The experiment was conducted with the purpose to evaluate the qualitative traits of the plant components and fermentation characteristics of silages from different sorghum hybrids AGX-213, AG-2002 (forage) and AGX-217, AG-2005E (double purpose). The panicle component showed higher percentages of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), mineral material (MM) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and lower percentages of plant cell wall than the stems and leaves. No differences were observed among the sorghum silages for MM and IVDMD […]

The assay was conducted from October 1998 to January 1999 in the cropgrass section of the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense in Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. The levels of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, the forage yield and the leaf area index (LAI) were evaluated in 17 genotypes of elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.), fifteen new clones of elephantgrass: CNPGL 91-19-1, CNPGL 91-10-5, CNPGL 91-27-5, CNPGL 91-02-5, CNPGL 91-01-2, CNPGL 91-13-2, CNPGL 91-25-3, CNPGL 91-10-2, CNPGL 91-02-4, CNPGL […]

A method was used to account for heterogeneous phenotypic variance for milk yield across herds and over time based on variance for each herd-year class in genetic evaluation of Minas Gerais State Holstein. Phenotypic variances increased twice as within subclass averages increased from 4,000 to 10,000 kg and also with increases in subclass size. Data were standardized to a common variance and the breeding values obtained before and after adjustment were compared. Small variations of Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) and […]

Thirty six Nellore bulls, with 240 kg initial live weight (LW), were used. Four were reference bulls and the remaining were distributed in eight treatments, with four different concentrate levels in the diets (20; 40; 60 and 80%) and two crude protein (CP) levels (15 and 18%), in dry matter basis. The dry matter (DMI), organic matter (OM), CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intakes were determined, as well as the average LW gain (LWG), empty […]

The objective of this work was to determine, through the genetic trend, the genetic progress of Charolais herds raised in the Rio Grande do Sul State, and the results utilized in programs of genetic improvement for this breed. The data were collected by PROMEBO (Beef Breeding Program) and the analyses were performed at the Animal Breeding Laboratory of the Animal Science Department of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. It was estimated the heritabilities (h²) and the breeding values (BV) […]

Forty Nellore bulls, with average initial live weight (LW) of 240 kg, were used. Four reference bulls and four bulls fed for maintenance were used, and the remaining was assigned to eight treatments, with four different concentrate levels in the diets (20; 40; 60 and 80%) and two levels of crude protein (CP) (15 and 18%). The dry matter (DM) intake enough to maintain the energy balance was calculated dividing the metabolizable energy (ME) consumption enough for maintenance, of 131.92 […]

Carcass characteristics of 463 steers, born during 1984 to 1996, from two breeding systems: straightbreds (S) and F1 crossbreds were studied. The S breeding system included the 188 Charolais (C) and 125 Nellore (N) steers and the F1 included 72 1/2 C 1/2 N and 78 1/2 N 1/2 C steers. F1 steers were superior than the purebreds in carcass fat percentage, muscle / bone relation, muscle + fat / bone relation and marbling score, being heterosis levels of 3.33, […]

This work had as objective to validate the computer program of Sistema Viçosa de Formulação de Rações, as well as the 1996 beef NRC, including levels 1 (NRC system) and 2 (Cornell System) for growing beef cattle under pastures. The data of daily gain predicted by the programs as a function of body weight, genetic groups and supplements composition and intake during the dry season were compared to the observed values. The levels 1 and 2 of NRC system underpredicted […]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate multiple supplements containing whole soybean (GSOI) and cottonseed (ALG) in relation to standard supplement of corn grain plus soybean meal (FSOJA) in crossbred steers finished at pasture, in the dry season. The supplements were balanced to reach the level of 20% CP, as fed basis. In the first experiment, average daily gain (ADG – kg/day), hot carcass dressing (CD -%) and carcass weight (CW – kg) were evaluated. Twelve Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers, averaging 24 […]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of ¾ European x ¼ Zebu crossbred bulls of British or Continental paternal breed, fed high concentrate diets containing 9, 15 or 21% of the dry matter (DM) with sugarcane bagasse (BIN) in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. Thirty-six crossbred bulls, 9 months old and 257 kg of shrink body weight were fed, two per pen, for 139 days. There was no difference in shrink body weight gain between […]