Effect of coconut processing by-product graded feeding on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs.

The inclusion of by-product coconut mesocarp skins (CMS) in diets was evaluated in feedlot lambs. The objective of this study was to evaluate CMS levels effects on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Thirty-five male lambs with an initial body weight of 16.9 ± 2.93 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with five CMS levels in total dry matter (0; 4.8; 9.6; 14.4 and 19.2%) and fed during 71 d until slaughter. High levels of CMS decreased the intake of dry matter and negatively affected the performance of lambs. Fat and protein contents of Longissimus lumborum muscle (P < 0.05) and the saturated fatty acid (FA) decreased (P < 0.001) whereas polyunsaturated FA increased (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of CMS. The ratio t10/t11-18:1 increased with the inclusion of CMS (P < 0.001). The instrumental color descriptors were unaffected by CMS levels. According to the effects on the investigated meat quality traits we recommend up to 4.8% CMS in diets of confined lambs.

Nutritional parameters and productive performance of grazing sheep using castor bean cake as supplement or fertilizer.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of detoxified castor bean replacing soybean meal in the concentrate diet or as nitrogen organic fertilizer replacing urea on intake and nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and productive performance of sheep finished on irrigated Tamani grass pasture under continuous stocking and variable stocking rate. The treatments were two concentrate diets: standard (ground corn and soybean meal) and alternative diet (ground corn and detoxified castor bean cake), and two nitrogen fertilizers: chemical (urea) and organic (fresh castor bean cake). The randomized complete block design was used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with four replications (500 m² paddocks). Four sheep (2 castrated males and 2 females) were distributed in each experimental unit, totaling 64 animals with an average initial weight of 19.42 ± 3.6 kg. No effects (P > 0.05) were observed on the variables inherent to the evaluation of the pasture. The average stocking rate (SR) among treatments was 85.50 sheep/ha, equivalent to 9.87 Animal Units (AU)/ha. The alternative diet presented lower dry matter digestibility (62.71%), with no negative effects on nutrient intake and kidney parameters. Animals fed the standard and alternative diet showed average daily gain of 103.75 and 86.76 g/day, respectively. A finishing period of up to 100 days is recommended for sheep selected for production systems in semi-arid regions managed intensively on pasture. Detoxified castor bean cake did not alter nutrient intake, liver and kidney parameters of the sheep and can be used in pasture-based sheep farming.

Thermoregulatory responses and ingestive behavior of sheep subjected to water restriction and high- and low-energy diets in a semi-arid environment.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of water restriction and low- and high-energy diets on sheep's thermoregulatory responses and ingestive behavior. Forty sheep, non-castrated, with an average body weight of 18.85 kg (SD = 2.80 kg) and an average age of 5 months were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising 2 diets (high- and low-energy) and 2 water offers (ad libitum and 50% water restriction), with 10 replicates. Thermoregulatory responses were evaluated in two periods (morning and afternoon). There was an interaction effect of Diet x Water supply x Periods on respiratory rate (P < 0.05). High-energy diets resulted in increased heart rate, idleness, dry matter feeding and rumination efficiency, and water intake. Low-energy diets increased feeding time, rumination time, the number of ruminal cuds, chews per day, total chewing time, neutral detergent fiber intake and rumination efficiency, number of ruminations per day, average duration of rumination, and defecation frequency. Water supply affected heart rate and idleness (P < 0.05). Sheep had higher values of heart rate and rectal and surface temperatures during the afternoon (P < 0.05). Water restriction combined with a low-energy diet and high environmental temperature leads to a reduction in the respiratory rate of Santa Inês crossbred sheep. Regardless of the dietary energy value, water restriction by 50% of the daily requirement of sheep reduces dry matter intake and increases idleness.

Cactus flour (Opuntia ficus-indica) reduces brain lipid peroxidation and anxious-like behavior in old Wistar rats.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of cactus flour on the anxious-like behavior and cerebral lipid peroxidation in elderly rats (18 months of life). The rats were divided into four groups (n=10). control (CG) - received the AIN-93M ration. P5%. P10% and P15%. treated with the AIN-93M ration with the addition of 5, 10 and 15% of cactus flour respectively. In the elevated plus maze (EPM) groups P5%, P10% and P15% remained longer in the open arms. P15% remained longer in this region and less time in the closed arms. No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the time the rats remained in the center of the apparatus. P5%. P10% and P15% performed a greater number of head dips. Regarding the open field animals P5%. P10% and P15% performed a greater number of rearing and stayed for a longer time in the center of the apparatus with P15% being the group that remained for the longest time when compared to the other groups. There was no difference in locomotion and grooming. As for the light-dark box. P15% spent more time in the light part. less time in the dark part and performed a smaller number of transitions. P5%. P10% and P15% had the lowest concentrations of brain lipid peroxidation. Our data demonstrated that consumption of cactus flour by rats promoted anxiolytic effects and minimized brain lipid peroxidation in aging. Given the above, it can be deduced that cactus pear can contribute to the prevention and/or treatment of anxiety in the aging phase.Due to its concentrations of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, soluble fibers and antioxidant contents such as vitamin E and selenium.

Quality and sensory milk traits of goats grazing Caatinga or confined receiving either corn or spineless cactus-based diets in the Brazilian semiarid environment.

This study aimed to evaluate the yield, physical-chemical properties, fatty acid (FA) profile, and sensory traits of goat milk under different nutritional strategies in a Brazilian semiarid environment. Eighteen lactating crossbred dairy goats were distributed in a completely randomized design with three nutritional strategies: Caatinga strategy (1.5% of body weight with a concentrate supplementation), Corn-based confined strategy, and Spineless Cactus confined strategy. Daily milk yield was recorded, and milk samples were collected from all animals. Goats fed the spineless cactus-based diet presented a higher milk yield than goats feed the other strategies. Moreover, milk from goats fed with a spineless Cactus confined strategy presented higher saturated FA (SFA), and a lower proportion of cis- monounsaturated FA, trans-monounsaturated FA, and c9,t11-18:2 than milk from goats feed the other strategies. Milk from goats in the pasture system presented the highest proportions of 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, and thus of polyunsaturated FA, when compared with milk from confined goats. We assume that milk from goats grazing in Caatinga pastures presents more benefits to human health due to the positive effects of this diet on the milk's fat content and FA profile, and this feeding strategy also results in a better sensory evaluation that may increase the acceptability of goat milk by consumers. All nutritional strategies evaluated herein and adopted in the semiarid region of Brazil are recommended for maintaining the yield, physical-chemical properties, and acceptability of milk goats.

Coconut fruit pulp by-product in the diet of sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of coconut fruit pulp by-product (CPB) on the intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal parameters of sheep. Five intact, male, non-descript lambs with a mean initial body weight of 25.5 ± 1.68 kg were assigned to a Latin square design (5 × 5) of five treatments consisting of CPB inclusion levels, in five proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% dry matter (DM), in diets consisting of sugarcane bagasse as forage, with corn and soybean meal. Each period lasted 15 days for adaptation followed by 6 days for data collection. The inclusion of CPB linearly decreased (P < 0.05) the intake of DM, crude protein, non-fibre carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and DM digestibility. The inclusion of CPB linearly increased (P < 0.05) the ether extract digestibility, but did not influence (P > 0.05) the NDF digestibility. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in the absorbed nitrogen (N) and retained N (g/day); however, a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) for N absorbed (% consumed) as well as ammonia nitrogen was observed. There was a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) for propionate (mMol/L and %) and the ratio of acetate, propionate and butyrate (mMol/L and %) with the inclusion of CPB in the diet. Based on these findings, it was recommended to incorporate CPB up to the level of 5% in the diet of sheep.

Intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, milk production, and composition of cows fed with diets containing oilseed cakes: A meta-analysis.

Oilseed cakes can partially replace corn or soy used in the diet without losing animal performance. The objective was to carry out a meta-analysis and principal component analysis to evaluate the effects of cakes on the intake and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter (DM) and milk production and composition in lactating dairy cows. The data set used in the meta-analysis came from 51 studies published between 2009 and 2019, which resulted in 119 studies with 18 types of cakes evaluated in 1350 cows. Cows fed with cakes increased dry matter intake (DMI) by 0.366 kg d-1 (P < 0.001) and DMI as a function of the animal's body weight by 0.103% (P < 0.0001) compared with the diet without cake. The milk protein content decreased by 0.050% (P < 0.010). The contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (26%-%) and ether extract (EE) (3%-7%) of the cake diets did not affect ADCDM. Cakes with contents between 10% and 30% can replace corn or soy in the diet without affecting milk production, components (fat, protein, and lactose), and contents (fat and lactose), but it can reduce the milk protein content of milk.

Lambs fed diets containing by-product from coconut processing: histomorphometry characteristics in the digestive and renal systems.

This study aimed to evaluate the histological characteristics in the digestive and renal systems of lambs fed diets containing coconut by-product (CB). A total of 35 male lambs with an initial weight of 16.9 ± 2.93 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with five levels of CB in the diet (0; 4.8; 9.6; 14.4 and 19.2% in total dry matter). Samples of the liver, kidney, rumen, and intestine were histomorphometrically evaluated, and the data were submitted to regression analysis, at a 5% error probability. The inclusion of CB linearly decreased the dry matter intake and caused a quadratic effect for the height of ruminal papillae, absorption area, epithelium thickness, as well as for average daily gain. The inclusion of CB linearly increased the mucous layer and reduced the submucosal layer, as well as promoted a decrease in goblet cells in the small intestine. The inclusion of CB did not influence hepatic glycogen; additionally, the histopathological examination did not reveal liver damage or congestion, vacuolization, and necrosis of the renal tissue. Therefore, our results indicate that CB can be included in lambs diet up to the level of 7.2% without causing changes in the histomorphometry characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract and changes in liver and kidney tissue that compromise animal performance.

Genetic diversity and relationships among Nopalea sp. and Opuntia spp. accessions revealed by RAPD, ISSR and ITS molecular markers.

BACKGROUND: Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (carmine cochineal) is an insect pest highly noxious that has spread through cactus pear crops in the Brazilian semiarid region. Knowledge of diversity and genetic relationships of the cactus pear accessions is fundamental to create new varieties resistance to carmine cochineal. Therefore, this investigation was undertaken to assess the genetic diversity and genetic relationships that existed among cactus pear accessions of Nopalea sp. and Opuntia spp. with contrasting resistance to D. opuntiae. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a molecular analysis in seven cactus pear accessions from the "reference collection" of the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco, Brazil using RAPD, ISSR and ITS molecular markers. A total of 242 bands were detected from 26 polymorphic primers. The high percentage of polymorphism by RAPD (89.8%), ISSR (81.2%) and ITS (75%) markers suggests that the cactus pear accessions have high genetic diversity. The combined analysis of markers systems enabled the accessions discrimination of about the genus and ploidy, but were incongruous in relation to resistance level to D. opuntiae. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic diversity, discrimination of about the genus and ploidy was confirmed by merging information from ISSR, RAPD and ITS markers systems. The IPA-200016, IPA-200149, IPA-100004, IPA-200205 accessions are genetically divergent, therefore could be potentially incorporated into any further breeding programs directed to create new varieties of cactus pear resistant to D. opuntiae.

Ruminant fat intake improves gut microbiota, serum inflammatory parameter and fatty acid profile in tissues of Wistar rats.

This study tested the hypothesis that naturally and industrially produced trans-fatty acids can exert distinct effects on metabolic parameters and on gut microbiota of rats. Wistar rats were randomized into three groups according to the diet: CONT-control, with 5% soybean oil and normal amount of fat; HVF-20% of hydrogenated vegetable fat (industrial); and RUM-20% of ruminant fat (natural). After 53 days of treatment, serum biochemical markers, fatty acid composition of liver, heart and adipose tissue, histology and hepatic oxidative parameters, as well as gut microbiota composition were evaluated. HVF diet intake reduced triglycerides (≈ 39.39%) and VLDL levels (≈ 39.49%). Trans-fatty acids levels in all tissue were higher in HVF group. However, RUM diet intake elevated amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (≈ 14.7%) compared to CONT, but not to HVF. Furthermore, RUM intake led to higher concentrations of stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid in all tissue; this particular diet was associated with a hepatoprotective effect. The microbial gut communities were significantly different among the groups. Our results show that ruminant fat reversed the hepatic steatosis normally caused by high fat diets, which may be related to the remodelling of the gut microbiota and its anti-inflammatory potential.

Intake salinity water by creole goats in a controlled environment: ingestive behavior and physiological variables.

The study aimed to verify the effect of water salinity and environmental temperature on the physiological variables (respiratory rate, heart rate, rectal temperature, and surface temperature) and ingestive behavior (rumination, feeding, drinking, and idle) of creole goats. Thirty-six males with an average age of 5.0 ± 0.6 months and an average weight of 20.0 ± 2.3 kg were housed in metabolic cages. The experimental design was a 2 × 3 type crossover (two temperatures and three levels of salinity). The two temperatures were: T1 = 26 ± 0.6 °C (thermoneutral) and T2 = 32 ± 1.2 °C (stress) and three levels salinity (1.0, 6.0, and 12.0 dS m-1). Between the temperatures, the respiratory rate (RR) and surface temperature (ST) present a difference (P < 0,05), being higher in the high temperature. Between temperatures, respiratory rate and surface temperature show a difference (P < 0.05), being higher at high temperature, keeping heart rate and rectal temperature similar at both temperatures. Among the different salinity levels in the behavioral activities, the feeding and urination activity presented a significant difference (P < 0.05), increasing with the water's salinity level. Between temperatures, the rumination efficiency dray matter and neutral detergent fiber showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). With increasing air temperature, they decreased the rumination time-water salinity levels influence (P < 0.05) the feeding efficiency of dry matter. Therefore, water with up to 9.600 mg TDS L-1 can be used strategically in the desedentation of goats in semi-arid regions.

Carcass traits, commercial cuts, tissue composition, intake, digestibility, and performance of Sindhi bulls subjected to feed restriction / Características da carcaça cortes comerciais, composição tecidual, consumo, digestibilidade e desempenho de touros Sindi submetidos à restrição alimentar

ABSTRACT: This study showed the effect of feed restriction on performance, nitrogen balance (NB), microbial protein synthesis, carcass traits and meat cut of the thirty-two Sindhi non-castrated males (296 ± 21.3 kg initial BW and 21 ± 1.5 months old). All bulls were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (feed restriction levels) (0, 15, 30, and 45% in total dry matter -DM) and the data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression. Nutrient intake, NB, final BW, total gain, feeding efficiency, carcass gain, hot and cold carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, commercial cuts and fat tissue decreased linearly (P<0.05) by feed restriction level. A linear increased on digestibility of DM, NDFap, total carbohydrates and on the proportion of muscle tissue, as well as quadratic increase on non-fibrous carbohydrates and bone tissue percentage with the restriction level imposed on bulls (P<0.05). The feed restriction did not affect (P>0.05) the digestibility of crude protein, synthesis and microbial efficiency, deposition efficiency, longissimus dorsi area and muscle + fat/bone ratio. The feed restriction reduced intake and consequently performance, carcass traits and meat cuts of Sindhi bulls; however, it promoted a reduction in the N excretion, which can be important if conducted a subsequent compensatory weight gain.

RESUMO: Este estudo mostrou o efeito da restrição alimentar no desempenho, balanço de nitrogênio, síntese microbiana de proteínas, característica da carcaça e corte de carne de 32 machos Sindi não castrados (296 ± 21,3 kg de peso corporal inicial e 21 ± 1,5 meses de idade). Todos os touros foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (níveis de restrição alimentar) (0, 15, 30 e 45% no total de matéria seca - MS) e os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão. Consumo de nutrientes, balanço de nitrogênio, peso corporal final, ganho total, eficiência alimentar, ganho de carcaça, peso de carcaça quente e fria, espessura subcutânea de gordura, cortes comerciais e tecido adiposo diminuíram linearmente (P<0,05) com o nível de restrição alimentar. Houve aumento linear na digestibilidade do DM, FDNap, carboidratos totais e quantidade de tecido muscular, além de aumento quadrático de carboidratos não fibrosos e porcentagem de tecido ósseo com o nível de restrição imposto aos touros (P<0,05). A restrição alimentar não afetou (P>0,05) a digestibilidade da proteína bruta, balanço de N, síntese e eficiência microbiana, eficiência de deposição, área do longissimus dorsi e relação músculo + gordura / osso. A restrição alimentar reduziu a ingestão e, consequentemente, o desempenho, as características da carcaça e os cortes de carne de touros Sindi, porém promoveu redução na excreção de N, o que pode ser importante se for realizado um subsequente ganho compensatório.

'Meta-analysis of dry matter intake and neutral detergent fiber intake of hair sheep raised in tropical areas'.

Inadequate estimates of fiber and dry matter intake of sheep raised in tropical conditions may explain part of the inefficiency of those production systems. Therefore, we aimed to estimate dry matter intake (DMI) and neutral detergent fiber intake (NDFI) of hair sheep raised under tropical conditions. A meta-analysis of 61 independent performance experiments, comprising a total of 413 experimental units (treatment means or animals), was performed. Trials were conducted in tropical conditions, using hair sheep in growing and finishing phases and endowed with the following information: neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in diet, initial and final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), DMI and NDFI of treatment means (51 studies) or individual data (10 studies). Data on organic matter and NDF digestibilities were collected to estimate D-value (Dv) and B-value (Bv) (20 and 33 studies, respectively). The equations obtained were: [Formula: see text] DMI (g/kg BW) as a function of Dv (g/kg DM) revealed a quadratic relationship, whose point of maximum DMI (38.69 g/kg BW) was obtained at 634.1 g/kg DM Dv. On the other hand, DMI decreased linearly as Bv (g/kg DM) increased. In conclusion, equations to predict DMI from BW and ADG as well to predict NDFI from dietary NDF were fitted with great accuracy and are recommended for hair sheep raised in tropical regions. DMI values were, in general, greater than those reported by the NRC, AFRC and INRA systems, which may be a reflection of the sheep breeds used in this study. Using Dv and Bv concepts was satisfactory to describe an integrated mechanism between metabolic and bulking regulation of DMI in sheep.

Optimizing the use of spineless cactus in the finishing diet of lambs: physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics of meat.

BACKGROUND: The use of spineless cactus in finishing diets for lambs improves the carcass quality. However, data about its influence on meat traits is very scarce. The effects of spineless cactus inclusion in the finishing diet of lambs at four levels (0, 150, 300 and 450 g kg-1 of dry matter, DM) in replacement of Tifton hay on the physicochemical and sensory properties of meat were studied. RESULTS: The spineless cactus modified the chemical composition increasing the protein (P < 0.001) and the fat (P < 0.01) contents of meat, presenting the greatest values in lambs fed diets with 150 and 300 g kg-1 (DM) replacing levels, respectively. However, the spineless cactus did not influence the growth performance from 23.7 to 37.3 kg of body weight (on average). In addition, colour parameters of the meat were not affected by the inclusion of spineless cactus in the finishing diet of lambs, resulting in mean values of 37.55, 14.96 and 8.49 for lightness, redness and yellowness, respectively. There were no statistical differences among treatments for cooking loss and shear force, with mean values of 34.8% and 14.8 N, respectively. Finally, the sensorial properties were not affected by the inclusion of spineless cactus in the finishing diet of lambs. CONCLUSION: Spineless cactus could be included up to the level of 300 g kg-1 DM in the finishing diets of lambs to increase the fat content of meat without compromising its sensorial properties. However, further studies about the fatty acid composition of meat from lambs fed diets containing spineless cactus are necessary. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ruminal and morphometric parameters of the rumen and intestines of sheep fed with increasing levels of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ruminal parameters (pH, N-NH3, and microbial protein) and morphometry of the rumen and intestine of sheep fed with a diet containing four different levels of the spineless cactus variety, Baiana. The experiment was conducted at the National Semi-Arid Institute in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. A total of 40 male sheep submitted to the confinement regime were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 15, 30, and 45% dry matter basis) and ten replicates, with an initial body weight of 23.7 ± 3.08 kg. Experimental diets were composed of ground corn, soybean meal, urea, mineral supplement, limestone, Tifton 85 hay, and spineless cactus of the Baiana variety. The pH, ammonia nitrogen, and microbial protein were evaluated in the ruminal fluid, alongside the morphometric characteristics of the rumen and intestine. While the addition of the spineless cactus did not affect N-NH3, it caused a linear reduction in the ruminal pH following 4 h of feeding, and also increased the microbial protein. In addition, it stimulated a reduction in the height of the papillae and the muscle layer of the rumen, and induced the mucosal height in the intestine to increase. The addition of up to 30% of spineless cactus in the diet of sheep without a defined breed did not alter the N-NH3, pH, and ruminal histology, but it did increase the production of microbial protein and intestinal mucosa.

Fatty acid composition of polar and neutral meat lipids of goats browsing in native pasture of Brazilian Semiarid.

Thirty six male goats grazing Caatinga native pasture were randomly assigned to 4 concentrate supplementation levels (0, 5, 10 and 15g/kg of body weight) and slaughtered after 120days. Longissimus muscle meat lipids were extracted and fractionated into neutral (NL) and polar (PL) lipids. Supplementation of grazing goats increased linearly (P<0.05) intramuscular fat (1 to 1.5% of meat) and NL (0.3 to 1% of meat) but decreased linearly (P=0.044) the PL (0.66 to 0.50% of meat). On NL, supplementation increased linearly (P=0.047) the proportion of c9-18:1 (31 to 40% of FA) with supplementation. On PL, supplementation reduced linearly (P<0.03) the dimethyl acetals, 18:3n-3 and most of long chain polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) proportions but increased linearly (P<0.001) the c9-18:1. Considering the total meat FA, supplementation led to an increase of the saturated and monounsaturated FA contents and a decrease of the long chain n-6 and n-3 PUFA contents.

Biochemical and hormonal parameters of lambs using guava (Psidium guajava L.) agro-industrial waste in the diet.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the biochemical and hormonal parameters of Santa Inês sheep that received diets with different levels of guava agro-industrial waste (GAW). Forty non-castrated male animals of the Santa Inês breed were used, with an average initial weight of 21.3 ± 2.6 kg, and an average age of 120 days. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and eight replicates, and fed with increasing GAW levels replacing hay (0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5 and 30.0%). After the beginning of the diet period, blood samples were collected every 2 weeks approximately 3 h after feeding. Cholesterol concentration had a significant effect (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of GAW. The animals that ingested the control diet had the highest concentrations of cholesterol. T3 and T4 hormones showed a significant difference (P < 0.01) among the treatments, i.e. the animals that ingested the control diet had the lowest concentrations of these hormones. We concluded that the inclusion of GAW in up to 30% decreases the concentration of cholesterol and increases the concentrations of T3 and T4 in the blood, aiding the metabolism of the animals.

New insights on the metabolism of ricinoleic acid in ruminants.

Dairy goats were fed a total mixed ration with or without the inclusion of castor oil [40 g/kg of dry matter (DM)] to study the metabolism of ricinoleic acid (12-OH,cis-9-18:1). Ten goats, at 39.7 ± 4.0 d in milk, were individually penned and allocated at random to the 2 experimental diets. Goats were manually milked twice a day. Milk fatty acids (FA) were analyzed as methyl esters and hydroxyl groups were derivatized in trimethylsilyl ethers. Apart from ricinoleic acid, 6 FA were only detected in the milk of the castor oil group. Ricinoleic acid composed 0.3% of total FA in milk of the castor oil group, whereas the hydroxy-FA (8-OH-14:0, 10-OH-16:0, and 12-OH-18:0) and oxo-FA (8-oxo-14:0, 10-oxo-16:0, and 12-oxo-18:0) reached 7.5% of total FA in milk. We anticipate that these FA were derived from the metabolism of ricinoleic acid, although it was not clear if they were produced in the rumen or in the tissues. To confirm that, we conducted in vitro batch incubations repeated for 3 consecutive weeks with castor oil (40 g/kg of DM) and strained rumen fluid from 2 fistulated sheep. To examine the products formed over time, incubation tubes were stopped at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The results of the in vitro experiment showed that ricinoleic acid was metabolized in the rumen at a slow rate and the main products formed were 12-OH-18:0 and 12-oxo-18:0, by hydrogenation of the cis-9 double bond, followed by oxidation of the hydroxyl group, respectively. Our results suggest that the 12-OH-18:0 and 12-oxo-18:0 escape rumen and are further metabolized through partial ß-oxidation in ruminant tissues. We propose that the 10-OH-16:0 and 8-OH-14:0 found in goat milk of the castor oil group are successive products of the ß-oxidation of 12-OH-18:0, and the 10-oxo-16:0 and 8-oxo-14:0 are successive products of the 12-oxo-18:0 in tissues. Overall, our results indicate that ricinoleic acid is extensively metabolized in the rumen and tissues, producing mainly oxo- and hydroxy-FA that are further excreted in milk.

Carcass characteristics of Canindé goats subjected to feed restriction / Características de carcaça de caprinos Canindé submetidos à restrição alimentar

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feed restriction on the carcass characteristics of castrated Canindé goat kids. A randomized block design was used, in which 21 goat kids with a body weight (BW) of 15.9±1.0kg were allocated to three levels of feed restriction: ad libitum, 20% and 40% restriction related to the ad libitum intake. The diet consisted of 55% forage (Tifton) and 45% concentrate. All animals were slaughtered when the kids fed ad libitum reached a BW of 25kg. After slaughter, the carcasses were chilled for 24 hours and subsequently measured. Kids fed ad libitum and subjected to 20% feed restriction showed similar morphometric carcass measurements, except for the chest circumference. Goat kids fed ad libitum exhibited greater values for warm and cold carcass yields compared with those subjected to 40% feed restriction and did not differ from the kids under 20% feed restriction. Weights of the commercial cuts showed decreasing mean values according to the intensity of feed restriction. Castrated Canindé goat kids subjected to 20% feed restriction presented similar carcass yields and proportion of commercial cuts to those fed ad libitum.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar os efeitos da restrição alimentar sobre as características de carcaça de cabritos Canindé castrados. Foi utilizado um delineamento em blocos casualizados, no qual 21 cabritos com peso corporal (PC) de 15,9±1,0kg foram distribuídos por três níveis de restrição alimentar: ad libitum, 20% e 40% de restrição alimentar. A dieta consistiu de 55% de volumoso (Tifton) e 45% de concentrado. Os animais foram abatidos quando os cabritos alimentados ad libitum atingiram PC de 25kg. Após o abate, as carcaças foram resfriadas por 24 horas e, subsequentemente, mensuradas. Os cabritos alimentados ad libitum e submetidos à restrição alimentar de 20% apresentaram medidas morfométricas semelhantes, exceto para a circunferência do peito. Os cabritos alimentados ad libitum apresentaram maiores valores para rendimento de carcaça quente e fria em comparação àqueles submetidos à restrição alimentar de 40% e não diferiram entre os cabritos com restrição alimentar de 20%. Os pesos dos cortes comerciais apresentaram médias decrescentes com a intensidade da restrição alimentar. Cabritos Canindé castrados submetidos à restrição alimentar de 20% obtém rendimento de carcaça e proporção dos cortes comerciais similares aos alimentados ad libitum.

Goat whey ameliorates intestinal inflammation on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

Complementary or alternative medicine is of great interest for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, with the aim of ameliorating the side effects of the drugs commonly used or improving their efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the ability of goat whey to prevent intestinal inflammation in the experimental model of acetic acid-induced rats and compared it to sulfasalazine. Pretreatment with goat whey (1, 2, and 4g/kg) and sulfasalazine (250mg/kg) on colitic rats improved colonic inflammatory markers, including myeloperoxidase activity, leukotriene B4 levels, as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, the administration of goat whey significantly reduced the colonic oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde levels and increased total glutathione content, a potent antioxidant peptide. The histological evaluation of the colonic specimens from colitic rats confirmed these beneficial effects, as goat whey preserved the colonic tissue, especially in those rats treated with the highest dose of goat whey or with sulfasalazine. The immunohistochemistry analysis of the colonic tissue evaluation also revealed a reduction in the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, together with an increased expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1. These results suggest that goat whey exerted a preventive effect against the intestinal damage induced by acetic acid, showing a similar efficacy to that shown by sulfasalazine, therefore making it a potential treatment for human inflammatory bowel disease.