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.

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.

Requirements of protein for maintenance and growth in ram hair lambs.

The experiment was conducted to determine the protein requirements for maintenance (PM) and weight gain (NPg) in Brazilian Somali lambs (n = 48). A database of information on non-castrated rams (n = 48) with an initial body weight (BW) of 13.47 ± 1.76 kg was obtained, and the comparative slaughter technique was used to assess protein requirements. Eight lambs were initially slaughtered and used as a reference for estimation of the empty body weight (EBW) and initial body composition of the remaining animals. The lambs (n = 40) were distributed in a completely randomized block design involving five experimental diets, containing 4.93, 8.65, 9.41, 10.12, and 11.24 MJ/kg dry matter (DM). Daily nitrogen retention (DNR) was calculated as the difference between the final N content in the body minus the initial content estimated from the reference animals, divided by the number of experimental days. PM was estimated from the retained N regression equation as a function of ingested N (g per kg(0.75) EBW/day), extrapolating the equation to the zero level of N intake, followed by multiplication by a factor of 6.25. The protein content of the EBW was reduced from 119.72 to 102.07 g/kg of empty body weight gain (EBG) when BW increased from 13 to 28.70 kg, respectively. The requirement of protein for maintenance was 0.80 g per kg(0.75) EBW/day. Based on information described in the present study, we recommend the value of PM 0.80 g per kg(0.75) EBW/day, for hair sheep Brazilian Somalis raised in tropical regions. We also suggest that hair sheep have different requirements for protein maintenance and gain.

Composition and fatty acid profile of milk from cows supplemented with pressed oilseed cake.

This study compared the productive and nutritional parameters of milk from crossbred lactating cows managed on Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania and with a diet supplemented with different pressed oilseed cakes. The supplements used were as follows: peanut cake, sunflower cake and palm kernel cake for replacement of soybean meal. Sixteen cows with an average weight of 544 ± 57 kg and producing 8 ± 1.4 L of milk per day were used in this study. The animals were randomly assigned to the treatments according to a Latin square design repeated over time, with four treatments, 16 animals and four experimental periods. Supplementation of the diet with peanut cake, sunflower cake and palm kernel cake compared with soybean meal in the diet of cows did not affect the average daily production or composition of the milk. The palm kernel cake promoted an increase in lauric fatty acids (C12:0 ) and palmitoleic acids (C16:1 ) (5.02 and 1.65%, respectively) compared with peanut cake and sunflower cake (4.13 and 4.01%, respectively). The levels of oleic fatty acids (C18:1 ) were higher for the sunflower cake and palm kernel cake supplements (26.01 and 25.01%, respectively) compared with peanut cake (23.11%). The replacement of soybean meal with sunflower cake and palm kernel cake improved the nutritional quality of the milk, with lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids and higher concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids, without compromising the production or nutritional composition of the milk. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Influence of lactation stage and some flock management practices on sensory characteristics of goat milk from Brazilian Saanen breed.

This study evaluated the influence of lactation stage (early, middle, late) and management practices (milking hygiene and buck presence) on the sensory attributes of Saanen goat milk. Goats were randomly divided in four groups in respect of different milking sanitary procedures and the presence/absence of the buck in the barn. Milk samples were analyzed for sensory attributes including quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and acceptance. The milking hygiene practice caused no significant influence on microbiological parameters. Results of QDA revealed that the buck presence increased the characteristic odor of milk at the middle and late lactation stages. The off-odor and off-flavor descriptors showed a distinct response since a higher intensity of these sensory characteristics was noted in the samples obtained from goats maintained without the buck. Odor and flavor contributed most in characterizing the different samples regardless of the management practice and lactation stage. The acceptance of odor showed to be influenced only by the lactation stage, while the acceptance of flavor was only through the presence of the buck. Odor acceptance correlated negatively to off-odor and off-flavor, suggesting that these two sensory attributes impaired the preference for the aroma of the milk samples.

Milk production, intake, digestion, blood parameters, and ingestive behavior of cows supplemented with by-products from the biodiesel industry.

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestion, blood parameters, and feeding behavior of crossbred dairy cows (Holstein × Gir) managed on Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania-1 and provided supplementation with groundnut cake, sunflower cake, or palm kernel cake (to replace soybean meal). Sixteen cows were randomly assigned in a Latin square design with four treatments and four experimental periods. The consumption of nutrients from the pasture did not vary between experimental treatments. Cows receiving the palm kernel cake supplement had a reduced crude protein, non-fibrous carbohydrate, and total digestible nutrient intake and an increase in the average consumption of ether extract. There was also a reduction in the digestibility of dry matter. The inclusion of supplements in the diet did not influence the average time spent eating, ruminating, or resting. The mean values of respiratory and heart rates showed thermal comfort during the trial period. There was a reduction in blood urea nitrogen with palm kernel cake supplementation, and the values of total protein, albumin, and glucose were also significantly different with this supplement. It is recommended that cakes of groundnut cake and sunflower cake seed be used for a total replacement of soybean meal supplements for lactating cows, but the use of palm kernel cake is not recommended.

Feed restriction followed by realimentation in prepubescent Zebu females.

In the present study, the effect of restricting the feed intake for 77 days and subsequent compensatory growth for 50 days of Sindi females were evaluated. Eighteen animals with an initial age of 21 months and a mean weight of 211.7 kg were placed into three groups according to the following alimentary regimens: feed ad libitum, feed restricted to 20 % dry matter, and feed restricted to 40 % dry matter. In the feed-restriction phase, the nutrient intake decreased (P<0.001) with an increase in the restriction level. As a consequence, the observed decrease in ingestion and serum concentrations of total protein, albumin and globulin, urea, glucose, calcium, and phosphorus were inversely proportional (P<0.001) to the restriction level. Significant differences in the nutrient intake and serum concentration were not observed in the realimentation phase (P<0.05). When animals in the control group reached the end of the feed-restriction phase, their weights (P<0.05) were similar to those in the 20 % restricted group, and both obtained a final weight that was greater than that of animals in the 40 % restricted group. In the feed-restriction phase, the control group had a similar mean daily weight gain (P>0.05) to animals in the 20 % restricted group and (P<0.05) 40 % restricted group. However, in the realimentation phase, the 40 % restricted group obtained greater weight gain rates (P<0.05), better food conversions, and partial compensatory gains. In particular, none of the restricted groups reached the final weight of the control group. In the feed-restriction phase, ingested nitrogen, nitrogen excreted in urine and feces, nitrogen balance and retained nitrogen decreased (P<0.05) with an increase in the restriction level. In the realimentation phase, none of the nitrogen balance variables were influenced by the restriction level (P<0.05). Females in the 40 % restricted group presented better food conversion rates and greater weight gains in the realimentation phase. Based on the animals' compensatory weight gain, a feed-restriction rate of 20 and 40 % can be adopted as a nutritional management practice for prepubescent Sindi females.