The objective of this study was to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for reproductive traits of Nelore cows raised in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. The traits studied were age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), post-partum interval (PPI), number of services per conception (NSC) and gestation length (GL). The statistical analyses were done using the SAS program (Statistical Analysis System) and variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood method using the MTDFREML software. Means and […]

Forty barrows from commercial hybrids averaging initial weight of 60.1 ± 1.3 kg were used in a trial to evaluate different ME levels, maintaining the digestible lysine:calorie ratio, on the performance and carcass characteristics. A randomized block experimental design with four treatments, five replicate and two animals per experimental unit was used. The treatments consisted of four ME levels (3,100, 3,230, 3,370, and 3,500 kcal/kg) with 2.41 g of digestible lysine/Mcal of EM ratio. Animals were fed until the end […]

The coefficient of apparent digestibility (CAD) of four dry extruded dog foods was compared, each one formulated with a different protein source: soybean meal (SM), corn gluten meal (GM), meat and bone meal (MBM) and poultry meal (PM). A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments (protein source) and six repetitions per treatment, in a total of 24 animals. Tukey test was used to compare treatments means. The diet based on GM showed the highest CAD of crude protein […]

Six hundred lambari tambiú (Astyanax bimaculatus) averaging initial weight of 1.30 ± 0.01 g, placed in 40 aquariums (100 L) with water renewal, controlled temperature and individual aeration, were used to determine the digestible energy (DE) requirements, according to the dietary crude protein (CP) levels. The experiment was analyzed as a 5 x 2 factorial scheme (five levels of DE: 2,900, 3,000, 3,100, 3,200, and 3,300 kcal/kg, combined with two levels of CP: 32 and 38%), in a completely randomized […]

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effects of partially replacing ground corn with coffee hulls (0.0, 8.75, 17.5 and 26.25% of concentrate DM) on nutrient intake, apparent total tract digestibility, and daily weight gain of dairy heifers. Twenty-four Holstein x Zebu heifers were assigned to a randomized complete block design with four treatments and six replicates. Diets were isonitrogenous (15.5% CP) and contained 60% of Tifton-85 haylage and 40% of concentrate. Intakes of dry matter (6.75 kg/day), […]

Growth performance was evaluated in 72 Holstein calves fed milk replacer or whole milk diet and a starter containing steam-flaked corn at: 283, 360 or 437 g/L. The animals were blocked by birth and sex in a 2 x 3 factorial design. Enzymatic in vitro starch availability of the steam-flaked corn decreased as grain densities increased. During the post-weaning period, there was no effect of the processed corn at the different densities and type of the liquid diet on dry […]

This work was carried out to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of the hybrid Panicum maximum x Panicum infestum cv. Massai in response to four nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80 and 120 mg/dm3) and three defoliation intervals (two, three and four completely expanded leaves), in a 4 x 3 factorial treatment combination. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse according to a completely randomized design, with four replications. Sowing was achieved in plastic tray filled with sand and seedlings […]

Two trials were conducted to investigate different protein and energy sources in multiple supplements fed to growing crossbred bulls. In the first experiment, performance of 20 crossbred growing bulls averaging 17 months of age and 265±18 kg of body weight was evaluated in the dry season. Animals were maintained in 1.5 ha paddocks of Brachiaria brizantha with supplements being offered daily in a proportion of 0.75% of the body weight. A completely randomized design with a 2 x 2 factorial […]

Two experiments were run to evaluate the pattern of fermentation and the chemical composition of high moisture corn and sorghum grain silages, with or without microbial inoculation. Experiment 1 dealt with corn grain and experiment 2 dealt with sorghum grain. In each experiment, the experimental treatments resulted from a 2 x 9 factorial arrangement (2 levels of inoculation and 9 fermentation times: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 days). The experimental design was completely randomized […]

The objective of this study was to investigate the reproductive performance of ewes submitted to different feeding management before and during the breeding period. A total of 112 ewes, 63 in year one and 49 in year two of the study, from the genetic groups Hampshire Down, Ile de France, Suffolk and Corriedale, were used. The ewes were separated in three groups: T1 (without supplementation), T2 (supplemented with 600 g/day of ground corn) and T3 (supplemented with 600 g/day of […]