Water loss and chemical composition of cactus pear genotypes submitted to post-harvest storage periods

The objective of this study was to evaluate water loss and chemical composition of cactus pear genotypes submitted to post-harvest storage periods. The experimental design adopted was a the completely randomized, in a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement, with three cactus pear genotypes and five storage periods, and ten replications. The cactus pear genotypes [Doce, Baiana and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM)] were harvested after 2 years of cultivation under rainfed conditions, and stored in a ventilated shed (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days). The genotype Baiana showed greater water reduction in the stored cladodes when compared to the other genotypes. All cactus pear genotypes showed reduction in crude protein and carbohydrates in the storage period of 60 days. There were no losses of nutrients, dry matter and ether extract during the storage periods for the genotype Doce. There was increase in the fiber content of the cladodes of all stored genotypes. During the storage period of the cladodes of all genotypes, there was reduction in the contents of Ca, Mg and Cu. The cactus pear genotypes Doce and OEM can be stored for up to 60 days after harvest. Highlights: • Cactus is also considered a strategic forage reserve and, in this case, the frequency of cutting can vary according to the producer's needs and weather conditions.• Post-harvest storage can be an alternative to reduce costs, as well as transporting the material.• The variety Doce Baiana showed greater water loss in relation to the other varieties.The objective of this study was to evaluate water loss and chemical composition of cactus pear genotypes submitted to post-harvest storage periods. The experimental design adopted was a the completely randomized, in a 3 × 5 factorial arrangement, with three cactus pear genotypes and five storage periods, and ten replications. The cactus pear genotypes [Doce, Baiana and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM)] were harvested after 2 years of cultivation under rainfed conditions, and stored in a ventilated shed (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days). The genotype Baiana showed greater water reduction in the stored cladodes when compared to the other genotypes. All cactus pear genotypes showed reduction in crude protein and carbohydrates in the storage period of 60 days. There were no losses of nutrients, dry matter and ether extract during the storage periods for the genotype Doce. There was increase in the fiber content of the cladodes of all stored genotypes. During the storage period of the cladodes of all genotypes, there was reduction in the contents of Ca, Mg and Cu. The cactus pear genotypes Doce and OEM can be stored for up to 60 days after harvest. Highlights: • Cactus is also considered a strategic forage reserve and, in this case, the frequency of cutting can vary according to the producer's needs and weather conditions.• Post-harvest storage can be an alternative to reduce costs, as well as transporting the material.• The variety Doce Baiana showed greater water loss in relation to the other varieties

Quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage in relation to plant dry matter content

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage. Highlights: Haylage can be defined as stored pre-dried forage with a dry matter (DM) content of approximately 400 to 800 g/kg. Aerobic stability was affected by the interaction between the different plant DM contents and hours of exposure of the Tanzania grass haylage to air after opening the bales. Haylage surface temperature has a linear relationship with the length of time the materials are exposed to air. Higher plant DM yields Tanzania grass haylage of high quality. Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM for haylage production is indicated.This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage. Highlights: Haylage can be defined as stored pre-dried forage with a dry matter (DM) content of approximately 400 to 800 g/kg. Aerobic stability was affected by the interaction between the different plant DM contents and hours of exposure of the Tanzania grass haylage to air after opening the bales. Haylage surface temperature has a linear relationship with the length of time the materials are exposed to air. Higher plant DM yields Tanzania grass haylage of high quality. Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM for haylage production is indicated

CARACTERIZAÇÃO MORFOLÓGICA, FREQUÊNCIA DE COLHEITA E ENSILAGEM DE PALMA FORRAGEIRA: UMA REVISÃO

Objetivou-se obter informações atuais sobre morfologia, frequência de colheita e ensilagem de palma forrageira. O crescimento e o desenvolvimento satisfatório na palma forrageira, dependem da combinação adequada do manejo cultural, dos fatores ambientais e do potencial genético da variedade. A colheita é realizada com 1,5 a 2 anos ou mais, e dependendo do desenvolvimento da cultura de acordo as condições do solo e clima, possivelmente poderá ser feito o corte anual. Recursos de utilização de irrigação em pequenas quantidades e frequência pode aumentar a frequência de corte. Existem muitas variações nas características morfologias, e quando é priorizado acréscimo na produção de matéria seca em toneladas por hectare a cada dois anos, deve-se priorizar a seleção de clones de maior altura e largura da planta. Por apresentar cladódios ricos em carboidratos solúveis e água, antioxidantes, fibras dietéticas, vitaminas e apresentar massas viscosas na água devido a mucilagem, a palma forrageira pode ser ensilada. A frequência de colheita depende da necessidade dos produtores. A colheita influência nas características morfológicas. A palma pode ser ensilada em diferente frequência de corte, no entanto

Efeito da substituição do milho pela palma forrageira sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cordeiros terminados em confinamento

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho moído por duas espécies de palma forrageira, Orelha de Elefante Mexicana-OEM (Opuntia stricta Haw.) e espécie Gigante (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) em uma ração completa para terminação de cordeiros avaliando seus efeitos sobre consumo, comportamento ingestivo, desempenho, características de carcaça, cortes comerciais e composição físico-química da carne. Foram utilizados dezoito cordeiros sem padrão racial definido com peso corporal médio de 15,0 ± 2,32 kg e foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (OEM e palma Gigante e grão de milho como controle) e seis repetições. As duas espécies de palma forrageira em substituição ao milho moído na dieta de cordeiros não modificaram o consumo de matéria seca (CMS) proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro nem o tempo (min/dia) de ingestão, ruminação e ócio ou ganho corporal final. Cordeiros alimentados com milho moído e palma Gigante apresentaram maior ganho de peso total (GPT) e médio diário (GMD) em relação à espécie OEM. A dieta com milho moído promoveu melhor rendimento de carcaça quente e fria comparando cordeiros recebendo palma forrageira, independente da espécie. Os custos com ração e total (kg/cordeiro) foram maiores para a dieta com milho moído. A substituição do milho moído pela palma forrageira não alterou os teores de umidade, proteína e cinzas da carne, bem como a capacidade de retenção de água, perda por cozimento, força de cisalhamento e intensidade de cor a*. No entanto, houve efeito para o teor de lipídios da carne, índice de intensidade de cor b* e L*, sendo que a espécie de palma Gigante e o milho grão moído apresentou o maior teor de lipídios e intensidade de amarelo (b*) e menor cor L* em relação ao OEM. A espécie palma forrageira Gigante pode substituir o milho moído como fonte de energia em dietas para cordeiros em terminação, pois melhora significativamente o rendimento financeiro do produtor sem alterar o GMD, CMS, comportamento ingestivo e rendimento dos cortes comerciais. Palavras-chave: carcaça; coloração; força de cisalhamento; palma; ruminant

Agronomic characteristics and chemical composition among forage sorghum hybrids.

Objetivou-se determinar a caracterização agronômica, composição química da planta e silagem entre híbridos de sorgo forrageiro. Foram testados 25 híbridos de sorgo em delineamento em blocos casualizado com três repetições. Na planta foram avaliadas o número de perfilhos, altura total de planta, relações de folha/colmo e matéria viva/massa morta, produtividade de massa verde e seca, massa seca de folha, colmo, panícula, grãos e massa morta, e composição química. Na silagem foram feitas leituras dos valores de pH, nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3) e composição química. Realizou-se duas analises para crescimento, produção e composição química da planta e silagem entre os híbridos de sorgo. A primeira análise foi realizada pelo procedimento Scott-Knot a significância de P<0,05. Já na segunda foi realizada a analise multivariada em relação as características agronômicas, composição química e silagem com base nos componentes principais dos agrupamentos, gráfico de dispersão e correlação genética. Para analise multivariada as médias foram comparadas através do teste Student Newman Keuls (SNK) a significância de P<0,05. O híbrido 9929036 apresentou maior número de perfilho. Quatro híbridos apresentaram alturas médias de 234,8, 208,9, 206,6 e 202,2 respectivamente, 947252,SF11, 9929026 e 12F042150. Os híbridos 947252, EPAGRO18,12F042226,SF11 apresentaram melhores caracterizações morfológica. Já para teor de matéria seca ideal para a ensilagem, todos os híbridos apresentaram melhores resultados com exceção do FEPAGRO19 e 12F042496 que apresentaram fora do recomendado (28 a 40%). As silagens dos híbridos PROG 134 IPA, FEPAGRO 19, FEPAGRO 11, 12F042224, 9929012, 9929026 e 947216 apresentaram maiores teores de matéria seca (MS), variando de 371,0 a 417,2±18,2 g kg-1. De acordo com o método de agrupamento Ward os híbridos foram agrupados em 4 grupos, I, II, III e IV, e o grupo III se sobressaiu em relação aos outros. Recomenda-se para produção de silagem na região semiárida os híbridos de sorgo 9929030, 12F042224, 12F042150, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11.The objective was to determine the agronomic characterization, chemical composition of the plant and silage among hybrids of forage sorghum. Twenty-five sorghum hybrids were tested in a randomized block design with three replicates. The number of tillers in the plant was evaluated, total plant height, leaf/stem ratio and live matter/dead mass, green and dry mass yield, leaf dry mass, stem, panicle, grains and dead mass, and chemical composition. In the silage, pH, ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3) and chemical composition were measured. Two analyzes were performed for growth, production and chemical omposition of the plant and silage among sorghum hybrids. The first analysis was performed by the Scott-Knot procedure with significance of P <0.05. In the second, the multivariate analysis was performed in relation to the agronomic characteristics, chemical composition and silage based on the main components of the clusters, dispersion plot and genetic correlation. For multivariate analysis, the means were compared using the Student Newman Keuls (SNK) test for significance of P<0.05. The hybrid 9929036 presented higher number of tiller.Four hybrids had mean heights of 234.8, 208.9, 206.6 and 202.2 respectively, 947252, SF11, 9929026 and 12F042150. Hybrids 947252, FEPAGRO18,12F042226, SF11 presented better morphological characterization. On the other hand, for the dry matter content ideal for silage, all the hybrids presented better results, except for FEPAGRO19 and 12F042496, which presented out of the recommended range (28 to 40%). The silages of the hybrids PROG 134 IPA, FEPAGRO 19, FEPAGRO 11, 12F042224, 9929012, 9929026 and 947216 presented higher dry matter (DM) contents, ranging from 371.0 to 417.2 ± 18.2 g kg-1. According to the Ward grouping method the hybrids were grouped into 4 groups, I, II, III and IV, and group III excelled in relation to the others. The sorghum hybrids 9929030, 12F042224, 12F042150, FEPAGRO19, FEPAGRO11 are recommended for the production of silage in the semi-arid region

Fermentation profile and nutritional value of sesame silage compared to usual silages

The objective was to evaluate the fermentation parameters, chemical composition and in situ degradability of sesame silage in comparison to usual silages. The losses, fermentation quality and chemical composition of the forages and silages were evaluated using a completely randomised design with four treatments (sesame, corn, millet and sunflower) and four replicates per treatment, the silages were produced in experimental silos. In-situ degradability was evaluated using a completely randomised design with four treatments and three replicates (animals) per treatment. The results were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test with a level of 5% of probability. Three rumen fistulated non-castrated Santa Inês rams were used. Sunflower and corn silages presented higher percentages of losses through gases (p = .0256). Millet silage presented higher losses by effluent (p < .0001). The dry matter recovery (p < .0001) ranged from 70.0 to 96.5% for sesame and corn silage, respectively. The dry matter content (p = .0002) in the silages ranged from 280.0 to 429.4 g kg−1. The sesame silage presented loss amounts and fermentation parameters similar to those found in corn and sunflower silage. Sesame silage showed moderate dry matter (DM), content, excellent crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) contents, and low lignin content. Corn silage presented higher concentration of the soluble fraction of DM (p < .0001). The sesame silage presented a high degradability rate of DM and it was similar to corn and millet which have great nutritional potential for ruminants feeding. Sesame has the potential to produce quality biomass and silage for animal feeding.highlights The sesame can be an option for silage making. Sesame helps to ensure sustainability by promoting lower seasonal risks in this region through the usage of silage as feed for the animals. Sesame also increases the productivity of livestock throughout the year, through the availability of feed for the herd mainly during the dry season of the year

Caracterização morfológica, frequência de colheita e ensilagem de palma forrageira: Uma revisão

Objetivou-se obter informações atuais sobre morfologia, frequência de colheita e ensilagem de palma forrageira. O crescimento e o desenvolvimento satisfatório na palma forrageira, dependem da combinação adequada do manejo cultural, dos fatores ambientais e do potencial genético da variedade. A colheita é realizada com 1,5 a 2 anos ou mais, e dependendo do desenvolvimento da cultura de acordo as condições do solo e clima, possivelmente poderá ser feito o corte anual. Recursos de utilização de irrigação em pequenas quantidades e frequência pode aumentar a frequência de corte. Existem muitas variações nas características morfologias, e quando é priorizado acréscimo na produção de matéria seca em toneladas por hectare a cada dois anos, deve-se priorizar a seleção de clones de maior altura e largura da planta. Por apresentar cladódios ricos em carboidratos solúveis e água, antioxidantes, fibras dietéticas, vitaminas e apresentar massas viscosas na água devido a mucilagem, a palma forrageira pode ser ensilada. A frequência de colheita depende da necessidade dos produtores. A colheita influência nas características morfológicas. A palma pode ser ensilada em diferente frequência de corte, no entanto

Quality of Silage with Different Mixtures of Melon Biomass with Urea as an Additive

The objective of this study was to evaluate the silage produced with different mixtures of melon biomass with urea used as an additive. It adopted a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with five replications. The first factor was made up of five mixtures on an as-fed basis (AF) of the melon, including plant (branch and leaf) and fruit (culled melon, after harvest), where the amount of fruit varied as follows: 0% fruit, 5% fruit, 10% fruit, 20% fruit, and 100% fruit. The second factor was represented by the use of urea in the silage as follows: 0% and 1.5% urea AF. The highest silage dry matter (DM) content (200 g/kg DM) was observed in the silage with 20% fruit. Regarding the crude protein, the highest content (69.8 g/kg DM) was found in the silage with the addition of urea. The highest loss through the gas (GAS) was observed in the silages with 0% and 100% fruit (0.6 and 1.13%), with no addition of urea. The silages made with melon biomass and the addition of 20% and 100% fruit showed differences regarding the fermentative pattern, chemical composition, and aerobic stability, thus being the most indicated mixtures for silage making