The objective of this trial was to study the effects of increasing dietary levels of crude protein (CP) on microbial protein synthesis of lactating dairy goats. The microbial markers purines bases and purine derivatives (PD), measured in spot urine samples or in urine samples from total collection, were used to estimate microbial protein synthesis. Sixteen lactating goats (four fitted with ruminal cannula) were randomly assigned to four replicated 4 x 4 Latin squares and were fed the following dietary CP […]

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn grain with dehydrated citrus pulp pellets on body weight gains, deposition rates of nutrients and body chemical composition of Santa Gertrudis young bulls. Twenty-eight animals averaging nine months of age and initial body weight of 277 kg were kept in individual pens during 92 days after 21 days of adaptation. Animals were fed a diet containing 20% (DM basis) of 40%-grain corn silage. The following dietary levels […]

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and xylanase) on particle passage rate, dilution rate and ruminal parameters (pH and ammonia N) in animals fed diets containing corn silage or Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.). Eight bovines fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were randomly assigned to two 4 x 4 Latin squares in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (two forage sources supplemented or not with fibrolytic enzymes). A commercial […]

It was investigated the effects of fibrolytic enzymes (cellulase and xylanase) on the microbial protein synthesis efficiency and enzymatic activity of b-1,4-endoglucanase (cellulase) in animals receiving diets with corn silage and Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.). Eight bovines fitted with rumen and duodenum cannulas were randomly assigned to two replicated 4 x 4 Latin squares with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (two forage sources with or without fibrolytic enzymes). The commercial enzymatic complex used in this trial […]

Body composition and net and dietary requirements of macrominerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na and K) of genetically selected Caracu (CaS) and Nellore (NeS) for yearling weight (378 days of age) as well as of ordinary Nellore (control; NeC) were investigated in this trial. Fifty-six young bulls averaging 18 months of age were used. Twelve animals were slaughtered after an adaptation period and were used as reference. The 44 remaining animals, 16 NeS, 16 CaS and 12 NeC, with initial average […]

This trial was conducted to investigate the replacement of soybean meal with a mixture of urea plus cassava scrapings on nutrient intake, digestibility, and production of crossbred lactating cows fed diets containing forage cactus (Opuntia ficus indica, Mill), sorghum silage, and concentrate. Eight crossbred holstein:zebu cows averaging 60±30 days in milk and initial body weight (BW) of 491 kg were randomly assigned to two replicated 4 × 4 Latin squares and were fed diets with increasing levels of urea plus […]

This study was conducted to evaluate replacement of ground corn grain with cassava scrapings on nutrient intake, digestibility, and production of primiparous Holstein lactating dairy cows receivind diets containing forage cactus (Opuntia ficus indica, Mill), sorghum silage and concentrate. Five cows averaging 60±15 of days in milk and initial body weight (BW) of 448 kg were randomly assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square with increasing levels of cassava scrapings in the diet: 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100%. […]

The objective of this trial was to study the effects of different forms of concentrate processing on intake, apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, ruminal degradability of DM and CP, and milk yield and composition. Sixteen dairy cows, pure Holstein and crossbred, were blocked by production level (30.0 and 20.0 kg/day) and randomly assigned to two Latin squares with four periods of 15 days each. Diets were isonitrogenous and contained the following forage (corn silage):concentrate ratios: 50:50 and 60:40 (% […]

The objective of this trial was to study the effects of different forms of concentrate processing on ruminal pH and ammonia as well as on plasma concentration of urea. Sixteen dairy cows, pure Holstein and crossbred, were blocked by production level (30.0 and 20.0 kg/day) and randomly assigned to two Latin squares with four periods of 15 days each. Diets were isonitrogenous and contained the following forage (corn silage):concentrate ratios: 50:50 and 60:40 (% of DM) for cows yielding 30.0 […]

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to analyze the efficiency of a beef production system in which technologies were adopted during eight years (1995 to 2002). Ten inputs and one output were used to evaluate the production system efficiency applying principal component analysis. The inputs “mineral salt/vaccine/medication”, “workforce and social security” and “investment” were significantly correlated with the first three components that explained 91.6% of the total variance. The efficiencies calculated by DEA for 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, […]