Manejo pré-abate de bovinos de corte no Pantanal, Brasil

This study has the objective of evaluate the influence of fluvial and road transport on the occurrence of bruising in carcass of slaughtered beef cattle. In this study was observed that from 209 evaluated carcass, 185 (88.5%) presented one or more lesions. In total of evaluated carcass occurred 523 lesions that resulted in 96.158 kg removal of bruises (0.519 kg per animal). In this study was possible the determination of age of bruises by color evaluation. We concluded that of way of transport influenced the occurrence of bruises. The most bruises occurred in the last 24 hours of transport. Educational measures will be necessary to reduce the problems of pre-slaughter management.

Características de carcaça de cordeiros alimentados com grãos e subprodutos da canola

The aim of this work was to evaluate the introduction of 8% grains and by-products (meal or cake) of canola in the diets of lambs. To evaluate quantitative carcass characteristics, 24 Santa Ines lambs were used in a completely randomized design. Diets with averages of 15.4% of CP in DM and 80.2% of TDN were composed for 40% Tifton hay and 60% concentrate based on corn grain, soybean meal, whole grain canola, canola meal, canola cake and mineral mixture. The use of whole grains and by-products of canola in the diet of lambs finished in feedlot did not influence (p > 0.05) quantitative carcass characteristics. For cut dressing in relation to the CCW, no effect was observed for the analyzed variables among treatments. It was concluded that the introduction of grains and by-products of canola allow for satisfactory results, and could be recommended in the formulations of lamb diets.

Tissue composition and muscularity of lamb legs fed with sunflower seeds and vitamin E

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tissue composition and carcass muscularity of 32 legs of Ile de France lambs fed with diets containing sunflower seeds and vitamin E, with mean body weight of 15 kg, lodged in individual pens at 15 kg and slaughtered at 32 kg of body weight. The treatments influenced (P<0,05) leg weight, femur length and muscle: bone ratio, being the highest values (2,13 kg, 16,19 cm and 7,38, respectively) in lambs that received diet without sunflower seeds and vitamin E. The other variables were not affected (P>0,05) by the treatments. The interaction of the sunflower and vitamin E was positive for bone total weights and intramuscular fat.

Diferentes níveis de betaína sobre incidência de diarreia, desempenho, características de carcaça e parâmetros sanguíneos de suínos

Thirty six piglets weaned at 19 days of age were useddistributed in a randomized block design, were used to evaluate the effects of the addition of crescent levels of betaine (0,0%, 0,1%, 0,2% e 0,3%) in the diets on the performance in initial, growing and finishing phases. The indexes of diarrhea incidence were monitored in the first 14 days post-weaning; and the blood parameters at 20, 75, and 150 days of age, as well as the carcass characteristics at the end of the experiment. It was not observed (P > 0,05) effect of the betaine on the diarrhea incidence. Significative differences (P < 0.05) were verified among treatments in the finishing phase for daily weight gain and feed conversion. Differences (P < 0.0001) among the days to the blood parameters analysed were also observed. In regard to the backfat thickness, it was verified significative difference (P < 0.05) among the treatments.

Composição mineral da carcaça e dos cortes da carcaça de ovinos jovens e adultos

Aiming to evaluate the mineral composition (iron, calcium and sodium) of the carcass and carcass cuts of meat from different ovine categories, 18 1/2 Ile de France 1/2 Polwarth sheeps (6 uncastrated lambs, 6 discarded ewes and 6 discarded wethers) were used. Animals were in grazing system based on Tifton - 85 pastures and were supplemented with concentrate. Lambs were slaughtered at 32 kg of live weight, at around 5 months of age. Ewes and wethers were slaughtered with 55 kg and 60 months of age. The iron values were differents between categories for those valued cuts muscles, with higher average to legs muscles from adults ovine of 3.86 mg/100g with regard to lambs of 1.91 mg/100g, respectively. The iron values of the muscles from half carcass didn't differ for that animal category, with 3.38 mg/100g average. The calcium values in muscles from half carcass and leg cut were higher to wethers (9.84 e 7.35 mg/100g), intermediaries to ewes (6.28 e 6.54 mg/100g) and smallers values to lambs (5.30 e 4.22 mg/100g). There wasn't differences for sodium values to valued categories and muscles, with values around 56.75 mg/100g. In conclusion, the sodium values are similar between animals categories and from differents carcass muscles and that the iron and calcium values present differences.

Selecting the most adequate bedding material for broiler production in Brazil

Broiler chicken production is widely dispersed across the globe, and one important issue for growers is the selection of adequate bedding material, as the availability and price of substrates varies among countries and regions within a same country. This study aimed at applying a multiple criteria analysis approach for the selection of the most appropriate bedding material for broiler production. Based on field research data and growers' experience, the most desirable characteristics of a litter material were chosen as the main criteria. The selected materials were wood shavings, rice husks, chopped Napier grass (Pennisetum pupureum), 50% sugar cane bagasse (Saccharum L.) plus 50% wood shavings, 50% sugar cane bagasse (Saccharum L.) plus 50% rice husks, and pure sugar cane bagasse (Saccharum L.). The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was applied for selecting the most suitable bedding material. Validation was performed using data from previous studies carried out in central-western Brazil on the effects of different types of bedding material on broiler carcass quality. Considering the selected criteria, several bedding materials were tested and ranked, and the results showed that wood-shavings litter was the best option (weight = 0.28), followed by rice husks (weight = 0.24). All other tested alternatives presented lower scores and were, therefore, not considered for use. The AHP approach was found to be an efficient tool to select the most appropriate litter material under specific scenarios.

Processamento da ração no desempenho de juvenis de jundiá (Rhamdia voulezi) cultivados em tanques-rede

The aim of this study was to evaluate the zootechnical performance and chemical composition of jundia juveniles Rhandia voulezi fed with mash, pelletized and extruded diets and cultivated in cages. One hundred and fifty fish were distributed in fifteen cages (0.20 m3), arranged in cages (5m3), in the hydroelectric plant of Governador José Richa, in Iguaçu River (Paraná-Brazil). The fish were fed five times a day, with mash, pelletized and extruded diets, containing 30% of protein and 3250 Kcal/kg of digestible energy/kg. At the end of 60 days, significant differences (p<0.05) were observed on fish performance. The fish that were fed with pelletized diet, presented higher average of final weight (44.08g), final length (16.51cm) and weight gain (36.65g). The different processes did not influence fish survival. The averages of protein and mineral matter of carcass chemical composition did not differ statistically (p<0.05), while the values of humidity and lipideos presented differences among treatments. The highest average of lipideos (8.59%) was observed in peletized diet. The mash diet provided fish with lower lipideo (5.45%) and higher humidity (75.98%) rates. A pelleted diet is most suitable for juvenile catfish R. voulezi cultivation in cages.

Desempenho e morfometria duodenal de frangos de corte submetidos a diferentes níveis de energia e programas de alimentação de 42 a 57 dias de idade

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the use of different energy levels and amino acid recommendations on performance, carcass yield and intestinal morphometry of broilers from 42 to 57 days of age. We used 1,600 one-day old male broilers (Cobb 500) in a completely randomized design arranged in a 2x4 factorial scheme with 3,200 and 3,600 kcal ME/kg and four different feed programs. The metabolizable energy levels and the feed programs did not determine significant differences in carcass characteristics for choosing a level of energy or a feed program, thus the energy level and the recommendations of amino acids that determine the highest cost-benefit ratio should prevail. It was observed that 3,600 kcal ME/kg resulted in some improvement on performance and morphometry of the intestinal mucosa, also the fractioning of digestible amino acid requirements during two periods resulted in worse performance and intestinal villi height.

Taxa de deposição de tecidos corporais de novilhas Nelore e suas cruzas com Angus e Simental

The objective of this work was to evaluate deposition pattems of body tissues of Nellore and crossbreed with Angus and Simmental heifers. Fifty seven heifers (19 Nellore, 19 Angus and 19 Simmental) were used, being 12 heifers (four in each genetic group) slaughtered before the beginning of the experiment as the baseline group. Thirty six (twelve in each genetic group) were ad libitun fed with 30 (six in each group) and 50% (six in each group) of dry matter diet in concentrate. The animals were in a completely randomized design, 3x2 factorial (tree genetic group and two diet), with six replicates per treatment. Nine remaining animals were used for a digestibility trial. At the end of the experiment all these animals were slaughtered and its corporal composition determined. The percentage of subcutaneous fat was greater for Angus heifers. Chemical constituents of empty body weight and empty body gain there did not suffer effects of genetic group. The crossing between Nellore and Angus, as well as the level of concentrate improve carcass characteristics and pattern of deposition of body tissues.

Fontes energéticas associadas ao farelo de girassol ou à ureia em dietas para novilhos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and carcass traits of steers fed corn or citrus pulp associated with sunflower meal or urea. Diets were composed of two energy sources (corn grain and citrus pulp) associated with two protein sources (soybean meal and urea), resulting in four treatments in forage:concentrate ratio of 40:60. It were used 24 steers, 1/2 Angus × 1/2 Nellore (18 months old and 329 kg BW) distributed in a completely randomized design which were finished in feedlot for 80 days. It were evaluated the intake, average daily gain and carcass traits of the animals. Intake of dry matter (DMI), crude protein (CPI) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFI) were affected (p<0.05) by diets. The diet with citrus pulp and urea (PU) showed the lowest (p<0.05) DMI (8.30 kg), CPI (1.03 kg) and NDFI (3.31 kg). The average daily weight gain (ADG) followed the behavior of DMI, NDFI and CPI and the lowest value (p<0.05) was observed for animals fed diet PU. Regarding carcass traits, diets containing corn associated with urea (MU) or sunflower meal (MFG) and citrus pulp associated with sunflower meal (PFG), provided the highest (p<0.05) carcass cold weights (238.37, 247.26 and 237.14 kg, respectively). However, the lowest cold carcass dressing percentage (p<0.05) was obtained in diet MU (50.57%). The association of citrus pulp with urea should not be performed when citrus pulp partially or totally replace corn as energy source in diets, because possibly this association promote an energy deficit resulting in lower performance and worse carcass traits of animals finished in feedlot.

Differentially transcribed genes in skeletal muscle of lambs

The objective of this study was to compare gene transcription profiles in Longissimus dorsi muscle of the following four hair sheep genetic groups, Morada Nova (MO), Brazilian Somali (SO), Santa Inĉs (SI) and 1/2 Dorper×1/2 Morada Nova (F1). These groups all display different postnatal muscle growth. The transcriptomes of the skeletal muscle of the lambs (at 200 days of age) were profiled by using oligonucleotide microarrays and reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The microarray experiment identified 262 transcripts that were differentially expressed when transcription levels were compared between the different breeds. A total of 23 transcripts among which those involved in skeletal muscle development (MyoD1 and IGFBP4), lipogenesis and adipogenesis (C/EBPδ, PPARγ and PGDS) were differentially expressed in at least in one comparison. Clustering analysis showed that there is greater similarity in gene expression between the MO and SI breeds and between F1 and SO genetic groups. The SO breed has the most distinct expression pattern. The RT-qPCR results confirmed the findings from the microarray study. A positive correlation was observed between the expression of MyoD1 and the cold carcass yield. The negative correlations between the weight and yield of cold carcass with the expression of C/EBPδ mean that the selection for adipogenesis could lead to a lower carcass weight. The GLUT3 and PYGL gene transcripts were negatively correlated with fat thickness, but ATP5G1 was positively correlated with this trait. Interestingly, many genes negatively correlated with PUFA were positively correlated with cold carcass yield. In conclusion, the present work demonstrated that there are breed-specific expression patterns in Brazilian hair sheep genetic groups. The differences in gene expression among genetic groups were consistent with their phenotypic differences. The positive correlation of the MyoD1 expression with the cold carcass yield suggests that this gene is important for tissue growth in sheep. The positive correlation of the C/EBPδ expression with PUFA provides an opportunity to select for lipid deposition in meat animals. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

The role of multiple partners in a digestive mutualism with a protocarnivorous plant

Background and aimsThe protocarnivorous plant Paepalanthus bromelioides (Eriocaulaceae) is similar to bromeliads in that this plant has a rosette-like structure that allows rainwater to accumulate in leaf axils (i.e. phytotelmata). Although the rosettes of P. bromelioides are commonly inhabited by predators (e.g. spiders), their roots are wrapped by a cylindrical termite mound that grows beneath the rosette. In this study it is predicted that these plants can derive nutrients from recycling processes carried out by termites and from predation events that take place inside the rosette. It is also predicted that bacteria living in phytotelmata can accelerate nutrient cycling derived from predators.MethodsThe predictions were tested by surveying plants and animals, and also by performing field experiments in rocky fields from Serra do Cipó, Brazil, using natural abundance and enriched isotopes of 15N. Laboratory bioassays were also conducted to test proteolytic activities of bacteria from P. bromelioides rosettes.Key ResultsAnalyses of 15N in natural nitrogen abundances showed that the isotopic signature of P. bromelioides is similar to that of carnivorous plants and higher than that of non-carnivorous plants in the study area. Linear mixing models showed that predatory activities on the rosettes (i.e. spider faeces and prey carcass) resulted in overall nitrogen contributions of 26·5 % (a top-down flux). Although nitrogen flux was not detected from termites to plants via decomposition of labelled cardboard, the data on 15N in natural nitrogen abundance indicated that 67 % of nitrogen from P. bromelioides is derived from termites (a bottom-up flux). Bacteria did not affect nutrient cycling or nitrogen uptake from prey carcasses and spider faeces.ConclusionsThe results suggest that P. bromelioides derive nitrogen from associated predators and termites, despite differences in nitrogen cycling velocities, which seem to have been higher in nitrogen derived from predators (leaves) than from termites (roots). This is the first study that demonstrates partitioning effects from multiple partners in a digestion-based mutualism. Despite most of the nitrogen being absorbed through their roots (via termites), P. bromelioides has all the attributes necessary to be considered as a carnivorous plant in the context of digestive mutualism. © 2012 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved.

Meat quality of young Nellore bulls with low and high residual feed intake

Fifty-nine Nellore bulls from low and high residual feed intake (RFI) levels were studied with the objective of evaluating meat quality traits. Animals were slaughtered when ultrasound-measured backfat thickness reached 4. mm, and samples of Longissimus were collected. A mixed model including RFI as fixed effect and herd and diet as random effects was used, and least square means were compared by t-test. More efficient animals consumed 0.730. kg dry matter/day less than less efficient animals, with similar performance. No significant differences in carcass weight, prime meat cuts proportion, chemical composition, pH, sarcomere length, or color were observed between RFI groups. Shear force, myofibrillar fragmentation index and soluble collagen content were influenced by RFI, with a higher shear force and soluble collagen content and a lower fragmentation index in low RFI animals. Feedlot-finished low RFI young Nellore bulls more efficiently convert feed into meat, presenting carcasses within quality standards. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

Protective effect of mannan oligosaccharides against early colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis in chicks is improved by higher dietary threonine levels

Aims: To evaluate mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and threonine effects on performance, small intestine morphology and Salmonella spp. counts in Salmonella Enteritidis-challenged birds. Methods and Results: One-day-old chicks (1d) were distributed into five treatments: nonchallenged animals fed basal diet (RB-0), animals fed basal diet and infected with Salmonella Enteritidis (RB-I), animals fed high level of threonine and infected (HT-I), birds fed basal diet with MOS and infected (MOS-I), birds fed high level of threonine and MOS and infected (HT+MOS-I). Birds were inoculated at 2d with Salmonella Enteritidis, except RB-0 birds. Chicks fed higher dietary threonine and MOS showed performance similar to RB-0 and intestinal morphology recovery at 8 dpi. Salmonella counts and the number of Salmonella-positive animals were lower in HT+MOS-I compared with other challenged groups. Conclusion: Mannan oligosaccharides and threonine act synergistically, resulting in improved intestinal environment and recovery after Salmonella inoculation. Significance and Impact of the Study: Nutritional approaches may be useful to prevent Salmonella infection in the first week and putative carcass contamination at slaughter. This is the first report on the possible synergistic effect of mannan oligosaccharides and threonine, and further studies should be performed including performance, microbiota evaluation, composition of intestinal mucins and immune assessment. © 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Exigência de treonina digestível para codornas de corte no período de 15 a 35 dias de idade

The digestible threonine (DThr) requirements for meat quails (Coturnix coturnix sp) during growing phase from 15 to 35 days of age were estimated, using 1,020 quails with 15 days of age, of both sexes, distributed in a completely randomized design, with six levels of digestible threonine-0.93; 1.00; 1.07; 1.14; 1.21 and 1.28% in diet, five replications and 34 quails per experimental unit. There was no effect on performance variables, carcass yield and chemical composition and nitrogen balance with the studied increase in digestible threonine levels. There was a linear increase in threonine intake and feed cost per kilogram of body weight gain with increasing levels of digestible threonine. It was concluded that the best level of threonine evaluated was sufficient to meet the requirements of meat quails, in the period from 15 to 35.