Nutrient Intake, Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Cost Analysis of Sheep Submitted to Intermittent Supplementation on Masai Grass Pastures

This study aimed to assess nutrient intake, performance, intake behavior, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of sheep managed on Masai grass pastures along with intermittent concentrate supplementation, in addition to the economic impacts of applying that strategy. A sample of 24 Santa Inês sheep (12 males and 12 females) was kept for 80 days on Panicum maximum cv. Massai pastures and was supplemented daily or every other day. The voluntary intake of dry matter and nutrients was estimated. Mean daily weight gain and total weight gain were calculated and intake behavior parameters were assessed. The males were slaughtered and the weight and yield of the carcasses and meat cuts were assessed. The meat was analyzed for cooking losses, shear force, and color. The gross margin of the system was estimated from the difference between total income and operational cost. No effect was seen of the interaction between supplementation frequency and sex for any parameter assessed (p > 0.05). Intermittent supplementation of Santa Inês sheep managed with Masai grass is recommended since the strategy does not impact nutrient intake, performance, intake behavior, carcass characteristics, or meat quality, but lowers the costs of producing 1 kg of meat by 15%.

La influencia del método de ordeño, las condiciones de almacenamiento y el recuento de células somáticas en la calidad de la leche cruda en tanques

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the milking method, the storage conditions and the SCC (Somatic Cell Count) increase on the quality of raw milk. Monthly evaluations were performed out over a year in 21 tanks by monitoring the refrigeration temperature and the storage time of the milk in the tank. The tanks were grouped into three temperature levels. Milk storage time intervals were established in each tank: up to 24 h of storage; between 24 and 48 h; and above 48 h. The effect of SCC on the composition was evaluated in three categories: Low SCC; Medium SCC; High SCC. In the analyzed period, 10.8 % presented low SCC, followed by 46.5 % with medium SCC, while 42.7 % had high SCC. There was a positive correlation between SCC and protein, and a negative correlation between SCC and lactose. It is concluded that the milking method does not influence the microbial contamination of the milk; however, longer storage time and increased temperature influenced an increase in microorganism counts in milk. In evaluating the hygienic/sanitary quality of the milk, 42.7 % had high SCC and the total bacterial counts presented values above the values recommended by legislation.

Carcass characteristics of lambs fed spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane

OBJECTIVE

Fresh sugarcane has been a new roughage source for ruminant's in semiarid regions, a function of the decline of sugar and alcohol industry in recent years. However, there is little data published regarding lambs fed sugarcane associated with spineless cactus. This study evaluated the effect of sugarcane replacement with spineless cactus (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) in the diet of Santa Inês lambs on carcass characteristics.

METHODS

Thirty-six non-castrated Santa Ines lambs at four months of age and an initial body weight of 22±2.3 kg were assigned in a randomized block design and slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. The effects of spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane in the diet of the lambs on the carcass characteristics, commercial cut weight and yield, leg tissue composition, and carcass measurements were studied.

RESULTS

The study revealed quadratic behavior in slaughter body weight, and hot and cold carcass weight, with maximum values of 38.60, 18.60, and 18.11 kg and replacement levels of 40.18%, 44.42%, and 43.14%, respectively. The cold carcass yield presented an increasing linear behavior. The compactness index of carcass and leg presented a quadratic effect, with estimated maximal values of 0.28 and 0.57 kg/cm and replacement levels of 43.37% and 45.5%, respectively. The weights of commercial cuts of leg, loin, shoulder, and breast showed quadratic behavior, with maximum values of 2.79, 0.852, 1.46, and 1.30 kg and replacement levels of 49.5, 45.32, 39.0, and 40.7, respectively. For tissue composition, quadratic behavior was verified for leg weight, subcutaneous fat, and total fat.

CONCLUSION

The replacement of sugarcane by spineless cactus at level 44% is recommended for finishing lambs considering that this level improved most of the carcass characteristics, weights, and yields of commercial cuts and leg tissue composition.

Evaluation of microbiological, cellular and risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis in female buffaloes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and cellular milk profile for the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in female buffaloes and to assess risk factors for predisposition of the disease.

METHODS

Analyses were carried out by standard plate count (SPC), identification of species and antibiotic resistance, somatic cell count (SCC), electrical electrical conductivity of milk (ECM), and lactoferrin content in milk. Teat cups were swabbed to evaluate risk factors, observing hyperkeratosis, milking vacuum pressure and cleanliness of the site. Hence, 30 female buffaloes were randomly selected (15 from a group in early lactation and 15 in late lactation).

RESULTS

The most common bacteria in the microbiological examination were Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Corynebacterium sp. In the antibiotic sensitivity test, 10 (58.82%) of the 17 antibiotics tested were sensitive to all isolates, and resistant bacteria were Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus haemolyticus, and Escherichia coli. It was observed that positive samples in the microbiological examination showed total bacterial count between 9.10×10³ to 6.94×10⁶ colony forming units/mL, SCC between 42,000 to 4,320,000 cells/mL and ECM ranging from 1.85 to 7.40 mS/cm. It was also found that the teat cups had high microbial counts indicating poor hygiene, and even faults in the cleanliness of the animals' waiting room were observed. It is concluded that values of SCC above 537,000 cells/mL and ECM above 3.0 mS/mL are indications of mammary gland infection for this herd; however, the association of these values with a microbiological analysis is necessary to more accurately evaluate the health status of mammary glands with subclinical mastitis.

CONCLUSION

Through phenotypic characterization of bacteria involved in the samples, the genera Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Corynebacterimum bovis were the most prevalent in this study. Faults in environment and equipment hygienization are factors that are directly associated with mastitis.

GÉRMEN INTEGRAL DE MILHO EM SUBSTITUIÇÃO AO MILHO NA DIETA DE OVINOS SANTA INÊS: CARACTERÍSTICAS DE CARCAÇA E COMPOSIÇÃO TECIDUAL

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição do milho pelo gérmen integral de milho (0; 25; 50; 75 e 100%) na dieta de ovinos da raça Santa Inês sobre as características de carcaça, pesos e rendimentos dos cortes cárneos e composição tecidual da perna. Quarenta animais não emasculados da raça Santa Inês foram abatidos após 70 dias de confinamento. Verificou-se efeito linear decrescente para o consumo de matéria seca, proteína bruta e nutrientes digestíveis totais, bem como para os pesos e rendimentos de carcaça, área de olho-de-lombo, pesos dos cortes cárneos comerciais e componentes tissulares da perna. Houve aumento linear para o pH final da carcaça, sem efeito sobre o pH inicial e temperaturas inicial e final. O rendimento dos cortes cárneos, os percentuais de músculos e de gordura da perna e a relação músculo : gordura não foram influenciados pela substituição. Para os percentuais de ossos e de outros tecidos da perna houve efeito linear crescente. As relações musculo : osso, gordura subcutânea : gordura intermuscular e o índice de musculosidade da perna decresceram linearmente com a substituição. Não se recomenda a substituição do milho pelo gérmen integral de milho na dieta de ovinos da raça Santa Inês confinados.

Feed handling of lactating crossbred cows maintained in a semi-arid region during the hot season: physiological parameters, ingestive behavior and performance

The effects of time of feed delivery (14.00 hours; 14.00 and 20.00 hours; 16.00 and 18.00 hours) on the physiological parameters, ingestive behavior, nutrient intake and production of lactating cows maintained in a semi-arid region during the hot season were evaluated. Regardless of treatment, all animals received the first feeding supply at 06.00 hours. Eight cows with an average body weight of 600 kg, average milk yield of 20 kg/day and 80 days in milk were utilized. The rectal temperature, respiratory rate and sweating rate were not affected (P > 0.05), with average values of 38.5°C, 53.8 movements/min and 104 g/m² /h respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on the eating time (314 min/day), ruminating time (564 min/day), drinking time (61 min/day) and idle time (502 min/day). Similarly, the intake of nutrients and performance of lactating cows were not affected (P > 0.05), with average dry matter intake of 19.8 kg/day, 4% fat-corrected milk of 20.6 kg/day and milk fat concentration of 4.03 g/100 g. Since the behavior and performance have not altered, any times of feed delivery evaluated could be used to crossbred Holstein × Zebu cows maintained on a feedlot in semi-arid regions during the hot season.

Níveis de suplementação sobre as características quantitativas da carcaça e composição tecidual do pernil de caprinos mestiços terminados na caatinga

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação alimentar nos níveis, 0; 0,4; 0,8 e 1,2% do peso corporal (PC), sobre as características quantitativas da carcaça e composição tecidual do pernil de caprinos mestiços terminados em pastagem de caatinga. Utilizaram-se 32 caprinos machos castrados, mestiços da raça Anglonubiana, com oito meses de idade e peso corporal de 18±2,5kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, que foram mantidos em área de 37 hectares de pastagem de caatinga das 7h às 16h. O peso corporal sem jejum, peso corporal final, peso de carcaça quente e fria, peso de corpo vazio, rendimentos de carcaça quente e fria foram influenciados (P<0,05) pelos níveis de suplementação alimentar, com acréscimos lineares de, 3,50; 2,59; 1,69; 1,76; 3,39kg; 2,42 e 2,44%, respectivamente. Os pesos dos cortes comerciais foram influenciados (P<0,05) pelos níveis de suplementação alimentar, a exceção do peso do pescoço. O rendimento dos cortes não foi influenciado (P>0,05%) pela suplementação, com médias, 10,17; 21,19; 16,23; 11,02; 7,30 e 34,08%, para o pescoço, paleta, costilhar, serrote, lombo e pernil, respectivamente. A composição tecidual em peso absoluto do pernil foi influenciada (P<0,05) pela suplementação alimentar, com incremento de 293,59; 212,04; 28,29 e 53,82g, por unidade percentual do nível de suplementação, para o pernil inteiro, músculo total, gordura total e osso, respectivamente. A suplementação alimentar eleva os parâmetros quantitativos da carcaça, associado a incrementos no tecido muscular, gordura total e ossos do pernil, recomendando-se emprego de 1,2 %PC, com vistas a melhor acabamento para comercialização.

Castor beans hulls as a replacement for Tifton 85 hay in lamb diets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay (0, 33, 66, or 100 %) with by castor bean hulls on the intake and nutrient digestibility and performance of 28 noncastrated lambs, averaging 7 months in age, 19.5 ± 2.0 kg average live weight, fed on diets based on forage cactus. The animals were housed in individual pens for 100 days. The digestibility trial occurred 40 days after the start of the performance using LIPE® as an external indicator for estimating fecal dry matter production. The replacement of hay with Castor beans hulls linearly decreased the intakes of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, organic matter, and crude protein and reduced the digestibility coefficients of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, organic matter content, crude protein, and total digestible nutrient content. The hot carcass and true carcass yields were not influenced by the treatments and the feed conversion increased linearly. The empty body weight, live weight at slaughter, hot and cold carcass weights, total gain, and average daily gain decreased linearly with the replacement. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay with castor bean hulls reduced the intake of dry matter, crude protein and energy, consequently reducing the performance of the animals. However, as the regression coefficients were of low magnitude, data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using the Dunnett test with diet without castor bean hulls set as the control treatment. The Tifton 85 hay can be replaced up to 66 % by castor bean hulls in finishing diets for lambs.

Silagens e fenos em associação à palma forrageira para vacas em lactação. Consumo, digestibilidade e desempenho

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da associação de silagens de girassol e sorgo; fenos de leucena, guandu e capim-elefante, com palma forrageira sobre a produção e composição do leite; consumo e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes em vacas 5/8 Holandês-zebu. Foram utilizadas cinco vacas, com peso corporal médio e produção de leite média diária de 516,95 (±5,58) e 11,1 (±0,75) kg, respectivamente. Os consumos de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, carboidratos totais e carboidratos não fibrosos, produção de leite em kg/dia, os teores e as produções, em kg/dia, de gordura, proteína e sólidos totais do leite e a digestibilidade da proteína bruta e carboidratos não fibrosos não foram influenciados pela associação das silagens e fenos com a palma forrageira. O consumo de extrato etéreo, produção de leite corrigida e a eficiência alimentar foram superiores no tratamento com silagem de girassol em relação aos fenos. O consumo de fibra em detergente neutro foi superior para o tratamento com feno de capim-elefante, em relação à silagem de girassol. A silagem de girassol proporcionou maior produção de leite, corrigida para gordura e melhor eficiência alimentar, quando comparada aos fenos.

Correlações entre circunferência escrotal e medidas corporais de machos da raça Santa Inês com idade entre seis e sete meses observados em exposições

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a correlação entre medidas corporais (peso corporal e perímetro torácico) e circunferência escrotal de ovinos da raça Santa Inês com idade entre seis e sete meses. Foram estudados 54 machos, pertencentes à 3ª categoria segundo regulamento da ABSI (Associação Brasileira de Santa Inês). Os dados foram obtidos durante a mensuração dos animais, sendo determinados o peso corporal, o perímetro torácico e a circunferência escrotal. Os coeficientes de correlação foram positivos entre peso e circunferência escrotal e entre perímetro torácico e circunferência escrotal, porém, apenas o primeiro foi significativo, apresentando ainda, valor de médio a baixo. Conclui-se que as correlações entre circunferência escrotal e medidas corporais não são consenso entre autores, apresentado divergências significativas quanto aos coeficientes encontrados.