Is pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) a good plant species for ecotoxicological tests?

Various plant species can be selected for environmental testing, including pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br), a globally significant cereal crop. This study aims to assess millet's suitability as a species for ecotoxicological tests, examining (1) germination and initial development dynamics, (2) the minimum seed quantity for reliable sampling, (3) optimal experimental design with replication numbers, (4) suitability of positive control, and (5) the effectiveness of the protocol in evaluating toxic effects of environmental pollutants. Millet exhibited rapid and uniform germination as well as consistent initial seedling development. To establish the minimum number of seeds required for reliable experimentation, germination, and seedling growth were compared across plots containing 10, 25, and 50 seeds. Consequently, 10 seeds per plot were chosen for subsequent experiments to reduce labor and costs while maintaining reliability. To validate the selected experimental design, and to establish a positive control for assays, aluminum was used as a toxic element at concentrations ranging from 10-2 to 10-6 M. While aluminum did not affect the final percentage of germinated seeds, it did exhibit an impact on the Germination Speed Index (GSI). Significant differences in root and aerial growth, and with fresh weight, were observed. The 10-3M concentration was chosen as the positive control as the 10-2 concentration showed extreme toxicity. To assess the applicability of the established protocol in determining the toxic effects of environmental pollutants, millet roots were exposed to the toxic agents atrazine, cadmium, methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), and Spent pot liner (SPL). Millet demonstrated sensitivity and efficiency in response to these tests. In conclusion, millet proves to be an effective species for the toxicological risk assessment of environmental pollutants.

Feed intake, methane yield, and efficiency of utilization of energy and nitrogen by sheep fed tropical grasses.

Forage allowance impacts dry matter (DM) intake and the use of nutrients by ruminants. The efficient use of protein and energy from pasture is related to better livestock performance and lower environmental impacts. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of forage allowance levels on intake, digestibility, nitrogen (N) and energy balance, and methane (CH4) emissions by lambs fed fresh pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke]. An indoor trial was performed using lambs in a completely randomized design with four treatments [forage allowance at 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 kg DM/100 kg of live weight (LW), and ad libitum allowing 20% of refusals] and four replicates (lambs). Forage intake, digestibility, total urine and feces excretion, and CH4 emission were measured to calculate N and energy balances. An increase in forage allowance resulted in a linear increase in lamb forage intake, N retention, and metabolizable energy intake. Moreover, lamb CH4 emission (g/day) also increased with greater forage allowance, while CH4 yield decreased linearly as forage allowance increased. Our results indicate that maximizing forage intake improves N and energy use efficiency and mitigates CH4 yield and decreases CH4 conversion factor (Ym) by lambs fed pearl millet forage. Thus, management strategies that optimize intake of tropical forages by ruminants improve the use of nutrients ingested and mitigates negative impacts to the environment.

Polyhydroxybutyrate production from ultrasound-aided alkaline pretreated finger millet straw using Bacillus megaterium strain CAM12.

In this study, finger millet straw (FMS) was utilized for the production of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) by Bacillus megaterium strain CAM12. Ultrasound-assisted alkaline (NaOH) pretreatment of FMS under optimized conditions followed by enzymatic saccharification resulted in the maximum delignification (72%), hydrolysis yield (84%), glucose yield (86%) and xylose yield (61%). The effects of different pH, temperature, incubation period, inoculum concentration, agitation speed and FMS enzymatic hydrolysates concentration were investigated to improve the PHB production. Under optimized conditions, strain CAM12 used the FMS hydrolysates as the sole carbon source for their growth and produced 8.31 g L-1 of PHB. The extracted polymer on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses were confirmed to be PHB. These results suggest the potential of combined ultrasound and alkaline pretreated FMS hydrolysates as a promising feedstock for PHB production.

Agronomic characteristics of the Pennisetum glaucum submitted to water and saline stresses

Agricultural production in semi-arid regions is limited due to water availability. In addition, the water quality available for irrigation is often compromised due to the high salt content present. Millet is a forage species considered tolerant to water deficit and moderately salt tolerant. In view of the above, the objective was to evaluate the growth of millet under water and saline stress associates. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, in a 4x3 factorial scheme, composed of four levels of water replacement, based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc): 25%.ETc, 50%.ETc, 75%.ETc and 100%.ETc and three levels of water salinity (0.03, 2.0 and 4.0 dS m-1). With 25%.ETc independent of salinity, all morphological characteristics of millet were affected, occurring death of plants in the initial growth phase. In the absence of salt and greater availability of water, greater plant growth occurred. With respect to salinity, there was a reduction in the increment of all variables evaluated, with the highest reduction at the highest saline level (4.0 dS m-1). Water and salt stresses, when associated, reduce the growth of millet, since concentrations above 2.0 dS m-1 and less than 50%.ETc compromise its full development, providing declines in yield.(AU)

Agronomic characteristics of the Pennisetum glaucum submitted to water and saline stresses

Agricultural production in semi-arid regions is limited due to water availability. In addition, the water quality available for irrigation is often compromised due to the high salt content present. Millet is a forage species considered tolerant to water deficit and moderately salt tolerant. In view of the above, the objective was to evaluate the growth of millet under water and saline stress associates. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, in a 4x3 factorial scheme, composed of four levels of water replacement, based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc): 25%.ETc, 50%.ETc, 75%.ETc and 100%.ETc and three levels of water salinity (0.03, 2.0 and 4.0 dS m-1). With 25%.ETc independent of salinity, all morphological characteristics of millet were affected, occurring death of plants in the initial growth phase. In the absence of salt and greater availability of water, greater plant growth occurred. With respect to salinity, there was a reduction in the increment of all variables evaluated, with the highest reduction at the highest saline level (4.0 dS m-1). Water and salt stresses, when associated, reduce the growth of millet, since concentrations above 2.0 dS m-1 and less than 50%.ETc compromise its full development, providing declines in yield.

Cover cropping system and mulching can shape soil microbial status in fruit orchards

The use of cover crop in agricultural fields has been well elucidated, especially regarding nitrogen fixation from legume crops and their function as weed protection. Furthermore, to cover crops can benefit the soil microbial community. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the benefits of mulching and cover cropping systems on soil microbial growth and activity, and their effects on plant mineral nutrition in pomelo (Citrus maxima ) and macadamia ( Macadamia integrifolia ) orchards. The treatments included: 1) control [Glyphosate herbicide (Roundup at 4 l per ha)], 2) manual weed control, 3) mulching with dead leaves from their respective trees (macadamia and pomelo), 4) millet, 5) faba bean, 6) millet + faba bean. All the treatments were applied for 120 days before soil and plant leaves were sampled for analyses. Plant mineral nutrition, soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and soil microbial biomass N (MBN); basal respiration (BRA), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization (COL); number of AMF spores (SPO) in soil; total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were evaluated. Plant nutrition was not altered by the treatments; however, the MBC, COL and SPO markedly increased in response to mulching and faba bean + millet treatments. Especially in macadamia soils, these treatments had a great response to soil microbiology. Significant negative correlations were also detected for the COL, SPO, BRA and TOC with the Nutrient Balance Index (NBI). These results indicate that in short-term the cover cropping system is useful to improve the soil microbial growth and AMF formation in soils of pomelo and macadam orchards.

Cover cropping system and mulching can shape soil microbial status in fruit orchards

The use of cover crop in agricultural fields has been well elucidated, especially regarding nitrogen fixation from legume crops and their function as weed protection. Furthermore, to cover crops can benefit the soil microbial community. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the benefits of mulching and cover cropping systems on soil microbial growth and activity, and their effects on plant mineral nutrition in pomelo (Citrus maxima ) and macadamia ( Macadamia integrifolia ) orchards. The treatments included: 1) control [Glyphosate herbicide (Roundup at 4 l per ha)], 2) manual weed control, 3) mulching with dead leaves from their respective trees (macadamia and pomelo), 4) millet, 5) faba bean, 6) millet + faba bean. All the treatments were applied for 120 days before soil and plant leaves were sampled for analyses. Plant mineral nutrition, soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and soil microbial biomass N (MBN); basal respiration (BRA), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization (COL); number of AMF spores (SPO) in soil; total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were evaluated. Plant nutrition was not altered by the treatments; however, the MBC, COL and SPO markedly increased in response to mulching and faba bean + millet treatments. Especially in macadamia soils, these treatments had a great response to soil microbiology. Significant negative correlations were also detected for the COL, SPO, BRA and TOC with the Nutrient Balance Index (NBI). These results indicate that in short-term the cover cropping system is useful to improve the soil microbial growth and AMF formation in soils of pomelo and macadam orchards.(AU)

Soil biomass and microbial activity in soybean crop area under different cover crops and different soil correction systems / Biomassa e atividade microbiana do solo em área de cultivo de soja sob diferentes plantas de cobertura e diferentes sistemas de correção de solo

This study aimed to evaluate soil biomass and microbial activity and soybean yield under different limestone and gypsum doses and different cover crops. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of the Fundação de Apoio a Pesquisa Agropecuária de Chapadão, on a Dystrophic Red Latosol, using cultivar Desafio. The experiment consisted of a randomized blocks design, in a split-plot factorial scheme (3x4x3), with three replications. Plots consisted of three gypsum doses: control (without gypsum), recommended dose (2.3 Mg ha-1), and double dose (4.6 Mg ha-1). Subplots consisted of four limestone doses (2, 4, and 6 Mg ha-1) and the control (without limestone). Each block had three different cover crops: Brachiaria, Millet, and allow. The values obtained with the test revealed that brachiaria had better basal respiration in the absence of gypsum. Conversely, millet had better basal respiration in with the gypsum dose. Basal respiration, using brachiaria as cover crop, was higher at the dose of 2700 kg ha-1 of limestone. However, for the fallow and the millet, basal respiration was higher when using the highest limestone dose of 6000 kg ha-1. The variable microbial biomass showed differences between cover crops only in the absence of gypsum. Brachiaria and fallow presented the highest mean for microbial biomass. The use of millet as a cover crop together with gypsum doses increased the microbial biomass. The variables mass of 100 grains and grain yield had higher mean at the limestone dose of 6000 kg ha-1 .

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a biomassa e atividade microbiana do solo, e produtividade da soja sob efeito das diferentes doses de calcário e gesso e diferentes coberturas de solo. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental da Fundação de Apoio a Pesquisa Agropecuária de Chapadão, sob Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico, com a cultivar Desafio. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial (3x4x3) de parcelas subdividas, com 3 repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas por 3 quantidades de gesso agrícola, sendo: controle (sem gesso), recomendado (2,3 Mg ha-1) e o dobro (4,6 Mg ha-1), as subparcelas por 4 doses de calcário (2, 4 e 6 Mg ha-1), além do controle (sem calcário), onde cada bloco apresentou 3 coberturas diferentes: Braquiaria, Milheto e Pousio. Os resultados foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey 5%. Com os valores obtidos pudemos observar que a respiração basal foi melhor para braquiária na ausência de gesso, e na presença o milheto se saiu melhor. A respiração basal, utilizando a braquiária como cobertura, foi maior na dose de 2700 kg ha-1 de calcário. Já utilizando o pousio e o milheto foi na maior dose 6000 kg ha-1. A variável biomassa microbiana apresentou diferença entre as coberturas apenas na ausência de gesso, onde a braquiária e o pousio apresentaram as maiores médias para esta variável. A utilização do milheto como cobertura em conjunto com as doses de gesso acarretou aumento da biomassa microbiana. A massa de 100 grãos e a produtividade de grãos apresentaram maior média na dose de 6000 kg ha-1 de calcário.

Leaf area estimate of Pennisetum glaucum by linear dimensions

Leaf area measurements are of the main parameters used in agronomic studies to evaluate plant growth. The current study used a non-destructive method based on linear leaf dimensions (length and width) to select the regression model to estimate millet (Pennisetum glaucum) leaf area. For two millet genotype (IPA BULK 1 BF and ADR 300) 128 randomly-chosen leaves were measured at different vegetative growth stages. Measures of length and width of each leaf were made using digital calipers. Leaf area was measured using a gravimetric method. The best-fit leaf area estimation model was selected via linear, potential and gamma regression models. Leaf area values varied from 3.02 to 209.21 cm2 . The average value was 95.31 cm2 . The potential regression model exhibited lower residual sum of squares and Akaike's information criterion and similar determination coefficient and Willmott index. Thus, potential regression was more efficient in explaining the leaf area of millet, independent of the genotype, when compared to other models evaluated in this research. Length (L) and width (W) could be used in the following potential regression model to estimate millet leaf blade.(AU)

Leaf area estimate of Pennisetum glaucum by linear dimensions

Leaf area measurements are of the main parameters used in agronomic studies to evaluate plant growth. The current study used a non-destructive method based on linear leaf dimensions (length and width) to select the regression model to estimate millet (Pennisetum glaucum) leaf area. For two millet genotype (IPA BULK 1 BF and ADR 300) 128 randomly-chosen leaves were measured at different vegetative growth stages. Measures of length and width of each leaf were made using digital calipers. Leaf area was measured using a gravimetric method. The best-fit leaf area estimation model was selected via linear, potential and gamma regression models. Leaf area values varied from 3.02 to 209.21 cm2 . The average value was 95.31 cm2 . The potential regression model exhibited lower residual sum of squares and Akaike's information criterion and similar determination coefficient and Willmott index. Thus, potential regression was more efficient in explaining the leaf area of millet, independent of the genotype, when compared to other models evaluated in this research. Length (L) and width (W) could be used in the following potential regression model to estimate millet leaf blade.

Overcoming Phosphorus Deficiency in West African Pearl Millet and Sorghum Production Systems: Promising Options for Crop Improvement.

West Africa (WA) is among the most food insecure regions. Rapid human population growth and stagnating crop yields greatly contribute to this fact. Poor soil fertility, especially low plant available phosphorus (P) is constraining food production in the region. P-fertilizer use in WA is among the lowest in the world due to inaccessibility and high prices, often unaffordable to resource-poor subsistence farmers. This article provides an overview of soil P-deficiency in WA and opportunities to overcome it by exploiting sorghum and pearl millet genetic diversity. The topic is examined from the perspectives of plant breeding, soil science, plant physiology, plant nutrition, and agronomy, thereby referring to recent results obtained in a joint interdisciplinary research project, and reported literature. Specific objectives are to summarize: (1) The global problem of P scarcity and how it will affect WA farmers; (2) Soil P dynamics in WA soils; (3) Plant responses to P deficiency; (4) Opportunities to breed for improved crop adaptation to P-limited conditions; (5) Challenges and trade-offs for improving sorghum and pearl millet adaptation to low-P conditions in WA; and (6) Systems approaches to address soil P-deficiency in WA. Sorghum and pearl millet in WA exhibit highly significant genetic variation for P-uptake efficiency, P-utilization efficiency, and grain yield under P-limited conditions indicating the possibility of breeding P-efficient varieties. Direct selection under P-limited conditions was more efficient than indirect selection under high-P conditions. Combining P-uptake and P-utilization efficiency is recommendable for WA to avoid further soil mining. Genomic regions responsible for P-uptake, P-utilization efficiency, and grain yield under low-P have been identified in WA sorghum and pearl millet, and marker-assisted selection could be possible once these genomic regions are validated. Developing P-efficient genotypes may not, however, be a sustainable solution in itself in the long-term without replenishing the P removed from the system in harvested produce. We therefore propose the use of integrated soil fertility management and systems-oriented management such as enhanced crop-tree-livestock integration in combination with P-use-efficiency-improved varieties. Recycling P from animal bones, human excreta and urine are also possible approaches toward a partially closed and efficient P cycle in WA.

Performance and carcass traits of lambs fed diets containing different cereal grains / Desempenho e características da carcaça de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo grãos de diferentes de cereais

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, apparent digestibility, and carcass and meat traits of lambs fed high-concentrate diets (92.65%) containing different cereal grains (ground corn, whole grain corn, whole grain sorghum, or replacement of 40% whole grain corn with whole grain millet). Twenty-four feedlot intact lambs of undefined breed, with a body weight of 22.35 ± 3,.71 kg, kept in individual pens for 56 days were allocated in a completely randomized design. Dry matter intake expressed as a percentage of body weight was higher (P=0.0046) for the diets containing sorghum and ground corn (3.73% and 3.39%, respectively) compared to the diets containing millet and whole grain corn (3.23% and 3.13%, respectively). Feed efficiency was higher (P=0.014) for whole grain corn and millet (0.293 and 0.269, respectively) and lower for ground corn and sorghum (0.247 and 0.226, respectively). The apparent digestibility of organic matter, dry matter and crude protein was lower for the sorghum diet (P=0.0003). The carcass traits, meat cuts traits or objective longissimus muscle tenderness were not influenced by the diets offered to the animals. Meat color (P 0.0001) and luminosity (P=0.0063) were improved with inclusion of whole grains. The use of whole corn and millet grains is recommended for the feeding of feedlot lambs considering their nutritional benefits, fe

Objetivou-se avaliar desempenho, digestibilidade aparente, características de carcaça e da carne de cordeiros alimentados com dietas de alta proporção de concentrado (92,65%) contendo grãos de diferentes cereais (grão moído de milho; grão inteiro de milho; grão inteiro de sorgo; ou substituição de 40% do grão inteiro do milho por grão inteiro de milheto). Foram utilizados vinte e quatro machos inteiros, sem raça definida, com peso corporal de 22,35 ± 3,71 kg, confinados em baias individuais por 56 dias, alocados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O consumo de matéria seca em porcentagem do peso corporal foi maior (P=0,0046) para as dietas com sorgo e grão moído de milho, 3,73% e 3,39%, que para milheto e grão inteiro de milho, 3,23% e 3,13%. A eficiência alimentar foi maior (P=0,0140) para grão inteiro de milho e milheto, 0,293 e 0,269, e menor para grão moído de milho e sorgo, 0,247 e 0,226. Adigestibilidade aparente da matéria orgânica, matéria seca e proteína bruta foram menores (P=0,0003) para a dieta com sorgo. As características de carcaça e dos cortes cárneos não foram influenciadas pelas dietas fornecidas aos animais, bem como a maciez objetiva do músculo Longissimus. Os parâmetros de cor e luminosidade da carne foram melhores (P 0,0001; P=0,0063) com a inclusão dos grãos inteiros. Recomenda-se a utilização de grãos inteiros de milho e de milheto na alimentaçã

Performance and carcass traits of lambs fed diets containing different cereal grains / Desempenho e características da carcaça de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo grãos de diferentes de cereais

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, apparent digestibility, and carcass and meat traits of lambs fed high-concentrate diets (92.65%) containing different cereal grains (ground corn, whole grain corn, whole grain sorghum, or replacement of 40% whole grain corn with whole grain millet). Twenty-four feedlot intact lambs of undefined breed, with a body weight of 22.35 ± 3,.71 kg, kept in individual pens for 56 days were allocated in a completely randomized design. Dry matter intake expressed as a percentage of body weight was higher (P=0.0046) for the diets containing sorghum and ground corn (3.73% and 3.39%, respectively) compared to the diets containing millet and whole grain corn (3.23% and 3.13%, respectively). Feed efficiency was higher (P=0.014) for whole grain corn and millet (0.293 and 0.269, respectively) and lower for ground corn and sorghum (0.247 and 0.226, respectively). The apparent digestibility of organic matter, dry matter and crude protein was lower for the sorghum diet (P=0.0003). The carcass traits, meat cuts traits or objective longissimus muscle tenderness were not influenced by the diets offered to the animals. Meat color (P 0.0001) and luminosity (P=0.0063) were improved with inclusion of whole grains. The use of whole corn and millet grains is recommended for the feeding of feedlot lambs considering their nutritional benefits, fe

Objetivou-se avaliar desempenho, digestibilidade aparente, características de carcaça e da carne de cordeiros alimentados com dietas de alta proporção de concentrado (92,65%) contendo grãos de diferentes cereais (grão moído de milho; grão inteiro de milho; grão inteiro de sorgo; ou substituição de 40% do grão inteiro do milho por grão inteiro de milheto). Foram utilizados vinte e quatro machos inteiros, sem raça definida, com peso corporal de 22,35 ± 3,71 kg, confinados em baias individuais por 56 dias, alocados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O consumo de matéria seca em porcentagem do peso corporal foi maior (P=0,0046) para as dietas com sorgo e grão moído de milho, 3,73% e 3,39%, que para milheto e grão inteiro de milho, 3,23% e 3,13%. A eficiência alimentar foi maior (P=0,0140) para grão inteiro de milho e milheto, 0,293 e 0,269, e menor para grão moído de milho e sorgo, 0,247 e 0,226. Adigestibilidade aparente da matéria orgânica, matéria seca e proteína bruta foram menores (P=0,0003) para a dieta com sorgo. As características de carcaça e dos cortes cárneos não foram influenciadas pelas dietas fornecidas aos animais, bem como a maciez objetiva do músculo Longissimus. Os parâmetros de cor e luminosidade da carne foram melhores (P 0,0001; P=0,0063) com a inclusão dos grãos inteiros. Recomenda-se a utilização de grãos inteiros de milho e de milheto na alimentaçã

Risk of Soil Recontamination Due to Using Eleusine coracana and Panicum maximum Straw After Phytoremediation of Picloram.

This study aimed to evaluate the herbicidal activity of picloram on the biomass of the remediation plants Eleusine coracana and Panicum maximum after cultivation in a soil contaminated with this herbicide. These species were grown in three soils, differentiated based on texture (clayish, middle, and sandy, with 460, 250, and 40 g kg(-1) of the clay, respectively), previously contaminated with picloram (0, 80, and 160 g ha(-1)). After 90 days, the plants were harvested and an extract was produced by maceration of leaves and stems of these plants. It was applied to pots containing washed sand, comprising a bioassay in a growth chamber using soybean as a bioindicator for picloram. Soil and plant samples were analyzed by HPLC. The results showed the presence of picloram or metabolites with herbicidal activity in the shoots of E. coracana and P. maximum at phytotoxic levels with regard to soybean plants, indicating that they work only as phytoextractors and that the presence of straw on the soil surface can promote recontamination within the area. It is not recommended to cultivate species susceptible to picloram in areas where it was reported remediation by E. indica and P. maximum and still present residues of these species.

A simple and highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for Setaria viridis.

The production and use of sugarcane in Brazil is very important for bioenergy production and is recognized as one of the most efficient in the world. In our laboratory, Setaria viridis is being tested as a model plant for sugarcane. S. viridis has biological attributes (rapid life cycle, small genome, diploid, short stature and simple growth requirements) that make it suitable for use as a model system. We report a highly efficient protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of S. viridis. The optimization of several steps in tissue culture allowed the rapid regeneration of plants and increased the rate of transformation up to 29%. This protocol could become a powerful tool for functional genomics in sugarcane.

Setaria viridis floral-dip: A simple and rapid Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method.

Setaria viridis was recently described as a new monocotyledonous model species for C4 photosynthesis research and genetic transformation. It has biological attributes (rapid life cycle, small genome, diploid, short stature and simple growth requirements) that make it suitable for use as a model plant. We report an alternative method of S. viridis transformation using floral dip to circumvent the necessity of tissue culture phase for transgenic plant regeneration. S. viridis spikes at boot stage were selected to be immersed in Agrobacterium suspension. T1 seeds could be identified in 1.5-2 months after floral dipping. We demonstrated through molecular analysis and RFP expression that seeds and resulting plants from dipped inflorescences were transformed. Our results suggest the feasibility of S. viridis floral dip transformation as a time-saving and cost-effective compared with traditional methods. To our knowledge, this is the first report using floral dip in S. viridis as an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method.

Qualitative aspects of the carcass and meat of young steers Devon finished in tropical pasture, receiving different levels of concentrate / Aspectos qualitativos da carcaça e carne de novilhos superjovens da raça Devon, terminados em pastagem tropical, recebendo diferentes níveis de concentrado

The objective of this work was to evaluate the carcass and meat characteristics of young steers Devon, finished in tropical pasture (association of millet pasture - Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke and Alexander grass Brachiaria plantaginea), receiving different levels of supplementation (0; 0,5% or 1,0% of body weight). The animals had an average initial weight of 300 kg and 15 months of age, and were slaughtered at an average weight of 353.0 kg. Supplementation with concentrate ration to the level of 1.0% of body weight (BW) of animal provided carcasses with better quality (higher hot and cold carcass, and greater fat thickness, which resulted in lower cooling loss); carcasses more compact (less long, with better conformation and thicker cushion) when compared to non-supplemented. Furthermore, animals fed only pasture, showed a lower percentage of carcasses forequarter (37.6 vs 38.9 e 38.8%), with a higher percentage of muscle (65.5 vs 59.6 e 59.5 %), which resulted in greater relative muscle tissue: bone and edible portion: bone than those supplemented. As the sensory and organoleptic qualities, it was found that meat from animals supplemented with up to 1.0% of body weight, showed greater losses to cooking (24.1 % vs 18.0 %) and required greater force to shear the fiber (3.37 vs 2.05 (kgf/ cm3) compared to meat non-supplemented animals. However, the increased level of supplementation of0.5% to 1.0% of BW improved palatability and reduced meat texture.(AU)

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar as características de carcaça e da carne de novilhos Devon terminados em pastagem tropical (associação de pastagem de milheto - Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke - e capim papuã Bracharia plantaginea) recebendo diferentes níveis de suplementação (0; 0,5 ou 1,0% do peso corporal. Os animais apresentaram peso médio inicial de 300 kg e 15 meses de idade, e foram abatidos com peso médio de 353,0 kg. A suplementação com ração concentrada até o nível de 1,0% do peso vivo (PV) dos animais proporcionou carcaças com melhor qualidade (maior rendimento de carcaça quente e fria, e maior espessura de gordura subcutânea, que refletiu em menor quebra ao resfriamento); carcaças mais compactas (menos compridas, com melhor conformação e maior espessura do coxão) quando comparados aos não suplementados. Além disso, os animais alimentados somente com pastagem, apresentaram carcaças com menor percentual de dianteiro (37,6 vs 38,9 e 38,8%), maior percentual de músculo (65,5 vs 59,6 e 59,5 %), que refletiu em maior relação tecidual músculo:osso e porção comestível: osso do que os suplementados. Quanto as qualidades sensoriais e organolépticas, constatou-se que a carne proveniente de animais suplementados com até 1,0 % do peso vivo, apresentaram maiores perdas à cocção (24,1 % vs 18,0 %) e exigiram maior força para o cisalhamento da fibra (3,37 vs 2,05 kgf/cm3) quando comparado a carne dos animais não suplementados. O aumento do nível desuplementação de 0,5% para 1,0% do PV melhorou a palatabilidade e reduziu a textura da carne.(AU)

Protein and carbohydrate fractionation of Piata palisadegrass ensiled with energetic meals / Fracionamento de proteínas e carboidrato do capim-piatã ensilado com farelos energéticos

This study determined the fractionation of protein and carbohydrate of Piata palisadegrass ensiled with energetic meals. The experiment was developed at the Federal Institute of Goiás State, Rio Verde Campus, using a completely randomized design with four replications, in a 4 x 5 factorial arrangement, being four energetic meals (millet, corn, sorghum and wheat) and five levels of addition (0, 8, 16, 24 and 32%). The meals were obtained by grinding the grains, where the levels of addition were calculated based on natural material. The results indicated that the energetic meals represented good sources of additives for ensiling Piata palisadegrass, for considerably improving protein and carbohydrate fractions. However, among the meals used, the sorghum was less efficient by presenting a lower protein fraction (A) and higher fraction C, compared with other additives. The meals of wheat and sorghum showed higher contents of carbohydrate fractions (A+B1 and C). It is recommended the level of addition of 24% of meals, for providing better nutritional value to silage.(AU)

Desenvolveu-se esse estudo com objetivo de determinar o fracionamento de proteínas e carboidratos do capim-piatã ensilado com farelos energéticos. O experimento foi conduzido no Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 4 x 5, sendo quatro farelos energéticos (milheto, milho, sorgo e trigo) e cinco níveis de adição (0, 8, 16, 24 e 32%). Os farelos utilizados foram obtidos através da moagem dos grãos, onde a adição dos níveis foi calculada com base na matéria natural do capim-piatã. Os resultados demonstraram que os farelos energéticos, apresentam boas fontes de aditivos para a ensilagem, por trazer melhorias consideráveis nas frações proteínas e fração carboidratos. No entanto, dentre os farelos utilizados o de sorgo mostrou menos eficiente por apresentar menor fração protéica (A) e maior fração C, quando comparados com os outros aditivos. E os farelos de trigo e sorgo apresentaram maiores frações carboidratos(A+B1 e C). Recomenda-se a adição do nível de 24% dos farelos, por proporcionar melhor valor nutritivo da silagem.(AU)

Protein and carbohydrate fractionation of Piata palisadegrass ensiled with energetic meals / Fracionamento de proteínas e carboidrato do capim-piatã ensilado com farelos energéticos

This study determined the fractionation of protein and carbohydrate of Piata palisadegrass ensiled with energetic meals. The experiment was developed at the Federal Institute of Goiás State, Rio Verde Campus, using a completely randomized design with four replications, in a 4 x 5 factorial arrangement, being four energetic meals (millet, corn, sorghum and wheat) and five levels of addition (0, 8, 16, 24 and 32%). The meals were obtained by grinding the grains, where the levels of addition were calculated based on natural material. The results indicated that the energetic meals represented good sources of additives for ensiling Piata palisadegrass, for considerably improving protein and carbohydrate fractions. However, among the meals used, the sorghum was less efficient by presenting a lower protein fraction (A) and higher fraction C, compared with other additives. The meals of wheat and sorghum showed higher contents of carbohydrate fractions (A+B1 and C). It is recommended the level of addition of 24% of meals, for providing better nutritional value to silage.

Desenvolveu-se esse estudo com objetivo de determinar o fracionamento de proteínas e carboidratos do capim-piatã ensilado com farelos energéticos. O experimento foi conduzido no Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 4 x 5, sendo quatro farelos energéticos (milheto, milho, sorgo e trigo) e cinco níveis de adição (0, 8, 16, 24 e 32%). Os farelos utilizados foram obtidos através da moagem dos grãos, onde a adição dos níveis foi calculada com base na matéria natural do capim-piatã. Os resultados demonstraram que os farelos energéticos, apresentam boas fontes de aditivos para a ensilagem, por trazer melhorias consideráveis nas frações proteínas e fração carboidratos. No entanto, dentre os farelos utilizados o de sorgo mostrou menos eficiente por apresentar menor fração protéica (A) e maior fração C, quando comparados com os outros aditivos. E os farelos de trigo e sorgo apresentaram maiores frações carboidratos(A+B1 e C). Recomenda-se a adição do nível de 24% dos farelos, por proporcionar melhor valor nutritivo da silagem.

Nutritional value of Xaraes and Piata palisadegrass silages preparedwith additives or wilting / Valor nutricional das silagens de capins Xaraes e Piatã emurchecidas ou acrescidas de aditivos

The nutritional value of Xaraes and Piata palisadegrass silages wilted or with additives wasevaluated in a completely randomized design (2x4 factorial arrangement), being two cultivars of Brachiariabrizantha (Xaraes and Piata palisadegrass) and four ensiling methods as treatments: T1- control, in naturaforage (INF); T2 INF wilted for 4 hours under the sun; T3- INF + bacterial additive (BactoSilo®Lallemand) 2 g ton-1 of in natura forage; T4 INF + 15% of pearl millet meal. For ensiling, the grasses wereharvested in the growth stage of 40 days, at 20 cm from the ground level. The addition of the inoculant andmillet meal improved the fermentative and chemical parameters of both cultivars silages, by increasingsoluble carbohydrates (SC), CP and TDN contents and reducing ammonia-nitrogen and pH. Because ofits composition, 15% of millet meal inclusion affected SC, NDF, ADF and increased the IVDDM ofsilages. Bacterial inoculant or millet meal inclusion enhanced the nutritional value of Brachiaria brizanthasilages and, could have a positive performance response on ruminants fed with these silages. Wilting wasalso effective in improving the fermentative stability of grass silages and may be a cheaper alternative to additives.(AU)

O valor nutricional de silagens pré-secadas ou aditivadas dos capins Xarães e Piatã foi avaliado em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado (esquema fatorial 2x4), sendo duas cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha (Xarães e Piatã) e quatro métodos de ensilagem: T1- controle, forragem in natura (FIN); T2- FIN pré-secada ao sol por 4 horas; T3- FIN + aditivo bacteriano (BactoSilo® Lallemand) 2 g t-1 FIN; T4- FIN + 15% de farelo de milheto. Para a ensilagem, os capins foram colhidos no estágio de crescimento de 40 dias, a 20 cm do nível do solo. A adição do inoculante e farelo de milheto melhoraram os parâmetros fermentativos e bromatológicos das silagens, elevando os teores de carboidratos solúveis (CHOS), PB, NDT e reduzindo o nitrogênio amoniacal e pH. Devido a sua composição, a adição de 15% de farelo de milheto, afetou os CHOS, FDN, FDA e incrementou a DIVMS nas silagens. A adição de inoculantes bacterianos ou farelo de milheto melhorou o valor nutricional das silagens de Brachiaria brizantha e, poderiam ter resposta positiva no desempenho de ruminantes alimentados com estas silagens. O pré- emurchecimento foi efetivo no incremento da estabilidade fermentativa de silagens de capim e, pode ser uma alternativa mais econômica aos aditivos.(AU)