Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de teores crescentes de proteína bruta (PB) em dietas com alta proporção de concentrado para cordeiros deslanados, foram realizados dois experimentos: Experimento I (desempenho dos animais) e Experimento II (digestibilidade dos nutrientes). No Experimento I foram utilizados 48 cordeiros da raça Santa Inês (peso inicial de 18,4 ± 0,4 kg e idade média inicial de 86 ± 2 dias) em um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com 4 tratamentos e 6 repetições. As dietas experimentais continham 80% de concentrado e 20% de volumoso (10% bagaço-de-cana hidrolisado e 10% bagaço-de-cana in natura), com teores de 14, 16, 18 e 20% PB na matéria seca. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) entre os tratamentos para consumo de matéria seca, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e rendimento de carcaça. A concentração de N-uréico plasmático após 3 horas do fornecimento da alimentação não aumentou para as dietas contendo teores de PB acima de 16%. No Experimento II foram utilizados 5 ovinos da raça Santa Inês providos de cânulas ruminais (peso médio inicial de 43 kg e idade média inicial de 6 meses) em um delineamento experimental em quadrado latino 5x5. As dietas experimentais continham 80% de concentrado e 20% de volumoso (10% bagaço-de-cana hidrolisado e 10% bagaço-de-cana in natura), com níveis de 12, 14, 16, 18 e 20% PB na matéria seca. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) entre os tratamentos para digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da matéria orgânica, da fibra em detergente neutro, da fibra em detergente ácido e do extrato etéreo. A digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta e a retenção de N (g/dia) foram maiores (P<0,05) para as dietas com 16, 18 e 20% PB em relação às dietas com 12 e 14% PB. O aumento da concentração protéica da dieta proporcionou um aumento (P<0,05) na concentração de N amoniacal no rúmen, entretanto não teve efeito (P>0,05) nos valores de pH e na produção de ácidos graxos voláteis. / Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) levels on high grain diets fed to ram lambs. In Exp. I (performance trial), 48 Santa Inês lambs (initial body weight 18.4 ± 0.4 kg and 86 ± 2 days old) were fed 4 experimental diets containing 14, 16, 18 and 20% CP, in a completely randomized block desing. Diets consisted of 80% concentrate and 20% sugarcane bagasse. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency and dressing percentage. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration did not increase in diets containing more than 16% CP. In Exp. II (metabolism trial), 5 Santa Inês lambs (43 kg body weigh) fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in a 5x5 Latin Square design. Diets consisted of 80% concentrate and 20% sugarcane bagasse with 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20% CP.There were no differences (P > 0.05) in dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and ether extract apparent digestibilities in the total digestive tract. Crude protein apparent digestibility in the total digestive tract and N retention (g/day) were greater (P < 0.05) for diets with 16, 18 and 20% CP than for the diets with 12 and 14% CP. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of dietary CP, however no differences (P > 0.05) were observed on pH and ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration.

The objective was evaluate the effect of partial replacement of soybean meal for hay or silage of gliricídia in feedlot lambs on the terminate fase for performance, carcass characteristics and feeding behavior. Were used 18 male lambs, not castred, with approximately 120 days of age and average body weight of 21 ± 2.2 kg. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and six replications. The lambs were keep in confinement and subimitted to the following diets: Control Diet (CONT) diet based in elephant grass hay (Pennisetum purpureum) + corn meal + soybean meal; Gliricídia Hay (HGLI) diet formulated for replacing 57.4% of soybean meal by Gliricidia sepium Hay; Gliricídia Silage (SGLI) - diet formulate for replacing 57.4% of soybean meal for Gliricidia sepium Silage. The weight of the animals were held every two weeks and daily were used leftovers and water supply, food remains in the trough and feed supply, keeping an ample percentage in the trough of 15%. The feeding behavior of the animals was determined in three stages: beginning, middle and end of the experiment for 24 hours/day, in a 5 minute intervals to determine the time spent in eating, ruminating and idling. To obtain the average number of ruminating chews and the time taken by chewing, the observations were made, per animal, four ruminal bolus at different times of day (09:00 to 11:00, 15:00 to 17:00 and 20:00 to 22:00). Lambs were slaughtered after completing 75 days of confinement with average body weight of 26.46; 32.80 and 32,30kg for animals submitted to the treatments CONT, HGLI and SGLI respectively. The DM, CP, NDF and ADF were higher (P <0.05) for the HGLI treatment and did not differ (P> 0.05) between CONT and SGLI treatments. Feed intake of NDT differ (P <0.05) among treatments. Water intake differ (P <0.05) among the three treatments being higher for HGLI following the CONT and SGLI. Had difference (P <0.05) average daily gain, live weight at slaughter, empty body weight, hot and cold carcass weight, were higher for HGLI and SGLI treatments. The feed conversion differed (P <0.05) between CONT and SGLI treatments. There was no difference (P> 0.05) for the variables yield hot and cold carcass, real income and fat thickness. There was no difference (P> 0.05) between the behavior parameters of feed intake, rumination, total chewing time and leisure. The feeding and rumination efficiency in g DM and NDF/hour were higher for HGLI treatment. The number of ruminating chews (number/day) was higher for HGLI and SGLI treatments, however, does not difference (P> 0.05) between HGLI and CONT treatments. The number of chews (numbers/bolus) and the chewing time (sec) per bolus for were higher (P <0.05) for CONT and HGLI treatments. The number of ruminated bolus (number/day) was higher to the SGLI treatment. It can be concluded that the partial replacement of soybean meal for hay or silage of gliricídia gave a positive effect on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs. / Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição parcial do farelo de soja por feno ou silagem de gliricídia na terminação de cordeiros em confinamento sob o desempenho, características de carcaça e comportamento ingestivo. Foram utilizados 18 cordeiros, machos, não castrados, com aproximadamente 120 dias de idade e peso vivo médio de 21 ± 2,2 kg. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e seis repetições. Os cordeiros permaneceram em regime de confinamento recebendo as seguintes dietas: Controle (CONT) dieta formulada a base de feno de capim elefante (Pennisetum purpureum) + farelo de milho + farelo de soja; Feno de gliricídia (FGLI) dieta formulada substituindo 57,4% do farelo de soja por feno de Gliricidia sepium; Silagem de gliricídia (SGLI) dieta formulada substituindo 57,4% do farelo de soja por silagem de Gliricidia sepium. As pesagens dos animais foram realizadas a cada quinze dias sendo que diariamente eram pesadas as sobras e oferta de água, sobras de alimento no cocho e oferta de alimento, mantendo um percentual de sobra no cocho de 15%. O comportamento ingestivo dos animais foi determinado em três etapas: início, meio e final do período experimental, durante 24 horas/dia, a intervalo de 5 minutos para se determinar o tempo despendido em alimentação, ruminação e ócio. Para a obtenção das médias do numero das mastigações merícicas e do tempo despendido por mastigação, foram feitas as observações por animal de quatro bolos ruminais em períodos diferentes do dia (09:00 às 11:00; 15:00 às 17:00; 20:00 às 22:00 horas). Os cordeiros foram abatidos após completarem 75 dias de confinamento com peso vivo médio de 26,46; 32,80 e 32,30kg para os animais submetidos aos tratamentos CONT, FGLI e SGLI respectivamente. Os consumos de MS, PB, FDN e FDA foram maiores (P<0,05) para o tratamento FGLI, não diferindo (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos CONT e SGLI. O consumo de NDT diferiu (P<0,05) entre os três tratamentos. O consumo de água diferiu (P<0,05) entre os três tratamentos sendo maior para o FGLI seguindo pelo CONT e SGLI. Ouve diferença (P<0,05) para ganho médio diário, peso vivo ao abate, peso de corpo vazio, peso de carcaça quente e peso de carcaça fria sendo maiores para os tratamento FGLI e SGLI. A conversão alimentar diferiu (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos CONT e SGLI. Não foi encontrada diferença (P>0,05) para as variáveis rendimento de carcaça quente e fria, rendimento verdadeiro e espessura de gordura subcutânea. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os parâmetros do comportamento de ingestão, ruminação, tempo de mastigação total e ócio. A eficiência de alimentação e ruminação em g MS e FDN/hora foram maiores para o tratamento FGLI. O numero de mastigações merícicas (n°/dia), foi superior para os tratamentos FGLI e SGLI, contudo, não ouve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos FGLI e CONT. O número de mastigações (n°/bolo) e o tempo de mastigação (seg) por bolo e foram maiores (P<0,05) para os tratamentos CONT e FGLI. O número de bolos ruminados (n°/dia) foi superior para o tratamento SGLI. A substituição parcial do farelo de soja por feno ou silagem de gliricídia, proporcionou efeito positivo sobre o desempenho e características de carcaça de cordeiros confinados.

Este estudo teve como objetivo estudar as influências de diferentes tipos de manejo de ovinos no nível de estresse e na qualidade de carne e carcaça sob a óptica do bem-estar animal. Foram utilizados 86 animais, confinados após o desmame em baias duplas ou baias coletivas, avaliando-se o comportamento e o ganho de peso dos animais. A reatividade dos animais foi avaliada através do comportamento durante o manejo em balança, nos momentos de embarque e desembarque, e durante a espera pré-abate. O transporte ao abatedouro foi realizado em um caminhão, dividido em dois compartimentos, um parcialmente aberto e outro fechado. Foram aplicados dois períodos de descanso pré-abate, de 1 hora ou 3 horas, após o desembarque. No frigorífico foram colhidas amostras de sangue após o transporte e antes do abate para análise sérica de cortisol, classificadas as carcaças quanto à presença ou ausência de contusões, medidas as temperaturas e pH das carcaças à 1 e 24 horas após o abate. Às 24 horas após o abate foram retiradas amostras do músculo Longissimus dorsi para análise da qualidade de carne, como cor, maciez objetiva e perdas totais ao cozimento. O número de animais por lote confinado influenciou o comportamento dos cordeiros, alterando o padrão de ingestão de alimento, mas não interferiu na reatividade e no ganho de peso destes. O acesso visual ao ambiente externo durante o transporte de cordeiros é um fator estressante, alterando o nível de cortisol sérico, mas não altera as características da carcaça e de qualidade da carne. O período de descanso antes do abate diminui o estresse e reduz os níveis séricos de cortisol dos cordeiros. No entanto, existe uma interação entre o transporte e o período de descanso pré-abate, com consequências diferentes na maciez da carne. / The aim of this study was to improve the knowledge about the influences of different managements practices of sheep in the stress level and meat and carcass quality, from the viewpoint of animal welfare. It was evaluated the behaviour and the weight gain of 86 young animals, confined in double pens or collective pens. The reactivity of the animals was assessed by the behaviour during the weighing procedures, at the moments of loading and unloading, and during the resting periods pre-slaughter. The transport to the slaughterhouse was made by truck. This truck was divided in two areas: in rear area was open and in front area was closed. After the arrival half of the group within each area was subdivided, corresponding of two different periods of resting: 1 hour and 3 hours after landing. After transport and before slaughter blood samples were taken for analysis of cortisol. The carcasses were classified for the presence or absence of injuries, and were taken measures of the temperature and pH at 1 and 24 hours after slaughter. 24 hours after slaughter, samples from the Longissimus dorsi muscle were taken for analysis of colour, tenderness and total cooking losses. The results showed that the number of animals per pen confined had influence in the behaviour of the lambs, by changing the pattern of food intake, but did not affect the reactivity and their weight gain. During the transport, the visual access to the external environment is a stressful factor, increasing the level of serum cortisol. However, does not affect carcass characteristics and meat quality. The rest period before slaughter reduce stress and reduce serum cortisol of lambs. However, there is an interaction between the transport and rest periods pre-slaughter, with different consequences on meat tenderness.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estimar parâmetros genéticos, com os modelos mistos reprodutor e animal, para características reprodutivas contínuas e discretas, bem como, predizer os valores genéticos dos reprodutores para características reprodutivas contínuas e discretas em ovinos da raça Santa Inês. Foram analisadas as características reprodutivas intervalo de partos (IDP, N=1.066), fertilidade ao parto (FP, N=1.006) e número de cordeiros ao parto (NCP, N=3.593) de ovinos com partos ocorridos entre os anos de 1998 a 2005. A característica FP foi expressa na forma de fêmeas paridas em relação às fêmeas cobertas, sendo codificada como \"1\" se pariu e \"0\", caso contrário e NCP, representou o número de crias nascidas por ovelha parida, codificada como \"1\" (simples) e 2 (múltiplos). O modelo reprodutor apresentou a característica de superestimar as herdabilidades para as características reprodutivas em relação ao modelo animal. As estimativas de herdabilidades, obtidas por modelo animal linear, foram 0,12, 0,23 e 0,16 para NCP, FP e IDP, respectivamente. As estimativas de herdabilidades, obtidas por modelo animal de limiar, foram 0,16, 0,15 e 0,10 para NCP, FP e IDP, respectivamente. As estimativas das correlações genéticas pelo uso de modelo animal linear, foram 0,13 (entre NCP e FP) e -0,21 (entre NCP e IDP). Já as estimativas das correlações genéticas, quando utilizado modelo animal de limiar, foram 0,81 (entre NCP e FP) e -0,52 (entre NCP e IDP). As correlações entre os valores genéticos preditos para 258 reprodutores avaliados variaram de 0,4835 a 0,8561 entre os modelos reprodutor e animal obtidos por metodologia linear e de limiar. Este fato sugere a existência de alterações significativas nas classificações dos valores genéticos preditos dos reprodutores em função do tipo de modelo e da metodologia utilizada na avaliação genética. / The aims of this study were evaluated genetic parameters with sire and animal mixed models, to continuous and discreet reproductive traits, as well as predict sires breeding values to continuous and discreet reproductive traits in Santa Inês ewes breed. The traits analyzed in this study were lambing interval (LI, N = 1,066), fertility (FR, N = 1,006) and number of lambs born (NLB, N = 3,593) of ewes with birth occurred among 1998 to 2005. The FR trait was expressed in form of delivered females in respect to sheltered females, been codified as \"1\" delivered and \"0\" otherwise. The NLB trait represented the number of fully formed lambs born per ewe lambing, codified as \"1\" (simple) and \"2\" (multiples). The sire model showed super estimate comportment in respect to animal model for reproductive traits heritabilities. The estimates of heritability obtained by linear animal model were 0.12, 0.23 and 0.16 for NLB, FR and LI, respectively. The estimates of heritability obtained by threshold animal model were 0.16, 0.15 and 0.10 for NLB, FR and LI, respectively. The estimates of genetic correlations using linear animal model were 0.13 (between NLB and FR) and -0,21 (between NLB and LI). However, the estimates of genetics correlations using threshold animal model were 0.81 (between NLB and FR) and -0,52 (between NLB and LI). The Pearson correlations between predicted breeding values for 258 sires varying by 0.4835 to 0.8561 between sire and animal models obtained by linear and threshold methodology. This fact suggest the existence of significative changes on sires predicted breeding values classifications by virtue of model type and used methodology on genetic evaluation.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This study was conducted with the aim of generating information about the tillering process and contribute to the understanding of the defoliation process of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) utilized by lambs submitted to different herbage allowances: 6, 8 and 12 kg body weight DM/100 kg. The grazing method was intermittent. Pasture was utilized during 12 days and an accumulated thermal sum of 250 degree-days was the criterion to determine the grazing interval. The experimental design was completely randomized with repeated measures on time, three treatments and two area replication. It was used 35 marked tillers per paddock to determine the intensity and interval of defoliation. Tillering dynamics on the identification and counting of remaining living tiller and new appearance tillers. The intensity of defoliation is greater in 6 and 9% herbage allowances. The interval of defoliation is higher in forage herbage allowance 12%, intermediate in 9% and lower in the 6% offer. The rate appearance, survival and death of tillers, stability index of tillers number are similar for herbage allowances and differ according phenological stages of ryegrass. Different herbage allowances and phenological stages promote variable intensity and interval of defoliation. The advance of phenological stage increases tiller mortality and reduce the interval between defoliation. / Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de gerar informações a respeito do processo de perfilhamento e contribuir com o entendimento do processo de desfolhação do azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) utilizado por cordeiras submetidas a diferentes ofertas de forragem: 6; 8 e 12 kg de MS/100kg de peso corporal. O método de pastejo foi intermitente. O período de ocupação da pastagem foi de 12 dias e o critério para determinar o intervalo entre pastejos foi a soma térmica acumulada de 250 graus-dia. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com medidas repetidas no tempo, três tratamentos e duas repetições de área. Utilizaram-se 35 perfilhos marcados por parcela para a determinação da intensidade e intervalo de desfolhação. A dinâmica de perfilhamento baseou-se na identificação e na contagem de perfilhos vivos remanescentes e no aparecimento de novos perfilhos. A intensidade de desfolhação foi superior nas ofertas de forragem 6 e 9%. O intervalo de desfolhação foi superior na oferta de forragem 12%, intermediário na oferta 9% e inferior na oferta 6%. As taxas de aparecimento, sobrevivência e mortalidade de perfilhos e o índice de estabilidade da população de perfilhos são similares nas ofertas de forragem e variam em função dos estádios fenológicos do azevém. As diferentes ofertas de forragem e estádios fenológicos promovem intensidade e intervalo de desfolhação variável. O avanço do estádio fenológico aumenta a mortalidade de perfilhos e reduz o intervalo entre desfolhações.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present work had as its objective to assess the oxidizing metabolism of neutrophils, the complete blood count (CBC) and the oxidizing profile of experimentally infected lambs with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. 20 male lambs were used, of the Corriedale breed, distributed in four experimental groups with 5 animals: G1 larvae infected animals and supplemented with 0.2mg/kg living weight (PV) of selenite via intramuscular (IM); G2 larvae infected animals and supplemented with 0.2mg/kg PV of selenite IM and 2000 UI per animal of vitamin E IM; G3 larvae infected animals and supplemented with 2000 UI per animal of E IM; G4 larvae infected animals. For the CBC and the biochemical analysis blood collection on the day zero (T0) were carried out, 20 (T1), 40 (T2) and 60 (T3) through jugular venipuncture using vacutainer® tubes. The weighing and the egg determination by gram of animal feces occurred in the same experimental times. For the NBT tests heparinized blood samples were collected in the days zero, 30, 60. Smaller leukocyte values were detected in the supplemented group exclusively with selenium (G1) in relation to the control group (G4) in time 4. Concerning the lymphocytes it was observed a decrease in the G1 in relation to the supplemented only with vitamin E (G3) and G4 in time 3 (T3). For both the tests, NBT-NE and NBT-E there was a decrease in the dye reduction capacity at 60 days in relation to the other times in the groups treated with selenium (G1 and G2). The result of the oxidizing profile showed a significant elevation in the GSH-Px enzyme in the supplemented groups with selenium. Still, the correlation of Pearson revealed the existence of a negative correlation between the concentrations of GSH-Px and TBARS and between this enzyme and the OPG values. Increments were also observed for the catalase enzyme in animal which received the selenium supplementation or when this element was associated to the vitamin E. Smaller values of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were detected in supplemented animals when these were compared to the control group. These results suggest that the reduced reserves of this antioxidant may exacerbate the generation of free radicals with an increase of the lipid peroxidation and the increase of the environment contamination by the eggs of Haemonchus contortus. Facing these results it is possible to conclude that the selenium supplementation provides a larger protection to the cell antioxidant and to the organism as a whole in lambs experimentally infected by Haemonchus contortus. / O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos, o hemograma e o perfil oxidativo de cordeiros experimentalmente infectados com Haemonchus contortus e suplementados com selênio e vitamina E. Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros machos, da raça Corriedale, distribuídos em quatro grupos experimentais com 5 animais: G1- animais infectados com larvas e suplementados com 0,2mg/kg de peso vivo (PV) de selenito de sódio por via intramuscular (IM); G2- animais infectados com larvas e suplementados com 0,2mg/kg PV de selenito de sódio IM e 2000 UI por animal de Vitamina E IM; G3- animais infectados com larvas e suplementados com 2000 UI por animal de Vitamina E IM; G4-animais infectados com larvas. Todos os grupos foram infectados, pela via oral, com 500 larvas L3 de Haemonchus contortus por animal a cada dois dias, pelo período de vinte dias a partir do dia zero. Para o hemograma e as análises bioquímicas foram realizadas coletas de sangue nos dias zero (T0), 20 (T1), 40 (T2) e 60 (T3) por venopunção da jugular utilizando-se tubos vacutainer®. As pesagens e a determinação dos ovos por grama de fezes dos animais ocorreram nesses mesmos tempos experimentais. Para as provas de NBT foram coletadas amostras de sangue heparinizadas nos dias zero, 30 e 60. Menores valores de leucócitos totais foram detectados no grupo suplementado exclusivamente com selênio (G1) em relação ao grupo controle (G4) no tempo 4. Em relação aos linfócitos observou-se diminuição no G1 em relação ao suplementado somente com vitamina E (G3) e G4 no tempo 3 (T3). Para ambos os testes, NBT-NE e NBT-E houve uma diminuição da capacidade de redução do corante aos 60 dias em relação aos demais tempos nos grupos tratados com selênio (G1 e G2).Os resultados do perfil oxidativo demonstraram significativa elevação da atividade da enzima GSH-Px nos grupos suplementados com selênio. Ainda, a correlação de Pearson revelou a existência de correlação negativa entre as concentrações de GSH-Px e TBARS e entre esta enzima e os valores de OPG. Incrementos também foram observados para a enzima catalase nos animais que receberam suplementação com selênio ou quando este elemento foi associado a vitamina E. Menores valores de lipoperoxidação lipídica (TBARS) foram detectados nos animais suplementados quando estes foram comparados ao grupo controle. Esses resultados sugerem que as reservas diminutas deste antioxidante podem exacerbar a geração de radicais livres com um aumento da peroxidação lipídica e o aumento da contaminação ambiental pelos ovos de Haemonchus contortus. Diante dos resultados é possível concluir que a suplementação com selênio proporciona uma maior proteção antioxidante celular e ao organismo como um todo de cordeiros experimentalmente infectados pelo Haemonchus contortus.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a substituição da FDN do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar in natura (BIN) pela FDN da casca de soja (CS) em dietas com alta proporção de concentrado para cordeiros confinados, foram realizados três experimentos: desempenho animal (Experimento I), digestibilidade dos nutrientes no trato digestivo total (Experimento II) e comportamento ingestivo (Experimento III). O Experimento I consistiu de um arranjo fatorial, onde foram utilizados 60 cordeiros da raça Santa Inês (peso vivo de 16,4 ± 0,3 kg e idade de 67 ± 2 ) dias em um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com 5 tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: 100C (100% de concentrado), BIN14 (95% de concentrado e 5% de BIN), BIN18 (90% de concentrado e 10% de BIN), CS14 (92% de concentrado e 8% de CS) e CS18 (88% de concentrado e 12% de CS). As dietas foram formuladas para serem isoprotéicas e os teores de BIN e CS ajustados para que os valores de FDN fossem os mesmos entre as dietas BIN14 e CS14 (14%) e entre as dietas BIN18 e CS18 (18%). As dietas contendo CS proporcionaram maior (P=0,07) ganho de peso diário do que as dietas contendo BIN e os cordeiros alimentados com a dieta 100C apresentaram menor (P=0,09) consumo de matéria seca por peso metabóico do que os alimentados com as dietas que continham alguma fonte de fibra (BIN ou CS). Não foi observada diferença (P>0,10) na conversão alimentar. Observou-se uma interação (P<0,07) (Teor x Fonte) para o rendimento de carcaça quente e fria, onde as dietas com 14% FDN apresentaram desempenhos semelhantes, porém, a CS foi superior ao BIN nas dietas contendo 18% FDN. No Experimento II, foram utilizados cinco borregos da raça Santa Inês (35,6 kg PV e com idade de 5,5 meses) em um delineamento em quadrado latino 5 x 5. Os tratamentos utilizados foram os mesmos do Experimento I. As dietas que continham alguma das fontes de fibra promoveram maiores (P<0,05) consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO) e da FDN que a dieta 100C. Além disso, foi observado efeito das fontes de fibra sobre o consumo de FDN (P<0,025) e na digestibilidade dos nutrientes (P<0,001), onde a CS promoveu maior digestibilidade da MS, MO e da FDN que o BIN. No Experimento III, foram utilizados os mesmos animais e o mesmo delineamento experimental do Experimento I. As dietas contendo alguma das fontes de fibra promoveram maiores (P<0,05) tempos de ingestão, ruminação e mastigação (minutos/dia e minutos/g de FDN) que a dieta 100C. Ao se comparar as fontes de FDN, verificou-se que o BIN proporcionou maior (P<0,0001) atividade de ruminação que a CS (minutos/dia e minutos/g de FDN). Os teores de FDN interagiram com as fontes nos tempos despendidos para ingestão (P<0,002) e na atividade de mastigação (P<0,03) em minutos/dia e minutos/g de FDN, sendo que o BIN apresentou maiores resultados que a CS em ambos os teores (14 ou 18% FDN). A CS proporcionou melhores ganhos de peso e digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes do que o BIN, apesar dos resultados indicarem que a FDN da CS possui apenas 14% da efetividade física do BIN. Entretanto, o BIN estimulou a ruminação e mastigação de cordeiros recebendo dietas com alta proporção de concentrado. / Three trials were conduced to evaluate the replacement of sugar cane bagasse (SB) by soybean hulls (SH) as NDF source on lambs fed a high grain feedlot diet. A performance trial (Trial I) with 60 Santa Ines ram lambs (16.4 kg BW and 67 days old), was conduced on a factorial arrangement, in a complete randomized block design, with 5 treatments and six replications. The treatments were: 100C (all concentrate diet), SB14 (95% concentrate and 5% SB), SB18 (90% concentrate and 10% SB), SH14 (92% concentrate and 8% SH) and SH18 (88% concentrate and 12% SH). Diets were isoproteic, and the levels of NDF were adjusted to be 14% (SB14 and SH14) or 18% (SB18 and SH18) for both NDF sources. Animals on SH diets had higher ADG (P=0.07) than animals on SB. 100C diet decreased (P=0.09) dry matter intake (PV 0.75 ) compared to diets containing fiber sources (SB or SH). There was no difference (P>0.10) on feed conversion. An interaction (P<0.07) among NDF source and level was observed for the hot and cold carcasses yields. SH at 18% NDF had higher carcasses yields than SB at the same NDF level. On digestibilty trial (Trial II), five Santa Ines ram lambs (35.6 kg BW and 172 days old), were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Experimental treatments were the same as those used on Trial I. Diets with fiber sources (SH or SB) increased (P<0.05) dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and NDF intakes compared to 100C diet. NDF intake (P<0.025) and nutrient digestibilities (P<0.001) were affected by fiber sources, with improved DM, OM and NDF digestibilities for SH treatments compared to SB. During the Trial I a behavioral evaluation (Trial III) was performed. Diets containing fiber sources had an increased (P<0.05) eating, ruminating and chewing times (minutes/day and minutes/g NDF) compared to 100C diet. SB increased (P<0.0001) the rumination activity in relation to SH (minutes/day and minutes/g NDF). There were interactions of NDF levels and sources for time spent feeding (P<0.002) and chewing activities (P<0.03) (minutes/day and minutes/g NDF), where higher for SB in both NDF levels (14 or 18%). SH resulted in higher weight gain and nutrient digestibilities than SB, although, the results indicate that NDF from SH has only 14% of physical effectiveness of SB. However, SB improved rumination and chewing activities when lambs were fed high grain diets.

Two trials using Lupinus angustifolius cv. Uniharvest were conducted in the summer of 1978-1979 at Lincoln College, Canterbury. From the first trial, designed to measure dry matter accumulation and changing nutritive value of lupins with time, a maximum dry matter yield of just under 990 kg ha⁻¹ was obtained 150 days after sowing. Peak digestibility was 65.0 per cent and was recorded at 125 days after sowing. Protein concentration was highest in the young plant (28.75 per cent at 45 days after sowing) and declined after this, but highest total nitrogen yield coincided with peak dry matter accumulation. In the second trial, lupins at 60 and 100 plants m⁻² were grazed with weaned lambs at each of four successive stages of the plants' growth - pre-flower, primary flower, secondary flower and green pod (post-flower). Highest dry matter accumulation,at just under 1 000 g m⁻², occurred at the green pod stage, and peak protein concentration of 23.7 per cent at the pre-flower stage (lower density). Digestibility was highest at the pre-flower stage (higher density) and the metabolizable energy concentration was also highest in the pre-flower high density plots. Regrowth of lupins following grazing occurred in plots which had been grazed at the pre- and primary flower stage. Maximum total dry matter accumulation from the first grazing combined with the regrowth was 1 350 g m⁻². Digestibility, protein and metabolizable energy concentration of the regrowth was at acceptable levels for animal growth. From the results obtained, and those of other workers, both in New Zealand and overseas, it is suggested that lupins may have considerable potential as a high quality summer forage crop for grazing of young lambs.

The series of experiments described in this thesis were designed to investigate the role of suckling or late weaning in the response of young lambs to nematode infection. All experiments were conducted outdoors with grazing animals and no supplementation but for suckled groups of lambs whose counterparts were weaned to ryegrass – white clover swards. The parasite of interest was mainly Teladorsagia circumcincta solely but with mixed infection of Trichostrongylus colubriformis in one instance. In Chapter 3 (first experiment), the hypothesis that milk per se may have a direct effect on nematode development, rather than an indirect effect through enhancement of host immunity by superior nutrient supply was tested. Sixty, twinborn lambs were used, allocated to one of eight groups formed by either dosing lambs from 42 days of age or not with the equivalent of 1000 or 250 L₃ T. circumcincta larvae d⁻¹ until five days before necropsy, while a twin was either weaned at 39 days of age, suckled as single or twin until necropsy on day 84. The possibility that weaning one of a twin set onto pasture in close proximity to the ewe would cause abnormal ewe and lamb behaviour was tested by replicating the work in twins maintained as twins but in which one twin received equivalent of 250 and the other 1000 L₃ T. circumcincta larvae d⁻¹. This showed no abnormal ewe nursing or lamb suckling behaviour as a result of weaning a twin in a set. Relatively low faecal egg counts (FEC) and a two to three fold lower worm burdens suggest suckling could reduce larval establishment. Inability to detect peripheral titres of immunoglobulins supports this conclusion. An intra worm-population regulation of T. circumcincta, indicated by a pattern of greater egg-laying by a numerically smaller but physiologically better developed nematode population in suckled lambs measured in eggs 'in utero' and worm length made interpretation of FEC difficult. Suckling significantly improved weight gain and carcass weights, but early weaning did not reduce resilience to infection. In Chapter 4 (second experiment), 40 pairs of twin lambs, average age of 39 days, were either infected with the equivalent of 1000 L₃ T. circumcincta larvae d⁻¹ or not, while one twin was weaned and the other allowed to continue suckling. Necropsy was carried out on groups of five and six lambs from each of the uninfected and infected treatments, respectively, at mean age of 84, 112, and on six lambs from each group at 140 days of age. This serial slaughter allowed further confirmation of the hypothesis in Chapter 3 but also investigated the long-term effect of suckling on resistance or resilience of lambs at the trial when immune responses were anticipated to be developing. An in vitro direct larval challenge (IVDC) study, to monitor larval establishment, was carried out on tissue explants from necropsied lambs. Suckled lambs consistently showed lower FEC (P < 0.05) and worm burdens (P < 0.05) at every phase of the trial. Within the infected groups, % in vitro larval rejection suggested earlier immune responses in the weaned lambs by day 84, which was not consistent with lower worm burdens in suckled lambs but appeared similar in the subsequent necropsies. Lambs continued to show better growth due to suckling while weaning did not reduce the resilience of lambs confirming observations in Chapter 3. The immunoglobulin profile suggested the commencement of immune responses in lambs from the period after the 84th day necropsy, with significantly greater (P < 0.01) IgA titre in the infected groups, and the suckled lambs towards the end of the trial on day 140. A vaccinating effect of early exposure to parasites was coincidentally revealed as a result of unintentional pasture larval contamination, seen in suckled non-infected lambs shedding fewer eggs and harbouring fewer worms during the later necropsies compared with their weaned non-infected counterparts. In Chapter 5 (third trial), 93 pairs of twin lambs, 47 pairs of which received a vaccinating mixed infection of T. circumcincta and T. colubriformis larvae (60 L₃ / kg W / d) at ratio 40:60, respectively during the period 36 – 103 days of age, were either weaned early on day 51 or later on day 108. All lambs were drenched on day 108 and groups received challenge infections from day 116, at same rate with the vaccinating infection, or not, which ceased five days before respective necropsies. Necropsies were carried out on selected lambs on days 108, 184 and 218. The direct effect of milk on larval establishment appeared to feature only in the T. circumcincta populations on slaughter day 108. The long-term benefit of late weaning for development of resistance was conditional on lambs receiving the vaccinating infection, and appeared to be more pronounced in the small intestine, reflected by a greater reduction of T. colubriformis populations in that organ than of T. circumcincta populations in the abomasum. A negative consequence of enhanced immune response was the suggestion of an increased metabolic cost in reduced performance of lambs. In conclusion, the work provides support to the hypotheses that: (a.) suckling may reduce the establishment of nematode larvae through the direct effect of milk, (b.) may enhance rapid development of host immunity to infection, and (c.) it further suggests that lack of larval experience during suckling may have long term negative implications for host resistance. Finally, it suggests that milk may play little role in the enhancement of host resilience to infection and, on the contrary, that additional metabolic cost may be associated with a more rapid development of immunity resulting from larval challenge while suckling.

The primary objective of the thesis will be to evaluate the reproductive performance (the percentage of pregnancy, fertility, the number of lambs reared) in a particular breed of sheep. Another aim will be to assess the impact of certain factors on reproductive performance