Abstract The N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), a urease inhibitor, has been reported as one of the most promising compounds to reduce losses by volatilization, and to maximize the use of urea nitrogen (N) in agricultural systems. A field study was carried out to examine urease inhibitors' potential about volumetric density and forage mass grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés) to N application. The experiment was carried out from September 2017 to September 2018. The experimental design used was complete randomized blocks in the 3×2×4 factorial array, considering: three periods of the year (wet season, dry season, and the transition), two sources of urea (conventional urea and NBPT-treated urea), and four N rates (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg N ha-1 yr-1), replicated three times. Nitrogen sources promoted a positive effect (P<0.0001) on bulk density, forage mass, and in the grazing stratum during the wet season and the transition season, with increasing N rates in pastures. The leaf: stem ratio decreased linearly (P<0.0045) as increased N rates, and the higher ratio during the wet season and lower in the dry season of the year. For the rates of 80 kg N ha-1 yr-1, there was a significant difference (P=0.0042) between sources, with greater (P=0.0006) forage mass of 0-30 cm, post-grazing forage mass (P=0.0042) and forage volumetric density (P=0.0006), when utilized the conventional urea. The application of N, regardless of the source, provides an increase in forage mass and volumetric density in Xaraés grass pastures up to a dose of 240 kg N ha-1 yr-1, in the transition season and wet season.

Resumen La N-(n-butil) triamida tiofosfórica (NBPT) es un inhibidor de la ureasa usado en los sistemas agrícolas para reducir las pérdidas por volatilización de NH3 y maximizar el uso del nitrógeno ureico (N). Se realizó un estudio de campo para evaluar el efecto de la urea tratada con NBPT sobre la densidad volumétrica y la masa de forraje en el pasto Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés. El periodo experimental fue de un año (septiembre 2017 a septiembre 2018). El diseño experimental fue de bloques completamente aleatorios con un arreglo factorial de 3×2×4: tres estaciones del año (lluvia, sequía y transición), dos fuentes de urea (convencional y tratada con NBPT), y cuatro tasas de N (0, 80, 160 y 240 kg N ha-1 año-1). Se hicieron tres réplicas. Ambas fuentes de nitrógeno tuvieron un efecto positivo (P<0.0001) sobre la densidad aparente, la masa de forraje y el estrato de pastoreo durante la estación de lluvia y la de transición. También produjeron aumentos de N en los pastos. La relación hoja:tallo disminuyó linealmente (P<0.0045) a medida que aumentaron las tasas de N; la relación mayor fue durante la estación de lluvia y la menor en la estación de sequía. A la tasa de 80 kg N ha-1 año-1, hubo una diferencia (P=0.0042) entre las fuentes de N. A esta tasa la urea convencional produjo una mayor (P=0.0006) masa de forraje total, masa de forraje pospastoreo (P= 0.0042) y densidad volumétrica del forraje (P=0.0006). En las estaciones de lluvia y de transición, la aplicación de N, cual sea la fuente, resultó en un aumento en la masa y la densidad volumétrica del forraje en praderas de pasto Xaraés hasta la tasa de 240 kg N ha-1 año-1.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the digestibility coefficient (DC) of nutrients and the digestible energy (DE), and metabolizable energy (ME) values of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) produced in Brazil by different methods. Eight barrows with 23.3±4.1 kg were housed in metabolic cages in a randomized block design and fed diets containing 0, 200, 400, and 600 g kg–1 of corn DDGS. We determined the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and gross energy (GE) by the total collection (TC) and chromium oxide marker (Cr) methods. Distillers dried grains with solubles provided the respective DM, OM, CP, EE, MM, NDF, and GE values of 910, 863, 286, 66.9, 46.8, 500 g kg–1, and 4,780 kcal kg–1. The DE and ME values of DDGS were 3,739 and 3,401 kcal kg–1 and 3,691 and 3,213 kcal kg–1 as determined by TC and Cr methods, respectively. The growing inclusion of DDGS did not affect the DE or ME values. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE, MM, and NDF were 767, 765, 827, 691, 883, and 821 g kg–1, respectively, by the total collection method. The Cr underestimated the values of all variables compared with TC method. Levels up to 600 g kg–1 of the test ingredient do not influence the DE and ME of DDGS, but compromises the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, and NDF.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional value of glycerin for pigs using different inclusion levels of this test ingredient and the methodologies of total collection and chromium oxide marker. Eight barrows were distributed individually into metabolic cages, in a randomized-block experimental design, and fed diets containing 0, 50, 100, and 150 g kg−1 plant-derived crude glycerin. The feed digestibility methodologies of total feces and urine collection and chromium oxide marker were analyzed. Inclusion of up to 150 g kg−1 crude glycerin improved the digestibility coefficients of organic matter and energy of the diets. The collection method based on the use of chromium oxide marker underestimates the digestibility coefficient of ash and the energy values of glycerin in relation to the total collection method, but yields similar results to those obtained with the total collection method for the dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and neutral detergent fiber assessed.

RESUMO Objetivou-se conduzir estudo colaborativo para avaliação do teor de matéria mineral em alimentos em sete laboratórios de análise de alimentos de instituições integrantes do Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Ciência Animal (INCT-CA). Avaliaram-se seis alimentos: feno de capim-braquiária, cana-deaçúcar, silagem de milho grão, farelo de soja, milho e polpa cítrica. Solicitou-se a cada laboratório que as amostras fossem analisadas por seis dias, consecutivos ou não, sendo realizadas três repetições por amostra por dia de avaliação. Foi observado variação entre laboratórios, dias de análise e efeito de interação de material e laboratório. A variação dos resultados entre laboratórios correspondeu de 33,5 a 78,2% da variação aleatória total. Verificou-se que a repetibilidade representou de 8,5 a 51,6% da reprodutibilidade. Observou-se razões de Horwitz superiores a dois para três dos materiais avaliados. Foi constatado que 42,9% das avaliações apresentaram variações das estimativas em função do dia no qual a análise foi realizada. Também foram verificadas diferenças entre procedimentos de avaliação de matéria mineral em função dos diferentes laboratórios. Os teores de matéria mineral estimados pelos laboratórios participantes deste estudo apresentam baixa reprodutibilidade, o que é agravado pela presença de efeito de interação do material avaliado e do laboratório.

SUMMARY The objective was to conduct a collaborative study to evaluate the mineral matter contents in feeds in seven feed analysis laboratories from institutions linked to the National Institute of Science and Technology in Animal Science (INCT-CA). Six feeds were evaluated: signal grass hey, sugarcane, corn silage, soybean meal, corn grain and citrus pulp. It was asked to each laboratory that the samples were analyzed for six days, consecutive or not, with three replicates per sample per day of evaluation. Variations were observed among laboratories, days of analysis and interaction effect of material and laboratory. The variation of results among laboratories accounted from 33.5 to 78.2% of the total random variation. It was verified that the repeatability represented 8.5 to 51.6% of reproducibility. It was noticed Horwitz ratios greater than 2 for three materials tested. It was found that 42.9% of the assessments show variations of the estimates as a function of days in which analysis was performed. Differences were also observed between procedures to assess mineral matter according to the different laboratories. The mineral matter contents estimate by each laboratory in this study have low reproducibility, which is aggravated by the interaction effect of material and laboratory.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os parâmetros da cinética de degradação ruminal dos concentrados protéicos, farelo de soja(FS) e torta de algodão(TA). Para estimativa dos parâmetros da cinética de degradação in situ da matéria seca (MS) e proteína bruta (PB) dos concentrados, foi realizado o ajuste de 5 diferentes modelos matemáticos não-lineares: Exponencial, Van Milgen, Logístico, Gompertz e Richards. Para avaliação in situ dos alimentos, foram utilizados dois bovinos adultoscanuladosno rúmen. As amostras foram incubadas nos tempos 0; 2; 4; 6; 12; 16; 24; 36; 48 e 72 horas, nos resíduos de incubação foram determinados os teores de MS e PB, e sua degradabilidade potencial e efetiva. Os valores de degradabilidade efetiva da MS do FS foram de 86,35; 74,23 e 65,50%,e da TA de 53,44; 41,70 e 35,21% nas taxas de passagem de 0,02; 0,05 e 0,08.h-1, respectivamente. O FS e a TA apresentaram valores para a fração A da PB de 18,15 e 34,77% e para a fração B, 79,76 e 55,10%, respectivamente. De acordo com a ponderação de Akaike (Wi) o modelo de Richards apresenta; 95,45 e 49,64% de chance de ser o modelo mais adequado, para caracterizar a cinética de degradação in situ da MS do, FS e da TA, respectivamente. Contudo, o modelo de Gompertz apresenta 63,86 e 66,49 % de chance de ser o modelo mais adequado para caracterizar a degradação da PB do FS e TA.

SUMMARY This studied aimed to evaluate the parameters of ruminal degradation kinetics of protein concentrates, soybean meal (SM) and cotton cake (CC).To estimate the in situ degradation parameters of DM and CP from coproducts were fitted 5different non-linear mathematical models: Exponencial, Van Milgen, Logístico, Gompertz and Richards. For in situ evaluation were used two cattle cannulated in the rumen. The samples were incubate dat 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours and in the incubation residues were determined DM and CP and their degradability. The DM degradability of SM were 86.35, 74.23, 65.50% and to CC were 53.44, 41.70 and 35.21% in passage rates of 0.02; 0.05 and 0.08.h-1, respectively. The SM and CC showed values for the CP soluble fraction of the 18.15, 34.77% and 79.76, 55.10% to insoluble potentially degradable fraction, respectively. According to the Akaike weights (Wi) the model of Richards has 95.45 and 49.64% of chance to be the most suitable model to characterize the in situ DM degradation of SM and CC. However, the Gompertz model has 63.86 and 66.49% chance to be the most suitable model to characterize the CP in situ degradation of SM and CC.

ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar o consumo de matéria seca, o ganho de peso total e a eficiência bioeconômica de bovinos de corte terminados em confinamento com diferentes pesos corporais ao início do confinamento nos períodos de seca e de chuvas. Registros de CMS, ganho de peso total (GPT), conversão alimentar (CA), eficiência alimentar (EA), tamanho de lote e tempo de permanência (TP) no confinamento de 13.686 bovinos de corte machos com predominância de sangue nelore terminados no ano de 2009, foram utilizados para discriminar possíveis diferenças quanto ao peso de entrada (até 350kg ou acima de 350kg) e da época do ano (seca ou águas). Observou-se ausência de efeitos da época do ano (chuvas x seca) para o CMS e o GPT dos animais independente da classe de peso que apresentaram diferenças, com os animais mais leves apresentando menores CMS e maiores GPT e, consequentemente, maior eficiência que os animais mais pesados ao início do confinamento. O valor de compra por cabeça interfere altamente sobre valor por cabeça na saída do confinamento que é dependente do consumo de matéria seca e do ganho de peso total para maximização da receita.

AbstractIt was aimed to evaluate the dry matter intake (DMI), total weight gain (TWG) and the bioeconomic efficiency of feedlot beef cattle with different body weights in dry and rainy season. Records of DMI, TWG, feed conversion (FC), feed efficiency (EA), lot size and feedlot length of stay (LS) of 13,686 beef cattle males with predominance of Nelore blood finished the year 2009, were used to discriminate possible differences in input weight (up to 350kg or above 350kg) and the season (dry or water). There was no effect on the season (rainy x dry) to DMI and TWG of independent animals, regardless of weight class that showed differences, with the lighter animals presented lower DMI and higher TWG and therefore higher efficiency than animals with higher higher starting weights of feedlot. The purchase price per head affects highly on value per head for the exit of feedlot which is dependent on dry matter intake and total weight gain for maximizing revenue.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho pela glicerina bruta (GB) sobre os parâmetros nutricionais e o desempenho de bovinos de corte em pastagem de Urochloa brizantha 'Marandu', no período seco. Para a avaliação dos parâmetros ruminais, foram utilizados cinco bovinos da raça Nelore não fistulados, com peso corporal (PC) inicial de 331,7±29,6 kg, distribuídos em delineamento em quadrado latino 5x5. Para a avaliação do desempenho, foram utilizados 30 bovinos, com PC médio de 312,4±23,3 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Avaliaram-se suplementos concentrados (20% de proteína bruta) com 0, 33, 66 e 100% de GB em substituição ao milho, fornecidos na quantidade de 4,0 kg por animal por dia. Os consumos de matéria seca (MS) de suplemento, total e de pasto, bem como o de matéria orgânica (MO) digestível, apresentaram comportamento quadrático frente aos níveis de substituição. As digestibilidades aparentes de MS, MO, fibra em detergente neutro e MO digerida, bem como o ganho médio diário, também apresentaram comportamento quadrático. Em suplementos concentrados fornecidos na quantidade de 10 g kg-1 de peso corporal, a substituição total do milho pela glicerina bruta reduz o consumo de suplemento e de matéria orgânica digerida, além do desempenho de bovinos de corte em pastejo.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of corn by crude glycerin (CG) on the nutritional parameters and performance of beef cattle grazing Urochloa brizantha 'Marandu' during the dry season. To evaluate ruminal parameters, five non-fistulated Nelore steers were used, with average initial body weight (BW) of 331.7±29.6 kg, allotted to a 5x5 Latin square. To evaluate performance, 30 steers were used, with average BW of 312.4±23.3 kg, allotted to a completely randomized design. Concentrated supplements (20% crude protein) with 0, 33, 66, and 100% CG replacing corn were evaluated and provided in the amount of 4.0 kg per animal per day. Intake of supplement, total, and pasture dry matter (DM), as well as of digestible organic matter (OM), presented quadratic behavior to the replacement levels. The apparent digestibility of DM, OM, neutral detergent fiber, and digestible OM, as well as average daily gain, also showed quadratic behavior. In concentrated supplements provided in the amount of 10 g kg-1 body weight, the total replacement of corn by crude glycerin reduces supplement and digestible organic matter intake, besides the performance of grazing beef cattle.

Embora a produção de bovinos alimentados com suplementos concentrados seja crescente, sua aplicação em associação à sistemas de integração lavoura e pecuária ainda carece de mais estudos. Este trabalho teve o objetivo avaliar o desempenho produtivo de bovinos em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, consumindo quatro diferentes suplementos, SM - mistura mineral, SE - suplemento energético, SEP - suplemento energético-protéico e SPE - suplemento protéico-energético. Foram utilizados 100 novilhos não castrados, sendo 57 mestiços (Holandês x Nelore) e 43 da raça Nelore, com idade média de 15 meses e peso corporal médio de 281 ± 31kg. A área experimental constituiu-se de quatro piquetes formados com B. brizantha cv. Marandu. O experimento foi estruturado segundo o esquema fatorial (2x4) distribuído em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, onde foram avaliados dois grupos genéticos e quatro diferentes formulações de suplementos. A quantidade ofertada foi de 0,5 kg/animal/dia para SE, SEP e SPE, salvo o SM ofertado ad libitum. Houve diferença de grupo genético sobre a produção dos animais, sendo que os novilhos mestiços apresentaram melhor desempenho. A média de ganho de peso diário, ganho de peso total e peso corporal final, foram maiores nos animais que consumiram SE em relação ao SM e SPE. O SE, possibilita desempenho animal superior à SM e a SPE para bovinos em pastejo em sistema de integração lavoura e pecuária no período das águas. A recria de novilhos mestiços (Holandês x Nelore) no sistema integração lavoura e pecuária durante período das águas apresenta melhor desempenho comparado a recria novilhos Nelore.

Although the production of cattle fed concentrate supplement is growing, its application in association with integrated crop and livestock still needs further studies. This work was objective to evaluate the performance development of cattle grazing Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, consuming four different supplements, MM - mix mineral, SE - energy supplement, SEP - protein and energy supplement and SPE - energy protein and supplement. A total of 100 steers uncastrated, 57 crossbred (Holstein x Nelore) and 43 Nelore, with 15 months of average age and 280 ± 31 kg of body weight. The experiment consisted of four paddocks formed by B. brizantha cv. Marandu. The work was designed as factorial arrangement (2x4) in a completely randomized design, were evaluated two genetic groups and four different formulations of supplements. The quantity of supplements offer of 0.5 kg/animal/day for the SE, SEP and SPE, except the MM offered ad libitum. There was significant effect of genetic group on productive performance of animals, crossbred steers and that had better performance. The average daily and total gain weight, were higher in animals that consumed SE in relation to SM and SPE. The SE, allows animal performance superior to MS and SPE for grazing cattle in integrated crop and livestock during the rainy season. The rearing of crossbred steers (Holstein x Nelore) in integrated crop and livestock during the rainy presents better performance compared to recreate Nelore.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo e econômico de animais consumindo quatro suplementos diferenciados pelos níveis crescentes de grão de milheto em substituição ao grão de milho, assim como analisar as características nutricionais do pasto de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu em sistema de integração lavoura e pecuária. Foram utilizados 64 novilhos, não castrados, sendo 32 mestiços (Holandês x Nelore) e 32 da raça Nelore, com média de idade de 20 meses e o peso corporal médio inicial de 388 ± 26kg. A área experimental constituiu-se de quatro piquetes de 4,68ha, formados com B. brizantha cv. Marandu. A massa de forragem total e a massa de forragem potencialmente digestível foram de 5,24t/ha e 3,39t/ha, respectivamente. O experimento foi estruturado segundo um esquema fatorial (2x4) distribuído em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, onde foram avaliados dois grupos genéticos e quatro diferentes níveis de grão de milheto em substituição ao grão de milho na formulação dos suplementos (0%; 33%; 66% e 100%). A quantidade ofertada de suplemento foi de 4,0kg/animal/dia. Houve efeito de grupo genético sobre o ganho produtivo dos animais, sendo que novilhos Nelore apresentaram melhor desempenho. O ganho de peso médio diário, ganho de peso total e peso corporal final, reduziram linearmente com a substituição do alimento energético grão de milho por grão de milheto nos suplementos. A inclusão de 33% de grão de milheto em suplementos concentrados promove redução nos dias necessários para a obtenção de animais de peso corporal de 450kg.

The objective was to evaluate the performance and economic development of animals receiving four supplements differentiated by the levels of grain of millet as replacement for corn grain, as well as assess nutritional characteristics of pasture of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in integrated crop and livestock. Used 64 steers, uncastrated, 32 crossbred (Holstein x Nelore) and 32 Nelore, with 20 months average age and 388 ± 26kg initial body weight. The experiment consisted of four paddocks of 4.68 ha, formed by B. brizantha cv. Marandu. The availability of dry matter and potentially digestible dry matter was 5.24t/ha and 3.39t/ha, respectively. The work was designed as a factorial arrangement (2x4) in a completely randomized design to evaluate two genetic groups and four different levels of grain instead of millet to maize grain in the formulation of supplements (0%; 33%; 66% e 100%). The quantity supplied of 4.0kg/animal/day. A significant effect of genetic group on productive performance of animals, and that Nelore steers have better performance. The average daily weight gain, total weight gain and final body weight decreased linearly with the inclusion of millet in supplements. The replacement of 33% of the corn grain millet concentrated supplements promotes reduction in the days required to obtain animal body weight of 450kg.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in situ and in vitro degradation kinetics and to predict the digestible neutral detergent fiber (dNDF) from the incubation times; in situ and in vitro degradation kinetic parameters; and equations fitted for agricultural and agro-industrial byproducts. Byproducts from pineapple, cocoa, palm kernel, corn gluten meal, common bean, sunflower, guava, cassava bark, cassava stems, cassava foliage, papaya, mango, passion fruit and turnips were evaluated. There were differences between the byproducts as for the potentially neutral detergent fiber (NDF) fraction and the in situ NDF degradation rate in the final volume of the gases generated by fibrous carbohydrates (FC), for the lag time and for the in vitro fractional degradation rate of the FC. There was equivalence between the dNDF values predicted in situ and those observed in vivo; however, there was low precision of estimates. The degradability in the in vitro incubation times of 30 and 48 hours presented equivalence with the values observed, but also did not present precision in the estimates. The equations fitted without lignin were not precise and accurate to estimate the dNDF of agricultural and agro-industrial byproducts. The equation with lignin and with the digestion rate obtained by the in vitro method presented more precise estimates. Byproducts from common bean, cassava bark and papaya presented greater NDF availability, whereas those of guava had the lowest NDF availability. The digestible NDF fraction was best predicted with the in situ incubation time of 72 hours. The equation fitted utilizing in vitro or in situ digestion rates enables the prediction of the NDF availability of agricultural and agroindustrial byproducts.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of the ensilage of Jatropha curcas L. expeller cake to reduce the phorbol esters and its effect on fermentative losses, by adding soluble carbohydrates or microbial inoculants. The design was completely randomized with four replications in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, with three sources of soluble carbohydrates (SC, control, 50 g sucrose/kg or 50 g crude glycerin/kg as fed) and two doses of microbial inoculants (MI, 0 or 5 × 10(5) ufc Lactobacillus plantarum + 3.33 × 10(5) ufc Propionibacterium per g as fed). Twenty-four mini-silos (982 cm³) of polyvinyl chloride were created and opened after 60 days of fermentation at room temperature. The pre-hydrated Jatropha curcas L. cake (282 g of water/kg) contained 0.424 mg of phorbol esters/g of dry matter. Ensiling reduced the phorbol esters in 47.4%, on average, regardless of the SC or MI. There was no interaction effect between SC and MI on effluent, gases or total dry matter losses. However, both losses were increased when SC were added, and it was higher with glycerin that than sucrose. The addition of MI reduced all fermentation losses. The process of ensiling, although partially to reduce the phorbol esters of pre-hydrated Jatropha curcas L. cake, is not indicated as a biodestoxification procedure.

The objective of this study was to evaluate low and high Brix diets, treated or not with 5 g of calcium oxide per kg of natural matter, and corn silage on intake, digestibility and performance of beef cattle. Forty cattle with initial body weight (BW) of 350 kg were used: five composed the control group, 30 were distributed into random blocks (control) and the other five were distributed in a 5 × 5 incomplete Latin square, with the objective of determining digestibility. The 30 animals evaluated for performance were slaughtered and empty body weight (EPW), carcass dressing and meat cuts were determined. The diet with corn silage (CS) presented the best intake of the other ingredients and the best weight gain, except for neutral detergent fiber intake in g/kg of BW. Only carcass dressing, in relation to BW and EBW, was not affected by the treatments, and the others were greater for animals fed diets with sugar cane silage. Animals fed diets with high brix sugar cane silage and treated high brix sugar cane silage presented lower intake of indigestible neutral detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (g/kg of BW) in relation to diets with low and high brix sugar cane silage, respectively. Animals fed diets with corn silage presented higher digestibility, except for crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates. Animals subjected to diets with corn silage presented low excretion of nitrogen compounds and higher microbial crude protein synthesis. Animals fed sugar cane silage present greater intake, performance and digestibility. The use of lime during 15 or 20º Brix sugar cane ensilage does not alter intake, digestibility or performance of beef cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sugar cane ensilage with different Brix degrees, with or without the addition of 0.5% of calcium oxide (lime) on the chemical composition and fermentation losses of silages. A complete random design in a 9 × 2 factorial arrangement was used. Experimental silos were used, ensilage was done every 15 days with Brix measuring, and they were opened after 30 days of fermentation. As the Brix degree of the ensiled material increased, the contents of dry matter (DM) increased and contents of ash, crude protein (CP) and fibers (neutral and acid detergent fiber corrected for proteins - NDFap and ADFap) reduced. After fermentation, DM content of the silage presented a linear increase with the Brix degree content concentration, positively correlating with content of lime, but the contents of ash, CP, EE and NDFap were linearly reduced with the Brix increase. Content of ADFap suffered linear reduction for the treated silage whereas quadratic behavior was found in the untreated silage. Production of ethanol was presented in a quadratic manner for the silages without lime, and cubically in silages with lime, according to the Brix degree. The treated or untreated silages presented an average pH of 3.98 and 3.50, respectively. Contents of acetic acid and butyric acid were not affected by the lime content and Brix degree. Untreated silages presented reduction of contents of propionic acid as the Brix degree increased. The higher the Brix degree value, the higher the total losses of dry matter in the sugar cane silages with or without treatment. The treatment of the sugar cane with 0.5% calcium oxide on the natural matter basis is effective in reducing the undesired fermentation of the ensilage material.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos das características químicas e da digestibilidade in vivo da FDN (DFDN) sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade e o desempenho de vacas leiteiras em confinamento utilizando-se meta-análise a partir de 285 observações de seis experimentos. Utilizaram-se dados de animais alimentados com dietas à base de silagem de milho (n = 213) ou cana-de-açúcar (n = 72). Apesar do menor teor de FDN da cana-de-açúcar (45,27% da MS) em relação à silagem de milho (54,48%), observaram-se menores consumos de MS e FDN, que refletiram em menor produção de leite. Verificou-se maior redução no comsumo de matéria seca (kg/dia) com aumento do teor de FDNf (FDN de forragem, % da MS) em dietas com canade-açúcar (332,4 g de MS para cada 1% no teor de FDNf) em relação à silagem de milho (96 g de MS para cada 1% no teor de FDNf). O maior efeito de repleção ruminal da FDN da cana-de-açúcar deve-se à fração indigestível, majoritária, apesar da maior taxa de degradação da fração potencialmente degradável da FDN em relação à silagem de milho. A produção de leite não-corrigida (PL) e corrigida para 4% de gordura (PLC) e o teor de proteína do leite reduziram linearmente com o aumento no teor de FDNf, independentemente da fonte de forragem. Porém, a PL e PLC não foram afetadas pelo nível de FDNnf (FDN de não-forragem). Os consumos de MS, FDN e NDT e o teor de gordura no leite reduziram linearmente com aumento na relação lignina:FDN, com maior amplitude em dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar em relação à silagem de milho. O consumo de MS, a produção de leite e a produção de leite corrigida reduziram linearmente e na mesma magnitude entre as fontes de forragens, com o aumento na DFDN da dieta. O efeito do teor FDN e lignina sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade e o desempenho animal depende da fonte utilizada.

It was evaluated the effects of the chemical characteristics and in vivo NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) on intake, digestibility and performance of dairy cows in fedlot by using a meta-analysis procedure from 285 observations of six experiments. It was used data of animals fed diets based on corn silage (n = 213) or sugarcane (n = 72). Despite the lower NDF content of sugarcane (45.27% of DM) compared to corn silage (54.48%), it was noted lower intakes of dry matter (DMI) and NDF, which responded with a lower milk yield. It was observed a greater reduction in DMI (kg/day) with the increase of NDFf (NDF forage, % DM) in sugarcane diets (332.4 g of DM for each 1% of NDFf) in relation to corn silage (96 g of DM for each 1% of NDFf). The greatest effect of ruminal repletion of sugar cane NDF is caused by the indigestible fraction, majoritary, despite the highest degradation rate of NDF potentially degradable fraction in relation to corn silage. Milk production not corrected (MP) and MP corrected to 4% fat (MPC) and the content of milk protein decreased linearly with the increase of NDFf content, regardless of the forage source. However, MP and MPC were not affected by NDFnf (non-forage NDF) level. Intakes of DM, NDF, TDN and milk fat content decreased linearly with increase in the lignin:NDF ratio, with greater amplitude in sugarcane based diets in relation to silage corn. Dry matter intake, MP and MPC reduced linearly and at the same magnitude among forage sources, with the increase in NDFD of the diet. The effect of NDF and lignin on intake, digestibility and animal performance depend upon the source used.

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da quantidade de suplemento sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade, o ganho de peso e a eficiência de síntese microbiana em bovinos de corte. No experimento 1 foram utilizados quatro novilhos Holandês-Zebu, não-castrados, com peso médio de 250 kg, fistulados no esôfago, rúmen e abomaso. O suplemento foi composto por farelo de algodão, grão de milho triturado, mistura mineral e ureia/sulfato de amônio. As dietas foram: controle (sal) e suplementos oferecidos nos níveis de 0,33; 0,66 e 1% do peso corporal (%PC). Os consumos máximos de matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) foram estimados em 1,09; 0,73 e 1,20% do PC. Aumento linear foi observado para os consumos de matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE) e carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF). As digestibilidades totais de MS, MO, PB, EE e FDN aumentaram linearmente com o consumo de suplemento, o que não ocorreu com a eficiência microbiana, que não foi influenciada. No experimento 2 foram utilizados 19 animais, zebuínos, não-castrados com idade e pesos médios iniciais de 18 meses e 320 kg. As dietas foram: mantença, controle e ofertas diárias de 1, 2 e 3 kg do suplemento. Aumento linear foi observado para os consumos de MS, MO, PB, EE, FDN e CNF com o aumento das quantidades de suplemento. Consumos máximos de NDT, teor de NDT da dieta e ganho médio diário (GMD) foram estimados quando 2,88; 2,62 e 2,69 kg de suplemento foram ofertados. A quantidade de suplemento teve efeito quadrático sobre a digestibilidade de todos os nutrientes, mas não afetou a eficiência microbiana. A digestão total máxima de FDN é observada para um consumo aproximado de 1,5 kg de suplemento/dia, o que resulta em resposta ótima do ganho médio diário com taxa de ingestão de 400 g de PB.

Two experiments were conducted aiming to evaluate the effect of amounts of supplement on the intake, digestibility, body weight gain and microbial synthesis efficiency in beef cattle. Four Holstein-Zebu steers fistulated in the esophagus, rumen and abomasum with an average of 250 kg of body weight were used in experiment 1. The supplement was made up cottonseed meal, ground corn grain, mineral mixture and urea/ammonium sulfate. The diets were: control (salt) and supplements levels of 0.33, 0.66 and 1.00% of body weight (BW). Maximum intake of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were estimated at 1.09, 0.73 and 1.20% of BW, respectively. It was observed a linear intake increase to organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) intake as supplement offer increased. The total digestibility from DM, OM, CP, EE and NDF increased linearly with the intake of supplement but no affected on microbial efficiency. Nineteen Zebu steers aging 18 months and mean body weight of 320 kg were used in experiment 2. The diets were: maintenance, control (salt), and the daily supplement offer of 1, 2 and 3 kg. It was observed linear increase in DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF and NFC intake as supplement offer increased. Maximum intake of TDN, diet TDN content and average daily gain (ADG) were estimated to occur as 2.88, 2.62 and 2.69 kg of supplement offer, respectively. A quadratic effect was observed for total digestibility in all diet components. The microbial efficiency was not influenced by diet supplementation. The neutral detergent fiber digestibility is highest for a intake of approximately 1.5 kg of the supplement/day, which results in the best response to the ADG obtained with the intake of 400 g of CP.