Soybean molasses increases subcutaneous fat deposition while reducing lipid oxidation in the meat of castrated lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of including soybean molasses (SM) on performance, blood parameters, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid, and muscle (longissimus thoracis) transcriptomic profiles of castrated lambs. Twenty Dorper × Santa Inês lambs (20.06 ±â€…0.76 kg body weight [BW]) were assigned to a randomized block design, stratified by BW, with the following treatments: CON: 0 g/kg of SM and SM20: 200 g/kg of SM on dry matter basis, allocated in individual pens. The diet consisted of 840 g/kg concentrate and 160 g/kg corn silage for 76 d, with the first 12 d as an adaptation period and the remaining 64 d on the finishing diet. The SM20 diet increased blood urea concentration (P = 0.03) while reduced glucose concentration (P = 0.04). Lambs fed SM showed higher subcutaneous fat deposition (P = 0.04) and higher subcutaneous adipocyte diameter (P < 0.01), in addition to reduced meat lipid oxidation (P < 0.01). SM reduced the quantity of branched-chain fatty acids in longissimus thoracis (P = 0.05) and increased the quantity of saturated fatty acids (P = 0.01). In the transcriptomic analysis, 294 genes were identified as differentially expressed, which belong to pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, citric acid cycle, and monosaccharide metabolic process. In conclusion, diet with SM increased carcass fat deposition, reduced lipid oxidation, and changed the energy metabolism, supporting its use in ruminant nutrition.

This study investigated the effects of incorporating soybean molasses (SM) into the diet of castrated lambs on various aspects of their performance and meat quality. Twenty lambs were divided into two groups: one was fed a control diet without SM whereas the other was fed a similar diet but containing 20% of SM. The feeding trial lasted for 76 d. Results showed that the SM inclusion in the diet led to increased blood urea levels and decreased glucose concentrations. SM inclusion also resulted in lambs with higher levels of subcutaneous fat and larger adipocytes, while reducing meat lipid oxidation. Moreover, SM altered fatty acid composition in the meat, decreasing branched-chain fatty acids and increasing saturated fatty acids. In agreement with these findings, transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant change in the expression of genes related to energy metabolism in the muscle of lambs fed SM. In conclusion, incorporating SM in lamb's diet increased fat deposition, improved meat quality, and induced a transcriptomic change in the muscle energy metabolism, supporting its potential use in ruminant nutrition.

Effects of the Ingestion of Ripe Mangoes on the Squamous Gastric Region in the Horse.

Erosions and gastric ulcers may be present in horses at any age and under different conditions of rearing and handling. In tropical regions, horses can feed on fruits rich in soluble carbohydrates, such as mangoes, but little is known about how these foods interact with their digestive systems. To test the hypothesis that the ingestion of ripe mangoes with peels could cause disturbances in the digestive processes of horses, an experiment was developed to monitor animals that had free access to ripe mangoes in their pasture areas. Horses (purebred Arabians, n = 5; ~340 kg, ~13 years) were evaluated by video gastroscopy and blood analysis. A controlled postprandial glucose curve for mango intake was also performed. Gastroscopies were performed at intervals of 15 days, starting in December, just before the beginning of the harvest, until the beginning of February, and days after the end of the harvest. Blood collection was performed on the same day between November and February for blood analysis. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Gastroscopies indicated that four out of five horses had erosions and ulcers in the squamous region between 15 and 30 days after the start of the season. Biochemical tests indicated a reduction in plasma proteins during the harvest period, and the postprandial glucose curve showed concentrations above 200 mg/dL between 30 and 180 min after ingestion of 5.37 kg mangoes. The animals were not treated and recovered after 15 days of harvest and without ripe mangoes on the ground. It is concluded that the indiscriminate ingestion of mangoes favors the appearance of lesions in the gastric squamous region, to varying degrees, and that animals recover naturally after an average of 15 days from the end of the season when the animals return to their regular feeding with hay and grass pasture.

Biochemical metabolism of young plants of Ucuúba (Virola surinamensis) in the presence of cadmium.

Virola surinamensis is a forest species widely distributed in the estuaries of the Amazon. These ecosystems are susceptible to contamination by Cadmium (Cd), indicating that the plant has strategies for tolerating this metal. The aim of this study was to assess the nitrogen and carbon metabolism of young plants of Ucuúba (Virola surinamensis) in the presence of cadmium with the perspective of the phytoremediation of contaminated environments. The used experimental design was a completely randomized design with five Cd concentrations (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg L- 1), for 60 days. In general, Cd did not affect nitrate concentration in the root but had a positive effect on leaves. The reduction of nitrate reductase (NR) in plants exposed to Cd was followed by a decrease in ammonia, total soluble amino acids (TSA), and total soluble proteins (TSP). Cd promoted an increase in the concentration of total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), proline, sucrose, and reducing sugars in the plants. The increase in TSC, sucrose and proline, suggests a metabolic regulatory mechanism of V. surinamensis against Cd stress.

Effect of Wild Lactobacillus buchneri Strains on the Fermentation Profile and Microbial Populations of Sugarcane Silage.

BACKGROUND: Sugarcane silage has been increasing as a feed in the tropics by dairy farmers. However, sugarcane normally had high yeast population that leads to intense alcoholic fermentation and excessive Dry-Matter (DM) loss during ensilage and after air exposure, as well. There are several patents that have recently shown the benefits of applying Lactobacillus buchneri in forage preservation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the changes in pH, DM, Water-Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) and fermentation end product concentrations that occur in sugarcane silage with or without inoculation with L. buchneri after 45 days of ensiling. METHODS: Sugarcane plants were harvested with approximately 16 months of growth and chopped at 2 cm. Four strains of wild L. buchneri (56.1, 56.4, 56.9 and 56.26) and the commercial inoculant "Lalsil Cana" were evaluated. For all treatments, the theoretical application rate was 1.0 × 106 colony- forming units (cfu) per g of fresh weight. Data from the silo openings were analysed as a completely randomized design, with four replicates per treatment (inoculants). RESULTS: The treatment with L. buchneri affected the DM content, pH, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) population, DM recovery, and concentrations of WSC, lactic acid, acetic acid and ethanol of sugarcane silage after 45 days of ensiling. Yeasts and molds populations and the concentrations of propionic and butyric acids were not affected by the treatments. CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus buchneri 56.1 and 56.4 are considered the most suitable strains for improving the fermentation of sugarcane silage and thus are potential inoculants for silage production. At present, we are preparing the patent application.

Chemical Structure and Localization of Levan, the Predominant Fructan Type in Underground Systems of Gomphrena marginata (Amaranthaceae).

Gomphrena marginata Seub. (Amaranthaceae) is an endemic species from Brazilian campos rupestres with a fructan accumulating underground reserve system. Analyses of high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC-PAD) revealed the presence of the soluble carbohydrates glucose, fructose, sucrose, 1-kestose, 6-kestose, nystose and fructans with degree of polymerization (DP) up to approximately 40 fructose units. Data of 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, including Heteronuclear Single-Quantum Correlation (HSQC) and Heteronuclear Multiple-Bonds Correlation (HMBC) showed the presence of ß (2,6) linkages, characteristic of the linear molecule of levan-type fructan(2,6). These results confirmed previous studies suggesting that the reserve carbohydrate in the underground system of this species was levan-type fructans, similar to that of G. macrocephala. Structural analyses of the thickened underground system using light microscopy revealed a mixed origin system consisting mainly of a gemmiferous tuberous root with the upper region formed by short branched stems, both presenting vascular cylinders with unusual growth patterns. Fructan spherocrystals were visualized under polarized light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) mostly in the cortex and vascular cylinder in both thickened stem and root. In addition to data reported in the literature concerning the occurrence of fructans in the Amaranthaceae, the results presented here suggest that fructans are a trait in this family while the levan-type fructan prevail in Gomphrena species.

Ensiling of elephant grass with soybean hulls or rice bran / Ensilagem de capim-elefante acrescida de casca de soja e farelo de arroz

The goal was to evaluate the chemical composition and fermentation pattern of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage with different levels of soybean hulls or rice bran. Two trials were conducted, comprising of a completely randomized design, with four replicates each. Treatments consisted on the addition of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of soybean hulls or rice bran to unwilted green elephant grass forage. Large PVC silos were used adopting a density of 600 kg of green mass m-3. The silos were opened 40 days after ensiling. The results revealed that the inclusion of 10% soybean hulls increased elephant grass forage dry matter (DM) content to 31%, but did not alter the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content or buffering capacity. The resultant silages exhibited good fermentation patterns in terms of pH (less than 3.97) and NH3-N (4.07% total N) levels. The inclusion of rice bran increased both DM and WSC content in the forage, improving the fermentation pattern of silages (P < 0.05). This too was verified by a pH lower than 3.92 and a maximum NH3-N of 4.23% of the total N. The inclusion of 10% rice bran to the elephant grass improved the nutritional value of the forage to be ensiled and, hence, of the produced silage.

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição bromatológica e o padrão de fermentação da silagem de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) aditivada com níveis de casca de soja e de farelo de arroz. Foram realizados dois experimentos para avaliar o uso de aditivos na ensilagem de capim elefante. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na adição de 0, 5, 10 e 15% do aditivo na massa verde de forragem de capim-elefante picada e sem emurchecimento. Foi utilizado silos de PVC, adotando densidade de 600 kg de massa verde m-3, com abertura do silo 40 dias após a ensilagem. A inclusão de 10% de casca de soja aumentou o teor de matéria seca (MS) da forragem de capim-elefante para 31%, porém não alterou os teores de carboidratos solúveis (CHOS) e poder tampão. As silagens de capim-elefante obtidas apresentaram bom padrão fermentativo, com valores de pH inferior a 3,97 e de N-NH3, 4,07% do N total. A inclusão de farelo de arroz proporcionou melhoria no padrão fermentativo das silagens produzidas, verificado pelo pH inferior a 3,92 e N-NH3 máximo de 4,23% do N total. A inclusão de 10% de farelo de arroz na ensilagem do capim-elefante melhorou o valor nutritivo da forragem a ser ensilada e, consequentemente, da silagem produzida.

Ensiling of elephant grass with soybean hulls or rice bran / Ensilagem de capim-elefante acrescida de casca de soja e farelo de arroz

The goal was to evaluate the chemical composition and fermentation pattern of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage with different levels of soybean hulls or rice bran. Two trials were conducted, comprising of a completely randomized design, with four replicates each. Treatments consisted on the addition of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of soybean hulls or rice bran to unwilted green elephant grass forage. Large PVC silos were used adopting a density of 600 kg of green mass m-3. The silos were opened 40 days after ensiling. The results revealed that the inclusion of 10% soybean hulls increased elephant grass forage dry matter (DM) content to 31%, but did not alter the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content or buffering capacity. The resultant silages exhibited good fermentation patterns in terms of pH (less than 3.97) and NH3-N (4.07% total N) levels. The inclusion of rice bran increased both DM and WSC content in the forage, improving the fermentation pattern of silages (P < 0.05). This too was verified by a pH lower than 3.92 and a maximum NH3-N of 4.23% of the total N. The inclusion of 10% rice bran to the elephant grass improved the nutritional value of the forage to be ensiled and, hence, of the produced silage.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição bromatológica e o padrão de fermentação da silagem de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) aditivada com níveis de casca de soja e de farelo de arroz. Foram realizados dois experimentos para avaliar o uso de aditivos na ensilagem de capim elefante. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na adição de 0, 5, 10 e 15% do aditivo na massa verde de forragem de capim-elefante picada e sem emurchecimento. Foi utilizado silos de PVC, adotando densidade de 600 kg de massa verde m-3, com abertura do silo 40 dias após a ensilagem. A inclusão de 10% de casca de soja aumentou o teor de matéria seca (MS) da forragem de capim-elefante para 31%, porém não alterou os teores de carboidratos solúveis (CHOS) e poder tampão. As silagens de capim-elefante obtidas apresentaram bom padrão fermentativo, com valores de pH inferior a 3,97 e de N-NH3, 4,07% do N total. A inclusão de farelo de arroz proporcionou melhoria no padrão fermentativo das silagens produzidas, verificado pelo pH inferior a 3,92 e N-NH3 máximo de 4,23% do N total. A inclusão de 10% de farelo de arroz na ensilagem do capim-elefante melhorou o valor nutritivo da forragem a ser ensilada e, consequentemente, da silagem produzida.(AU)

Fructans and other water soluble carbohydrates in vegetative organs and fruits of different Musa spp. accessions.

The water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) glucose, fructose, and sucrose are well-known to the great public, but fructans represent another type of WSC that deserves more attention given their prebiotic and immunomodulatory properties in the food context. Although the occurrence of inulin-type fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) was proposed in the fruit of some banana accessions, little or no information is available neither on the exact identity of the fructan species, nor on the fructan content in different parts of banana plants and among a broader array of banana cultivars. Here, we investigated the WSC composition in leaves, pulp of ripe fruits and rhizomes from mature banana plants of 11 accessions (I to XI), including both cultivated varieties and wild Musa species. High performance anion exchange chromatography with integrated pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-IPAD) showed the presence of 1-kestotriose [GF2], inulobiose [F2], inulotriose [F3], 6-kestotriose and 6G-kestotriose (neokestose) fructan species in the pulp of mature fruits of different accessions, but the absence of 1,1-nystose and 1,1,1 kestopentaose and higher degree of polymerization (DP) inulin-type fructans. This fructan fingerprint points at the presence of one or more invertases that are able to use fructose and sucrose as alternative acceptor substrates. Quantification of glucose, fructose, sucrose and 1-kestotriose and principal component analysis (PCA) identified related banana groups, based on their specific WSC profiles. These data provide new insights in the biochemical diversity of wild and cultivated bananas, and shed light on potential roles that fructans may fulfill across species, during plant development and adaptation to changing environments. Furthermore, the promiscuous behavior of banana fruit invertases (sucrose and fructose as acceptor substrates besides water) provides a new avenue to boost future work on structure-function relationships on these enzymes, potentially leading to the development of genuine banana fructosyltransferases that are able to increase fructan content in banana fruits.

Intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance of lambs fed with high level of starch or neutral detergent soluble fiber associated with sunflower oil / Consumo, digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros alimentados com alto teor de amido ou fibra solúvel em detergente neutro associados ao óleo de girassol

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different carbohydrate sources associated with sunflower oil on intake, digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance in diets of lambs. Twenty lambs were used, assigned in a completely randomized design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two sources of neutral detergent soluble carbohydrate, starch and neutral detergent soluble fiber, with and without the inclusion of 4.2% sunflower oil. The dry matter intake was not affected by carbohydrate sources and the inclusion of oil. Diets with a high percentage of starch provided higher digestibility of dry matter, starch and ether extract. The different sources of carbohydrates had no interference on digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent soluble fiber, nonfiber carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose and acid detergent fiber. The addition of oil in the diets increased the digestibility of ether extract. The combination of 4.2% oil in the diet high in soluble neutral detergent fiber had no influence on the nutrient digestibility, otherwise, the addition of oil at high starch diet caused a significant reduction in the digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose and nonfiber carbohydrates. The quantities of nitrogen intake, absorbed and retained, did not differ as sources of carbohydrates and oil

Objetivou-se avaliar os possíveis efeitos da adição de óleo de girassol em dietas contendo diferentes fontes de carboidratos sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e o balanço de nitrogênio em cordeiros. Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2, com duas fontes de carboidratos solúveis em detergente neutro (amido e fibra solúvel em detergente neutro), com e sem a inclusão de 4,2% de óleo de girassol. A ingestão de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro não foi alterada pela fonte de carboidrato e pela inclusão de óleo. As dietas com alto percentual de amido proporcionaram maior digestibilidade da matéria seca, amido e extrato etéreo. As diferentes fontes de carboidratos não influenciaram as digestibilidades da matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra solúvel em detergente neutro, carboidratos não fibrosos, fibra em detergente neutro, hemiceluloses e fibra em detergente ácido. A inclusão de óleo às dietas aumentou a digestibilidade do extrato etéreo. A associação de 4,2% de óleo a dieta com alto teor de fibra solúvel em detergente neutro não teve influência sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, por outro lado, a adição de óleo à dieta com alto amido promoveu redução significativa na digestibilidade da matéria orgânica, da fibra em detergente neutro, das he

Intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance of lambs fed with high level of starch or neutral detergent soluble fiber associated with sunflower oil / Consumo, digestibilidade e balanço de nitrogênio de cordeiros alimentados com alto teor de amido ou fibra solúvel em detergente neutro associados ao óleo de girassol

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different carbohydrate sources associated with sunflower oil on intake, digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance in diets of lambs. Twenty lambs were used, assigned in a completely randomized design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two sources of neutral detergent soluble carbohydrate, starch and neutral detergent soluble fiber, with and without the inclusion of 4.2% sunflower oil. The dry matter intake was not affected by carbohydrate sources and the inclusion of oil. Diets with a high percentage of starch provided higher digestibility of dry matter, starch and ether extract. The different sources of carbohydrates had no interference on digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent soluble fiber, nonfiber carbohydrates, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose and acid detergent fiber. The addition of oil in the diets increased the digestibility of ether extract. The combination of 4.2% oil in the diet high in soluble neutral detergent fiber had no influence on the nutrient digestibility, otherwise, the addition of oil at high starch diet caused a significant reduction in the digestibility of organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose and nonfiber carbohydrates. The quantities of nitrogen intake, absorbed and retained, did not differ as sources of carbohydrates and oil

Objetivou-se avaliar os possíveis efeitos da adição de óleo de girassol em dietas contendo diferentes fontes de carboidratos sobre o consumo, a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e o balanço de nitrogênio em cordeiros. Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2, com duas fontes de carboidratos solúveis em detergente neutro (amido e fibra solúvel em detergente neutro), com e sem a inclusão de 4,2% de óleo de girassol. A ingestão de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro não foi alterada pela fonte de carboidrato e pela inclusão de óleo. As dietas com alto percentual de amido proporcionaram maior digestibilidade da matéria seca, amido e extrato etéreo. As diferentes fontes de carboidratos não influenciaram as digestibilidades da matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra solúvel em detergente neutro, carboidratos não fibrosos, fibra em detergente neutro, hemiceluloses e fibra em detergente ácido. A inclusão de óleo às dietas aumentou a digestibilidade do extrato etéreo. A associação de 4,2% de óleo a dieta com alto teor de fibra solúvel em detergente neutro não teve influência sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, por outro lado, a adição de óleo à dieta com alto amido promoveu redução significativa na digestibilidade da matéria orgânica, da fibra em detergente neutro, das he

Qualidade da silagem de cultivares de milheto produzidas em diferentes idades de corte / Silage quality of pearl millet cultivars produced in different cutting ages

O milheto vem ganhando destaque nos últimos anos, principalmente com a chegada de genótipos precoces e de alto valor nutritivo e potencial produtivo, oriundos do melhoramento genético. Por se tratarem de materiais novos, existem poucas informações sobre esses genótipos. Nesse sentido, é importante obter informações técnicas, apoiadas em estudos científicos, sobre o comportamento desses materiais em relação ao valor nutritivo e época de colheita para a produção de silagens. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de silagem de genótipos de milheto produzidas em diferentes idades de cortes. O experimento foi conduzido no Campus da Faculdade de Agronomia da Universidade de Rio Verde. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 5 x 3, sendo, cinco cultivares de milheto: ARD 500, ADR 7010, LAB 0730, LAB 0731 e LAB 0732 e três idades de cortes: 57, 65 e 73 dias após a semeadura (DAS). Os resultados mostraram que as silagens produzidas por milheto, independente do genótipo, podem ser consideradas de boa qualidade. Por se tratar de materiais precoces a melhor idade que proporcionou melhor qualidade da silagem desses materiais, foi quando os materiais foram colhidos aos 57 DAS.

The millet has being prominent in recent years, especially with the arrival of early genotypes with high nutritional value and productive potential, coming from breeding. As these genotypes are new, little information exists about them. Thus, it is important to obtain technical information, supported by scientific studies about the behavior of these materials considering the nutritional value and harvest for silage production. The objective of this research was to evaluate the silage quality of pearl millet genotypes grown in different cuts age. The experiment was carried out on the campus of the Agronomy, of the Rio Verde University. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications in a 5 x 3 factorial, with five genotypes of millet: ARD 500, ADR 7010, LAB 0730, LAB 0731 and LAB 0732 and three cuts ages: 57, 65 and 73 days after sowing (DAS). The results showed that silages produced by millet, regardless of genotype, could be considered of nutritional value. Since this is a precocious material the best age that provided the best quality of these silages was when the materials were harvested at 57 DAS.

Qualidade da silagem de cultivares de milheto produzidas em diferentes idades de corte / Silage quality of pearl millet cultivars produced in different cutting ages

O milheto vem ganhando destaque nos últimos anos, principalmente com a chegada de genótipos precoces e de alto valor nutritivo e potencial produtivo, oriundos do melhoramento genético. Por se tratarem de materiais novos, existem poucas informações sobre esses genótipos. Nesse sentido, é importante obter informações técnicas, apoiadas em estudos científicos, sobre o comportamento desses materiais em relação ao valor nutritivo e época de colheita para a produção de silagens. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de silagem de genótipos de milheto produzidas em diferentes idades de cortes. O experimento foi conduzido no Campus da Faculdade de Agronomia da Universidade de Rio Verde. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 5 x 3, sendo, cinco cultivares de milheto: ARD 500, ADR 7010, LAB 0730, LAB 0731 e LAB 0732 e três idades de cortes: 57, 65 e 73 dias após a semeadura (DAS). Os resultados mostraram que as silagens produzidas por milheto, independente do genótipo, podem ser consideradas de boa qualidade. Por se tratar de materiais precoces a melhor idade que proporcionou melhor qualidade da silagem desses materiais, foi quando os materiais foram colhidos aos 57 DAS.

The millet has being prominent in recent years, especially with the arrival of early genotypes with high nutritional value and productive potential, coming from breeding. As these genotypes are new, little information exists about them. Thus, it is important to obtain technical information, supported by scientific studies about the behavior of these materials considering the nutritional value and harvest for silage production. The objective of this research was to evaluate the silage quality of pearl millet genotypes grown in different cuts age. The experiment was carried out on the campus of the Agronomy, of the Rio Verde University. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications in a 5 x 3 factorial, with five genotypes of millet: ARD 500, ADR 7010, LAB 0730, LAB 0731 and LAB 0732 and three cuts ages: 57, 65 and 73 days after sowing (DAS). The results showed that silages produced by millet, regardless of genotype, could be considered of nutritional value. Since this is a precocious material the best age that provided the best quality of these silages was when the materials were harvested at 57 DAS.

Silagem de capim-elefante aditivada com produtos alternativos / Elephant grass silage with added alternative product

Objetivou-se avaliar o padrão de fermentação e a composição bromatológica da silagem de capim-elefante utilizando diferentes aditivos. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos (capim-elefante sem aditivo; com 100 kg de farelo de arroz t-1 de massa verde (MV); com 100 kg de casca de soja t-1 MV; com 100 kg de fubá de milho t-1 MV; com 200 kg de cana-de-açúcar picada t-1 MV; com inoculante bacteriano) e quatro repetições. Utilizaram-se silos de PVC, adotando densidade de 600 kg de massa verde m-3. Com a exceção do inoculante bacteriano, todos os aditivos proporcionaram aumento nos teores de matéria seca (27,95 a 31,65%) e carboidratos solúveis (15,20 a 17,14%) na forragem a ser ensilada. Os aditivos promoveram adequado padrão de fermentação face aos valores de pH (3,70 a 3,96) e de nitrogênio amoniacal (3,67 a 4,44% do N-total) verificados na silagem. O aditivo farelo de arroz proporcionou a obtenção de silagens com teores mais elevados de proteína bruta (6,41%) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (61,91%) em relação ao tratamento sem aditivo.

The objective was to evaluate the fermentation pattern and chemical composition of elephant grass silage using different additives. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments (elephant grass no additive; with 100 kg of rice bran ton-1 of green mass (GM); with 100 kg of soybean hulls ton-1 GM; with 100 kg of corn meal ton-1 GM; with 200 kg of sugar cane ton-1 GM; with inoculants) and four replications. PVC silos were used, adopting a density of 600 kg of green mass m-3. With the exception of inoculant, all additives used resulted in increased dry matter content (27.95 to 31.65%) and soluble carbohydrate contents (15.20 to 17.14%) in the forage being ensiled. The additives promoted an adequate fermentation pattern for pH values (3.70 to 3.96) and ammonia nitrogen (3.67 to 4.44% of total N) observed in the silage. The rice bran additive yielded silage with higher contents of crude protein (6.41%) and total digestible nutrients (61.91%) compared to the treatment without any additive.

Elephant grass silage with added alternative products - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i4.12629 / Silagem de capim-elefante aditivada com produtos alternativos - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i4.12629

The objective was to evaluate the fermentation pattern and chemical composition of elephant grass silage using different additives. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments (elephant grass no additive; with 100 kg of rice bran ton-1 of green mass (GM); with 100 kg of soybean hulls ton-1 GM; with 100 kg of corn meal ton-1 GM; with 200 kg of sugar cane ton-1 GM; with inoculants) and four replications. PVC silos were used, adopting a density of 600 kg of green mass m-3. With the exception of inoculant, all additives used resulted in increased dry matter content (27.95 to 31.65%) and soluble carbohydrate contents (15.20 to 17.14%) in the forage being ensiled. The additives promoted an adequate fermentation pattern for pH values (3.70 to 3.96) and ammonia nitrogen (3.67 to 4.44% of total N) observed in the silage. The rice bran additive yielded silage with higher contents of crude protein (6.41%) and total digestible nutrients (61.91%) compared to the treatment without any additive.

Objetivou-se avaliar o padrão de fermentação e a composição bromatológica da silagem de capim-elefante utilizando diferentes aditivos. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos (capim-elefante sem aditivo; com 100 kg de farelo de arroz t-1 de massa verde (MV); com 100 kg de casca de soja t-1 MV; com 100 kg de fubá de milho t-1 MV; com 200 kg de cana-de-açúcar picada t-1 MV; com inoculante bacteriano) e quatro repetições. Utilizaram-se silos de PVC, adotando densidade de 600 kg de massa verde m-3. Com a exceção do inoculante bacteriano, todos os aditivos proporcionaram aumento nos teores de matéria seca (27,95 a 31,65%) e carboidratos solúveis (15,20 a 17,14%) na forragem a ser ensilada. Os aditivos promoveram adequado padrão de fermentação face aos valores de pH (3,70 a 3,96) e de nitrogênio amoniacal (3,67 a 4,44% do N-total) verificados na silagem. O aditivo farelo de arroz proporcionou a obtenção de silagens com teores mais elevados de proteína bruta (6,41%) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (61,91%) em relação ao tratamento sem aditivo.

Elephant grass silage with added alternative products - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i4.12629 / Silagem de capim-elefante aditivada com produtos alternativos - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i4.12629

The objective was to evaluate the fermentation pattern and chemical composition of elephant grass silage using different additives. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments (elephant grass no additive; with 100 kg of rice bran ton-1 of green mass (GM); with 100 kg of soybean hulls ton-1 GM; with 100 kg of corn meal ton-1 GM; with 200 kg of sugar cane ton-1 GM; with inoculants) and four replications. PVC silos were used, adopting a density of 600 kg of green mass m-3. With the exception of inoculant, all additives used resulted in increased dry matter content (27.95 to 31.65%) and soluble carbohydrate contents (15.20 to 17.14%) in the forage being ensiled. The additives promoted an adequate fermentation pattern for pH values (3.70 to 3.96) and ammonia nitrogen (3.67 to 4.44% of total N) observed in the silage. The rice bran additive yielded silage with higher contents of crude protein (6.41%) and total digestible nutrients (61.91%) compared to the treatment without any additive.

Objetivou-se avaliar o padrão de fermentação e a composição bromatológica da silagem de capim-elefante utilizando diferentes aditivos. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos (capim-elefante sem aditivo; com 100 kg de farelo de arroz t-1 de massa verde (MV); com 100 kg de casca de soja t-1 MV; com 100 kg de fubá de milho t-1 MV; com 200 kg de cana-de-açúcar picada t-1 MV; com inoculante bacteriano) e quatro repetições. Utilizaram-se silos de PVC, adotando densidade de 600 kg de massa verde m-3. Com a exceção do inoculante bacteriano, todos os aditivos proporcionaram aumento nos teores de matéria seca (27,95 a 31,65%) e carboidratos solúveis (15,20 a 17,14%) na forragem a ser ensilada. Os aditivos promoveram adequado padrão de fermentação face aos valores de pH (3,70 a 3,96) e de nitrogênio amoniacal (3,67 a 4,44% do N-total) verificados na silagem. O aditivo farelo de arroz proporcionou a obtenção de silagens com teores mais elevados de proteína bruta (6,41%) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (61,91%) em relação ao tratamento sem aditivo.

Quantificação de açúcares solúveis totais, açúcares redutores e amido nos grãos verdes de cultivares de milho na colheita / Quantification of total soluble sugars, reducing sugars and starch in immature kernels of corn cultivars

O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar os teores de açúcares solúveis totais (AST), açúcares redutores (AR) e amido em nove cultivares de milho colhidos no estádio verde, uma vez que estes influenciam diretamente o sabor, o aroma e a aceitação do consumidor. O experimento foi conduzido em Ponte Nova, MG, no ano agrícola 2002/2003. Para a determinação das características, foi retirada uma amostra de três espigas de cada unidade experimental. O ponto de colheita foi identificado por método empírico, quando o estilo-estigma se desprendia da espiga com facilidade. As cultivares apresentaram umidades diferentes no momento da colheita, variando de 56 a 64 por cento. Não foi detectada diferença entre as cultivares quanto aos teores de AR, porém, P3232 e AG4051 apresentaram boa relação entre AR e AST, destacando-se para esta finalidade.

Total soluble sugars (TSS), reducing sugars (RS), moisture and starch directly influence flavor and consumption. In this work, TSS, RS and starch were determined at harvest in young kernels of nine corn cultivars. The experiment was carried out in Ponte Nova, MG, Brazil. To determine chemical characters of young kernels a sample was obtained of three cobs from each experimental plot. Corn ears were harvested using an empirical method, when the silk was loose from the ear. Moisture varied among samples of different cultivars at harvest. Moisture content ranged from 56 to 64 percent. There were no differences among cultivars regarding RS. However, cultivars P3232 and AG4051 showed good RS to TSS ratio, being adequate for fresh consumption.

Fermentation and epiphytic microflora dynamics in sugar cane silage

Sugar cane silages are characterized by extensive yeast activity, alcohol production and great dry matter - DM - losses. Better knowledge of the fermentation process is fundamental to the development of efficient ensilage techniques for this forage. This study evaluates temporal changes in chemical composition, DM losses and epiphytic microflora in sugar cane silage. Mature sugar cane, variety RB835486 (12 months of vegetative growth), was hand harvested, processed in a stationary chopper and ensiled in 20-L plastic buckets provided with valves for gas release and a device for effluent collection. Laboratory silos were kept at ambient temperature and sampled after ½, 1, 2, 3, 7, 15, 45, 90, 120 and 180 days. Ethanol concentration reached 6.4% in DM after 15 days of ensilage, followed by 71% water soluble carbohydrates - WSCs - disappearance. Gas and total DM losses reached a plateau on day 45 (16% and 29% of DM, respectively). Yeast count was higher on the second day (5.05 log cfu g-1). Silage pH declined to below 4.0 on the third day. Effluent yield was negligible (20 kg t-1). DM content in the forage decreased (35% to 26%) from day 0 to day 45. The increase in ethanol concentration showed an opposite trend to WSCs and true in vitro dry matter digestibility reductions in the silage. Developing methods to control yeasts, most probably through the use of additives, will enable more efficient production of sugar cane silage by farmers.

Silagens de cana-de-açúcar caracterizam-se pela extensa atividade de leveduras, alto teor de álcool e grandes perdas de matéria seca - MS. Conhecer melhor o processo fermentativo é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de técnicas eficientes de ensilagem da cana. Este trabalho avalia a mudança temporal na composição química, nas perdas de MS e na microflora epífita nestas silagens. Cana-de-açúcar (RB835486) foi colhida manualmente (12 meses de crescimento), picada em picadora estacionária e ensilada em baldes de plástico de 20 L com válvulas para gases e aparato para colheita de efluentes. Os silos laboratoriais foram mantidos sob temperatura ambiente e amostrados após ½, 1, 2, 3, 7, 15, 45, 90, 120 e 180 dias. Etanol atingiu 6,4% na MS no 15º dia após ensilagem, seguido pelo desaparecimento de 71% dos carboidratos solúveis - CHOs. As perdas gasosas e a perda total de MS estabilizaram-se após 45 dias (16% e 29% da MS). A contagem de leveduras foi máxima no segundo dia (5,05 log ufc g-1). O pH atingiu nível abaixo de 4,0 no terceiro dia. A produção de efluentes foi insignificante (20,1 kg t-1). O teor de MS da forragem decresceu (35% para 26%) do dia 0 ao 45º dia. O padrão de variação na concentração de etanol foi inverso à concentração de CHOs e à redução da digestibilidade da silagem. O desenvolvimento de métodos de controle das leveduras, provavelmente com o uso de aditivos, melhorará a eficiência no uso de silagens de cana-de-açúcar pelos pecuaristas.

Fermentation and epiphytic microflora dynamics in sugar cane silage

Sugar cane silages are characterized by extensive yeast activity, alcohol production and great dry matter - DM - losses. Better knowledge of the fermentation process is fundamental to the development of efficient ensilage techniques for this forage. This study evaluates temporal changes in chemical composition, DM losses and epiphytic microflora in sugar cane silage. Mature sugar cane, variety RB835486 (12 months of vegetative growth), was hand harvested, processed in a stationary chopper and ensiled in 20-L plastic buckets provided with valves for gas release and a device for effluent collection. Laboratory silos were kept at ambient temperature and sampled after ½, 1, 2, 3, 7, 15, 45, 90, 120 and 180 days. Ethanol concentration reached 6.4% in DM after 15 days of ensilage, followed by 71% water soluble carbohydrates - WSCs - disappearance. Gas and total DM losses reached a plateau on day 45 (16% and 29% of DM, respectively). Yeast count was higher on the second day (5.05 log cfu g-1). Silage pH declined to below 4.0 on the third day. Effluent yield was negligible (20 kg t-1). DM content in the forage decreased (35% to 26%) from day 0 to day 45. The increase in ethanol concentration showed an opposite trend to WSCs and true in vitro dry matter digestibility reductions in the silage. Developing methods to control yeasts, most probably through the use of additives, will enable more efficient production of sugar cane silage by farmers.

Silagens de cana-de-açúcar caracterizam-se pela extensa atividade de leveduras, alto teor de álcool e grandes perdas de matéria seca - MS. Conhecer melhor o processo fermentativo é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de técnicas eficientes de ensilagem da cana. Este trabalho avalia a mudança temporal na composição química, nas perdas de MS e na microflora epífita nestas silagens. Cana-de-açúcar (RB835486) foi colhida manualmente (12 meses de crescimento), picada em picadora estacionária e ensilada em baldes de plástico de 20 L com válvulas para gases e aparato para colheita de efluentes. Os silos laboratoriais foram mantidos sob temperatura ambiente e amostrados após ½, 1, 2, 3, 7, 15, 45, 90, 120 e 180 dias. Etanol atingiu 6,4% na MS no 15º dia após ensilagem, seguido pelo desaparecimento de 71% dos carboidratos solúveis - CHOs. As perdas gasosas e a perda total de MS estabilizaram-se após 45 dias (16% e 29% da MS). A contagem de leveduras foi máxima no segundo dia (5,05 log ufc g-1). O pH atingiu nível abaixo de 4,0 no terceiro dia. A produção de efluentes foi insignificante (20,1 kg t-1). O teor de MS da forragem decresceu (35% para 26%) do dia 0 ao 45º dia. O padrão de variação na concentração de etanol foi inverso à concentração de CHOs e à redução da digestibilidade da silagem. O desenvolvimento de métodos de controle das leveduras, provavelmente com o uso de aditivos, melhorará a eficiência no uso de silagens de cana-de-açúcar pelos pecuaristas.

Avaliação da silagem de sete genótipos de sorgo [(Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench)]. II. Padrão de fermentação

Four sorghums of high size, moist and sugary stem, and three sorghums of small size, dry and sugarless stem and without sugar were used in order to determine the dry matter, crude protein (CP), amoniacal nitrogen, pH and alcohol soluble carbohydrates values. The CMSXS156, a small size sorghum showed the highest value of dry matter (33.6%) on 28 days of ensilage. The low size genotypes had an average 8.8% of CP and the high size 5%, probably due to the higher leaf and panicle proportions in small size sorghums. The average pH of the silages on 56th day of fermentation was 3.6 with a range of 3.5 to 3.8, and the mean of ammonia nitrogen was 5.3% showing that the silages had a suitable fermentative process. The mean value of alcohol soluble carbohydrates was 9.7% ranging from 13.2 to 16.5% for high and from 2.2 to 4.0% for small size genotypes.

Foram utilizados quatro genótipos de sorgo de porte alto, colmo suculento e com açúcar e três de porte baixo, colmo seco e sem açúcar com o objetivo de determinar as percentagens de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), nitrogênio amoniacal em relação ao nitrogênio total (N-NH3/NT), pH e carboidratos solúveis em álcool (CHOS). O sorgo CMSXS156, de porte baixo, apresentou, o maior teor de MS (33,6%) aos 28 dias de ensilagem. Os genótipos de porte baixo tiveram em média 8,8% de PB e os de porte alto 5%, diferença provavelmente devida à maior proporção de folhas e panícula nos de porte baixo. O pH médio das silagens aos 56 dias de fermentação foi de 3,6 e variou de 3,5 a 3,8, e o teor médio de N-NH3/NT nesse mesmo período foi de 5,3%, mostrando que as silagens apresentaram um adequado processo fermentativo. O teor médio de CHOS no material original foi de 9,7% e a variação de 13,2 a 16,5% e de 2,2 a 4,0% nos genótipos de porte alto e baixo, respectivamente.

Avaliação da silagem de sete genótipos de sorgo [(Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench)]. II. Padrão de fermentação

Four sorghums of high size, moist and sugary stem, and three sorghums of small size, dry and sugarless stem and without sugar were used in order to determine the dry matter, crude protein (CP), amoniacal nitrogen, pH and alcohol soluble carbohydrates values. The CMSXS156, a small size sorghum showed the highest value of dry matter (33.6%) on 28 days of ensilage. The low size genotypes had an average 8.8% of CP and the high size 5%, probably due to the higher leaf and panicle proportions in small size sorghums. The average pH of the silages on 56th day of fermentation was 3.6 with a range of 3.5 to 3.8, and the mean of ammonia nitrogen was 5.3% showing that the silages had a suitable fermentative process. The mean value of alcohol soluble carbohydrates was 9.7% ranging from 13.2 to 16.5% for high and from 2.2 to 4.0% for small size genotypes.

Foram utilizados quatro genótipos de sorgo de porte alto, colmo suculento e com açúcar e três de porte baixo, colmo seco e sem açúcar com o objetivo de determinar as percentagens de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), nitrogênio amoniacal em relação ao nitrogênio total (N-NH3/NT), pH e carboidratos solúveis em álcool (CHOS). O sorgo CMSXS156, de porte baixo, apresentou, o maior teor de MS (33,6%) aos 28 dias de ensilagem. Os genótipos de porte baixo tiveram em média 8,8% de PB e os de porte alto 5%, diferença provavelmente devida à maior proporção de folhas e panícula nos de porte baixo. O pH médio das silagens aos 56 dias de fermentação foi de 3,6 e variou de 3,5 a 3,8, e o teor médio de N-NH3/NT nesse mesmo período foi de 5,3%, mostrando que as silagens apresentaram um adequado processo fermentativo. O teor médio de CHOS no material original foi de 9,7% e a variação de 13,2 a 16,5% e de 2,2 a 4,0% nos genótipos de porte alto e baixo, respectivamente.