Mob stocking is a variation of rotational stocking known for restricting a large number of animals to a small area before being moved to new grass after a few hours. This method allows a long (90-day) recovery period but was hypothesized to diminish the nutritional value of herbage relative to continuous and rotational stocking with lesser stocking density at similar stocking rates. This thesis summarizes two studies conducted in Blacksburg and Raphine, and in Steeles Tavern, VA, respectively, at a single beef cattle stocking rate of 12 animal unit months per hectare live body weight. The objectives were to: (1) compare the yield and nutritional value of herbage in pastures managed with three stocking methods, termed mob, rotational, and continuous stocking; (2) compare the abundance of seeded clover species among the stocking methods; and (3) estimate the nutritional value of herbage that is consumed by beef cattle during mob stocking using extrusa sampled from esophageally-cannulated animals. Analysis of standing herbage during two years produced several important findings. Although standing herbage mass was significantly greater in mob stocked pastures at Blacksburg and Raphine, aboveground net primary productivity in 2014 did not differ significantly among mob, rotational, and continuous stocking at any of the project locations. Herbage nutritive value did not differ significantly among stocking methods over two years at Blacksburg and Raphine; however, herbage from mob stocked pastures at Steeles Tavern contained significantly greater concentrations of crude protein in September and October relative to herbage from continuous- and rotationally-stocked pastures at those times. Differences in herbage mass likely contributed to significant differences in establishment of seeded clovers: red clover [Trifolium pratense L. Cinnamon Plus] establishment was similar among stocking methods but white clover [Trifolium repens L. Will] establishment was greater in continuously stocked pastures than mob and rotationally stocked pastures. Hand-clipped samples collected at Blacksburg in September 2014 significantly underestimated the crude protein content of the herbage selected by the steers, although the concentrations of fiber constituents in herbage did not differ significantly between clipped samples and esophageal samples. Although the nutritive value of the herbage on offer did not generally differ among stocking methods at this stocking rate, diet selected was at times less nutritious during mob stocking than continuous and rotational stocking methods. At this stocking rate, stocking method had less influence on pastures than seasonal variation in weather and plant maturity. / Master of Science

Thesis (MScAgric (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The dry matter (DM) production and chemical composition of whole crop faba beans (Vicia faba) and oats (Avena sativa) were determined according to fresh material harvested at weekly intervals. From 75 to 166 days after planting whole plants of faba beans and oats were harvested at a height of ca. 10 cm above the ground on five randomly selected areas of 0.25 m² each. The freshly harvested material was weighed “as is” and ovendried to determine the DM content of each sample. The fresh and DM forage production per hectare was then calculated. The crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), nitrogen free extract (NFE), fat (EE), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contents were determined according to standard laboratory techniques. The change in chemical composition of fresh whole crop material was regressed on days after planting using simple linear regressions. The fresh and DM production of whole crop faba beans and oats increased with advancing growth stage. During the 2002 production year fresh yield production of both whole crop faba beans and oats peaked at 131 days (44.7±6.9 and 28.4±7.1 ton/ha respectively). DM yield peaked at 159 and 152 days for whole crop faba beans and oats being 9.4±1.3 and 8.8±0.7 tons DM/ha respectively. The chemical composition of both forage crops decreased with advancing growth stage. The CP content of whole crop faba beans decreased (P<0.05) from 25.3% at 82 days after planting to 18.4 % at 166 days after planting in the 2002 production year, while during the 2003 production year the CP content of whole crop faba beans decreased (P<0.05) from 28.2 to 19.5 % from 75 to 159 days after planting. During 2002 the CF % of faba beans increased from 20.2 to 22.6%, while during 2003 CF % similarly increased from 21.8 to 26.5%. The CF % for oats during 2003 increased from 25.6 to 36.9%. During the same time the EE, Ca and P contents also decreased (P<0.05), while the NDF, CF and ADF contents increased (P<0.05). Two milk production studies were conducted to compare the feed intake, milk yield and milk composition of Holstein cows receiving either whole plant faba bean silage or oats as a hay or silage. Faba bean (Vicia faba) silage (FBS) was compared to that of cows receiving either oat (Avena sativa) hay (OH) or oat silage (OS) and in a 50:50 combination with FBS. Faba beans (cv. Ascot) and oats (cv. Sederberg) were planted on a Glenrosa soil. Whole crop faba beans were ensiled 145 days after planting in an above ground concrete bunker using a commercial bacterial inoculant after being wilted for one day. In the first experiment, total mixed rations (TMR) containing FBS, OH or a 50:50 mixture of FBS and OH as forage, together with a concentrate, were fed to three groups of seven lactating Holstein cows each. The experiment was conducted according to a randomized block design. Cows were on average 112±44 days post calving producing 24.0±6.2 kg milk/day. Milk production parameters of cows receiving diets containing different forages were compared by analysis of variance. The DM intake and milk yield of cows receiving TMR’s containing FBS, OH or a mixture of 50:50 FBS and OH as forages did not differ (P>0.05), milk yields being 18.9±1.9, 20.6±1.3 and 20.5±1.4 kg/cow/day respectively. With the exception of MUN, milk composition parameters did not differ among treatments (P>0.10). Cows fed OH as roughage source had a higher (P=0.06) MUN level in the milk. Results from this study indicate that FBS could effectively replace OH in lactating dairy cow diets. In the second experiment, total mixed rations (TMR) containing FBS, oat silage (OS) or a 50:50 mixture of FBS and OS as forages, together with a concentrate, were fed to six Holstein cows according to a double 3 x 3 Latin Square cross-over experimental design. Each cow received 13 kg DM either FBS, OS or a 50:50 mixture of FBS and OS were fed as forages, together with three different concentrates at nine kg “as is” each, to each cow. Cows were on average 108±30 days post calving producing 22.0±2.0 kg milk/day. DM intake, body weight, milk yield and milk composition parameters of cows receiving diets containing different forages were compared statistically. The DM intake and body weight of cows receiving TMR’s containing FBS, OH or a mixture of 50:50 FBS and OS as forages did not differ (P>0.10), although body weight changes differed significantly (P<0.10), i.e. 4.0±3.2, 8.8±3.2 and -6.0±3.2 kg respectively. The milk yield of cows receiving TMR’s containing FBS, OS or a mixture of 50:50 FBS and OS as forages did not differ (P>0.10), milk yields being 22.8±0.4, 21.4±0.4 and 21.9±0.4 kg/cow/day respectively. Of the milk composition parameters, the milk CP(%) of cows fed TMR’s containing FBS differed (P<0.05) from the cows fed the 50:50 mixture of FBS and OS, as well as cows fed the OS, being 2.82±0.02, 2.93±0.02 and 2.96±0.02% respectively. Results from this study indicate that FBS could effectively replace OS in lactating dairy cow diets. The South African database on in situ protein and fiber degradability values for whole crop faba beans and oats is limited. The chemical composition of whole crop faba beans and oats constantly change as plants mature. For optimal stage of ensiling and feed formulation it would be useful to have CP, NDF and ADF degradability values available for whole crop faba beans and oats harvested at different growth stages. The objective of this study was to determine the ruminal nutrient degradabilities of whole crop faba beans (Vicia faba) and oats (Avena sativa). Whole crop faba beans and oats were cut at weekly intervals from 75 to 159 days after planting. Effective DM, CP, NDF and ADF degradability values of faba beans and oats harvested at 117, 131, 145 and 159 days after planting were determined by using the in situ nylon bag technique. Three non-lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulae were used. Plant material put into Dacron bags was incubated in the rumen for 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The degradability of DM, CP, NDF and ADF fractions of whole plant faba beans and oats in four different growth stages (117, 131, 145 and 159 days from planting) did not differ (P<0.05) among cows. The degradability of different fractions for both roughages were affected (P<0.05) by growth stage and incubation hours. DM, CP, NDF and ADF disappearance of whole crop faba beans and oats at 117 and 159 days after planting differed (P<0.05) at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of incubation time. The DM, CP, NDF and ADF disappearance values were fitted to the non-linear model p = a + b (1- e-ct). The effective degradabilities (P) could be calculated using a fractional outflow rate of k = 0.05. For whole crop faba beans, parameter b (potentially degradable fraction) and parameter c (the rate at which b is degraded) all differed different forages were compared by analysis of variance. The DM intake and milk yield of cows receiving TMR’s containing FBS, OH or a mixture of 50:50 FBS and OH as forages did not differ (P>0.05), milk yields being 18.9±1.9, 20.6±1.3 and 20.5±1.4 kg/cow/day respectively. With the exception of MUN, milk composition parameters did not differ among treatments (P>0.10). Cows fed OH as roughage source had a higher (P=0.06) MUN level in the milk. Results from this study indicate that FBS could effectively replace OH in lactating dairy cow diets. In the second experiment, total mixed rations (TMR) containing FBS, oat silage (OS) or a 50:50 mixture of FBS and OS as forages, together with a concentrate, were fed to six Holstein cows according to a double 3 x 3 Latin Square cross-over experimental design. Each cow received 13 kg DM either FBS, OS or a 50:50 mixture of FBS and OS were fed as forages, together with three different concentrates at nine kg “as is” each, to each cow. Cows were on average 108±30 days post calving producing 22.0±2.0 kg milk/day. DM intake, body weight, milk yield and milk composition parameters of cows receiving diets containing different forages were compared statistically. The DM intake and body weight of cows receiving TMR’s containing FBS, OH or a mixture of 50:50 FBS and OS as forages did not differ (P>0.10), although body weight changes differed significantly (P<0.10), i.e. 4.0±3.2, 8.8±3.2 and -6.0±3.2 kg respectively. The milk yield of cows receiving TMR’s containing FBS, OS or a mixture of 50:50 FBS and OS as forages did not differ (P>0.10), milk yields being 22.8±0.4, 21.4±0.4 and 21.9±0.4 kg/cow/day respectively. Of the milk composition parameters, the milk CP(%) of cows fed TMR’s containing FBS differed (P<0.05) from the cows fed the 50:50 mixture of FBS and OS, as well as cows fed the OS, being 2.82±0.02, 2.93±0.02 and 2.96±0.02% respectively. Results from this study indicate that FBS could effectively replace OS in lactating dairy cow diets. The South African database on in situ protein and fiber degradability values for whole crop faba beans and oats is limited. The chemical composition of whole crop faba beans and oats constantly change as plants mature. For optimal stage of ensiling and feed formulation it would be useful to have CP, NDF and ADF degradability values available for whole crop faba beans and oats harvested at different growth stages. The objective of this study was to determine the ruminal nutrient degradabilities of whole crop faba beans (Vicia faba) and oats (Avena sativa). Whole crop faba beans and oats were cut at weekly intervals from 75 to 159 days after planting. Effective DM, CP, NDF and ADF degradability values of faba beans and oats harvested at 117, 131, 145 and 159 days after planting were determined by using the in situ nylon bag technique. Three non-lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulae were used. Plant material put into Dacron bags was incubated in the rumen for 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The degradability of DM, CP, NDF and ADF fractions of whole plant faba beans and oats in four different growth stages (117, 131, 145 and 159 days from planting) did not differ (P<0.05) among cows. The degradability of different fractions for both roughages were affected (P<0.05) by growth stage and incubation hours. DM, CP, NDF and ADF disappearance of whole crop faba beans and oats at 117 and 159 days after planting differed (P<0.05) at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of incubation time. The DM, CP, NDF and ADF disappearance values were fitted to the non-linear model p = a + b (1- e-ct). The effective degradabilities (P) could be calculated using a fractional outflow rate of k = 0.05. For whole crop faba beans, parameter b (potentially degradable fraction) and parameter c (the rate at which b is degraded) all differed v significantly (P<0.05) between four different growth stages (117, 131, 145 and 159 days from planting) of plant maturity for CP, NDF and ADF. In oats, parameter b and parameter c did not differ (P>0.05) between the four different growth stages (117, 131, 145 and 159 days from planting) of plant maturity. Results from this study could make a valuable contribution towards the South African databases on faba bean and oats nutrient values and can be used in dynamic feed formulation. Faba beans cut as fresh crop or silage may in the foreseeable future play an increasingly larger role in the feeding of dairy cattle in the Winter Rainfall Region of South Africa. As in the case of lupin silage, though with much higher protein content, farmers will be able to produce their own quality and high protein roughage. The nutritive properties of faba bean silage holds great promise as a forage in lactating dairy cows. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die droëmateriaal (DM) produksie en chemiese samestelling van heelplant fababone (Vicia faba) en hawer (Avena sativa) is bepaal deur vars plantmateriaal op ‘n weeklikse basis te sny. Plantmonsters van beide fababoon en hawerplante is gesny vanaf 75 tot 166 dae na plant op ‘n hoogte van ca. 10 cm bo die grond. Plantmonsters is weekliks gesny op vyf ewekansige persele met ‘n oppervlak van 0.25 m² elk. Die vars gesnyde plantmateriaal is geweeg en daarna ge-oonddroog om die DM inhoud van elke monster te bepaal. Die varsmateriaal en DM opbrengs per hektaar is bereken. Die ruproteïen (RP), ruvesel (RV), neutraal bestande vesel (NBV), suur bestande vesel (SBV), stikstof vrye ekstrak (NVE), eterekstrak (EE), kalsium (Ca) en fosfor (P) inhoud is bepaal volgens standaardlaboratorium metodes. Lineêre regressie is gebruik om die verandering in chemiese samestelling van heelplant fababone en hawer te kwantifiseer. Vars en DM produksie van heelplant fababone en hawer het toegeneem met toename in groeistadium. Gedurende die 2002 produksiejaar het varsmateriaal opbrengs vir beide fababone en hawer gepiek op 131 dae (44.7±6.9 en 28.4±7.1 ton/ha respektiewelik). Heelplant fababoon en hawer DM opbrengs het gepiek op 159 en 152 dae na plant op 9.4±1.3 en 8.8±0.7 ton DM/ha, respektiewelik. Die chemiese samestelling van beide gewasse het afgeneem met toename in groeistadium. Die RP inhoud van heelplant fababone het verminder (P<0.05) van 25.3% op 82 dae na plant tot 18.4% op 166 dae na plant vir die 2002 produksiejaar, terwyl gedurende die 2003 produksiejaar die RP inhoud verminder (P<0.05) het vanaf 28.2 tot 19.5% vanaf 75 tot 159 dae na plant. Gedurende die 2002 produksiejaar het die ruvesel % van fababone toegeneem vanaf 20.2 tot 22.6%, terwyl gedurende die 2003 produksiejaar het die ruvesel toegeneem vanaf 21.8 tot 26.5%. Die ruvesel % vir heelplant hawer het vir die 2003 produksiejaar toegeneem vanaf 25.6 tot 36.9%. Vir dieselfde tyd, het EE, Ca en P inhoud ook verminder (P<0.05), terwyl NBV, RV en SBV inhoud toegeneem (P<0.05) het. Twee melkproduksiestudies is uitgevoer om die effek van fababoonkuilvoer op voerinname, melkopbrengs en melksamestelling van Holsteinkoeie te bepaal. Fababoonkuilvoer (FBKV) is vergelyk met behulp van koeie wat hawerhooi (HH) of hawerkuilvoer (HKV) en in ‘n 50:50 kombinasie met FBKV as ruvoere ontvang het. Fababone (cv. Ascot) en hawer (cv. Sederberg) is gevestig op ‘n Glenrosa grond. Heelplant fababone is gesny en ingekuil op 145 dae na plant. Gesnyde materiaal is toegelaat om vir ‘n dag te verlep, waarna dit in ‘n bogrondse kuilvoersloot ingekuil is met behulp van ‘n kommersiële bakteriële entstof. In die eerste eksperiment is volvoere met FBKV, HH en ‘n 50:50 mengsel van FBKV en HH as ruvoer, saam met ‘n konsentraat, gevoer aan drie groepe koeie wat bestaan het uit sewe Holsteinkoeie elk. Die eksperiment is uitgevoer volgens ‘n ewekansige blokontwerp. Koeie was gemiddeld 112±44 dae in melk en het 24.0±6.2 kg melk/dag geproduseer. Melkproduksie-veranderlikes van koeie wat diëte ontvang het met verskillende ruvoere is met ‘n variansie-analise vergelyk. Die DM inname en melkopbrengs van koeie op volvoere bevattende vii FBKV, HH of ‘n 50:50 mengsel van FBKV en HH, het nie betekenisvol verskil (P>0.05) nie. Melkopbrengs was 18.9±1.9, 20.6±1.3 en 20.5±1.4 kg/koei/dag, respektiewelik. Met die uitsondering van melkureumstikstof (MUN), het melksamestelling-veranderlikes nie betekenisvol (P>0.10) verskil tussen behandelings nie. Koeie wat HH as ruvoer ontvang het, het ‘n hoër (P=0.06) MUN vlak in die melk gehad. Resultate van hierdie studie dui daarop dat FBKV effektief HH in lakterende melkkoeidiëte kan vervang. In die tweede eksperiment is volvoere, betsaande uit FBKV, hawerkuilvoer (HKV) of ‘n 50:50 mengsel van FBKV en HKV as ruvoer, saam met ‘n konsentraat aan ses Holsteinkoeie gevoer volgens ‘n dubbel 3 x 3 Latynse Vierkant omskakel proefontwerp. Elke koei het 13 kg DM van FBKV, HKV of ‘n 50:50 mengsel van FBKV en HKV ontvang as ruvoere, saam met drie verskillende konsentrate van 9 kg op ‘n natuurlike vogbasis elk. Koeie was gemiddeld 108±30 dae in melk en het 22.0±2.0 kg melk/dag geproduseer. DM inname, liggaamsmassa, melkopbrengs- en melksamestelling- veranderlikes van koeie op verskillende diëte wat verskillende ruvoere ingesluit het, is statisties vergelyk. Die DM inname en liggaamsmassa van koeie op volvoere bevattende FBKV, HKV of ‘n 50:50 mengsel van FBKV en HKV, het nie betekenisvol (P>0.10) verskil nie. Verandering in liggaamsmassa het betekenisvol (P<0.10) verskil, te wete 4.0±3.2, 8.8±3.2 en -6.0±3.2 kg, respektiewelik. Die melkopbrengs van koeie op volvoere bevattende FBKV, HKV of ‘n 50:50 mengsel van FBKV en HKV as ruvoer, het nie verskil (P>0.10) nie. Melkopbrengs was 22.8±0.4, 21.4±0.4 en 21.9±0.4 kg/koei/dag, respektiewelik. Ten opsigte van die melksamestelling-veranderlikes van die koeie op die onderskeie volvoere, was dit slegs melk RP(%) van koeie wat volvoere met FBKV ontvang het, wat betekenisvol (P<0.05) verskil het van die koeie wat HKV en die 50:50 mengsel van FBKV en HKV as ruvoer ontvang het. Melk RP(%) was 2.82±0.02, 2.93±0.02 en 2.96±0.02%, respektiewelik. Resultate van hierdie studie dui daarop dat FBKV effektief HKV in lakterende melkkoei diëte kan vervang. Die Suid-Afrikaanse databasis van in situ proteïen- en veseldegradeerbaarheidswaardes vir heelplant fababone en hawer is beperk. Die chemiese samestelling van heelplant fababone en hawer verander gedurig soos plante toeneem in ouderdom en groeistadium. Vir optimale stadium van inkuiling en voerformulering sou dit belangrik wees om DM, RP, NBV en SBV degradeerbaarheidswaardes van heelplant fababone en hawer ge-oes op verskillende groeistadiums te hê. Die doel van die studie was om die ruminale degradeerbaarheidswaardes vir heelplant fababone en hawer te bepaal. Effektiewe DM, RP, NBV en SBV degradeerbaarheidswaardes is vir fababone en hawer bepaal vir groeistadiums 117, 131, 145 en 159 dae na plant deur gebruik te maak van die in situ nylon sakkie tegniek. Drie nie-lakterende Holsteinkoeie elk toegerus met ‘n rumen- kannula is gebruik om ruminale degradeerbaarheidswaardes te bepaal. Plantmateriaal wat in Dacron sakkies afgeweeg is, is in die rumen geplaas vir 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 en 96 ure. Die degradeerbaarheid van DM, RP, NBV en SBV fraksies van heelplant fababone en hawer vir vier verskillende groeistadiums (117, 131, 145 en 159 dae na plant) het nie betekenisvol (P<0.05) tussen koeie verskil nie. Die degradeerbaarheid van verskillende fraksies van beide ruvoere het verskil (P<0.05) tussen groeistadiums en inkubasie-ure. DM, RP, NBV en SBV verdwyning van heelplant fababone en hawer op 117 en 159 dae na plant het betekenisvol (P<0.05) verskil by 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 en 96 inkubasie-ure. Die DM, RP, NBV en SBV verdwyningswaardes is gepas op ‘n nie-lineêre model p = a + b (1- e-ct). Die effektiewe degradeerbaarheid (P) kon bereken word met ‘n fraksionele uitvloeitempo van k = viii 0.05 vanuit die rumen. Vir heelplant fababone het parameter b (potensieel degradeerbare fraksie) en parameter c (die tempo waarteen b degradeer word) betekenisvol verskil (P<0.05) vir alle groeistadiums (117, 131, 145 en 159 dae na plant) vir degradeerbaarheidswaardes van RP, NBV en SBV. Vir hawer het parameter b en parameter c nie betekenisvol (P>0.05) tussen die vier verskillende groeistadiums (117, 131, 145 and 159 dae na plant) verskil nie. Die resultate van hierdie studie kan ‘n belangrike bydrae maak tot die Suid-Afrikaanse databasis van fababoon en hawer voedingswaardes, en kan aangewend word in dinamiese voerformulering. Die gebruik van varsgesnyde of ingekuilde heeplant fababone kan in die toekoms ‘n al groter rol speel in melkkoeivoeding in die Winterreënstreek van Suid-Afrika. Soos in die geval met lupiene, maar met ‘n hoër proteïen inhoud, sal produsente hul eie kwaliteit en hoë proteïen ruvoer kan verbou. Die voedingswaarde van fababoonkuilvoer hou groot belofte in as ruvoer vir lakterende melkkoeie.

A produção e o valor nutritivo da forragem em pastagens são função de variações em composição botânica e morfológica do pasto que, por sua vez, são conseqüência do controle e monitoramento da condição e estrutura do dossel forrageiro. Dentro desse contexto, o objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar os efeitos de combinações entre intensidade e intervalo entre pastejos sobre a produção, composição botânica e morfológica e valor nutritivo da forragem ao longo de uma estação de crescimento inteira (janeiro/01 a fevereiro/02) em pastos de capim-Mombaça pastejados por bovinos. Adicionalmente, visou identificar estratégias de manejo do pastejo que permitissem obter alta produtividade e utilização de forragem, mantendo a estrutura do pasto dentro de limites aceitáveis de uso e garantindo, assim, alimento em quantidade e qualidade para os animais. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, entre 8 de janeiro de 2001 e 23 de fevereiro de 2002. Os tratamentos corresponderam a combinações entre duas intensidades (30 e 50 cm de resíduo) e dois intervalos de pastejo (pastejo iniciado com 95 e 100 % de interceptação de luz do dossel forrageiro - IL) e foram alocados às unidades experimentais conforme delineamento de blocos completos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2, com 4 repetições. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis-resposta ao longo de todos os ciclos de pastejo: teores de matéria mineral, proteína bruta, fibra insolúvel em detergente neutro e ácido, lignina e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica. De forma geral, os pastos acumularam forragem de forma contínua durante a rebrotação, sendo a maior produtividade obtida para o tratamento 30/95 (26.910 kg MS.ha -1 ), seguida do 30/100, 50/100 e 50/95 (24.900, 20.280 e 17.910 kg MS.ha -1 , respectivamente). No entanto, a partir de determinada fase de rebrotação o acúmulo foi proveniente de hastes e material morto, componentes que, em altas proporções, são indesejáveis para a alimentação animal e eficiência do pastejo. Pastos com pastejos iniciados com 100% IL do dossel apresentaram maiores proporções de hastes (14,7 x 8,0%) e material morto (9,7 x 6,5%) na forragem em pré-pastejo, o que resultou em redução dos teores de proteína (9,0 x 11,2%) e da digestibilidade (55,0 x 58,1%) comparativamente àqueles de 95% IL do dossel. Adicionalmente, quando períodos de descanso mais longos (100% IL) foram associados com o resíduo de 30 cm, a presença de hastes e material morto impediu que o resíduo planejado fosse mantido ao longo do ano (50,7 cm ao final do inverno). Pastejos mais freqüentes, propiciados pelo pastejo iniciado com 95 % IL do dossel, permitiram também um controle mais efetivo do florescimento das plantas, especialmente quando associados ao resíduo de 30 cm. Conclui-se que o manejo do pastejo em pastos de capim-Mombaça submetidos à lotação intermitente deve ser iniciado com 95 % IL do dossel (90 cm de altura em pré-pastejo) e terminado quando o resíduo atingir 30 cm, sendo o período de descanso função da taxa de acúmulo de massa seca dos pastos. / Forage yield and nutritive value in pastures are a function of variations in sward botanical and morphological composition, which result from monitoring and controlling sward condition and structure. Against this background, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of combinations of grazing intensity and frequency on dry matter production and botanical and morphological composition of the herbage in Mombaça grass patures grazed by dairy cattle for 411 days (January/01 to February/02). Additionally, it aimed at identifying grazing management strategies that would allow for high pasture productivity and herbage utilization, keeping sward structure within acceptable limits of use and ensuring adequate supply of good quality feed to animals. The experiment was carried out at Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, from 8 January 2001 to 23 February 2002. Treatments corresponded to combinations between two grazing intensities (30 and 50 cm post-grazing height) and two grazing intervals (grazing initiated at 95 and 100% canopy light interception - LI) and were allocated to experimental units according to a complete block design, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with 4 replicates. The following responses were measured in all grazing cycles: forage concentration of total ash, crude protein, neutral as well as acid detergent fiber and lignin content, and in vitro organic matter digestibility. In general, pastures accumulated herbage continuously during regrowth, with the highest productivity recorded for the 30/95 treatment (26,910 kg DM.ha -1 ), followed by 30/100, 50/100 and 50/95 (24,900; 20,280 and 17,910 kg DM.ha -1 , respectively). However, from a certain point during regrowth herbage accumulation was a consequence of stem elongation and dead material accumulation, components that, in high proportions, are undesirable for feeding animals and grazing efficiency. When grazing started at 100% canopy light interception there was a higher proportion of stem (14.7 x 8.0%) and dead material (9.7 x 6.5%) in the pre-grazing herbage mass than when it started at 95% LI, which caused reduction in crude protein content (9.0 x 11.2%) and organic matter digestibility of the herbage (55.0 x 58.1%). When longer grazing intervals (100% LI) were associated with the 30 cm post-grazing height, the post-grazing target for sward height could not be maintained throughout the year due to the accumulation of stem and dead material at the base of the sward (50.7 cm in late winter). More frequent grazings, related to the 95% canopy light interception defoliation regime, allowed for an effective control of reproductive growth of plants, particularly when associated with the post-grazing height of 30 cm. It was concluded that grazing management of Mombaça grass pastures submitted to intermittent stocking must be initiated at 95% canopy light interception (90 cm pre-grazing height) and finished when pastures are grazed down to 30 cm, with grazing intervals being a function of sward herbage accumulation rates.

O trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a aplicação de hidrolisado de carne (bovina, peru e frango) em preparações usualmente utilizadas em nossa alimentação e com padrão de aceitabilidade. Para obtenção do hidrolisado foi utilizada a carne com o suco de abacaxi \"in natura\" como fonte de bromelina (enzima proteolítica). Esse processo é de baixo custo e sua aplicação em preparações fáceis, contribui para variações nos cardápios com produto de valor nutricional maior, independentemente da classe sócioeconômica. Foram eleitas 4 preparações: sopa de beterraba, bolinho de batata, mousse de uva e vitamina de legumes e frutas. Todas as receitas foram desenvolvidas no Laboratório de Técnica Dietética da Faculdade de Saúde Pública / USP com recursos similares aos domésticos, para sua garantia à adequada orientação dietoterápica. Para a conclusão das preparações realizaram pelo menos 6 sessões laboratórios, quando o produto final obtido foi semelhante ao da receita padrão. A maior dificuldade em adaptar o hidrolisado foi com a carne bovina por ter coloração mais escura, sendo necessário portanto utilizar alimentos com cores mais fortes. A aceitabilidade foi verificada através da análise sensorial pelo método da escala hedônica, utilizando degustadores não treinados, funcionários, professores e alunos da Faculdade de Saúde pública/USP. Para o experimento, utilizou-se o delineamento estatístico através da análise de variância e teste de Tuckey. Os hidrolisados foram analisados quanto à sua composição centesimal: umidade, gordura, proteína. O valor nutritivo das preparações foi calculado antes e após a utilização do hidrolisado para comparação, utilizando o programa NUTRI-HNT. Os hidrolisados de carne apresentaram leve sabor residual, devendo ser mascarado nas diferentes preparações. O de bovino teve a coloração marrom, influenciando no produto final. O resultado da análise sensorial mostrou que as preparações com hidrolisado de carne, de peru e de frango foram as de melhor aceitação. A substituição de líquidos pelos hidrolisados de carne requer seleção adequada de receitas e seus ingredientes e o conhecimento das características sensoriais e físico químicas é de fundamental importância na obtenção de produto satisfatório. A utilização do hidrolisado de carne na preparação melhora o seu valor nutricional em proteínas, alguns minerais e vitaminas, em especial naquelas que usualmente não se acrescenta a carne (bolinho, mousse e vitamina). A forma em que se encontra a proteína no hidrolisado é vantajosa para o aproveitamento pelo organismo, podendo ser utilizado com as mais diversas finalidades, desde dietas especiais, suplementação alimentar, e até em alimentação enteral, com um dos seus constituintes. O hidrolisado de carne, assim apresentou aplicabilidade nas preparações selecionadas, através de sua aceitação, facilidade de sua obtenção com custos reduzidos e recursos disponíveis para a população em geral. / The objective of this study was to use hydrolysed meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) in the way usually prepared and accepted in the country. The meat was hydrolysed with bromelin (proteolytic enzyme) from pineapple\'s fresh juice. This process is cheap and easy to prepare, producing a large variety of foods of high nutritional value; being acessible to people from all socio economic levells. Four preparations of foods were selected as the best: beetroot soup, fried potato cake, grape musse and legumes and fruits shake. All recipes were developed at the Tecnical Dietetic Laboratory of the Public Health Faculty/USP in similar domestic conditions, to garantee an adequate dietetic orientation. The preparations were performed six times in the laboratory until a product similar with the standard was achieved. Hydrolysed beef was the most difficult to prepare because of the dark color, demanding the use of foods with strong colours. The acceptability was tested by sensorial analysis, using hedonic scale, by not trained tasters (workers, teachers and students of the Public Health Faculty/USP). The hydrolysed meats were analysed according to their composition, humidity, fat and protein. The nutritional value of the preparations were calculated before and after the utilization of the preparation for comparation, utilising the programme NUTRI-HNT. The statístical analysis was performed by the analysis of variance and Tukey test. The hydrolysed meat showed a mild residual flavour, that needed to be hidden in the preparation. The beef had brown coloration, influencing the final product. Sensory analysis showed that hydrolised turkey and chicken had better acceptability. The use of hydrolysate meat in the substitution of liquids demand adequate selection of recipes and ingredients. The knowledge of, the sensorial and physico chemical caracteristics of the foods is essential to obtain a good product. The use of hydrolysed meat in the preparation of foods, improved the nutritional value in proteins, vitamins and minerais, especially in those products that did not contain meat (cake, musse and shake). The protein in the hydrolysed meat improves its utilization by the organismo It may be used with great variability; in special diets, food supplementation, and enteral diets Hydrolysed meat presents a good applicability in selected preparations, showing good acceptability, facility to obtain at a low cost and availability by the population in general.

Biscoitos à base de farinha de trigo foram preparados com a adição de 3% de concentrado de hemoglobina bovina, obtido pela técnica de secagem de sangue animal em \"leito de jorro\", e introduzidos na dieta de pré-escolares de uma creche em Teresina, Estado do Piauí, Brasil. O estado de nutrição em ferro foi avaliado antes e após a intervenção A análise da dieta consumida mostrou déficit calórico e de ferro de 60 e 40%, respectivamente, bem como adequação quantitativa de proteína. A prevalência de anemia por deficiência de ferro foi de 75% (Hb < 11 g/dl), sendo 41% destes de grau severo (Hb < 9,3 g/dl). Com a introdução na dieta de 5 biscoitos/dia (5mg Fe), durante 90 dias, houve repleção hemoglobínica (Hb > 11 g/dl) em 100% das crianças. / Wheat flour biscuits were prepared with the addition of 3% bovine hemoglobin concentrate obtained by the drying of animal blood in a spouted bed and were introduced in the diet of pre-school children from a kindergarten of Teresina, Piauí state, Brazil. Iron nutriture was evaluated before and after the intervention. The analysis of the diet consumed by the children showed energy and iron deficiencies of 40% and 60% respectively and a quantitative protein adequacy. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 75% (Hb < 11 g/dl), 41% of these, of severe degree (Hb < 9,3 g/dl). With the introduction in the diet of 5 biscuits a day (5 mg Fe) for 90 days, there was hemoglobin repletion (Hb > 11 g/dl) in 100% of the children.

Amostras simulando o pastejo de capim Tanzânia (Panicum maximum Jacq.) irrigado sob três resíduo pós-pastejo (T1= baixo; T2= médio; T3= alto) foram coletadas durante um ano e analisadas para a determinação da composição protéica e dos carboidratos, e das frações protéicas e carboidratos (CNCPS). O teor de NDT também foi estimado. Nos períodos de verão, outono e primavera, foi avaliado a degradação ruminal da MS, FDN, FDA, PB e nFDN das amostras de pastejo simulado. Nestes períodos, também foi estimado o consumo de forragem usando-se o óxido de cromo como marcador. Não houve diferença de qualidade nutricional entre os tratamentos. Os maiores teores de FDN (68,3 a 64,5%) e FDA (34,89 a 33,18%) ocorreram no período de primavera/verão. A lignina apresentou maiores proporções no inverno (4,68 a 4,10), provocando variação na fração C dos carboidratos (14,14 a 23,21 %CT). O NDT variou entre 55,26 e 59,31%. O teor de PB teve tendência de aumento ao longo do ano, variando de 11,29 a 14,61%. Os teores de NnP variaram entre 18,23 e 28,77 %PB, sendo menores durante a primavera/verão. O Nsol variou de 24,97 a 35,97 %PB. A fração nFDN foi, em média, de 49,11 %PB. Para o nFDA, a variação foi de 6,48 e 11,94 %PB. A avaliação da degradação ruminal indica que as maiores taxas de degradações e menores frações indisponíveis ocorreram no período de verão. O T1 foi o tratamento que apresentou maior redução de digestibilidade entre o verão (81,41%) e a primavera (74,96%). A fração prontamente solúvel da proteína pode ser maior que 40% da PDR, que variou entre 76,36 %PB (verão) e 62,05 %PB (primavera). A fração indigestível da FDN (C) é maior que a estimada pelo CNCPS a partir dos teores de lignina/FDN multiplicados por 2,4. Os resultados deste trabalho indicam que o fator de multiplicação deve estar entre 2,91 e 3,35. A fração C do nFDN (12,11 a 17,08%) é maior que a calculada em laboratório como sendo nFDA (6,48 a 10,7%). Quanto maior o teor de PB e de nFDN, pior foi a digestibilidade da PB. A menor qualidade da planta no período entre julho e setembro pode estar relacionada à menor renovação de tecidos durante o período de inverno e ao acúmulo de perfilhos florescidos. O consumo de forragem foi menor para o T1 (65,8 g/kg PM) e para o período de primavera (61,3 g/kg PM). Em média, o consumo de FDN foi de 1,34% do peso animal. A altura do resíduo póspastejo, a oferta de folhas e a MSD explicaram, em média, 50% do consumo de forragem nas três estações do ano. No período do verão, houve aumento no consumo de forragem com o aumento da altura de pastejo e da oferta de folhas. Ainda no período de verão, o consumo máximo de forragem (82,98 g/kg PM) foi obtido com um resíduo de 2833 kg MSV/ha. A relação PDR/MDOR foi, entre 15,02 e 19,18%, gerando um excesso de N ruminal entre 4 e 29%. / The objective of this work was to: determine the chemical composition; study DM, NDF, CP and nNDF ruminal kinectics; estimate forage intake by Nellore growing steers of irrigated Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.); and validate the Cornell system. Simulated-grazed samples were collected on three periods of the year (spring, summer and fall, totaling 10 grazing cycles) on irrigated paddocks, rotationally grazed to three post grazing green dry matter residues (T1 = low, T2 = medium and T3 = high). Three rumen cannulated animals were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square design to determine the in situ degradability up to 96 hours of incubation. NDF, CP and nNDF were determined through NIRS in the residue remaining in the bags. Although there were no statistical differences imposed by the treatments during the year, the NDF and ADF showed higher values (P <.05) in the spring/summer, and lignin in the winter (P <.05) grazing cycles. Along the year the carbohydrate C fraction, TDN and CP varied from 14.14 to 23.21%, 55.26 to 59.31% and 11.29 to 14.61%, respectively. The Nsol, NNP and nADF (as CP%) varied from 18.23 to 28.77%, 24.97 to 35.97% and 6.48% to 11.94%, respectively. The average nFDN (as CP%) was 49.11%. From July to September forage quality was the lowest, probably due to the slowest tissue replenishment and flowering tillers’ accumulation. The N largest proportion (average of 40% of the CP fraction) was recovered in the cell wall, specifically in the B3 fraction, which should be the most important fraction on ruminal fermentation kinetics studies. Forage quality was the highest in the summer. The low post grazing residue treatment showed the largest increase in digestibility in all fractions from spring (74.96%) to summer (81.41%). The soluble protein fraction showed values up to 40% of the RDP, which varied from 62 to 76% of the CP. The NDF C fraction was underestimated by the CNCPS; our data suggests the %lignin/% NDF should be multiplied by a factor between 2.91 and 3.35. The CNCPS overestimated the nNDF C fraction (12.11 to 17.08%) as compared to the wet lab analysis value, as regarded to be the nADF fraction (6.48 to 10.7%). In general our results showed that the CP digestibility decreased as the CP and nNDF contents increased. The low post grazing residue and the spring time showed the lowest forage intake (65.8 and 61.3 g/kg PM, respectively). On the average the NDF intake was 1.34% of live weight. The post grazing height, leaf allowance and digestible dry matter explained 50% of forage intake. The forage intake increased as both the post grazing and leaf allowance increased during the summer. The estimated maximum forage intake (82.98 g/kg PM) during the summer was obtained with a post-grazing residue of 2,833 kg/ha of GDMR. The estimated range of RDP/RDOM ratio was from 15.02 to 19.18, which indicates an excess of rumen nitrogen of 4 to 29%. Overall the forage intake was overestimated in 3.8 to 55% by the CNCPS.

Orientadora: Telma Teresinha Berchielli Moreno / Banca: Euclides Braga Malheiros / Banca: Ives Cláudio da Silva Bueno / Resumo: Os sistemas de formulação de dietas para ruminantes exigem a avaliação de alimentos como forrageiras, pois essas são as principais fontes de nutrientes em condições tropicais. Por essa razão, é necessário o desenvolvimento de metodologias que sejam rápidas e ao mesmo tempo eficientes na avaliação de forragens para o funcionamento dos sistemas produtivos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar em duas épocas do ano o efeito de idade de corte (28, 35 e 42 dias), no valor nutritivo de três espécies forrageiras tropicais de grande utilização na alimentação de bovinos em pastejo no Brasil: capim-Tanzânia (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), o capim-Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu), e o Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp), através da composição química, o fracionamento de proteína e carboidratos, a digestibilidade e a produção de gases in vitro. Nas duas épocas o Tifton 85 apresentou os maiores conteúdos de parede celular, fibra em detergente neutro (FON), fibra em detergente neutro corrigida para cinzas e proteína (FONcp), fibra em detergente ácido (FOA), lignina (LlG), carboidratos totais (CHOS totais), fração B2 e C dos carboidratos (69,36; 62,19; 32,09; 4,09; 78,31; 54,25 e 9,82%, respectivamente) e menores coeficientes de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (OIVMS) e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (OIVMO) 49,33 e 45,35% respectivamente, alem de menor produção de gases após 96h de incubação 225,49mL g-1 MS. O valor nutritivo (composição química, digestibilidade e produtos da digestão) da Brachiaria brizantha foi superior nas duas épocas do ano e nas idades de corte avaliadas nas condições deste trabalho comparada com Tanzânia e Tifton 85. / Abstract: In the tropics, diet formulation systems for ruminants require the forages evaluation, as they are the main source of nutrients for the animais. For this reason, the development of practical and efficient methodologies to evaluate forages is crucial for a better result of the production systems. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the cutting age effect (28, 35 and 42 days) in three different forage species which are largely used for the nutrition of cattle raised under pasture conditions in Brazil: Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia), Marandu grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) and Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp). compared based on the chemical composition, protein and carbohydrate fractions, digestibility and in vitro gas production of the forages. In the two different periods of the year Tifton 85 had the highest cellular wall components, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), neutral detergent fiber with corrections for mineral and protein (NDFcp), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin (LlG), total carbohydrates (CHOS), fraction B2 and C of the CHO (69,36; 62,19; 32,09; 4,09; 78,31; 54,25 e 9,82%, respectively), and the lower in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) 49,33%, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) 45,35%, and the gas production 225,49mL g-1 MS. The forage nutritive value (the potential degradability (PD), the effective degradability (ED). Considering the two periods of the year and the three cutting ages investigated in the present study, the nutritive value (chemical composition, digestibility and nature of digested products) of Marandugrass was superior in comparison to Tanzaniagrass and Tifton 85. / Mestre

Orientador: Ana Cláudia Ruggieri / Resumo: O setor agropecuário consiste em um pilar da economia nacional, no entanto está entre os principais responsáveis pelas emissões de gases de efeito estufa (GEE) no mundo, contribuindo com 38% de metano (CH4) proveniente da fermentação entérica. Frente a essa situação, o desafio no sistema produtivo de ruminantes é desenvolver dietas e estratégias de manejo que minimizem a produção de CH4, de modo a reduzir os impactos do aquecimento global e aumentar a eficiência produtiva dos pastos e dos animais. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a produção de massa, a composição química, o consumo, a digestibilidade, o balanço de nitrogênio (N) e a emissão de CH4 entérico por novilhas leiteiras mestiças mantidas em pastos de capim-marandu, fertilizados com N ou em consórcio com amendoim forrageiro. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 3 tratamentos e 7 repetições para as variáveis relacionadas ao animal e 4 para as variáveis relacionadas à forragem. Os tratamentos constaram de pastos de capim-marandu sem fonte nitrogenada (controle), fertilizados com ureia (adubado) e em consórcio com amendoim forrageiro (consorciado). Os dados foram coletados durante os períodos experimentais da estação chuvosa de dois anos de avaliação (2016/2017 e 2017/2018). O consórcio de capim-marandu com amendoim forrageiro e a adubação nitrogenada em pastos de capim-marandu não mitigaram a emissão de CH4 entérico por novilhas mestiças. A adubação nitrogenada aumentou o valor nu... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The agricultural sector is a pillar of the Brazilian economy, but it also serves as one of the main causes of emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the world, contributing 38% of methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation. Faced with this situation, the challenge in the ruminant production system is to develop diets and management strategies that minimize CH4 production in order to reduce the impacts of global warming and increase the productive efficiency of pastures and animals. The objective of the study was to evaluate the forage mass production, chemical composition, intake, digestibility, balance of nitrogen (N) and enteric CH4 emission by crossbred dairy heifers kept in marandu grass pastures fertilized with N or mixed with forage peanut. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments containing seven replications for variables related to the animals and four replications for variables related to the forage. The treatments consisted of pastures of marandu grass without nitrogen source (control), fertilized with urea (fertilized), and marandu grass mixed with forage peanut (mixed). Data were collected during two experimental periods consisting of the 2016/2017 and the 2017/2018 rainy seasons. The mixed and fertilized pastures did not mitigate enteric CH4 emission in crossbred heifers. Nitrogen fertilization did however increase the forage nutritive value as shown by increased values of crude protein, and B1 + B2 protein fraction, and ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

A produção e o valor nutritivo da forragem em pastagens são função de variações em composição botânica e morfológica do pasto que, por sua vez, são conseqüência do controle e monitoramento da condição e estrutura do dossel forrageiro. Dentro desse contexto, o objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar os efeitos de combinações entre intensidade e intervalo entre pastejos sobre a produção, composição botânica e morfológica e valor nutritivo da forragem ao longo de uma estação de crescimento inteira (janeiro/01 a fevereiro/02) em pastos de capim-Mombaça pastejados por bovinos. Adicionalmente, visou identificar estratégias de manejo do pastejo que permitissem obter alta produtividade e utilização de forragem, mantendo a estrutura do pasto dentro de limites aceitáveis de uso e garantindo, assim, alimento em quantidade e qualidade para os animais. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, entre 8 de janeiro de 2001 e 23 de fevereiro de 2002. Os tratamentos corresponderam a combinações entre duas intensidades (30 e 50 cm de resíduo) e dois intervalos de pastejo (pastejo iniciado com 95 e 100 % de interceptação de luz do dossel forrageiro - IL) e foram alocados às unidades experimentais conforme delineamento de blocos completos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2, com 4 repetições. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis-resposta ao longo de todos os ciclos de pastejo: teores de matéria mineral, proteína bruta, fibra insolúvel em detergente neutro e ácido, lignina e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica. De forma geral, os pastos acumularam forragem de forma contínua durante a rebrotação, sendo a maior produtividade obtida para o tratamento 30/95 (26.910 kg MS.ha -1 ), seguida do 30/100, 50/100 e 50/95 (24.900, 20.280 e 17.910 kg MS.ha -1 , respectivamente). No entanto, a partir de determinada fase de rebrotação o acúmulo foi proveniente de hastes e material morto, componentes que, em altas proporções, são indesejáveis para a alimentação animal e eficiência do pastejo. Pastos com pastejos iniciados com 100% IL do dossel apresentaram maiores proporções de hastes (14,7 x 8,0%) e material morto (9,7 x 6,5%) na forragem em pré-pastejo, o que resultou em redução dos teores de proteína (9,0 x 11,2%) e da digestibilidade (55,0 x 58,1%) comparativamente àqueles de 95% IL do dossel. Adicionalmente, quando períodos de descanso mais longos (100% IL) foram associados com o resíduo de 30 cm, a presença de hastes e material morto impediu que o resíduo planejado fosse mantido ao longo do ano (50,7 cm ao final do inverno). Pastejos mais freqüentes, propiciados pelo pastejo iniciado com 95 % IL do dossel, permitiram também um controle mais efetivo do florescimento das plantas, especialmente quando associados ao resíduo de 30 cm. Conclui-se que o manejo do pastejo em pastos de capim-Mombaça submetidos à lotação intermitente deve ser iniciado com 95 % IL do dossel (90 cm de altura em pré-pastejo) e terminado quando o resíduo atingir 30 cm, sendo o período de descanso função da taxa de acúmulo de massa seca dos pastos. / Forage yield and nutritive value in pastures are a function of variations in sward botanical and morphological composition, which result from monitoring and controlling sward condition and structure. Against this background, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of combinations of grazing intensity and frequency on dry matter production and botanical and morphological composition of the herbage in Mombaça grass patures grazed by dairy cattle for 411 days (January/01 to February/02). Additionally, it aimed at identifying grazing management strategies that would allow for high pasture productivity and herbage utilization, keeping sward structure within acceptable limits of use and ensuring adequate supply of good quality feed to animals. The experiment was carried out at Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Araras, SP, from 8 January 2001 to 23 February 2002. Treatments corresponded to combinations between two grazing intensities (30 and 50 cm post-grazing height) and two grazing intervals (grazing initiated at 95 and 100% canopy light interception - LI) and were allocated to experimental units according to a complete block design, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with 4 replicates. The following responses were measured in all grazing cycles: forage concentration of total ash, crude protein, neutral as well as acid detergent fiber and lignin content, and in vitro organic matter digestibility. In general, pastures accumulated herbage continuously during regrowth, with the highest productivity recorded for the 30/95 treatment (26,910 kg DM.ha -1 ), followed by 30/100, 50/100 and 50/95 (24,900; 20,280 and 17,910 kg DM.ha -1 , respectively). However, from a certain point during regrowth herbage accumulation was a consequence of stem elongation and dead material accumulation, components that, in high proportions, are undesirable for feeding animals and grazing efficiency. When grazing started at 100% canopy light interception there was a higher proportion of stem (14.7 x 8.0%) and dead material (9.7 x 6.5%) in the pre-grazing herbage mass than when it started at 95% LI, which caused reduction in crude protein content (9.0 x 11.2%) and organic matter digestibility of the herbage (55.0 x 58.1%). When longer grazing intervals (100% LI) were associated with the 30 cm post-grazing height, the post-grazing target for sward height could not be maintained throughout the year due to the accumulation of stem and dead material at the base of the sward (50.7 cm in late winter). More frequent grazings, related to the 95% canopy light interception defoliation regime, allowed for an effective control of reproductive growth of plants, particularly when associated with the post-grazing height of 30 cm. It was concluded that grazing management of Mombaça grass pastures submitted to intermittent stocking must be initiated at 95% canopy light interception (90 cm pre-grazing height) and finished when pastures are grazed down to 30 cm, with grazing intervals being a function of sward herbage accumulation rates.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T14:59:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2006- Nicolas Fernando Parraga Davila.pdf: 1368936 bytes, checksum: 7587b72d2e2223f96d5110531bcc5237 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-02-17 / Two experiments were carried out aiming to evaluate the effect of cotton seed meal on the growth of rabbits. Eight rabbits 50 days of age (four males and four females) were utilized in the digestibility trial. The experimental period lasted for 12 days (8 days for adaptation and 4 days of whole faeces collection). Cotton seed meal was offered as single feed, with 0.5% of NaCl end 0.4% of mineral vitamin mixture. The cotton seed meal was then moisted with 40% of water until past was got. The food excess was taken off the feeder daily. The chemical composition of the cotton seed meal for dry matter, crude protein, neutral fiber detergent, acid fiber detergent, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, extract ether and gross energy were respectively : 89.57; 38.18; 33.55; 22.93; 13.82; 0.34; 1.26; 0.75% and 4,169.62 kcal/kg. The apparent digestibility coefficients were: 66.81; 84.65; 41.14; 39.00 and 68.27% for dry matter, crude protein, neutral fiber detergent, acid fiber detergent and gross energy, respectively. In the performance trial were utilized 32 rabbits (16 males and 16 females) White New Zealand 41 days of age kept in individual cages. Data were analyzed under a randomized design with replication and three treatments (three levels of soybean meal for cotton seed meal crude protein substitution: (0; 33; 66 and 100%). During performance trial (from 62 nd to 67 th day whole faeces collection was made to establish the diet digestibility. At the end of the experiment the rabbits (76 days old) were slaughter to determine carcass quality. The digestibility coefficient of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral fiber detergent, acid fiber detergent and gross energy of the diets were affected (P<0.05) by treatments. There was significant effect (P<0,05) for daily feed intake and feed: gain ratio, while there was no significant effect of treatments on the live weight gain average and the carcass quality. The results show that crude protein of cotton seed meal may replace the crude protein of soybean meal in feeding of growing rabbits. It?s advisable to study economic evaluation. / Foram conduzidos dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o uso do farelo de algod?o na alimenta??o de coelhos em crescimento. No ensaio de digestibilidade, foram utilizados oito coelhos de ambos os sexos, com 50 dias de idade. O per?odo experimental constou de oito dias de adapta??o ?s condi??es experimentais e quatro dias de coleta total de fezes. O farelo de algod?o foi fornecido como ?nico alimento, adicionando-se 0,5% de cloreto de s?dio e 0,4% de mistura mineral vitam?nico, sendo em seguida umedecido com 40% de ?gua formando uma pasta. Para evitar fermenta??es, diariamente retiravam-se as sobras de ra??o. A composi??o qu?mica do farelo de algod?o para mat?ria seca, prote?na bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ?cido, fibra bruta, c?lcio, f?sforo, extrato et?reo e energia bruta, foram respectivamente de, 89,57; 38,18; 33,55; 22,93; 13,82; 0,34; 1,26; 0,75% e 4169,62 Kcal/kg. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente foram de 66,81; 84,65; 41,14; 39,00 e 68,27% para mat?ria seca, prote?na bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ?cido e energia bruta, respectivamente. Os valores de mat?ria seca digest?vel, prote?na digest?vel, fibra em detergente neutro digest?vel, fibra em detergente ?cido digest?vel e energia digest?vel, com base na mat?ria natural, foram, respectivamente de: 59,84; 32,32; 13,80; 8,94% e 2846,60 Kcal ED/kg. No ensaio de desempenho foram utilizados 32 coelhos de ambos os sexos (16 machos e 16 f?meas) da ra?a Nova Zel?ndia branca com 41 dias de idade alojados individualmente e distribu?dos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em quatro tratamentos (tr?s n?veis de substitui??o da prote?na bruta do farelo de soja: 33; 66 e 100%) e oito repeti??es. Durante o experimento de desempenho, dos 62 aos 67 dias, procedeu-se a coleta total de fezes. Ao final do experimento (76 dias) os animais foram abatidos para avalia??o de carca?a. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade da mat?ria seca, mat?ria org?nica, prote?na bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ?cido e energia bruta das dietas experimentais foram afetados (P<0,05) pelos tratamentos. Observou-se aumento (P<0,05) no consumo di?rio de ra??o e na convers?o alimentar, por?m o ganho de peso m?dio e as caracter?sticas de carca?a n?o foram afetados, sugerindo que a prote?na do farelo de algod?o (38 % PB) pode substituir totalmente a prote?na do farelo de soja, ficando seu uso na depend?ncia da oferta e pre?o de mercado.