Sarita Bonagurio Gallo | Universidade de São Paulo (original) (raw)

Papers by Sarita Bonagurio Gallo

Animal. Science proceedings, Mar 1, 2024

Agriculture, Jun 18, 2024

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research Square (Research Square), Nov 24, 2022

Chromium (Cr) is a trace element that places a role in the insulin sensitivity mechanism and its ... more Chromium (Cr) is a trace element that places a role in the insulin sensitivity mechanism and its supplementation can alter energy metabolism and related blood parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cr propionate doses supplementation in ewes, during late pregnancy and lactation, on biochemical and hormonal parameters. Thirty-one ewes, Santa Inês and Dorper crossbreed, single gestation, 63 ± 10 kg of body weight, age 3 ± 2 years, were randomly assigned into 4 treatments: without supplementation (CR0) and daily supplementation of 0.5 mg (CR0.5), 1.0 mg (CR1.0) and 1.5 mg (CR1.5) of chromium per animal. Daily supplementation occurred from the 100th day of gestation to the 60th day after lambing, totalizing 110 days. Blood samples were collected ve times during trial. Data were analyzed using SAS program, PROC MIXED and means compared by Tukey test with P ≤ 5% for signi cance and 5% < P ≤ 10% for tendency. During gestation, CR0.5 tended to decrease blood non-esteri ed fatty-acids levels (P < 0.1). During lactation, CR0.5 tended to present lower ß-hydroxybutyrate level compared to CR1.0 (P < 0.1) and had lower insulin:glucose ratio compared to CR0 (P < 0.05). Serum phosphorus levels increased with higher doses of Cr (P < 0.001). Therefore, the dose of 0.5 mg of Cr improved energy metabolism e ciency of ewes during high-demand periods. We concluded that the dose of 0.5 mg of Cr per animal per day altered energy metabolism during late pregnancy and lactation, and that doses above it altered phosphorus concentrations.

Semina-ciencias Agrarias, Apr 15, 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing the neutral detergent fibers (NDF) concent... more This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing the neutral detergent fibers (NDF) concentration of sugarcane-based diets on the growth and development of Holstein heifers. Twenty-seven Holstein heifers with a mean body weight of 265.5 ± 36.4 kg were housed in a sand bedded tie stall and fed individually. The experimental diet consisted of fresh sugarcane and concentrate. Three concentrations of sugarcane NDF were compared: 33% (SC33), 38% (SC38), and 42% (SC42). Crude protein content of experimental diets was 16%. The following parameters were evaluated: dry matter intake, weight gain and morphometric measures, digestibility, feeding behavior, and ruminal pH. The experimental design was a randomized block and all analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure in SAS. Intake of DM decreased as NDF concentration increased (p=0.07), but weight gain and growth were not significantly affected (p=0.74). As dietary NDF increased, chewing activity per unit DM intake increased (p=0.001), but rumen pH was not significantly affected (p=0.91). Diets formulated with 330-420 g of sugarcane NDF/kg of dry matter were sufficient to support the growth of Holstein heifers.

Revista Científica de Produção Animal, Dec 31, 2013

Resumo: O objetivo principal nesse artigo foi descrever a viabilidade técnica do uso de dietas se... more Resumo: O objetivo principal nesse artigo foi descrever a viabilidade técnica do uso de dietas sem forragem para bovinos e ovinos, apresentando as principais vantagens e mecanismos fisiológicos envolvidos. Dietas sem forragem para animais ruminantes não são muito comuns de serem oferecidas, não necessariamente por sua viabilidade econômica, mas mais por certa resistência ou mesmo medo de grande parte dos nutricionistas. Embora os animais ruminantes tenham evoluído para utilizarem dietas a base de forragem, em circurstâncias em que haja disponibilidade de grãos a preços acessíveis, associado a condições de dificuldade de obtenção ou manipulação de volumosos, dietas sem forragem se tornam uma alternativa tecnológica possível de ser adotada. Reduções no consumo de matéria seca e melhorias na eficiência alimentar são comumente observadas quando animais ruminantes são alimentados com dietas de alto grão, em comparação a dietas de alto volumoso. Entretanto, são dietas mais arriscadas, demandando manejo nutricional mais refinado e acompanhamento técnico rotineiro. Ovinos, por apresentarem menor porte em relação aos bovinos, tendem a apresentar maior eficiência mastigatória, tornando a dieta de alto grão plenamente possível de ser empregada no confinamento de cordeiros. A mistura mais comumente empregada nas dietas de alto grão é composta por 85 % de milho grão inteiro e 15 % de pellet protéico-mineral-vitamínico, que também contém aditivos alimentares, utilizados para regular o consumo e minimizar a incidência de distúrbios metabólicos.

Journal of Animal Science, Jul 1, 2019

The energy required during gestation in sheep is high, and when restricted, fetal development may... more The energy required during gestation in sheep is high, and when restricted, fetal development may be affected; thus, knowledge of its deficit needs to be better understood. The objective was to evaluate different levels and sources of energy in the diet of sheep and their influence on the viscera and carcass yield of the offspring. The experiment was carried out at the Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering of USP, Brazil, using 56 pregnant ewes, Dorper and Santa Ines breeds, randomly distributed in four treatments: control group (fed according to the 2007 NRC recommendation); and groups with 10% more energy with different sources (starch, ST; protected fat, PF; and chromium, Cr). Ewes were fed the experimental diets at the beginning (50 days) and end of the gestation (50 days). The middle of gestation the ewes received the diet as recommended by the NRC (2007). After weaning at 60 days, 32 uncastrated male lambs were confined for a period of 60 days. In the confinement the lambs received a growth diet, being the same for all the animals. After this period, lambs were slaughtered, and the non-carcass components were weighed, the warm and cold carcass yields were calculated. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight replicates and four treatments, the means were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts, assuming a significant threshold of 5%. Lambs in the PF treatment had lower cold carcass yield (50.8%, PPP > 0.05). The sheep fed according to the energy recommendation had lambs with greater weight of omental fat, testicular, kidney and rumen. These lambs also had a smaller spleen, heart, liver, and intestine. We concluded that the maternal diet affected the growth and development of progeny by altering the viscera and the carcass yields. Acknowledgment to FAPESP (process 2017/20555–8).

Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, Aug 1, 2007

RESUMO-Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação no pré-parto e da idade à desmama sobre o d... more RESUMO-Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação no pré-parto e da idade à desmama sobre o desempenho de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizadas 44 matrizes mestiças Ile de France × Bergamácia acasaladas com cordeiro Ile de France mantidas em pastagem de Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia, em sistema de pastejo rotacionado, até 30 dias antes do parto, quando foram separadas em dois grupos. No pré-parto, apenas o primeiro grupo (SUPL) recebeu suplementação (1% peso vivo) com dieta balanceada. Após o parto, ambos os grupos, com (SUPL) e sem suplementação (NS), receberam suplementação. Por sorteio, metade dos cordeiros de cada grupo foi desmamada aos 45 dias e a outra metade, aos 60 dias de idade. Após a desmama, os cordeiros foram mantidos em confinamento com dieta balanceada e abatidos aos 30 kg de PV, após jejum de sólidos de 16 horas. O peso e a condição corporal ao parto das ovelhas diferiram entre os grupos, o que não ocorreu ao desmame. Os peso ao nascimento e ao desmame, o ganho de peso do nascimento ao desmame e do desmame ao abate, o período em confinamento e a idade ao abate não diferiram entre os cordeiros. O peso ao desmame e o ganho de peso do desmame ao abate foram influenciados pela idade à desmama (os cordeiros apresentaram 0,20 kg aos 45 dias e 0,15 kg aos 60 dias de idade). A suplementação proporcionou melhor condição corporal às ovelhas e a desmama aos 45 dias promoveu melhor desempenho aos cordeiros. Palavras-chave: condição corporal, desmama, ganho de peso, ovino Effect of ewe pre-partum supplementation and weaning age on performance of feedlot finished lambs ABSTRACT-The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of ewe pre-partum supplementation and weaning age on performance of lambs. Forth-four Ile de France x Bergamasca ewes that were mated with Ile de France rams were used in this trial. Animals were maintained in a rotational grazing system of Panicum maximum (cv. Tanzânia) pasture until 30 days before parturition. Ewes were then divided in two groups: supplemented (SUPL) and not-supplemented (NS); animals on the SUPL group were supplemented (1% of body weight [BW]) with a balanced diet according to NRC (1985) requirements. After parturition, both groups were supplemented. Half of lambs from the SUPL and NS groups were weaned at 45 days of age and the other half at 60 days of age. After weaning lambs were feedlot fed with a diet balanced according to NRC (1985) model. Lambs were slaughtered when they reached 30 kg of BW after 16 hours of solids fasting. Both BW and body condition score of ewes at parturition differed between SUPL and NS groups while the same was not observed at weaning. Birth weight, weaning weight, weight gain from birth to weaning and from weaning to slaughter, days in feedlot, and slaughter age all were not different in lambs born from ewes of the SUPL or NS groups. However, significant differences were observed for weaning weight and weight gain from weaning to slaughter between groups of animals weaned at 45 or 60 days of age.

Scientia Agricola, 2021

Intake is a multifactorial process that is influenced by animal type, environmental factors, and ... more Intake is a multifactorial process that is influenced by animal type, environmental factors, and diet characteristics. Sheep, especially, have specific eating habits, with a greater selection of ingested feed compared to cattle. Thus, predictive equations for dry matter intake (DMI) must constantly be reviewed. The objective of this study was to combine different adjustment factors to develop one continuous adjustment factor for predicting the DMI of pregnant, dry, and lactating ewes. The equations evaluated for non-lactation ewes accounts for metabolic body weight and weight gain, and the equation for lactating ewes includes milk production and its fat content. The database used in this study was pooled from hair sheep ewes, two to four years old, with controlled feeding, during the pregnancy and lactating physiological phases. For the overall predictions (gestating and lactating ewes), the adjusted DMI prediction had greater accuracy but lower precision than the unadjusted DMI prediction. However, adjusting DMI increased the adequacy of the prediction as the mean square error of prediction difference (ΔMSEP) decreased (p = 0.0328). Similarly, for gestating ewes, the adjusted predicted DMI had a lower ΔMSEP than the unadjusted predicted DMI (p < 0.001). For lactating ewes, no difference was detected between the adjusted and unadjusted predicted DMI based on the ΔMSEP statistics (p = 0.3672), but the assumption that peak milk was 28 days (default) worsened the predictability of the adjusted predicted DMI as it had lower precision and accuracy. Adjustments for predicted DMI of dry and lactating ewes are necessary to increase adequacy and precision.

Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, Nov 1, 2009

The study verified the influence of different nutritional levels of the dams, before parturition,... more The study verified the influence of different nutritional levels of the dams, before parturition, the weaning age of the lambs and the finishing system on lamb muscle fiber morphology and meat quality. Ile-de-France × Bergamacia crossbred dams grazing on natural grassland were divided into two groups: 1) nutritional supplement 30 days before the parturition (SUPL), and 2) no nutritional supplement (NS). These groups were further subdivided by weaning age of the lambs, which corresponded to either 45 or 60 days. The weaned lambs from each of the previous groups were also divided into different finishing systems: confined and fed a complete diet (CD), confined and fed hay (H) and kept on grassland (P). The lambs were slaughtered at 30 kg live weight (CD and P), or at 150 days of age (H). The carcasses were cooled at 4°C/24h. The analyzed variables were: longissimus dorsi muscle fiber morphophysiology, post mortem myofibrillar fragmentation (at 0, 3 and 7 days post mortem), meat pH and temperature. There was no effect of supplementation of dams or weaning age of the lambs for the evaluated variables. The frequency of slow-oxidative (SO), fast-oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) and fast-glycolytic (FG) muscle fiber types was not altered by the treatments, but the fiber cross-sectional area was smaller for the lambs finished only on hay, and the meat pH values and temperature were lower and the myofibrill fragment dimensions were smaller. As time maturation increased from 0 to 3 and 7 days post mortem, there was a decrease in the length of the myofibrill fragments. The diet of the lambs which were maintained confined and fed only with hay was nutritionally inferior when compared with all the others, and this changed the quality of the meat compared to the finishing systems on grassland or confined and fed complete diet.

Ciencia Rural, Apr 23, 2015

Vinte e dois cordeiros machos não castrados, Dorper x Santa Inês, com aproximadamente 90 dias de ... more Vinte e dois cordeiros machos não castrados, Dorper x Santa Inês, com aproximadamente 90 dias de idade e peso vivo médio inicial de 27,0±4,4kg, foram alimentados com uma dieta com elevada proporção de concentrado com 20% de pelete proteico-mineral (Grano Entero ®), 5% de feno de capim coastcross e 75% de milho, na forma de milho grão inteiro (MGI), milho grão moído (MGM) ou milho grão úmido (MGU), para avaliação de desempenho no confinamento por um período de 14 dias de adaptação às dietas e às instalações e de 65 dias de confinamento. Em seguida, os animais foram abatidos com peso vivo médio final (PVF) de 47,97±5,13kg e o conteúdo gástrico foi avaliado para quantificação de protozoários, e foi realizada avaliação papilar. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) quanto ao ganho de peso médio diário, eficiência alimentar, ingestão diária de matéria seca, características da carcaça e da carne. Os animais tratados com MGI tiveram maior conteúdo gástrico, menor pH ruminal, maior AP (% da superfície de absorção) e maior área papilar em comparação com os outros tratamentos. Os animais tratados com MGI tiveram melhores resultados para o peso final, mas para os demais parametros estudados não foi observada diferença.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, Nov 19, 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of NDF in high-concen... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of NDF in high-concentrate diets on performance and aspects ruminal, blood, and carcass parameters of finishing lambs. Twenty-four lambs, with initial BW of 24 ± 3 kg, were randomly divided into individual pens, in a completely randomized design, comprising three treatments with eight repetitions each. The treatments consisted of dietary levels of 15%, 20%, and 25% of NDF, based on DM. The diets were composed of corn, soybean meal, minerals, and corn silage and were offered twice a day, with daily control of what was offered and refused, to determine dry matter intake (DMI). The animals were weighed weekly and slaughtered after 50 days of confinement. Performance evaluations, blood parameters, carcass, and ruminal parameters were evaluated. Lambs fed with lower dietary fiber had better carcass yield (P < 0.005). Blood count, blood biochemical parameters, rumen short-chain fatty acid production and protozoan population were not affected by the dietary NDF level. It was concluded that in high-concentrate diets with 15% NDF resulting in better weight gain of the animals in the confinement, good carcass yields without the animal having altered health and ruminal parameters.

Asian-australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, Jun 1, 2020

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to compare conventional antioxidants and plant ex... more Objective: The objective of this experiment was to compare conventional antioxidants and plant extracts for oxidative stress control in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. Methods: Forty-eight male Dorper×Santa Ines lambs with an initial weight of 20±1.49 kg and 60 days of age, were used to evaluate the effects of feeding a combination of Macleaya cordata and Magnolia officinalis plant extracts (0 vs 320 mg/kg dry matter [DM]) in combination with selenium+vitamin E (0 vs 100 IU/kg DM of vitamin E and 0.1 mg/kg DM of selenium) in a completely randomized block design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The animals were housed in individual pens and received a high-concentrate diet consisting of 80% whole corn and 20% protein pellet for 60 days. The animals were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and every 14 days for performance monitoring. Three blood samplings were performed during the experimental period for the evaluation of oxidative and protein parameters. Results: The treatments with vitamin E and selenium as additives had a positive influence on final weight, daily weight gain, carcass weight, and selenium content in longissimus muscle (p = 0.01). Plant extracts tended to improve final weight (p = 0.064) and daily weight gain (p = 0.059), showing similar effect as selenium and vitamin E. There was no effect of treatment on blood proteins, indicating that the animals were healthy throughout the experiment. Conclusion: The use of plant extracts had a similar effect as the addition of selenium and vitamin E, with dietary inclusion of additives resulting in better performance of lambs but both supplements did not have strong influence on oxidative stress.

Biological Trace Element Research, Jun 27, 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of chromium propionate or calcium salts of palm oil in... more This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of chromium propionate or calcium salts of palm oil in ewes' diet in the nal third of gestation and lactation on the effects of progeny performance, carcass characteristics, non-carcass components, and bone density. Forty-three ewe, Santa Inês and Dorper breeds, 3 ± 1 years old and weighing 57 ± 10 kg were used. The ewes were distributed in causal blocks in three treatments, CTL treatment (n = 15) with starch from corn; CR (n = 15) diet CTL plus chromium propionate; PF (n = 13) diet CTL plus calcium salts of palm oil. After weaning, 23 male lambs from these ewes were con ned in individual stalls, with the same diet for 60 days, slaughtered. The data were analyzed using PROC GLM and means evaluated using the Tukey at 5%. Maternal diet did not alter the DMI, FE, and ADWG. Therefore, weaning and slaughter weights were higher for Cr and PF groups than CTL (P < 0.05). Carcass yield was also higher for these treatments (P < 0.05), but loin eye area and fat thickness were not in uenced (P > 0.05) by diet regimen. The spleen and the respiratory tract were smaller for PF and larger for CTL (P < 0.05). The leg weight was about half of the carcass weight for the CR. The perimeter and depth of the shank for the CR and PF lambs were higher, indicating an effect of maternal nutrition in this commercial cut. The CR group had a smaller epiphysis measurement and femur length than the CTL group. We concluded that the fetal programming effect in ewes fed with Cr propionate and Ca salts of palm oil bene ted the progeny by increasing their body weight, better carcass yield, and a higher proportion of prime cuts.

Journal of Animal Science, Dec 1, 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition ... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) of ewes fed with different energy levels. Seventy-one ewes were used and distributed in three treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendation for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of ME per kilogram of dry matter; LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter. Body weight and body condition score were evaluated a week before the expected date of parturition, a week after giving birth, and at weaning (60 days). Dairy production was evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after giving birth by the indirect method of the two weighing. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. There were no differences on milk production during almost all the lactation curve. Only on day 50 (P = 0.051), CTL was still at peak, while LESS and PLUS had already decreased their production. However, at 60 days, all treatments were already with low production, justifying weaning in this period. Results of weight and BCS showed a significant difference in all periods evaluates. Ewes in the PLUS diet had greater BW and BCS. The BCS before giving birth is expected to be over 3.5 and treatment LESS was the only one that did not achieve this score (2.66, 3.37, 3.83 for LESS, CTL, and PLUS, respectively). At weaning, ewes fed PLUS and CTL had BCS of 3.51 and 2.92, respectively, but treatment LESS had only 1.82. That is prejudicial for the next mating seasonal and this animal. We concluded that LESS diet interfered with the body reserves of sheep.

Journal of Animal Science, Dec 1, 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, under confinement conditions, of lam... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, under confinement conditions, of lambs born from ewes fed different energy levels during the final gestation and lactation period. Seventy-one ewes were distributed in two treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendations for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of energy per kilogram of dry matter. The total ME intake for the CTL group was 4 and 4.2 Mcal/day during the end of gestation and lactation, respectively, and for the Plus group, the ME intake were 4.8 and 5 Mcal/day. Thirty-five intact male lambs were weaned at 60 days and confined for an additional 60 days. In confinement, lambs were fed ad libitum with the same experimental diet their ewes received. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. The metabolic weight (BW0.75) at the confinement was influenced by maternal nutrition. Lambs of ewes fed with lower energy content were lighter compared to the PLUS group. At the beginning and the end of the confinement, the BW0.75 of the CTL was 8.80 and 15 kg0.75, and the PLUS was 11.4 and 17.6 kg0.75, respectively (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.0001). The maternal diet containing higher energy content resulted in heavier carcass for commercialization. The values of weight gain and feed conversion were not influenced by maternal nutrition (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.005), with mean values of 350 and 4.72 g/d, respectively. We concluded that lambs from ewes fed with greater energy intake had heavier body weights at the beginning and at the end of the confinement, possibly increasing the sustainability of the meat lamb production systems.

Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences, Feb 7, 2017

For this research 48 male lambs were divided in randomized blocks in a factorial design, having a... more For this research 48 male lambs were divided in randomized blocks in a factorial design, having as factors sexual condition (castrated or uncastrated) and time on feed (36 or 78 days). High grain diet was monitored daily to measure the performance of the animal nutrition. The characteristics of the carcass and meat were taken for the fatty acids profile and sensorial analysis. The effect of the factors as sexual condition and time on feed, and the interaction between them, were evaluated by analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS software and the treatment averages were compared by Student's T test. The uncastrated animals presented greater weight gain and dry matter intake, better feed efficiency, and larger loin area. More time on feed resulted in higher weight at slaughter. Parameters such as pH, color, meat tenderness and sensorial attributes were not affected by treatments. For the fatty acid profile there was effects and interactions between sexual condition and time on feed. It is concluded that castration should not be used when the animal is young and slaughtered and feed intensively, but neutering can be interesting to improve the fatty acid profile of the meat.

Animal. Science proceedings, Mar 1, 2024

Agriculture, Jun 18, 2024

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research Square (Research Square), Nov 24, 2022

Chromium (Cr) is a trace element that places a role in the insulin sensitivity mechanism and its ... more Chromium (Cr) is a trace element that places a role in the insulin sensitivity mechanism and its supplementation can alter energy metabolism and related blood parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cr propionate doses supplementation in ewes, during late pregnancy and lactation, on biochemical and hormonal parameters. Thirty-one ewes, Santa Inês and Dorper crossbreed, single gestation, 63 ± 10 kg of body weight, age 3 ± 2 years, were randomly assigned into 4 treatments: without supplementation (CR0) and daily supplementation of 0.5 mg (CR0.5), 1.0 mg (CR1.0) and 1.5 mg (CR1.5) of chromium per animal. Daily supplementation occurred from the 100th day of gestation to the 60th day after lambing, totalizing 110 days. Blood samples were collected ve times during trial. Data were analyzed using SAS program, PROC MIXED and means compared by Tukey test with P ≤ 5% for signi cance and 5% < P ≤ 10% for tendency. During gestation, CR0.5 tended to decrease blood non-esteri ed fatty-acids levels (P < 0.1). During lactation, CR0.5 tended to present lower ß-hydroxybutyrate level compared to CR1.0 (P < 0.1) and had lower insulin:glucose ratio compared to CR0 (P < 0.05). Serum phosphorus levels increased with higher doses of Cr (P < 0.001). Therefore, the dose of 0.5 mg of Cr improved energy metabolism e ciency of ewes during high-demand periods. We concluded that the dose of 0.5 mg of Cr per animal per day altered energy metabolism during late pregnancy and lactation, and that doses above it altered phosphorus concentrations.

Semina-ciencias Agrarias, Apr 15, 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing the neutral detergent fibers (NDF) concent... more This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing the neutral detergent fibers (NDF) concentration of sugarcane-based diets on the growth and development of Holstein heifers. Twenty-seven Holstein heifers with a mean body weight of 265.5 ± 36.4 kg were housed in a sand bedded tie stall and fed individually. The experimental diet consisted of fresh sugarcane and concentrate. Three concentrations of sugarcane NDF were compared: 33% (SC33), 38% (SC38), and 42% (SC42). Crude protein content of experimental diets was 16%. The following parameters were evaluated: dry matter intake, weight gain and morphometric measures, digestibility, feeding behavior, and ruminal pH. The experimental design was a randomized block and all analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure in SAS. Intake of DM decreased as NDF concentration increased (p=0.07), but weight gain and growth were not significantly affected (p=0.74). As dietary NDF increased, chewing activity per unit DM intake increased (p=0.001), but rumen pH was not significantly affected (p=0.91). Diets formulated with 330-420 g of sugarcane NDF/kg of dry matter were sufficient to support the growth of Holstein heifers.

Revista Científica de Produção Animal, Dec 31, 2013

Resumo: O objetivo principal nesse artigo foi descrever a viabilidade técnica do uso de dietas se... more Resumo: O objetivo principal nesse artigo foi descrever a viabilidade técnica do uso de dietas sem forragem para bovinos e ovinos, apresentando as principais vantagens e mecanismos fisiológicos envolvidos. Dietas sem forragem para animais ruminantes não são muito comuns de serem oferecidas, não necessariamente por sua viabilidade econômica, mas mais por certa resistência ou mesmo medo de grande parte dos nutricionistas. Embora os animais ruminantes tenham evoluído para utilizarem dietas a base de forragem, em circurstâncias em que haja disponibilidade de grãos a preços acessíveis, associado a condições de dificuldade de obtenção ou manipulação de volumosos, dietas sem forragem se tornam uma alternativa tecnológica possível de ser adotada. Reduções no consumo de matéria seca e melhorias na eficiência alimentar são comumente observadas quando animais ruminantes são alimentados com dietas de alto grão, em comparação a dietas de alto volumoso. Entretanto, são dietas mais arriscadas, demandando manejo nutricional mais refinado e acompanhamento técnico rotineiro. Ovinos, por apresentarem menor porte em relação aos bovinos, tendem a apresentar maior eficiência mastigatória, tornando a dieta de alto grão plenamente possível de ser empregada no confinamento de cordeiros. A mistura mais comumente empregada nas dietas de alto grão é composta por 85 % de milho grão inteiro e 15 % de pellet protéico-mineral-vitamínico, que também contém aditivos alimentares, utilizados para regular o consumo e minimizar a incidência de distúrbios metabólicos.

Journal of Animal Science, Jul 1, 2019

The energy required during gestation in sheep is high, and when restricted, fetal development may... more The energy required during gestation in sheep is high, and when restricted, fetal development may be affected; thus, knowledge of its deficit needs to be better understood. The objective was to evaluate different levels and sources of energy in the diet of sheep and their influence on the viscera and carcass yield of the offspring. The experiment was carried out at the Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering of USP, Brazil, using 56 pregnant ewes, Dorper and Santa Ines breeds, randomly distributed in four treatments: control group (fed according to the 2007 NRC recommendation); and groups with 10% more energy with different sources (starch, ST; protected fat, PF; and chromium, Cr). Ewes were fed the experimental diets at the beginning (50 days) and end of the gestation (50 days). The middle of gestation the ewes received the diet as recommended by the NRC (2007). After weaning at 60 days, 32 uncastrated male lambs were confined for a period of 60 days. In the confinement the lambs received a growth diet, being the same for all the animals. After this period, lambs were slaughtered, and the non-carcass components were weighed, the warm and cold carcass yields were calculated. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight replicates and four treatments, the means were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts, assuming a significant threshold of 5%. Lambs in the PF treatment had lower cold carcass yield (50.8%, PPP > 0.05). The sheep fed according to the energy recommendation had lambs with greater weight of omental fat, testicular, kidney and rumen. These lambs also had a smaller spleen, heart, liver, and intestine. We concluded that the maternal diet affected the growth and development of progeny by altering the viscera and the carcass yields. Acknowledgment to FAPESP (process 2017/20555–8).

Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, Aug 1, 2007

RESUMO-Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação no pré-parto e da idade à desmama sobre o d... more RESUMO-Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação no pré-parto e da idade à desmama sobre o desempenho de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizadas 44 matrizes mestiças Ile de France × Bergamácia acasaladas com cordeiro Ile de France mantidas em pastagem de Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia, em sistema de pastejo rotacionado, até 30 dias antes do parto, quando foram separadas em dois grupos. No pré-parto, apenas o primeiro grupo (SUPL) recebeu suplementação (1% peso vivo) com dieta balanceada. Após o parto, ambos os grupos, com (SUPL) e sem suplementação (NS), receberam suplementação. Por sorteio, metade dos cordeiros de cada grupo foi desmamada aos 45 dias e a outra metade, aos 60 dias de idade. Após a desmama, os cordeiros foram mantidos em confinamento com dieta balanceada e abatidos aos 30 kg de PV, após jejum de sólidos de 16 horas. O peso e a condição corporal ao parto das ovelhas diferiram entre os grupos, o que não ocorreu ao desmame. Os peso ao nascimento e ao desmame, o ganho de peso do nascimento ao desmame e do desmame ao abate, o período em confinamento e a idade ao abate não diferiram entre os cordeiros. O peso ao desmame e o ganho de peso do desmame ao abate foram influenciados pela idade à desmama (os cordeiros apresentaram 0,20 kg aos 45 dias e 0,15 kg aos 60 dias de idade). A suplementação proporcionou melhor condição corporal às ovelhas e a desmama aos 45 dias promoveu melhor desempenho aos cordeiros. Palavras-chave: condição corporal, desmama, ganho de peso, ovino Effect of ewe pre-partum supplementation and weaning age on performance of feedlot finished lambs ABSTRACT-The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of ewe pre-partum supplementation and weaning age on performance of lambs. Forth-four Ile de France x Bergamasca ewes that were mated with Ile de France rams were used in this trial. Animals were maintained in a rotational grazing system of Panicum maximum (cv. Tanzânia) pasture until 30 days before parturition. Ewes were then divided in two groups: supplemented (SUPL) and not-supplemented (NS); animals on the SUPL group were supplemented (1% of body weight [BW]) with a balanced diet according to NRC (1985) requirements. After parturition, both groups were supplemented. Half of lambs from the SUPL and NS groups were weaned at 45 days of age and the other half at 60 days of age. After weaning lambs were feedlot fed with a diet balanced according to NRC (1985) model. Lambs were slaughtered when they reached 30 kg of BW after 16 hours of solids fasting. Both BW and body condition score of ewes at parturition differed between SUPL and NS groups while the same was not observed at weaning. Birth weight, weaning weight, weight gain from birth to weaning and from weaning to slaughter, days in feedlot, and slaughter age all were not different in lambs born from ewes of the SUPL or NS groups. However, significant differences were observed for weaning weight and weight gain from weaning to slaughter between groups of animals weaned at 45 or 60 days of age.

Scientia Agricola, 2021

Intake is a multifactorial process that is influenced by animal type, environmental factors, and ... more Intake is a multifactorial process that is influenced by animal type, environmental factors, and diet characteristics. Sheep, especially, have specific eating habits, with a greater selection of ingested feed compared to cattle. Thus, predictive equations for dry matter intake (DMI) must constantly be reviewed. The objective of this study was to combine different adjustment factors to develop one continuous adjustment factor for predicting the DMI of pregnant, dry, and lactating ewes. The equations evaluated for non-lactation ewes accounts for metabolic body weight and weight gain, and the equation for lactating ewes includes milk production and its fat content. The database used in this study was pooled from hair sheep ewes, two to four years old, with controlled feeding, during the pregnancy and lactating physiological phases. For the overall predictions (gestating and lactating ewes), the adjusted DMI prediction had greater accuracy but lower precision than the unadjusted DMI prediction. However, adjusting DMI increased the adequacy of the prediction as the mean square error of prediction difference (ΔMSEP) decreased (p = 0.0328). Similarly, for gestating ewes, the adjusted predicted DMI had a lower ΔMSEP than the unadjusted predicted DMI (p < 0.001). For lactating ewes, no difference was detected between the adjusted and unadjusted predicted DMI based on the ΔMSEP statistics (p = 0.3672), but the assumption that peak milk was 28 days (default) worsened the predictability of the adjusted predicted DMI as it had lower precision and accuracy. Adjustments for predicted DMI of dry and lactating ewes are necessary to increase adequacy and precision.

Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia, Nov 1, 2009

The study verified the influence of different nutritional levels of the dams, before parturition,... more The study verified the influence of different nutritional levels of the dams, before parturition, the weaning age of the lambs and the finishing system on lamb muscle fiber morphology and meat quality. Ile-de-France × Bergamacia crossbred dams grazing on natural grassland were divided into two groups: 1) nutritional supplement 30 days before the parturition (SUPL), and 2) no nutritional supplement (NS). These groups were further subdivided by weaning age of the lambs, which corresponded to either 45 or 60 days. The weaned lambs from each of the previous groups were also divided into different finishing systems: confined and fed a complete diet (CD), confined and fed hay (H) and kept on grassland (P). The lambs were slaughtered at 30 kg live weight (CD and P), or at 150 days of age (H). The carcasses were cooled at 4°C/24h. The analyzed variables were: longissimus dorsi muscle fiber morphophysiology, post mortem myofibrillar fragmentation (at 0, 3 and 7 days post mortem), meat pH and temperature. There was no effect of supplementation of dams or weaning age of the lambs for the evaluated variables. The frequency of slow-oxidative (SO), fast-oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) and fast-glycolytic (FG) muscle fiber types was not altered by the treatments, but the fiber cross-sectional area was smaller for the lambs finished only on hay, and the meat pH values and temperature were lower and the myofibrill fragment dimensions were smaller. As time maturation increased from 0 to 3 and 7 days post mortem, there was a decrease in the length of the myofibrill fragments. The diet of the lambs which were maintained confined and fed only with hay was nutritionally inferior when compared with all the others, and this changed the quality of the meat compared to the finishing systems on grassland or confined and fed complete diet.

Ciencia Rural, Apr 23, 2015

Vinte e dois cordeiros machos não castrados, Dorper x Santa Inês, com aproximadamente 90 dias de ... more Vinte e dois cordeiros machos não castrados, Dorper x Santa Inês, com aproximadamente 90 dias de idade e peso vivo médio inicial de 27,0±4,4kg, foram alimentados com uma dieta com elevada proporção de concentrado com 20% de pelete proteico-mineral (Grano Entero ®), 5% de feno de capim coastcross e 75% de milho, na forma de milho grão inteiro (MGI), milho grão moído (MGM) ou milho grão úmido (MGU), para avaliação de desempenho no confinamento por um período de 14 dias de adaptação às dietas e às instalações e de 65 dias de confinamento. Em seguida, os animais foram abatidos com peso vivo médio final (PVF) de 47,97±5,13kg e o conteúdo gástrico foi avaliado para quantificação de protozoários, e foi realizada avaliação papilar. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) quanto ao ganho de peso médio diário, eficiência alimentar, ingestão diária de matéria seca, características da carcaça e da carne. Os animais tratados com MGI tiveram maior conteúdo gástrico, menor pH ruminal, maior AP (% da superfície de absorção) e maior área papilar em comparação com os outros tratamentos. Os animais tratados com MGI tiveram melhores resultados para o peso final, mas para os demais parametros estudados não foi observada diferença.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, Nov 19, 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of NDF in high-concen... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of NDF in high-concentrate diets on performance and aspects ruminal, blood, and carcass parameters of finishing lambs. Twenty-four lambs, with initial BW of 24 ± 3 kg, were randomly divided into individual pens, in a completely randomized design, comprising three treatments with eight repetitions each. The treatments consisted of dietary levels of 15%, 20%, and 25% of NDF, based on DM. The diets were composed of corn, soybean meal, minerals, and corn silage and were offered twice a day, with daily control of what was offered and refused, to determine dry matter intake (DMI). The animals were weighed weekly and slaughtered after 50 days of confinement. Performance evaluations, blood parameters, carcass, and ruminal parameters were evaluated. Lambs fed with lower dietary fiber had better carcass yield (P < 0.005). Blood count, blood biochemical parameters, rumen short-chain fatty acid production and protozoan population were not affected by the dietary NDF level. It was concluded that in high-concentrate diets with 15% NDF resulting in better weight gain of the animals in the confinement, good carcass yields without the animal having altered health and ruminal parameters.

Asian-australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, Jun 1, 2020

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to compare conventional antioxidants and plant ex... more Objective: The objective of this experiment was to compare conventional antioxidants and plant extracts for oxidative stress control in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. Methods: Forty-eight male Dorper×Santa Ines lambs with an initial weight of 20±1.49 kg and 60 days of age, were used to evaluate the effects of feeding a combination of Macleaya cordata and Magnolia officinalis plant extracts (0 vs 320 mg/kg dry matter [DM]) in combination with selenium+vitamin E (0 vs 100 IU/kg DM of vitamin E and 0.1 mg/kg DM of selenium) in a completely randomized block design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The animals were housed in individual pens and received a high-concentrate diet consisting of 80% whole corn and 20% protein pellet for 60 days. The animals were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and every 14 days for performance monitoring. Three blood samplings were performed during the experimental period for the evaluation of oxidative and protein parameters. Results: The treatments with vitamin E and selenium as additives had a positive influence on final weight, daily weight gain, carcass weight, and selenium content in longissimus muscle (p = 0.01). Plant extracts tended to improve final weight (p = 0.064) and daily weight gain (p = 0.059), showing similar effect as selenium and vitamin E. There was no effect of treatment on blood proteins, indicating that the animals were healthy throughout the experiment. Conclusion: The use of plant extracts had a similar effect as the addition of selenium and vitamin E, with dietary inclusion of additives resulting in better performance of lambs but both supplements did not have strong influence on oxidative stress.

Biological Trace Element Research, Jun 27, 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of chromium propionate or calcium salts of palm oil in... more This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of chromium propionate or calcium salts of palm oil in ewes' diet in the nal third of gestation and lactation on the effects of progeny performance, carcass characteristics, non-carcass components, and bone density. Forty-three ewe, Santa Inês and Dorper breeds, 3 ± 1 years old and weighing 57 ± 10 kg were used. The ewes were distributed in causal blocks in three treatments, CTL treatment (n = 15) with starch from corn; CR (n = 15) diet CTL plus chromium propionate; PF (n = 13) diet CTL plus calcium salts of palm oil. After weaning, 23 male lambs from these ewes were con ned in individual stalls, with the same diet for 60 days, slaughtered. The data were analyzed using PROC GLM and means evaluated using the Tukey at 5%. Maternal diet did not alter the DMI, FE, and ADWG. Therefore, weaning and slaughter weights were higher for Cr and PF groups than CTL (P < 0.05). Carcass yield was also higher for these treatments (P < 0.05), but loin eye area and fat thickness were not in uenced (P > 0.05) by diet regimen. The spleen and the respiratory tract were smaller for PF and larger for CTL (P < 0.05). The leg weight was about half of the carcass weight for the CR. The perimeter and depth of the shank for the CR and PF lambs were higher, indicating an effect of maternal nutrition in this commercial cut. The CR group had a smaller epiphysis measurement and femur length than the CTL group. We concluded that the fetal programming effect in ewes fed with Cr propionate and Ca salts of palm oil bene ted the progeny by increasing their body weight, better carcass yield, and a higher proportion of prime cuts.

Journal of Animal Science, Dec 1, 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition ... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) of ewes fed with different energy levels. Seventy-one ewes were used and distributed in three treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendation for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of ME per kilogram of dry matter; LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter. Body weight and body condition score were evaluated a week before the expected date of parturition, a week after giving birth, and at weaning (60 days). Dairy production was evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after giving birth by the indirect method of the two weighing. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. There were no differences on milk production during almost all the lactation curve. Only on day 50 (P = 0.051), CTL was still at peak, while LESS and PLUS had already decreased their production. However, at 60 days, all treatments were already with low production, justifying weaning in this period. Results of weight and BCS showed a significant difference in all periods evaluates. Ewes in the PLUS diet had greater BW and BCS. The BCS before giving birth is expected to be over 3.5 and treatment LESS was the only one that did not achieve this score (2.66, 3.37, 3.83 for LESS, CTL, and PLUS, respectively). At weaning, ewes fed PLUS and CTL had BCS of 3.51 and 2.92, respectively, but treatment LESS had only 1.82. That is prejudicial for the next mating seasonal and this animal. We concluded that LESS diet interfered with the body reserves of sheep.

Journal of Animal Science, Dec 1, 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, under confinement conditions, of lam... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, under confinement conditions, of lambs born from ewes fed different energy levels during the final gestation and lactation period. Seventy-one ewes were distributed in two treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendations for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of energy per kilogram of dry matter. The total ME intake for the CTL group was 4 and 4.2 Mcal/day during the end of gestation and lactation, respectively, and for the Plus group, the ME intake were 4.8 and 5 Mcal/day. Thirty-five intact male lambs were weaned at 60 days and confined for an additional 60 days. In confinement, lambs were fed ad libitum with the same experimental diet their ewes received. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. The metabolic weight (BW0.75) at the confinement was influenced by maternal nutrition. Lambs of ewes fed with lower energy content were lighter compared to the PLUS group. At the beginning and the end of the confinement, the BW0.75 of the CTL was 8.80 and 15 kg0.75, and the PLUS was 11.4 and 17.6 kg0.75, respectively (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.0001). The maternal diet containing higher energy content resulted in heavier carcass for commercialization. The values of weight gain and feed conversion were not influenced by maternal nutrition (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.005), with mean values of 350 and 4.72 g/d, respectively. We concluded that lambs from ewes fed with greater energy intake had heavier body weights at the beginning and at the end of the confinement, possibly increasing the sustainability of the meat lamb production systems.

Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences, Feb 7, 2017

For this research 48 male lambs were divided in randomized blocks in a factorial design, having a... more For this research 48 male lambs were divided in randomized blocks in a factorial design, having as factors sexual condition (castrated or uncastrated) and time on feed (36 or 78 days). High grain diet was monitored daily to measure the performance of the animal nutrition. The characteristics of the carcass and meat were taken for the fatty acids profile and sensorial analysis. The effect of the factors as sexual condition and time on feed, and the interaction between them, were evaluated by analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS software and the treatment averages were compared by Student's T test. The uncastrated animals presented greater weight gain and dry matter intake, better feed efficiency, and larger loin area. More time on feed resulted in higher weight at slaughter. Parameters such as pH, color, meat tenderness and sensorial attributes were not affected by treatments. For the fatty acid profile there was effects and interactions between sexual condition and time on feed. It is concluded that castration should not be used when the animal is young and slaughtered and feed intensively, but neutering can be interesting to improve the fatty acid profile of the meat.