The objective was to evaluate the effect of different levels of inclusion of fresh cactus cv. Giant in the nutrition of pigs in the growth and finishing phases on zootechnical performance, biometric measurements and evaluating the economic viability of diets. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Baiano campus Guanambi, in Bahia. Eighteen crossbreed pigs (Landrace x Large White x Duroc x Pietrain), castrated males and females, with around 76 days of age and an average initial weight of 32.4 kg were used. Two animals were randomly housed in pens provided with feeders and drinkers. The design used was completely randomized, consisting of three treatments (0%, 15% and 30% inclusion of in natura cactus) and three replications, with the pen being the experimental unit. The isoproteic and isoenergetic diets were formulated in accordance with the requirements proposed by Rostagno et al. (2017), and fed four times a day, with leftovers and food weighed daily to ensure an ad libitum diet. The experimental period lasted 75 days and was divided into phases, growth I, growth II and termination. On the first experimental day and at the end of each phase, the animals were weighed in order to estimate their zootechnical performance, and on the last experimental day, the biometric measurements of each animal were carried out. Economic viability was assessed based on the cost of feed per kilogram of live weight gained, economic efficiency index and cost index. The data obtained were analyzed using orthogonal contrasts and a correlation analysis was carried out between the biometric measurements and the final weight of the animals, with the analyzes carried out using the SAS program (9.4), considering a 5% probability of type I error. cactus forage did not influence (p > 0.05) the food conversion and feed efficiency measurements in any of the experimental phases. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the measurements of the lumbar back line and chest perimeter when comparing treatments with 15% and 30% cactus inclusion, with the highest values observed at the 15% level. The chest circumference measurement showed a strong correlation (r=0.77) with the final weight of the animals. Economic viability varied according to the experimental phase, with the 0% level being the most viable for growth I, 15% most viable for growth II and 30% most viable for termination, and the 15% inclusion level proved to be more viable for the total period.

Two separate trials were conducted - Trial 1: to evaluate species preference when offered a choice of different spectrum luminosities. Trial 2: to assess the effects of light color and turbidity on the performance and stomach repletion index of Amphilophus citrinellus fry.
In Trial 1: 480 fry were distributed into 48 transparent tanks (40 fry per tank) and exposed to four different light spectra: white (688 nm), blue (472 nm), green (436 nm), and red (665 nm). Growth, survival, and stomach repletion index were evaluated at the end of the trial (30 days). In Trial 2: light preference was tested under clear and turbid water conditions. 48 groups of five fish were subjected to associate their location with the spectral stimulus of choice. A tubular arena with doors was set up to allow the fish to choose their preferred location. Results showed that final weight and weight gain were significantly higher in fry raised under blue light (p<0.05), regardless of turbidity.
Survival was not affected by light or water condition (p>0.05). The highest stomach repletion index (>75%) was obtained for fish under blue light when exposed to turbid water compared to clear water (p<0.05). Fish under red light and clear water had a higher percentage of stomach repletion than fish in turbid water. When fish were raised under white light, the stomach repletion percentage was higher for animals raised in clear water (p>0.05). No statistical differences were observed in stomach repletion of fry in green light, in clear or turbid water (p>0.05). When given the choice, A. citrinellus preferred blue light in clear water (p<0.05). On the other hand, fish in turbid water preferred white light (p<0.05). These results should be considered when designing rearing protocols for fry in ornamental breeding and trade systems.

Behavioral traits are important for animal production. These traits are directly related to the handling and taming of equids and can be used in welfare studies. The identification of animals with good temperament is useful for selection. The hair coat whorl is a morphological trait that has been associated with temperament in many livestock species. In horses, whorl traits have been linked to behavior, temperament, and laterality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the whorls traits can predict the temperament of donkeys, since there are no studies that associate whorls traits with temperament in the species. Thirty-seven donkeys of the Nordestino ecotype were used. The following hair whorl traits were recorded: position on the head; number on the head, neck and chest, and rotation. The non- parametric method was used: Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05) to verify the association. The animals were exposed to a new object in a known place. The reaction to the new object was evaluated and measured by flight direction, flight distance, latency, and flight score. The rotation of the whorl on the head was associated with laterality. It was observed that donkeys with clockwise whorls tended to escape to the right and animals with counterclockwise whorls tended to escape to the left. This association between laterality and whorl rotation may be a facilitator at the taming activities. The horizontal position of whorls in the head and the number of hair whorls in the head were associated with flight score. Donkeys with a whorl in the upper third of the bridge of the nose or two whorls on the head were considered less reactive. The position of the whorls on the neck and chest were not significant. The observation of these traits can assist in the handling, taming, and training of the species. Hair whorls can be used to select less reactive and calmer animals, being an excellent non-invasive method of evaluating behavior. This is the first study that associate whorl traits with temperament in donkeys.

The objective of the study was to evaluate three diets containing 0%, 2.5% and 5% roughage, offered to feedlot cattle in the finishing phase. 1800 male Nellore animals were used. Average daily gains, carcass yield and efficiency were calculated for all animals during and at the end of the experiment. The determination of the thermal well-being of the animals, as well as the production of enteric heat, were evaluated daily. No significant differences were observed (P<0.001). Finishing characteristics, loin eye area, fat thickness and rump fat thickness were obtained using the ultrasound technique. The levels of globulin, albumin, total proteins also showed no statistical difference (P<0.001). The levels of urea in the blood showed a linear increasing behavior, while the glycemia showed a quadratic behavior, reaching its highest value in the treatment containing 2.5%. The dry matter intake differed linearly in an increasing way (P<0.001), going from 10.34 kg of dry matter in treatment 1 to 11.88 kg in treatment 3. The average daily gain showed a linear increasing behavior (P<0.001) , treatment 1 had the lowest daily gain, around 1.34 kg; treatment 2 showed a gain of 1.5 kg, with treatment 3 showing the greatest gain, around 1.74 kg per day. The well-being index showed an increasing linear behavior between the forage levels tested. The number of standing animals photographed at 6 am, just before the feed was provided, showed a decreasing linear behavior, that is, the lower the level of roughage, the greater the number of standing animals. The temperature and humidity index showed statistical difference (P<0.001), showing higher values in September and in the interval from 11 to 16 hours. Regarding heat production, this characteristic presented a quadratic behavior, showing a statistical difference (P<0.001), that is, treatment 2 was the treatment that presented the highest production. Thus, the percentage of roughage in high-grain diets positively influence weight gain, consumption and well-being of feedlot cattle.

INTERMITTENT RESTRICTION IN THE SUPPLY OF CRUDE PROTEIN IN THE SHEEP DIET

In Brazil, the Zebu breeds represent more than 80% of the cattle herd, with the Gir being one of the breeds of great importance, mainly for dairy production. The breed has twelve different coat color phenotypes (red, yellow, choker red, choker yellow, calico red, calico yellow, red calico, yellow calico, calico clear, clear moorish, dark moorish and red moorish).
The coat color of the influences thermoregulation, adhesion of ectoparasites, and may be associated with productive and reproductive aspects. The coat is part of the breed qualification and there is still a predilection of breeders for certain colors. Due to the lack of knowledge about the inheritance mechanisms that explain coat variations in Gyr cattle, the objective was to perform a GWAS to identify candidate genes for the coat phenotype and perform fine mapping of the MC1R gene, a gene that has already been reported to affect the coat in other cattle breeds.
A total of 574 Gir animals were genotyped with a commercial Zoetis low-density chip of 29,842 SNPs were used in nine genomic wide association (GWAS) scenarios using the single-step methodology. In addition, biological material was collected from 46 Gir cattle of all registerable coats and from 1 animal with the depigmented phenotype for PCR and analysis of the MC1R gene sequences for fine gene mapping. In the different scenarios of the GWAS analysis, regions were found present in BTA3, BTA6, BTA8, BTA9, BTA10, BTA16, BTA18, BTA21 and BTA26. After analysis of the regions obtained in the GWAS, candidate genes were listed in the different scenarios, proving to be a characteristic of polygenic order. A possible epistatic effect is also suggested in determining the coat of the Gir breed, as already observed in other bovine breeds. Furthermore, some polymorphisms and amino acid exchanges were observed in the MC1R gene, at positions c. 311 G>del, c.416 C>T (p.Ala139Val), c.460 A>C (p.Ser154Arg), c.583 T>C (p.Phe195Leu), c. 663 T>C (p.Ile221Ile) and c. 871 A>G (p.Ala291Thr), thus forming 7 haplotypes. There is a suggestion that some MC1R haplotypes cause depigmentation in Gyr cattle. In the present study, the genetic effects on coat color were evaluated and new candidate genes influencing the trait in the Gir breed were also proposed. Thus, making it possible to direct future studies that seek to decipher the genetic architecture of the trait and the development of genetic markers for selection.

The present study aims to evaluate the effects on the zootechnical performance traits, in vivo carcass quality, apparent digestibility of nutrients of the food, blood parameters, passage rate and fecal score when the beta-mannanase enzyme is used for the nutrition of growing pigs. We used a total of 40 crossbred male pigs with an initial average weight of 26.09 ± 0.957. They were randomly distributed following a randomized block design, composing 4 treatments with 10 repetitions each. The treatments consist in 1 control (DC0) and 3 experimental diets with the addition of beta-mannanase (300g/t) where there was energy reduction in 30 kcal (DC30), 45 kcal (DC45) or 60 kcal (DC60). The statistical analyzes were performed using the SAS University Edition software and we used ANCOVA or ANOVA, considering a 10.0% probability level, to verify the data. Among dietary treatments with the enzyme supplementation, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) for the variables CDAMS (%), CDAPB (%), CDAMO (%), CDAEB (%), MSD (%) and PD (%). Better EA and CA rates were observed in the DC45 treatment when compared to the others. The use of the enzyme did not affect the in vivo carcass characteristics, passage rate or fecal score of the animals. In conclusion, the use of the beta-mannanase enzyme in association with the xylanase enzyme promoted a better use of the nutrients, which implies a better zootechnical performance, meaning it can be used as a way to reduce the energy input in the formulation of food, hence, allowing a reduction in the production costs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with encapsulated pepper (CAP) on the consumption of calves managed on pasture and nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, health parameters and rumen kinetics. Eight crossbreed Holstein Zebu cattle were used, weighing 313 ± 31 kg (Weight ± SD)(4 animals with 4" silicone rumen cannulas), with supplementation of 0.5% of live weight (BW) in four periods of 21 days in Pangola grass (Digitariadecumbens) pasture with the following treatments: CON: Control (0.5% of BW supplementation without addition of CAPCIN®, NutriQuest, Campinas, Brazil); CAP150: (0.5% of BW supplementation PC and 150 mg/animal/day of CAPCIN®); CAP300: (0.5 PC supplementation and 300 mg/animal/day of CAPCIN®); CAP450: (0.5% PC supplementation and 450 mg/day animal/day of CAPCIN®). Calves fed with encapsulated pepper showed a linear increase in NDF digestibility (P = 0.007) compared to the control treatment. There was no effect of encapsulated pepper on heart rate and rectal temperature values. There was a quadratic effect for dry matter digestibility (P = 0.042), organic matter (P = 0.027) and NDF (P = 0.002) and a quadratic effect trend for crude protein digestibility (P = 0.064). Calves fed encapsulated pepper showed a linear increase in rumen pH with the doses used (P = 0.011). There was a tendency for a linear increase in concentrations of mM propionate for animals fed with encapsulated pepper (P = 0.086) and a quadratic effect for concentrations of mM and mmol/100 mmol butyrate (P = 0.036).Encapsulated pepper tended to decrease nitrogen excretion in feces compared to the control treatment (P = 0.081). Calves fed with encapsulated pepper showed an increase in lymphocyte counts (103/μL)(P = 0.007), eosinophils (103/μL)(P = 0.002) and eosinophils (%) (P = 0.047) and showed a linear increasing trend in white blood cell count (P = 0.062) compared to calves fed control treatment. There was a quadratic effect (P =0.047) for rumen volume. Calves fed encapsulated pepper showed lower ruminal digestibility of NDF (P=0.023) and dTNDF (P=0.032) as well as a tendency (P=0.053) towards lower ruminal digestibility of OM. There was an increase in the passage rate (P=0.0114) for animals that received treatments with the inclusion of encapsulated pepper in relation to animals on the control diet, showing a linear increase (P=0.0206). There was also an increase in the turnover rate (P=0.0499) with a linear increasing trend (P=0.0893) for the animals that included levels of encapsulated pepper in the diet. The use of encapsulated pepper in supplements for Holstein/Zebu crossbred calves managed on Digitariadecumbens pasture up to 450 mg/animal/day improves nutrient digestibility and is capable of modulating ruminal fermentation. Furthermore, the results reinforce the evidence that the provision of encapsulated pepper can positively influence the health status of beef cattle managed in tropical conditions.

The silvopastoral system (SSP) comprises one of the modalities of agroforestry systems, in which the tree, forage and animal components are integrated in the same area in order to explore their interactions through efficient use of available resources. This type of system can be implemented using different combinations of tree species, arrangements and planting densities, which reflects on the variation in the transmission of solar radiation by the trees in the system. Among the benefits of adopting SSPs, it is possible to highlight the environmental, economic and social services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity, the chemical compositions of the Brachiaria decumbens pasture, as well as the performance, ingestive behavior, and physiological parameters of goats submitted to three different tree arrangements in silvopastoral systems, in relation to a pasture area without shading. The experiment was carried out at the agroecological station of the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia, in the municipality of Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Brazil. Thirty-two Anglo Nubian crossbred goats, with an average age of 7 months, were randomly distributed into 4 treatments, 6 periods of 15 days, supplemented with commercial feed for growing goats. The animals were distributed in 4 different types of systems using a total area of 0.5 ha. The forage species used was Brachiaria decumbens and the main tree component was Gliricidia sepium with the following arrangements: Planting in a single line, with trees arranged in a single row obeying a spacing of 3m between trees and 12m between rows. Planting in double rows: arrangement with double rows of trees, following the spacing of 3x3m between trees and 9m between rows; and the planting of trees in clusters along the pasture using 3x2m spacing between trees, in contrast to the Brachiaria decumbens pasture without shading in order to determine performance, collection of physiological and climatic parameters.
With regard to the determination of the pasture productivity of the systems for the nutritional composition, pre and post grazing evaluations were carried out at each experimental period adopted. Microclimatic conditions indicated that silvopastoral systems were more effective in mitigating environmental impacts such as radiant thermal load, ITGU and ITU, and as a result, decreased surface body temperature, respiratory rate and increased welfare and weight gain of goats. Animals kept in SSPs reduced the frequency of searching for a drinking fountain, when compared to the conventional system. The chemical composition of the leaf and stem of Brachiaria decumbens during grazing times and the crude protein content of the leaf blade were higher for the silvopastoral systems compared to the conventional system. For pasture height in pre- grazing, the highest height (54.20 cm) was observed in the forest system, followed by the single and double row systems, and the lowest height was observed for the control. It is evidenced by the study that silvopastoral systems can be used to provide a more favorable environment during grazing. Thus, silvopastoral systems can be considered an effective alternative for goat meat production.

Acacia mearnsii extract has been used as a source of condensed tannin (TC) and has the potential to improve nitrogen utilization in ruminant production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of Acacia mearnsii as a source of TC on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation in Nellore bulls finished in feedlot. Four crossbred, castrated cattle equipped with a rumen cannula, with an average body weight of 446 (± 34) kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 double Latin square design, repeated over time. Each Latin square lasted 68 days, divided into four experimental periods, 17 days each, with 10 days for adaptation of the animals and 7 days for data and sample collection. The treatments used consisted of a diet without the inclusion of Acacia mearnsii extract (0 g/kg) and three diets with 10, 30 and 50 g/kg based on dry matter (DM). The use of Acacia mearnsii extract containing TC in the diet reduced (P < 0.05) intake of DM, CP, EE, cpNDF and CNF. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in DM, cpNDF, CNF and NDT digestibility, however, it did not affect (P = 0.1563) crude protein digestibility and microbial protein synthesis efficiency.The inclusion of Acacia extract provided a reduction in ingested nitrogen (P < 0.0001), excretion of N via urine (P = 0.0120). The excretion of N via feces increased quadratically (P = 0.0298) with maximum extract intake at the inclusion level of 10.09 g/kg DM, however, it did not affect the nitrogen balance (P = 0.8995). The concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were not affected by the inclusion of the extract. However, N-NH3 concentrations changed over time, with a maximum value of 10.74 mg/ dL at 3.10 hours. The ruminal pH reduced with the inclusion of the extract (P < 0.0001) and in relation to the collection time (P = 0.0009). There was no interaction between the effects of extract inclusion and time of collection. Therefore, Acacia mearnsii extract, in doses up to 50 g/kg DM or 35 g/kg TC, has the potential to be used as a source of tannin in the diet of young bulls finished in feedlot to improve the use of food and its nutrients. In addition to being advantageous from an environmental point of view by reducing nitrogen excretion.

Goats seem to be more efficient in fiber utilization and nitrogen utilization

than sheep, but there are no good explanations or reasons in the literature. Digestibility data

for these nutrients comparing the two species are few. The main aim of this study was to

evaluate the nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization efficiency. Therefore, the digestibility

of nutrients, excretion of urinary purine derivatives (PD) and nitrogen (N), estimation of

microbial N synthesis and N utilization efficiency were determined in twelve Boer goats

(17.3 kg±1.8 BW) and twelve Dorper sheep (20.7 kg±2.8 BW), all males, not castrated and

aged four months. The animals were fed 4 diets with different levels of N concentration [6.4,

12.8, 19.2 and 25.6 g N/kg of dry matter (DM)] in 6 simultaneous designs of Latin squares 4

× 4. Only the intake of CP and EE had diet x species interaction. Nutrient intake was

significant between diets and species (P<0.001). Sheep had higher nutrient intake (P < 0.01)

than goats. The apparent digestibility of nutrients was similar (P > 0.05) in both species.

Except for digestibility from CP (P=0.02) and aNDFn (P=0.01), which was higher for goats.

The sheep indicated higher urinary N excretion (P<0.001), however, N retention (g/day; P

=0.89) was similar for both species. The ration between N retained, ingested (P<0.001) and

apparently digested (P<0.001) was higher in goats. Microbial efficiency (P < 0.001)

increased linearly with the addition of N content in the diet. When fed a low-N diet (40g/kg

DM), N consumption, urinary N excretion and N absorption were similar between species.

Plasma urea concentration (P<0.001) and urinary urea excretion in g/day (P<0.001) indicated

an increasing linear effect with increasing dietary N and differed (P<0.001) between species,

17

with goats with higher concentration in plasma and lower excretion (g/day) in urine. Small

ruminants challenged to low (40 g/kg DM) dietary N supplementation required greater

metabolic adaptation to more pronouncedly conserve N as a survival mechanism. Diets with

higher CP content (160 g/kg) and 700 g/kg of forage increase the growth

of ruminal microorganisms and improve microbial efficiency, resulting in increased intake

of dry matter and nutrients, as well as promoting the digestion of fibers and proteins in goats

and sheep.

The objective was to evaluate different levels of concentrate in diets for dairy cows on pasture on the consumption and digestibility of the diet, milk production and composition, microbial protein synthesis, blood urea nitrogen levels and productive performance. Twelve multiparous Holstein x Zebu crossbreed cows were used, with an average initial live weight of 487 ± 54kg, an average initial lactation period of 95.0 ± 42 days and an average milk production of 10 kg of milk/animal.day-1 . The cows were distributed in a design consisting of three 4 x 4 Latin squares, balanced according to order and lactation period. Four levels of isonitrogenous supplements (0; 2.0; 4.0 and 6.0 kg/animal.day-1), with 25% CP (%DM), supplied daily during milking, were evaluated. The area used was a rotated module, of 9 ha of pasture, divided into 9 paddocks of 1.0 ha each, formed with Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania. The total DMI, pasture DMI and intakes of the nutrients NDF, OM, CP, CNF, EE and TDN were significant (P<0.001), the intakes of OM, CP, NFC, EE, TDN and total DMI increased linearly and consumption of NDF and pasture DMI reduced linearly (P<0.05), with a substitutive effect in relation to the addition of concentrate. The digestibility of the nutrients DM, OM, CP, CNF, EE and TDN increased linearly (P<0.001). Forage mass production was 1,117 (kg DM.ha-1) allowing an average forage supply of 2.2 kg DM per 100 kg BW. Milk production, milk production 3.5%G, fat, protein, NUL and CCS also changed significantly (P<0.001), there was a linear increase in milk production (10.70; 12.42; 13 .34; 14.29 kg of milk/animal.day-1) due to concentrated supplementation. The fat concentration reduced (P=0.0285) (4.25; 4.05; 3.91; 3.88 g.100mL-1) as a result of the low NDF consumption. The fat, protein, total solids and SCC contents were within the minimum recommended values (3.0; 2.9; 11.5% and below 400,000 cells/mL). There was an increase (P<0.05) in the levels of allantoin, uric acid, total purines, absorbed purines (mmol.day-1) and microbial N (g.day-1), due to concentrated supplementation at increasing levels. However, there was no effect of concentrated supplementation (P>0.05) on microbial synthesis efficiency (g/Kg of TDN). The total and effective cost-benefit ratios were greater than zero, and presented profitability greater than expenses, confirming the economic viability. Therefore, it is concluded that the production potential of crossbred cows in Tanzania grass pastures without concentrated supplementation is 12 kg per day of milk with 3.5% fat. Providing xvii increasing levels of concentrate (0; 2.0; 4.0 and 6.0 kg/animal.day-1) linearly increases the availability of nutrients for crossbred cows grazing Tanzania grass, in addition to providing greater production, of milk and ruminal microbial protein synthesis.

The main objectives of this study were to perform genome-wide association studies using imputed high-density genetic markers data from North American Holstein cattle, for eight hoof-related traits: digital dermatitis (DD), sole ulcer (US), sole hemorrhage (HS), white line lesion (DLB), heel horn erosion (ET), interdigital dermatitis (DI), interdigital hyperplasia (HI) toe ulcer (UP) and a hoof health index (ISC), for thirteen body conformation traits: body condition score (BCS), body depth (PC), bone quality (QO), chest width (LP), dairy capacity (CL), foot angle (ANG), front legs view (VPD), heel depth (PT), height at front end (AF), locomotion (LOC), rear legs rear view (VTPT), rear legs side view (VLPT) and stature (ST) and a composite feet and leg score (IPP). De- regressed estimated breeding values (dEBVs) from 39,135 Holstein animals were used as pseudo-phenotypes for the association analyses. The molecular marker quality control, genotype phasing, and genotype imputation were performed using the PLINK, Eagle, and Minimac4 software, respectively. A mixed linear model was used to estimate SNP effects in the GCTA package. The functional genomic analyses were performed using the GALLO R package and the DAVID platform. A total of 22 significant SNPs were found for DD, 34 for ET, 14 for DI, 22 for HI, 28 for HS, 33 for US, 24 for UP, 43 for DLB, 15 for ISC, 20 for ECC, 60 for PC , 13 for QO, 17 for LP, 27 for CL, 13 for IPP, 8 for ANG, 7 for VPD, 19 for PT, 4 for AF, 10 for LOC, 13 for VTPT, 15 for VLPT and 7 for ST.
The significant markers were located across the whole genome, except on the chromosome BTA27. Moreover, these genomic regions overlapped with various previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) for exterior, health, meat and carcass, milk, production, and reproduction traits. Enrichment analyzes identified 71 significant gene ontology terms. These findings indicated that hoof health and body conformation traits are highly polygenic and influenced by a wide range of biological processes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the association of chitosan with unsaturated fatty acids sources on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, milk production and composition and energy balance in lactating Jersey cows. Five Jersey cows fistulated in the rumen [mean days in lactation = 150 ± 45 days; milk production 22,2 ± 4,5 kg; body weight = 350 ± 25 kg] were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square, with periods of 21 days. The cows were fed five diets: 1) CON (CON), consisting of a basal diet based on soybean meal and ground corn, with the inclusion of 3% palm kernel oil; 2)(OS) diet including 3% soybean oil based on total DM; 3) diet (GS) with the inclusion of 16% of raw and whole soybeans based on total DM; 4) diet (SOCHI) with inclusion of 3% soybean oil and 0.02% chitosan (CHI) based on total DM and; 5)(WRSCHI), diet including 16% raw and whole soybeans and 0.2% Q in total DM. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. Higher intakes of CP, pdNDF and CNF were observed in diets containing sources of fatty acids compared to the CON diet. Higher intakes of DM, OM, CP and EE were observed in the SOCHI and WRSCHI diets compared to the SO and WRS diets. Higher concentrations of total SCFA, acetate in Mmol, acetate in %, propionate and methane were observed in diets containing sources of fatty acids compared to the CON diet. Higher N intakes were observed in diets containing sources of fatty acids compared to the CON diet. There were higher N intakes in the OSQ diet compared to the GSQ diet. There were greater fecal N excretions in the OSQ diet compared to the GSQ diet. There were lower SPM and total purine efficiencies in diets containing fatty acid sources compared to the CON diet. There were higher concentrations of GGT in diets containing sources of fatty acids compared to the CON diet. There were lower concentrations of urea and GGT in the GS diet compared to the OS diet. There were lower concentrations of urea and GGT in the GSQ diet compared to the OSQ diet. The GSQ and OSQ diets increased net energy intake compared to the GS and OS diets. Lower concentrations of C16:0 and C18:1 cis-9 and higher concentrations of C4, C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, C18:1 trans-11, C18:1 cis-11, C18:2 n6-cis , C18:3 n3, CLA c-9, t-11, C20:4, <C16, >C16, were observed in diets containing sources of fatty acids compared to the CON diet. Higher net energy intakes were observed in the GSQ and OSQ diets. Higher DM and MO values in the rumen pool were observed in the GS diet compared to the OS diet. Higher NDF values in the pool were found in the GSQ diet in relation to the OSQ diet. Lower rumen renewal rate (TRR) %/h of OM were found in the GS and OS diets compared to the OSQ and GSQ diets. Higher TRR %/h DM values were observed in the OS diet compared to the GS diet. Lower digestion rates %/h of NDF and NDFpd, and lower rumen renewal rates %/h of OM, NDF and NDFpd were observed in the GSQ diet in relation to the OSQ diet. The association between chitosan and sources of long-chain fatty acids alters intake, nitrogen utilization and microbial protein synthesis, ruminal fermentation, milk fatty acid profile, blood metabolites and ruminal kinetics in lactating Jersey cows. Therefore, the results reinforce that chitosan has positive interactions with different forms and sources of fatty acids.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of
different concentrate levels in diets with or without the inclusion of protected fat on
intake, nutrient digestibility, productive performance, microbial protein synthesis, and
feeding behavior in feedlot lambs. Sixty-four non-castrated Santa Inês male lambs at an
average body weight of 20.07 ± 0.25 kg and an average age of four months were used.
The animals were distributed in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) in a 4 x
2 factorial arrangement, represented by 4 concentrate-to-roughage ratios (C:R ratio;
40:60; 50:50; 60:40 and 70:30) and 2 levels of protected fat inclusion (BeefFat; 0 or 35
g/Kg, on dry matter basis). The animals were randomly assigned to the experimental diets
regarding the C:V ratio with or without protected fat. There was and interaction between
the inclusion of concentrate and protected fat for digestibility coefficients of crude protein
(P<0.0001) and ether extract (P = 0.0443), final weight (P = 0.0425), average daily gain
(P = 0.0204), total weight gain (P = 0.0204); and uric acid concentration (mmol/day) (P
= 0.0409). In general, the inclusion of up to 700 g/kg and 35 g/kg of protected fat reduces
intake and changes nutrient digestibility in feedlot lambs. The inclusion of 700g/kg of
concentrate without the use of protected fat is recommended to promote better productive
performances, reduce rumination activity and increase the feeding efficiency of dry
matter in feedlot lambs.

The amy of the study was to compare methods of qualitative evaluation of the fatty acid
(FA) profile of equine and ruminant milk and to identify the most appropriate
methodology for mares and donkeys' milk. Also, determine the best FA profile for human
consumption between equine and ruminant milks. Samples of mare, donkey, cow and
goat milk were used, ruminant milk was used as a control. The FA of the milks were
identified by gas chromatography after three different methylation methodologies,
Kramer (1997), acid/base catalysis; O'Fallon (2007) acid/base catalyzes in aqueous
medium, and Liu (2020) base catalyzes. No significant differences were observed
between the methylation methods for the identified FAs. The mean values of short-chain
FA and medium-chain FA contents differed significantly between the methods, and the
identification of these FA groups is an important factor in choosing the methodology for
each milk. In the qualitative evaluation of the FA profile of milk from mares, donkeys
and ruminants, the methylation methods used were similar, indicating that the milks of
mares and donkeys can be analyzed by the three methods evaluated in the present study.
Short chain FA (C4:0, C6:0 and C8:0) contents were similar, and medium chain FA
(C10:0, C12:0 and C14:0) were higher in donkey milk. The mare's milk had the highest
content of C18:3n3, which influenced the Σn3 (C18:3n3, C20:5n3 and C22:6n3), this
group with the highest content in mare's milk, 12 times higher than in cow's milk and 8
times that in donkey's milk. Σn6 (C18:2 n6 and C20:4 n6) were higher in donkey milk
(17.75%), followed by mare's milk (12.64%), and 15 times lower in cow's milk (2.55%),
when compared to donkey milk. When compared to cow's milk, equid milk has higher
levels of n3 and n6; therefore, it has the best FA profile for human consumption.
Concluded that the milk of mares and donkeys has a better FA profile for the promotion
of human health and can be methylated for the three methods studied without prejudice
in the identification.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (EMO) contained
in spheres in the feeding of colored carp (Cyprinus carpio). The spheres were obtained
from the encapsulation technique, which consists of adding EMO to sodium alginate,
where the solution was added in drops to calcium chloride, forming spheres with EMO.
96 juveniles of colored carp were used, with 25.87 (± 4.97) g. Juveniles were randomly
distributed in 16 aquariums in water recirculation systems. The experiment was carried
out in a completely randomized design with four treatments and four repetitions. The
different diets during the experimental period were: Basal Diet (T1); Diet with inclusion
of 20 mL of EMO (T2); Diet Basal and spheres with 20 mL of EMO (T3); Basal diet and
spheres with 0 mL of EMO (T4), lasting 60 days. On the last day of experimentation,
biometry and blood collection were effected for performance indices and biochemical
parameters in the animals before and after the stress challenge, which was exposure to air
and lasted 300 s. Supplementation with EMO did not affect the performance indices and
body composition of the fish. The T3 group showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in
the plasma albumin level in the period before the stress. EMO significantly influenced
(p≤0.05) the increase in total cholesterol and aminotransferase enzyme (AST) after the
stress of exposure to air in the T3 group, in relation to T1 and T4. The other parameters,
alanine aminotransferase enzyme (ALT), glucose, total protein, albumin, triglycerides,
HDL and LDL showed no significant difference in any of the steps. Moringa oleifera leaf
extract is not indicated for feeding juveniles of colored carp, due to the increase in total
cholesterol and AST enzymes, its use did not change the parameters of zootechnical
performance and the proximate composition of the fish carcass.

The silage of corn grains through the action of bacterial proteases, which added to the
organic acids from fermentation, promote greater solubilization of prolamins. Thus, the
objective was to evaluate the effect of different levels of replacement of cornmeal in the
concentrate by ground corn, rehydrated and ensiling (MGMRE) in the diet of confined
Santa Inês lambs, on the ingestive behavior, performance, physicochemical
characteristics, fatty acids, proximate and sensory of meat. Forty Santa Inês lambs, not
castrated, with an average initial weight of 21 ± 2.8 kg and an initial age of 4 months
were used distributed in a completely randomized design (five diets and eight
replications). The diets consisted of replacing ground corn at 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000
g/kg of dry matter in the concentrate for MGMRE. The experiment lasted 85 days, with
21 days of adaptation. Behavioral observations were performed every five minutes for a
24-hour period. After the confinement period, the animals were fasted from solids and
slaughtered, after which the physical-chemical and sensory analyzes of the meat in the
Longissimus lumborum muscle were carried out. The gains in total weight (16.65 kg),
final body weight (37.71 kg) and average daily gain (260.30 g) were not influenced
(P>0.05) by the MGMRE levels of the diets. NDF intake, feed and rumination
efficiency were influenced (P<0.05) in a linear decreasing manner by MGMRE levels.
The substitution of MGMRE did not change the pH, cooking losses, tenderness,
juiciness, odor and overall acceptance, however, it linearly increased (P<0.05) the
luminosity, red content, yellow content, and the flavor attribute, linearly reducing the
shear force (P<0.05). It also did not influence (P>0.05) the fatty acid profile in the meat
and the h:H ratio, which are beneficial for consumer health. Ground, rehydrated and
ensiled corn grain can totally replace ground corn from concentrate in the diet of
confined Santa Inês sheep without altering performance, behavior, production
parameters and meat quality, in addition to increasing meat tenderness and flavor.

The low genetic variability can cause several productive and reproductive prejudices in horses. Genetic recombination processes, such as crossing-over, can increase genetic variability by promoting changes between parts of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Among the proteins involved in crossing-over, we highlight the role of PRDM9, which determines DNA sequence hotspots through a key structure called zinc fingers (ZF). Modifications in the sequences of these ZF promote the recombination of different hotspots along the DNA. Thus, this study aimed to describe the diversity of ZF arrangements and allele distribution of the PRDM9 gene in 26 horse breeds. To obtain the DNA, hair samples from 95 animals were used. Amplification of the gene of interest was performed using specific primers and the amplification products were qualified, quantified and then sequenced. For the analysis and identification of polymorphisms, the sequences obtained were visualized using CodonCode Aligner programs. A total of 14 new ZF domains, 19 alleles and 19 genotypes were found. Allele 1 as well as its homozygous genotype (1|1) showed higher frequencies (0.889 and 0.775, respectively). The results allow better matings, it permits to choose animals whose PRDM9 genotype is less frequent in populations with little genetic variability. It promotes new recombinations and helps to increase variability. Moreover, the gene plays an important role in the evolutionary process, and this information may contribute to a better understanding of this mechanism.

In ovo nutrition has investigated the effectiveness of substances, such as probiotics, in order to improve poultry performance and replace antibiotics. However, most research uses methodology incompatible with the practical applicability, analyzing few bacterial strains and do not perform this procedure in commercial hatcheries. Our goal with this study was to investigate whether large-scale, automated in ovo inoculation of a commercial multi-strain probiotics associated with in ovo vaccination, affects incubation yield, morphophysiological characteristics and quality of newly hatched chicks from broiler breeders Cobb® with 35 weeks of age. We used a completely randomized design, with three treatments: control (without inoculation), in ovo vaccination (hatchery standard) and in ovo vaccination associated with the probiotic.
The incubation was performed according to the normal hatchery routine and at 18.5 days of incubation the solutions were injected directly into the amniotic cavity. We evaluated the parameters such as: hatchability, embryo mortality, acid-base balance of the newly-hatched chick, as well as its weight, YFBM, RY, length and navel score, with no statistical differences between treatments (P>0.05). Organ weights, blood parameters and intestinal morphometry revealed differences in some analyzed variables (p≤0.05) without chick quality damage. The technique of associating in ovo vaccination with the multi-strain probiotic used in this research is safe to be carried out in industry, as it preserves chick homeostasis and does not interfere with the incubation efficiency. It is recommended further studies associating the inoculation of in ovo multiple strains probiotics and their effects throughout the period of poultry farming, to verify benefits related to the performance and the answers to the challenges in the field.

Incubation temperature controls embryonic development and probably has an effect on
skeletal formation and growth, which begins during embryogenesis. Thus, our aim with
this work was to evaluate whether variations in eggshell temperature (above or below the
recommended) during the middle stage of embryogenesis affect incubation yield, chick
quality, utilization of minerals from the egg components and bone development of
embryos and hatchlings. 2408 eggs from broiler breeders Cobb 500® with 45 weeks of
age were incubated at four different eggshell temperatures (EST): 1) Control (EST of
37.8°C during the entire incubation period); 2) low EST (36.7°C between days 8 and 18.5
of incubation); 3) high EST (38.9°C between days 8 and 18.5 of incubation) and 4) very
high EST (39.4°C between days 8 and 18.5 of incubation). Incubation yield (egg weight
loss, mortality, fertility, hatchability, culling), chick quality (chicken body weight and
length, yolk free body mass, residual yolk weight, relative organ weight, navel score),
parameters of eggshell (weight, thickness, calcium, phosphorus, manganese and
magnesium), yolk (Ca, P, Mn and Mg), blood (Ca, P, hormones T3, T4, PTH, calcitonin
and vitamin D3, Alkaline Phosphatase) and bone (Ca, P, Mn, Mg, morphometry, ash,
calcification and strength). The incubation temperature affected most of the analyzed
variables. The incubation performance was worsened by all changes in EST, with very
high EST being the one that most affected the evaluated indices, followed by low EST
(p≤0.05). The organs relative weight was negatively influenced by the increase in
temperature (p≤0.05). Low, high and very high EST promoted a reduction in chick
quality; in the eggshell and yolk minerals utilization; in the blood and tibia minerals;
worsening of bone characteristics and decrease in thyroid hormones, PTH and vitamin D3
(p≤0.05). For all these variables, the very high EST caused the worst results. Calcitonin
increased equally at high and very high EST (p≤0.05). Alkaline Phosphatase was
increased by very high EST (p≤0.05). High temperatures markedly impaired the
mobilization and utilization of minerals from egg components, calciotropic hormones and
consequently, bone development during incubation. Eggshell temperature variations
(above or below the recommended) during the middle stage of embryogenesis worsen
incubation yield and chick quality.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary inclusion (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 g/kg DM) of whole corn germ (WCG), a source of energy, on the metabolic and productive performance of feedlot lambs. To this end, two complementary experiments were carried out. In Experiment I, we tested the effects of WCG inclusion levels on the metabolism of 10 uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs, which were distributed into two 5 × 5 Latin square design (five periods and five diets). Non-fibrous carbohydrate digestibility decreased (P = 0.01), whereas ether extract digestibility increased (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of WCG. Nitrogen balance (retained N) did not change (P = 0.99) according to the WCG levels. In Experiment II, we tested the effect of WCG inclusion levels on the production performance of 40 uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs, in a completely randomized design. There was a reduction in the intake of nutritional components (P < 0.05), except EE (P < 0.01), which increased with the increasing WCG levels.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diet supplementation with monensin and
saponins alone or combined with essential oils (EOs) on the nutrient intake and apparent
digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters, microbial population, nitrogen balance,
ruminal microbial protein synthesis, blood metabolites, and milk composition, yield and
fatty acid (FA) profile of mid- to late-lactating Jersey cows. Eight ruminally cannulated
lactating Jersey cows (average 17.6 ± 5.5 kg/day of milk yield and 100.5 ± 26.6 days of
milk (mean ± SD)) were used. The experimente consisted of a replicated 4 × 4 Latin
square design with 21-day periods (last seven days for sampling). Treatment sequences
were randomly designated to cows and consisted of: (1) CON - Control, no feed additive;
(2) SAP - 16 g/cow/day of a supplement based on whole-seed fenugreek powder (variety
Fenucold) standardized to diosgenin, one of the major steroidal sapogenins of fenugreek
(2000 mg/kg); (3) SAPEO - SAP supplement combined with a blend of natural EOs with
major components of carvacrol (2500 mg/kg), cinnamaldehyde (5600 mg/kg) and
limonene (3000 mg/kg); and (4) MON - Monensin, inclusion of monensin sodium in the
diet at 24 mg/kg DM. Cows fed CON showed higher dry matter (P = 0.03), organic matter
(P = 0.03), crude protein (P = 0.04) and ether extract (P = 0.04) intakes than animals fed
MON, whereas higher neutral detergent fibre intake (P = 0.04) was observed in animals
fed SAPEO than those fed MON. Diet and time effects were observed for ruminal pH (P
= 0.01; P < 0.01) and concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen (P = 0.01; P < 0.01),
respectively. Cows fed SAP showed a higher relative proportion of Fibrobacter
succinogenes (P = 0.04) than animals fed MON. Cows fed CON had higher net (P = 0.01)
and digestible (P < 0.01) energy intakes than animals fed MON. SAPEO and CON
increased serum concentrations of albumin and urea, respectively (P < 0.05). Higher
protein (P = 0.01) and fat (P = 0.01) levels in the milk were observed in cows fed SAPEO
than animals fed MON. Monensin decreased the concentrations of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, and
C18:1 cis-11 milk fatty acids (P < 0.05). Monensin decreased nutrient intake to a more
energetically eficiente pathway but did not alter milk production, digestibility, or rumen
fermentation. Saponin supplementation associated with essential oils increases milk fat
and protein contents in lactating Jersey cows compared to animals fed a monensinsupplemented
diet.

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of essential oils from Lippia sidoides
(EOLS) and Cymbopogon citratus (EOCC) on the anesthetic induction and recovery of
freshwater angelfish, as well as their viability as a sedative during transport.
Freshwater angelfish juveniles I (0.82 g) and II (2.40 g) were exposed to different
concentrations of EOLS and EOCC: 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg L-1.
Ventilatory frequency (VF) and transport for 8 h with 0, 10 and 15 mg L-1 of each
essential oil were also evaluated in juveniles II. The minimum concentration of both
essential oils capable of causing sedation was 10 and 25 mg L-1 for juveniles I and II,
respectively. The best times of anesthesia for both essential oils were obtained with
200 and 250 mg L-1 for juveniles I and II, respectively. Blood glucose levels were higher
in animals transported with 10 and 15 mg EOLS L-1 and 15 mg EOCC L-1. Hepatic
glycogen levels were higher in animals transported without the addition of the essential
oils. Juveniles II sedated with EOLS had lower VF than the other treatments. For
transported fish, the volume of gill tissue and filament epithelium was smaller in fish of
the control and 15 mg EOLS L-1 groups. For secondary lamella, the lowest values
occurred in fish from the 10 mg EOLS L-1 treatment. In general, fish transported with
10 mg EOLS L-1 showed less gill alterations than other transported fish. When the type
of lesion was evaluated, the greatest changes occurred for the treatments 10 and 15
mg EOCC L-1. In conclusion, EOLS and EOCC are efficient for handling at
concentrations of 200 and 250 mg L-1 for juveniles I and II, respectively. For transport
of juveniles II for up to 8 h, 10 mg L-1 of OELS can be used, because although this
concentration has increased blood glucose, it decreased VF, did not affect water
quality and did not cause irreversible damage to the gill tissue.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of high concentrate diets in the feeding of confined lambs and goats on consumption, nutrient digestibility, balance of nitrogen compounds, microbial protein synthesis, ingestive behavior, performance and physical characteristics - came from the meat. The experiment lasted 60 days, preceded by 14 days for adaptation to the facilities and daily adjustment. Fourteen Santa Inês x Dorper lambs and 14 Boer goats were used, with approximately 120 days of age and average body weight of 20 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design (DIC) in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (two concentrated ratios: roughage and two species). By means of randomization, the animals were distributed in two treatments, with seven contracts each. The experimental diets (corn cornmeal, cottonseed meal, urea, mineral mixture and sugar silage as a voluminous sugarcane source), with treatment T1 offered at a ratio of 40:60 and T2 at a ratio of 20:80 (V:C), respectively. At V: 20:80 C higher dry matter intake CMS Sheep species also presented higher intake of DM, MO, NDF and MOd than goats (P<0.05). The digestibility of DM, MO, CP and EE were higher for the goat species. It was observed the effect of the interaction (P<0.05) between the factors Species and Diet on the Nigested, N ingested, N absorbed and N retained. The animals fed with 20:80 had a lower number of records of rumination for idleness and increased (P<0.05) Animals the ingestion of DM intake and rumination. Final weight and gain were higher for species than final weight and for those fed diets 20, which means higher weights in kg meat, leg diaries, length width, gain width, length perimeters and rump length when compared to goats (P<0.05). The factor the types of characteristics or sensory analysis, and all types of characteristics or sensory changes were received as majori flavor, tenderness, juiciness, odor of the species influenced (P<0, scores 05). The sheep species presented meat with higher moisture, lower crude protein and ether extract (P<0.05). The mean SGA means were higher for goat species and the 40:60 diet. AGMI presented higher averages for sheep species, AGPI presented higher averages for goat species within the same diet.

The objective was to test the hypothesis that sheep with negative RFI values do not decrease performance under heat stress, without altering carcass characteristics and meat quality regardless of the concentrate level. We used 60 Dorper males previously classified according to RFI (positive and negative) and distributed in a block design with plots subdivided into two thermal confinement environments (full sun and shade) and diets with 30, 45 and 60% concentrate, during a period of 60 days. CAR alone did not affect any of the variables analyzed. Animals that received higher proportions of concentrate in the diet showed superiority for all performance variables, characteristics and carcass composition. Interactions between environment and concentrate showed that animals confined to the shade and receiving higher proportions of concentrate retained more nitrogen, higher FW, TWG and ADG. In the interactions between RFI and environment, RFI positive animals presented higher hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, commercial cuts and bone and muscle weights when confined to the sun, in addition, these animals presented higher percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat, as well as the sum of omega 3. On the other hand, RFI negative animals had the highest carcass weights, commercial cuts, bones and muscle when confined in a shaded environment. It is concluded that interactions between RFI and the environment promote changes in performance, carcass composition and meat fatty acid profile.

Equid breeds originating from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa are believed to
33 have genetically contributed to the formation of breeds and ecotypes from Brazil. The
34 country has numerous breeds and ecotypes of horses and donkeys but there are no
35 extensive studies on maternal genetic diversity and their origins. This study reports the
36 results of the first genetic analysis of all horse and donkey breeds/ecotypes from Brazil
37 based on sequences of the mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) whose main
38 objective was to characterize the genetic variation in these animals. These analyses will
39 contribute to the understanding of the current population structure and diversity of
40 breeds/ecotypes of horses and donkeys raised in the Brazil. We analyzed 310 D-loop
41 sequences representing 41 breeds/ecotypes of Equus caballus and Equus asinus,
42 including 14 naturalized horse breeds/ecotypes, 3 naturalized donkey breeds/ecotypes
43 and 24 cosmopolite horse breeds. The results revealed that the breeds are well structured
44 genetically and that they comprise different groups. A total of 80 and 14 haplotypes
45 were identified for horses and donkeys, respectively. Most of the horse mtDNA
46 haplotypes were shared by many breeds, whereas donkey mtDNA haplotypes seemed to
47 be more group-especif. Some groups presented a low intrabreed distance and/or a low
48 haplotype/nucleotide diversity such as Lavradeiro, Crioulo, Piquira and Percheron
49 horses and Brazilian donkey. Thus, specific actions must be designed for each
50 population. The different levels of genetic diversity provided important information for
51 conservation resource management of adapted groups as well as for mating orientation
33
of breed associations. Some brazilians ecotypes 52 require attention because of their low
53 genetic variability.

One experiment was carried out to characterize the mushroom cultivation substrate as a function of fungus growth time and three experiments to determine the best level of replacement of Tifton-85 hay by the mushroom cultivation residue in the diet of confined lambs. To characterize the substrate for mushroom cultivation, the substrate was collected at the mushroom factory at seven ages of fungus inoculation, 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days, and bromatological analysis was carried out. For the animal experiments, five levels of replacement of Tifton-85 hay by the residue from mushroom cultivation were tested, namely: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% based on DM. The first animal experiment was carried out with forty crossbred lambs (Santa Ines × Dorper) with a mean age of four months and mean body weight of 27.8 ± 2.37 kg, to evaluate nutrient intake, performance, of carcass, ingestive behavior and blood parameters. The second experiment was carried out with twenty-five animals, with a mean age of six months and mean body weight of 40.0 ± 3.0 kg, on which the coefficients of digestibility and nitrogen balance were determined, where both were used in a completely randomized design. The third experiment was conducted with five rumen-cannulated adult lambs, 12 months of age and average weight of 42.0 ± 4.0 kg, which were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Variables were analyzed using the SAS PROC MIXED procedure, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05. The composition of the cultivation substrate is modified as the fungus grows, so that the percentages of DM, EE, NFC reduced, while ash, CP, NDF, ADF and IVDMD increased. Nutrient consumption increased quadratically, mainly due to the smaller particle size and consequent reduction of digesta permanence in the rumen. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and TDN reduced, due to the higher proportion of indigestible components, such as ADF and lignin in the highest percentages of residue used. There was greater nitrogen intake, with greater fecal N excretion and a reduction in N excreted in the urine, resulting in greater nitrogen retention, according to the levels evaluated. pH and ammonia nitrogen were not influenced, while the population of protozoa reduced. The performance and carcass characteristics were also not altered with the replacement of hay by residue. Significant variations were observed mainly for the feeding time and rumination time, which reflect the physical characteristics of the diets, especially the particle size. There were no alterations in the blood parameters of the animals fed with residue from mushroom cultivation instead of hay. It is therefore recommended to replace Tifton-85 hay with mushroom growing residue by up to 100%, as it increased N retention, in addition to decreasing the population of protozoa. Although there was maintenance of performance, there was a reduction of soybean meal in the diet, the ingredient with the highest cost.

Beta-casein is a milk protein that has two variants: A1 and A2. Some individuals have difficulties digesting beta-casein A1, which can cause gastrointestinal disorders. A2 milk has emerged as an alternative. This milk only contains beta-casein A2 and is obtained from females carrying the A2A2 genotype of the gene. In cattle, allele and genotype frequencies vary according to breed and marker-assisted selection is performed to obtain A2A2 animals and the consequent production of A2 milk that is easier to digest. This study aimed to evaluate the alleles of beta-casein in buffaloes. A total of 657 buffaloes of four different breeds were genotyped and all animals carried the A2A2 genotype, i.e., allele A2 was found to be fixed in the buffalo species. Thus, all milk products of buffaloes are naturally A2. This result adds value to products derived from buffalo milk.

Scrotal hernias are common congenital defects in commercial pigs, characterized by the presence of abdominal Scrotal hernia (SH), as it is a complex trait, many genes can influence this phenotype, thus, the etiology of SH remains unclear. In order to identify potential markers that make an important role in the development of SH, two analyzes were performed with next generation sequencing. In the first analysis, we aim to identify the biological and genetic mechanisms involved in its occurrence, by analyzing the transcriptome of the inguinal ring of swine affected and not affected by SH. According to the results of the transcriptome, the expression profile of differentially expressed genes was associated with reduced smooth muscle differentiation, followed by the low calcium content in the cell, which could lead to a lower proportion of apoptosis and decreased muscle contraction in the inguinal canal region. In this perspective, the MYBPC1, BOK, SLC25A4, SLC8A3, DES, TPM2, MAP1CL3C and FGF1 genes were considered strong candidates for future evaluation. Additively, in the second analysis, using the transcriptome and exome data, we aim to identify possible new mutations and genes involved in the occurrence of SH in pigs. In this study, an integrated functional analysis of the data revealed important genes belonging to molecular mechanisms related to smooth muscle differentiation, collagen formation, neurogenesis, muscle contraction and apoptosis, which may be associated with the development of SH in pigs. We emphasize that the variants, located in coding and regulatory regions of the C8B, P4HA2, PDSS1, MYRF, MPZ, NUDT22 and GAPDH genes, can alter their expression and protein function, in addition to interfering in the expression of other genes, partially controlling the development of SH in pigs. The results obtained here, contribute to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms of pigs affected by SH, enabling the future development of a diagnostic method to identify animals with SH.

Imputation accuracy among other things depends on the size of the reference panel, the
marker's minor allele frequency (MAF), and the correct placement of variants on the
reference genome assembly. Using high-density genotypes of 3938 Nellore cattle from
Brazil, we investigated the accuracy of imputation from 50K to 777K SNP density,
using map positions determined according to the bovine genome assemblies UMD3.1
and ARS-UCD1.2. We assessed the effect of reference and target panel sizes on the prephasing-
based imputation quality using ten-fold cross-validation. Further, we compared
the reliability of the model-based imputation quality score (Rsq) from Minimac3 to
empirical imputation accuracy. The overall accuracy of imputation measured as the
squared correlation between true and imputed allele dosages (R2dose) was virtually
identical using either the UMD3.1 or ARS-UCD1.2 genome assembly. When the size of
the reference panel increased from 250 to 2000, R2dose increased from 0.845 to 0.917,
and the number of polymorphic markers in the imputed data set increased from 586,701
to 618,660. Advantages in both accuracy and marker density were also observed when
larger target panels were imputed, likely resulting from more accurate haplotype
inference. Imputation accuracy and the marker density in the imputed data increased
from 0.903 to 0.913 and from 593,239 to 595,570 when haplotypes were inferred in 500
and 2900 target animals, respectively. The model-based imputation quality scores from
Minimac3 (Rsq) were highly correlated to but systematically higher than empirically 

estimated accuracies. The correlation between these metrics increased with the size of
the reference panel and MAF of imputed variants. Accurate imputation of BovineHD
BeadChip markers is possible in Nellore cattle using the new bovine reference genome
assembly ARS-UCD1.2. The use of large reference and target panels improves the
accuracy of the imputed genotypes and provides genotypes for more markers
segregating at low frequency for downstream genomic analyses. The model-based
imputation quality score from Minimac3 (Rsq) can be used to detect poorly imputed
variants but its reliability depends on the size of the reference panel used and MAF of
the imputed variants.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm kernel oil (PKO) on consumption, digestibility, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation parameters and productive performance in the lamb diet. Three experimental trials were conducted at the Experimental Farm of the School of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal University of Bahia, in São Gonçalo dos Campos - BA. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of palm kernel oil (PKO) in the diet, with PKOzero - level zero - without the inclusion of PKO; PKO1.3% - addition of 1.3% PKO; PKO2.6% - addition of 2.6% of PKO; PKO3.9% - addition of 3.9% of PKO; PKO5.2% - addition of 5.2% PKO, based on the dry matter of the total diet. The diets were formulated with a roughage ratio: 40:60 concentrate in the form of a complete mixture and the concentrate composed of corn bran, soybean meal, mineral salt and palm kernel oil according to each treatment. In the first experimental trial 40 non-castrated male lambs housed individually in stalls were used, distributed in a completely randomized design to assess the consumption of nutrients and blood metabolites. For the digestibility test, 25 non-castrated male Santa Inês lambs were used, distributed in a completely randomized design. The third experimental test was carried out using 5 male sheep, not castrated, fistulated and cannulated in the rumen, to evaluate ruminal fermentation parameters, distributed in a Latin square design. Samples of food, leftovers and feces were collected for chemical-chemical analysis to determine the consumption and digestibility of nutrients. There was a linear reduction in the consumption of dry matter (P<0.001), minerals (P<0.001), crude protein (P<0.001), neutral detergent fiber (P<0.001), non-fibrous carbohydrates (P<0.001), digestible nutrients total (P=0.021) and increased consumption of ether extract (P<0.001) as the inclusion of PKO increased in the diet. The digestibility coefficients of neutral detergent fiber (P=0.573) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (P=0.648) were not affected by the presence of PKO in the diet. The digestibility of dry matter (P=0.035), ether extract (P<0.001), crude protein (P<0.001) and total digestible nutrients (P<0.001) increased as the level of PKO in the diet increased. There was a reduction in consumption (P<0.001) and excretion of fecal nitrogen (P<0.001), as well as in the production of microbial protein (P<0.001) with the increased supply of PKO in the sheep diet. Serum cholesterol increased (P<0.001), while the serum concentration of the GGT enzyme decreased (P=0.048) when the level of PKO in the diet increased. The presence of PKO in the diet had no effect on total weight gain (P=0.058) and average daily gain (P=0.057), however, feed conversion improved (P=0.001) when the level of PKO in the diet increased. Palm kernel oil can be supplied in the sheep diet up to the level of 5.2% inclusion, with improved digestibility of nutrients. The presence of palm kernel oil in the diet improved feed conversion and reduced the nitrogen balance, with a decrease in the population of total protozoa in the rumen liquid.

In order to study the effect of palm kernel oil on metabolism and animal
production, two experiments were carried out to determine the best level (0.0; 11.5; 23.0
and 34.6 g/kg DM) of inclusion of palm kernel oil (PO) in the diet of bulls in a feedlot.
The first experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with thirty-two
Nellores bulls, with an average age of 24 months and an average body weight of 413 ±
29.0 kg, to assess nutrient intake, performance, ingestive behavior and carcass
characteristics. The second experiment was carried out in a 4 x 4 double Latin square
experimental design, with eight crossbred steers with ruminal cannula with an average
body weight of 435 ± 70 kg, in which the digestibility coefficients, nitrogen balance,
microbial protein synthesis , short-chain fatty acids and the rumen protozoan population
count were estimated. The inclusion of palm kernel oil resulted in a negative linear
effect on intake of kg/day of DM (P < 0.001), CP (P < 0.001), apNDF (P < 0.001), NFC
(P < 0.001) and TDN (P < 0.001). However, intake of EE (P < 0.001) showed a positive
quadratic effect with maximum predicted intake at 15.36 g/kg DM level. There was no
effect of palm kernel oil on the time spent (min/day) on feeding (P = 0.921), but a
positive quadratic effect (P < 0.001) was observed for the time spent on rumination and
a quadratic reduction (P < 0.001) in idle time. Digestibility of DM (P < 0.001), apNDF
(P < 0.001) and TDN (P = 0.004) decreased linearly. On the other hand, EE digestibility
(P = 0.053) had a trend of increase with the level of PO in the diet. The digestibility
coefficient of CP (P = 0.475) and NFC (P = 0.114) did not change significantly. The
consumption of nitrogen (P < 0.001), nitrogen retained (P < 0.001) and the production
of microbial protein (g/day) (P < 0.001) decreased linearly with the increase of palm
kernel oil. However, for the efficiency of microbial protein production in g/kg TDN
ingested there was no influence (P = 0.807). A linear reduction was observed for the
final weight (P < 0.001), average daily gain (P < 0.001), hot carcass weight (P < 0.001),
cold carcass weight (P < 0.001), hot carcass yield (P < 0.001), cold carcass yield (P <
0.001), rib eye area (P = 0.015) and thickness of subcutaneous fat (P = 0.002). The
inclusion of palm kernel oil in up to 34.6 g / kg DM in diets of confined bulls is not
9
recommended, as it reduces the consumption of DM and nutrients, in addition to
negatively affecting digestibility and performance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inclusion of sources of
unsaturated fatty acids in diets for buffaloes on the consumption and apparent
digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation, ingestive behavior of the animals. Four
buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Murrah, approximately 24 months old, castrated,
cannulated in the rumen and with initial mean weight of 407 ± 60 kg were used. The
animals were randomly distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, in a 2 × 2 factorial
scheme and in the following experimental diets: 1) CO = Control; 2) SO = Soybean Oil;
3) WSG = Raw and integral soybean grain; 4) CSFA = Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids.
The diets were formulated using a voluminous ratio: concentrate of 70:30, being used as
volumetric hay of Capim-Transvala (Digitaria Decumbens cv. Transvala). However,
the addition of the unsaturated fatty acid sources increased the consumption of ethereal
extract (P <0.01) and the apparent digestibility of the ethereal extract (P = 0,04). There
was a difference (P> 0.031) for ruminal pH values between SG and CSFA diets. The
inclusion of the sources of unsaturated fatty acids promoted a decrease in the molar
concentrations of all variables analyzed in the rumen. The observed results suggest that
the amounts of fatty acids included were not sufficient to have significant effects on
buffalo metabolism.

Primal carcass cuts such as loin, leg, shoulder, and rib affect directly the commercial
value of the sheep carcass, since they are economically important components of the
carcass. However, to measure them it is necessary to slaughter the animals and the high
costs of accompanying these slaughters make it difficult to include these variables in
breeding programs. Thus, this study aimed to carry out a genome wide association study
to identify chromosomal regions associated with primal cuts yields in Santa Inês sheep.
492 lambs were genotyped with the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip and measured for
yields of loin, shoulder, leg and ribs. The GBLUP single-step method was used to
associate primal cuts yields with polymorphisms using the BLUPF90 family programs.
After the quality control of the data, 491 individuals and 44,161 markers remained. The
estimated coefficients of heritability were 0.27, 0.31, 0.45, 0.40 for the yields of loin,
shoulder, leg and rib respectively. We have identified genomic regions that explain above
1% of the genetic variance on chromosomes 3, 4, 6, and 18 for loin yield, 2, 4, 5, 8, 11,
18, 20, and 22 for shoulder and shank yields, and on chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 24
for rib yield. The genetic variance explained were 18.62% for loin, 16.54% for shoulder,
13.8% for shank, and 18.87% for rib. The candidate genes HSP90AA1, DIO3, NR1H4,
LEP, and SOX5 for the loin, GJA1, GPRC6A, RFX6, SEMA3A, and SEMA3D for the
palette, PLA2G7, SUFU, ALDH1A3, CHSY1, and TGFB1 for shank, and DOCK7,
ANGPTL3, LEPR, PDE4B, DNAJC6, AK4, GALNT16, and AP2B1 for rib yield were
found. The present study identified genomic regions associated with primal cuts yields in
Santa Inês sheep, and several candidate genes in these regions were found. Further studies
involving sequencing of these genes may be performed to identify which variants cause
these effects.

The goal of this work is to test the hypothesis that environmental enrichment can influence the well-being of young and adult horses living in stalls. In this study, 2 tests were performed, which evaluated 2 groups of horses classified in young GJ (3 years old) and adults ga (10 years old), that live in individual stalls. All adult animals performed urban patrol activity. In test 1, the behavioral events of the animals were evaluated in GJ (n = 7) and GA (n = 23), during the 7 days of the week. Each group was observed in 4 shifts, 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. In the second test, EA items were evaluated in GJ and GA, when the animals were submitted to two EA treatments in the stall (mirror and a toy with rope). Observations were made by using the same method used in test 1.
In both tests, the relative frequency (RF) distribution of the behavioral events per shift and day of observation for GJ and GA were calculated. In test 2, the mean frequencies of the behavioral events of each treatment were analyzed in a lineation with 3 simultaneous 3x3 Latin squares. Significant differences were observed in behavioral events in relation to observation shifts in GJ (P <0.001). In GJ, the highest daily total FR of drinking / eating (44.46%) and sleep / rest behaviors (23.32%) was observed, while in GA the predominant behaviors were eating / drinking (26.94%) and sleep / rest (26.89%). Considering the stereotypy behavioral category, GJ had a FR of 5.54%, whereas in GA a FR was 4.45%.
When comparing the frequencies of the behaviors between GJ and GA, the behaviors with the highest RF were eating / drinking and sleep / rest. In the GJ the EA of the use of the mirrors in the stall influenced significantly the behaviors of Sleep / rest, Climb in the trough and lick / bite. In GA the mirrors influenced the Sleep / Rest and Alert behavior.
In the EA the toy with rope didn’t influence the behavior of the horses. The visual stimulus of the mirror seems to change the perception that the horses have of the environment, reducing the incidence of stereotypies and moments of idleness. Some objects may present better response as a form of EA varying according to the type of the object used and the way it is used. In GA where the interaction of the animals with the EA objects was little, the low interaction may indicate that for "mature" adult horses leaving the stalls for work, not all types of AD are effective. Studies with other types of EA are required for adult horses that live in stalls with a proposal of cognitive, social or food enrichment. Another possibility is that adult horses do not show interest in enrichment of the physical type. Besides that, can be inferred that the patrolling activity may have an influence on the stress dissipation of this group. With this, it can be concluded that the use of mirrors as environmental enrichment has a positive influence on the well-being of young horses.

objective of this study was to evaluate the welfare degree of goats of different genetic
groups kept in confinement system, in collective or individual stalls through the qualitative
behavior assessment associated with infrared thermography. The experiment was conducted at
the experimental farm of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics – UFBA located
in Entre rios city - BA. Twenty-four goats were used, eight animals from each genetic group
being Moxotó, Saanen and Anglo-Nubiana. Three collective pens were used, one for each
genetic group, housing a total of 4 animals each. For groups housed in individual pens, twelve
pens were used, thus four for each genetic group. It was used 6m² and 1,5m² of area for the
collective and individual pens, respectively. To capture the photos, the camera was positioned
approximately 60 centimeters away from each goat. The photos were captured at three times of
the day: at 6:00, 12:00 and 18:00 hours. Were prioritized the front, back and left lateral positions
of the animals, so that the temperature of the rumen area was also accounted for. Behavioral
analyzes of the animals were based on the qualitative behavior assessment, using descriptors
as: Aggressive, Agitated, Alert, Apathetic, Attention, Playful, Calm, Content, Curious, Bored,
Frustrated, Angry, Fearful and Sociable. Statistical differences (P<0,05) were found between
the types of accommodation, with the collective stalls showing higher means of agitated,
frustrated, angry and sociable behavior. Other behavior showed no significant difference.
Regarding the temperature of the animals, statistical differences (P <0.05) were observed for
the behavior of agitated, listless, frustrated, attentive, curious and bored. It is concluded that
despite the degree of restriction to the sociable behavior of animals housed in individual pens,
they were deprived of some negative behaviors such as irritation and frustration. Individual
pens is the best choice since animals are not isolated. Regarding temperatures, they can provide
us with prior information about the emotional behavior of animals, and thermography is useful
for these evaluations without the need for more invasive interventions for the animal.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity, intake, ingestive behavior,
performance and meat quality of lambs fed different ratios: concentrate (v: c),
associated with different particle sizes of hay. Seventy - two male lambs, of the Santa
Inês breed, with a mean initial weight of 23.5 kg and age between 3 and 4 months, were
confined for a period of 85 days. The animals were distributed in a completely
randomized design, and treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (Tifton-85
hay processing sieve diameter (13 and 6 mm) and v: c ratio (70:30 and 50: 50). There
was interaction (P <0.05) between the diameter of the hay sieve and the v: c ratios in the
particle sizes consumed, since the reduction in particle size of the diet decreases the
selectivity of the animals. Dry matter and nutrient intakes and ingestive behavior were
influenced (P <0.05) by the reduction of the hay sieve diameter and the increase in the
proportion of concentrate in the diet, separately. The nitrogen (N) metabolism was
influenced (p <0.05) by the change in the v: c ratio, being that diets with a higher
proportion of voluminous decreased the consumption of N. There was interaction (P
<0.05) between the factors tested in the animal performance, being the best results of
sheep fed with 50:50 ratio, regardless of hay processing. The interaction caused effect
(P <0.05) for pH 24h after refrigeration and color parameters red intensity and
saturation index. Hay processing influenced (P <0.05) the protein content of the
Longissimus lumborum muscle, being the highest protein content observed in the meat
of lambs fed on coarsely processed hay. The relation v: c influenced (p <0.05) the
carcass characteristics, being the greater results for the diets that contained 50% of
concentrate, and the luminosity index of the meat color (p = 0.036) being that the result
was higher in lamb meat receiving diets containing 70% of roughage. The fatty acid
profile (AG) was influenced by the v: c ratio, with saturated fatty acids, C17: 1,
conjugated linoleic acid, C18: 3, C20: 5, C22: 5, C22: 6, (AGS), n-3 and
thrombogenicity index were higher in Longissumus lumborum of lambs fed v: c ratio
70: 30, in contrast, AG C14: 1, C16: 1-cis 9, C18: 1-cis 9, ΣAGM, n-6: n-3, h: H ratio,
Δ9desaturase-C16 and C18 enzyme activity were highest with v: c ratio of 50:50. The
processing of hay more finely in diets with high voluminous proportions increases the
consumption of the animals due to the smaller selectivity, and the meat of these animals
has larger deposits of n-3 PUFA.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the lipid source and sexual
class on animal performance, carcass and meat characteristics, digestibility of nutrients,
nitrogen balance and blood parameters of feedlot sheep. Two experiments were
conducted, in the experiment I, were used forty lambs crossbreed Dorper x Santa Inês,
male, with body weight of 22.27±2.79 kg, which were distributed in a completely
randomized experimental design with five treatments and eight replications. The diets
were formulated to be isonitrogenous, with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60. It was
used as roughage tifton-85 hay. Five diets were formulated for each fat source (corn

germ, whole raw soybean, soybean oil and protected fat as calcium salt fatty acids-
CSFA) and the control diet (composed of soybean meal, ground corn, mineral premix

and urea). The intake and apparent digestibility of the nutritional compounds was higher
to the CSFA diet (p≤0.05). The lambs in the diet with CSFA had higher final body
weight (p=0.0056), higher average daily weight gain (p=0.0013) and higher relative rate
of growth (p=0.0209). No significant differences were observed in the urinary and
blood parameters (p>0.05), except for the levels of blood triglycerides (p=0.0380),
which were higher in the diets with whole raw soybean (44.7694 mg dL-1

). The amount
of nitrogen consumed was higher in the control and CSFA diets (p=0.0038), however,
the diet with CSFA provided higher nitrogen absorption. The largest chewing time and
the largest chewings number for bolus occurred in the diet with soybean oil (p≤0.05),
while the greater efficiencies of rumination of dry matter and NDF that with CSFA. The
lower carcass performance and meat production were observed in the diets with raw
whole soybean and corn germ (p≤0.05) and the highest finishing index, loin eye area
and loin weight were observed in the diet with CSFA (p≤0.05). In the experiment II,
were used twenty male lambs with mean body weight of 22.49 ± 2.78 kg and twenty
female lambs with mean body weight of 20,59 ± 3,37 kg, crossbreed Dorper x Santa
Inês, in a completely randomized experimental design with a factorial arrangement 4x2,

xxi

with four diets and two sexual classes. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous,
with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60. It was used as roughage tifton-85 hay. Were
formulated three diets referents each fat source (raw whole soybean, soybean oil and fat
protected as calcium salt fatty acids) and the control diet (composed of soybean meal,
ground corn, mineral premix, and urea). The nutritional compounds intake was higher
(p≤0.05) in the animals fed with the control and fatty acids calcium salts diets. The
digestibility of nutritional compounds and the performance measures were higher
(p≤0.05) in the animals fed with the fatty acid calcium salt diet. No differences were
observed (p>0.05) in the measures of ingestive behavior and, urinary and blood
parameters between the diets evaluated. There was higher (p≤0.05) intake of nutritional
compounds in male lambs. The body weight, weight gain, feed efficiency and relative
rate of growth were higher for the male lambs, however, the feed conversion was higher
for the female lambs. We found higher intake and nitrogen retention in the male lambs,
while in the female lambs there was higher absorption and excretion of nitrogen. The
animals fed with the fat source, fatty acid calcium salts, showed better results when
compared with the other lipid sources.

Two experiments were performed to determine the best level (0, 16, 32 and 48 g/kg DM) of inclusion of condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii extract in the diet of goat kids in feedlot. An experiment was performed with thirty-two castrated crossbreed Boer goat kids, with a mean age of four months and mean body weight (BW) of 19.7 ± 2.05 kg, to measure nutrient intake and performance, and another experiment was developed with twenty Boer animals, at five months of age and 29.0 ± 2.45 kg BW, in which the digestibility coefficients, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, ingestive behavior and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) were determined. The intake of dry mater (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), nonfibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) did not change significantly (P>0.05) with the addition of Acacia mearnsii extract in the goat kid diets, but the NDF g/kg BW (P=0.03) and BW0.75 (P=0.04) increased. No effect was observed on the addition of condensed tannins on the time spent on rumination (P=0.45), idling (P=0.11), chewing (P=0.84), nº chews/bolus (P=0.41) or eating and the rumination efficiency of DM and NDF (P>0.05) of the goat kids. A tendency was observed to increase the time spent feeding (P=0.07) but with marked responses only at CT inclusion above 32 g/kg DM. The digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, NFC and TDN decreased in goat kids, and EE (P = 0.80) digestibility was not affected by an increase in the condensed tannins. No effect of Acacia mearnsii extract levels was observed on the N intake (P=0.66) and N retained (P=0.11); however, a linear increase in fecal N excretion (P<0.01) and a trend for a linear decrease in urinary N excretion (P=0.08) were observed. A quadratic increase was observed for the synthesis (P<0.01) and microbial efficiency (P<0.01), final body weight (P=0.01), ADG (P=0.01), total gain (P=0.01), the Gain:Feed ratio, hot weight (P=0.02), and cold (P=0.03) carcass weights, as well as for the hot (P=0.03) and cold (P=0.04) carcass yields. The loin eye area was not affected (P=0.75). The inclusion of condensed tannins from Acacia mearnsii extract up to 17.7 g/kg DM is recommended, as it improves the synthesis and efficiency of microbial production, increasing the Gain:Feed ratio and performance of animals.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of
dietary supplementation with functional oil on performance, blood parameters, digestive
organ morphometry, diarrhea occurrence, microbiology and intestinal lesions in piglets
in the nursery phase. A total of 128 weaned piglets, with initial average weight of 6.79 ±
1.76 kg, were distributed in a randomized block design and 2x2 factorial scheme (two
sexes and two diets), totaling four treatments: males without functional oil (MWOFO),
males with functional oil (MWFO), females without functional oil (FWOFO) and females
with functional oil (FWFO). The treatments consisted of basal diets (pre-initial I, preinitial
II and initial) with (1500 mg / kg feed) and without the inclusion of functional oil,
a mixture of castor oil and cashew nut oil. At the beginning and end of each experimental
phase the performance variables were measured: average daily feed intake (ADFI),
average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion (FC) and analyzed the blood
variables: blood count complete and serum biochemistry (total proteins, albumins and
globulins) of piglets. At the end of the pré-initial II and initial phases, 24 animals were
slaughtered (6 animals/treatment) for organ morphometric analysis, pH measurement
stomach and intestinal (jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon) contents, microbiology,
histology and intestinal injury score. The data were subjected to analysis of variance,
which was tested the effects of treatments and their interactions, the means of treatments
were compared by Tukey test at 5% significance level. The results show that dietary
supplementation with functional oil increased the piglet CA in the pre-initial I (P=0.0121)
and total (P=0.0273) phases. In the pre-initial phase II, reduced the ADWG (P=0.0022),
stomach weight (P=0.0068) and ileum villous height (VH, P=0.0189), however, increased
the values of monocyte (MON, P=0.0241), total protein (TP, P=0.0256), microbial
concentration of lactobacilli in the jejunum (P<0001) and in the ileum (P=0.0417) and
the relation of villus height and crypt depth (VH/CD, P=0.0436) of the jejunum. In the
initial phase, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration values (CACH, P=0.0044)
and the jejunum injury score (P=0.0012) increased, and reduced the VH/CD ratio
decreased (P=0.0349) of the jejunum. The addition of functional oil to the diet of piglets
in the nursery phase did not have a positive effect on the animals' performance, however, 22
without prejudice to blood parameters, organ morphometry and intestinal tract pH. In the
pre-initial phase II, it favored the development of lactobacilli in the jejunum and ileum
and an increase in the ratio of villus height and depth to the piglets' jejunum crypts,
however, without any beneficial effect on the microbiology, histology and intestinal
lesions of piglets in the initial phase.

The aim of present work was study the influence of high incubation temperature on
morphological and zootechnical parameters of broiler chicks in incubator machines with control
of shell temperature. 720 eggs of Cobb® broiler breeder at 44 weeks were used. The incubation
was took place in four single-stage Premium Ecological® IP200 machines with capacity of 200
eggs. The treatments were defined by two incubation temperatures, being 360 eggs identified as
C treatment (Control) and 360 eggs identified as HT treatment (High Temperature). Incubation
machines were set to maintain temperature at 37,8°C (100°F) and RH content of 55% during the
incubation period. Between day 8 and 18 of incubation, two machines were set to maintain the
temperature at 38.9°C (102°F) (HT Treatment). Six sensors were applied in equatorial region of
egg, to control the shell temperature. After 516 hours of incubation, the chicks were counted and
40 chicks were randomly separated by treatment for further analysis. It was verified that high
incubation temperature reduced hatchability (p≤0.05) caused by elevation of embryonic
mortality. The use of 38.9°C (102°F) resulted in larger residual yolk sac weight, lower YFBM,
shorter chick length and lower navel quality. In addition, heart, liver and lung weights were
statistically lower (p≤0.05) and there was a reduction in hepatic glycogen reserves in this
treatment. The values of hemogasometric parameters were similar (p>0.05) between treatments,
demonstrating that the acid-base balance mechanism of chicks was efficient in maintaining
homeostasis before exposure of high temperature. It was concluded that egg shell temperature of
38.9ºC, between day 8 and 18 of incubation, is not recommended because it reduces
hatchability, development of vital organs and chick quality.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of palm kernel, in high
concentrate diets, for discarded goats finished in a feedlot on the productive, metabolic
and behavioral parameters. Thirty-two SPRD (Without Racial Standard Defined) goats,
not pregnant, with an initial body weight of 24.70 ± 3.72 kg were used. Animals were
distributed in a completely randomized design, with four diets and eight replicates.
Goats were fed with 200 g.kg
-1
of Tifton-85 hay and 800 g.kg
-1
of concentrate mixture
composed of ground corn, soybean meal, mineral premix, and the inclusion, on dry
matter basis of 0; 120; 240 and 360 g.kg
-1
of palm kernel cake, which constituted the
experimental diets. The inclusion of palm kernel cake in the diets promoted a positive
quadratic effect (P<0.05) on the intakes of nutritional fractions and linear effect
(P<0.05) on the dry matter and organic matter digestibility coefficients. The productive
performance of the animals was also affected by the inclusion of palm kernel cake with
quadratic effect (P<0.05) on the total and average daily weight gains. There was a
positive quadratic effect (P<0.05) of palm kernel cake on retained nitrogen, and a linear
reduction (P<0.05) on the nitrogen excretions via feces and urine. With the exception of
gamma-glutamyltransferase plasma levels that reduced linearly (P<0.05), due to the
inclusion of palm kernel cake, it was observed that the diets affected in a quadratic form
(P>0.05) the serum concentrations of alanine-aminotransferase,aspartateaminotransferase

enzymes. Palm kernel cake can be included in high concentrate diets
for goats up to the level of 111.2 g.kg
.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of eugenol for induction and anaesthesia
recovery in Amazon catfish juveniles and to verify its effects in reducing handling stress.
Juveniles were transferred to aquariums containing different concentrations of eugenol:
0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 µL L
-1
. The fish were divided into two groups:
anaesthetized with 50 μL L
-1
eugenol and non-anaesthetized, and they were evaluated at
0, 1 and 5 hours after handling stress through biochemical and haematological variables.
The minimum effective concentration for sedation and anaesthesia occurred with the use
of 20 and 50 μL L
-1
of eugenol, respectively. In the control fish, 25 and 50% mortality
occurred at 0 and 1 h after handling stress. Plasma cortisol levels were higher in control
fish than anaesthetized fish at 0 h after handling stress (P < 0.05). Plasma AST and
albumin levels were higher in control fish when compared to anaesthetized fish at 0 and
1 h after handling stress, respectively (P < 0.05). In control fish, plasma cortisol, glucose,
total protein and albumin levels were significantly lower at 5 h after handling stress (P
<0.05). Thrombocyte and neutrophils values were lower in control fish when compared
to anaesthetized fish at 1 and 5 h after handling stress, respectively (P < 0.05). The use of
50 μL L
-1
eugenol is indicated as an anaesthetic for Amazon catfish and reduces posthandling
stress
by
reducing
mortality,
improving

biochemical responses and promoting
increased immune defence system.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on nutrient intake and digestibility, ingestive behavior, consumption, ruminal pH and production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in fistulated sheep. Four male Santa Inês sheep, uncastrated, rumen fistulated, with a mean live weight of approximately 40 kg were used. The experimental treatments consisted of five diets containing neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels in the diet (28%; 40%); %, 52%, 64% and 76%). The animals were confined for 105 days, with the first 15 days of each experimental period adapting to the diets, and 6 days of data collection, where total leftover samples were collected for consumption evaluation, total collection of feces for evaluation of apparent digestibility , evaluation of ingestive behavior and collection of ruminal liquid samples for determination of pH, concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen and short chain fatty acids.
The data obtained were submitted to analysis of variance using the software Statistical Analysis System - SAS (version 9.2). The intakes of all nutritional components evaluated had a quadratic effect with a maximum point between inclusion levels of 40% and 52%, with NDF consumption being the only one to be deferred, having a maximum point at 70.5%. The digestibilities of the nutritional components reduced linearly according to the increase of NDF in the diet, whereas the fiber, as well as the production of AGVs, was more digestible in the level of inclusion close to 52%. Ruminal pH presented higher decreases in diets with lower NDF contents, but negatively affecting intake and digestibility only in diets with NDF inclusion below 40%. The neutral detergent fiber content between 40 and 64% in the confined sheep diet optimized the consumption of the nutritional components, allowing its greater utilization and greater energy efficiency, without causing negative effects on its metabolic-ruminal health.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to characterize and typify Milk Production
Systems (MPS) and the occurrence of contamination by mycotoxins and aflatoxin M1
(AFM1) in the Sisal Region of Bahia, identifying their main reasons, regional occurrence,
and prevalence. In the first stage, 111 MPS were studied. The producers were submitted
to a semi-structured interview and approved guide questionnaire following the
methodologies described by Foody (2003) and Ramos (2008), regarding quantitative and
qualitative variables. It was used a Multiple Factorial Analysis (MFA) followed by MPS
Typology. Qualitative analyzes were performed for AFM1 in all MPS. The second stage
started after the screening, in which 23 MPS were followed for one year and food and
milk samples were collected for mycotoxins and AFM1 detection in the winter and spring.
The probability of contamination by mycotoxins and AFM1 and the correlations between
the contamination of them within each Type were determined. Milk samples were
collected for physicochemical analysis of the components according to MPS Types using
AFM. Software R 2.15.0 and Factor Miner package were used in all analyzes. Dimensions
1 and 2 were characterized by social variables and sanitary management, respectively.
From the typology, three types of MPS were obtained. Six positive samples for
mycotoxins (AF B1, B2, G2 and Zearalenone) were detected in 8.22% (06/73) samples
of foods collected from the selected MPSs. There were two positive results in the winter
and four in the spring seasons. There were three positive samples for AFM1 (0.01 to 0.04
μg / kg) and, in none of the samples, did the concentration levels exceed the maximum
Brazilian limits (0.5 μg / kg) (BRASIL, 2011) and the European Union (EU) (0.05 μg /
kg). All positive cases of contamination occurred in Type 3. Type 3 presented 25%
(P<0.01) of probability estimated for mycotoxin contamination and 29% (P<0.01) for
AFM1 and, Types 1 and 2, presented 0% (P>0.01). Bidirectional association via
correlation showed that mycotoxin had a correlation of 85% with AFM1 in the Kendall
and 88% in the Spermean tests. Comparisons of probabilities of contamination by
mycotoxins and AFM1 among Types showed that Type 3 was different (P<0.05) from
Types 1 and 2, and Types 1 and 2 were not different (P>0.05) between them. The milk
quality variables did not differ (P>0.05) between the types. Climatic characteristics,
management (zootechnical notes, decision, and centralization), of sanitary and food
management, and the number of activities developed in the MPS greatly differentiate
producers from contamination. There was contamination for mycotoxins and AFM1 in
more specialized MPS in milk production (Type 3); however, did not present risk to the
consumers of the studied region in 2016.

It was investigated the effect of the inclusion of palm kernel cake on the
supplementation of lambs maintained in Massai grass (Panicum maximum cv. Massai) on
the consumption and coefficient of apparent digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior
on grazing, nitrogen balance (N), microbial protein production (PMIC), plasma
metabolites and productive performance in 90 days. A total of 40 male sheep (age = 150
+ 15 days, initial body weight = 22.7 + 2.6 kg) were used, in a completely randomized
experimental design, with 4 treatments, which consisted of inclusion of palm kernel cake
(0%, 15%, 30% and 45%) in the concentrated feed. The standard supplement was ground
corn, soybean meal, urea and mineral mix. The inclusion of palm kernel cake reduced the
dry matter intake (P <0.05) and did not change the dry matter digestibility coefficient (P>
0.05), however the consumption of non-fibrous carbohydrates and rumination time during
grazing were reduced with the inclusion level of the palm dough (P <0.01). The
digestibility coefficient of the crude protein increased (P <0.05), the excretion of N in the
faeces was reduced (P <0.01) and the PMIC was not altered (P> 0.10). The inclusion of
the pie did not alter the concentration of most of the plasma metabolites and of the hepatic
enzymatic activities (P> 0.10). The final body weight, total weight gain and average daily
weight gain presented a quadratic behavior with minimum weights of 30.99 kg, 8.79 kg
and 93.41 g / day (P <0.05). The inclusion of up to 45% palm tar in the concentrate
supplement for reared lambs reduced the dry matter intake and growth performance of
the animals, improved feed conversion and did not affect nutrient digestibility.

Tropical fish feeding behaviour and food intake are regulated by a number of
environmental factors (e.g.: stress in intensive aquaculture; type or seasonality of food),
and also by complex homeostatic mechanisms that envolve nutritional requirements.
When access to food is not restricted, e.g. controlled laboratory conditions, fish growth
and behaviour remain relatively unaffected. Moreover, fish need dietary fatty acids and,
while some are remarkably beneficial, such as long-chain omega-3 oils, other fats can be
associated with poor health, mainly under adverse conditions. This study aimed to
evaluate the performance and body composition of tambaqui juveniles fed different oil
sources (fish, linseed, and corn) (Experiment 1) and the influence of post-absorptive
signals or orosensorial properties of the dietary oil source on diet preference (Experiment
2). For Experiment 1, juvenile tambaqui (42.79 ± 0.92 g) were placed into eighteen 100
L tanks (10 fish per tank). Three diets (treatments) were formulated with three oil sources
(corn, linseed and fish oil). Three groups of fish were fed each separate diets twice a day
for 7 weeks. Experiment 2 assessed tambaqui’s ability to select oil sources without
coming into contact with the sensorial properties of diet. The same diets of Experiment 1
were used, but diets were encapsulated to isolate sensorial properties. Forty-eight fish
(41.26 ± 1.00 g, mean ± SD) were distributed into six 250 L tanks (eight fish per tank).
In experiment 1, we found no effects of diet on growth parameters, such as final body
weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency ratio, specific growth ratio and protein
efficiency (p ≥0.05). However, body crude protein was higher in the fish fed the corn oil
diet (p ≤0.05), but this value did not affect the protein efficiency ratio (p ≥ 0.05). No
differences among treatments were observed for moisture, lipid and ash (p ≥ 0.05). The
fatty acid composition of muscle reflected the dietary oil source. However, the tambaqui
fed vegetable oil displayed high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the linseed
oil diet resulted in a greater incorporation of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. In
Experiment 2, at first fish did not show the ability to select an oil source without
orosensorial properties, but a nutritional challenge of food deprivation (10 days) enabled
fish to select among the diets that contained fish oil sources (p =0.002) by using postingestive

signals. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that
relate to lipid metabolism and feeding behaviour in freshwater Amazon species, which
goes beyond growth parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate effects of the inclusion of licuri cake in the diet of confined finishing Nellore young bulls, based on the effects of this substitution on the intake, ingestive behavior, digestibility, N balance, microbial protein production, performance, qualitative and quantitative carcass characteristics, meat quality, plasma enzyme concentration, physiological and hepatic parameters of these animals. Were used 32 Nellore young bulls with initial weight of 346 ± 32.5 kg and mean age of 16 months. The animals were distributed in four treatments, consisting of diets with 0; 7; 14; and 21% inclusion of the licuri cake in the total dry matter (DM) of the diet. The concentrate was composed of ground corn, soybean meal, mineral mixture and licuri cake. The roughage used was milled Tifton grass hay with particle size of approximately 5 cm and the voluminous: concentrate ratio was 40:60. The period of confinement was 84 days. The inclusion of the licuri cake reduced linearly (P <0.01) the intakes (g/day) of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, no fiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients. However, the ether extract (EE) consumptions showed a quadratic effect (P <0.01), and in the 11.4% inclusion level of the licuri cake, higher EE fraction (0.46 kg/day). With the inclusion of the licuri cake there was a 12.4% reduction in the plasma urea level and a reduction of 88g/d in the nitrogen (N) consumption of the treatment with 0% of inclusion of the cake, to 21%. The N balance obtained a quadratic effect, where with the 2.55% inclusion of the licuri cake, obtained its maximum value (149 g/day). The licuri cake linearly reduced body weight at slaughter, total weight gain, mean daily gain (82; 71.2 (kg) and 0.79 (kg/d), respectively). With inclusion of the licuri cake the warm carcass weights, warm carcass yield, cold carcass weight, cold carcass yields, true yield and carcass length reduced by 61 kg, 4.2%, 61 kg, 4%, 4.7% and 4 cm2, respectively. With the inclusion of 8.92% of the licuri cake in the diet, the loin eye area increased by 5.7 cm2 and Marbling degree in the Longissimus lumborum muscle by 4.11%. The inclusion of the licuri cake increased the concentration of myristic acid (C14: 0) by 28.2% in the meat of the animals. The inclusion of 14.6% of the licuri cake, decreases the content of mesristoleic acid by 41.6% (C14: 1). The inclusion of the licuri cake did not affect the sensory parameters of the meat of the animals (P> 0.10), however the testers showed preference for the meat of the animals that did not include the cake in their diet. The inclusion of licuri cake increased the serum concentration of total proteins by 0.69 (mg/dL). There was no significant influence on the histopathological parameters of the liver of the animals fed with licuri cake. The inclusion of the licuri cake to the level of 21% in the diet of finishing Nellore cattle reduces the consumption but did not affect the digestibility of the nutrients. The inclusion of the licuri cake at the maximum level of 21% in dry matter promoted a reduction in carcass yields but did not generate alterations in the physical-chemical characteristics, and there was an increase in the concentration of C14:0 fatty acid in the meat of the animals studied. The inclusion of the licuri cake reduced consumption, did not affect the physical-chemical and sensorial composition of the meat, but decreased the performance of the animals and changed the fatty acid profile of the meat, promoting an increase in the content of saturated
4
fatty acids, but did not affect the protein, energetic and histopathological profile of young nellore bulls.

The use of antibiotics concomitantly with in ovo vaccination has been performed in some industrial hatcheries. However, research on the implications of this procedure is scarce. A large-scale experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of the antimicrobial gentamicimin associated with in ovo vaccination on the incubation yield, quality and morphology of newly hatched chicks. 35-week-old Cobb® eggs were divided into two treatments, based on whether or not the antibiotic was applied at the time of in ovo vaccination. The study was divided into two experimental phases. In the first phase, quality analyzes of hatching eggs and incubation yield were performed. In the second phase, the quality and physiological parameters of 1-day chicks were evaluated.
Hatchability on fertile eggs was not affected by the inclusion of antibiotic in ovo (P> 0.05), nor was there any change in embryo mortality (P> 0.05). The chicks that received antibiotics presented quality variables such as weight, YFBM and longer length (P <0.05) when compared to chicks that did not receive antibiotics. The navel score did not present a significant difference. Regarding the organ weight, the embryos that received the antimicrobial presented higher (P <0.05) absolute weights of the heart, liver and lung.
Glucose, lactate and uric acid were the biochemical parameters analyzed and the results are suggestive that the chicks from eggs inoculated with antibiotics mobilize less muscle protein in the hatching process. It was concluded that the use of the antibiotic gentamicin associated with in ovo vaccination at a dose of 0.20mg / egg does not alter the incubation yield and produces one day chicks of better quality. However, more studies on the use of antibiotics in ovo should be conducted at the stage of poultry breeding and slaughter to elucidate the zootechnical and food safety impacts of this practice.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects the ground licuri in the
diets of crossbred Dorper x Santa Inês lambs on its performance and rumen metabolism
in two experiments. Experiment 1. The aim was to evaluate intake, apparent digestibility,
physical effectiveness NDF, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, chewing
activity, performance, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters of crossbreed x Santa
Ines lambs fed increasing levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 % DM basis of the diets) of ground
licuri. Forty male lambs (20,89 kg ± 3,97 BW kg) were used in a complete randomized
design. The experiment lasted 75 days. The lambs were fed a mixture of Tifton hay (29
%), sisal silage by-products (17 %) and a concentrated mixture (54 %), with 46:54 forage:
concentrate rates. The performance was recorded (kg) every 25 days, and the digestibility
data were collected between 41 and 45 days. The animals were fed twice daily, at 8:00 h
and 16:00 h, ensuring a 10% surplus and water supply was ad libitum, and significance
was declared at P≤0.05 for both experiments. The licuri inclusion showed decreased
linear effects (P<0.05) on intake of DM and TDN. The intake and digestibility of EE
showed increasing linear effect (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility coefficients of DM
remained unchanged. The ground licuri inclusion did not affect the nitrogen balance
(P>0.05). The MPS and EMPS were affected negatively (P<0.05). The total weight
gain, average daily gain, and carcass characteristics decreased linearly (P<0.05). The
ground licuri inclusion did not affect the nitrogen balance (P>0.05). The MPS, total
weight gain, and carcass characteristics decreased linearly (P<0.05). The chemical, and
physical characteristics of longissimus dorsi were similar among treatments. The chewing
activity was no affected (P>0.05) and NDF (g) per bolus decreased linearly (P<0.05). The
blood urea showed increased linear effect (P<0.05), while the serum glucose decreased
linearly (P<0.05).
Experiment 2. The objective this study was to evaluate the effects of the
supplementation of licuri ground 0; 4; 8; 12 and 16% DM basis on the diets on intake,
digestibility, nitrogen balance, MPS, EMPS, ruminal parameters, and blood parameters.
Five crossbred Dorper x Santa Ines, non-castrated males ram, with average body weight
of 42.5 kg were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design, with 5 periods of 16 days. The lambs
15

were fed a mixture of tifton hay (26 %), sisal silage (28 %) and a concentrated mixture
(47 %) (V:C 53:47). The ground licuri inclusion did not affect (P>0.05) nutrient intake,
nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters, nitrogen balance, MPS, EMPS, and
blood parameters. The pH and concentration of NH
3
-N, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and
total VFA, showed quadratic effect (P<0.05) among collection times (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8
hours after feeding). The ground licuri inclusion showed no effect (P>0.05) on the
treatments x time interactions of the rumen fermentation parameters. The ground licuri
inclusion increased the NDF, EE, and decreased NFC as was included in the diets.
The animals responses in these experiments were contradictory and therefore
required subsequent studies with NDF adjustments in the diet to determine the appropriate
level of ground licuri inclusion.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of urea as a chemical additive on microbiology
counts, fermentative profile and losses, aerobic stability and nutritive value in sorghum silages.
It was used the completely randomized experimental design with four treatments and five
replicates. The treatments evaluated were the different amounts of urea added to the sorghum at
the ensiling, on natural matter basis: T1 – 0 g/kg (controle silage); T2 – 5 g/kg of urea; T3 – 10
g/kg of urea; T4 - 20 g/kg of urea. After the homogenization of the additive with the sorghum,
the material was stored in 20 experimental PVC mini-silos of with 10 centimeters in diameter
and height ranging from 35 to 40.5 cm, with density of 600kg/dm³, which were stored for a period
of 150 days. After the storage period, the silos were opened and a new weighing was performed
to estimate the fermentation losses (losses by gases and effluents, and dry matter recovery) that
were evaluated through regression analysis. Subsequently, about 1.5 kg of material from each
mini-silo was transferred to new mini-silos to perform the aerobic stability test for 72 hours, and
the internal and ambient temperatures were measured every 2 hours. From the individual minisilos,
a
pool
of
samples
per
treatment
at
0
and
72
hours
after
aerobic
exposure
was
carried
out
to

perform
the
microbial
population
and
the
content
of
organic
acids
(acetic,
propionic),
lactic
acid,

ethanol.
The fermentative profile (pH, buffering capacity, ammoniacal nitrogen, water solublecarbohydrates) as well as the bromatological composition of the silages were evaluated with a completely randomized design in a split-plot scheme (2 x 4, in which the aerobic - 0 and 72 hours) and the levels of urea used in sorghum silage (0, 5, 10 and 20 g / kg based on natural matter). The inclusion of up to 2.0% of urea does not reduce fermentative losses by gases or increases recovery in dry matter in sorghum silage. In addition, at the evaluated levels it does not promote greater aerobic stability for 72 hours, compared to sorghum silage without additive. Despite The levels of urea addition and aerobic exposure promote changes in the bromatological composition of silages and organic acid production, with ethanol reduction. However, urea does not inhibit yeast growth both at time 0 and after 72 hours of aerobic exposure.