Intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior of sheep fed with thornless Mandacaru, cactus pear genotypes Orelha de Elefante Mexicana and Miúda

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior of sheep fed with different species of forage cacti. Fifteen sheep (17.27kg ± 1 kg) were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments and five replicates. The treatments were diets on a dry matter basis composed of 430.9 g kg-1 of thornless Mandacaru cactus (Cereus hildmannianus), 525.7 g kg-1 of cactus pear cv. Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia stricta) and 492.1 g kg-1 of cactus pear cv. Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera) in addition to Sabiá hay (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia) (194.7 to 233.8 g kg-1), plus concentrate feed. The intake of the dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, total digestible nutrients and voluntary water intake in g day-1 was not differ (p > 0.05) by experimental diets. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in digestibility coefficients of the dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients between the experimental diets. The feeding times differed (p 0.05). The cactus Cereus and Opuntia and Nopalea have similar nutritional value in sheep’s diet

Sulfur sources in protein supplements for ruminants

The present study evaluates the efficiency of different sulfur sources for ruminant nutrition. The fiber digestibility and the amino acid profile were analyzed in the duodenal digesta of crossbred steers fed Brachiaria dictyoneurahay. The sources utilized were elemental sulfur (ES70S), elemental sulfur (ES98S); calcium sulfate in hydrated (HCS), CaSO4.2H2O, and anhydrous (ACS), CaSO4, forms; and ammonium sulfate (AS), (NH4)2SO4, keeping a nitrogen:sulfur ratio of 11:1. The iso-protein supplements had 50% of protein in the total dry matter (DM). Five Holstein × Zebu steers, which were fistulated in the rumen and abomasum, were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. The different sulfur sources in the supplement did not affect any of the evaluated nutritional factors, such as intake of hay dry matter and protein supplement, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), organic matter (OM), non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC), ether extract (EE), total digestible nutrients (TDN), NDFap and CP digestibility coefficients, ruminal pH, and ruminal ammonia concentration. The concentrations of amino acids available in the abomasal digesta did not differ significantly in the tested diets. The sulfur sources evaluated in the present study are suitable as supplement for cattle, and their employment may be important to avoid environmental contaminations

Impact of supplementation with different protein sources on the parasitological profile of ovine matrices and development of lambs

The aim was to evaluate the impact of supplementation with different protein sources from agro-industrial production on the parasitological profile of ovine matrices and the development of their offspring. The protein sources used were: soybean bran, cotton pie, babassu pie, and coconut pie. A total of 60 ovine matrices were used, with confirmed pregnancy and supplemented in the final third of gestation at 0.5% of live weight in pastures of deferred Marandu grass. The evaluations occurred from the final third of gestation and in the lactation phase until weaning. The data collected in the matrices were: counting of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and identification of infective larvae (Faecal test), evaluation of the degree of anemia by the FAMACHA©  method, body weight (kg), and body condition score (BCS). In the lambs, the biometric measurements were taken from the 30 days of life until weaning. In Faecal test, the prevalence was 98% of Haemonchus spp. There was no effect of the protein sources for EPG (3476.0) and FAMACHA©. However, in the mats supplemented with coconut pie were observed the lowest body weights (36.9 kg) and lower BCS (2.7). Babassu, coconut and cotton cakes, and soybean meal used as a protein source in the supplementation of ovine matrices kept in deferred pastures of Marandu grass at the 0.5% level of live weight maintain the production indexes consistent with the physiology stage of the matrices even with a high endo-parasitic load

Rations with different sources of fat for lactating dairy cows

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da suplementação da dieta com fontes lipídicas apresentadas de diferentes formas (livre ou parcialmente protegida) sobre o desempenho produtivo, consumo e dinâmica de nutrientes, perfil de ácidos graxos e conteúdo de ácido linoléico conjugado (CLA) no leite, parâmetros sanguíneos e estimativos de síntese microbiana. Foram utilizadas 10 vacas da raça Holandesa, distribuídas em dois quadrados latinos 5 x 5 balanceados. As dietas experimentais foram constituídas de controle sem fonte adicional de lipídeo, dieta com adição de sabão de cálcio, dieta contendo óleo de soja, dieta contendo grão de soja crua moída e dieta contendo grão de soja crua moída tratada com formaldeído. O consumo de matéria seca (CMS) e o de matéria orgânica (CMO) foi menor nas dietas suplementadas com fontes lipídicas em relação controle, independente da forma de proteção da gordura, enquanto que maiores consumos de extrato etéreo (CEE) foram observados nas dietas com fontes adicionais de lipídeos. Menor consumo de fibra em detergente neutro (CFDN) foi observado na dieta contendo sabão de cálcio. A dieta com óleo de soja apresentou os menores valores de digestibilidade aparente para matéria seca (DAMS), matéria orgânica (DAMO), carboidratos totais (DACT) e fibra em detergente neutro (DAFDN). A digestibilidade aparente da proteína foi menor na dieta com grão de soja tratado com formaldeído. A produção de leite não foi influenciada pela adição ou forma de apresentação de lipídeos em nenhuma das dietas, porém maior depressão de gordura do leite foi observado quando sabão de cálcio foi adicionada à dieta, enquanto que o menor valor de proteína do leite foi observado na dieta contendo soja grão tratada com formaldeído. Menores taxas de passagem de partículas do volumoso e do farelo de soja foram observadas quando foi utilizado óleo de soja na dieta. A degradabilidade da FDN foi menor após o tratamento do grão de soja com formaldeído. As fontes lipídicas (livres ou parcialmente protegidas) foram efetivas em promover a redução de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta e média e dos ácidos graxos saturados e aumentar os ácidos graxos de cadeia longa e insaturados no leite. Os valores de CLA foram semelhantes entre as dietas com fontes de gordura, independente da fonte e maiores de que a dieta controle. Os valores de balanço de nitrogênio foram positivos, porém os menores valores foram da dieta com grão de soja, seguido de óleo de soja. Maiores excreções de nitrogênio (N) nas fezes e maior retenção de N expressa pela menor excreção de N na urina e leite foi observado na dieta com grão de soja tratada com formaldeído. As concentrações de uréia no soro e no leite foram menores quando foi utilizado grão de soja tratado com formaldeído na dieta, indicando a influência da complexação no metabolismo da proteína no rúmen e pós-rúmen. Maior excreção de alantoína e estimativa de nitrogênio microbiano foi observado na dieta controle, entretanto a eficiência de síntese microbiana foi semelhante entre as dietas com exceção do dieta envolvendo sabão de cálcio que resultou em menor eficiência de síntese microbiana. Não houve diferença entre as dietas com relação aos níveis de glicose, estimativa de lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade e lipoproteína de alta densidade e de triacilglicerídeos no sangue. Os níveis de colesterol total e os níveis estimados de lipoproteína de baixa densidade foram maiores nas dietas com suplementos lipídicos em relação ao controle. Gordura suplementada livre ou parcialmente protegida de diferentes formas, no nível utilizado no presente experimento, para vacas no meio da lactação são efetivas em promover mudanças no perfil de ácidos graxos do leite, sem afetar a produção de leite, porém os componentes do leite, em especial a gordura são afetados.The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the dietary supplementation with lipid sources in different forms of offering (free or partially protected) on the productive performance, intake and dynamics of nutrients, fatty acids profile and content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk, blood parameters and estimation of microbial synthesis. Ten Holstein cows were distributed in two 5 x 5 Balanced Latin Squares. The experimental diets were composed of control, without additional fat source, and diets with addition of calcium salts, soybean oil, ground whole soybean seed, ground whole soybean seed treated with formaldehyde. Intakes of dry matter (DMI) and organic matter (OMI) was lower in the diets supplemented with lipid sources as related to control, regardless of offering forms, while higher ether extract intake (EEI) were observed in the diets with additional lipids sources. Lower neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) was observed in diet with calcium salts. Diet with soybean oil produced the lowest values of apparent digestibilities for dry matter (ADDM), organic matter (ADOM), total carbohydrates (ADTC) and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (DNDF). Apparent digestibility of protein was lower in diet with ground whole soybean seed treated with formaldehyde. Milk production was not influenced by addition or offering forms of lipids in any of the diets, but higher depression of milk fat was observed when calcium salts was added to diet, while the lowest amount of milk protein was observed in diet containing ground whole soybean seed treated with formaldehyde Lower passage rates of particles of forage and soybean meal were observed when soybean oil was used in the diet. The degradability of the NDF was lower in the diet with ground whole soybean treated with formaldehyde. Lipids sources (free or partially protected) were effective in promoting reduction of short- and medium chain fatty acid and saturated fatty acids and increase the long chain fatty acids and unsaturated in milk. Values of CLA were similar among diets with lipid sources; regardless of the source and higher then control diet. Values of nitrogen balance were positive, however lowest values were for diet with grain, soybean, followed by soybean oil. Higher nitrogen(N) excretions in feces and greater N retention expressed by the lower excretion N in urine and milk was observed in diet with ground whole soybean seed treated with formaldehyde. The concentration of urea in serum and milk were lower hen ground whole soybean seed treated with formaldehyde was used in the diet, indicating the influence of complexation in the metabolism of protein in the rumen and post-rumen. Higher allantoin excretion and microbial nitrogen estimation was observed in the control diet, however the efficiency of microbial synthesis was similar among diets, except for diets with calcium salts diet that resulted in lower efficiency of microbial synthesis. There was no difference among diets with respect to levels of glucose, very low density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein and triacilglicerides estimates in blood. Total cholesterol levels and estimated levels of low- density lipoprotein were higher in the diet with lipids sources as related to control diet. Supplementation of lipids, free or partially protected, in different forms, in the level used in this experiment, for cows in the middle of lactation, are effective in promoting changes in the fatty acids profile from milk, without affecting the production of milk, however milk components, particularly milk fat are affected.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológic

Sugar cane and concentrate in different proportions for Lactating Dairy Cows

O presente trabalho foi realizado na Unidade de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão em Gado de Leite do Departamento de Zootecnia, na Universidade Federal de Viçosa com o objetivo de avaliar a resposta de vacas lactantes alimentadas com cana-de-açúcar em diferentes proporções ou silagem de milho com relação ao consumo e a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, produção e composição do leite, variação do peso, comportamento ingestivo, pH e N-NH 3 ruminal, produção de proteína microbiana e balanço de compostos nitrogenados. Foram utilizadas doze vacas da raça Holandesa, distribuídas em três quadrados latinos 4 X 4, balanceados. O experimento foi constituído por quatro períodos com duração de 17 dias cada, sendo dez dias de adaptação dos animais às dietas e sete para coleta de dados dos parâmetros avaliados. As dietas experimentais foram compostas de silagem de milho como volumoso na proporção de 60% ou à base de cana-de-açúcar corrigida com 1 % da mistura uréia+sulfato de amônio (9:1), nas proporções de 60, 50 e 40%. Os animais foram manejados em baias individuais, onde receberam alimentação ad libitum duas vezes ao dia. Não houve diferenças entre as dietas à base de 60 % de silagem de milho ou 40% de cana-de-açúcar para produção de leite, consumo de matéria seca e de quase todos os nutrientes (exceto para fibra em detergente neutro (FDN)), digestibilidade aparente da maioria dos nutrientes, variação de peso, comportamento ingestivo, pH ruminal, produção de proteína microbiana, eficiência microbiana. Entre as dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar, a dieta com 60% foi a que apresentou o pior desempenho em relação a produção de leite, consumo de matéria seca e de nutrientes e variação de peso, seguido da dieta com 50% de cana-de- açúcar, apresentando resultados intermediários, e a dieta com 40% foi a que proporcionou melhores resultados para estes parâmetros. A dieta com 50% de cana-de-açúcar apresentou resultados semelhantes para consumo de FDN, tempos de alimentação e ruminação, pH ruminal, produção e eficiência microbiana em comparação à dieta na proporção de 40%, porém inferiores para balanço de compostos nitrogenados. As dietas com 60 e 50% de cana-de-açúcar apresentaram valores semelhantes para digestibilidades aparentes da FDN e carboidratos não-fibrosos, tempo e eficiências de alimentação e ruminação da matéria seca e FDN, pH e N-NH 3 ruminal, produção e eficiência microbiana e balanço de compostos nitrogenados. Quanto à economicidade, a dieta à base de silagem de milho apresentou maiores valores de saldo por litro, por vaca e menor valor por hectare em comparação às dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar. Dentre estas, a dieta com 50% de cana-de-açúcar foi a que apresentou maior saldo por litro, por vaca e por hectare.This work was carried out at the Dairy Cattle Teaching, Extension and Research Unit of the Department of Animal Science of the Universidade Federal de Vicosa in order to evaluate the response of lactating dairy cows fed different proportions of sugarcane or corn silage in relation to nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, milk composition and production, weight variation, intake behavior, ruminal pH and N-NH 3 , microbial protein production, and nitrogen balance. Twelve Holstein cows were distributed into three 4x4 Latin squares. The experiment consisted of four 17 -d periods, with 10 days for adaptation of the animals to the diets and seven days for data collection of the parameters evaluated. The experimental diets consisted of corn silage as forage in the proportion of 60% or sugarcane-based corrected with 1% of urea +ammonium sulphate (9:1), in the proportions of 60,50, and 40%.The animals were housed in individual stalls and fed ad libitum twice a day. No differences were found between the diet based on 60% corn silage and 40% sugarcane for milk production, consumption of dry matter and almost all the nutrients (except for neutral detergent fiber-NDF), apparent digestibility of most nutrients, weight variation, consumption behavior, ruminal pH, microbial protein production, and microbial efficiency. Among the sugarcane diets, the 60% diet presented the lowest performance in relation to milk production, dry matter and ixnutrient intake and weight variation, followed by the 50% sugarcane diet, which presented intermediary results and the 40% diet, which presented the best results for these parameters. The 50% sugarcane diet presented similar results for NDF intake, feeding and rumination times, ruminal p H, microbial production and efficiency, as compared to the 40%diet, but lower results for nitrogen balance. The 60 and 50 % sugarcane diets presented similar values for NDF apparent digestibility and non- fibrous carbohydrates, dry matter and NDF rumination and feeding times and efficiencies, ruminal pH and N-NH 3 , microbial efficiency and production and nitrogen balance. With regard to economy, the corn silage based diet presented the highest balance values per liter, per cow, and lowest value per hectare as compared to the sugarcane based diets. Among these, the 50% sugarcane diet presented the highest balance per liter, per cow and per hectare.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superio