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The aim of this work was to evaluate growth potential of Blue-Grey cattle in Czech conditions as the compare its growth traits to initial population. Suitability of specific conditions was evaluated based on growth ability and daily weight gains (DWG). Tested breeds included Shorthorn, Galloway and their crossbred variation called Blue-Grey cattle. A total of 428 animals were evaluated over a period from 2010 until 2016. Birth weight, live weight at 120, 210 and 365 days of age was monitored for each animal. Also, DWG at 120, 210 and 365 days of age was part of the evaluation. Mixed model (SAS 9.3) was used for statistical evaluation. The influence of sex on growth ability was significantly (P < 0.05) in favour of bulls throughout the evaluated period. Purebred Shorthorns achieved highest weights (from + 2.5 for birth weight to +82.65 kg in weight at 365 days of age) (P < 0.05) and DWG (from + 147.26 g to + 300.37 g (P < 0.05) compare to purebred Galloway throughout the evaluated period. Weight and DWG of Blue-Greys were significantly better in comparison with Galloway and were more comparable with Shorthorns. Therefore, growth ability was improved mainly by addition of Shorthorn blood. Good growth ability of Blue-Greys combined with better environmental endurance from Galloway blood makes them well suited for use in organic farming conditions of Czechia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piglet mortality due to diarrhea is the most important economic loss in the pig industry. However, the use of antibiotics is been banned nowadays and the nutraceutical products are getting importance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Brosimum alicastrum Swartz leaf meal (BLM) in the diet of piglets, as a nutraceutical additive for reducing diarrhea. The study consisted in fed piglets with pre-starter commercial feed under two treatments, either without (T1) or with (T2) inclusion of 20 g/kg BLM. Ninety-eight piglets were used per treatment, with an average initial live weight (LW) of 2.6 ± 0.42 kg. The test lasted from 5 to 27 days-old, the pigs were fed ad libitum. Offer and rejection of food were recorded daily, as was the presence of diarrhea; live weight was recorded weekly. Data on productive measures were analyzed by T-test; contingency tables, X2 tests and calculation of relative risk (RR) for the incidence of diarrhea were applied. Daily weight gain (DWG) in T2 was higher than in T1 (273 ± 0.12 vs 220 ± 0.09 g/day) (P = 0.003). The true incidence rate of diarrhea was 3% and 1% (P

The aim of this work was to assess the impact of a total dietary replacement of extracted soybean meal (SBM) on body weight gain and pork quality. DanBred hybrid piglets were divided into four groups of 10 piglets each. Groups I (males) and II (females) were the control groups and fed a standardized SBM-based complete feed. The experimental groups III (males) and IV (females) were offered a diet in which the SBM was replaced with extracted rapeseed meal (RSM) and legume plants (pea and yellow lupin). After 83 days of fattening, the animals were slaughtered. Based on the collected data, the daily weight gain (DWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. In addition, longissimus dorsi muscle was subjected to physicochemical analyses, including the basic chemical composition. All the analyses were performed in accordance with the applicable methodologies. As a result of this experiment, no interactions were found between the experimental factors (sex and diet). The replacement of SMB by legumes and RSM resulted in a significant reduction in the final body weight of growing–finishing pigs. Additionally, daily body weight gain was reduced between 35–83 days, and through the whole fattening period (0–83 days). Most pork meat quality parameters were not affected by the type of mix feed and sex (p > 0.05). The fattening pigs that were fed legume seeds and RSM had significantly reduced fatness (p > 0.05) compared to the control pigs. In males, there was also a significantly lower pH45 (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that feeding pigs with diets containing legume plants and extracted rapeseed meal does not affect the pork meat quality, but it may worsen the body weight gain.

The potential of grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) as a source of animal protein can be exploited with better understanding of its nutrient requirement. This experiment was conducted to determine the protein requirement of growing grasscutters fed formulated diets containing forage meal. Twenty-four growing grasscutters, in groups of four, were randomly allotted to four treatment diets formulated to respectively supply 14, 16, 18 and 20% crude protein (CP). Parameters measured included daily feed intake, daily weight gain (growth rate), final bodyweight, feed conversion ratio and cost-to-gain ratio. Dietary protein significantly (P < 0.05) influenced daily weight gain, as well as the final liveweights of the animals. The mean daily weight gain of the animals fed the 18% CP diet was not significantly (P > 0.05) different from those fed the 20% CP diet (12.8 vs 11.7 g/day), but was significantly higher than animals fed the 16% (6.4 g/day) and 14% (7.0 g/day) CP diets. The mean feed conversion ratios of the animals fed the diets with 18% CP (4.1) was, however, only significantly (P < 0.05) different from animals fed diets with 16% (7.2) and 14% (6.3) CP. Given the overall economic importance of low cost-to-gain ratio, and the profitability of the diets thereof, these results suggest that 18% is the optimum CP level for economically feeding growing grasscutters on formulated diets containing forage meal. Improved liveweight gain in the grasscutter requires adequate dietary protein supply, which is a function of the animal's physiological state and feed. This experiment determined the protein requirement of growing grasscutters fed diets containing forage meal, and found 18% crude protein as the optimum. This discovery provides an opportunity for feed developers to utilise forage meal as an ingredient in grower-grasscutter diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Different criteria for TST in wool lambs aged 60–150/180 days were evaluated. • Lambs treated only based on FAMACHA gained less weight. • Lambs treated only based on FAMACHA had a higher EPG and a lower hematocrit. • When daily weight gain was used in TST, EPG diminished and hematocrit increased. • For TST in growing lambs, FAMACHA system should not be used alone. Abstract Targeted selective treatment (TST) aims to aid in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants, identifying animals that require treatment with the purpose of preserving the Refugia population and delaying the buildup of anthelmintic (AH) resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of both productive and clinical indicators in the selective treatment of gastrointestinal parasites in growing lambs. Two experiments were carried out between 2015 and 2016. Experiment 1: lambs (n = 70) exclusively raised on pasture were evaluated from the ages of 60 days to 180 days old. Experiment 2: lambs (n = 48) raised on pasture and fed concentrated commercial supplementation were evaluated from the ages of 60 days to 150 days old. Parasitological (eggs per gram of feces - EPG), productive (average daily weight gain - DWG), and clinical (hematocrit - Ht and FAMACHA© system - F) parameters were measured every 14 days. The lambs were divided into 4 experimental groups with different criteria for AH treatment: the control group (CG), was treated with AH every 30 days; the FAMACHA© group (FG), in which lambs classified as F3, F4, and F5 were treated with AH; Daily weight gain group (DWGG), in which lambs with average DWG ≤ the average DWG of the CG minus one standard deviation were treated with AH; FAMACHA© + daily weight gain group (FDWGG), in which lambs classified as F3, F4 and F5 and/or lambs with average DWG ≤ the average DWG of the CG minus one standard deviation were treated with AH. In experiment 1, no significant differences in the general means of DWG and Ht (p > 0.05) were observed between experimental groups, although the lowest mean EPG was observed in the CG (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, the lowest mean EPG (p < 0.05) was also observed in the CG (1044.5 EPG), and the highest mean (p < 0.05) in the FG (4845.5 EPG). There were differences in the mean DWG of the CG (198.4 g) and FDWGG (200.0 g), which were both higher (p < 0.05) than that of the FG (90.5 g), and similar (p > 0.05) to the DWGG (151.8 g). In both experiments, considering the total mean number of AH treatments, FG had the lowest number of lambs treated with AH (p < 0.05), with the DWG and FDWGG being similar to each other (p > 0.05). Even when Haemonchus is the major parasite, it is not recommended to use the FAMACHA© system as an exclusive criterion for TST in growing lambs. The DWG productive criterion can be used effectively in the TST of growing lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the commercial lifespan and optimum wool harvest interval of Angora rabbits. One hundred shorn Angora rabbits were housed in an organised farm to describe the wool production curve. It showed that the optimum wool harvest interval was 75 d, when fibre length reached 55.0 mm. Wool production was lower from the 3rd to the 6th mo (young stage) than from 7th to 28th mo and rapidly decreased from 28th to 31st mo and was the lowest from 31st to 33rd mo of age. Feed intake-towool production ratio was higher from 3rd to 4th and from 7th to 9th mo of age than during the adult stage, and increased from 31st to 33rd mo of age. Daily weight gain was significantly higher from 3rd to 4th mo of age than in any other periods of the adult stage, and was negative from 23rd to 33rd mo of age. Therefore, the study reveals that the commercial lifespan of Angora rabbits was approximately 28 mo. Furthermore, wool production was higher in spring and winter than in autumn, and was the lowest in summer. Concomitantly, feed intake-to-wool production ratio was lower in spring than in autumn and winter, and was the highest in summer. Finally, daily weight gain was higher in spring and autumn than in winter, and was the lowest in summer. This indicates that wool production was depending on the season, and decreased significantly in summer. Moreover, the spring provided the best conditions for Angora rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the serum concentration of testosterone and the performance of beef steers submitted to different surgical or immunological castration strategies. Forty- eight Aberdeen Angus calves were randomly distributed in the following treatments: surgical castrated at birth; surgical castrated at weaning; immunocastrated with three doses of Bopriva® vaccine; immunocastrated with four doses of Bopriva® vaccine. The hormonal dosages were performed through ELISA Test by "In vitro" competition. The weighing and body condition score of the animals were determined at the beginning and at the end of each evaluated phase. The completely randomly experimental design was used. Data were submitted to variance analysis by F test, being the averages compared by Tukey test with a=0.05. There was an interaction between treatment and collection date (P<0.05) for the serum levels of testosterone. By occasion of the slaughter, all the animals presented a similar serum concentration of testosterone, characterizing them as castrated. Animals immunological castrated with three doses of Bopriva® presented higher daily average gain and total weight gain on finishing phase than the ones surgical castrated at weaning. The immunological castration shows a viable alternative in relation to surgical castration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of heat stress and month of birth on growth performance, pelleted starter intake, and stress-related hormones in Holstein calves. Birth weight and growth records, representing 4735 Holstein calves from a large commercial dairy herd in northern Mexico (25° N; 22.3 °C mean annual temperature) from 2013 to 2015, were analyzed. Temperature-humidity index (THI) at calving, season of birth, and month of birth were the independent variables, whereas growth traits were the dependent variables. Increased THI at birth from < 65 to > 85 units was associated with a decrease in birth weight from 39.3 to 38.7 kg. Calves subjected to high THI (> 75 units) at calving showed lesser (P < 0.01) pre-weaning gains (405 ± 97 g/calf/day), whereas those calves born with THI < 70 units presented the highest gains (466 ± 112 g/calf/day). Birth during the fall months reduced (P < 0.01) weaning weight by about 5 kg compared with winter months. Also, the pre-weaning average daily gain for calves born in the fall was about 70 g less (P < 0.01) than calves delivered in winter months. Plasma triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine levels were lower (1.02 ± 0.21 and 48 ± 7.9 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.01) in summer and highest in winter (1.64 ± 0.48 and 66 ± 11 ng/mL, respectively). Mean plasma cortisol concentration was higher in heat-stressed calves born in summer (59 ± 40 ng/mL) than calves born in winter (20 ± 28 ng/mL). Pelleted starter intake 1 week before weaning was lowest (P < 0.01) in the fall (0.82 ± 0.26 kg/calf/day; mean ± SD) and highest in spring (1.26 ± 0.43 kg/calf/day). It was concluded that in this particular environment, heat stress affects birth weight and growth rate of Holstein calves. Thus, environmental management of the newborn calf during hot spring and summer months is warranted to optimize pelleted starter intake and calf growth rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional status is an important factor on the productive and reproductive performance in ewes. Four levels of palm kernel meal (HP) in substitution of corn grain were evaluated on posweaning performance of hair ewe lambs. Forty-three hair ewe lambs (11.72 ± 0.33 kg de body weight) were assigned to isoenergetic and isoproteic diets with 0, 15, 30 and 45% of HP (HP0, HP15, HP30 y HP45, respectively; n=9 per treatment) and grazing (PASTO), for 112 days. It was evaluated the final live weight (PVF), daily weight gain (GDP), body condition (CC), feed conversion (CA), and feed efficiency (EUA). In base to economic registers was determined the optimal economic and profit maximization of the levels evaluated. The CC was similar (P > 0.05) between HP0, HP15, HP30 and HP45. The PVF, GDP, CA and EUA, between HP0, HP15 and HP30 were similar (P < 0.05), with tendencies to be different (P < 0.08) with the lambs of HP45 and different (P < 0.05) with PASTO. The lambs of HP45 and PASTO recorded the lowest GDP (99.03 ± 0.89 and 42.84 ± 0.51 g d-1), CA (6.24 ± 0.57 and 13.82 ± 4.0 kg feed kg-1 of live weight) and EUA (18.64 ± 1.4 and 8.09 ± 0.99%). The economic optimal was obtained between 15 and 30% of inclusion of HP and the maximum profit obtained was $286.80 pesos with HP30. So it is possible to replace grains with HP up to 30% with similar performance and better profit.

The objective was to evaluate the dietary supplementation of different sources of chromium (inorganic: chromium sulfate and chelated: chromium-methionine) during the finishing period of pigs to obtain improvements in the animal performance, and carcass and meat quality. The statistical design was randomized blocks, where 44 barrows, with an initial weight 60.49±5.12 kg, were divided into four blocks (heavier, heavy, light and lighter) according to initial weight. The experimental diets were isoenergetic and isonutrient, except for the chromium level. The treatments were divided as follows: control (without chromium), control + 200 ppb of inorganic chromium (chromium sulfate), and control + 200 ppb of chelated chromium (chromium-methionine). In the performance measures, the stall was considered the experimental unit and in the blood parameters, carcass and meat evaluations each animal constituted the experimental unit. Animals were slaughtered when they reached the final average weight of 107.23±5.23 kg. Blood samples were collected and tested for blood parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose) as well as carcass quality (hot and cold weights, yield, loin-eye area, muscle depth and backfat thickness) and meat quality (initial and final pH, drip loss, color, chemical composition and lipid oxidation) parameters. Chromium-methionine supplementation provides a greater daily weight gain only compared with the animals that are not supplemented with chromium, because feed conversion is better as compared with the other treatments. After 24 hours of storage, the meat from pigs supplemented either with chromium-methionine or with chromium sulfate presents lower lipid oxidation than that from non-supplemented animals. However, after three days of storage, only chromim-methionine is effective in reducing lipid oxidation.

Background: Infection with respiratory pathogens can influence production as well as animal welfare. There is an economical and ethical need to treat pigs that suffer from respiratory diseases. Our aim was the evaluation of the possible effects of oral NSAID medication given in feed in acute outbreaks of respiratory disease in finishing pigs. The short- and long-term impact of NSAID dosing on clinical signs, daily weight gain, blood parameters and behaviour of growing pigs in herds with acute respiratory infections were evaluated. Four finishing pig farms suffering from acute outbreaks of respiratory disease were visited thrice after outbreak onset (DAY 0, DAY 3 and DAY 30). Pigs with the most severe clinical signs (N = 160) were selected as representative pigs for the herd condition. These pigs were blood sampled, weighed, evaluated clinically and their behaviour was observed. After the first visit, half of the pens (five pigs per pen in four pens totalling 20 representative pigs per herd, altogether 80 pigs in four herds) were treated with oral ketoprofen (target dose 3 mg/kg) mixed in feed for three days and the other half (80 pigs) with a placebo. In three of the herds, some pigs were treated also with antimicrobials, and in one herd the only pharmaceutical treatment was ketoprofen or placebo. Results: Compared to the placebo treatment, dosing of ketoprofen reduced sickness behaviour and lowered the rectal temperature of the pigs. Clinical signs, feed intake or blood parameters were not different between the treatment groups. Ketoprofen treatment was associated with somewhat reduced weight gain over the 30-day follow-up period. Concentration analysis of the S- and R-enantiomers of ketoprofen in serum samples collected on DAY 3 indicated successful oral drug administration. Conclusions: Ketoprofen mainly influenced the behaviour of the pigs, while it had no effect on recovery from respiratory clinical signs. However, the medication may have been started after the most severe clinical phase of the respiratory disease was over, and this delay might complicate the evaluation of treatment effects. Possible negative impact of ketoprofen on production parameters requires further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight male Cambodian yellow cattle, initial body weight (BW) 136 ± 11.9 (±SD) kg; age 20 ± 2.5 (±SD) months, were randomly allocated to treatments in a double 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effects of different levels of crude protein (CP) from sun-dried groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) foliage (DGF) on feed intake, apparent digestibility and nitrogen metabolism. All animals were fed a basal diet of rice straw ad libitum and para grass ( Brachiaria mutica) at 1% of BW. The DGF was offered as a supplement at 0, 1, 2 and 3 g CP/kg BW, denoted DGF0, DGF1, DGF2 and DGF3, respectively. The results showed that the intake of DGF contributed 0, 25, 34 and 42% of total dry matter (DM) intake. Rice straw intake decreased when DGF intake increased. Total intake of DM, organic matter (OM), digestible OM, ash, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre increased with increased level of DGF inclusion but did not differ for the two highest DGF levels. Total DM intake as proportion of BW increased from 2.3% in DGF0 to 2.8% in DGF3. Crude protein digestibility and nitrogen retention improved as DGF intake increased. Daily weight gain of DGF1 cattle was higher than DGF0 but was not further improved at the higher levels of DGF inclusion. Microbial protein synthesis and efficiency of microbial protein production in DGF1 did not differ from DGF0 but both measures were higher in DGF2 and DGF3. The responses were diminished at higher DGF inclusion so it is suggested that DGF supplementation at 1 g CP/kg BW may be the optimal level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of energy supplementation was evaluated on the development and reproductive performance of beef heifers on temperate grasslands. Twenty-eight Charolais × Nellore heifers, with initial average age of 18 months and initial live weight of 274.9 kg were utilized. The animals were maintained on oat + ryegrass pasture and distributed in the following treatments: no supplementation (NS): heifers kept exclusively on pasture; MEG: supplementation with protected fat Megalac®; BRM: supplementation with brown rice meal; BRM+MEG: supplementation with BRM + protected fat. The average final weight of the heifers was of 403.4 kg and corresponded to 89.5% of the adult weight. The body condition of heifers increased linearly with daily increase of 0.012 points, correlating positively with the final weight. There was interaction between treatment and period for average daily weight gain. The highest daily weight gain, 1.395 kg, occurred in the first period when the animals were supplemented with BRM+MEG. In the last period, the NS animals presented the lowest daily weight gain, 0.888 kg. Supplementation with brown rice meal and/or protected fat does not interfere in the intake of pasture by heifers or increase the total intake of dry matter, not changing, therefore, the average daily weight gain at the end of the period of grazing. The daily weight gain does not change during supplementation. The use of temperate pasture with and without supplementation promotes the proper development of the structure and reproductive tract of heifers, benefiting the animal performance indexes in the first mating at 25-27 months of age.

Objetivou-se avaliar quatro teores de inclusão de farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu (Orbygnya spp.) no concentrado sobre o desempenho de bovinos confinados. Foram utilizados 24 bovinos machos (12 castrados e 12 não castrados) com idade e peso corporal médio de 33 meses e 332,1±24kg, respectivamente. As dietas foram isonitrogenadas, compostas por 44% de silagem de capim Mombaça e 56% de concentrado na matéria seca. O grão de milho do concentrado foi substituído pelo farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu em 0, 20, 40 e 60% da matéria seca. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi blocos inteiramente casualisados, com os tratamentos dispostos num fatorial 4x2 (quatro níveis de inclusão de farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu e duas condições sexuais). O consumo de matéria seca, em kg dia-1 e percentagem do peso corporal, não foi alterado pelos níveis de inclusão de farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu, com valores médios de 9,37kg e 2,54%, respectivamente. Os teores de inclusão de farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu não influenciaram no ganho de peso diário e na conversão alimentar, sendo os valores médios de 1,157kg dia-1 e 8,39kg de matéria seca kg-1 de ganho de peso. Os novilhos não castrados apresentaram maior ganho de peso médio diário (1,259kg dia-1) que os castrados (1.066kg dia-1), refletindo a melhor conversão alimentar (7,702 e 9,094kg de matéria seca kg-1 de ganho de peso, respectivamente). O farelo do mesocarpo de babaçu como fonte energética alternativa, pode ser utilizado para bovinos confinados em até 60% de inclusão no concentrado, em substituição ao grão de milho.The objective was to evaluate four levels of inclusion of babassu mesocarp meal (Orbygnya spp.) in the concentrate on cattle feedlot performance. Twenty four animals (12 steers and 12 bulls) were used with age and body weight of 33 months and 332.1±24kg, respectively. Diets were isonitrogenous, composed of 44% of Mombasa grass silage and 56% of concentrate in dry matter. Corn grain of the concentrate fraction was replaced by babassu mesocarp meal at 0, 20, 40 and 60% in dry matter. The experimental design was randomized complete block, with factorial arrangement of treatments 4x2 (four levels of babassu mesocarp meal inclusion and two sexual conditions). Dry matter intake in kg day1 and percentage of body weight was not altered by the inclusion level of bran babassu mesocarp, with average values of 9.37kg day-1 and 2.54% respectively. Inclusion levels of babassu mesocarp meal did not affect daily weight gain and feed conversion the animals, with average values of 1.157kg day-1 and 8.39kg of dry matter kg-1 weight gain. Bulls had higher daily weight gain (1.259kg day-1) than steers (1.066kg day-1), reflecting a better feed conversion (7.702 and 9.094kg dry matter kg-1 weight gain, respectively). Babassu mesocarp meal, such as alternative energy source, can be fed to feedlot to the 60% level of inclusion in the concentrate, replacing corn grain.

Objetivou-se estudar a utilização da cana-de-açúcar com dois níveis de concentrado em substituição à silagem de sorgo no confinamento de tourinhos mestiços. Utilizaram-se 36 tourinhos alojados em baias individuais, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três dietas: silagem de sorgo + concentrado na quantidade de 1,0% do peso vivo (PV), cana-de-açúcar picada + concentrado (1,0% PV) e cana-de-açúcar picada + concentrado (1,2% PV). As dietas foram calculadas para que tivessem em torno de 12% de proteína bruta. As dietas não promoveram diferença no rendimento de carcaça, na conversão alimentar e nas porcentagens de músculo, osso e gordura. O ganho médio diário e o índice bionutricional foram maiores nos animais alimentados com silagem de sorgo (1,70 kg e 13,12, respectivamente). O peso final e as ingestões de matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais foram maiores nos animais alimentados com silagem de sorgo. A substituição de silagem de sorgo por cana-de-açúcar reduz o desempenho dos animais, mesmo quando fornecido maior nível de concentrado na dieta.The experiment was conducted to evaluate the use of sugar cane at two concentrate levels as a replacement for sorghum silage in the diet of crossbred young bulls in feedlot. Thirty-six young crossbred males were maintained in individual stalls in a randomized complete experimental design with three diets: sorghum silage with 1.0% of the live weight (LW) in concentrate, sugar cane with concentrate (1.0% LW) and sugar cane with concentrate (1.2% LW). The diets were calculated to have approximately 12% crude protein. The diets did not cause differences in the dressing percentage, feed conversion and bone, muscle and fat percentage. The daily gains and bio-nutritional index were higher for the animals fed with sorghum silage (1.70 kg and 13.12, respectively). The final weight and ingestions of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients were higher for the animals fed sorghum silage. The replacement of sorghum silage with sugar cane reduce the animal performance, even when a higher level of concentrate is supplied in the diet.

Objetivou-se avaliar a digestibilidade, o consumo, o desempenho e as características de carcaça em tourinhos mestiços confinados alimentados com dietas balanceadas, à base de cana-de-açúcar ou de silagem de sorgo. Na avaliação da digestibilidade e no confinamento, foram utilizados, respectivamente, quatro e 18 tourinhos mestiços por dieta, alojados em baias individuais, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos (silagem de sorgo + 1,0% do peso vivo em concentrado; e cana-de-açúcar picada + 1,2% do peso vivo em concentrado). As dietas foram calculadas para que tivessem em torno de 12% de proteína bruta. Não foi observada diferença no consumo e na digestibilidade de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e carboidratos totais entre os animais alimentados com silagem de sorgo ou canade-açúcar. Os animais alimentados com cana-de-açúcar apresentaram pior conversão alimentar e menor ganho médio diário. Não foram observadas diferenças no peso vivo, peso de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça, conformação das carcaças, área de olho-de-lombo, espessura da gordura subcutânea, espessura de coxão, cor, textura e marmoreio da carne e porcentagem de osso, de músculo e de gordura. As carcaças foram classificadas, na média, como muito boas menos. A cana-de-açúcar em substituição à silagem de sorgo não influenciou as variáveis estudadas, com exceção da conversão alimentar, do ganho médio diário, da ingestão e da digestibilidade de fibra em detergente ácido. A cana-de-açúcar, se utilizada como único volumoso, pode reduzir o desempenho dos animais.The objective of the present study was to evaluate the digestibility, intake, performance and carcass characteristics in young crossbred bulls fed balanced diets based on sugarcane or sorghum silage. In the digestibility assessment in the feedlot, four and eighteen young crossbred young bulls were used per diet, kept in individual stalls, in a randomized complete experimental design with two diets (sorghum silage + 1.0% live weight in concentrate and chopped sugar cane + 1.2% of live weight concentrate). The diets were formulated to have around 12% crude protein. No difference was observed between the diets for intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and total carbohydrates among the animals fed sorghum silage or sugarcane. The animals fed with sugar cane yielded worse feed conversion and lower daily gain. No differences were observed for live weight, hot carcass weight, carcass dressing, carcass conformation, loin eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, cushion thickness, meat color, texture and marbling and percentage of bone, muscle and fat. The mean classification of the carcasses was very good minus. Substituting sugar cane for sorghum silage did not influence the studied variables, except feed conversion, daily gain and acid detergent fiber intake and digestibility. Sugar cane can reduce animal performance if used as the only source of forage.

Avaliou-se o desempenho ponderal de novilhas em regime de pastejo rotacionado consumindo dois tipos de suplemento mineral. Utilizaram-se 25 novilhas Holandês × Zebu, 9 como animais reguladores e 16 como animais-prova, divididas em quatro tratamentos: capim-mombaça e sal seletivo (MSS); capim-mombaça e sal comercial (MSC); capim-elefante e sal seletivo (ESS); e capim-elefante e sal comercial (ESC). O ganho médio diário (GMD) foi calculado pesando-se os animais-prova a cada 28 dias após jejum alimentar de 16 horas. Foram avaliados os consumos de matéria seca de lâmina foliar verde (CMSLFV) e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca de lâmina foliar verde (DMSLFV) utilizando-se óxido crômico como marcador externo e fibra em detergente neutro indigerível como marcador interno. Foram mensurados os consumos dos suplementos minerais e avaliados os teores de matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e de Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Fe e Mn somente em amostras de lâmina foliar. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 (gramínea e mistura mineral). Cada tratamento foi composto por quatro animais, de modo que cada animal constituiu uma unidade experimental. Apenas os minerais Cu, Na e Zn foram encontrados em quantidades insuficientes nas forrageiras. Os CMSLFV não foram influenciados por nenhuma das variáveis estudadas nem por suas interações. Houve interação sal mineral × gramínea para a DMSLFV. O GMD foi influenciado apenas pelas gramíneas; o desempenho dos animais que consumiram o capim-elefante foi superior. A composição nutricional do capim-elefante foi ligeiramente superior à do capim-mombaça, o que provavelmente proporcionou melhor desempenho aos animais deste tratamento.The ponderal performance of heifers under rotational grazing fed two types mineral supplement was evaluated. A total of 25 heifers Holstein × Zebu, including nine regulator animals and 16 test animals, was divided into four treatments: mombaçagrass (Panicum maximum, CV. Mombaça) with selective salt (MSS), mombaçagrass with commercial salt (MSC), elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum, CV. Napier) with selective salt (ESS) and elephantgrass with commercial salt (ESC). Average daily live weight gain (DWG) was calculated by weighing the test animal every 28 days after fasting of 16 hours. Dry matter intake (CMSLFV) and apparent digestibility (DMSLFV) of green leaf blade were evaluated with chromium oxide and indigestible neutral detergent fiber, as external and internal markers, respectively. Mineral supplement intake was measured and the levels of dry matter, crude protein, and of Ca. P, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn only in grass leaves samples. A completely randomized design in 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (grass and mineral mix), was used. Each treatment was composed by four animals, and each animal as considered a experimental unit. Only Cu, Na and Zn were deficient in the forages. The CMSLFV were not affected by the studied variables and no significant interactions were observed. There was interaction between salt mix and grass for DMSLF. The DWG was affected only by grasses, the performance that ingested elephantgrass was higher. The nutritional composition of the elephantgrass was slightly better than that of mombaçagrass what probably provided better weight gains for the animals in this treatment.

This study was conducted with the aim of determining the growth characteristics and survival rate of Karacabey Merino lambs, as well as the non-genetic factors affecting these traits. The study included data from a total of 17659 lambs and 12263 ewes raised in 30 herds between the years 2011 and 2016 as part of the National Sheep and Goat Improvement Project. The average birth weight of the lambs was determined as 3.73±0.05 kg, the average 45th day live weight was 18.43±0.58 kg, the average weaning (average 91.8 days) weight was 31.83±0.24 kg, and the average daily live weight gain until weaning was 289.1±3.91 g. The average survival rate of lambs at weaning was calculated to be 95.67% ± 1.15. The effects of the factors herd, birth year, birth type, birth season and sex were found significant for all traits (p<0.01). It was established that the mortality rate in lambs in large herds was higher during 6 years in which the project was carried out. Due to the high twinning rate in large herds, the number of lambs per worker is increased, and as a result, they cannot be adequately cared for. For this reason, large farms may be encouraged to increase workmanship services in addition to being provided with protective health practices for lambs throughout the birth period. On the other hand, it was determined that the twinning rate was low in small farms. On farms with fewer sheep populations, it may be advised to flush or administer exogenous hormone treatments to ewes in order to increase fertility and help them bear twins., (Copyright© by the Polish Academy of Sciences.)

The Blanc du Massif Central breed is a rustically French meat breed of sheep that was used in crossing with Tsurcana breed in order to improve the quality of local lambs for the European market. After crossing, the resulting lambs were compared with purebred Tsurcana lambs to evaluate daily weight gain from birth to 3 months. The daily weight gain was superior in the crossed lambs compared with purebred lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To assess the effect of sedation and local anaesthesia (LA) at disbudding, and the addition of meloxicam or ketoprofen treatment, on weight gain in dairy calves following disbudding. METHODS: Friesian-Jersey cross calves, from four dairy farms, were enrolled when 3-6 weeks old. All calves (n=271) were disbudded by veterinary personnel and randomly assigned to six groups: 136 were disbudded without sedation or LA, of which 31 received 20 mg meloxicam S/C and 75 received 150 mg ketoprofen I/M. A further 135 were disbudded with sedation (0.25 mg/kg xylazine I/M) and LA, of which 30 also received meloxicam and 75 received ketoprofen. Calves were weighed 3 days before, and 15 and 30 days after, disbudding (Day 0). Daily weight gain was analysed using mixed models and ANOVA. RESULTS: Complete results were obtained from 263 calves. From Day −3 to Day 15, the growth rate of calves disbudded without pain relief (0.53 (95% CI=0.47-0.60) kg/day) was less that of calves disbudded with some form of pain relief (0.65 (95% CI=0.62-0.68) kg/d; p=0.004). There was no difference between the effect of meloxicam or ketoprofen (p=1.00). An interaction between use of sedation and LA and additional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) meant that NSAID treatment did not increase growth rates in calves disbudded with sedation and LA but did increase growth rates for calves disbudded without pain relief (p<0.05). From Day 16 to Day 30 there was no effect of NSAID treatment on growth rate, but calves receiving LA and sedation grew faster (0.74 (95% CI=0.69-0.80) kg/day) than calves disbudded without LA and sedation (0.66 (95% CI=0.61-0.71) kg/day; p=0.018). From Day −3 to Day 30, calves disbudded with sedation and LA grew faster (0.71 (95%CI=0.64-0.77) kg/day) than calves disbudded without sedation and LA (0.60 (95% CI=0.55-0.65) kg/day; p=0.011). However, addition of NSAID to sedation and LA made no further difference to growth rates (p=0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Dairy calves disbudded with no pain relief had slower growth rates than calves receiving pain relief. From Day 15 to 30 calves given no pain relief, or NSAID alone, grew more slowly than those receiving sedation and LA at disbudding. The addition of NSAID treatment to sedation and LA did not further increase growth rates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study adds to the evidence that pain management when disbudding is beneficial for calf productivity as well as calf welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a fermented food, made with Canavalia ensiformis seeds on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Pelibuey lambs (n=18). A completely randomized design with twofactor and repeated measures on a factor was used. The factors were the type of diet [unfermented food with canavalia (UFC), fermented food with canavalia (FC) and unfermented food without canavalia (UFWC)] and number of evaluation period. The variables evaluated were body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADG), average daily intake of dry matter, crude protein and metabolizable energy, as well as weight carcass and carcass yield. Type of diet, period number and type of diet x period number interaction affected (P<0.01) intake of all nutrients studied, BW and ADG. Type of diet affected (P<0.01) carcass weight. The FC diet allowed greater ADG (P<0.01) compared to UFC diet. Lambs fed with a diet UFWC had the highest ADG (P<0.05). In conclusion, lambs feeding diets containing canavalia seed meal allowed positive changes in growth and carcass weight; however, these changes were smaller in magnitude compared to those obtained with a diet without canavalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O experimento foi realizado com os objetivos de avaliar o efeito dos níveis de proteína bruta (15, 20 e 25%) na ração concentrada sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de cordeiros Suffolk alimentados em creep feeding e analisar economicamente esse sistema de produção. Foram utilizados 15 cordeiros inteiros, nascidos de partos simples, alimentados ad libitum com as rações experimentais duas vezes ao dia. Estimaram-se o consumo de médio diário de ração, pelo cálculo da quantidade fornecida e das sobras; o ganho de peso, pela pesagem dos animais a cada 14 dias; o peso vivo ao abate (PVA) dos cordeiros em jejum (16 horas); e o rendimento de carcaça quente, após abate e evisceração. O ganho médio diário foi influenciado pelos níveis de proteína, quando considerada a idade de abate como covariável. Não houve efeito significativo dos níveis de proteína sobre as características de carcaça. No sistema de alimentação e terminação de cordeiros Suffolk em creep feeding, a ração deve ser balanceada com 25% de proteína bruta, uma vez que esse nível proporcionou maior ganho de peso médio diário e não alterou as características de carcaça.This trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of different concentrate crude protein levels (15, 20 or 25%) on production and carcass traits of Suffolk lambs in creep feeding. An economical analysis of the production system was also performed. Fifteen single birth lambs fed ad libitum twice a day were used in this study. The average daily intake was measured by subtracting the orts from the amount of feed offered to the animals. Lambs were weighed every fourteen days to determine body weight gain. To measure slaughter body weight (SW) animals were fasted for 16 h and then weighted. After evisceration both hot carcass weight and yield were obtained. To determine cold carcass yield and cooling losses, carcasses were placed in a refrigerator at 5ºC for 24 hours and weighted again. The different concentrate crude protein levels affected the daily weight gain only when the slaughter age was used as the covariable. Conversely, crude protein levels did not significantly change carcass traits in the present trial. It can be concluded that the concentrate with 25% of crude protein is recommended to Suffolk lambs in creep feeding because of the higher daily weight gain and maintenance of carcass traits.

Objetivou-se avaliar, por meio do desempenho animal, silagens de três híbridos de milho (Zea mays, L.): Agroceres AG-5011, Braskalb XL-344 e Cargill C-806. Foram utilizados 27 machos, não-castrados, mestiços Nelore x Charolês, com idade média de 10 meses e peso médio inicial de 252 kg, confinados durante 84 dias, subdivididos em quatro períodos de 21 dias. As silagens dos híbridos testados corresponderam a 70% da matéria seca ofertada. Não houve interação do híbrido de milho testado com o período de avaliação em confinamento, para os parâmetros estudados. A dieta que incluiu a silagem do híbrido AG-5011 resultou em maior consumo voluntário médio diário de matéria seca, expresso por 100 kg de peso vivo e tamanho metabólico, e maior consumo médio diário de fibra em detergente ácido, expresso nas diferentes formas, em relação aos híbridos XL-344 e C-806, que, por sua vez, foram semelhantes entre si. As dietas que incluíram silagens dos híbridos AG-5011, XL-344 e C-806 apresentaram semelhanças quanto ao consumo voluntário de matéria seca, expresso em kg/animal/dia (6,73; 6,05; e 6,19), consumo médio diário de FDN, em kg/dia (3,054; 2,837; e 2,836), e energia digestível, expressa nas diferentes formas, ganho de peso médio diário, em kg/dia (1,283; 1,219; e 1,249), ganho em estado corporal, conversão alimentar (5,26; 4,98; e 4,97) e eficiência energética (14,02; 13,68; e 13,21). Os três híbridos são indicados como materiais genéticos de muito boa qualidade para produção de silagem, promovendo ganhos de peso diário superior a 1,2 kg/animal/dia, quando utilizados em dietas com relação volumoso:concentrado de 70:30.The objective of the experiment was to evaluate, through feedlot performance of calves, three corn hybrids (Zea mays, L.): Agroceres AG-5011, Braskalb XL-344 and Cargill C-806. For the evaluation, 27 Nellore x Charolais non-castrated crossbred males with average age of 10 months and average initial weight of 252 kg, were used. The animals were fed during 84 days, divided in four periods of 21 days. The hybrids silages tested represented 70% of the dry matter offered. No significant interaction of corn hybrids with evaluation period was observed for the different parameters. The diet that included the AG-5011, resulted in higher voluntary dry matter intake expressed per 100 kg of live weight and metabolic size, and higher average daily intake of ADF expressed in the different forms, in relation to XL-344 and C-806, which were similar to each other. The diets that included the AG-5011, XL-344 and C-806 silages showed similar dry matter intakes expressed as kg/animal/day (6.73; 6.05; and 6.19), NDF expressed as kg/animal/day (3.054; 2.837; and 2.836) and digestible energy expressed in the different forms, average daily weight gain (1.283; 1.219; and 1.249 kg), gain in body condition, feed conversion (5.26; 4.98; and 4.97) and energy efficiency (14.02; 13.68; and 13.21). The three hybrids are indicated as very good genetic materials for silage production, resulting in weight gain above 1.2 kg/animal/day when fed diets with roughage:concentrate ratio of 70:30.

Foi avaliado o efeito, no desempenho animal, da adição da casca do grão de soja em substituição ao grão de sorgo na fração concentrada da dieta de novilhos confinados na fase de terminação dos 19 aos 23 meses de idade. Os tratamentos foram correspondentes aos diferentes níveis de substituição do grão de sorgo por casca de soja: 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%. A dieta com relação volumoso:concentrado de 60:40 continha 12% de proteína bruta. Analisando os dados por regressão, verificou-se comportamento quártico para ganho de peso diário e conversão alimentar, com valores de 1,040; 1,242; 1,167; 1,264 e 1,208 kg para ganho e de 8,490; 7,340; 7,611; 7,029 e 7,201 para conversão alimentar, respectivamente, nos níveis 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de substituição do sorgo pela casca de soja. Comportamento linear decrescente foi observado para consumo diário de matéria seca por 100 kg de peso vivo, com valores de 2,43; 2,46; 2,40; 2,37 e 2,32%, e por unidade de tamanho metabólico, de 106,5; 107,6; 105,4; 104,4 e 102,2 g, respectivamente. Verificou-se, por intermédio da análise de contrastes, que os animais alimentados com as dietas contendo casca de soja apresentaram melhores ganho de peso e conversão alimentar em relação aos alimentados com a dieta que continha somente sorgo.The objetive of the experiment was to evaluate the effect on animal performace of the addition of soybean hulls in substitution to sorghum grain in the concentrate fraction of the diet of feedlot finished steers from of 19 to 23 months of age. The treatments were the different levels of substitution of sorghum grain by soybean hulls: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The diet with roughage: concentrate ratio of 60:40, contained 12% crude protein. Analyzing the data by regression, a quartic behavior was verified for daily weight gain and feed conversion, with values of 1.040, 1.242, 1.167, 1.264 and 1.208 kg for daily weight gain and of 8.490, 7.340, 7.611, 7.029 and 7.201 for feed conversion, respectively, for the 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% substitution levels of sorghum by soybean hulls. Linear behavior was observed for daily dry matter intake per 100 kg of live weight, with values of 2.43, 2.46, 2.40, 2.37 and 2.32%, and per metabolic weight, with values of 106.5, 107.6, 105.4, 104.4 and 102.2 g, respectively. The contrast analysis demonstrated that animals fed with diets that included soybean hulls showed better weight gain and feed conversion than those fed with the diet that included only sorghum.

Daily weight gain, hot carcass yield and profile of fatty acids of Longissimus dorsi muscle were determined in 30 Pelibuey-Black Belly x Dorper-Katahdin lambs, with 20 ± 2 kg of liveweight, supplemented with ground pods of Acacia cochliacantha, in irrigated native grasslands. The animals were selected at random and three treatments were designed: 1) grazing and 0 % of supplementation, 2) grazing plus 15 % of supplementation, and 3) grazing plus 30 % of supplementation with Acacia cochliacantha, according to the dry matter requirements. The grasslands were composed by shrubs, grasses and herbaceous plants. Daily weight gain, hot carcass yield, weight of liver, kidneys and heart, perirenal and pericardial fat, and profile of fatty acids were determined. The analysis of variance was applied to the data. There were no significant differences in daily weight gain (68, 59 and 63 g), hot carcass yield (37.08, 37.84 and 39.09 %), weight of viscera and intramuscular fat (1.59, 1.84 and 1.72 %). There was a C18:2-n6/c18:3-n3 (omega 6/omega 3) relation of 3.53, 3.25 and 3.38 in the Longissimus dorsi muscle, for the 0, 15 and 30 % supplementation groups, respectively. The treatment with 30 % of supplementation had the lowest content (P<0.05) of C22:1n-9, regarding the control treatment. It can be concluded that lambs in irrigated native grasslands, with or without supplementation of pods of Acacia cochliacantha, produced acceptable hot carcass yield and daily weight gains, and a close relation of C18:2-n6/c18:3-n3. There was only a decrease of erucic acid (C22:1n-9) in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of the supplemented animals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To assess the effect of analgesia at disbudding on weight gain and milk intake of dairy calves. METHODS: Four disbudding protocols were used on 3- to 6-week-old Friesian-Jersey calves. Farm staff disbudded 101 calves without sedation or local analgesia, of which 51 received 20 mg meloxicam S/C. Veterinary staff disbudded 101 calves with sedation and local analgesia, of which 51 also received 20 mg meloxicam S/C. Calves were weighed before disbudding, 15 and 30 days later, and individual milk consumption was recorded for 11 days. Daily weight gain and milk consumption were analysed using mixed models and ANOVA. RESULTS: From disbudding (Day 0) to Day 15 farmer-disbudded calves receiving meloxicam grew faster (0.65 kg/day) than calves without meloxicam (0.55 kg/day; p=0.011), but an interaction between operator and meloxicam treatment (p=0.056) meant that meloxicam treatment did not increase growth rates in veterinary-disbudded calves (0.63vs. 0.64 kg/day; p=0.872). From Days 16–30 there was no significant effect of meloxicam on growth rate, but veterinarian-disbudded calves grew faster (0.76 kg/day) than farmer-disbudded calves (0.66 kg/day; p=0.034). Overall, for the first 30 days after disbudding, if meloxicam was not used’, veterinarian-disbudded calves grew faster than farmer-disbudded calves (p=0.002). However if meloxicam was used at disbudding there was no difference in growth rate between veterinarian- and farmer-disbudded calves (p=0.878). Mean cumulative milk consumption for the 11 days after disbudding was greater for calves disbudded by veterinary staff than by farm staff (p<0.001), but there was no effect of meloxicam treatment (p=0.618) and no interaction with operator (p=0.86) on cumulative milk consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Three to 6-week-old dairy calves disbudded by farm staff with no analgesia grew significantly slower over the next 15 days than farmer-disbudded calves given meloxicam, and slower over the next 30 days than veterinarian-disbudded calves given xylazine and lignocaine. However addition of meloxicam to the latter protocol had no effect on growth rate. Milk intake was significantly higher for 11 days for veterinarian- compared with farmer-disbudded calves. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study adds to the evidence that analgesia during disbudding is beneficial for calf productivity as well as calf welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar o desempenho e características de carcaça de cordeiros de três grupos genéticos abatidos ao mesmo estágio de maturidade, em condições de confinamento. Foram utilizados 23 cordeiros, sendo sete da raça Ideal (I), oito ½ Texel + ½ Ideal (F1) e oito ¾ Texel + ¼ Ideal (F2), machos com idade entre três a quatro meses. O abate foi realizado assim que cada cordeiro atingiu 65% do peso à maturidade das ovelhas do seu grupo genético, que correspondeu a 27,5kg para o Ideal, 30,9kg para os cruzas F1 e 31,7kg para os cruzas F2. Não foi observada diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre os três grupos genéticos para os seguintes parâmetros: consumo de matéria seca (gramas/unidade de tamanho metabólico ekg/100kg PV), conversão alimentar, número de dias em confinamento, índice de quebra ao resfriamento e rendimento de carcaça. Os cordeiros Ideal apresentaram menor ganho médio diário e peso vivo ao abate (P0,05). Os cordeiros cruzas F2 apresentaram maiores pesos de carcaça quente e fria (P0,05). Quanto ao consumo de matéria seca (gramas/animal/dia), os cordeiros cruzas F2 apresentaram maior consumo (P0,05).The objective of this study was to compare the performance and carcass characteristics of lambs from three genetic groups slaughtered at the same stage of maturity, reared in feedlot (confinament). Twenty-three castred male lambs were used. Seven were of the Ideal breed (I), eight were ½ Texel + ½ Ideal (F1) and eight were ¾ Texel = ¼ Ideal (F2). The average age of the lambs was three to four months. The lambs were slaughtered at the moment in wich they attained 65% of the mature weigth of the ewes in their respective genetic group, which corresponded to 25.5kg for Ideal, 30.9kg for F1 and 31.7kg for F2. No significant difference (P>.05) was observed between the three genetic groups for the following parameter: dry matter consumption (g/UTM/day and kg/100kg PV), feed conversion, number of days in confinement, coefficient of loss due to chilling, carcass yeld. The Ideal lambs presented a smaller average daily gain, live weight at slaughter (P.05). The F2 lambs presented higher hot and cold carcass weights (P.05). In relation to the consumption, the F2 cross-bred lambs presented higher consumption (P.05).

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estimar o consumo de matéria seca de animais pastejando três cultivares de Panicum maximum e relacioná-lo com ganho de peso, tempo de pastejo (TP) e algumas características químicas e estruturais do pasto. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados com três tratamentos e três repetições. O consumo voluntário de matéria seca (CVMS) foi estimado em quatro ocasiões (maio, setembro, novembro e fevereiro). Para calcular a produção de fezes, foi usado o óxido crômico como marcador externo. Foram estimados a digestibilidade in situ da matéria seca e o tempo de pastejo, respectivamente, por intermédio de extrusas e tacógrafos. Foram estimadas as disponibilidades da forragem e dos componentes da planta. Apesar de os CVMS pelos animais terem sido semelhantes entre as cultivares, foram observadas maiores diferenças nos ganhos de peso, para os animais pastejando o capim Tanzânia, seguidos daqueles pastejando os capins Colonião e Tobiatã. Diferenças também foram observadas entre as cultivares para TP, que foi menor para os animais em pasto de Tobiatã, quando comparados aos que pastejaram as outras duas cultivares. O aumento no TP observado durante o período da seca não foi suficiente para impedir queda no consumo de forragem neste período. O CVMS foi correlacionado (r² = 0,77) com ganho diário de peso. As características estruturais das pastagens, disponibilidade de folhas e relação material verde:material morto, influenciaram mais o CVMS, ganho de peso diário e TP que os valores nutritivos das mesmas.The objectives of this work were to estimate the dry matter intake by animals grazing three cultivars of Panicum maximum, and to relate it to live weight gain, grazing time (GT) and some structural and chemical characteristics of the pastures. The experimental design was the randomized block with three treatments and three replicates. The dry matter voluntary intake (DMVI) was estimated in four periods (May, September, November and February). Fecal output was measured using chromic oxide as an external marker. In situ dry matter digestibility was estimated from extrusa obtained by esophageal fistulated animals, and grazing time was registered by vibracorders. Also, forage availability and plant components were estimated. Greater differences in live weight gains were observed, for the animals grazing Tanzânia followed by those grazing Colonião and Tobiatã, although DMVI among cultivars were similar. There were also smaller differences among cultivars for the GT for animals grazing Tobiatã as compared to those grazing the other two cultivars. The increase in the GT observed during the dry season was not enough to avoid a decrease in the forage intake, during the same period. The VIDM was highly correlated (r² = 0.77) with daily live weight gains. Structural characteristics of the forages, leaf availability and green matter:dead matter ratio, affected more the VIDM, daily weight gain and GT than their nutritive value.

In Colombia, beef cattle are traditionally raised in lowland areas, whereas dairies are the predominant production systems in the highland areas. Highland grasses are of greater nutritional value (protein content and digestibility) than lowland grasses, but may have an excess of protein, so supplementation strategies should be based on the inclusion of energy feeds. After determining that the protein content in kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) is very high (20.6%) and that the availability of energy (2.31 Mcal ME/ kg DM) is the most limiting dietary factor, a study to evaluate the production of beef under tropical highland conditions was carried out in Santa Rosa de Osos, Antioquia. In this study, the growth of 18 steers of different crosses, homogeneously distributed in two groups grazing on Kikuyu pastures was assessed for 122 days until animals reached harvest weight (420 kg). The first group (316 ± 37.0 kg initial live weight) received 0.55 kg/day of a corn, molasses and tallow (51, 12, and 37%, respectively) energy supplement, while the second group (322.8 ± 27.8 kg initial live weight) was only grazing. Supplemented animals (S) grazed in 2.5 ha, whereas non-supplemented animals (NS) grazed in 3.2 ha. Total weight gain for the entire period was 78.8 and 73.3 kg for S and NS animals, respectively. Fattening steers in tropic highlands can be a successful production activity, but it is necessary to identify both an appropriate energy source and its level of inclusion to improve the protein:energy ratio in the diet of beef steers grazing in P. clandestinum pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bodyweight Gain of Calves of Three Local Cattle Breeds of Ituri (High-Zaire). Du ring seven years together (1981 to 1987) of calves bodyweight measures, a classification of increasing growth rate was established between three local cattle breeds of Ituri : Lugware, Bhema and Alur. The authors recommand to continue the selection for the preservation of this genetic inheritance. An improving management of natural pastures is need ful to become visible the genetical advancement.

An evaluation was conducted of the suitability for fattening in a semi-intensive system (mainly with fodders from permanent grassland) and the slaughter value of 15 young bulls of the Polish Red (PR) breed and 10 each of the White-Backed (WB) and Polish Black-and-White (BW) breeds. The reference group consisted of young bulls of the Black-and-White variety of the Polish Holstein- Friesian (HF) breed and the Simmental (SIM) breed, fattened on the same farms. Control fattening was carried out until the age of 18 months. Mean daily weight gain in the bulls of the native breeds during the control fattening period (which lasted 314-358 days) was 0.9 kg, similarly to HF, but significantly lower (P≤0.05) than in the Simmentals (986 g). During the entire fattening period, i.e. from birth to the age of 18 months, daily weight gain was 832 g in PR and 889-919 g in WB and BW. Dressing percentage was lowest in PR bulls (51.69%), and higher in WB (53.1%) and BW (53.49%), with values similar to the reference group, i.e. young bulls of the Simmental (52.97%) and HF (53.29%) breeds. The difference between PR and BW (1.8%) and HF (1.6%) was statistically significant (P≤0.05). In the EUROP classification system, the carcasses of the young bulls of the native breeds were most often placed in classes R- and O+ (conformation) and 2+ and 3- (fat cover), as in the case of young HF bulls. Carcasses of young Simmental bulls were assigned to much higher classes. The young bulls of the three Polish native breeds evaluated are good material for fattening in a semi-intensive system (mainly with fodder from permanent grasslands), while the young PR bulls were the least suitable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify sow and piglet parameters that were associated to piglets׳ daily weight gain (DWG) and survival. We were especially interested in associations with colostrum intake (CI) and how CI affects amino acid use in neonatal piglets. Survival and DWG was recorded of piglets born to 37 PIC sows (parity 1–7) until weaning. Parameters regarding reproduction, sow body condition, colostrum quantity, and colostrum nutritional and immunological composition were noted. Four piglets per litter were randomly selected for serum collection 24–30h after birth and this was analysed for urea, creatinine, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and A (IgA), and 7 free amino acids. The DWG was positively associated with birth weight (BW B ) and CI/kg BWB, and negatively with time between birth and first suckle (t FS) until day 3 of lactation (R 2=0.39, p<0.001), day 7 of lactation (R 2=0.26, p<0.001) and weaning (R 2=0.18, p<0.001). The mortality rate was higher for piglets with a BWB <1kg (p<0.001), a CI/kg BWB <160g (p<0.001) and a t FS>60min (p<0.01). The CI/kg BWB was negatively associated to urea (p=0.002), positively to some free amino acids (p<0.05) but not to creatinine, NEFA, IgG and IgA in piglets׳ serum. The DWG was negatively associated to urea and positively to leucine until day 3 of lactation (R 2=0.19, p<0.001), until day 7 of lactation (R 2=0.13, p<0.001) and until weaning (R 2=0.08, p<0.001). A lower CI/kg BWB was accompanied by a higher catabolism of protein that did not seem to originate from the piglets׳ body reserves. It seems that piglets with a lower CI/kg BWB use a larger proportion of colostral protein as a substrate for energy production instead of other purposes such as lean growth, as there was a negative association between parameters indicating protein catabolism and DWG at least until weaning. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that piglets׳ daily weight gain and survival until weaning was positively associated with birth weight, colostrum intake per kg birth weight and negatively to time between birth and first suckle. The effect of colostrum intake per kg birth weight seems to be related to a shift in nutrient use. With a decreasing colostrum intake per kg birth weight, piglets use a relatively higher amount of colostral protein in catabolic processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]