The trial aimed to evaluate the effect of particle size (small: from 0.2 to 0.6 cm or large: from 1.0 to 2.0 cm) and cutting height (low cut: 15 cm or high cut: 39 cm) of the corn plant on dry matter intake and performance of steers in a feedlot. The treatments were: T1 – small particle size with low cutting height; T2 – large particle size with low cutting height; T3 – small particle size with high cutting height; […]

The trial aimed to evaluate the effect of particle size (small: from 0.2 to 0.6 cm or large: from 1.0 to 2.0 cm) and cutting height (low cut: 15 cm or high cut: 39 cm) of the corn plant on the dynamics of the silage fermentation process and feed-out period. The treatments were: T1 – small particle size with low cutting height; T2 – large particle size with low cutting height; T3 – small particle size with high cutting height; […]

This trial evaluated the effect of particle size (small: between 0.2 and 0.6 cm or large: between 1.0 and 2.0 cm) and cutting height (low cut: 15.2 cm or high cut: 38.6 cm) of the corn plant on losses and nutritional value of silages. Treatments were: T1 – small particle size with low cutting height; T2 – large particle size with low cutting height; T3 – small particle size with high cutting height; and T4 – large particle size with […]

This research was carried out with the objective to evaluate the raising systems in deep-bedding (wood shavings and rice husk) and the traditional system of concrete floor, and its influence in the thermal environment (BGTHI [Black Globe Temperature and Humidity Index] and surface temperature of both floor and bed), and swine animal performance from 25 kg to 120 kg. Two hundred sixteen animals were used (Landrace x Large White), 72 per raising system (18 pigs/pen). For comparison, the animals were […]

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of two different rearing systems (cages and litter) on productive performance and egg quality of laying hens. The trial was conducted for five experimental periods of 28 days each. Sixty four pullets of the laying strain Isabrown and 64 pullets of the laying strain Hy-Line W-36, with ages of 19 and 21 weeks, respectively, were used. The combination of two rearing systems (conventional cages and floor system with litter) and two layer strains […]

With the objective of evaluating different levels of IGF-I on the hepatical and intestinal indicators of cellular activity in newborn calves, 42 pregnant Holstein cows were randomly assigned to two groups: a) control: injection of vitamin E or b) rbST: injection of growth hormone (rbST). Injections started 35 days pre-partum and were repeated every 14 days until parturition. Newborn calves were randomly assigned to a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (two mother groups and three different ages). After […]

This experiment aimed to simulate thermal-stress-environment conditions in climatic chamber during the transportation of birds to slaughterhouse to evaluate the influence of these conditions on physiological parameters and carcass conformation in broiler chickens. Thirty chicks with 42 days old were weighted and distributed to transportation crates (10 chicks by crate), and submitted to high stress conditions (35ºC and 85% RH) to simulate the transport to the slaughterhouse. At each time of exposition to the stress conditions (0, 30, 60, 90 […]

The objective of this trial was to evaluate performance, thermal comfort and behavior of crossbred Holstein x Zebu dairy calves kept in different housing systems during the dry season (26/04/2002 to 30/08/2002). Twenty-four calves were raised from birth to 70 days of age in one of the following housing systems: (1 – hutches; 2 – shadecloth; or 3 – with no shelter. Calves raised with no shelter showed higher rectal temperatures and respiratory rates in the afternoon. It was also […]

Forty-nine intact Texel lambs were used to evaluate the effects of different birth periods (August vs. November) on body development, body measurements and carcass characteristics. Animals were maintained in pasture and slaughtered in December for those born in August and April for those born in November at 129 and 164 days of age, respectively. Prior to slaughtering forage yield was estimated by the Botanal technique, which showed that animals born in August had access to better quality pasture. These lambs […]

The objective of this trial was to compare and determine the most adequate time interval to register chewing activity in Santa Inês sheep. The following time intervals were investigated: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes. Eighteen intact male sheep averaging 22.62 kg of body weight at the beginning of the study were used. Animals were housed in individual pens and randomly assigned to one of six treatments: ammonia-treated elephantgrass or elephatgrass supplemented with three concentrates sources (0% cocoa […]