Protein requirements of hair sheep raised in warm areas: a multi-study approach.

The protein requirements of hair sheep are a key factor in increasing profitability and decreasing the environmental impacts of nitrogen excretion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein requirements of hair sheep. A database with 382 individual records (269 intact and 113 castrated males) comprising information from 11 studies was used. The studies provided different levels of metabolisable protein intake (MPI) and of N retention, allowing the development of equations to predict the net protein (NP) and the metabolisable protein (MP) requirements. The efficiency of MP use for gain (kpg) was calculated using the equation of daily protein retained against daily MPI above maintenance. The efficiency of MP use for maintenance (kpm) was computed as the ratio between the NP for maintenance (NPm) and the MP for maintenance (MPm). The NPm (1.32 g/kg0.75 EBW) did not differ between sex. The kpm was 0.34, and the kpg was 0.25. The MPm estimated was 3.21 g/kg0.75 BW. Sex affects the protein requirements for gain (NPg). The protein requirements of hair sheep differ from those recommended by feeding systems for sheep. The equations provided herein may improve the optimisation of protein nutrition of sheep, thereby minimising the environmental impacts of sheep production.

Metabolizable Protein: 1. Predicting Equations to Estimate Microbial Crude Protein Synthesis in Small Ruminants.

Microbial crude protein (MCP) produced in rumen could be estimated by a variety of protocols of experimental sampling and analysis. However, a model to estimate this value is necessary when protein requirements are calculated for small ruminants. This model could be useful to calculate rumen degradable protein (RDP) requirements from metabolizable protein (MP). Then, our objective was to investigate if there is a difference in MCP efficiency between sheep and goats, and to fit equations to predict ruminal MCP production from dietary energy intake. The database consisted of 19 studies with goats (n = 176) and sheep (n = 316), and the variables MCP synthesis (g/day), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and organic matter (OM) intakes (g/day), and OM digestibility (g/kg DM) were registered for both species. The database was used for two different purposes, where 70% of the values were sorted to fit equations, and 30% for validation. A meta-analytical procedure was carried out using the MIXED procedure of SAS, specie was considered as the fixed dummy effect, and the intercept and slope nested in the study were considered random effects. No effect of specie was observed for the estimation of MCP from TDN, digestible Organic Matter (dOM), or metabolizable energy (ME) intakes (P > 0.05), considering an equation with or without an intercept. Therefore, single models including both species at the same fitting were validated. The following equations MCP (g/day) = 12.7311 + 59.2956 × TDN intake (AIC = 3,004.6); MCP (g/day) = 15.7764 + 62.2612 × dOM intake (AIC = 2,755.1); and MCP (g/day) = 12.7311 + 15.3000 × ME intake (AIC = 3,007.3) presented lower values for the mean square error of prediction (MSEP) and its decomposition, and similar values for the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and for the residual mean square error (RMSE) when compared with equations fitted without an intercept. The intercept and slope pooled test was significant for equations without an intercept (P < 0.05), indicating that observed and predicted data differed. In contrast, predicted and observed data for complete equations were similar (P > 0.05).

Body weight and sex effects on digesta mean retention time in growing Saanen goats.

Despite the important role of digesta mean retention time (MRT) on digestive efficiency of ruminants, it is poorly investigated in total gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of growing ruminants, especially in goats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of body weight (BW) and sex on GIT MRT of particles and solutes in growing Saanen goats. A dataset from two studies, comprising 103 individual records of castrated males (n = 36), females (n = 34), and intact males (n = 33) Saanen goats slaughtered at 15, 22, 30, 37, and 45 kg BW, was used. Goats were fed basically with total mixed ration composed by dehydrated corn plant (Zea mays) milled to pass a 10-mm screen, cracked corn grain, and soybean (Glycine max) meal. Variables evaluated were BW, feed intake, feed intake level, composition of ingested diet, wet weight of GIT tissues, wet digesta pool size, digesta composition (dry matter and neutral detergent fiber [NDF]), indigestible NDF:NDF ratio of ingested diet and GIT digesta, MRT of particles (MRTiNDF) and solutes (MRTCr), and reticulorumen selectivity factors (large particles/solutes). Reticulorumen, omasum, abomasum, small intestine, cecum, and colon-rectum segments were evaluated. The dataset was analyzed as mixed models considering sex, BW, and sex × BW interaction as fixed effects, and study and residual error as random effects. Sex did not affect MRTiNDF in any GIT segments. Females and intact males presented similar reticulorumen MRTCr (5.6 h; P = 0.92) and they presented lower reticulorumen MRTCr than castrated males (7.0; P ≤ 0.04). Total GIT MRTCr was similar between castrated males and females (15.7 h; P = 0.11) and between females and intact males (14.2 h; P = 0.76). Body weight (BW) did not affect MRTiNDF in reticulorumen and colon-rectum and total GIT MRTCr (P ≥ 0.11). Reticulorumen and omasum MRTCr increased as BW increased (P < 0.01), and abomasum MRTCr decreased as BW increased (P = 0.02). Feed intake, and wet tissues and wet pool size of all GIT segments increased as BW increased, except abomasum wet pool size (P ≤ 0.01). The mechanism related to sex effect on MRT has to be elucidated. Reticulorumen MRTiNDF and total GIT MRTCr were modulated by intake and capacity of reticulorumen and GIT, respectively. On the other hand, reticulorumen MRTCr seemed to be regulated by reticulo-omasal orifice opening and saliva secretion.

Selectivity and feeding behavior of Saanen goats subjected to three nutritional levels

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of selective feeding habits on the quality of the ingested diet and the effect of feed restriction on the selectivity and behavior of goats in feedlots. Differences were found only in the amount of feed given to the animals, with a difference in the amount of feed rejected as a function of the nutritional level. Higher levels of orts were measured for those animals that received the ad libitum diet. For the composition of orts, differences were measured only in the ether extract fraction. Animals fed the ad libitum diet increased their intake of ether extract and energy, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Thus, they had a preference for consuming the fibrous and energetic portions of the diet to the detriment of the mineral matter. The granulometry influenced the leftovers for the male and female treatments only in the diet that contained the 2.00- and 0.063-mm sized particles, with larger leftovers for the females. There were statistical differences as a function of feeding level for time spent in rumination, with stereotypical behavior, and in time spent standing up or lying down. As a function of sex, the differences were the same variables, including the time spent with agonistic behavior. Animals that received the ad libitum diet had a greater gain and final weight, whereas the animals that received the 60% restricted diet had the lowest performance, as did the females. Feed restriction changed the natural feeding behavior of goats, with smaller feed particles preferred. The feed restriction and sex also influenced the time spent on nonproductive activities, and the animals became more restless, with females having a higher social behavior than males.(AU)

Energy and protein requirements during the growing phase of indigenous goats / Exigências de proteína e energia durante a fase de crescimento de caprinos sem padrão racial definido

The objective of this study was to investigate both energy and protein requirements for the maintenance and growth of indigenous goats, based on data from two separate studies. Goats were weaned at 79 ± 4.4 days of age, with milk and solid diet intake recorded daily. To determine energy maintenance requirements, 32 kids of 4.90 ± 0.302 kg initial body weight (BW) were used. Ten kids were slaughtered at 5.40 ± 0.484 kg BW to estimate initial body composition, with the remaining kids randomly assigned to one of two DM intake levels: ad libitum and restricted-fed (1.2-times maintenance level). Heat production (HP) was calculated as the difference between ingested metabolizable energy (MEI) and retained energy. Net energy requirement for maintenance (NEm) was estimated as the ?0 parameter of the relationship between HP and MEI [HP = ?0 × exp (?1 × MEI)]. Metabolizable energy required for maintenance (MEm) was calculated iteratively, as HP = MEI. Efficiency of energy utilization for maintenance (km) was calculated as NEm/MEm. The intercept of the linear regression of retained CP on CP intake was used to calculate net protein requirements for maintenance (NPm). Net energy and protein requirement for gain (NEg and NPg, respectively) were obtained using 26 kids fed ad libitum and randomly slaughtered at 5.40 ± 0.484 kg BW (n = 10), 15.8 ± 0.655 kg BW (n = 10), and 26.3 ± 1.27 kg BW...(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo, investigar as exigências de proteína e energia para mantença e ganho de caprinos sem padrão racial definido. Para tal, foram utilizados dados individuais de caprinos de 2 estudos. Os caprinos foram desmamados com 79 ± 4,4 dias de idade. Ingestão de leite e dieta sólida foi tomada diariamente. Utilizou-se 32 cabritos de 4,90 ± 0,302 kg de peso corporal (PC) inicial. Nesse momento, 10 cabritos foram abatidos para estimativa de composição corporal inicial. Os cabritos remanescentes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois níveis de ingestão: ad libitum ou com ingestão de 20% acima do nível de mantença. A produção de calor (C) foi calculada pela diferença da energia metabolizável (IEM) ingerida e energia retida. A energia líquida para manteça (ELm) foi estimada pelo parâmetro ?0 da relação entre C e IEM [C = ?0 × exp (?1 × IEM)]. A exigência de energia metabolizável para mantença (EMm) foi calculada quando C = IEM. A eficiência de utilização de energia para mantença (km) foi calculada por ELm/EMm. Utilizou-se o intercepto da regressão linear da proteína retida pela proteína bruta (PB) ingerida para estimativa da proteína líquida exigida para mantença (PLm). A exigência líquida de proteína e energia para ganho (ELg e PLg, respectivamente) foram obtidas utilizando-se 26 cabritos alimentados à vontade e abatidos aos 5,40 ± 0,484 kg PC (n = 10), 15...(AU)

Energy and protein requirements during the growing phase of indigenous goats / Exigências de proteína e energia durante a fase de crescimento de caprinos sem padrão racial definido

The objective of this study was to investigate both energy and protein requirements for the maintenance and growth of indigenous goats, based on data from two separate studies. Goats were weaned at 79 ± 4.4 days of age, with milk and solid diet intake recorded daily. To determine energy maintenance requirements, 32 kids of 4.90 ± 0.302 kg initial body weight (BW) were used. Ten kids were slaughtered at 5.40 ± 0.484 kg BW to estimate initial body composition, with the remaining kids randomly assigned to one of two DM intake levels: ad libitum and restricted-fed (1.2-times maintenance level). Heat production (HP) was calculated as the difference between ingested metabolizable energy (MEI) and retained energy. Net energy requirement for maintenance (NEm) was estimated as the ?0 parameter of the relationship between HP and MEI [HP = ?0 × exp (?1 × MEI)]. Metabolizable energy required for maintenance (MEm) was calculated iteratively, as HP = MEI. Efficiency of energy utilization for maintenance (km) was calculated as NEm/MEm. The intercept of the linear regression of retained CP on CP intake was used to calculate net protein requirements for maintenance (NPm). Net energy and protein requirement for gain (NEg and NPg, respectively) were obtained using 26 kids fed ad libitum and randomly slaughtered at 5.40 ± 0.484 kg BW (n = 10), 15.8 ± 0.655 kg BW (n = 10), and 26.3 ± 1.27 kg BW...

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo, investigar as exigências de proteína e energia para mantença e ganho de caprinos sem padrão racial definido. Para tal, foram utilizados dados individuais de caprinos de 2 estudos. Os caprinos foram desmamados com 79 ± 4,4 dias de idade. Ingestão de leite e dieta sólida foi tomada diariamente. Utilizou-se 32 cabritos de 4,90 ± 0,302 kg de peso corporal (PC) inicial. Nesse momento, 10 cabritos foram abatidos para estimativa de composição corporal inicial. Os cabritos remanescentes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois níveis de ingestão: ad libitum ou com ingestão de 20% acima do nível de mantença. A produção de calor (C) foi calculada pela diferença da energia metabolizável (IEM) ingerida e energia retida. A energia líquida para manteça (ELm) foi estimada pelo parâmetro ?0 da relação entre C e IEM [C = ?0 × exp (?1 × IEM)]. A exigência de energia metabolizável para mantença (EMm) foi calculada quando C = IEM. A eficiência de utilização de energia para mantença (km) foi calculada por ELm/EMm. Utilizou-se o intercepto da regressão linear da proteína retida pela proteína bruta (PB) ingerida para estimativa da proteína líquida exigida para mantença (PLm). A exigência líquida de proteína e energia para ganho (ELg e PLg, respectivamente) foram obtidas utilizando-se 26 cabritos alimentados à vontade e abatidos aos 5,40 ± 0,484 kg PC (n = 10), 15...

Main driving factors influencing passage kinetics in ruminants / Principais fatores que influenciam a taxa de passagem em ruminantes

Mean retention time (MRT) is a key stepin feed evaluation. Passage rate (kp) and MRT can be affected by several factors. In general, they can be classified as animal or diet-dependent factors. Furthermore, the markers and methods are central aspects of discrepancy regarding the procedures used to estimate kp and MRT in ruminants. Therefore, the primary objective of this paper was to review the main factors and the current knowledge regarding markers and the direct method used to determine kp and MRT in ruminants.(AU)

Tempo médio de retenção (TMR) é um ponto chave na avaliação de alimentos. Taxa de passagem (kp) e TMR pode ser afetada por diversos fatores. Em geral, pode ser classificada como fatores dependente do animal ou da dieta. Além disso, marcadores e métodos são aspectos centrais de divergência com relação ao procedimento para estimar kp e TMR em ruminantes. Portanto, o objetivo desse artigo foi revisar os principais fatores e o conhecimento atual relacionado aos marcadores e ao método direto usado para determinar kp e MRT em ruminantes.(AU)

Main driving factors influencing passage kinetics in ruminants / Principais fatores que influenciam a taxa de passagem em ruminantes

Mean retention time (MRT) is a key stepin feed evaluation. Passage rate (kp) and MRT can be affected by several factors. In general, they can be classified as animal or diet-dependent factors. Furthermore, the markers and methods are central aspects of discrepancy regarding the procedures used to estimate kp and MRT in ruminants. Therefore, the primary objective of this paper was to review the main factors and the current knowledge regarding markers and the direct method used to determine kp and MRT in ruminants.

Tempo médio de retenção (TMR) é um ponto chave na avaliação de alimentos. Taxa de passagem (kp) e TMR pode ser afetada por diversos fatores. Em geral, pode ser classificada como fatores dependente do animal ou da dieta. Além disso, marcadores e métodos são aspectos centrais de divergência com relação ao procedimento para estimar kp e TMR em ruminantes. Portanto, o objetivo desse artigo foi revisar os principais fatores e o conhecimento atual relacionado aos marcadores e ao método direto usado para determinar kp e MRT em ruminantes.

Kinetic and in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of copra meal diets with different fat levels

This study aimed at evaluating the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal characteristics of diets using copra meal with different fat contents. Three levels of copra meal inclusion (10, 20 and 30%) and two levels of fat (high-fat copra meal HFCM and low-fat copra meal LFCM) were used in replacement of soybean meal. The addition of copra meal increased EE and reduced CP and NFC of diets, especially when HFCM was included. Treatments with the inclusion of 30% copra meal had a higher colonization time (L), independently of fat content. The maximum gas production was reduced from 59.06 to 39.21 mL/g DM with the addition of HFCM, but was not affected when diets contained LFCM. Digestibility was also reduced with the addition of copra meal, the highest reduction being with the addition of 30% copra meal. Copra meal inclusion has reduced the ammonia concentration from 29.75 mg/100 mL (control diet) to 17.05 mg/100 mL (30% copra meal) but did not affect significantly methane production. Copra meal impacts the chemical composition and ruminal fermentation characteristics of diets, especially when containing high oil content.(AU)

Kinetic and in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of copra meal diets with different fat levels

This study aimed at evaluating the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal characteristics of diets using copra meal with different fat contents. Three levels of copra meal inclusion (10, 20 and 30%) and two levels of fat (high-fat copra meal HFCM and low-fat copra meal LFCM) were used in replacement of soybean meal. The addition of copra meal increased EE and reduced CP and NFC of diets, especially when HFCM was included. Treatments with the inclusion of 30% copra meal had a higher colonization time (L), independently of fat content. The maximum gas production was reduced from 59.06 to 39.21 mL/g DM with the addition of HFCM, but was not affected when diets contained LFCM. Digestibility was also reduced with the addition of copra meal, the highest reduction being with the addition of 30% copra meal. Copra meal inclusion has reduced the ammonia concentration from 29.75 mg/100 mL (control diet) to 17.05 mg/100 mL (30% copra meal) but did not affect significantly methane production. Copra meal impacts the chemical composition and ruminal fermentation characteristics of diets, especially when containing high oil content.

Methods of body composition estimative of growing goats / Métodos de estimativa da composição corporal de caprinos em crescimento

The objective of this study was to compare methods for estimative of body composition of goats based on tritiated water space technique (TOH), specific gravity (SG) of carcass and 9-11th ribs. Ten Toggenburg x Alpine intact male goat kids, from 5.3±0.4 to 25.9±1.3 kg of body weight (BW), were used to estimate body composition by: 1) direct method, 2) TOH method, 3) SG of the carcass and 4) SG of the 9-11th whole ribs. In addition, update linear equations for predicting body composition were developed using data from direct method. The TOH space overestimated water body composition on average 31%. The SG of the carcass and 9-11th ribs underestimated water empty body composition (%) on average 21 and 12%, respectively. In spite of its overestimate, the determination of TOH space can be used as a reliable field technique to study relative changes in body composition of growing goats. Specific gravity is practicable in most circumstances and does not require expensive equipment. However, the SG of the carcass and 9-11th ribs has not a valid equation to predict body composition of growing goats.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar métodos para estimar a composição corporal de caprinos, baseando-se em água tritiada (AT) e gravidade específica (GE) da carcaça e da 9 à 11ª costela. Dez cabritos Toggenburg x Alpine machos não castrados, de 5,3 ± 0,4 para 25,9 ± 1,3 kg de peso corporal (PC), foram utilizados para estimar a composição corporal por: 1) método direto; 2) espaço de AT; 3) GE da carcaça e 4) GE da 9 à 11ª costela. Além disso, equações lineares para predizer a composição corporal foram desenvolvidas, usando dados do método direto. O espaço AT superestimou a composição corporal em água em 31%, em média. A GE da carcaça e a da 9 à 11ª costela subestimaram a composição corporal percentual de água (%), em média, em 21 e 12%, respectivamente. Apesar da sua superestimativa, a determinação do espaço AT pode ser usado como uma técnica de campo viável para estudar alterações relativas na composição corporal de caprinos em crescimento. O uso da GE é possível na maioria das circunstâncias e não requer equipamentos caros. No entanto, a GE da carcaça e a da 9 à 11ª costela ainda não possuem uma equação de predição válida para estimar adequadamente a composição corporal de caprinos em crescimento.

Methods of body composition estimative of growing goats / Métodos de estimativa da composição corporal de caprinos em crescimento

The objective of this study was to compare methods for estimative of body composition of goats based on tritiated water space technique (TOH), specific gravity (SG) of carcass and 9-11th ribs. Ten Toggenburg x Alpine intact male goat kids, from 5.3±0.4 to 25.9±1.3 kg of body weight (BW), were used to estimate body composition by: 1) direct method, 2) TOH method, 3) SG of the carcass and 4) SG of the 9-11th whole ribs. In addition, update linear equations for predicting body composition were developed using data from direct method. The TOH space overestimated water body composition on average 31%. The SG of the carcass and 9-11th ribs underestimated water empty body composition (%) on average 21 and 12%, respectively. In spite of its overestimate, the determination of TOH space can be used as a reliable field technique to study relative changes in body composition of growing goats. Specific gravity is practicable in most circumstances and does not require expensive equipment. However, the SG of the carcass and 9-11th ribs has not a valid equation to predict body composition of growing goats.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar métodos para estimar a composição corporal de caprinos, baseando-se em água tritiada (AT) e gravidade específica (GE) da carcaça e da 9 à 11ª costela. Dez cabritos Toggenburg x Alpine machos não castrados, de 5,3 ± 0,4 para 25,9 ± 1,3 kg de peso corporal (PC), foram utilizados para estimar a composição corporal por: 1) método direto; 2) espaço de AT; 3) GE da carcaça e 4) GE da 9 à 11ª costela. Além disso, equações lineares para predizer a composição corporal foram desenvolvidas, usando dados do método direto. O espaço AT superestimou a composição corporal em água em 31%, em média. A GE da carcaça e a da 9 à 11ª costela subestimaram a composição corporal percentual de água (%), em média, em 21 e 12%, respectivamente. Apesar da sua superestimativa, a determinação do espaço AT pode ser usado como uma técnica de campo viável para estudar alterações relativas na composição corporal de caprinos em crescimento. O uso da GE é possível na maioria das circunstâncias e não requer equipamentos caros. No entanto, a GE da carcaça e a da 9 à 11ª costela ainda não possuem uma equação de predição válida para estimar adequadamente a composição corporal de caprinos em crescimento.(AU)

Tanzania grass structure grazed by goats managed with different residual leaf area index under intermittent stocking / Estrutura do capim Tanzânia manejado em diferentes índices de área foliar residual pastejado por caprinos sob lotação intermitente

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structure of Tanzania grassland grazed by goats managed with different residue leaf area index (RLAI) under intermittent stocking. The experiment was carried out from February to August, 2008. The treatments consisted of three different targets RLAI (0.8, 1.6 and 2.4) and 95% light interception (LI) criterion determined the rest period. Forage samples were collected at average height sampling points and weighed. Subsequently, a smaller sample was removed to separate the morphological components (leaf, stem and dead material) and to determine the structural and productive features. The canopy architecture was evaluated by the method of inclined point quadrat. The pre-grazing height in the paddocks were significantly different among treatments. RLAI influenced dry matter contents of green forage, leaf, stem and total, with the exception of dry matter of dead material, where the lowest values were observed for 0.8 RLAI. Thus, RLAI modifies canopy structure and is sensitive to canopy height changes throughout the year. Pasture regrowth is not compromised by residual leaf area indexes between 0.8 and 2.4, when climatic factors are not limiting.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estrutura do capim Tanzânia manejado com diferentes índices de área foliar residual (IAFR) pastejado por caprinos sob lotação intermitente. O experimento ocorreu de fevereiro a agosto de 2008. Os tratamentos consistiram em três diferentes estratégias de IAFR (0,8, 1,6 e 2,4) e o critério de 95% de interceptação luminosa (IL) para determinação do período de descanso. Amostras de forragem em pontos de altura média foram colhidas e pesadas. Posteriormente, uma subamostra foi colhida para separação dos componentes morfológicos (folha, colmo e material morto) e para determinação das características estruturais e produtivas. A arquitetura do dossel foi avaliada pelo método do ponto inclinado. No pré-pastejo, os valores de altura dos piquetes foram diferentes entre os tratamentos. O IAFR influenciou a massa seca dos componentes de forragem verde, folha, colmo e total, com exceção da massa seca de material morto, onde foram observados menores valores no resíduo de 0,8 IAFR. Portanto, o IAFR modifica a estrutura da planta e é sensível a mudanças na altura do dossel ao longo do ano. Índices de área foliar residual entre 0,8 e 2,4 não comprometem a rebrota do pasto, quando os fatores climáticos não são limitantes.

Inovações tecnológicas na caprinocultura / Technological innovation in goat production

The Brazilian agribusiness has being passed through intensive growth and it has been stimulating transformations of the productive systems both in intensification and professionalization of animal production. In this regard, producers are seeking the use of strategies to better attend the new challenges of the animal production. Among the strategies stands out the technological innovations, which should result in real benefit to the activity by increasing productivity, improving products quality and providing protection to the environment. As other segments of the Brazilian agribusiness, in goat production there is an increased demand for the application of technological innovation once this system needs to be more competitive in the global market. Among the technological innovations applied for goat production, this review addressed the most relevant in the reproduction (from methods for estrus induction to transgenic practice), animal breeding (biogenetic), health management (innovation on diagnosis and prevention of the most prevalent diseases), nutrition (feeding systems innovations) and waste treatment (reduction of environment contamination) areas. The joint use of the technological innovations in the different segments linked to the goat production chain can contribute to improve herds quality as well as the generated produces.(AU)

O largo crescimento do setor de agronegócios no Brasil tem estimulado mudanças nos sistemas produtivos, tanto na intensificação, como na profissionalização da produção. Dessa forma, os produtores têm buscado estratégias para melhor atender aos desafios da atividade pecuária atual, dentre as quais se destacam as inovações tecnológicas que devem resultar em comprovado benefício à atividade, seja pelo aumento em produtividade, seja pela melhoria na qualidade dos produtos, seja pela conscientização do respeito ao meio ambiente. Assim como em outros segmentos do agronegócio brasileiro, na caprinocultura existe uma demanda crescente pela aplicação de inovações tecnológicas, uma vez que o sistema produtivo precisa ser mais competitivo para se manter no mercado. Dentre as inovações tecnológicas aplicadas na caprinocultura, foram abordadas as mais relevantes nas áreas de reprodução (desde métodos para indução de cio até a prática da transgenia), melhoramento genético (biogenética), sanidade (inovações no diagnóstico e prevenção de doenças de maior impacto na criação), nutrição (inovações nos sistemas de alimentação) e tratamento de dejetos (diminuição de contaminantes no ambiente). A utilização conjunta das inovações tecnológicas nos diferentes segmentos associados à cadeia produtiva caprina pode fazer com que ocorram melhorias nos rebanhos assim como nos produtos gerados.(AU)

Inovações tecnológicas na caprinocultura / Technological innovation in goat production

The Brazilian agribusiness has being passed through intensive growth and it has been stimulating transformations of the productive systems both in intensification and professionalization of animal production. In this regard, producers are seeking the use of strategies to better attend the new challenges of the animal production. Among the strategies stands out the technological innovations, which should result in real benefit to the activity by increasing productivity, improving products quality and providing protection to the environment. As other segments of the Brazilian agribusiness, in goat production there is an increased demand for the application of technological innovation once this system needs to be more competitive in the global market. Among the technological innovations applied for goat production, this review addressed the most relevant in the reproduction (from methods for estrus induction to transgenic practice), animal breeding (biogenetic), health management (innovation on diagnosis and prevention of the most prevalent diseases), nutrition (feeding systems innovations) and waste treatment (reduction of environment contamination) areas. The joint use of the technological innovations in the different segments linked to the goat production chain can contribute to improve herds quality as well as the generated produces.

O largo crescimento do setor de agronegócios no Brasil tem estimulado mudanças nos sistemas produtivos, tanto na intensificação, como na profissionalização da produção. Dessa forma, os produtores têm buscado estratégias para melhor atender aos desafios da atividade pecuária atual, dentre as quais se destacam as inovações tecnológicas que devem resultar em comprovado benefício à atividade, seja pelo aumento em produtividade, seja pela melhoria na qualidade dos produtos, seja pela conscientização do respeito ao meio ambiente. Assim como em outros segmentos do agronegócio brasileiro, na caprinocultura existe uma demanda crescente pela aplicação de inovações tecnológicas, uma vez que o sistema produtivo precisa ser mais competitivo para se manter no mercado. Dentre as inovações tecnológicas aplicadas na caprinocultura, foram abordadas as mais relevantes nas áreas de reprodução (desde métodos para indução de cio até a prática da transgenia), melhoramento genético (biogenética), sanidade (inovações no diagnóstico e prevenção de doenças de maior impacto na criação), nutrição (inovações nos sistemas de alimentação) e tratamento de dejetos (diminuição de contaminantes no ambiente). A utilização conjunta das inovações tecnológicas nos diferentes segmentos associados à cadeia produtiva caprina pode fazer com que ocorram melhorias nos rebanhos assim como nos produtos gerados.

Ultrasonographic and ecobiometric findings in the eyes of adult goats / Achados ultrasonográficos e ecobiométricos em olhos de cabras adultas

The knowledge of the normal appearance and ocular dimensions of goat eyes facilitates the use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of ocular disease. The objective of the present study was to determine ultrasonographic and ecobiometric findings in the eyes of adult goats. B- and A-mode ultrasonography was performed in 30 healthy adult goats (60 eyes) (n=5 intact females and n=15 castrated males). Ultrasonography was performed after instillation of a topical anesthetic. Lubricating jelly was placed on the 20MHz transducer tip as a stand-off pad. The transducer was placed in a longitudinal position until optimal B-scan images, according to echoes of the A-mode images, were obtained. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the ecobiometric readings among genders (P<0.05). Means and standard deviations of the ocular structures for male and female goats, respectively, were, 3.46±0.55, 3.33±0.46mm (anterior chamber depth); 8.60±0.34, 8.65±0.39mm (lens thickness); 11.34±0.61, 11.39±0.66mm (vitreous chamber depth); and 23.43±0.92, 23.39±0.86mm (axial globe length). Ocular measurements between right and left eyes, as well as between males and females were not significantly different (P>0.05). The ultrasonographic appearances of goat eyes were very similar to those of other domestic and wild species.

Conhecer o aspecto e as dimensões de olhos de cabras facilita o uso da ultrassonografia na avaliação de doenças oculares. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de avaliar os achados ultrassonográficos e ecobiométricos em olhos de cabras adultas. Ultrassonogramas nos modos A e B foram realizados em 30 caprinos adultos (60 olhos) (n=15 fêmeas intactas e n=15 machos castrados). O exame ultrassonográfico foi realizado após a instilação de colírio anestésico. Gel a base de água foi utilizado sobre o transdutor de 20 MHz posicionado-o de forma longitudinasobre a córneal, até que imagens no modo B estivessem de acordo com os ecos gerados pelo modo A. Utilizou-se análise estatística para se comparar os achados ecobiométricos entre os sexos (p<0,05). As médias com seus respectivos desvios padrões das estruturas oculares em machos e fêmeas foram, respectivamente, 3,46±0,55, 3,33±0,46mm (profundidade da câmara anterior); 8,60±0,34, 8,65±0,39mm (espessura da lente); 11,34±0,61, 11,39±0,66mm (profundidade da câmara vítrea) e 23,43±0,92, 23,39±0.86mm (comprimento axial do bulbo ocular). Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os olhos direito e esquerdo, assim como entre machos e fêmeas (p>0,05). O aspecto ultrassonográfico de olhos de cabras se assemelha com o de outras espécies domésticas e silvestres.

Desempenho de bovinos em pastejo submetidos a duas frequências de suplementação no período da seca / Steers performances in grazing submitted by two supplementation intervals during dry season

Com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes frequências de suplementação no período da seca foram utilizados 48 bovinos da raça Nelore com peso médio inicial de 320 kg, em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, submetidos aos tratamentos: suplementação diária e suplementação três vezes por semana, a fim de avaliar o ganho médio diário de peso corporal dos animais nesse período. Os animais de ambos os tratamentos receberam, semanalmente 7,0 kg de suplemento animal-1 e foram pesados em intervalos de 28 dias. Os dados foram analisados pelo procedimento MIXED do SAS (2004) com medidas repetidas no tempo. Observou-se oferta de forragem média de 4,2 toneladas de MS ha-1, com teores médios de 3,5% de PB, 82,24% de FDN e 64,97% de FDA na forragem. Não foi observada diferença (p > 0,01) nos ganhos de peso médio diário entre os animais que receberam o suplemento diariamente (0,23 kg dia-1) e aqueles que receberam três vezes por semana (0,13 kg dia-1). Portanto, as frequências de suplementação não influenciaram no ganho diário de peso corporal dos animais no período da seca.

This work was carried out to evaluate different frequencies of supplementation during the dry season. Forty-eight Nellore steers with 320 kg of initial live weight were fed with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture on a continuous stocking rate. The animals were submitted to following treatments: daily supplementation and supplementation three times a week. The animals in both treatments received 7 kg of supplementation animal-1 weekly, and were weighted at 28-day intervals. The data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure in SAS (2004), with measurements repeated over time. The study observed average forage allowance of 4.2 tons of DM ha-1, with 3.5% CP, 82.24% NDF and 64.97% ADF. There was no difference (p < 0.01) among daily weight gains of animals who received daily supplementation and those received supplementation three times a week (0.23 and 0.13 kg day-1, respectively). Therefore, the supplementation intervals did not influence steer performance during the dry season.

Steers performances in grazing submitted by two supplementation intervals during dry season - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i4.5918 / Desempenho de bovinos em pastejo submetidos a duas frequências de suplementação no período da seca - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i4.5918

This work was carried out to evaluate different frequencies of supplementation during the dry season. Forty-eight Nellore steers with 320 kg of initial live weight were fed with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture on a continuous stocking rate. The animals were submitted to following treatments: daily supplementation and supplementation three times a week. The animals in both treatments received 7 kg of supplementation animal-1 weekly, and were weighted at 28-day intervals. The data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure in SAS (2004), with measurements repeated over time. The study observed average forage allowance of 4.2 tons of DM ha-1, with 3.5% CP, 82.24% NDF and 64.97% ADF. There was no difference (p < 0.01) among daily weight gains of animals who received daily supplementation and those received supplementation three times a week (0.23 and 0.13 kg day-1, respectively). Therefore, the supplementation intervals did not influence steer performance during the dry season.

Com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes frequências de suplementação no período da seca foram utilizados 48 bovinos da raça Nelore com peso médio inicial de 320 kg, em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, submetidos aos tratamentos: suplementação diária e suplementação três vezes por semana, a fim de avaliar o ganho médio diário de peso corporal dos animais nesse período. Os animais de ambos os tratamentos receberam, semanalmente 7,0 kg de suplemento animal-1 e foram pesados em intervalos de 28 dias. Os dados foram analisados pelo procedimento MIXED do SAS (2004) com medidas repetidas no tempo. Observou-se oferta de forragem média de 4,2 toneladas de MS ha-1, com teores médios de 3,5% de PB, 82,24% de FDN e 64,97% de FDA na forragem. Não foi observada diferença (p > 0,01) nos ganhos de peso médio diário entre os animais que receberam o suplemento diariamente (0,23 kg dia-1) e aqueles que receberam três vezes por semana (0,13 kg dia-1). Portanto, as frequências de suplementação não influenciaram no ganho diário de peso corporal dos animais no período da seca.

Desempenho de bovinos em pastejo submetidos a duas frequências de suplementação no período da seca / Steers performances in grazing submitted by two supplementation intervals during dry season

Com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes frequências de suplementação no período da seca foram utilizados 48 bovinos da raça Nelore com peso médio inicial de 320 kg, em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, submetidos aos tratamentos: suplementação diária e suplementação três vezes por semana, a fim de avaliar o ganho médio diário de peso corporal dos animais nesse período. Os animais de ambos os tratamentos receberam, semanalmente 7,0 kg de suplemento animal-1 e foram pesados em intervalos de 28 dias. Os dados foram analisados pelo procedimento MIXED do SAS (2004) com medidas repetidas no tempo. Observou-se oferta de forragem média de 4,2 toneladas de MS ha-1, com teores médios de 3,5% de PB, 82,24% de FDN e 64,97% de FDA na forragem. Não foi observada diferença (p > 0,01) nos ganhos de peso médio diário entre os animais que receberam o suplemento diariamente (0,23 kg dia-1) e aqueles que receberam três vezes por semana (0,13 kg dia-1). Portanto, as frequências de suplementação não influenciaram no ganho diário de peso corporal dos animais no período da seca.(AU)

This work was carried out to evaluate different frequencies of supplementation during the dry season. Forty-eight Nellore steers with 320 kg of initial live weight were fed with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture on a continuous stocking rate. The animals were submitted to following treatments: daily supplementation and supplementation three times a week. The animals in both treatments received 7 kg of supplementation animal-1 weekly, and were weighted at 28-day intervals. The data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure in SAS (2004), with measurements repeated over time. The study observed average forage allowance of 4.2 tons of DM ha-1, with 3.5% CP, 82.24% NDF and 64.97% ADF. There was no difference (p < 0.01) among daily weight gains of animals who received daily supplementation and those received supplementation three times a week (0.23 and 0.13 kg day-1, respectively). Therefore, the supplementation intervals did not influence steer performance during the dry season.(AU)

Steers performances in grazing submitted by two supplementation intervals during dry season - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i4.5918 / Desempenho de bovinos em pastejo submetidos a duas frequências de suplementação no período da seca - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i4.5918

This work was carried out to evaluate different frequencies of supplementation during the dry season. Forty-eight Nellore steers with 320 kg of initial live weight were fed with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture on a continuous stocking rate. The animals were submitted to following treatments: daily supplementation and supplementation three times a week. The animals in both treatments received 7 kg of supplementation animal-1 weekly, and were weighted at 28-day intervals. The data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure in SAS (2004), with measurements repeated over time. The study observed average forage allowance of 4.2 tons of DM ha-1, with 3.5% CP, 82.24% NDF and 64.97% ADF. There was no difference (p < 0.01) among daily weight gains of animals who received daily supplementation and those received supplementation three times a week (0.23 and 0.13 kg day-1, respectively). Therefore, the supplementation intervals did not influence steer performance during the dry season.

Com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes frequências de suplementação no período da seca foram utilizados 48 bovinos da raça Nelore com peso médio inicial de 320 kg, em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, submetidos aos tratamentos: suplementação diária e suplementação três vezes por semana, a fim de avaliar o ganho médio diário de peso corporal dos animais nesse período. Os animais de ambos os tratamentos receberam, semanalmente 7,0 kg de suplemento animal-1 e foram pesados em intervalos de 28 dias. Os dados foram analisados pelo procedimento MIXED do SAS (2004) com medidas repetidas no tempo. Observou-se oferta de forragem média de 4,2 toneladas de MS ha-1, com teores médios de 3,5% de PB, 82,24% de FDN e 64,97% de FDA na forragem. Não foi observada diferença (p > 0,01) nos ganhos de peso médio diário entre os animais que receberam o suplemento diariamente (0,23 kg dia-1) e aqueles que receberam três vezes por semana (0,13 kg dia-1). Portanto, as frequências de suplementação não influenciaram no ganho diário de peso corporal dos animais no período da seca.