Performance and carcass characteristics of Santa Inês lambs fed different protein sources

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of confined Santa Inêssheep, fed different diets, in a Semiarid environment. Twenty whole sheep with 5 ± 0.5 months of age and 27 ± 2.0 kg were used, receiving two different diets for 72 experimental days, one composed of defatted soybean meal and the other of protein-enrichedcactus meal. They were evaluated for different diets, consumption, production, carcass characteristics, morphometric measures and edible components. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with two treatments and 10 replications. Performance dataand carcass characteristics were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by t test at 5% probability level using Statistical Analysis System [SAS]®(1999). Thus, the use of emulsified palm forage protein in the feeding of Santa Inês male lambs proved to be an excellent protein source when compared to the use of defatted soybean meal, since the results of performance and carcass characteristics were similar, being the use of this alternative source advised as it presents the best benefit-cost ratio.(AU)

Productive, physiological and behavioral sheep profiles housed on facilities with different roofs in the Amazon region

The Brazilian Amazon region is characterized by high rainfall, with high temperatures and relative humidity, where sheep are raised in extensive and semi-intensive systems and some regions. This work aimed to evaluate the climatic indices of sheepfolds in the Amazon region, the productive performance, and physiological variables of Santa Inês sheep confined in sheepfolds with fiber cement (FC) and polyvinyl chloride (PC) tiles. Twenty castrated males of Santa Inês sheep were used, with a mean age of 1.5±0.2 years old and a live weight of 23±2.1 kg. The statistical design used was a completely randomized design with two roofs (FC and PC). The temperature, relative humidity of the air, temperature index of the black globe, and thermal radiation load was above the comfort zone for sheep, being higher (P < 0.05) in the sheepfold with PVC tile than FC, which contributed to the increase in respiratory rate, as a way to maintain the animals' homeotherm. Furthermore, sheep installed in the sheepfold with FC tile showed the highest weight gain, spent more time feeding, increased feeding efficiency, dry matter and fiber intake, reducing daily water intake.

Thermoregulatory responses and adaptability of Anglo-nubian goats maintained in thermoneutral temperature and under heat stress

This study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses and adaptability of Anglo-Nubian goat breeds by Ibéria and Benezra tests, maintained in bioclimatic chamber under different temperatures: 20, 24, 28 and 32oC, where temperature and air relative humidity and black globe humidity index (BGHI) were measured. The design was completely randomized with four treatments and six replicates. With the increase of temperature and the BGHI, increased the surface temperature, the cardiac and respiratory frequency, and the thermal gradient, the rectal temperature remained within normal limits. The adaptability tests indicated that animals in the temperatures of 28 and 32°C had the physiological parameters altered to maintain the warm-blooded, which BGHI values corresponding were 78.21 and 82.55 respectively, characterizing a warning and danger situation.(AU)

Thermoregulatory responses and adaptability of Anglo-nubian goats maintained in thermoneutral temperature and under heat stress

This study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses and adaptability of Anglo-Nubian goat breeds by Ibéria and Benezra tests, maintained in bioclimatic chamber under different temperatures: 20, 24, 28 and 32oC, where temperature and air relative humidity and black globe humidity index (BGHI) were measured. The design was completely randomized with four treatments and six replicates. With the increase of temperature and the BGHI, increased the surface temperature, the cardiac and respiratory frequency, and the thermal gradient, the rectal temperature remained within normal limits. The adaptability tests indicated that animals in the temperatures of 28 and 32°C had the physiological parameters altered to maintain the warm-blooded, which BGHI values corresponding were 78.21 and 82.55 respectively, characterizing a warning and danger situation.