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Most of the calories in cereal foods come from starch. Decreasing starch digestibility is fundamental to prevent obesity and diabetes. This study investigated interactions of condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins-PA) and other sorghum phenolic compounds with starch molecules and their effect on in vitro starch digestibility. High tannin (predominant in large molecular weight PA, 80%), black (monomeric polyphenols) and white (low in polyphenols) sorghum phenolic extracts were cooked with starches varying in amylose content. Starch pasting properties, polyphenol profile and in vitro starch digestibility were evaluated. Unlike other treatments, samples with tannin phenolic extracts had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower setback in the test using a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) compared to control. The same treatments had the least extractable phenol and PA contents after cooking with all starches. These evidences suggest interactions between starch molecules and PA. Furthermore, after mixing tannin phenolic extracts with pure amylose/amylopectin, extractable polymeric PA was in much lower concentration (62% less) in presence of amylose compared to amylopectin. This drop in concentration increased to 85% when purified tannin extract (90% polymeric PA) was used. This indicates a stronger interaction between amylose and large molecular weight PA. When high amylose starch was used in an autoclave cooking/cooling technique, the RS content of control (26.4%) was similar (P > 0.05) to samples with black phenolic extracts (27%); samples with tannin phenolic extracts increased RS to about 40%. The RS increased to 46% when purified tannin extract was used. All these evidences suggest that sorghum condensed tannins, specifically the polymeric PA, directly interacted with amylose, increasing RS content, whereas the monomeric polyphenols did not. This study opens opportunities to use tannin sorghum to develop products for diabetics and weight control, high in dietary fiber and natural dark color. In the other part of this project, polyphenols from black and tannin sorghum bran were extracted using an Accelerated Solvent Extractor (ASE) and eco-friendly solvents such as water, and mixtures ethanol/water. ASE at 120 and 150 degrees C using 50 and 70% ethanol/water was efficient in extracting as much phenols (45 mg GAE/g) and 12% more antioxidants (628 μmol TE/g) from black sorghum compared to conventional methods using aqueous acetone and acidified methanol. Therefore, ASE extracts from black sorghum could be used in beverages and in colorants containing high antioxidant content.

Whole ground white, high tannin and black sorghum with and without additional high tannin sorghum bran were used in different proportions to develop ready to eat breakfast cereals and snacks. The effect of extrusion on the phenolic compounds and on in vitro starch digestibility of sorghum based cereals and snacks were observed. Gluten free and gluten containing breakfast cereal and snacks were developed with different physical, chemical and sensory characteristic. By increasing the sorghum and bran level in the formulations, the bulk density of extrudates was increased while expansion ratio was decreased. Bowl life of extrudates was increased up to 18 min. when 60% whole ground white sorghum was used with additional 10% high tannin sorghum bran. Water soluble index was significantly higher for the extrudates without additional bran and decreased as bran was added. A positive correlation between water soluble index and expansion ratio (R^2=0.89) indicated that the more expansion ratio provided a large surface area for water to interact with starch and other soluble components. The retention of total phenols in these extrudates varied from 13-41% and it was found that extrudates with additional high tannin sorghum bran had more total phenols than extrudates without it. Sorghum extrudates showed a significant reduction in antioxidant activity varied from 21-83%. Similarly, the effect of extrusion on condensed tannins was detrimental, and their retention was ranged from 12-28%. The smaller particle size of ground sorghum increased the surface area of contact between composite flour components and extruder barrel which promoted interactions during extrusion, lowering condensed tannins and antioxidant activity. All sorghum based extrudates had significantly (P<0.05) lower starch digestibility than that of corn flour extrudates. All types of sorghum had non-significant difference in starch digestibility from 0.5-2hrs. After 16 hrs., high tannin sorghum extrudates had the lowest starch digestibility (79%), which was significantly different from other sorghum types. There was a negative correlation between the rapid digestible starch and tannin contents (R^2=0.62). Breakfast cereals made from different types of sorghum and bran levels were statistically equally rated in taste and overall acceptability.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Micheal J. Brouk / Four studies were conducted that focused either on silage quality parameters or heat abatement systems to improve cow comfort. Study 1 evaluated the effects of treating whole-plant corn at harvest with a dual-purpose commercial silage inoculant containing Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactococcus lactis O224 on fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage through 32 d of ensiling. Inoculating silage to be fed after minimal storage time (≤ 32 d post-harvest) had no effect (P > 0.05) on the chemical composition, fermentation variables, aerobic stability or rise in temperature post-harvest. Study 2 was designed to develop a berry processing score (BPS) for sorghum silage as well as evaluate the change in starch digestibility as the level of berry processing increased. A method to evaluate the level of processing in sorghum silage was successfully developed by measuring the percent of starch passing through a 1.7 mm screen. This provides the industry with a standardized method to measure the level of processing in sorghum silage. As BPS increased from 26.28 to 55.05 ± 0.04%, 7-h in situ starch digestibility increased from 50.54 to 82.07 ± 4.94% for unprocessed and heavily processed sorghum silage, respectively (R² = 0.43). By processing sorghum silage during harvest and measuring the extent of processing, sorghum silage starch digestibility can be enhanced and may serve as a viable alternative to corn silage in the diet of lactating dairy cows in areas of the country where corn silage is a high-risk forage crop due to lack of water. Study 3 evaluated the effects of 2 heat stress abatement systems on barn temperature, micro-environmental temperature, core body temperature (CBT), respiration rate, rear udder temperature, and lying time in lactating dairy cows. The systems evaluated were: direct cooling via feedline soakers and fans, or evaporative cooling via a fan and fog system. The evaporative cooling system was effective (P = 0.04) in reducing respiration rates (52.0 vs. 57.9 ± 2.2 breaths per min; P < 0.01) and rear udder temperatures (33.2 vs. 34.5 ± 0.3ºC; P < 0.01), and increased daily lying time (11.8 vs. 10.8 ± 0.3 h/d; P < 0.01) due to differences in barn THI and airflow. No treatment differences (P = 0.79) were detected for CBT, likely due to cooler ambient conditions during the study. Study 4 assessed the effects of the same evaporative and direct cooling systems as in Study 2 but were applied in the holding area prior to afternoon milking, where effects on CBT and micro-environmental temperature in lactating dairy cows were measured in addition to water usage by each system. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between direct cooling and evaporative cooling were detected for micro-environmental THI. However, the evaporative cooling system reduced the consumption of water in the holding area while maintaining CBT < 39.0ºC. Future research should be conducted under greater ambient THI to determine if an evaporative cooling system is able to maintain CBT < 39.0ºC, while also comparing CBT and water usage to a soaker system in the holding area.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da irradiação nas características estruturais, físico-químicas, funcionais e nutricionais (digestibilidade do amido) do amido isolado de arroz, bem como elucidar como tais alterações afetam as propriedades físico-químicas, físicas, sensoriais e nutricionais (digestibilidade do amido) dos grãos de arroz irradiados. As cultivares comerciais de arroz IAC 202 e IRGA 417 foram utilizadas. Os grãos e amido isolado foram submetidos às doses 1, 2 e 5 kGy de radiação gama, sob taxa de 0,4 kGy/h. Uma amostra controle (não irradiada), considerada dose 0, foi utilizada para comparação. A irradiação não alterou a morfologia dos grânulos, padrão de cristalinidade e teor de fibra alimentar no amido isolado de ambas cultivares. Mas promoveu aumento no teor de amilose, carboxilas, acidez, cor amarela, amilose lixiviada, absorção de água e solubilidade em água, e redução no pH e na viscosidade de pasta. A radiação gama induziu à degradação das moléculas de amilose e de amilopectina, mas também gerou ligações cruzadas, o que levou os amidos das diferentes cultivares a apresentarem comportamentos distintos para digestibilidade e cristalinidade relativa ao longo das doses aplicadas. Para a cv. IAC 202 ocorreu redução do número das cadeias longas e aumento das cadeias curtas da amilopectina, enquanto para a cv. IRGA 417 ocorreu aumento das cadeias longas e redução das cadeias curtas, promovendo aumento na temperatura de gelatinização do amido. A digestibilidade do amido mostrou ser maior quanto à fração amido lentamente digerível (ALD), seguido por amido rapidamente digerível (ARD) e amido resistente (AR) em ambas cultivares, para o amido e grãos crus. A gelatinização do amido promoveu aumento do ARD, com redução do ALD e AR. A cocção dos grãos de arroz causou redução de AR, sendo que este teor foi mais preservado na menor dose (1 kGy). A irradiação também promoveu redução de dureza e aumento da pegajosidade dos grãos cozidos. No entanto, a caracterização sensorial por análise descritiva quantitativa (ADQ) mostrou mínima percepção dos provadores na alteração destes parâmetros de textura. A ADQ constatou desenvolvimento de aromas e sabores diferenciados com o aumento das doses, tornando-os menos característicos em ambas cultivares. Os grãos de arroz irradiados com 1 kGy apresentaram boa aceitabilidade pelos provadores. Esta foi a melhor dose para o arroz, considerando o maior teor de AR e menores alterações nas demais propriedades físico-químicas e sensoriais. / The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of irradiation on the structural, physicochemical, functional and nutritional (starch digestibility) characteristics of starch isolated from rice as well as elucidate how such changes affect the physicochemical, physical, sensory and nutritional (starch digestibility) properties of irradiated rice grains. Commercial rice cultivars IAC 202 and IRGA 417 were used. Grains and starch isolated were submitted to doses 1, 2 and 5 kGy of gamma radiation, on a rate of 0.4 kGy/h. A control sample (non-irradiated), considered dose 0, was used for comparison. Irradiation did not alter the granule morphology, crystallinity pattern and dietary fiber content in starch isolated from both cultivars. But promoted increase in amylose content, carboxyl, acidity, yellow color, leached amylose, water absorption and water solubility, and decrease in pH and paste viscosity. Gamma radiation induced degradation of the amylose and amylopectin molecules, but also generated crosslinks, which led the starches from different cultivars showed distinct behaviors for digestibility and relative crystallinity along the doses applied. For cv. IAC 202 occurred reducing the number of long chains and increasing short chains of amylopectin, whereas for cv. IRGA 417 occurred increasing long chain and reduction short chain, promoting an increase in gelatinization temperature of starch. Starch digestibility was found to be higher as the fraction slowly digestible starch (SDS), followed by rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and resistant starch (RS) in both cultivars for raw starch and grains. Starch gelatinization promoted increased RDS, reducing the SDS and RS. Cooking of the rice grains caused a reduction of RS, and this content was more preserved at the lowest dose (1 kGy). Irradiation also promoted a reduction in hardness and an increase in stickiness of cooked grains. However, sensory characterization by quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) showed minimal perception of the panelists in the alteration of these texture parameters. The QDA found development of differentiated odor and taste with increasing doses, making them less characteristic in both cultivars. Rice grains irradiated with 1 kGy showed good acceptability by the panelists. This was the best dose for rice, considering the highest RS content and minor changes in other physicochemical and sensory properties.

<p>Pravilna ishrana preživara je važna za održanje zdravstvenog stanja životinja, a takođe je i ključna za efikasnu i ekonomičnu proizvodnju mleka i mesa. Kod visokoproizvodnih preživara, kao &scaron;to su tovna junad i mlečne krave, energetske potrebe su velike kako bi se ostvario brz prirast telesne mase i visok prinos mleka. Termički tretmani se koriste za pobolj&scaron;anje hranljivih, higijenskih, fizičkih i hemijskih karakteristika hrane za životinje. Osnovni cilj istraživanja u okviru ove disertacije je analiza uticaja različitih termičkih tretmana na promene skrobne komponente i svarljivost kukuruza kod preživara. U tu svrhu primenjeni su tretmani peletiranja, parnog flekičenja, mikronizacije i ekstrudiranja na uzorcima kukuruza i potpune sme&scaron;e za krave muzare. Promene u strukturi skrobnih granula su praćene pomoću skening elektronske mikroskopije i diferencijalne skenirajuće kalorimetrije, dok su promene u hidrataciji i bubrenju uzoraka određene analizom kriva pastiranja, indeksa apsorpcije vode (WAI) i indeksa rastvorljivosti u vodi (WSI). In situ tehnikom je praćena promena brzine svarljivosti skroba i suve materije u buragu preživara i uticaj različitih termičkih tretmana na mesto varenja skroba kukuruza. Promene u svarljivosti organske materije (SOM) kroz ceo digestivni trakt preživara su određene in vitro multi-enzimskom metodom.<br />Na osnovu rezultata DSC analize uzoraka kukuruza i sme&scaron;a utvrđeno je da su parno flekičenje, mikronizacija i peletiranje blagi tretmani, dok je ekstrudiranje o&scaron;triji tretman koji dovodi do potpunije želatinizacije skroba. U uzorku parno flekičanog kukuruza do&scaron;lo je do interakcije degradiranih komponenti (skroba, proteina i lipida) na molekularnom nivou i nastanak jedinjenja sa većom molekulskom masom i smanjenom rastvorljivo&scaron;ću. U dva uzorka ekstrudiranog kukuruza zbog većih sila smicanja i dužeg vremena zadržavanja materijala u ekstruderu do&scaron;lo je do delimične želatinizacije koja je bila praćena dekstrinizacijom skroba. In situ metodom su za uzorak netretirane sme&scaron;e određene najniže vrednosti nestajanja SM i skroba u buragu, dok su svi primenjeni termički tretmani doveli do značajnog povećanja razgradnje SM i skroba. Najmanje povećanje razgradnje skroba u poređenju sa netretiranom sme&scaron;om je zabeleženo kod sme&scaron;e koja je sadržala parno flekičan kukuruz, dok je u svim uzorcima ekstrudiranih sme&scaron;a do&scaron;lo do razgradnje velike količine skroba već tokom prva 3h inkubacije. U poređenju sa netretiranom sme&scaron;om, svi primenjeni termički tretmani su doveli do povećanja brzine razgradnje skroba u manjoj ili većoj meri a u zavisnosti od vrste i intenziteta tretmana. Značajne razlike u karakteristikama razgradnje skroba su zabeležene nakon variranja procesnih parametara ekstrudiranja, dok su uočene razlike između sme&scaron;a koje su sadržale mikronizirani kukuruz bile mnogo manje izražene. Mobile bag metodom određena je svarljivost skroba u crevima koja je u netretiranoj i svim termički tretiranih sme&scaron;ama iznosila 100%. Statističkom obradom rezultata nije utvrđeno značajno povećanje SOM kukuruza i sme&scaron;e nakon primenjenih termičkih tretmana u poređenju sa netretiranim uzorcima.</p> / <p>Proper ruminant nutrition is important for maintaining the health of animals, and it is also crucial for the efficient and economical production of milk and meat. In high-yielding ruminants, such as fattening cattle and dairy cows, energy needs are high in order to achieve rapid weight gain and high milk yield. Thermal treatments are used to improve nutritional, hygienic, physical and chemical characteristics of animal feed. The main objective of this research is the analysis of the influence of various thermal treatments on changes in the starch component and the digestibility of corn in ruminants. For this purpose pelleting, steam flashing, micronization and extrusion of maize samples and complete mixture for dairy cows were applied. Changes in the structure of starch granules were monitored by scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while changes in the hydration and swelling of samples were determined by analyzing pasting properties, water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) of samples. In situ technique was used to determine the changes in the rate of digestibility of starch and dry matter in rumen and the influence of various thermal treatments on the site of digestion of corn starch. Changes in the organic matter digestibility (OMD) through the entire digestive tract of the ruminants are determined by the in vitro multi-enzymatic method.<br />Based on the results of DSC analysis of corn and complete feed samples, it has been found that steam flaking, micronization and pelleting are mild treatments, while the extrusion is more severe treatment that leads to a more complete starch gelatinization. In steam flaked corn interaction of degraded components (starch, proteins and lipids) at the molecular level resulted in the formation of compounds with higher molecular weight and reduced solubility. In two samples of extruded corn, due to the higher shear rate and longer retention time of the material in the extruder, there was partial gelatinization followed by dextrinisation of starch. In untreated complete feed, the lowest values of DM and starch disappearance in rumen were determined using in situ method, while all the applied thermal treatments led to a significant increase in the degradation of DM and starch. The smallest increase in degradation of starch in comparison to untreated mixture was observed in a mixture containing steam flaked corn, while in all extruded mixtures large amount of starch was degraded during the first 3 hours of incubation. Compared to the untreated mixture, all applied thermal treatments resulted in an increase in the degradation rate of starch to a lesser or greater extent depending on the type and intensity of the treatment. Significant differences in the degradation characteristics of the starch were observed after variation of the extrusion processing parameters, while the observed differences between the mixtures containing micronized corn were much less pronounced. Digestibility of starch in the intestine was determined with mobile bag method, which was 100% in untreated and all thermally treated mixtures. Statistical analysis of the results did not show a significant increase in OMD of maize and mixtures after the applied thermal treatments compared to the untreated samples.</p>

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da irradiação nas características estruturais, físico-químicas, funcionais e nutricionais (digestibilidade do amido) do amido isolado de arroz, bem como elucidar como tais alterações afetam as propriedades físico-químicas, físicas, sensoriais e nutricionais (digestibilidade do amido) dos grãos de arroz irradiados. As cultivares comerciais de arroz IAC 202 e IRGA 417 foram utilizadas. Os grãos e amido isolado foram submetidos às doses 1, 2 e 5 kGy de radiação gama, sob taxa de 0,4 kGy/h. Uma amostra controle (não irradiada), considerada dose 0, foi utilizada para comparação. A irradiação não alterou a morfologia dos grânulos, padrão de cristalinidade e teor de fibra alimentar no amido isolado de ambas cultivares. Mas promoveu aumento no teor de amilose, carboxilas, acidez, cor amarela, amilose lixiviada, absorção de água e solubilidade em água, e redução no pH e na viscosidade de pasta. A radiação gama induziu à degradação das moléculas de amilose e de amilopectina, mas também gerou ligações cruzadas, o que levou os amidos das diferentes cultivares a apresentarem comportamentos distintos para digestibilidade e cristalinidade relativa ao longo das doses aplicadas. Para a cv. IAC 202 ocorreu redução do número das cadeias longas e aumento das cadeias curtas da amilopectina, enquanto para a cv. IRGA 417 ocorreu aumento das cadeias longas e redução das cadeias curtas, promovendo aumento na temperatura de gelatinização do amido. A digestibilidade do amido mostrou ser maior quanto à fração amido lentamente digerível (ALD), seguido por amido rapidamente digerível (ARD) e amido resistente (AR) em ambas cultivares, para o amido e grãos crus. A gelatinização do amido promoveu aumento do ARD, com redução do ALD e AR. A cocção dos grãos de arroz causou redução de AR, sendo que este teor foi mais preservado na menor dose (1 kGy). A irradiação também promoveu redução de dureza e aumento da pegajosidade dos grãos cozidos. No entanto, a caracterização sensorial por análise descritiva quantitativa (ADQ) mostrou mínima percepção dos provadores na alteração destes parâmetros de textura. A ADQ constatou desenvolvimento de aromas e sabores diferenciados com o aumento das doses, tornando-os menos característicos em ambas cultivares. Os grãos de arroz irradiados com 1 kGy apresentaram boa aceitabilidade pelos provadores. Esta foi a melhor dose para o arroz, considerando o maior teor de AR e menores alterações nas demais propriedades físico-químicas e sensoriais. / The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of irradiation on the structural, physicochemical, functional and nutritional (starch digestibility) characteristics of starch isolated from rice as well as elucidate how such changes affect the physicochemical, physical, sensory and nutritional (starch digestibility) properties of irradiated rice grains. Commercial rice cultivars IAC 202 and IRGA 417 were used. Grains and starch isolated were submitted to doses 1, 2 and 5 kGy of gamma radiation, on a rate of 0.4 kGy/h. A control sample (non-irradiated), considered dose 0, was used for comparison. Irradiation did not alter the granule morphology, crystallinity pattern and dietary fiber content in starch isolated from both cultivars. But promoted increase in amylose content, carboxyl, acidity, yellow color, leached amylose, water absorption and water solubility, and decrease in pH and paste viscosity. Gamma radiation induced degradation of the amylose and amylopectin molecules, but also generated crosslinks, which led the starches from different cultivars showed distinct behaviors for digestibility and relative crystallinity along the doses applied. For cv. IAC 202 occurred reducing the number of long chains and increasing short chains of amylopectin, whereas for cv. IRGA 417 occurred increasing long chain and reduction short chain, promoting an increase in gelatinization temperature of starch. Starch digestibility was found to be higher as the fraction slowly digestible starch (SDS), followed by rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and resistant starch (RS) in both cultivars for raw starch and grains. Starch gelatinization promoted increased RDS, reducing the SDS and RS. Cooking of the rice grains caused a reduction of RS, and this content was more preserved at the lowest dose (1 kGy). Irradiation also promoted a reduction in hardness and an increase in stickiness of cooked grains. However, sensory characterization by quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) showed minimal perception of the panelists in the alteration of these texture parameters. The QDA found development of differentiated odor and taste with increasing doses, making them less characteristic in both cultivars. Rice grains irradiated with 1 kGy showed good acceptability by the panelists. This was the best dose for rice, considering the highest RS content and minor changes in other physicochemical and sensory properties.

Whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) is a major source of forage for lactating dairy cattle in Brazil. Improved kernel processing may be especially advantageous when feeding corn hybrids with vitreous endosperm, which are more difficult to be broken. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of theoretical length of cut (TLOC) and ensiling time on whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) particle size and kernel processing with two types of forage harvesters. The same vitreous corn hybrid DKB 177 VT PRO 2 was used in both experiments. In the first experiment, the whole-plant corn was harvested by a pull-type forage harvester (PTFH) at TLOC of 3, 6 and 9-mm. In the second experiment, the harvesting was performed by a self-propelled forage harvester (SPFH) at the following TLOC settings: 6, 12 and 18-mm with a roll gap of 3-mm. The WPCS were stored for 0, 35 and 140 d. Vitreousness, measured by dissection in unfermented kernels, averaged 65.6%. Data from both trials were analyzed as a split-plot design using the procedure MIXED of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The model included the fixed effects of TLOC, ensiling time and the interaction TLOC × ensiling time. In PTFH, the TLOC of 3 and 6-mm did not differ WPCS particle size distribution and mean particle length (MPL). However, the TLOC of 9-mm increased particles above the top 2 sieves and, as a consequence, the MPL. The rise of TLOC in SPFH led to a higher MPL and percentage of long particles (&#60; 19-mm). The ensiling time increased MPL and long particles only for WPCS harvested by SPFH. The strategy of reducing TLOC in SPFH increased the percentage of kernels smaller than 4.75-mm. Furthermore, The TLOC of 6-mm led to the best kernel processing for SPFH. The ensiling time reduced the particle size of kernel fraction for both forage harvesters. The corn silage processing score only improved with 140 d of ensiling for SPFH samples. In the third experiment the objective was to evaluate the impact of two types of forage harvesters and two TLOC settings on the physical characteristics of WPCS. A vitreous corn silage hybrid (BM 709, Sementes Biomatrix) was cultivated and harvested when whole-corn plant DM achieved 34.8%. The whole-plant was harvested with a conventional pull-type forage harvester (PTFH) without kernel processor (KP) at 6 and 10 of theoretical lengths of cut (TLOC) or by a new PTFH with KP at same TLOC settings. Whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) samples were stored for 35 d. Vitreousness, measured by dissection in unfermented kernels, averaged 62.4%. Data were analyzed as completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement: 2 harvesters × 2 TLOC using the procedure MIXED of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The model included the fixed effects of harvester, TLOC and the interaction harvester × TLOC. The major differences occurred only in TLOC of 10-mm. KP reduced the material above the 19-mm sieve from 4.7 to 1.8% which, in turn, increased the percentage of particles below 8-mm sieve while MPL was decreased. This TLOC displayed the highest value of material retained in the 8-mm and the lowest values in the 4-mm sieve for unprocessed WPCS. Kernel processing and short TLOC led to a rise in particles retained in a 4-mm sieve. KP increased the percentage of kernels smaller than 4.75-mm from 56.4 to 80.0% and the starch content below 8-mm sieve. The short TLOC and kernel processing, together, led to a reduction of kernel geometrical mean particle size (GMPS) followed by an increase of surface area. The new PTFH with KP promoted more extensive and effective kernel breakage. The impact of this harvester in WPCS particle size distribution was pronounced in the TLOC of 10-mm which led to a drop in MPL. The reduction of TLOC for both forage harvesters may be a good strategy to fracture corn kernels for WPCS at 34.8% of DM. In the fourth experiment, the objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the effect of kernel processing on a Brazilian vitreous endosperm corn hybrid and 2) the increment of particle size in WPCS on intake, lactation performance, total-tract nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior and milk fatty acids profile. The following treatments were performed during the harvest: 1) pull-type forage harvester (without kernel processor, JF AT 1600) set for a 6-mm theoretical length of cut (TLOC) - PT6; 2) self-propelled forage harvester (New Holland, FR 9050) set for a 6-mm TLOC - SP6; 3) self-propelled forage harvester set for a 12-mm TLOC - SP12; and 4) self-propelled forage harvester set for a 18- mm TLOC - SP18. The WPCS of treatments were storaged for 9 months. The CSPS of the WPCS were: 32.1% (PT6), 53.9% (SP6), 49.0% (SP12) and 40.1% (SP18). Holstein cows (n = 24; 139 &#177; 63 DIM) were blocked and assigned to six 4 × 4 Latin squares, with 24-d period (18 d of adaptation). Diets were formulated to contain (% DM) 48.5% WPCS, 9.5% soybean meal, 6.9% soybean meal non- enzymatic browned, 15.1% dry ground corn, 15.5% citrus pulp, 1.7% minerals and vitamins mix, 1.8% calcium soap of palm fatty acids, and 1% urea. Nutrient composition of the diets (% DM) was: 16.5% CP, 28.9% NDF and 25.4% starch. Three orthogonal contrasts were used to compare treatments: C1 = PT6 vs. SP6 (effect of kernel processing), C2 = SP6 vs. SP12 (effect of particle size) and C3 = SP12 vs. SP18 (effect of particle size). Cows fed SP6 WPCS had greater 1.2 kg/d milk yield with no changes in DMI, resulting in greater feed efficiency when compared with PT6. The total-tract starch digestibility (TTSD) and plasma glucose was also improved when cows were fed SP6. Moreover, the higher milk protein (+ 36 g/d), lactose (+ 61 g/d) and solids (+ 94 g/d) secretions were a result of the improvement in milk yield for SP6. In addition, the mechanism apparently involved a better nutrient digestibility and glucose availability for the synthesis of lactose by the mammary gland. There was no evidence for differences in DMI (kg/d) among self-propelled treatments. The SP12 cows achieved the same milk yield of SP6; however they tended to reduce plasma D-lactate and serum amiloyd A (SAA) while maximizing chewing time and selecting for fine particles. In SP6, cows selected against fine particles and tended to show higher levels of SAA than PT6. The SP18 reduced TTSD and tended to reduce milk production, and plasma glucose. The SP6 raised milk linear-odd chain fatty acids content in comparison with PT6. Nonetheless, a reduction of these same fatty acids occurred in SP12 in relation to SP6. SP6 cows had higher content of some monounsaturated fatty acids (C14:1 and C16:1), however the opposite occurred for SP12. Kernel processing at TLOC settings of 6 and 12-mm enhanced nutrient digestibility, plasma glucose and milk yield, whereas the 18-mm TLOC impaired lactation performance and TTSD. The TLOC of 12-mm improved chewing time and reduced blood sub- acute acidotic markers. The findings of this set of studies suggest that ensiling time and low TLOC in SPFH (6-mm) may be strategies to increase kernel damage and thus starch digestibility in WPCS. Despite 6-mm TLOC has improved kernel processing, the TLOC of 12-mm appeared to be the best setting to harvest whole-corn plant to feed dairy cows. / Silagem de milho (SM) é a principal fonte de forragem para vacas leiteiras em sistemas intensificados de produção no Brasil. O processamento adequado dos grãos é crucial principalmente quando SM são oriundas de híbridos com endosperma vítreo, os quais são mais difíceis de serem quebrados. Nesse sentindo dois experimentos foram conduzidos para avaliar os efeitos do tamanho teórico de corte (TTC) e do tempo de estocagem sobre o tamanho de partículas e o processamento dos grãos em SM colhida com diferentes tipos de colhedoras. O mesmo híbrido de milho vítreo DKB 177 VT PRO 2 foi usado em ambos os experimentos. A média do teor de matéria seca da planta no momento da colheita foi de 34,2%. No primeiro experimento, a lavoura de milho foi colhida por uma colhedora de forragem tracionada por trator (CFTT; JF AT 1600, sem processador de grãos) nos TTC de 3, 6 e 9-mm. No segundo experimento, a colheita foi realizada por uma colhedora de forragem auto propelida (CFAP; New Holland, FR 9050) nos seguintes TTC: 6, 12 e 18-mm com distância entre os rolos de 3-mm. As SM foram armazenadas em mini-silos (4 repetições por tratamento) por 0, 35 e 140 dias. A vitreosidade foi medida por dissecação em grãos não fermentados e foi de 65,6%. Os dados de ambos os ensaios foram analisados como arranjo em parcelas subdivididas usando o procedimento MIXED do SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). O modelo incluiu os efeitos fixos do TTC, tempo de estocagem e a interação entre os mesmos. Na CFTT, os TTC de 3 e 6-mm não impactaram na distribuição das partículas e no tamanho médio de partículas (TMP). No entanto, o TTC de 9-mm aumentou a porcentagem de partículas acima das 2 peneiras superiores do separador de partículas da Penn State e consequentemente, o TMP. O aumento do TTC na CFAP levou a aumento da porcentagem de partículas longas (&#60; 19-mm) e do TMP. O tempo de estocagem também aumentou porcentagem de partículas longas e TMP apenas para SM colhida por CFAP. A estratégia de redução de TTC na CFAP melhorou a porcentagem de grãos menores que 4,75-mm. Além disso, o TTC de 6-mm proporcionou o melhor processamento de grãos nesta mesma colhedora. O tempo de estocagem reduziu o tamanho de partículas da fração grãos para ambas as colhedoras. O corn silage processing score (CSPS) aumentou apenas após 140 dias de estocagem somente para as amostras colhidas por CFAP. No terceiro experimento, o objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de uma CFTT equipada com processador de grãos (PG) regulado em diferentes tamanhos de corte sobre características físicas de SM. Um híbrido de endosperma vítreo (BM 709, Sementes Biomatrix) foi cultivado e colhido quando a MS da planta de milho atingiu 34,8%. A plantação foi colhida com uma CFTP sem PG regulada para TTC de 6 e 10-mm ou por uma CFTP com PG ajustada para os mesmos TTC. As amostras de SM foram armazenadas por 35 dias. A vitreosidade foi de 62,4%. Os dados foram analisados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial: 2 tipos de colhedoras × 2 TTC utilizando o procedimento MIXED da SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). O modelo incluiu os efeitos fixos de colhedora, do TTC e da interação dos mesmos. As seguintes diferenças ocorreram apenas no TTC de 10-mm. O PG reduziu o material retido acima da peneira de crivo de 19 mm de 4,7 para 1,8%, o que por sua vez aumentou a percentagem de partículas abaixo da peneira de crivo de 8-mm e diminuiu o TMP. Este TTC exibiu o valor mais alto de material retido na peneira de 8-mm e os valores mais baixos na peneira de 4 mm para SM não processada. Tanto o processamento de grãos e como a redução do TTC levaram a um aumento de partículas retidas na peneira de 4 mm. O PG aumentou a porcentagem de grãos menores que 4,75 mm de 56,4 para 80,0% e o teor de amido abaixo da peneira de 8-mm. O TTC de 6-mm e o PG levaram a uma redução do tamanho geométrico dos grãos, com subsequente aumento da área superficial. A nova CFTT com PG promoveu um processamento mais intenso nos grãos. No quarto experimento, os objetivos do estudo foram: 1) avaliar o efeito do processamento de grãos em um híbrido brasileiro de endosperma vítreo e 2) aumento no tamanho de partículas da SM no consumo, desempenho, digestibilidade dos nutrientes, comportamento alimentar e perfil de ácidos graxos no leite de vacas leiteiras. Os seguintes tratamentos foram realizados durante a colheita: 1) CFTT (sem PG, JF AT 1600) ajustada para um TTC de 6-mm - PT6; 2) CFAP (New Holland, FR 9050) ajustada para um TTC de 6-mm - SP6; 3) CFAP ajustada para um TTC de 12-mm - SP12; e 4) CFAP ajustada para um TTC de 18-mm -SP18. As SM foram estocadas por 9 meses. Os CSPS das SM dos tratamentos foram: 32,1% (PT6), 53,9% (SP6), 49,0% (SP12) e 40,1 (SP18). Vinte e quatro vacas da raça Holandesa (139 &#177; 63 DEL) foram blocadas e distribuídas em seis quadrados latinos 4 × 4, com período de 24 dias (18 dias de adaptação). As dietas foram formuladas para conter (% MS) 48,5% SM, 9,5% farelo de soja, 6,9% farelo de soja protegido, 15,1% milho moído seco, 15,5% polpa cítrica, 1,7% de minerais e vitaminas, 1,8% de sabão de cálcio de ácidos graxos de palma e 1% de ureia. A composição nutricional das dietas (% MS) foi: 16,5% PB, 28,9% FDN e 25,4% amido. Três contrastes ortogonais foram usados para comparar os tratamentos: C1 = PT6 vs. SP6 (efeito do processamento de grãos), C2 = SP6 vs. SP12 (efeito do tamanho de partículas) e C3 = SP12 vs. SP18 (efeito do tamanho de partículas). Vacas alimentadas com SP6 apresentaram maior produção de leite de 1,2 kg / d, sem alterações no consumo de matéria seca, resultando em maior eficiência alimentar quando comparadas com PT6. A digestibilidade do amido no trato total e a glicose plasmática também foram maiores para as vacas alimentas com SP6. Além disso, as maiores secreções de proteína (+ 36 g/d), lactose (+ 61 g/d) e sólidos do leite (+ 94 g/d) foram resultado da melhora na produção de leite para as vacas do SP6. O mecanismo envolve uma melhor digestibilidade dos nutrientes e disponibilidade de glicose para a síntese de lactose pela glândula mamária. Não houve evidência de diferenças no consumo de matéria seca (kg/d) entre os tratamentos colhidos por SPFH. As vacas do SP12 alcançaram a mesma produção de leite em relação ao SP6; no entanto, elas tenderam a reduzir a concentração plasmática de D-lactato e o amiloide sérico A (SAA), maximizando o tempo de mastigação e selecionando a favor de partículas finas. No SP6, vacas selecionaram contra partículas finas e tenderam a aumentar SAA em relação a PT6. O SP18 reduziu a digestibilidade do amido no trato total e tendeu a reduzir a produção de leite e a glicose plasmática. O SP6 elevou o teor de ácidos graxos da cadeia linear ímpar do leite em comparação ao PT6. No entanto, uma redução desses mesmos ácidos graxos ocorreu no SP12 em relação ao SP6. As vacas SP6 apresentaram maior teor de alguns ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (C14:1 e C16:1), porém o oposto ocorreu para SP12. O processamento de grãos nos TTC de 6 e 12-mm aumentou a digestibilidade de amido, glicose plasmática e produção de leite, enquanto o TTC de 18-mm prejudicou o desempenho e a digestibilidade de amido. O TTC de 12-mm melhorou o tempo de mastigação e reduziu os marcadores de acidose subclínica no sangue. Estes resultados sugerem que o tempo de estocagem de pelo menos 140 dias e TTC curto (6-mm) para SPFH podem ser estratégias para maximizar o processamento de grãos e, assim, a digestibilidade do amido em SM. Porém, para promover desempenho e saúde de vacas leiteiras, o TTC de 12-mm é o indicado para colheita de híbridos de milho endosperma vítreo para SM.

Phenolic compounds have attracted much attention due to numerous health benefits, including high antioxidant properties, reduced risk of cancer, and inhibition of digestive enzymes. Recent research has suggested that different phenolic compounds may interact with starch. The first objective was to investigate the effect of green or black tea extracts on hydrolysis of wheat, rice, corn, and potato starches. Cooking starches in the presence of either tea reduced their hydrolysis. Potato starch cooked with black tea was the most effective treatment. Observations suggested that hydrolysis may be affected by interactions and by impact on specific enzymes based on starch structure. The second objective was to determine if similar effect could be observed in product system. Addition of green tea extract to sponge cake significantly reduced in vitro starch digestibility, thus could reduce the expected glycemic index. In addition, significant increases in dietary fibre, resistant starch, and antioxidant properties were observed.