Effect of Licuri cake supplementation on performance, digestibility, ingestive behavior, carcass traits and meat quality of grazing lambs

Effect of coconut processing by-product graded feeding on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs

The inclusion of by-product coconut mesocarp skins (CMS) in diets was evaluated in feedlot lambs. The objective of this study was to evaluate CMS levels effects on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Thirty-five male lambs with an initial body weight of 16.9 ± 2.93 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with five CMS levels in total dry matter (0; 4.8; 9.6; 14.4 and 19.2%) and fed during 71 d until slaughter. High levels of CMS decreased the intake of dry matter and negatively affected the performance of lambs. Fat and protein contents of Longissimus lumborum muscle (P < 0.05) and the saturated fatty acid (FA) decreased (P < 0.001) whereas polyunsaturated FA increased (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of CMS. The ratio t10/t11-18:1 increased with the inclusion of CMS (P < 0.001). The instrumental color descriptors were unaffected by CMS levels. According to the effects on the investigated meat quality traits we recommend up to 4.8% CMS in diets of confined lambs.

Insights into the influence of diet and genetics on feed efficiency and meat production in sheep

Feed costs and carcass yields affect the profitability and sustainability of sheep production. Therefore, it is crucial to select animals with a higher feed efficiency and high-quality meat production. This study focuses on the impact of dietary and genetic factors on production traits such as feed efficiency, carcass quality, and meat quality. Diets promote optimal sheep growth and development and provide sufficient protein can lead to higher-quality meat. However, establishing an optimized production system requires careful consideration and balance of dietary parameters. This includes ensuring adequate protein intake and feeding diets with higher intestinal absorption rates to enhance nutrient absorption in the gut. The study identifies specific genes, such as Callipyge, Calpastatin, and Myostatin, and the presence of causal mutations in these genes, as factors influencing animal growth rates, feed efficiency, and meat fatty acid profiles. Additionally, variants of other reported genes, including PIGY, UCP1, MEF2B, TNNC2, FABP4, SCD, FASN, ADCY8, ME1, CA1, GLIS1, IL1RAPL1, SOX5, SOX6, and IGF1, show potential as markers for sheep selection. A meta-analysis of reported heritability estimates reveals that residual feed intake (0.27 ± 0.07), hot carcass weight (0.26 ± 0.05), dressing percentage (0.23 ± 0.05), and intramuscular fat content (0.45 ± 0.04) are moderately to highly heritable traits. This suggests that these traits are less influenced by environmental factors and could be improved through genetic selection. Additionally, positive genetic correlations exist between body weight and hot carcass weight (0.91 ± 0.06), dressing percentage (0.35 ± 0.15), and shear force (0.27 ± 0.24), indicating that selecting for higher body weight could lead to favorable changes in carcass quality, and meat quality.

Licury Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Intake, Digestibility, Feeding Behavior, Milk Production and Composition, and Nitrogen Metabolism

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of licury cake (LC) inclusion in the diets of lactating goats on productive and metabolic performance. Twelve lactating goats, eight Saanen and four Anglo-Nubian, were distributed in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design, with four treatments (0, 66.7, 133.3, and 200 g kg-1 of dry matter-DM). On the one hand, the LC inclusion increased neutral detergent fiber, indigestible neutral detergent fiber, and potentially digestible neutral detergent fiber (p < 0.001) intake. On the other hand, LC inclusion reduced ether extract and non-fibrous carbohydrate (p < 0.001) intake. There was a reduction in dry matter digestibility (p = 0.018) and an increase in neutral detergent fiber digestibility (p = 0.036). Feeding (p = 0.005) and rumination (p < 0.001) efficiencies increased with LC inclusion. The nitrogen balance was similar for all tested diets; however, we observed recycling metabolism. Based on the studied parameters, mainly milk production and composition, we recommend the LC inclusion of up to 200 g kg-1 DM in diets for lactating goats.

Comparison of sheep and goat preferences for different forms of stoned olive cake

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate voluntary intake of stoned olive cake (SOC) in sheep and goats. The feeding experiment was carried out with a total of 10 animals consisting of five Karya yearlings and five Saanen goats (28.0 ± 2.0 and 37.0 ± 2.1 kg initial body weight (BW), respectively). Three feeds were offered as free-choice: alfalfa hay-maize silage mix (40:60 in dry matter basis), pelleted SOC, and ensiled SOC. Goats had higher (P < 0.001) dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intakes than sheep, although digestible DM and NDF intakes were similar. Goats consumed more (P < 0.05) pelleted SOC and ensiled SOC than sheep as a percentage of total intake (29.2 and 22.4%, respectively). Both sheep and goats preferred (P < 0.001) the silage form of SOC compared to the pelleted form of SOC.

Licury Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Qualitative Aspects of Milk and Cheese

The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of licury cake (LC) inclusion in diets for lactating goats on milk chemical composition and fatty acid profile, and physicochemical composition and sensory attributes of Minas Frescal cheese. Twelve lactating goats were used (eight Saanen and four Anglo Nubian goats, with 35 ± 5 days in lactation and average body weight of 37.93 ± 9.22 kg), distributed in a triplicate 4 × 4 Latin Square design. The increasing levels of LC studied were: 0, 67, 133 and 200 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The analyses were adjusted using orthogonal polynomial contrasts, in which the probability level of 5% was considered. For sensory attributes, principal component analysis was performed. The LC inclusion promoted the reduction in moisture (p = 0.013) and mineral matter (p < 0.001) content in cheese. The ether extract content in cheese showed a quadratic effect (p = 0.021). Lauric acid showed a linear (p = 0.002) increasing effect, and myristic (p < 0.001) and rumenic (p = 0.018) acids showed quadratic effects. The sensory attributes analysis in cheese indicated that the inclusion of 133 and 200 g/kg of LC improve its texture. Flavor was improved with the inclusion of 67 and 133 g/kg. The inclusion of up to 133 g/kg of LC in the diet of lactating goats is recommended because it promotes improvements in flavor and texture of Minas Frescal cheese.

Sunflower Cake from the Biodiesel Industry in the Diet Improves the Performance and Carcass Traits of Nellore Young Bulls

We aimed to determine the optimal inclusion level of sunflower cake (0, 90, 180, and 270 g/kg total DM) as a partial replacement of soybean meal and corn ground in young bulls' diets by examining nutrient intake and digestibility, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, metabolic serum profile, growth performance, and carcass traits. Thirty-two intact Nellore bulls (BW 374 ± 42.5) were distributed in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted 90 days. The final BW of the animals was 515.25 ± 24.7. There was a linear decrease effect in the intake of DM, crude protein and nonfibrous carbohydrates, eating and rumination efficiency, N-urinary, N-total excretion, and blood urea nitrogen. Sunflower cake did not affect the NDF digestibility, nitrogen (N)-fecal excretion, blood metabolites, Longissimus lumborum muscle area, or subcutaneous fat deposition. There were linear and quadratic effects on the eating and rumination time, microbial protein production and efficiency, gamma-glutamyl transferase and cholesterol serum concentrations, and muscle carcass tissue. There was a quadratic effect on ether extract intake, final BW, and total gain with the inclusion of sunflower cake in the young bull's diet. The replacement of soybean meal and corn ground with sunflower cake at the level of 90 g/kg of DM in the diet of young bulls is recommended because it reduces the DM intake and digestibility, increases microbial protein synthesis and muscle tissue deposition, and consequently improves the performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits.

Effect of dietary inclusion of licuri cake on intake, feeding behavior, and performance of feedlot cull cows

Licuri cake (LC) is an interesting alternative nutritional component for high-grain diets for ruminants due to its high protein (21.6% CP), fat (12.0% EE), and fiber (62.8% NDF) contents. We investigated the effect of increasing levels of LC inclusion on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, and carcass traits of cull cows fed high-grain diets. Forty Zebu cows with an initial weight of 318 ± 38.1 kg, at 105 months of age, were confined in collective stalls and fed (ad libitum) a diet containing 0, 50, 100, or 150 g/kg LC on a diet dry matter (DM) basis. Licuri cake inclusion induced quadratic responses (P < 0.05) in the intakes of DM (9.57 kg/day at 97.8 g/kg LC), crude protein (CP; 1.02 kg/day at 91.7 g/kg LC), and total digestible nutrients (6.68 kg/day at 75.2 g/kg LC). The digestibility of DM, CP, and non-fibrous carbohydrates decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake and rumination efficiencies increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of LC in the diet. The inclusion of LC did not influence (P > 0.05) on daily weight gain, hot carcass weight, or back fat thickness in the carcass. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of up to 150 g/kg LC in high-grain diets for feedlot cull cows.

Emerging Lipids from Arecaceae Palm Fruits in Brazil

Arecaceae palm tree fruits (APTFs) with pulp or kernel rich in oil are widely distributed in six Brazilian biomes. APTFs represent a great potential for the sustainable exploitation of products with high added value, but few literature studies have reported their properties and industrial applications. The lack of information leads to underutilization, low consumption, commercialization, and processing of these fruit species. This review presents and discusses the occurrence of 13 APTFs and the composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and potential applications of their 25 oils and fats. The reported studies showed that the species present different lipid profiles. Multivariate analysis based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) indicated a correlation between the composition of pulp and kernel oils. Myristic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acids are the main saturated fatty acids, while oleic acid is the main unsaturated. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds are the main bioactive compounds in APTFs, contributing to their high oxidative stability. The APTFs oils have a potential for use as foods and ingredients in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries. However, more studies are still necessary to better understand and exploit these species.

Technologies Used in Production Systems for Santa Inês Sheep: A Systematic Review

This study identifies the number of publications that presented technologies used in the production systems of Santa Inês sheep in the last 5 years (2017–2021) carried out in Brazil. Therefore, the objective was to identify where we are in terms of knowledge about technologies in different fields (health, reproduction, animal breeding, behavior and welfare, nutrition and feeding, forage and pasture, carcass and meat quality, and economics and management of livestock systems). After rigorous selection, 114 studies were appointed and classified by knowledge field, and the main approaches within each theme were evaluated, pointing out research gaps. Most technologies have been in northeastern states. However, government agencies should develop public policies to disseminate techniques in rural areas because the production system in this region is still subsistence. This study highlighted the need for works that present management practices and tools that impact the improvement of animal welfare. Agro-industrial by-products have been widely used as an alternative for sheep feeding. However, economic feasibility analyses are recommended with these foodstuffs to substantiate their use as an option to reduce production costs. There is a lack of research allusive to the management of production systems, especially those related to estimates of economic feasibility indicators.

Nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, nitrogen balance, and performance of feedlot goat kids fed high-concentrate diets containing licury cake (Syagrus coronata)

The current trial was carried out to evaluate the impacts of adding licury cake (Syagrus coronata) in high-concentrate diets for goat kids feedlot-finished on growth performance and metabolic parameters. Forty crossbred non-castrated Boer goat kids with approximately four months and similar initial live weights (20.15 ± 2.79 kg). The experimental design used in this study was a completely randomized, with four diets (0, 10, 20, and 30% of licury cake inclusion in a dry matter basis (DM)). Licury cake inclusion decreased nutrient intake and digestibility (P < 0.05). Times spent in feeding (P < 0.001) and rumination (P = 0.003) activities, number of events in feeding (P < 0.001) and idling (P = 0.015) increased, whereas a linear reduction occurred in feeding and rumination efficiencies of DM and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.001). Nitrogen (N) intake, retained N (P < 0.001), triglycerides concentrations (P = 0.002), aspartate-aminotransferase, alanine-aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase decreased with the licury cake inclusion (P < 0.05). Final body weight (P = 0.008), average daily gain (P = 0.001), and total weight gain (P = 0.001) decreased linearly when licury cake was included in diets. High-concentrate diets containing increasing levels of licury cake decrease intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients and performance when supplied for goat kids feedlot-finished. Therefore, the inclusion of the studied levels of licury cake in goat kids fed high-concentrate diets is not recommended for feedlot-finished systems.

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of Buriti Oil on Lamb Performance, Carcass Traits, Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance, Ingestive Behavior and Blood Metabolites

Simple Summary

Dietary fat is important for animals, not only because it supplies essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, but also because of its high energy content, approximately twice as many calories per gram of carbohydrates. Thus, it induces a caloric increase, in addition to modulating the fatty acid (FA) profile of meat. Vegetable oils inclusion in the diet of lambs improves the lipid quality of meat. Among them, buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.F.) is an example that stands out; it can represent an important alternative to meet the energy demands of lambs, particularly because of its easy availability, especially in the northern and northeast states of Brazil. In addition, as a consequence of the high cost of protein supplements in feed concentrates, unconventional alternatives have been exploited in recent years. Thus, this research proposes the use of a byproduct of the biofuel industry. This study was conducted to enhance our knowledge of interesting opportunities for farmers in terms of lamb meat production. Its use could promote activity in the livestock sector by reducing feed costs and becoming an alternative to producers without easy access to more expensive supplements.

Abstract

Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) oil (BO) is a byproduct that can be incorporated into the diet of lambs, thus increasing the energy density. The study aimed to evaluate the optimum BO inclusion level in lamb diets. Sixty-five Santa Ines lambs were distributed in two completely randomized experiments with five treatments each (BO inclusion at 0 (control), 12, 24, 36 and 48 g/kg dry matter (DM) total). The BO supplementation to partially replace ground corn linearly decreased the nutrient intake and digestibility of DM, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), N° chews/bolus, DM and NDF rumination or eating efficiencies, the N intake and N balance, carcass weights and yields, and dressing content of lamb carcasses (p < 0.05). The addition of BO responded quadratically to DM eating efficiency and N-fecal and N-urinary excretion (p < 0.05). The linear response plateau (LRP) analysis demonstrated that the levels of 0 and 12 g/kg of BO were similar, and improved intake and digestibility and consequently performance (p < 0.001). There was a linear increase in feed efficiency and shrinkage after chilling with the BO inclusion replacing ground corn. The inclusion of 12 g/kg BO in the total DM of diet is recommended, because it improves feeding intake, digestibility and performance of lambs.

Performance of growing lambs supplemented with ground licuri (Syagrus coronata)

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary ground licuri on lamb performance.

Methods

Forty male lambs were used in a completely randomized design to test the effects of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg of ground licuri added to diets. The trial lasted for 75 days. Intake, digestibility, physically effective neutral detergent fiber, and chewing activity were estimated. Blood samples were taken on day 45 to determine the concentrations of glucose, urea, non-esterified fatty acids, and triglycerides. Average daily gain (ADG) were determined on the last day of the experimental trial.

Results

Licuri inclusion markedly increased dietary neutral detergent fiber and ether extract (EE) content, but it decreased dry matter (DM) intake. However, the intake and digestibility of EE linearly increased. The ADG decreased linearly (p<0.05) with licuri inclusion. Licuri had no effect (p>0.05) on the concentrations of blood metabolites; however, blood urea increased (p<0.05), while serum glucose decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The physically effective fiber of ground licuri is similar to Tyfton hay and licuri inclusion decreases lamb performance due to a decreased in DM intake.

Impact of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate on the metabolic, productive, and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic, productive, and carcass parameters of feedlot lambs fed high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate. Treatments consisted of diets including whole cottonseed, crushed cottonseed, whole cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), crushed cottonseed with lignosulfonate (100 g/kg), and a control diet without cottonseed. Thirty ½ Dorper ½ Santa Inês, non-castrated male lambs with an average live weight of 24.9 ± 3.6 kg and an average age of 3.5 months were evaluated in a completely randomized design. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The crushing of cottonseed and association with lignosulfonate increased (P < 0.01) the intake and digestibility of ether extract. No effect was observed (P > 0.05) for the concentrations of urine and plasma urea N, which averaged 616.2 and 108.6 mg/dL, respectively. There was a change (P < 0.01) in nitrogen balance for digested N in g/day. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the urinary concentration of purine derivatives, except for uric acid excretions (P < 0.05). Lignosulfonate associated with cottonseed provided an average daily gain of 0.293 kg/day, which was higher than the 0.226 kg/day obtained without lignosulfonate, but lower than control (0.302 kg/day), which also showed higher values of carcass yield. High-concentrate diets formulated without cottonseed improve lamb production performance. The use of high-concentrate diets with cottonseed associated with calcium lignosulfonate provides greater weight gains in lambs.

Nutrient intake and ingestive behavior of feedlot steers fed with licuri cake

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of different levels of licuri cake on the consumption of dry matter and nutrients and ingestive behavior of feedlot crossbred steers. Forty-four crossbred steers with an average age of 24 months and a mean live weight of 358.19 ± 41.57 kg were used in the study. The animals were aleatorically distributed in a completely randomized design made up of four treatments, with 11 animals used per treatment: the control treatment (without the inclusion of licuri cake in the diet) and treatment with the inclusion levels of 8.5, 17, and 25.5% of licuri cake, respectively, in the total dry matter of the diet. The inclusion of licuri cake influenced the intake of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein, and non-fibrous carbohydrates corrected for ash and protein, each of them showing quadratic behavior. There was an effect of the tested diets on the time spent on food intake and number of idle periods, which presented a quadratic effect, with maximum and minimum values obtained for the inclusion levels of the licuri cake of 16.92% and 11.00%, respectively. There was no effect of the tested diets on the time spent on rumination and idleness. The feed efficiency of the dry matter, the duration of the feeding period, and the duration of the idleness period were influenced by the inclusion of the licuri tart in the diet, presenting a linear decreasing effect. There was an increasing linear effect for the number of feeding periods and the duration of rumination periods. Given the results obtained, it can be concluded that the licuri cake changes the consumption and behavioral parameters of feedlot steers, being recommended its use in up to 8.5% of inclusion in the total dry matter of the diet.