and its potential and effective degradabilities did not vary greatly for cv. Mott and the CNPGL 94-34-3 and CNPGL 92-198-7 genotypes, but they decreased substantially with increased plant maturity for all the genotypes. Intake estimates generated by two equations are considered valid for these feeds.

Realizou-se neste estudo uma análise econômica de sistemas de produção para vacas em lactação manejadas em pastagem de capim-mombaça recebendo diferentes fontes de suplementação volumosa durante a época seca do ano. As suplementações fornecidas foram: pastagem de aveia-preta, cana-forrageira com ureia e silagem de sorgo. Utilizaram-se como indicadores econômicos o valor presente líquido (VPL) e a taxa interna de retorno (TIR). Para cada sistema de produção estudado, foi construído um fluxo de caixa, com sua particularidade e índices de desempenhos produtivo e reprodutivo, obtidos experimentalmente. Os fluxos de caixa foram construídos mensalmente para um período de 12 anos e os VPL dos sistemas foram calculados aplicando-se taxas de desconto de 6, 8, 10 e 12% ao ano. Com uma taxa anual de desconto de 8%, todos os sistemas de produção foram viáveis financeiramente. O capital investido apresentou TIR anuais de 11,91% para pastagem de aveia-preta, 9,43% para cana-forrageira e ureia e 8,46% para silagem de sorgo. O item de maior impacto nos resultados econômicos dos sistemas, de acordo com a análise de sensibilidade, foi o preço de venda do leite produzido.

An economical analysis of milk production systems was made with lactating cows on Mombaça grass pasture receiving different sources of roughage supplementation during the dry season. The supplementations were: black oat pasture, forage sugarcane with urea and sorghum silage. The economical indicators used were: net present value (NPV) and internal rates of return (IRR). For each production system studied one cash flow was used with their particularities and productive and reproductive performances index, obtained experimentally. The cash flows were built monthly, for a 12 years period and the NPV of the systems were calculated applying discount rates of 6, 8, 10 and 12% a year. At an annual discount rate of 8% all the production systems were financially viable. The invested capital showed annual IRR of 11.91% for black oat pasture, 9.43% for forage sugarcane and 8.46% for sorghum silage. The sensitivity analysis showed that the milk selling price had greatest economic impact on the profitability of the systems.

Objetivou-se neste experimento avaliar a cinética de degradação ruminal dos capins setária (Setaria anceps Stapf), hemarthria (Hemarthria altissima [Poir] Stapf. & Hubbard), angola (Brachiaria purpurascens [Raddi] Henr.) e acroceres (Acroceras macrum Stapf.) adubados com 0, 100, 200, 300 ou 400 kg de N/ha e colhidos aos 28, 42, 56 ou 70 dias de idade. Os resultados foram avaliados por intermédio de análise de fatores. Após redução e avaliação da variação conjunta total das variáveis, optou-se pela adoção de três fatores, que englobaram 86,4% da variação total: o primeiro fator (Fator 1) associou-se ao volume de gás oriundo das frações de lenta e de rápida degradação e à taxa de degradação da fração rapidamente degradável (Vf1, Vf2 e k2); o segundo fator (Fator 2) associou-se à taxa de degradação de lenta digestão e à latência (k1 e L); e o terceiro fator (Fator 3), por sua vez, associou-se à digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS). Os parâmetros da cinética de degradação foram influenciados pelas idades de corte. A digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca reduziu com o avançar da idade das plantas. A adubação nitrogenada não promoveu respostas evidentes nos parâmetros avaliados. O capim-hemarthria se destacou dos demais em virtude de maior digestibilidade.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of levels 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg of nitrogen/ha and cutting ages of 28, 42, 56 and 70 days on the kinetic parameters of ruminal degradation of carbohydrate of the following tropical forages: Setaria grass (Setaria anceps Stapf), Limpo grass (Hemarthria altissima [Poir] Stapf. & Hubbard), California grass (Brachiaria purpurascens [Raddi] Henr.) and Nilo grass (Acroceras macrum Stpaf). The results were submitted to a factor analysis. After reduction and evaluation of the combined variation from the total variables, three factors comprising 86.44% of the total variation were considered, where the first factor (Factor 1) was strongly associated with the gas volume of substrates of slow and rapid digestion, as well as the fractional rate of substrate of rapid degradation (Vf1, Vf2 and k2). The second factor (Factor 2) was associated to the fractional degradation rate of the slow degradable substrate and lag phase (k1 and L) and the third factor (Factor 3) was related to the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Cutting age had an effect on the grass kinetics, where the growth age resulted on reduced IVDMD. No significant responses of the supply of nitrogen fertilizer in relation to the parameters analyzed were found. Due to its high digestibility, the Limpo grass demonstrated to have an outstanding performance when compared to the other grasses.

Objetivou-se neste estudo determinar as frações de carboidratos e de compostos nitrogenados de genótipos de capim-elefante, em um único corte aos 56 dias de idade, na primavera. Avaliaram-se 12 genótipos de capim-elefante em um delineamento de blocos ao acaso com três repetições, no qual a parcela experimental foi composta de quatro linhas com 3 m de comprimento, espaçadas 1 m e adubadas com 100 kg de P2O5, 100 kg de N, 60 kg de K2O e 25 kg de micronutrientes/ha. As frações de carboidratos A + B1, B2 e C diferiram entre os genótipos. Os genótipos CNPGL 92-94-01, CNPGL 92-70-02, CNPGL 91-06-02, CNPGL 91-25-01, CNPGL 93-32-02 e Cameroon apresentaram os menores valores da fração C de carboidratos. Entre as frações nitrogenadas, apenas as frações B3 e C apresentaram diferenças. Os menores valores da fração C nitrogenada foram observados nos genótipos CNPGL 92-70-02, Napier, CNPGL 94-07-02 e CNPGL 91-25-01.

The objective of this study was to determine carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds fractions of genotypes of elephant grass in a single cut at 56 days of regrowth, in the spring season. Twelve elephant grass genotypes were evaluated in a in randomized block design with three replications, in which the experimental plot consisted of four lines with 3 m length, spaced 1 m and fertilized with 100 kg of P2O5, 100 kg of N, 60 kg K2O and 25 kg of micronutrients/ha. Carbohydrates fractions A + B1, B2 and C differed among genotypes. The genotypes CNPGL 92-94-01, 92-70-02 CNPGL, CNPGL 91-06-02, CNPGL 91-25-01, 93-32-02 CNPGL and Cameroon showed the lowest values of carbohydrates C fraction. Among the nitrogen compounds fractions, only B3 and C fractions showed differences. The lowest values of nitrogen compounds C fraction were observed in genotypes CNPGL 92-70-02, Napier, CNPGL CNPGL 94-07-02 and 91-25-01.

Avaliaram-se a composição bromatológica e as frações de carboidratos e proteínas de aveia-preta (Avena strigosa Schreb) cv. EMBRAPA 29 e triticale (X triticosecale Wittmack) cv. IAC 3 semeados em abril, maio e junho e colhidos nos sistemas corte e pastejo a intervalos de 30 dias nas condições do norte do estado do Rio de Janeiro. O experimento constou de um fatorial 2 × 2 × 3, arranjado em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, composto dos fatores: gramínea, sistema e época de plantio. Os teores de matéria seca (MS) diferiram entre espécies e sistemas e foi superior no triticale e no sistema pastejo, porém, não diferiram dentro de cada espécie nas diferentes épocas de plantio. Houve efeito significativo dos fatores e/ou de suas interações sobre os teores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), FDN livre de cinzas e proteína (FDNcp) e lignina; o teor de FDN foi maior no triticale semeado em abril. Os teores médios de carboidratos totais (%CT na MS) não diferiram entre as espécies e os sistemas, porém, foram maiores em abril, exceto para o triticale no sistema de pastejo; o teor médio geral foi de 77,83% da MS. Do total de carboidratos na MS, 25,5% no triticale e 19,20% na aveia-preta foram compostos de carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF). A fração B2 variou apenas entre as épocas, de 45,32 a 49,13%, respectivamente, para as épocas de plantio em abril e junho no triticale sob o sistema de corte. A fração das proteínas solúveis em detergente neutro (fração A+B1+B2) diferiu apenas entre os teores médios de carboidratos totais (%CT na MS). Considerando o valor médio de PB obtido e sua disponibilidade no triticale e na aveia-preta, pode-se indicar essas forrageiras como excelentes fontes de proteína.

Black-oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) cv. EMBRAPA 29 and Triticale (X triticosecale Wittmack) cv. IAC 3 were studied under harvest or grazing every 30 d, in three planting seasons (April, May and June), in order to evaluate the bromatological composition under Northern Rio de Janeiro State conditions. The experiment was done in a factorial arrangement 2 × 2 × 3, in randomized block design with three replicates, being the factors: grass, systems and planting season. The dry matter (DM) concentration differed between species and cutting systems, with Triticale showing higher DM under grazing; however there were no differences within species in relation to planting seasons. Significant effects were found between factors and/or its interactions on the levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), NDF free of ash and crude protein (NDFacp) and lignin, with higher NDF for Triticale planted in April. Total carbohydrate concentration (%TCHO in DM) did not vary among species and cutting systems, however slightly higher concentrations were found on April, except for Triticale under grazing system; average %TCHO was 77.83% in DM. From this total (%TCHO in DM), 25.5 and 19.20% in the Triticale and in Black-oat, respectively, were composed by non fiber carbohydrate (%NFC in TC). The B2 fraction (%B2 in TC) varied only among planting periods in Triticale under harvest system, ranging from 45.32 to 49.13%, respectively, for April and June. The protein fractionation showed high protein solubility in forage DM, but statistical differences were found only among planting periods for the soluble protein fractions in neutral detergent (fractions A+B1+B2). Considering the average CP value obtained and its availability it is possible to point out these forages as excellent protein sources.

Avaliou-se o desempenho ponderal de novilhas em regime de pastejo rotacionado consumindo dois tipos de suplemento mineral. Utilizaram-se 25 novilhas Holandês × Zebu, 9 como animais reguladores e 16 como animais-prova, divididas em quatro tratamentos: capim-mombaça e sal seletivo (MSS); capim-mombaça e sal comercial (MSC); capim-elefante e sal seletivo (ESS); e capim-elefante e sal comercial (ESC). O ganho médio diário (GMD) foi calculado pesando-se os animais-prova a cada 28 dias após jejum alimentar de 16 horas. Foram avaliados os consumos de matéria seca de lâmina foliar verde (CMSLFV) e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca de lâmina foliar verde (DMSLFV) utilizando-se óxido crômico como marcador externo e fibra em detergente neutro indigerível como marcador interno. Foram mensurados os consumos dos suplementos minerais e avaliados os teores de matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e de Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Fe e Mn somente em amostras de lâmina foliar. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 (gramínea e mistura mineral). Cada tratamento foi composto por quatro animais, de modo que cada animal constituiu uma unidade experimental. Apenas os minerais Cu, Na e Zn foram encontrados em quantidades insuficientes nas forrageiras. Os CMSLFV não foram influenciados por nenhuma das variáveis estudadas nem por suas interações. Houve interação sal mineral × gramínea para a DMSLFV. O GMD foi influenciado apenas pelas gramíneas; o desempenho dos animais que consumiram o capim-elefante foi superior. A composição nutricional do capim-elefante foi ligeiramente superior à do capim-mombaça, o que provavelmente proporcionou melhor desempenho aos animais deste tratamento.

The ponderal performance of heifers under rotational grazing fed two types mineral supplement was evaluated. A total of 25 heifers Holstein × Zebu, including nine regulator animals and 16 test animals, was divided into four treatments: mombaçagrass (Panicum maximum, CV. Mombaça) with selective salt (MSS), mombaçagrass with commercial salt (MSC), elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum, CV. Napier) with selective salt (ESS) and elephantgrass with commercial salt (ESC). Average daily live weight gain (DWG) was calculated by weighing the test animal every 28 days after fasting of 16 hours. Dry matter intake (CMSLFV) and apparent digestibility (DMSLFV) of green leaf blade were evaluated with chromium oxide and indigestible neutral detergent fiber, as external and internal markers, respectively. Mineral supplement intake was measured and the levels of dry matter, crude protein, and of Ca. P, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn only in grass leaves samples. A completely randomized design in 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (grass and mineral mix), was used. Each treatment was composed by four animals, and each animal as considered a experimental unit. Only Cu, Na and Zn were deficient in the forages. The CMSLFV were not affected by the studied variables and no significant interactions were observed. There was interaction between salt mix and grass for DMSLF. The DWG was affected only by grasses, the performance that ingested elephantgrass was higher. The nutritional composition of the elephantgrass was slightly better than that of mombaçagrass what probably provided better weight gains for the animals in this treatment.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a viabilidade técnica de produção forrageira de culturas de inverno sob os sistemas de corte e pastejo nas condições do norte do estado do Rio de Janeiro, foram semeadas em abril (21/4/2004), maio (20/5/2004) e junho de 2004 (21/06/2004) as forrageiras aveia-preta (Avena strigosa Schreb) cv. EMBRAPA 29 e triticale (X triticosecale Wittmack) cv. IAC 3. A produção de MS foi maior no sistema corte e na época maio. No sistema de corte, a aveia-preta produziu em média 2.317,48 kg MS/ha e o triticale, 2.128,30 kg MS/ha, ao passo que, no sistema pastejo, produziram 1.169,42 e 678,31 kg MS/ha, respectivamente. As condições climáticas no momento do 1º corte/pastejo anteciparam o ciclo fenológico, o que comprometeu a expressão do potencial produtivo destes cultivares reduzindo o período da germinação ao florescimento e aumentando o percentual de caule + bainha e inflorescência na massa de forragem. A massa de forragem foi composta em média por 34% de lâmina foliar, 31,08% de caule + bainha, 24,56% de inflorescência e 10,35% de material morto. A proporção de caule + bainha foi maior na aveia-preta. A relação lâmina foliar/caule + bainha diferiu significativamente entre espécies e épocas de plantio e não foi influenciada pelo sistema. Na época junho, a aveia-preta apresentou maior relação lâmina foliar/caule + bainha, portanto, a menor produção de MS, em virtude do estádio em que as plantas se encontravam no momento das primeiras avaliações. O triticale, apesar da maior participação de inflorescência, apresentou maior relação lâmina foliar/caule + bainha e não diferiu significativamente entre os tratamentos. A melhor época para plantio do triticale na região norte do Rio de Janeiro é abril e para plantio de aveia-preta é maio/junho, ambos no sistema de corte.

The winter forage species Black-oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) cv. EMBRAPA 29 and triticale (X triticosecale Wittmack.) cv. IAC 3, were studied on three planting dates, April (4/21/2004), May (5/20/2004), and June (6/21/2004) in order to evaluate the technical viability of forage produced under harvest and grazing, in the Northern Region of Rio de Janeiro State. DM production was greater for the harvest system when planted in May, where Black-oat produced 2,317.48 kg DM/ha and triticale 2,128.30 kg DM/ha, compared to 1,169.42 e 678.31 kg MS/ha for black oat and triticale under grazing, respectively. Climatic conditions by the onset of the first cut/grazing anticipated the physiological cycle of these crops, reducing the production potential by decreasing the germination-blooming period and increasing the percentage of stem and inflorescences in the forage mass. The forage mass was composed by 34% of leaf blade, 31.08% stem, 24.56% of inflorescences, and 10.35% of dead material. Black oat showed greater stem + sheath proportion. Black oat species planted in June showed higher leaf blade/stem + sheath ratio, due to the initial stage when plants were submitted to the first evaluation. Despite the higher contribution of inflorescences, triticale species presented a higher leaf blade/stem + sheath ratio, however with no significant difference among treatments. The best planting time for triticale is April, while that for the Black-oat, May/June, both under the cutting system.

Doze genótipos de capim-elefante foram avaliados em um delineamento em blocos ao acaso com três repetições. A parcela experimental foi composta de quatro linhas com 3 m de comprimento, espaçadas a 1 m e adubadas com 100 kg de P2O5, 100 kg de N, 60 kg de K2O e 25 kg de micronutrientes/ha. Os genótipos diferiram significativamente quanto à altura da planta e à produção de MS, de PB e matéria seca digestível (MSD)/ha. Os genótipos CNPGL 92-94-01, CNPGL 92-79-02, CNPGL 91-06-02, CNPGL 94-07-02, CNPGL 94-09-01, BAG 66, CNPGL 93-32-02 e cv. Cameroon apresentaram os maiores rendimentos de MS, PB e MSD e não diferiram significativamente quanto à relação folha/colmo (F/C). A análise de Cluster sugeriu o agrupamento dos genótipos de maior produção de MS, PB e MSD e dos genótipos com menores produções de MS, PB e MSD.

Twelve elephant grass genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Each experimental plot was formed by four lines with 3 m of length, spaced by 1 m and fertilized with 100 kg of P2O5, 100 kg of N, 60 kg of K2O and 25 kg of micronutrients/ha. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for forage plant height and dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and digestible dry matter (DDM) production/ha. The genotypes CNPGL 92-94-01, CNPGL 92-79-02, CNPGL 91-06-02, CNPGL 94-07-02, CNPGL 94-09-01, BAG 66, CNPGL 93-32-02 and cv. Cameroon presented the largest production of DM, CP, and DDM. There were no significant differences for DM concentration (DM) and leaf/stem ratio (L/S) among the evaluated genotypes. The cluster analyses suggested a group of elephantgrass genotypes with higher DM, CP, and DDM production/ha and other with lower DM, CP, and DDM.