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The objective was to evaluate the effects of dietary forage inclusion during finishing on growth performance, feeding behavior, and ruminal fermentation in steers at risk for acidosis. Angus × Simmental steers (n = 240; body weight = 350 ± 58 kg) were blocked by body weight and allotted into 18 pens. Feeding behavior was collected and analyzed from the initial 45 d steers were fed a high-moisture corn-based finishing ration in GrowSafe bunks to determine steers (20%) at greatest risk for developing acidosis. The at-risk steers (n = 48) were utilized in a randomized complete block design. Steers were stratified by initial body weight within block and assigned to 8 pens of 6 steers. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments: (1) 15% (15CS) or (2) 30% corn silage (30CS) on a dry matter basis where corn silage replaced high moisture corn in the finishing diet. Overall body weight, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and gain:feed were not affected (P = 0.19) by treatment. Carcass characteristics were not affected by treatment (P = 0.39). Steers consuming 30CS had greater (P = 0.05) meal frequency and eating rate, as well as decreased meal length, from d 0 to 112. Fluctuations in dry matter intake during the final 56 d of finishing were not affected by treatment (P = 0.20). Ruminal pH was collected prior to feeding and tended to exhibit a treatment × day effect (P = 0.05) with 30CS steers having increased ruminal pH on d 56 and 112. No treatment × day effect was observed for molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (P = 0.11) in ruminal fluid. Overall, increasing dietary forage during finishing altered feeding behaviors and ruminal fermentation in steers at risk for acidosis, but did not affect growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Vitamin A (VA) injection on the growth performance and carcass traits of Nellore × Angus crossbred steers and heifers. For that, the same sire inseminated Nellore cows from two artificial insemination (AI) groups were randomly assigned to one of three treatments at 250 d of gestation: no VA injection (Control); VA injection in pregnant cows at 250 d of gestation (VAcow; 2,000,000 IU single dose); VA injection in newborn calves at birth and 60 d of age (VAcalf; 200,000 IU each dose). Cowcalf pairs were kept in the same paddock, and calves received creep-feeding supplementation from 90 d of age to weaning. After weaning, steers and heifers [n = 36; body weight (BW) 213 ± 25.7 kg] were stratified by treatment and BW and allotted into 16 pens. After 207 d of feeding (77 d of growing diet + 130 d of finishing diet), steers and heifers were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of VA injection, sex, and VA injection*sex interaction. The random effects were animal, AI group, and cow parity. Average daily gain before weaning ( P < 0.01) and final BW in the finishing phase were greater ( P = 0.04) in VAcow steers compared with heifers from all treatments (Table 1). Vitamin A had a positive impact on weaning BW of male calves and a negative impact on heifers ( P < 0.01). There was no treatment difference ( P = 0.35) in feedlot average daily gain (ADG), but steers had greater ( P = 0.03) ADG compared with heifers. Moreover, VAcow steers had greater dry matter intake (DMI) in the feedlot ( P = 0.04) compared with other treatments, and there was no effect of VA on DMI of heifers. On the other hand, feedlot feed efficiency tended to be greater (P = 0.07) in Control steers compared with other treatments, with no VA effect on heifers too. The ribeye area was greater ( P = 0.04) in VAcow steers than in Control steers and heifers from all treatments. Intramuscular fat content was greater ( P = 0.04) in VAcow steers than in Control and VAcalf steers. However, there was no effect of VA on heifers and VAcow steers. In addition, VAcow treatment tended ( P = 0.08) to increase backfat thickness. In conclusion, VA injection in pregnant cows can be a strategy to improve marbling in steers, but there is no effect on intramuscular fat in heifers. Additionally, VA injection in pregnant cows produced intramuscular content in beef of steers, similar to heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the impact of protein supplementation and its interaction with calf sex (CS) on the performance, metabolism and physiology of pregnant beef cows. Fifty‐two multiparous Zebu beef cows carrying female (n = 22) and male (n = 30) fetuses were used. Cows were individually housed from day 100 to 200 of gestation and randomly assigned to restricted (RES, n = 26) or supplemented (SUP, n = 26) groups. The RES cows were ad libitum fed a basal diet (corn silage + sugarcane bagasse + mineral mixture), achieving 5.5% crude protein (CP), while SUP cows received the same basal diet plus a protein supplement (40% CP, at 3.5 g/kg of body weight). All cows were fed the same diet during late gestation. Differences were declared at p < 0.05. No significant interaction between maternal nutrition and calf sex was found for maternal outcomes (p ≥ 0.34). The SUP treatment increased the total dry matter (DM) intake (p ≤ 0.01) by 32% and 19% at mid‐ and late‐gestation respectively. The total tract digestibility of all diet components was improved by SUP treatment at day 200 of gestation (p ≤ 0.02), as well as the ruminal microbial CP production (p ≤ 0.01). The SUP treatment increased (p ≤ 0.03) the cows' body score condition, ribeye area, the average daily gain (ADG) of pregnant components (PREG; i.e., weight accretion of cows caused by pregnancy) and the ADG of maternal tissues (i.e., weight accretion discounting the gain related to gestation) in the mid‐gestation. The SUP cows exhibited a lower maternal ADG (p < 0.01) compared to RES cows in late pregnancy. There was a 24% additional gain (p < 0.01) in the PREG components for SUP cows during late gestation, which in turn improved the calf birthweight (p = 0.05). The uterine arterial resistance and pulsatility indexes (p ≤ 0.01) at mid‐gestation were greater for RES cows. In conclusion, protein supplementation during mid‐gestation is an effective practice for improving maternal performance, growth of the gravid uterus and the offspring's birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of maternal protein supplementation during mid-gestation on offspring, considering potential sex-related effects. Forty-three pregnant purebred Tabapuã beef cows (20 female and 23 male fetuses) were collectively managed in a pasture until 100 d of gestation. From 100 to 200 d of gestation, they were randomly assigned to the restricted group [(RES) − basal diet (75% corn silage + 25% sugar cane bagasse + mineral mixture); n  = 24] or control group [(CON) – same basal diet + based-plant supplement [40% of crude protein, 3.5 g/kg of body weight (BW); n  = 19]. From 200 d of gestation until parturition, all cows were equally fed corn silage and mineral mixture. During the cow–calf phase, cows and their calves were maintained in a pasture area. After weaning, calves were individually housed and evaluated during the backgrounding (255 to 320 d), growing 1 (321 to 381 d), and growing 2 (382 to 445 d) phases. Offspring's blood samples were collected at 210 and 445 d of age. Samples of skeletal muscle tissue were collected through biopsies at 7, 30, and 445 d of age. Muscle tissue samples were subjected to reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Prenatal treatment and offspring's sex (when pertinent) were considered fixed effects. The significance level was set at 5%. At mid-gestation, cows supplemented with protein reached 98% and 92% of their protein and energy requirements, while nonsupplemented cows attained only 30% and 50% of these requirements, respectively. The RES offspring were lighter at birth (27 vs. 31 kg), weaning (197 vs. 214 kg), and 445 d of age (398 vs. 429 kg) (P  ≤ 0.05). The CON calves had greater (P  < 0.05) morphometric measurements overall. The CON offspring had ~26% greater muscle fiber area (P  ≤ 0.01). There was a trend (P  = 0.06) for a greater Mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase mRNA expression in the Longissimus thoracis in the CON group at 7 d of age. The Myogenic differentiation 1 expression was greater (P  = 0.02) in RES-females. Upregulation of Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 was observed in RES offspring at 445 d (P  = 0.04). Expression of Fatty acid binding protein 4 (P  < 0.001), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (P  < 0.001), and Stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase (P  < 0.001) was upregulated in CON-females. Therefore, protein supplementation during gestation enhances offspring growth and promotes favorable responses to lipogenesis, particularly in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to assess maize fields in two growing seasons to determine the factors that affect the yield and nutritive value of maize silage produced in Brazil. Seventy‐four commercial maize fields, 49 in the first growing season (FGS) and 25 in the second (SGS), were sampled over two crop years. In each field, 12 linear meters of plants were cut by hand at 25 cm above ground. Characteristics of the field, plants, and their components (stalk, leaves, husk, cob, and grains) were evaluated. Farmers were interviewed regarding the crop management practices applied. Chopped maize forage was dried to assess its chemical composition, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and in vitro fibre digestibility. Descriptive statistics was carried out for agronomic and nutritional variables. To determine the factors that affected yield and nutritive value in maize fields, artificial neural networks were used. The dry matter yield (DMY), NDF concentration, starch concentration, NDF digestibility, and DM digestibility were chosen as response variables. Then, the top 10 main parameters were used to explain the results. Overall, the association between grain and stover yield maximized DMY. Plant population (plants/ha) and plant maturity were also important to explain yield. Grain depth and number of grains per row were the two most important parameters linked to genetic traits. Plant maturity was decisive in altering the nutritive value of forage maize. Maize grown in the FGS had both greater yield and nutritive value than maize in the SGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential for increasing the productivity in cow-calf operation has gained wide acceptance in the last decade among Brazilian farms. Our objectives were to assess the impacts of providing supplementation to pregnant beef cows during the dry grazing period on cow and calf performance. During a 2-yr period, Tabapuã cows (n = 36) were blocked by parity and body weight (BW), and randomly assigned to pastures at the beginning of the rainy season. Brachiaria pastures were assigned to receive i) no application of N and cows were supplemented with mineral mix (CON), ii) application of 165 kg of N ha-1. yr-1 and cows supplemented with a commercial product containing 40% of CP, macro and micro minerals, and vitamins (SUP), or iii) application of 165 kg of N ha-1. yr-1 and cows supplemented with grass silage (GS). For SUP system, one-half of the paddocks were deferred in late summer. For GS system, one-half of the paddocks were deferred in early summer and silage was made after 90 d of regrowth. During silage making, 21% of DDGs on a dry matter (DM) basis was mixed into grass. After silage harvesting, the area was differed again. At the beginning of the dry period, deferred areas had free access to animals for SUP and GS treatments. The commercial supplement and silage were fed for 140 d (from 116 ± 27 to 256 ± 27 d of gestation). The mineral mix was offered all year round. The PROC MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze all variables. The statistical model included supplementation program as a fixed effect. Block, paddock, and year were included as random variables. Initial BW, initial body condition score (BCS), and gestation period of cows were included as covariates. Initial BW and BCS, and final BW and BCS did not differ among treatments. The GS treatment provided the greatest average daily gain (ADG) during prepartum (0.49 kg/d) than CON and SUP strategies (an average of 0.37 kg/d). Whereas ADG during postpartum was not altered by treatments. Considering the full cycle (prepartum and postpartum), supplementation strategies did not affect ADG and BCS. No differences were obtained for birth weight, weaning weight, and ADG in calves. Overall, the supplementation programs adopted in this study did not influence individual gains in both cow and calf. However, BW gain per area may be altered, since supplementation increases stocking rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of nitrogen (N) input on pastures is the main limiting factor to increase animal performance in tropical regions. This 2.5‐year study assessed animal performance, forage intake and digestion, and N metabolism responses of three pasture treatments: (1) mixed Marandu palisadegrass—Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster (syn. Urochloa brizantha Stapf cv. Marandu)—and forage peanut (Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg. cv. BRS Mandobi) pastures (GRASS + LEGUME), (2) monoculture Marandu palisadegrass pastures with 150 kg of N/ha (GRASS + N), and (3) monoculture Marandu palisadegrass without N fertilizer (GRASS). Continuous stocking with variable stocking rate was used with a target canopy height of 20 to 25 cm. The average daily gain was greatest at GRASS + N and GRASS + LEGUME (p =.081). GRASS + N pasture had greatest stocking rate and liveweight gain per area (p <.001 and p <.001, respectively), followed by GRASS + LEGUME pasture. No differences between treatments were found for the dry matter forage intake (p =.729); however, GRASS + N and GRASS + LEGUME pastures had greater crude protein and digestible organic matter intakes than GRASS pasture (p =.007 and p =.083, respectively). Greatest microbial protein synthesis and efficiency of microbial synthesis were found for GRASS + N and GRASS + LEGUME pastures (p =.016 and p =.067, respectively). Apparent efficiency of N utilization and microbial protein/CP intake ratio was greatest at GRASS + LEGUME pastures (p =.009 and p =.042, respectively). Nitrogen application or the integration of forage peanut in grass pasture increases animal performance, forage digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) inputs to pasture systems coupled with grazing management strategies based on monitoring and control of canopy structure may provide conditions for greater productivity and enhanced forage nutritive value. This 2‐year study assessed canopy structure and nutritive value responses of three pasture treatments, namely, (1) mixed Marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha [Hochst. ex A. Rich.] R.D. Webster [syn. Urochloa brizantha Stapf]) cv. Marandu and forage peanut (Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg.) cv. BRS Mandobi pastures without N fertilizer (GRASS + LEGUME); (2) monoculture Marandu palisadegrass pastures fertilized with 150 kg N/ha (GRASS + N); and (3) monoculture Marandu palisadegrass without N fertilizer (GRASS). Grazing management was similar across pasture treatments, using continuous stocking and a target canopy height of 20–25 cm. Herbage mass was greater in GRASS + N and GRASS + LEGUME pastures than in GRASS in summer and spring (p =.014). The leaf:stem ratio in the grass mass (p =.731) was similar between treatments. Grass crude protein (CP) and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) were greatest in the GRASS + N pasture (p <.001). Grass neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration was greater at GRASS and GRASS + LEGUME pastures than in GRASS + N(p <.001). Forage peanut had a greater IVDDM and CP concentration and a lower NDF concentration than Marandu palisadegrass. Nitrogen application or the presence of the legume increased green herbage mass and improved forage nutritive value in canopies with similar height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Poor pasture management result in degradation of soil physical quality. • Converting native grasslands into managed mixed pastures increase the quantity of mesopores. • Intensive, conservation-based pasture management increases animal carrying capacity. Grazing pasture without appropriate soil conservation and animal management often leads to reduced soil quality and decreased productivity because of trampling induced compaction. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of three conservation-based pasture management strategies on soil physical attributes. The treatments were (1) Brachiaria decumbens + mineral-N fertilization, (2) mixed pasture + legume (forage peanut, Arachis pintoi), and (3) Brachiaria without fertilization were compared with a native grassland reference area without management. The hypothesis is that nitrogen fertilization favors an increase in the animal stocking rate, maintaining the physical quality of the soil. The treatments had no significant effect on soil porosity, bulk density, or water retention. The S-index showed that intense animal trampling in the treatment with nitrogen fertilization resulted in the most intense degradation. Mixed pasture with the intercropped legume and N-fertilization maintained soil physical quality similar to the area without management, reinforcing the importance of appropriate soil management practices in pasture. However, although the N-fertilized area had soil physical quality similar to the others, it could support more animals, suggesting an economic advantage over other soil management practices. To preserve or enhance soil physical quality, mixed pastures and fertilization can be adopted, increasing the soil load-bearing capacity, which represents more animals per area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of mixed grass-legume pastures for stand longevity and improved animal utilization is a challenge in warm-season climates. The goal of this study was to assess grazing management on stand persistence, forage intake, and N balance of beef heifers grazing mixed pastures of Brachiaria brizantha and Arachis pintoi. A 2-yr experiment was carried out in Brazil, where four grazing management were assessed: rest period interrupted at 90%, 95%, and 100% of light interception (LI) and a fixed rest period of 42 d (90LI, 95LI, 100LI, and 42D, respectively). The LI were taken at 50 points at ground level and at 5 points above the canopy for each paddock using a canopy analyzer. For all treatments, the postgrazing stubble height was 15 cm. Botanical composition and canopy structure characteristics such as canopy height, forage mass, and vertical distribution of the morphological composition were evaluated pre- and post-grazing. Forage chemical composition, intake, and microbial synthesis were also determined. A randomized complete block design was used, considering the season of the year as a repeated measure over time. Grazing management and season were considered fixed, while block and year were considered random effects. In the summer, legume mass accounted for 19% of the canopy at 100LI, which was less than other treatments (a mean of 30%). The 100LI treatment had a greater grass stem mass compared with other treatments. In terms of vertical distribution for 100LI, 38.6% of the stem mass was above the stubble height, greater than the 5.7% for other treatments. The canopy structure limited NDF intake (P = 0.007) at 100LI (1.02% of BW/d), whereas 42D, 90LI, and 95LI treatments had NDF intake close to 1.2% of BW/d. The intake of digestible OM (P = 0.007) and the ratio of CP/digestible OM (P < 0.001) were less at 100LI in relation to the other treatments. The production of microbial N (P < 0.001) and efficiency of microbial synthesis (P = 0.023) were greater at 95LI and 90LI, followed by 42D and less at 100LI. Overall, the range from 90% to 95% of LI is the recommendation to interrupt the rest period, since this strategy enhanced community stability, forage intake, and nutritional value of the diet. Under on-farm conditions, brachiaria grass and forage peanut pastures should be managed at a range height of 24 to 30 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of snaplage on fecal characteristics, feeding behavior, and performance in fishing bulls. Seventytwo single-sourced Nellore bulls (initial shrunk BW = 400 ± 27.4 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (3 bulls per pen; 8 pen replicates per treatment). Treatments consisted of finishing diets with the following sources of fiber and energy: 1) corn silage, reconstituted corn grain silage, and dry-ground corn (CONTROL), 2) snaplage (inclusion of 65% of DM) and dry-ground corn (SNAP65), and 3) snaplage only (inclusion of 85% of DM; SNAP85). All diets contained the same inclusion of soybean meal, cotton meal, urea, and mineral mix. Diets were formulated using NASEM (2016) to provide an ADG of 1.8 kg/d. Bulls were adapted to the finishing diets over a 15-d period and fed for a total of 86 d. Fecal samples were collected on d 42, 65, and 73. Feeding behavior was assessed on d 51 and 69. Statistical analysis of experimental data was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. An α of 0.05 determined significance and an α of 0.06 to 0.10 was considered a tendency. No differences were obtained for initial BW, G:F, hot carcass, and dressing. SNAP85 had a greater intake, followed by SNAP65 and CONTROL diets (P = 0.02). There was a tendency of greater ADG and final BW (P = 0.07 and 0.08, respectively) for SNAP65 diets (2.0 kg/d and 572 kg), followed by SNAP85 (1.95 kg/d and 567 kg) and CONTROL (1.85 kg/d and 558 kg). A tendency (P = 0.07) was also observed for greater ribeye area in bulls consuming SNAP65 (85 cm²), followed by CONTROL (81 cm²), and SNAP85 (77 cm²). Bulls consuming SNAP65 and SNAP85 spent more time chewing (on average, 249 min/d) than those consuming CONTROL diets (177 min/d; P = 0.01). Regarding fecal characteristics, pH and fecal starch were greater for SNAP85 (P = 0.01 for both variables). Overall, snaplage is a suitable ingredient for high-starch diets for providing energy and physically effective fiber. The inclusion of 65% of snaplage and 20% of dry-ground corn (DM basis) showed a slight superior performance in Nellore bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two total mixed ration (TMR) silages (low and high rumen undegradable protein; RUP) on digestibility, blood parameters, and performance in pregnant beef cows. Thirty-three mid-gestation (~130 d of gestation) Tabapua beef cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) a TMR silage containing Brachiaria grass, soybean hulls, urea, and mineral mix (low RUP; n = 16) or 2) a TMR silage containing Brachiaria grass, DDG, and mineral mix (high RUP; n = 17). The concentration of A1 fraction was, on average, 12.9% and 34.0% of N in low and high RUP silages, respectively. A preservative with a blend of organic acids, surfactants, and activated propionates was applied in both silages. Pressed bag silos were used to conserve silages for 7 wk. Cows were housed in individual pens for 100 d. During a 4-d digestion period (at 50 d of housing), fecal samples were collected for measurement of nutrient digestibility using undigested neutral detergent fiber as a marker. Blood parameters were collected at the last day of housing. Statistical analysis of experimental data was performed using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. Diet, calf sex (male or female), and interactions between these factors were considered fixed effects. No differences were obtained for initial BW. High RUP diet showed greater final BW (P = 0.0004) and ADG (P = 0.0003). Cows fed high RUP gained 50 g/d, while cows fed low RUP diet lost 445 g/d. Dry matter intake was greater by 23% (P < 0.0001) in cows consuming high RUP silage. Dry matter, CP, and NDF digestibility did not differ between treatments. Regarding blood parameters, no differences were observed for glucose at 0 h and 4 h post-feeding. Plasma urea at 0 h post-feeding was greater in cows fed low RUP silage (P = 0.0003). However, no differences were observed for plasma urea at 4 h post-feeding. The plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (P = 0.017) and beta-hydroxy-butyric acid (P = 0.002) were greater in cows consuming low RUP diet. Overall, feeding pregnant cows during mid-gestation with TMR silage containing high RUP promotes greater performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the combined use of monensin with virginiamycin or zinc bacitracin on performance, serum D -lactate, feeding behavior, carcass traits, and the expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes over time in feedlot young bulls. Nellore × Angus (F1) young bulls (n = 72; BW 368 ± 16.3 kg) were used in a completely randomized design. Animals were stratified by BW and allotted into 18 pens with 4 animals each. Pens (6 pens per treatment) were randomly assigned to the following treatments: monensin (MON), monensin + zinc bacitracin (MONZB) and monensin + virginiamycin (MONVM). The doses of monensin, zinc bacitracin and virginiamycin were 18.9, 6.62 and 18.9 mg/kg DM of the diet, respectively. The diet consisted of 85% corn-based concentrate and 15% corn silage. The finishing phase was 109 days with the first 27 days for diet adaptation and the remaining 82 days for the finishing diet. Treatment additives did not affect body weight (BW), overall average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) or gain:feed (P ≥ 0.13). Animals fed MONVM had lesser (P = 0.03) intramuscular fat than those fed MON and MONZB. Serum D -lactate concentration was greater (P = 0.05) in MONVM animals than in MON and MONZB animals. In the liver, MONVM animals upregulated (P < 0.03) Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression compared with MON and MONZB. The expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) in LT tended to be decreased (P = 0.07) in MONVM animals than in MONZB. Animals fed MONVM downregulated (P = 0.03) Acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA) expression compared with those fed MON. In conclusion, these additives affect growth performance in different times during feedlot phase. The combined use of monensin and virginiamycin reduce lipogenesis and increase lipid oxidation, triggering lesser IMF deposition compared to monensin alone or combined with bacitracin. • Bacitracin combined with monensin increased ADG at the beginning of the feedlot. • Animals fed monensin plus virginiamycin changed gluconeogenesis substrate. • Monensin combined with virginiamycin decreased lipogenesis and intramuscular fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that diets with snaplage would increase the expression of lipogenic genes, resulting in higher marbling fat content, compared to a diet of whole-plant silage and reconstituted corn silage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition, as well as the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and liver gluconeogenesis of Nellore bulls fed snaplage. Seventy-two Nellore bulls (24 months, initial body weight 400 ±27.4 kg) were used in a completely randomized design. Animals were stratified by body weight, housed in 24 pens (3 animals per pen), and designed to one of the three treatments (8 pens per treatment). Experimental diets (around 14% of crude protein) were: control (corn silage, ground and reconstituted corn grain, protein sources), snaplage + ground corn, replacing completely corn silage (SNAP65, with 65% snaplage), and snaplage 85, replacing completely corn silage and corn grain (SNAP85, with 85% snaplage). Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of dietary treatment, and random effects of pen nested within treatment. Overall, diets did not affect (P>0.11) the intramuscular fat. However, animals fed SNAP85 showed higher PPARG expression (P=0.03). The muscle of animals fed snaplage (SNAP65 and SNAP85) also had higher expression of ACACA and SCD1 genes (P=0.03) than the control animals. The FABP4 expression tended to be higher (P=0.10) in the muscle of animals fed SNAP85 compared with SNAP65. In addition, animals fed control diet tended to have higher (P=0.07) expression of PC in the liver compared with animals fed SNAP65 and SNAP85. Also, PEPCK2 expression was lower (P=0.05) in in the liver of animals fed SNAP65 diet than control SNAP85. We conclude that diets with snaplage increased the expression of genes involved in the muscle lipogenesis, without increase intramuscular fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the effect of increased protein supplementation levels on fecal egg count, performance and feeding behavior of lambs grazing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.). The treatments consisted of five levels of crude protein (CP) in an isoenergetic supplement (0%, 8%, 16%, 24% and 32% CP) provided to growing lambs. Fifty lambs at initial live weight of 20.2 ± 2.94 kg were slaughtered after 75 days of protein supplementation. Ether extract intake decreased with the increase of CP in the supplement. Average daily weight gain was over 60% greater for lambs receiving supplement with 16% and 24% CP than lambs in the control group. Protein supplementation did not affect grazing and ruminating behavior but lambs in the control group spent from 82% to 88% less time eating the supplement (4.01 min; P < 0.01) and visited the supplement trough 3.01 times a day. Fecal egg count remained low with the increase of protein in the supplement in the beginning of the grazing period. Intake, weight gain, carcass length and rump width of the lambs enhanced as CP in the supplement increased, with optimal performance obtained with 8% CP in the supplement for lambs grazing elephant grass. • Nutrition and health status of grazing lambs enhances with protein supplementation. • 16% protein supplementation provides optimal performance for lambs grazing elephant grass. • Protein supplementation does not affect grazing and ruminating behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cellulose and hemicellulose are quantitatively the most important structural carbohydrates present in ruminant diets. Rumen micro-organisms produce enzymes that catalyse their hydrolysis, but the complex network formed by structural carbohydrates and lignin reduces their digestibility and restricts efficient utilisation of feeds by ruminants. This study aimed to produce two enzymatic extracts, apply them in ruminant diets to determine the best levels for ruminal digestibility and evaluate their effects on in vitro digestibility. RESULTS: In experiment 1 a two-stage in vitro technique was used to examine the effects of different enzymatic levels of Aspergillus japonicus and Aspergillus terricola on tropical forages. Enzyme addition had minor effects on corn silage at the highest enzymatic level. In experiment 2 an in vitro gas production (GP) technique was applied to determine apparent in vitro organic matter digestibility and metabolisable energy. The addition of enzymes in GP showed interesting results. Good data were obtained using sugar cane and Tifton-85 hay supplemented with extracts of A. japonicus and A. terricola respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, the study suggests that addition of crude extracts containing exogenous fibrolytic enzymes to ruminant diets enhances the effective utilisation of ruminant feedstuffs such as forages. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestating cows have an increased nutrient demand to meet the needs of developing the fetus and the midgestation is a critical period for the fetal skeletal muscle development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal muscle transcriptome in the progeny as a function of the maternal protein nutrition during mid-gestation. Eleven Tabapuã cows and their male calves were used in this study. In the first third of gestation (0 to 100 days of gestation; dg), all cows were kept on pasture. From 100 to 200 dg, the control group (CTRL; 7 animals) received a basal diet achieving 5.5% crude protein (CP), whereas the supplemented group (SUPPL; 4 animals) received a basal diet plus protein supplementation (40% CP). After 200 dg, all animals received the same diet. Weaning was performed at 205 ± 7.5 days of age and animals were kept on pasture until reaching 240 days of age, when they were transferred to a feedlot. Muscle samples were collected at 260 days of age and RNA was extracted for RNA-seq analysis. Gene expression data was analyzed with a negative binomial model to identify (q-value = 0.05) differentially expressed genes (DEG) between treatments. A total of 716 DEG were identified (289 DEG up-regulated and 427 down-regulated in SUPPL group; q-value = 0.05). From the 10 most significant down-regulated DEG in the SUPPL group, two genes associated with apoptotic process were identified: MAPK8IP1 and GRINA, with log2 Fold-Changes (log2FC) of 1.04 and 0.49, respectively. From the 10 most significant up-regulated DEG in the SUPPL group, mTOR was identified, with log2FC=0.31. This is a well-known gene involved in muscle protein synthesis. In conclusion, maternal protein supplementation during mid-gestation affects the expression of genes related to energy metabolism and muscle development, which can lead to long-term impacts on production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil penetration resistance can be effectively estimated by the field penetrometer. • Nitrogen fertilization increases soil load bearing capacity through animal trampling. • Preconsolidation pressure can be estimated by penetration resistance. Compaction, often promoted by animal trampling and loss of forage plants, is a main cause of soil degradation in pastures. Our objectives were to evaluate various pasture management strategies for maintaining soil physical quality and to evaluate penetration resistance as an indicator of soil compaction in pastures. For each strategy, the goal was to maintain or extend least limiting water range (LLWR) and soil compressive behavior. Three treatments [ Brachiaria (Br); Br intercropped with forage peanut (Arachis pintoi) (Br + L); and Br fertilized with 150 kg N ha−1 (Br + N) were compared to a native forest reference (Ref) in four pasture areas in Brazil. Pasture management strategy did not significantly influence LLWR, but the Br + N treatment resulted in greater soil degradation evidenced by a lower LLWR. These results are useful for improving pedotransfer functions and decision aides that predict physical–mechanical soil quality, impact on vegetative cover, and the appropriate animal carrying capacity for specific pasture areas. They also confirm that soil moisture and penetration resistance are effective for calculating load carrying capacity, factors that help with decision making regarding implementation of new management practices in pasture areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Selenium supplementation tended to increase the concentration of PUFA in omasum flow of fatty acids. • Soybean oil diets supplemented with selenium promotes increase in VFA concentration in rumen. • Diets with soybean oil promotes reduction in rumen NH3-N content. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of combining selenium (Se) and vitamin E (E) on intake, total digestibility and omasum escape of fatty acids in steers fed diets supplemented with high concentration of soybean oil (SO). Five rumen cannulated Tabapuã steers (BW = 398 ± 28.7 kg) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement: Soybean oil diets without Se (Se-) or with Se at 5 g animal per day (Se+) combined with SO diets without vitamin E (E-) or with vitamin E at 1500 IU animal per day (E+) and an added treatment without additional oil (WAO). Diets were formulated to contain 124 g/kg of crude protein (CP) in the dry matter (DM) and included corn silage, ground corn, soybean meal, soybean oil, corn gluten meal and mineral supplement. Soybean oil was added to diets at 60 g/kg of dietary DM. Each experimental period lasted 21 days with 14 days of adaptation to the diets, and 7 days for data collection. There were no effects of combining selenium or vitamin E on DM and nutrients intake (P > 0.10). The DM intake decreased in diets with supplemental SO compared to WAO diets (P = 0.02). Soybean oil supplementation decreased the total digestibility of DM (P = 0.05), OM (P = 0.05), NFC (P = 0.04) and aNDFom (P < 0.01). However, the total EE digestibility increased (P < 0.01). Diets did not affect the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (P > 0.10). At the same time, SO diets decreased the excretion of microbial N and the total protozoal counts (P < 0.05). There was no interaction for treatment × time on pH, VFA and NH 3 -N (P > 0.10). The individual VFA, mol/100 mol concentration was similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.10; Table 5). The total VFA content, mM increased 6.5 % in Se diets compared to no Se supplementation (P = 0.068). There was a reduction in the rumen NH 3 -N content in SO diets compared to WAO (P < 0.05). Soybean oil diets increased the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and linoleic acid (C18:2 trans-10 cis-12; P < 0.01) in the omasum and it tended to enhance with selenium supplementation (P = 0.07). The combination of selenium and vitamin E in feedlot diets with high soybean oil inclusion, contrary to our hypothesis, do not improve rumen fermentation and nutrient utilization. Future studies should use lower inclusions of soybean oil in beef cattle diets to avoid possible suppression of supranutritional effects of selenium and vitamin E on ruminal metabolism and biohydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]